1 . Why does Jack look unhappy?

A．He didn’t get good grades.

B．He quarreled with his mother.

C．He missed the midterm exam.

2 . Based on his own research at Washington University in St. Louis and other scientific studies, psychology lecturer Bono offers the following tips for getting and staying happier in your life.

    1     Looking forward to an enjoyable experience can make it all that much sweeter. Wait a couple of days before seeing a new movie that just came out, plan your big vacation for later in the summer, and try to take time to enjoy each bite of dessert. On the opposite, get negative tasks out of the way as quickly as possible — any delay will only make them seem worse.

People who focus more on process than outcome tend to remain motivated in the face of setbacks. They’re better at sticking with major challenges and prefer them over the easy route.     2     Because it celebrates rewards that come from the work itself. Focusing only on the outcome can lead to premature burnout if things don’t go well.

    3     Find an activity that allows you to get together with friends on a regular, ongoing basis. A weekly happy hour, poker night, or TV show ensures consistency and motivation in your social interactions. People with high-quality relationships are not only happier, but also healthier.     4    

The next time you are attracted to use your phone to look through social media, look through your list of contacts instead.     5     The happiness you get from a real connection with another person will be far greater than any comments or likes you get on social media.

A．Anticipation itself is pleasurable.

B．Decrease unnecessary socializing.

C．Find someone to call or FaceTime.

D．This “growth mindset” helps people stay energized.

E．Facebook and Instagram often overstate how much better off others are.

F．Nothing is more important for our psychological health than high-quality friendships.

G．They recover from illnesses more quickly, live longer, and enjoy more enriched lives.

3 . Discouragement (气馁), failure, and setbacks (挫折) are all things that can help us if we maintain an empowering mindset. So the next time you start to feel discouragement, here is what you should do.

    1    

When we feel like we have failed at something, discouragement often follows. However, failure doesn’t really exist, except for the meaning that we give it. We can choose to think of failure as education. When we think this way we ease discouragement.

Stop comparing ourselves to others.

A 100% guaranteed way to get discouraged is to focus on other people in a comparative way.     2     So don’t compare. We are on a unique path. It is great to be inspired by another, but if by hearing another’s story, we feel that we are lesser, then we need to just focus on our own path.

Talk to our mentors (导师).

Our mentors can be a great source of wisdom when we are feeling down. Ѕо whеn dіѕсоurаgеmеnt rеаrѕ іtѕ uglу hеаd (出现), gо hаvе а соffее wіth оur mentors. They will be able to give us wisdom based on experience.     3    

Do a mind map.

Take a blank piece of paper. In the middle write out our goal.     4     Use arrows (箭头) originating from our goal and pointing to the various actions that we could take. Break those actions down into sub-actions. Then get to work. Work will break the chains of discouragement better than anything.

Go find someone who we can help.

Go find someone who needs help, and then help them. Discouragement is rеаllу а ѕеlf-drіvеn ѕуmрtоm (症状). Wе аrе fосuѕіng оn оurѕеlvеѕ аnd wе fееl bad.     5    

A．Consider who we are spending time with.

B．Then map the ideas that will get us there.

C．Remember there is no such thing as failure and there is only education.

D．We have to live by rules that are within our control.

E．They will also help us to make a specific plan of action to overcome discouragement.

F．However, when we stop thinking about ourselves and care for another, we feel better.

G．Here is why: we generally see their successes, but we don’t see their struggles as easily.

4 . JOMO refers to the “joy of missing out” — in short, unplugging from all media, practicing self-care, reconnecting to the present moment, and learning to appreciate the inner peace of being alone. JOMO is especially important for digital natives.     1       They have grown up in a world where social media is an essential part of their lives. Unplugging (拔掉电源插头) from the devices can help by giving us a break from the cruel social comparison that may be at the root of a lot of the anxiety. The following strategies can help you find joy in missing out.

Make a list of activities you really enjoy doing.

Post it in an accessible place so that at a moment’s notice, you’ve got a reminder of activities that bring you joy.     2    

Take regular tech breaks.

A lot of FOMO (fear of missing out) is generated by scrolling through social media and the resulting social comparisons that inevitably happen.     3     Ground yourself in the present moment.

Invest in offline connections with others.

This can include family, partners, friends, and neighbors.     4     A brief on-site activity is a better way to build meaningful relationships than investing untold nights in connecting with relative strangers online.

    5    

This is often the most difficult thing to do for those with demanding fast-paced lives, but it’s essential to stay well and to take care of ourselves. It might be a solo nature walk, a warm bath, meditation, or soothing music — whatever makes you feel more comfortable in your own skin.

A．Include them in your day.

B．Make time for personal care.

C．Unplug for a set time each day.

D．It doesn’t have to be a huge amount of time.

E．Comparison can also become inner motivation.

F．They have never known life without social media.

G．They can overwhelm our minds and leave us feeling exhausted.

