Question

【题目】“Sorry seems to be the hardest word”— that is one of Elton John's most popular songs. But not every public figure seems to find it so tough to say that powerful five-letter word.

In recent days public figures, from politicians to stars, have all publicly expressed remorse. But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse?

Specifically, saying sorry should be a realization that something you have said or done has hurt someone and you want to make amends (弥补). "People want the response to be personal to them. They want to feel that they're being listened to and taken seriously," says Martin Stone.

Firstly, it is important to show that you understand. It is vital that any group or a person making an apology understands the focus — is it sorry for the way it's acted or is it sorry that the complainant feels the way they do? Watch out for the speed of response. The quicker the apology comes, the better it indicates that the person making it has felt an immediate sense of guilt.

If sincere, the person making the apology will be looking for clues (线索) to see if he or she is being understood, such as eye contact and facial expressions. Performed apologies always have a sense of being "acted out", and are often accompanied by too many unnatural gestures.

For a sincere apology, it is also important to avoid promises that can't be kept. Don't say that you'll make sure that this will not happen again if you're not confident that it won't. It could come back to bite you. And do remember that the use of "but" can hugely change the tone (语气) of an apology. As Stone points out, "I'm sorry but..." sounds like you are making excuses and aren't actually taking any form of responsibility.

【1】What is the purpose of the text?

A. To explain what a good apology is.

B. To discuss how to give a formal apology.

C. To show why we should apologize in life.

D. To teach us how to tell if an apology is sincere:

【2】What does the underlined word "remorse" probably mean?

A. Pain. B. Worry.

C. Regret. D. Doubt.

【3】Which of the following indicates it's a "performed" apology?

A. Swearing it will not happen again.

B. Avoiding eye contact with the listener.

C. Showing you understand his/her feelings.

D. Paying attention to the listener's reaction.

【4】What is stressed in the last paragraph?

A. The attitude. B. The tone of voice.

C. The body language. D. The choice of language.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】D

【2】C

【3】B

【4】D

【解析】

本文是一篇说明文。文章教我们如何判断一个道歉是否真诚。

【1】主旨大意题。根据第一段“Sorry seems to be the hardest word”— that is one of Elton John's most popular songs. But not every public figure seems to find it so tough to say that powerful five-letter word.可知，本文教我们如何判断一个道歉是否真诚。故选D。

【2】词义猜测题。根据第二段In recent days public figures, from politicians to stars, have all publicly expressed remorse. But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse? 目前，从政客到明星的公众人物都公开表示忏悔。但是，有那么多的悔恨，我们怎么能从一种发自内心的悔恨中区分一个被迫的道歉呢？由此推出划线词的意思是“后悔”，故选C。

【3】推理判断题。根据第五段最后一句Performed apologies always have a sense of being "acted out", and are often accompanied by too many unnatural gestures.可知，“避免与听众的目光接触”表示这是一个“表演”的道歉。故选B。

【4】推理判断题。根据最后一段中And do remember that the use of "but" can hugely change the tone (语气) of an apology. As Stone points out, "I'm sorry but..." sounds like you are making excuses and aren't actually taking any form of responsibility.可知，最后一段强调“语言的选择”。故选D。

利用上下文提供的情景和线索，进行合乎逻辑的综合分析进而推测词义，最常见的就是利用上下文语境、常识和语法关系推断词义。特别要抓住所需推断词汇前后的含义来确定正确答案。切记：千万不要脱离开语境。本题第2小题，根据第二段In recent days public figures, from politicians to stars, have all publicly expressed remorse. But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse? 目前，从政客到明星的公众人物都公开表示忏悔。但是，有那么多的悔恨，我们怎么能从一种发自内心的悔恨中区分一个被迫的道歉呢？由此推出划线词的意思是“后悔”