1 . Conflict in communities is usually about the task or the person. Of course, sometimes it’s hard to separate one from the other.

Task conflict happens when people have different ideas of what needs to be done. It points to potential differences in opinion about everything you can imagine that is essential for a group: mission, priorities of tasks, compensation mechanism (机制), decision-making mechanisms, etc. Task conflict is not a problem when people realize the source of the conflict is the task and not the people. Community members must resolve tension inclusively with everyone’s voice being heard and acknowledged. However, this does not mean that the solution must include everyone’s opinion. After the conversation, everyone should feel that they had a fair chance to express their opinion and that it was taken seriously by others and not brushed aside.

Conflict between people is tricky because it’s attacking a person’s essence and self-worth. Often this form of conflict, relationship conflict, happens when two conditions are met: First, people have different values or are holding different assumptions, and secondly, neither party can see beyond their own biases. With relationship conflict, the person is perceived to be the problem and is being attacked by others. Each party assumes that most people are on their side and that the other person is acting out of self-interest. This eventually leads to people disagreeing with each other, not for the task’s sake but to prove the other person is wrong.

Sometimes conflict originates in a task. People might prefer different tools or different approaches. If this initial controversy is ignored or not dealt with appropriately, the relatively easy task conflict turns into a more complex relationship conflict. When relationship conflict occurs, a lot of things are reactive rather than reflective. People stop thinking and act impulsively (冲动地).

All in all, remember that every culture has its own way of handling conflict. Some people consider it dishonest if an argument is not addressed openly, while in other cultures, such a discussion will not be acceptable. It comes down to “Don’t assume everyone thinks like you”.

1. What does the underlined phrase “brushed aside” in Paragraph 2 mean?

A．Approved.

B．Ignored.

C．Swept.

D．Denied.

2. Which of the following is a relationship conflict?

A．Eric has a quarrel with his girlfriend in shopping mall.

B．Group members are debating which approaches to be used.

C．Tom is criticized by his best friend for being irresponsible.

D．Two neighbors have a big argument over community health issues.

3. What can be inferred from the fourth paragraph?

A．Relationship conflict originates from task conflict.

B．Task conflict is easier to resolve than relationship conflict.

C．Conflict in communities causes people to make impulsive decisions.

D．Task conflict can be sometimes transformed into relationship conflict.

4. What does the author intend to do in the last paragraph?

A．Give a warning.	B．Offer a suggestion.
C．Make an assumption.	D．List a misconception.

2 . A therapy (治疗) client and I are working on an eating disorder and find it originated from a relationship break-up or perhaps being bullied in middle school. Such hurtful experiences led to not eating for a couple of weeks. Then comes a high praise from a friend that totally backfires. Maybe it’s an enthusiastic, “Wow, you look great!’’ In a flash, this praise excites an inner and often unconscious thought: “Oh, people care more about me if I lose weight. So many things feel out of control but I can control people’s affection by not eating.”

Often, very well-intentioned individuals offer praise out of a desire to uplift and connect. Such praise is often tied, directly or indirectly, to a person’s relationship with the standards of a specific group or institution. Sadly, such praise can easily reduce an individual’s dignity to their level in line with the group’s expectations rather than supporting their inherent (固有的) dignity and worth. So, what’s a better way?

One answer is to exit the game of “right and wrong” and enter a more life-giving focus on what needs are present. Returning to our example above, when you see that someone has lost weight and you want to give them a praise, just pause and take a deep breath. Simply ask, “How are you doing?” See them and hear them. Appreciate them as a person of limitless value. Know there may be much more to their inner world than meets the eye. Similarly, when you see someone’s success in school, appreciate the hard work they put into it. Ask with gentle curiosity, “How’s it been for you?” Listen with your full attention that in itself can be a rare gift in today’s hustle and bustle world.

By maintaining your concern and listening to the ways they want to be accompanied and supported — even when it might not be your first instinct — you can see them as a whole person, with complex feelings, very human needs, and inherent dignity.

