Assertiveness is the ability to confidently express your opinions, feelings,attitudes, and rights, in a way that doesn't infringe（侵犯） the rights of others.

    Many of us are taught that it is not nice to consider our own needs above those of others. If someone says or does something that we don't like, we should just be quiet and try to stay away from that person in the future.

    Why is Assertiveness important?

     If you don't know how to be assertive, you might experience:

•Depression - Anger, a sense of being helpless, hopeless, or of having no　control over your life.

•Resentment - Anger at others for taking advantage of you.

•Frustration - Why did I allow that to happen?

     Most people find it easier to be assertive in some situations than in others. This　makes perfect sense. It's a lot easier to hold your ground with a stranger than with　someone you love. But the more important the relationship is to you, the more　ｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔ it is to be assertive. Assertive behavior leads to increased respect from others！

      But before you decide to act assertively, you have to decide if you can live

 with the results. Although assertive behavior usually will result in a positive

 response  (积极的回应)，some people 　might react differently.

   How to be effectively（有效地） assertive:

 •Use "I" statements. Keep the focus on the problem you're having. "I'd like to be able to tell my stories without interruption." instead of "You're always interrupting my stories ! "

 •Use facts, not opinions. "Did you know that shirt has a hole?" instead of　"You're not going out looking like THAT, are you?"

 •Express ownership of your thoughts, feelings, and opinions. "I get angry when he breaks his promises. " instead of "He makes me angry. "

 • Make clear and direct requirements. Don't invite the person to say no. "Will  you please?" instead of　'Would you mind．．．?" or "Why don't you．．．?"

•Keep repeating your point. Use a low level and pleasant voice. Don't try to explain yourself.

1.The writer probably agrees that­­­____________.

A. you should consider others' response before you act assertively

B. you should be assertive if you want to get good marks

C. assertiveness is the ability to infringe others' rights.

D. assertive behavior will bring you bad feelings

2.The expression "hold yourｇround" probably means “_________________”

A. reach an agreement

B. insist on your point

C. keep your word

D. keep on fighting

3.Which of the following helps you to be effectively assertive?

A. Explaining yourself in a soft and sweet voice.

B. Expressing ownership of others' thoughts.

C. Making requirements directly and clearly.

D. Using your opinions instead of facts.

阅读下面短文，根据所读内容，在文章后小题的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。

注意：每个空格只填一个单词。

Improve Homework Habits

Do you want to make homework simpler? It can be done readily with a little guidance from specialists (专家) in this field. Oxford Learning founder and CEO Dr. Nick Whitehead, said that homework doesn’t always have to be a headache. “Homework might be an unavoidable (不可避免的) part of school, but it doesn’t have to be the boring part. With the right skills in place, students can turn homework from headache-including to trouble-free.” These steps will make an obvious difference.

Use your notebooks

The brain is able to finish great works, but it is not perfect. Students should never rely on (依赖) it to remember all school details. When a teacher assigns homework, students should write the details in their notebooks. Many schools provide notebooks because they are the best organizational tools available.

According to Whitehead, to make them effective, students need to remember to take the notebooks out of their school bags at night, open them up, and read over the night’s list.

Remove distractions (使注意力分散的事物)

Computers on, music on, text messages receiving … this is not multitasking, it’s distracting.

Whitehead says that unless students are doing research, they should turn off all electronics and focus on the task at hand for a set period of time. They’ll find that it is easier to concentrate (全神贯注) and that homework takes less time. He adds that this fact has been confirmed by studies.

Think actively

Getting homework done is the name of the game, but what happens if students are struggling with a question, or can’t work out an answer? When facing difficulties, it is wise for the student to take a small break then return to look at the problem again.

According to Whitehead, students should look up their textbooks and school notes, take a step back to ask what the particular unit is all about, and even move ahead a few questions and see if the next part can help explain a little better. If not, use the Internet.

“Don’t stare at (盯着) the question; ask how this question relates to what is being learned overall.” he says.

Get organized

Homework is as much a part of daily routine as waking up in the morning and going to bed at night, but it’s often the most disorganized part. Whitehead recommends streamlining (使合理化) the process.

“Students should keep all the homework-related things in a bin or a bucket so they don’t waste time searching for pens or rulers.” He also recommends picking the same place to do homework every night, and (when possible) completing homework at the same time each day.

Boys and girls, calm down and focus on the test paper        you begin to think about the answers. Be confident. You can do it!

A. as if              B. as soon as            C. although