1 . Although we benefit from deep and meaningful conversations that help us build connections with one another, we often stick to small talk with strangers because we underestimate (低估) how much others are interested in our lives and wrongly believe that deep conversations will be more awkward and less enjoyable than they actually are, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

Nicholas Epley, a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and his colleagues designed a series of experiments with more than 1, 800 participants. The researchers asked pairs of people — mainly strangers — to discuss either relatively deep or shallow topics. In the first experiment, people received shallow or deep questions to discuss. Before the conversations, participants predicted how awkward they thought the conversations would be, how connected they thought they would feel to their conversation partner and how much they would enjoy the conversations. Afterward, they rated how awkward the conversations actually were, how connected they actually felt and how much enjoyment they actually experienced.

The researchers found that both deep and shallow conversations felt less awkward than the participants had expected. That effect tended to be stronger for deep conversations.

Deep conversations were also more enjoyable and led to a stronger sense of connection. In the second experiment, participants who had a deep conversation with one partner and a shallow conversation with another partner initially expected to prefer the shallow conversation but actually preferred the deep conversation after having both of them.

“Our participants’ expectations about deep conversations were greatly mistaken in a way that could keep people from interacting deeply with others in their daily lives,” Epley said. “As the pandemic (疫情) wanes and social distance restrictions become less strict, and we all get back to talking with each other again, being aware that others also like deep conversations might lead you to have more pleasant interactions.”

1. What were the participants asked to do in the first experiment?

A．Choose some topics they prefer.	B．Avoid discussing shallow topics.
C．Make predictions on their feelings.	D．Classify various types of questions.

2. It’s found that the participants in the first experiment _________.

A．preferred to discuss shallow questions with strangers

B．felt very awkward when conducting deep conversations

C．underestimated how awkward their strange partners felt

D．overestimated the awkwardness of talking with strangers

3. What does the second experiment find about having deep conversations with strangers?

A．It is easier to conduct than making small talk.

B．It usually causes a weaker sense of connection.

C．It is more enjoyable than having shallow ones.

D．It is more awkward than previously expected.

4. What does the underlined word “wanes” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Worsens.

B．Appears.

C．Spreads.

D．Fades.

2 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。续写的词数应为150左右。

It was a warm weekday evening in May last year when my friend Alice and I were on a long walk around the university campus. We had met on a university trip in 2019, when I was in my final year and Alice was a master’s student. We loved each other at once because we both love books and talking loud about how odd the world is.

I had brought a book of mini plays that we were performing to each other as we walked, just for fun. At one point, as part of the merrymaking, Alice set off a quick run and I took it as an invitation to race. We were on a long pavement when I stuck my foot out to trip her—I just wanted her to have a tumble (跌倒) so we could laugh about it. She fell instantly and I kept on running; it was all part of the joke. But then I heard her screaming. I turned around and she was on the ground, holding her right leg. I thought for a second she must be kidding, for there was no way she could have hurt herself that badly. But her face was out of shape in pain and she was making this crying sound.

A man who was walking by had seen what had happened. He called an ambulance as soon as he saw Alice. Within 10 minutes it arrived. The medical staff had to pick her up and carried her into the ambulance.

I went back to Alice’s house to tell her sister, who she lives with, what had happened. We drove to the hospital, even though we knew they couldn’t let us in because of COVID-19. Tests revealed that Alice’s leg had shattered (粉碎) in eight places. She would remain in hospital for weeks and would probably be restricted to her bed at home with a full-length cast for months after that. Because of COVID-19, we still couldn’t visit her. Alice treated the situation with levity (轻率), telling me not to worry because accidents happen.

Paragraph 1:

She spent three weeks in hospital.

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Paragraph 2:

So I wrote her a story, a kind of long-form apology, with Alice as the main character.

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3 . I opened my car window and called out, “Ma’am! Ma’am!” The only lady in the parking lot ________ until she saw me. “How nice you look today!” I said.

Her face registered ________ for a second, and then she smiled. “Thank you!” she ________. I stared at her and felt her shoulder ________ a bit more and her final steps to her car seemed ________.

I have made it a ________ in recent years to compliment (赞扬) people, especially women and girls. Instead of just thinking ________ in my heart that someone did a great job, I say it out aloud. It’s like having a(n) ________ in my head. When I see someone who ________ a kind word, the cheerleader jumps up and down and throws her pompoms (绒球花) in the air.

As women, we have learned from our role models to be ________. Even when we do receive a rare compliment for what we’ve accomplished, we downplay our own ________, as the world expect us to show ________. Now, when I compliment a woman and she ________ the game of denial, I say to her, “Just say thank you.” Most of them are relieved they can ________ the compliment. It’s a good beginning to accept the praise without feeling ________, isn’t it?

1.

