DEARAUNTYf
My husband’s niece is 13 and what I would call “a handful”. She wants to stay with us for while, and her mother and grandmother have told me what a great influence I would be on her. Her visit ，no doubt, would bring about a long list of demands’ and she’d want to bring a friend too. I don t feel comfortable hosting her, but I don 3r know how to tell my husband’s family members without hurting their feelings.
-Reluctant Aunt
Dear Reluctant,
Let’s get you out of this mess. Your husband’s family is making a request that borders on a demand and sugarcoating it with self-serving flattery (恭维）• Put your foot down, and tell the truth. Say you don’t feel equipped or comfortable hosting the little darling, and regretfully decline (拒绝).Under no circumstances should you take part in any discussion that attempts to change your mind through flattery.
DEAR AUNTY
have two stepdaughters, 21 and 24. On holidays, the older one always buys me gift but adds her sister’s name on the card. I feel insincere thanking the younger daughter -Vd rather get no gift than be a part of this pretence. Is it tacky (俗气)to ask the 24-year-old to stop giving her sister credit while it isn t deserved? Will the younger one ever learn to be thoughtful?
-Mindful Mum
Dear Mindful,
Lighten up! Your older stepdaughter is a considerate and generous sister who covers for and protects her younger sister. Good for her! The girls’ relationship is between them. As for your role, you can’t punish anyone into being thoughtful. You can, however, model thoughtful behavior. Spend some time with her, and get to know her better.
小题1:The underlined word “a handful” would probably mean a person who______
A．is difficult to deal with
B．enjoys making friends
C．is easy to get along with
D．gets easily influenced小题2:AUNTY suggested that Reluctant Aunt______
A．kindly host the guest
B．discuss with her husband
C．politely turn down the request
D．try to meet all the demands小题3:Which of the following is TRUE about the second case?
A．Mindful Mum is very proud of her two step daughters.
B．The two stepdaughters always buy Mindful Mum gifts.
C．AUNTY thinks the older sister should be punished.
D．The older stepdaughter cares for her sister.小题4:In which section does the passage most probably appear in a magazine?
A．Entertainment.
B．Advice.
C．Health.
D．Food &Recipes.