5 . More than half of the world’s population are city residents, and, by 2050, the United Nations predicts that seven in ten people will be. Architects are having to consider how architecture influences our emotional well-being in urban settings.

According to Colin Ellard, a research psychologist at Waterloo University, Canada, there is a lot of evidence which shows “the profound impact that the design of buildings has on how we feel, how we treat one another, and our overall psychological well-being”. A study from the University of Heidelberg concluded that people raised in the countryside are less likely to have mental disorders than those raised in the city. The city of Vancouver in Canada, which is surrounded by mountains and ocean, recognises the need to connect with nature. It has included protecting ocean and mountain views in its urban planning guidelines. For example, tall buildings are set up in strategic locations that don’t block scenic views for downtown residents.

The British designer Thomas Heatherwick wants to make architecture less soulless and boring. He told The Guardian, “We need to fearlessly demand interestingness and make buildings that enrich our senses.” He has listed seven characteristics of a boring building. These include being too flat and straight. He says lack of depth means light and shadow cannot play on surfaces, while straight lines are at odds with nature and make buildings dull.

However, making buildings interesting is not always easy, as architect Rafael Vinoly found out in 2013 when he created the 37-store y skyscraper in London. The building was admired for its curved exterior walls covered in reflective glass. However, it acted like a magnifying glass and reflected light which melted nearby cars and almost set fire to a carpet. A screen had to be added to prevent the building causing further damage.

So, for your own well-being, surround yourself with buildings that bring you joy, and ideally a view of nature.

1. Why are tall buildings located in certain places in Vancouver?

A．To protect people’s mental health.	B．To follow the tradition of the city.
C．To caution people against disorder.	D．To reveal the prosperity of the area.

2. Which kind of building is Thomas’ preference?

A．One with straight lines.	B．One having flat surfaces.
C．One having a security system.	D．One with innovative patterns.

3. What did Rafael Vinoly fail to consider in his design?

A．Boldness.

B．Creativity.

C．Practicality.

D．Flexibility.

4. What is the purpose of the passage?

A．To call on people to live in big cities.

B．To compare buildings in different cities.

C．To stress the importance of healthy emotion.

D．To convince people of emotional impact by buildings.

6 . How to Stop Laughing at Inappropriate Times

Although laughing at inappropriate times can be embarrassing, it’s actually a natural reaction for some people when they’re facing a highly stressful situation. It can help you relieve stress and release your own tension.     1     Here are some ways to stop laughing.

Distract yourself from your urge to laugh. 

It takes time to learn how to curb your tendency to laugh, but distraction is an easy way to stop yourself, in the meantime. For example, you can pinch yourself. The slight pain will distract you from your urge to laugh.     2     Choose any color and see how many places you can spot it in the area. This small goal will shift your focus from laughter and your emotions.

    3    

What can you do instead of laughing nervously? For example, nod, lick your lips, exhale slowly, or click a pen. What you decide to replace your laughter with depends on the circumstances that are causing your laughter. For example, you may laugh nervously during work meetings.     4     If you tend to laugh at serious moments, take a deep breath at moments when you’d typically laugh.

Identify what makes you laugh inappropriately.

Do you laugh out of nervousness, or do you laugh to cope with painful feelings? Maybe you laugh because you have a lot of energy or have trouble finding the words you want to say. Whatever your reasons for laughing, write down when your laughter is causing you issues. Consider the time, location, occasion, and people who could be causing your laughter. These are called your triggers.     5    

A．Create a plan for replacing your laughter.

B．Choose replacement behaviors for the laughter.

C．You can also look for a certain color in the room.

D．Tell yourself, “The next time I feel awkward in a work meeting, I will click my pen.”

E．Once you know what they are, you can begin to address your habit of laughing.

F．But the inappropriate laughter may negatively affect your life.

G．If this is the case, click your pen instead of laughing.

7 . Emotions play a crucial role in people’s lives. Being in tune with your emotions is a great thing, and it can lead to deeper connections. Nevertheless, when your emotions control you, they can seriously affect your ability to perform and to think clearly in crucial situations. You can’t get rid of your emotions completely.     1    

Focus on your body, not your mind

What does your body feel like right now? Pay attention to the feeling of the clothes on your skin, and try to ignore any thoughts that you’re having.     2    . Then you can find inner peace.     3    

If you feel yourself starting to get upset or angry, head to the bathroom and look in the mirror for a few minutes. As you do, focus on taking deep breaths and think about increasing yourself-compassion. After 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll probably feel your heart rate slowdown and your breathing get a little more even. It’s a good tool to use at work or out in pubic when things get a little overwhelming.

Distract yourself

Do something engaging that will keep your mind off your emotions.     4    . For example, do a puzzle, read a new book, try a word search, or do some art. The more you can keep your mind off things, the less you’ll focus on your emotions.

