Women
who want to succeed at work should resist the temptation to act like men,
scientists have said. Studies show that ambitious women are often less likely
to get ahead than those who show more female characteristics. However, if they
try to adapt, promotion comes their way. The findings, which will let assertive
(过分自信的) women down, suggest that the best way for
a woman to succeed in a man’s world is to act like a lady.
Past research has shown that women with self-confidence and other
characteristics linked with successful management can be put aside at work in
favor of gentle types. It is thought that while such characteristics are highly
praised in men, ambitious women are penalized for not being feminine
enough. Instead of being seen as strong managers, ambitious women are in an
unfavorable situation.
In one US study, researchers explored personal details from university students
applying for a summer job at a bank. A women applicant who attempted to apply
for special wages to pay her transport or living costs was three and a half
times less likely to get a job offer than a similar male. In fact, this kind of
woman was the least likely to get taken on.
The latest study set out to explore what women who are naturally assertive
could do to get ahead in the workplace. Eighty young men and women completed
surveys about their personality while studying in college. Around eight years
later, the researchers got back in touch with them to find out how their
careers were going. Some had been promoted five times, others just once or
twice. The results showed that ambitious women who stick to their decisions had
been promoted less than more feminine groups. But the ambitious women who made
a conscious effort to not appear to be threatening by “self-controlling” their behavior had done better than those who had carried on
ignoring others’ views.
1. What does the underlined word “penalized” mean in the second paragraph?
A. Treated badly B.
Asked to leave
C. Looked down upon D.
Made sb. have a disadvantage
2.According to the passage, if an
ambitious woman and a similar man both ask the company for an extra payment,
______.
A. the woman is less likely to be accepted
B. the woman will work harder if she gets the payment
C. the man can make a good impression on the boss
D. they can be both accepted if they use proper words
3.The ambitious women in the latest
study ______.
A. had been promoted only once or twice
B. tried hard to be as successful as gentle types
C. were more accepted at work after they controlled their behavior
D. filled in the surveys after they graduated from college
4.What can we learn from the
passage?
A. Successful management is highly praised in women.
B. Some women will be disappointed by the massage.
C. Men acting like a lady are likely to be promoted at work.
D. The latest study was aimed at how to become a successful boss.
5.What’s
the main idea of the passage?
A. How assertive women can control their behavior.
B. Feminists can do better by controlling their behavior.
C. Acting like a man won’t get women promoted at work.
D. How the ambitious women can avoid acting like men.