Making an apology is not the same as making amends. Sometimes we apologize just because it’s the easiest thing to do. What’s actually important is to identify where we go wrong, take full responsibility for our mistakes and , if possible, try to make up for them.
A recent case involving Hewlett-Packed, the US computer giant, shows the importance of presenting a sincere apology. The Chinese consumers who had bought notebook computers of certain models, which have been put on Chinese market since 2007, suffered a massive flash screen failures and overheating problems. Through investigation, Chinese AQSIQ (国家质检总局) identified these HP computers had quality problems and HP admitted this. HP made a proposal that they would extend the warranty (保修) period of such computers, but this could not satisfied the consumers. What they needed was a thorough description of the truth. HP has “sincerely” apologized. But the consumers remain angry, and say that only a product recall — as HP has done in the past — will prove that the apology is sincere.
Another apology that fell flat on its face was that of Thierry Henry, the famous French footballer. His deliberate handball in November 2009 created the goal which knocked Ireland out of the 2010 World Cup. The incident caused great anger in the football world, and eventually Henry issued an apology. Two days later, he wrote, “I’m not the referee…but if I hurt someone I’m sorry.” Better late than never, perhaps, but even then he passed the blame onto the referee!
Such high-profile cases, which attract a lot of publicity often under the spotlight, but similar incidents occur in our everyday lives. Stress caused by schoolwork and tiredness can sometimes result in outbursts of anger against friends and family. Have you ever lost your temper for minor reasons? After calming down, most people are quick to realize their mistake and apologize. But it’s just as important to identify what caused the error in the first place and take action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
No one should hold a negative attitude to making a sincere apology. Empty words are easy to say, but they are as useless as they sound. A real show of remorse（痛悔;自责）demands hard work and commitment to put error right. 
【小题1】What does the author intend to tell us in the case of HP?

Making an apology is not the same as making amends. Sometimes we apologize just because it’s the easiest thing to do. What’s actually important is to identify where we go wrong, take full responsibility for our mistakes and , if possible, try to make up for them.

A recent case involving Hewlett-Packed, the US computer giant, shows the importance of presenting a sincere apology. The Chinese consumers who had bought notebook computers of certain models, which have been put on Chinese market since 2007, suffered a massive flash screen failures and overheating problems. Through investigation, Chinese AQSIQ(国家质检总局) identified these HP computers had quality problems and HP admitted this. HP made a proposal that they would extend the warranty period of such computers, but this could not satisfied the consumers. What they needed was a thorough description of the truth. HP has “sincerely” apologized. But the consumers remain angry, and say that only a product recall—as HP has done in the past—will prove that the apology is sincere.

Another apology that fell flat on its face was that of Thierry Henry, the famous French footballer. His deliberate handball in November 2009 created the goal which knocked Ireland out of the 2010 World Cup. The incident caused great anger in the football world, and eventually Henry issued and apology. Two days later, he wrote, “I’m not the referee…but if I hurt someone I’m sorry.” Better late than never, perhaps, but even then he passed the blame onto the referee!

Such high-profile cases, which attract a lot of publicity often under the spotlight, but similar incidents occur in our everyday lives. Stress caused by schoolwork and tiredness can sometimes result in outbursts of anger against friends and family. Have you ever lost your temper for minor reasons? After calming down, most people are quick to realize their mistake and apologize. But it’s just as important to identify what caused the error in the first place and take action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

No one should hold a negative attitude to making a sincere apology. Empty words are easy to say, but they are as useless as they sound. A real show of remorse demands hard work and commitment to put error right. 

46. What does the author intend to tell us in the case of HP?

A. A true apology needs sincere actions.

B. HP should recall all the faulty computers.

C. Good quality makes a good company.

D. A company should apologize and pay for their mistakes.

47. According to the author, when we do anything wrong we firstly __________ .

A. make an apology face to face honestly

B. admit we were wrong and try to make the wrong right

C. take the responsibility for apologizing to others

D. choose the easiest thing to do

48. We can infer from the case of Thierry Henry that ______________ .

A. It’s never too late to say “I’m sorry.”

B. Writing an apology is not a good idea.

C. Henry didn’t identify his fault.

D. The football fans were mad with Henry.

49. Which of the following can best explain the word “commitment” in the last paragraph?

A. decision                B. promise             C. agreement                D. responsibility

50. What’s the best title of this passage?

A. What really puts things right                     

B. Don’t apologize easily

C. Making an apology—no one is out of exception

D. How to judge an apology—sincere enough?

Making an apology is not the same as making amends. Sometimes we apologize just because it’s the easiest thing to do. What’s actually important is to identify where we go wrong, take full responsibility for our mistakes and , if possible, try to make up for them.

