I’m having a great time in Hong Kong, __1__ I have to be honest and say that I prefer Shanghai. Still, it’s a great place to visit and I’m lucky to be here for my _2__ English course. Some other students are learning Japanese. I might like to learn some too. What languages would you like to learn?

There’s just _3_ to see and do here. Last night I went to a Chinese musical concert. Most of my friends like loud music that they can dance to. I prefer quiet, traditional music so the concert suited me just __4_. What kinds of music do you like?

Before the concert we went for Italian food. Do you like it? There __5__ lots of different kinds of food here. I don’t know what to try next. What kinds of food do you prefer?

My host family is taking me over to an Indian film festival next weekend. I’m not sure what to _6_ because I’ve never seen an Indian film. Have you? Some people say they’re boring, _7_ say they’re great. What kinds of films do you prefer?

1. A. although            B. because             C. so                     D. but

2. A. a six month           B. a six-month              C. six-month          D. six-months

3. A. a little                   B. too much           C. so many            D. so much

4. A. nice                   B. fine                   C. good                 D. great

5. A. will have           B. are                   C. have                 D. has

6. A. like                   B. prefer                 C. expect               D. try

7. A. the others             B. others               C. other                 D. the other

In a US study, researchers measured (测量) the happiness of 4739 people over 20 years. The study found that a person’s happiness depends on the happiness of people he connects with. Surprisingly, it also found that happiness spreads not only between direct friends, but also among friends of your friends’ friends! And those good feelings seem to have the greatest influence among friends of the same sex (性别).
“People with more good friends are less likely to develop depression (情绪低落) and worry,” says Dr. Toupey Luft. “Though you can’t choose your family or workmates, you do have control over friendships.” With a little effort, you can add more positive (正面的,积极的) relationships to your social circle. Here’re the suggestions:
“Nobody is all positive or all negative,” says Luft. “But there are people you may feel more positive. Use that as your way to check people and keep records.” When spending time with others, pay attention to your feeling. Are you feeling tired and unhappy？To help you keep records, Luft suggests taking a moment when you get home to write down what your feeling is when around them.
While it’s great to gather with positive friends, it’s also good to stay with others in the same life situations. “But if you’re all just complaining (抱怨) and nothing is changing, it’s not healthy,” says Luft. Are your friends negative, or are you doing most of the complaining? Considering the answers to these questions can help you decide if you want to stand in front of them. Or you could let the relationship disappear slowly.
Sometimes your hobbies can lead to true friendships. Check out newspapers and websites to find a group or class for something you enjoy. These friends can always be there for you and can care each other through difficulties, illness and death.
Not into groups? Look for individual (个人的) communication instead. Luft says, “Set small goals, such as having coffee with one new person, and develop friendship according to a plan. If someone suggests going for lunch sometime, set a date.”
“If you’re feeling disappointed (失望) with a friend, try talking about what you both need,” says Luft. For example, tell her what you want during hard times in your lives. While your friend may need to be left alone, you may want caring phone calls. With some friends you laugh and have fun together at the movies—and that can be enough. With others, you pay attention to your deep connection.
【小题1】What does your happiness depend on, according to the passage?