A．set off

B．looked around

C．got away

D．turned down

2.

A．surprise

B．approval

C．satisfaction

D．curiosity

3.

A．stepped aside

B．held out

C．called back

D．turned up

4.

A．straightened

B．shook

C．widened

D．moved

5.

A．further

B．slower

C．higher

D．lighter

6.

A．deal

B．choice

C．point

D．sense

7.

A．silently

B．seriously

C．regularly

D．randomly

8.

A．housewife

B．cheerleader

C．stranger

D．acquaintance

9.

A．enjoys

B．acquires

C．deserves

D．saves

10.

A．practical

B．generous

C．smart

D．quiet

11.

A．responsibility

B．skills

C．competitiveness

D．achievements

12.

A．determination

B．modesty

C．concern

D．optimism

13.

A．misses

B．starts

C．continues

D．avoids

14.

A．accept

B．change

C．doubt

D．notice

15.

A．upset

B．innocent

C．guilty

D．empty

4 . Four Qualities That Make You Attractive to Others

There is something many people gets wrong about attraction.     1     The reality is that attraction usually has more to do with personality characteristics than appearance. What follows are four qualities that can make you highly attractive to others.

Have control over your emotions(情绪). It’s not easy to always have control over your emotions. And people who do are extremely attractive. Have control over your emotions so that your emotions don’t control you. Allow yourself to think about what you’re going to say.     2    

Laugh at yourself. It’s not what happens to us that makes us feel stressed.     3     Every time you laugh at yourself, you decide to minimize something that could affect you negatively. Laughing at yourself is an attractive quality, as it means you don’t take yourself too seriously.

    4     When you show your warmth, people see you as respectful and friendly. Also, they see you as someone approachable. A warm person says hello to and cares about you after your long and tough day. This quality is important for you to build meaningful relationships.

Give plenty of space. The secret to long-lasting relationships is space, because time apart helps each partner recharge and bring positive energy into the relationship.     5     They don’t let others breathe. Instead, those who let others have their space when they need it are extremely attractive.

A．Be warm.

B．Controlling people are unattractive.

C．Don’t be too quick to show warmth.

D．It’s how we react to it that affects us.

E．They should develop a sense of humor.

F．Take your time to cool down and reorganize your thoughts.

G．They think they have to look beautiful to be accepted by others.

6 . Most of us wish to be liked by others. Increase the chances of someone liking you by smiling and being of good cheer when you’re around them.     1     No matter what, be sure to be yourself. Here are three suggestions to be yourself when you are liked.

Communicate honestly, but with tact (得体).     2     Lying or hiding the truth may make you seem untrustworthy, so aim to be truthful. You should still exercise tact, though. For instance, if asked if you like their favorite movie, say “Hmm, it’s not really my thing, but I did like the main character’s personality.” Don’t say, “No, I hate that movie!”

    3     One thing that’s characteristic about you is the principles you hold dear. So it’s important to stay true to yourself, even at the risk of someone not liking you. Sticking to your beliefs takes courage.     4     Being true to yourself might make you unpopular with some people but could also attract those with whom you share common values.

Respect yourself. Having healthy self-respect means you like yourself no matter what. When you’re communicating with others, avoid comparing yourself to others. Remind yourself of your strengths by listing them out to yourself.     5     It’s difficult for people to treat you with real regard if you don’t treat yourself well.

A．Share your values and beliefs.

B．Stand behind your values and beliefs.

C．Self-respect is key to earning respect from others.

D．It’s no easy to refuse to go along with a dangerous joke.

E．Most people like others who are able to talk to them straight.

F．If they can’t like you for who you are, they’re not worth the effort!

G．It’s also a good idea to find out their interest’s and get them talking.

7 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。

My job is just one of the essential jobs, a sanitation（卫生系统）engineer, not a glamorous one, but is considered the alternative. Of course, I never regard it as an ashamed task to be in my position. About the second week of the lockdown because of the Covid-19, I was having trouble finding a sanitizing spray（消毒喷雾）for my truck. The next morning on my way to work at 4 a. m., I stopped at one of the few stores which were open that early, hoping to purchase some. However, it was only open for the police and medical personnel. “Look at my vest please,” I begged to the clerk, “I’m not just buying it for myself.” “I’m more than sorry, sir. But this is just the regulation, and I really can’t help.” replied the smiling girl. As I turned to head back to my car with disappointment, I nearly broke down.

Coming out of the store, my stomach began to call for energy support. I stopped at a 7/11 and ordered an everything bagel（硬面包）with cream cheese to satisfy my poor stomach and my empty heart. It was toasty warm, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. But as I left the store with a little joy coming sweetly from the bagel, I noticed a scene that an old man was sitting at the bus stop, in rags. Knowing that it would probably be his only warm meal of the day, I gave him the bagel without any hesitation. Just when I was ready to turn around for another same bagel, something warming my heart came into being. Another customer, a gentle lady, from the 7/11 offered me half of her bagel. “We everyone should be taken care of at some certain moment.” she said with a tender sweet voice as I smiled to thank her sincerely. I was delighted because I realized that in one way or another, we were all looked after.