1. What does the underlined word “backfires” in paragraph 1 refer to?

A．Improves the situation.	B．Shows sincere concern.
C．Removes hurtful feelings.	D．Produces an unexpected result.

2. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?

A．Analyzing the phenomenon.	B．Listing another example.
C．Presenting the solution.	D．Making a proposal.

3. Why does the author suggest simply asking “How are you doing”?

A．To start a light conversation.

B．To focus on one’s inner needs.

C．To explore the secret of keeping slim.

D．To show appreciation for one’s efforts.

4. What might be the title for the text?

A．Say No to the “Right or Wrong” Game

B．Why We Need to Make Praises to Others.

C．Follow Me and Be a Qualified Therapist

D．How Innocent Words can Be Harmful

3 . What if your next job is just a weak tie away? A recent study, conducted by a team from Stanford University and LinkedIn, revealed that weaker social connections have a greater beneficial effect on job mobility (流动性) than stronger ties. Stanford Professor Erik Bryson suggests a practical outcome of this study is to encourage job seekers to expand their reach beyond immediate friends and colleagues. Weak ties, he explains, often provide more unique, beneficial information and connections.

The advantage of weak ties theory is based on the idea that weak ties allow distant group of people to access novel information that can lead to new opportunities and innovation. Weak ties are more likely to introduce new job information to a wider social network.

The research team conducted a five-year experimental study with LinkedIn, involving 20 million global participants and 600,000 new jobs created. Using LinkedIn’s “People You May Know” (PYMK) algorithm (算法), the researchers tested the weak tie theory’s impact on the job market. The team randomly assigned LinkedIn users to receive either more weak or strong tie recommendations from the PYMK algorithm, then tracked the labor mobility of these groups over five years.

Their findings confirm that weaker ties enhance job mobility. Besides, the researchers looked at differences across industries and found that adding weak ties creates significantly more job opportunities in digital and high-tech industries. “This may reflect the fact that there is more rapid change and need for novel information and connections in those industries,” Bryson said.

He points out that the traditional methods used by policymakers to analyze labor markets are quickly becoming outdated. “They need to recognize that the labor market, like all aspects of the economy, is being digitized,” Bryson said. “It is important that we understand how the algorithms used by digital platforms like LinkedIn impact the labor market.”

1. According to paragraph 1, what should job seekers do?

A．Expand network to include weak ties.	B．Limit the search to their current industry.
C．Strengthen connections with close friends.	D．Rely on strong connections for opportunities.

2. How did the researchers test the weak tie theory?

A．By carrying out on line surveys.	B．By interviewing LinkedIn employers.
C．By tracking user data and job mobility.	D．By conducting a large-scale job fair.

3. What can we learn about digital and high-tech industries?

A．They are fast-paced and value novelty.	B．They cause weak ties among employees.
C．Strong ties are the main source of mobility.	D．Weak ties do not contribute to job mobility.

4. What might Bryson advise policymakers to do?

A．Prioritize traditional methods only.	B．Ignore the impact of digital platforms.
C．Recognize the influence of digitization.	D．Understand the rules on digital platforms.

4 . As our lives become more closely connected with the digital age, it’s more important than ever to keep the spark of human connections, a key part of which is making small talk.     1     Here’s how to master the art of small talk.

The cornerstone of effective small talk lies in developing genuine interest. Genuine interest is about actively seeking to understand the other person, valuing their perspectives and appreciating the uniqueness they bring to the conversation.     2    

Small talk extends beyond spoken words; it includes the art of observation. As you engage in conversation, pay attention to the speaker’s body language, facial expressions and tone of voice.     3     Being familiar with them not only helps you navigate the conversation with sensitivity but also enables you to establish a deeper connection by respecting the slight differences of the other person’s communication style.

Actually listening and connecting with someone is essential for a conversation. By providing your undivided attention, you convey respect and interest in what the other person has to say.     4     Ask follow-up questions to show that you value their insights. This depth of engagement lays the foundation for a more meaningful connection.