A recent case involving Hewlett-Packed, the US computer giant, shows the importance of presenting a sincere apology. The Chinese consumers who had bought notebook computers of certain models, which have been put on Chinese market since 2007, suffered a massive flash screen failures and overheating problems. Through investigation, Chinese AQSIQ (国家质检总局) identified these HP computers had quality problems and HP admitted this. HP made a proposal that they would extend the warranty (保修) period of such computers, but this could not satisfied the consumers. What they needed was a thorough description of the truth. HP has “sincerely” apologized. But the consumers remain angry, and say that only a product recall — as HP has done in the past — will prove that the apology is sincere.

Another apology that fell flat on its face was that of Thierry Henry, the famous French footballer. His deliberate handball in November 2009 created the goal which knocked Ireland out of the 2010 World Cup. The incident caused great anger in the football world, and eventually Henry issued an apology. Two days later, he wrote, “I’m not the referee…but if I hurt someone I’m sorry.” Better late than never, perhaps, but even then he passed the blame onto the referee!

Such high-profile cases, which attract a lot of publicity often under the spotlight, but similar incidents occur in our everyday lives. Stress caused by schoolwork and tiredness can sometimes result in outbursts of anger against friends and family. Have you ever lost your temper for minor reasons? After calming down, most people are quick to realize their mistake and apologize. But it’s just as important to identify what caused the error in the first place and take action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

No one should hold a negative attitude to making a sincere apology. Empty words are easy to say, but they are as useless as they sound. A real show of remorse（痛悔;自责）demands hard work and commitment to put error right. 

1.What does the author intend to tell us in the case of HP?

2. According to the author, when we do anything wrong we firstly _________.

3.We can infer from the case of Thierry Henry that _________ .

4.Which of the following can best explain the word “commitment” in the last paragraph?

5. What’s the best title of this passage?

Use More Facial Expression

   One psychologist feels that our facial expression is responsible more than anything else for the impression others have of us. In fact, more than 50 percent of another’s impression, he believes, is influenced by the look on your face. Naturally a smile in which the eyes participate is extremely communicative. An unfriendly look often brings the same thing in return. People tend to mirror your expression, so try to show how you feel about a topic or an idea or the audience through your facial expression.

Rid Your Inner Fear

   It’s natural to have some tension or nervousness when you appear before an audience. The way to handle it is to put it to work for you , get into action, as Shakespeare observed, action cures fear. There are only a few known ways to control fear. The first is to admit it , do the thing you fear and it will be the death of fear itself. Another simple aid at the last minute before you begin, is to take a few deep breaths, which will help keep your voice under control. In fact, if you’re thoroughly prepared, just taking a few deep breaths before you’re introduced will give you added confidence and balance. Other known ways to control nervousness and fear are to give yourself an encouraging talk or take some physical exercise.

Polish Your Voice

   Our voice is the main instrument we possess for communicating with people. We all sound sensitive. So invest in a tape-recorder, practice your speech by speaking it into the microphone and then listen to it .You can even have others join in the evaluation of your strong points and your weaknesses or faults as well. Remember that Demosthenes and Winston Churchill both used pebbles in their mouths while practicing their speaking. Simply reading out loud can also help you improve your voice and develop a personal style.

Strengthen Your Memory

   Psychologists tell us that most individuals don’t use above ten percent of their natural capacity for memory, that’s comparable to trying to run a car on one cylinder(汽缸).Why do most people use so little of their power of memory? Because they don’t practise the fundamentals of remembering. First and most important, it’s necessary to have a burning desire to remember; it’s difficult to recall anything without wanting to do so. Step two is concentration. Henry Ward Beecher once observed, one hour of intense concentration can accomplish more than years of dreaming. The next principle is repetition. We learned many things in school by repetition. When you hear a name for the first time, repeat it, spell it, write it down and review it. You’ll soon know it by heart.

66.Why should you polish your voice?

A. Because it can develop a personal voice.       

B. Because you can practise reading aloud

C. Because you can have other evaluated it       

D. Because it is the major instrument in communication

67. To make a good impression on others, you should pay special attention to your        .

A. words             B. facial expression              C. gestures                  D. voice

68. Which of the following ways to get rid of your inner fear is NOT included in the passage?

A. Taking a deep breath                                   B. Keeping your voice under control

C. Having an encouraging talk                           D. Taking some physical exercise

69.How can you strengthen your memory?

A. By having a desire to remember , concentrate and repeat

B. By practicing the fundamentals of remembering

C. By writing down what we want to remember

D. By repeating, spelling and reviewing it.

70.What can be the best title for the passage?

A. Action Cures Fears                                     B. How to Strengthen Your Memory

C. How to Communicate with People                       D. Four Efficient Ways to Improve Your Speech