注意：续写词数应为150左右。

So I decided to go back to the former store to try my luck again for the spray.
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Just before I gave up, a local policeman was heading into the store.
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8 . When someone you care about has suffered a serious health event or is dealing with a life-threatening illness, it can be difficult to know what to say or do.     1     How can you best offer your support? These tips can help:

Offer your support. Your friend or loved one may be unwilling to ask for help, but it’s support from people like you that can make all the difference in their recovery. Offer to help with a specific task, even if it’s simply to sit with them during or after treatment.     2       

Listen. When you talk to someone with a serious illness, it’s natural to feel awkward or not know what to say.     3    Allow them to express what they’re going through without judging them.

       4    The more you know about your loved one’s diagnosis (诊断) and treatment, the better prepared you’ll be to help. But that doesn’t mean you should tell the person what they should or shouldn’t do, unless they specifically ask for your opinion or want to know what you’ve researched. Treatment decisions are finally always up to your loved one, so be supportive even if you don’t always agree.

Stay connected.     5    You can’t just provide support at the time of diagnosis and then let your attention go. Your support can be just as important after treatment as it is before.

A．Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is to be there.

B．Your loved one is likely to experience some painful feelings.

C．All you need to do is to present your determined attitude.

D．Educate yourself about the illness but don’t give advice.

E．But often what really counts is to listen to the person.

F．Some illnesses can involve long-term treatment.

G．Encourage your loved one to keep calm.

9 . Life offers its fair share of challenges. At any given time, anyone can face difficult sea- sons in their life. It is true for you. When you're experiencing difficulty, it's always helpful to have a support system to get through it.     1    Knowing this, there are a few ways you can become supportive of a family member who is in the midst of a struggle.

Offer legal resources. If you have family members who are in trouble with the law, you can offer assistance by pointing in the direction of various legal resources, You can even decide to cover a part of their legal fees in court.     2    

Provide encouragement. When people are down on their luck, it's really easy for them to get discouraged and give up. Instead, it's a wise move to offer words of encouragement to the person. Always remind them that they're strong, capable and more powerful than they realize.    3    

Be a safe place. Sometimes, people struggle because they don't feel any love or support from anyone around them.     4    Be their light in the dark places. This can do so much for someone who is carrying a lot on the inside.

    5    You never want to make a person feel like they can't make it without you in their life. If you're allowing the family member to live with you for a certain period of time, be strict about what needs to happen during that time. Make sure that they develop a plan, time line and measured action steps that can help them get back on their feet.

A．No man is an island.

B．Encourage independence

C．In fact, they are surrounded by pressure.

D．Always compete with your family members.

E．Tell them that they will get through this situation.

F．It's all up to you to decide how you can help them.

G．However, you know that there's nothing you can do.

10 . Criticism is harmful to healthy relationships.     1     First, work on changing your own behavior. Then, find effective ways to communicate if someone bothers you.

Changing Your Behavior

●Think before you speak.     2     Sometimes, it’s best to let small indiscretions (轻率的行为) go. Try taking a few deep breaths and leaving the room instead of criticizing.

●Separate the individual from their actions. If you work on separating the person from the action, you may naturally want to criticize less. As you realize you cannot judge a person’s character based on a single choice or decision, you will be unable to call someone out for being rude or disrespectful.

●Focus on positives. Oftentimes, being critical results from how you’re choosing to see a situation. Everyone has shortcomings. However, the vast majority of people have good qualities that outweigh bad ones.     3    

Communicating More Effectively

●    4     Some people have issues that may need addressing. However, feedback is very different from criticism. When addressing an issue, focus on suggestions you can make to help another person improve, which is more effective than criticizing.

●Ask for what you want directly. Inefficient communication often results in heavy criticism.     5     Make sure to ask for what you want in a direct, respectful manner. This will eliminate (消除) the need for criticism.

●Consider the other party’s perspective. If you criticize others too often, you may be shutting out the other person’s point of view. Try to step in another person’s shoes before criticizing and you may get some new and special ideas.

A．Give feedback rather than criticism.

B．However, there are ways to avoid criticism.

C．Try to focus on a person’s positive qualities over their negative ones.

D．If you find yourself making assumptions about a person’s character, stop yourself.

E．If you’re not telling someone what you want, that person cannot be expected to know.

F．Criticism should, ideally, be working towards an effective solution to a negative situation.

G．When you want to dish out criticism, pause and consider whether you really need to say anything.