At the heart of successful small talk lies the authenticity (真实性) of your engagement. Authenticity fosters a sense of trust and connection, making the conversation more meaningful and memorable. Avoid the temptation to project an image or use scripted responses.     5     In the world of small talk, authenticity is the key that unlocks the door to deeper connections and more fulfilling interactions.

A．Instead, let your true self shine through.

B．Some accessible topics are great for small talk.

C．Active listening involves fully engaging with the speaker.

D．Focus on understanding their viewpoints beyond simply hearing words.

E．The signals provide valuable insights into their emotions and intentions.

F．Small talk may be a gateway to building rich and meaningful relationships.

G．By expressing authentic curiosity, you make the other person feel seen and heard.

5 . Social Masking

Amanda is always an expert at working the room. She would adopt the manner of the people around her to fit in while hiding her true personality. This is social masking, the process of hiding your natural way of interacting with others so you can feel accepted.     1    Instead, they are hoping to fit in with everybody else. Social masking is a set of learned pattern-matching behaviors, movements and actions where you try to be normal to fit in rather than stand out.

    2    People all wear certain social masks in order to get through some tricky life situations with confidence, according to Dr. Tara Quinn-Cirillo. And some experts even think social masking is built in all human beings at a physical level, adding that something in our brain gives indications of how to essentially stay safe and not stick out.

In a world that often tells us to just be ourselves, you might wonder why we are still dependent on these social masking behaviors. “Social masking happens because we as a species want to be included,” says Tara. “It has been a tribal thing of being together rather than being on our own, from a historical perspective.     3    ”

There is a huge difference between naturally identifying with someone and consciously social masking.    4    Social masking, on the other hand, involves a conscious effort to change your personality to suit your surroundings. It typically involves depressing your natural urges and changing your personal interests to fit the crowd.

A．Social maskers do not try hard to match other people in pace and tone.

B．Social masking is something we all engage in to some extent.

C．Social maskers are not trying to fox anyone.

D．When we are in natural identification with someone, it happens naturally, and there is very little effort involved.

E．It’s adopted by people unable to naturally act in a way considered socially acceptable.

F．That is, it’s an ancient part of our evolution to socialize, rather than be anti-social or a misfit.

6 . Feel exhausted after a party? Rather see one close friend than a group of acquaintances? Enjoy your own company? In our world, that makes you an introvert (内向的人). However, there’s another possible explanation — vertical attachment. If you are closer to your parents and family members than to your peers, you are vertically attached, which means you rely more on family for comfort.

If you are closer to your peers, then you are peer attached. We live in a peer-oriented world. We believe that having lots of friends means that we are well-adjusted. We put our kids in playgroups and daycare for peer interaction. We expect teenagers to want to hang out with their friends, thinking it is the natural way of things.

Result? Generations often feel worlds apart. We use different language, dress, and technology apps. Even if multiple generations are invited to the same party, the kids go to the basement playroom while the parents stay upstairs.

Vertically-attached individuals can feel out of place in this context, demonstrating the traces of introversion. Will they be exhausted after a party with same-aged acquaintances? Absolutely. Would they rather spend time with one close friend? Sure. Do they enjoy alone time? Yes, more than they enjoy time fitting in with peers.

It’s normal that many people need alone time to recharge. However, vertically-attached people often label themselves as introverted. They feel insecure that others have more friends and live richer lives. They claim that their family attachments arise from their loved ones being stuck with them.

If you feel these insecurities, know that there is nothing wrong with you, and you are not missing out on anything. Your attachment style is just different from the culture where you live. Have confidence in the strength of the relationships you have, whether it is with a mom who feels more like a best friend, or a grandmother with whom you can share anything. They are meaningful, enriching relationships, even if they look different from the cultural norm.

1. Who is vertically attached according to the text?

A．Mike, who feels at ease with his teachers.

B．Maggie, who enjoys film time alone at weekends.

C．Tom, who feels burnt out after a family get-together.

D．Lisa, who often turns to her dad when things are hard.

