These pseudo-apologies are used by people who believe saying sorry shows weakness, Parents who wish to teach their children to apologize should see it as a sign of strength, and therefore not resort to these pseudo-apologies.

　　But even when presented with examples of genuine contrition, children still need　help to become a ware of the complexities of saying sorry. A three-year-old might need help in understanding that other children feel pain just as he does, and that hitting a playmate over the head with a heavy toy requires an apology. A six-year-old might need reminding that spoiling other children’s expectations can require an apology. A 12-year-old might need to be shown that raiding the biscuit tin without asking permission is acceptable, but that borrowing a parent’s clothes without permission is not.

　　36. If a mother adds “but” to an apology, ________.

　　A) she doesn’t feel that she should have apologized

　　B) she does not realize that the child has been hurt

　　C) the child may find the apology easier to accept

　　D) the child may feel that he owes her an apology

　　37. According to the author, saying “I’m sorry you’re upset” most probably means “________”.

　　A) You have good reason to get upset

　　B) I’m aware you’re upset, but I’m not to blame

　　C) I apologize for hurting your feelings

　　D) I’m at fault for making you upset

　　38. It is not advisable to use the general, all-covering apology because ________.

　　A) it gets one into the habit of making empty promises

　　B) it may make the other person feel guilty

　　C) it is vague and ineffective

　　D) it is hurtful and insulting

　　39. We learn from the last paragraph that in teaching children to say sorry ________.

　　A) the complexities involved should be ignored

　　B) their ages should be taken into account

　　C) parents need to set them a good example

　　D) parents should be patient and tolerant

　　40. It can be inferred from the passage that apologizing properly is ________.

　　A) a social issue calling for immediate attention

　　B) not necessary among family members

　　C) a sign of social progress

　　D) not as simple as it seems

　　36. D 37. B 38. C 39.B 40. D

　　“Tear ‘em apart!” “Kill the fool!” “Murder the referee (裁判)!”

　　These are common remarks one may hear at various sporting events. At the time they are made, they may seem innocent enough. But let’s not kid ourselves. They have been known to influence behavior in such a way as to lead to real bloodshed. Volumes have been written about the way words affect us. It has been shown that words having certain connotations (含義) may cause us to react in ways quite foreign to what we consider to be our usual humanistic behavior. I see the term “opponent” as one of those words. Perhaps the time has come to delete it from sports terms.

　　The dictionary meaning of the term “opponent “is “adversary “: “enemy “; “one who opposes your interests.” “Thus, when a player meets an opponent, he or she may tend to treat that opponent as an enemy. At such times, winning may dominate one’s intellect, and every action, no matter how gross, may be considered justifiable. I recall an incident in a handball game when a referee refused a player’s request for a time out for a glove change because he did not considered then wet enough. The player proceeded to rub his gloves across his wet T-shirt and then exclaimed. “Are they wet enough now?”

　　In the heat of battle, players have been observed to throw themselves across the court without considering the consequences that such a move might have on anyone in their way. I have also witnessed a player reacting to his opponent’s international and illegal blocking by deliberately hitting him with the ball as hard as he could during the course of play. Off the court, they are good friends. Does that make any sense? It certainly gives proof of a court attitude which departs from normal behavior.

　　Therefore, I believe it is time we elevated (提升) the game to the level where it belongs thereby setting an example to the rest of the sporting world. Replacing the term “opponent” with “associate” could be an ideal way to start.

　　The dictionary meaning of the term “associate” is “colleague”; “friend”; “companion.” Reflect a moment! You may soon see and possibly feel the difference in your reaction to the term “associate” rather than “opponent.”

　　57. Which of the following statements best expresses the author’s view?

　　A) Aggressive behavior in sports can have serious consequences.

　　B) The words people use can influence their behavior.

　　C) Unpleasant words in sports are often used by foreign athletes.

　　D) Unfair judgments by referees will lead to violence on the sports field.

　　58. Harsh words are spoken during games because the players ________.

　　A) are too eager to win

　　B) are usually short-tempered and easily offended

　　C) cannot afford to be polite in fierce competition

　　D) treat their rivals as enemies

　　59. What did the handball player do when he was not allowed a time out to change his gloves?

　　A) He refused to continue the game.

　　B) He angrily hit the referee with a ball.

　　C) He claimed that the referee was unfair.

　　D) He wet his gloves by rubbing them across his T-shirt.

　　60. According to the passage, players, in a game, may ________.

　　A) deliberately throw the ball at anyone illegally blocking their way

　　B) keep on screaming and shouting throughout the game

　　C) lie down on the ground as an act of protest

　　D) kick the ball across the court with force

　　61. The author hopes to have the current situation in sports improved by ________.

　　A) calling on players to use clean language on the court

　　B) raising the referee’s sense of responsibility

　　C) changing the attitude of players on the sports field

　　D) regulating the relationship between players and referees

　　57. A 58. B 59. D 60.C 61. D