Worry about your own problems

    5    . If you’re an empathetic person, listening to your friends or family members tell their issues will take a toll on you. It’s great to care about other people, but it’s also okay to set boundaries if you need to take some time for yourself.

A．Look at yourself in the mirror

B．Take a shower in the bath room

C．Here are some useful tips for you to get emotional

D．Try to pick something that really work your brain

E．But you can keep emotions from taking over your life

F．Shouldering the burdens of others can really wear you down

G．This can help you control emotional eruption gin the moment

8 . How to Feel at Peace

Is feeling truly peaceful a pipe dream? Nope! With a little work, you can feel calm, cool, and collected (just like you deserve to).    1     These work based on personal preference, so just find one that works for you!

Release what you cannot control.

This is the most important part of feeling at peace and the first place you should always start. 90% of the time, when we’re worried about something or stressed out, the source of our anxiety is really something that we have no control over.    2    If you can’t affect the outcome then there is no point in worrying about something.

Get an inspiration from nature.

Go sit out in an area nearby. Listen to the trees. Watch the animals. Do they seem worried about what their brother did last Christmas? Do the trees seem to notice when it starts to rain?    3    

Create goals.

Having a goal that you can work for can really help when you’re feeling lost and aimless in life.    4    Find something that you want for yourself and then figure out what you have to do to pursue it. You’ll find an inner peace when you’re working with all your soul devoted to a single goal.

    5    

When other people make us angry, it is usually because we cannot understand why they’re doing something that’s making us angry. Instead of blowing up at someone or stressing yourself out, try to see things from their side of the table. Think about why they did what they did... and remember that we’re all people with our own problems and our own dreams.

A．Forgive yourself.

B．Find the humanity in all people.

C．All you can do in life is to try your best and let fate take its course.

D．Happiness is on the horizon, and we’re here to show you what to do.

E．No. Nature adapts and embraces every twist and turn in life and you should too.

F．Really, what’s the point in life if you don’t have something to work towards, right?

G．A huge source of worry in our lives comes from when we beat ourselves up from inside.

9 . Many would consider emotions to be a barrier to decision-making and, therefore, think that they would be better off without them. However, the latest research has proved that our emotions will drive the conclusions we make, and that our well-being may depend upon our ability to understand and interpret them.     1     Here are some suggestions.

Start by understanding your emotions.     2     This mindful process of self-examination is important for healthy decisions, since emotions can influence our views and judgments.

Emotions can act as a compass (指南针), pointing you toward what matters most to you. However, strong emotions can affect our judgment and make it challenging to think objectively and critically.     3     You should be aware that emotions that arise from past experiences might cloud your judgment. Separate the present situation from the past and focus on the relevant factors.

    4     However, they should be connected with factual information. Take your time to gather crucial information before making important decisions. Analyse the pros and cons (利弊) of your options to make the best possible decisions.

It’s beneficial to expand your viewpoint. When you see the big picture and are focused on your highest purpose, you are not distracted by smaller issues. Figuring out your deepest long-term goals and pursuing them will channel your emotions toward peace and harmony.     5    

To sum up, emotions play a significant role in decision-making and, when used properly, they can improve the effectiveness of the decision-making process.

A．Emotions can provide valuable insights.

B．All this information can serve your goal in the long run.

C．You’ll recognize that a decision driven by your values is the best.

D．Actually, we can effectively use emotions for successful decision-making.

E．Take a moment to recognize how you are feeling and why you are feeling so.

F．Therefore, it is essential to balance emotional insights with logical reasoning.

G．You should try to understand how critical thinking contributes to great decisions.

10 . Do you think you need to shout at yourself to force yourself to finish your homework? If so, think again.    1     Research shows that practicing self-compassion (自我关怀) improves our mental and physical well-being and supports long-term success.

Self-compassion is the practice of being kind and supportive to ourselves. The opposite is being self-critical and mean to ourselves when we make a mistake.     2     These negative responses are related to depression, stress and reduced quality of life.

A 2017 study found people who practice self-compassion tend to handle stress better. Their bodies have less of a stress response when, for example, they meet with difficulties at work or school.     3     Let’s say they do poorly on a geometry test. Self-compassion helps them use the experience to make changes going forward, like seeking out a math tutor.

    4     We can start with mindfulness. First of all, practice observing our thoughts — are they understanding or critical? Don’t judge ourselves too severely then. Rather than getting caught up in how we could have done better, forgive ourselves and think about what to change while remaining respectful, and loving to ourselves.     5     We can read a novel, play a musical instrument or kick around a soccer ball with friends.

With practice, we can learn to treat ourselves with kindness and unconditional love — not tough love.

A．So how do we develop self-compassion?

B．It may be more effective to be kind to yourself.

C．It includes letting go of your strict self-criticism.

D．Mindfulness is the key to practicing self-compassion.

E．But this approach does not make us feel or perform better.

F．They have more confidence to look for areas where they can improve.

G．Also, show ourselves kindness in ways that nourish (滋养) our spirit and body.