2. What is the popular belief among parents?

A．Younger generations should be self-disciplined.

B．Being sociable is a desired quality for their children.

C．Their children need more friends than they themselves do.

D．Different generations should have different circles of acquaintances.

3. What advice is given to vertically-attached people?

A．Be that as it may, just leave it as it is.

B．Never underestimate your inner power.

C．Hang out more with friends and adjust to it.

D．Treat others the way you want to be treated.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards vertically-attached people?

A．Biased.

B．Objective.

C．Unconcerned.

D．Critical.

7 . Go on a 15-minute Tour

Didn’t someone say that life is about the journey, not the destination?     1     when you are focused only on getting to the next meeting, starting your next class period, or hurrying to send an email, you’re missing all of the people between Points A and B.

To commit some time to the journey, take some time to walk around where you work and notice your surroundings.     2     Also, some of the smaller yet critical social clues that exist right under your nose will be concentrated on again.

    3     Things to look for include the look and feel of people’s work spaces, the timing of when different people move around the office, and which people seek interaction versus those who stay at their desks all day.

After your first observation tour, select a different day to tour your workspace for moods. Other people’s moods can provide you with critical clues about how things are going.     4     Focus on what you see, hear, and pick up on in other people.

Schedule 15 minutes to tour your workplace twice a week for a month and be sure to avoid making too many assumptions or conclusions — just simply observe.     5    

A．You’ll be amazed at what you see along the way.

B．Spare a little time to closely monitor each person’s progress.

C．Notice what people may be feeling when you drop by to talk briefly.

D．During any workday, take just 15 minutes to observe neglected things.

E．You generally love the breathtaking landscape and people’s performances.

F．Going on a short tour will help you get in tune with other people and their emotions.

G．To become socially aware, remember to enjoy the journey and notice people along the way.

8 . Group discussions are a way of expressing your thoughts and opinions with other people. It is an opportunity to learn more about other people and develop your own personality. You become better at group discussions because it will help you throughout your whole life.     1     then this blog is the right place for you. Here, we will share some things you can do to excel at group discussions.

Learn about the subject

    2     You cannot just walk into a group discussion without having any idea what it is about. So, make sure that you do your research before stepping into the discussion.

Be confident when you speak

The best way to make your discussion go well is by being confident. When someone else is speaking, make sure that you consider their opinion and not simply wait for your turn to speak.     3     people are more interested in listening to you, and they’ll respect you more as a person.

    4    

One of the most important aspects of group discussions is to be a good listener. Active listening is one of the most important skills in life, which is why you need to practice using it.

Use group discussion to express yourself

Group discussions are a way of expressing yourself. It is not just about talking; it is more about putting your thoughts in front of other people.     5    , but people prefer to bear your opinions in order to open their minds.

A．Been an active listener

B．Choose your words wisely

C．When there is a conflict in opinion

D．When you are confident while speaking

E．Speaking your heart out can be hard at times

F．If you are also struggling with such kinds of discussions

G．It is very important that you first collect information about the topic

9 . Saying farewell to someone you love, even for a night, can be difficult, much less saying goodbye for a lifetime or forever in death. Juliet bid Romeo adieu (再见) for the evening with the words, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” Sweet sorrow is an oxymoron. But this seeming contradiction is true in the context of relationships.

Relationships are based on feelings, emotions, and passion. Deep friendships and loving relationships are measured by the level of emotional attachment. Emotions intensify over time. People spend time with the people they like. The more one person likes another person, the closer the relationship becomes. Each person in the relationship receives an emotional benefit from knowing the other person.

Saying goodbye means separating from the people who make up a significant part of your emotional identity. Separation, even a temporary absence, from the people you have a deep emotional connection with can cause sorrow because you will no longer be able to enjoy their company.

The sweet side of saying goodbye is the emotional fulfillment of being in a close relationship. The time spent together is emotionally rewarding, especially if that person is seen as a soulmate. Humans are social beings. We seek the love and comfort of other people. Loneliness devastates the human condition and leads to sadness. Sad people will do anything they can to find fulfilling relationships. Likewise, happy people will do anything they can to maintain or enhance relationships. Herein lies the essential point of the emotional problem.

