Question

【题目】D

Most people I meet want to develop more harmonious and satisfying relationships. But we may not realize that this can only be achieved by partnering with two new and strange allies(盟友): uncertainty and confusion. Most of us aren’t trained to like confusion or to admit we feel hesitant and uncertain. In our schools and organizations, we place value on sounding certain and confident.

As life continues to speed up, I believe our changing world requires less certainty and far more curiosity. I’m not suggesting we let go of our beliefs, but that we become curious about what someone else believes. As we become open to the disturbing differences, sometimes we discover that another’s way of interpreting the world is actually essential to our survival.

For me, the first step in becoming curious is to admit that I’m not succeeding in figuring things out by myself. If my solutions don’t work as well as I’d like, I take these as signs that it’s time to begin asking others what they think. I try to become a conscious listener, actively listening for differences.

There are many ways to listen for differences. Lately, I’ve been listening for what surprises me. This isn’t easy — I’m accustomed to sitting there, nodding my head as someone voices his opinions. But when I notice what surprises me, I’m able to see my own views more clearly, including my assumptions.

If you’re willing to be disturbed and confused, I recommend you begin a conversation with someone who thinks differently from you. Listen for what’s different and what surprises you. Try to stop the voice of judgment or opinion and just listen. At the end, notice whether you’ve learned something new.

We have the opportunity many times a day to be the one who listens to others and the one who is curious rather than certain. When we listen with fewer judgments, we always develop better relationships with each other. It’s not differences that divide us. It’s our judgments that do. Curiosity and good listening bring us back together.

As I consider partnering with confusion and uncertainty, I’m learning that we don’t have to agree with each other in order to think well together. There is no need for us to be joined at the head. We are already joined by our hearts.

【1】According to the author, in order to cope with our changing world, we should ___________.

A. reconsider traditional beliefs before accepting them

B. learn to interpret other people’s behavior

C. become more curious about other people’s opinions

D. try to develop more harmonious relationships with others

【2】 What do the underlined sentences in the passage imply?

A. We should listen more and judge less.

B. We should make decisions based on sound judgments.

C. Differences among people separate them.

D. It is important to seek common ground and reserve differences.

【3】 Which of the following best describes the author’s attitude to uncertainty and confusion?

A. Favorable. B. Resistant. C. Curious. D. Doubtful.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】C

【2】A

【3】A

【解析】

【语篇解读】文章介绍一种新的奇怪的交流方式，用不确定和好奇去和他人交流。这意味着要专注于倾听别人的观点，少去评价，在别人的观点中寻找好的东西。

【1】细节理解题。根据文章第二段的句子＂As life continues to speed up, I believe our changing world requires less certainty and far more curiosity.＂可知，为了应对不断变化的世界，我们应该少些肯定，多些好奇。故选C。

【2】句意理解题。根据画线句子前面的句子＂When we listen with fewer judgments, we always develop better relationships with each other.＂（当我们很少去评判，只是去倾听的时候，我们彼此会培养更好的关系），可知＂It’s not differences that divide us. It’s our judgments that do.＂隐含的意思是：我们应该更多地倾听，少去评价。故选A。

【3】观点态度题。根据文章最后一段的句子＂As I consider partnering with confusion and uncertainty, I’m learning that we don’t have to agree with each other in order to think well together.＂(当我考虑和困惑和不确定作伴的时候，我学会了为了一起很好地思考，我们不必同意彼此的意见)可知，作者对于不确定和困惑持支持的观点。故选A。