Directions: Read the passage carefully. Fill in
each blank with a proper sentence given in the box. Each sentence can be used
only once. Note that there are two more sentences than you need.
Praise is like sunlight to the human spirit; we cannot flower and
grow without it. And yet, while most of us are only too ready to apply to
others the cold wind of criticism, we are somehow reluctant to give our fellows
the warm sunshine of praise.
Why-when one word can bring such pleasure? A friend of mine who
travels widely always tries to learn a little of the language of any place she
visits. She's not much of a linguist, but she does know how to say one
word-"beautiful"-in several languages. . The ability
has earned her friends all over the world.
It's strange how chary we are about praising. .
Instead, we are embarrassed and shrug off the words we are really so glad to
hear. Because of this defensive reaction, direct compliments are surprisingly
difficult to give. That's why some of the most valued pats on the back are
those which come to us indirectly, in a letter or passed on by a friend. When
one thinks of the speed with which spiteful remarks are conveyed, it seems a
pity that there isn't more effort to relay pleasing and flattering comments.
. An
artist gets compliment for a glorious picture, a cook for a perfect meal. But
do you ever tell your laundry manager how pleased you are when the shirts are
done just right? Do you ever praise your paper boy for getting the paper to you
on time 365 days a year?
To give praise costs the giver nothing but a moment`s thought and
a moment's effort- . It is such a small investment-and yet
consider the results it may produce. “I can live for two months on a good
compliment," said Mark Twain.
So, let's be alert to the small excellences around us-and comment
on them. We will not only bring joy into other people's lives, but also, very
often, add happiness into our own.
A. Praise is
particularly appreciated by those doing routine jobs.
B. Comment is often
made about activities which are relatively easy and satisfying, like arranging
flowers; but not about jobs which are hard and dirty, like scrubbing floors.
C. It's
especially rewarding to give praise in areas in which effort generally goes
unnoticed or unmentioned.
D. Perhaps a
quick phone call to pass on a compliment, or five minutes spent writing an
appreciative letter.
E. She can use it
to a mother holding her baby, or to a lonely salesman fishing out pictures of
his family.
F. Perhaps it's
because few of us know how to accept compliments gracefully.
答案:【1】E【2】F【3】C【4】D