The more intense relationships become, the more devastating the emotional loss that is felt upon separation. The exhilaration of relationships cannot be truly measured without experiencing the overwhelming loss of a deep emotional connection.

Enjoy the company of the person you are with as long as you can; knowing the pain you will feel at the end of the relationship is the true measure of the relationship. If it doesn’t hurt to say goodbye, perhaps it wasn’t worth saying hello.

1. Which of the word group can create the same effect as “sweet sorrow”?

A．icy cold

B．clicking sound

C．deafening silence

D．endless speech

2. What can we learn from paragraph 3?

A．Saying goodbye is unavoidable in our daily life.

B．The companion of close friends can lessen sorrow.

C．A person’s identity is connected with relationship.

D．Separation is the sorrowful part of saying goodbye.

3. What gives a person emotional satisfaction in social life?

A．Making more communication with others.

B．Building deep emotional connections with others.

C．Comforting friends with love and intense feelings.

D．Being a thoughtful person by standing in others’ shoes.

4. What is the main idea of the passage?

A．Sweet sorrow is very common in close relationships.

B．The pain of separation is the measure of relationships.

C．Human beings are eager to get emotional fulfillment.

D．Happiness is meaningless without sadness to compare it.

10 . Like many people, in terms of socializing, I prioritize making time for my closest friends and family. When it comes to reaching out to people I don’t know as well I often find myself reluctant to engage. This could be a big mistake, though, according to a new study. Having different types of social interactions seems to be central to our happiness — something many of us may think little of.

In a series of surveys, researchers looked at how having a socially diverse network related to people’s well-being. In one survey, 578 Americans reported on what activities they had been engaged in, with whom and for how long over the past 24 hours, while also saying how happy with life they were. The researchers found that people with more diverse social networks were happier and more satisfied with life than those with less diverse networks — regardless of how much time they had spent socializing overall.

“The more you can broaden your social circle and reach out to people you talk to less frequently — like an acquaintance, a friend, a coworker, or even a stranger — the more it could have positive benefits for your well-being,” said the lead researcher Hanne Collins of Harvard Business School.

To further test this idea, she and her colleagues looked at large data sets from the American Time Use Survey and the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Aging and Adult Health. In both cases, they found that when people had a broader range of social interactions, they experienced greater happiness and well-being.

Then Collins and her colleagues did another analysis, using data from a mobile app that 21,644 French-speaking people used to report on their daily social activities and happiness. There, they found that when someone experienced greater-than-average social diversity one week, they were happier that week and the week after.

Why is that? It could be that being with different people contributes to different kinds of emotions, which may be a driving force in our happiness, says Collins. Alternatively, it could be that having a more diverse network allows you to get various social supports when you need it. Whatever the case, Collins hopes her research will inspire people to expand their social networks when they can.

1. What does the author use as an introduction to the passage?

A．A personal communication skill.

B．A social trend against one’s will.

C．A common social phenomenon.

D．A culture many people neglect.

2. What do we know about the study?

A．Its results were different from culture to culture.

B．Different results were obtained from the researchers’ three surveys.

C．The researchers collected large amounts of data from different platforms.

D．It focused on the impact of a more diverse social network on life satisfaction.

3. What can we learn from the 3rd and 4th paragraph?

A．Any stranger or co-worker can bring you happiness.

B．Broad social circle contributes to more happiness.

C．Happiness depends only on social interactions.

D．Close relationship influences happiness badly.

4. How may social diversity improve one’s well-being according to Collins?

A．By providing motivation for life.

B．By leading to one’s balanced life.

C．By arousing one’s positive emotions.

D．By making him / her sensitive to happiness.

5. What will be most probably talked about after the last paragraph?

A．Collins’s social life.

B．Collins’s conclusions.

C．Collins’s new research.

D．Collins’s specific suggestions.