Question

【题目】

Dear Mike,

I’ve been sad recently because my parents are always arguing. They argue about a few different things. I am afraid when they argue. It feels like a dark cloud above me. What should I do?

Kate

Dear Kate,

Parents sometimes argue with each other about things —that’s just a fact of life. In fact, occasional (偶尔的) arguments are a sign of a healthy relationship, as they show that both sides are willing to share their feelings instead of bottling them up inside.

However, I know it can be stressful or even scary when your parents fight. If you really feel strongly about this, talk to your parents about it. Don’t talk to them while they’re arguing—that will just make them feel more upset. Instead, wait until after an argument and try to talk to them together. Explain how their fighting makes you feel.

One last important thing: If you ever see their arguments turn violent (暴力的), don’t be afraid to bring it up with your teacher or another adult you trust. They will know what to do.

Mike

Dear Kate,

Try to adjust (调整) your feelings and don’t be too sad. Sadness can’t solve anything. That’s the lesson I’ve learned from my own experiences. My parents also argue over trivial (琐碎的) things. For example, they often work late and are too busy to make dinner. My father worries about me and often blames (指责) my mother for this.

I’m trying to learn how to cook on my own and do other simple chores, like cleaning my room. This can help to lower their stress. But if our parents fight, we can also ask our neighbor or grandparents for help. Other adults can help to solve their problems. You can also watch some talk shows or sitcoms to make yourself feel better.

Qing Mian, 15, Zhejiang

【1】What is Kate’s problem?

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【2】What attitude (态度) does Mike have about Kate’s problem?

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【3】Why shouldn’t Kate talk to her parents while they are arguing, according to Mike?

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【4】Don’t Qing Mian’s parents argue?

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【5】How does Qing Mian help to lower his parents stress?

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Answer 1

【答案】

【1】Her parents are always arguing.

【2】That’s just a fact of life.

【3】Because that will make them feel more upset.

【4】Yes, they do.

【5】He is trying to learn how to cook on his own and do other simple chores.

【解析】

Kate最近有一个烦恼，那就是她的父母总是因为一些事争吵，她不知道怎么办？Mike和Qing Mian分别给出自己的建议。

【1】根据“I’ve been sad recently because my parents are always arguing.” 可知Kate难过的原因是父母总是争吵。故填Her parents are always arguing.

【2】根据“Parents sometimes argue with each other about things —that’s just a fact of life.” 可知Mike对父母吵架的看法就是，他认为这就是现实生活。故填That’s just a fact of life.

【3】根据“Don’t talk to them while they’re arguing—that will just make them feel more upset.”可知破折号后面对前句话的解释，也就是当他们吵架时不跟他们说话是因为那会让他们感觉更心烦。故填Because that will make them feel more upset.

【4】根据“My parents also argue over trivial (琐碎的) things.” 可知Qing Mian的父母也经常会因为一些琐事吵架，因此否定句式的一般疑问句的回答是Yes, they do.“不，他们吵架”。故填Yes, they do.

【5】根据“I’m trying to learn how to cook on my own and do other simple chores, like cleaning my room. This can help to lower their stress.”可知this指代上文的“学习自己做饭和做一些家务”，这些能够帮助他们缓解压力。故填He is trying to learn how to cook on his own and do other simple chores.