Empathy

Last year, researchers from the University of Michigan reported that empathy, the ability to understand other people, among college students had dropped sharply over the past 10 years. __71__ Today, people spend more time alone and are less likely to join groups and clubs.

Jennifer Freed, a co-director of a teen program, has another explanation. Turn on the TV, and you’re showered with news and reality shows full of people fighting, competing, and generally treating one another with no respect. __72__

There are good reasons not to follow those bad examples. Humans are socially related by nature. __73__ Researchers have also found that empathetic teenagers are more likely to have high self-respect. Besides, empathy can be a cure for loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and fear.

Empathy is also an indication of a good leader. In fact, Freed says, many top companies report that empathy is one of the most important things they look for in new managers. __74__ “Academics are important. But if you don’t have emotional intelligence, you won’t be as successful in work or in your love life,” she says.

What’s the best way to up your EQ (情商）? For starters, let down your guard and really listen to others. __75__

To really develop empathy, you’d better volunteer at a nursing home or a hospital, join a club or a team that has a diverse membership, have a “sharing circle” with your family, or spend time caring for pets at an animal shelter.

E. Empathy is a matter of learning how to understand someone else—both what they think and how they feel.

F. Good social skills—including empathy—are a kind of “emotional intelligence” that will help you succeed in many areas of life.

G. That could be because so many people have replaced face time with screen time, the researchers said.

In America, when the eighth graders leave the middle school, they are often worried about moving to the high school. It is a hard time for them，but it can be an exciting one as well. To make it easier, students need to get familiar with their school.
Even though they’ve done this already in the middle school, it’s still important to find where their classrooms are. Most schools take students to the high school for a visit at the end of their eighth grade year. And, most schools also have a freshman (新生) speech for parents and students before the first year begins. Sometimes the main office will give away a map of the school. This can help students and parents to find different places in the school.
One way to know your high school more and make new friends is to join a club or play a sport．Schools often offer chances to join different clubs and sports. Fall activities begin in August before the first day of school. If you are not interested in sports, there are clubs for any interest, such as drama, dance, chess, photography, community service, etc. These clubs allow students from different grades. By joining an activity, students can find new friendships, not to mention improving their chances in future college applications(申请). The school office will have a list of activities offered at the school and information on how to join them.
What’s more, to have a great start to a high school year, students can write down some of their worries, and ask for help from teachers and school workers.
【小题1】According to the text, most students feel ________ when entering the high school.

In America, when the eighth graders leave the middle school, they are often worried about moving to the high school. It is a hard time for them，but it can be an exciting one as well. To make it easier, students need to get familiar with their school.

    Even though they’ve done this already in the middle school, it’s still important to find where their classrooms are. Most schools take students to the high school for a visit at the end of their eighth grade year. And, most schools also have a freshman (新生) speech for parents and students before the first year begins. Sometimes the main office will give away a map of the school. This can help students and parents to find different places in the school.

    One way to know your high school more and make new friends is to join a club or play a sport．Schools often offer chances to join different clubs and sports. Fall activities begin in August before the first day of school. If you are not interested in sports, there are clubs for any interest, such as drama, dance, chess, photography, community service, etc. These clubs allow students from different grades. By joining an activity, students can find new friendships, not to mention improving their chances in future college applications(申请). The school office will have a list of activities offered at the school and information on how to join them.

    What’s more, to have a great start to a high school year, students can write down some of their worries, and ask for help from teachers and school workers.

1.According to the text, most students feel ________ when entering the high school.

A. unhappy          B. nervous            C. lonely           D. disappointed

2.Which of the following is TRUE about the school clubs?

A. There are fewer students from higher grades in the school clubs.

B. The school clubs in high school mainly welcome sports fans.

C. Summer activities begin before school starts.

D. School officers can help new students join school clubs.

3.When do many schools take students to visit their new high school?

A. Before the eighth grade year starts.

B. Right after the high school year starts.

C. At the beginning of the new term in the high school.

D. By the end of the last year in the middle school.

4.What is the purpose of this text?

A. To describe high school life.        

B. To introduce new schools.

C. To teach useful experience.        

D. To give advice to new high school students.

1 

阅读下列材料，从所给的六个选项(A、B、C、D、E、F)中，选出符合各小题要求的最佳选项。选项中有一项是多余选项。

A. School or work

B. Make small talks

C. Be fun to be around

D. Be reliable

E. Get out and meet people

F. Join people of common interests

In the world, many people want to make friends just as you do. Follow these steps to meet new people and build strong, lasting friendships with at least some of them. The following paragraphs are some steps.

1..       . You don’t necessarily have to have a lot of common interests with people in order to make friends with them—in fact, some of the most rewarding friendships are between two people who don’t have much in common at all, but if you have something in common with people, it can make it a lot easier to talk to them. Whatever your age and whatever your interests, there is a club or an organization for you.

2..       . Friends can talk about just anything, but you don’t want to get too personal when you first meet someone. Just make good, small talks at first.

3..       . You don’t have to be a superstar to be fun. You do need to be positive and friendly, however, so that people feel good when they’re around you. From the very first conversation you have with someone, you should use body language. Smile frequently, laugh often, and make eye contact. In your words, be confident.

4..       .The steps above are great for making acquaintances (认识的人), but how do acquaintances become lifelong friends? One important feature of a good friend is reliability. When you say you’ll do something, do it. Be someone that people know that they can depend on.

5.       . If you want to make friends, you first need to meet people. No matter where you live, this should be very easy.

阅读下列材料，从所给的六个选项(A、B、C、D、E、F)中，选出符合各小题要求的最佳选项。选项中有一项是多余选项。
A. School or work
B. Make small talks
C. Be fun to be around
D. Be reliable
E. Get out and meet people
F. Join people of common interests
In the world, many people want to make friends just as you do. Follow these steps to meet new people and build strong, lasting friendships with at least some of them. The following paragraphs are some steps.
【小题1】      . You don’t necessarily have to have a lot of common interests with people in order to make friends with them—in fact, some of the most rewarding friendships are between two people who don’t have much in common at all, but if you have something in common with people, it can make it a lot easier to talk to them. Whatever your age and whatever your interests, there is a club or an organization for you.
【小题2】      . Friends can talk about just anything, but you don’t want to get too personal when you first meet someone. Just make good, small talks at first.
【小题3】      . You don’t have to be a superstar to be fun. You do need to be positive and friendly, however, so that people feel good when they’re around you. From the very first conversation you have with someone, you should use body language. Smile frequently, laugh often, and make eye contact. In your words, be confident.
【小题4】      .The steps above are great for making acquaintances (认识的人), but how do acquaintances become lifelong friends? One important feature of a good friend is reliability. When you say you’ll do something, do it. Be someone that people know that they can depend on.
【小题5】      . If you want to make friends, you first need to meet people. No matter where you live, this should be very easy.