阅读理解

阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项中，选出能回答所提问题或完成所给句子的最佳答案。

　　Recent research in America has shown that shyness is determined by our genes (遗传因子); some people are simply born that way. Strangely enough, it's often those people who look as if they should be most confident(tall people, for example). The 13 - year research has now proved the gene that causes shyness, and the scientists believe that in fact we are all born more nor less shy. It's just that some people are able to deal with it better than others. Personal conditions have an influence(影响) as well.

　　Shyness may not seem to be a serious illness, but for some who suffer from it, it can become unbearable. Even talking to a small group of people you know can seem like an important testit can feel as if you've been asked to give a speech on a topic you know very little about to a number of experts. You start to feel hot and shaky, your heart beats faster, your knees feel weak, you begin to stutter and the whole experience seems to last forever.

　　The fact of the matter is that shyness is something we often recognise in others: blushing (going red) is one of the more visible signs, for example. Yet we don't judge someone carefully because of this. But shyness does mean you're harder to approach, so you become more separate. As one shy person put it, “It's like being in a prison, and it's very hard to break out.”

　　Experts on the subject have come up with various possible solutions, and one has been selected out as being the key to successthat is to say, finding an interest in common with other people. Spending a lot of time on the sidelines watching other people and envying them because they are much more outgoing doesn't help; remembering that some of the people you most envy are probably shy themselves, does. The secret is how you deal with it. And experts have come up with four things you can do today to help:

　　Firstly, you can start by listening to other people. You will find yourself getting interested in what they're talking about and asking questionsand before you know it, you'll be having a conversation.

　　Secondly, you could try asking neighbours if you can walk their dog. Like children, pets can be excellent icebreakers for conversations with passers - by.

　　Thirdly, try joining a class to learn something like tap - dancing, where people are likely to laugh a lot. You'll feel relaxed(放松), and also you'll be much too busy concentrating on what you're doing to feel shy.

　　Lastly, try telling yourself that it doesn't matter if you say or do something silly. Most people make a fool of themselves so oftenand it's not the end of the world if you do!

1．According to the text, scientists believe that ________.

[　　]

A．only a few people have the shyness gene

B．shyness depends on height sometimes

C．everybody is unable to deal with shyness

D．people can learn to manage shyness

2．What happens to shy people when speaking to some familiar persons?

[　　]

A．They keep talking for a long time.

B．Their heart rate increases constantly.

C．Their legs can no longer support them.

D．They can not say even a word.

3．What does the underlined word “this” refer to in the text?

[　　]

4．What should shy people remember to give themselves more confidence?

[　　]

A．Everyone says stupid things sometimes.

B．Everyone makes jokes sometimes.

C．Everyone will face the end of the world.

D．Everyone can do things easily.

5．To get rid of shyness, a person should ________.

[　　]

A．learn to laugh more

B．learn to relax

C．take up a “social” activity

D．help other people in the community