Question

Are you shy? If you are, you are not alone. In fact, close to 50 percent of people are shy. Almost 80 percent of people feel shy sometimes. Shyness is becoming more and more common. Now, scientists are trying to understand shyness. They have some interesting ideas about why people are shy.

Is it possible to be born shy? Many scientists say yes. They say 15 to 20 percent of babies behave shyly. These babies are a little quieter than other babies. Interestingly, these shy babies usually have shy parents. So scientists think that some shyness is genetic.

Family size might cause people to be shy as well. Scientists at Harvard University studied shy children. They found that 66 percent of them had elder brothers and sisters. As a result, they became shy. At the same time, children with no brothers or sisters may be shy as well. Growing up alone, they often play by themselves.

You may also be shy because of where you were born. When scientists studied shyness in different countries, they found surprising differences. In Japan, most people said they were shy. But in Israel(以色列), only one of three people said so. What explains the difference? One scientist says the Japanese and Israelis have different opinions of failure. In Japan, when people don’t succeed, they feel bad about themselves. They blame（责备）themselves for their failure. In Israel, the truth is opposite. Israelis often blame failure on external (外在的) reasons, such as family, teachers, friends, or bad luck. In Israel, freedom of opinion and risk taking are strongly supported. This may be why Israelis worry less about failure and are less shy.

For shy people, it can be difficult to make friends or speak loudly in class. But scientists say you can get over your shyness. They suggest trying new things and practicing conversation. And don’t forget—if you are shy, you are not the only one.

1.How many percent of people feel shy sometimes?

A. 50 percent. B. 66 percent. C. 80 percent. D. 15 to 20 percent.

2.The following facts are the causes of shyness EXCEPT ________.

A. family size B. the place you were born

C. be born shy D. dream for jobs

3.The underlined word “genetic” means “________” in Chinese.

A. 遗传的 B. 可怕的 C. 有趣的 D. 无能为力的

4.Scientists suggest that shy people can get over their shyness by _________.

A. blaming their failure on outside reasons

B. trying new things and practicing conversation

C. getting themselves away from their shy parents

D. trying to understand reasons for their shyness

5.Which is the main idea of the article?

A. Difficulties to get over shyness.

B. Get over shyness, you are not alone.

C. Shyness is one of the most important feelings.

D. Scientists who are trying to understand shyness finally succeed.

Answer 1