阅读理解。
Have you ever been afraid to talk back when you were treated unfairly? Have you ever bought something
just because the salesman talked you into it?
Are you afraid to ask someone for a date? Many people are afraid of assert themselves, that is to say dare
not state their opinions confidently. Dr. Albert, author of Stand up, Speak Out, and Talk Back, thinks it is
because their self-respect is low."Our whole set up (体制) is designed to make people distrust themselves,"
says Albert. "There is always 'superior' around - a parent, a teacher, a boss-who'knows better'. These superiors often gain when they chip (削弱) away at your self-image."
But Alert and other scientists are doing something to help people assert themselves. They offer "assertiveness training" courses-AT for short. In the AT courses people learn that they have a right to be themselves. They
learn to speak out and feel good about doing so. They learn to be more active without hurting other people.
In one way, learning to speak out is to overcome fear. A group taking an AT course will help the timid
person to lose his fear. But AT uses an even stronger motive the need to share. The timid person speaks out in
the group because he wants to tell how he feels.
Whether or not you speak up for yourself depends on your self-image. If someone you face is more
"important" than yon, you may feel less of a person. You start to doubt your own good sense.
You go by the other person's demand. But, why should you? AT says you can get to feel good about
yourself. And once you do, you can learn to speak out.
1. What is the best title for this passage?
A. Assertiveness Training
B. The importance of self-image
C. Development of Self-respect
D. How to Feel Good of Yourself
2. The underlined word "timid" in this passage probably means"_______"?
A. brave
B. active
C. angry
D. shy
3. Which of the following problems is mainly discussed in this passage?
A. People are easily cheated when they buy something
B. Some people usually think too low of themselves
C. People are usually afraid of their superiors
D. Some people are not used to making their ideas public
4. We may infer from the passage that the writer's attitude towards the whole set up is _______.
A. positive
B. negative
C. appreciative
D. aggressive
