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. oResentment - Anger at others for taking advantage of you. oFrustration - 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 (積極的回應)，some people might react differently.

　　How to be effectively(有效地) assertive: oUse "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?" oExpress 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...?" oKeep repeating your point. Use a low level and pleasant voice. Don?t try to explain yourself.

　　山東中考英語閱讀練習題目：

　　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.

　　山東中考英語閱讀練習答案：

　　1題A：考查觀點態度題。根據文章第一段"in a way that doesn?t infringe the rights of others.可知A為正確答案。CD與文章相反。B篇文章中為提到。

　　2題B：考查詞義猜測題。根據第四段文意"在陌生人面前比在你愛的人面前更能做到 "自信"，A.達成一致意見B.hold your point指的是"堅持你的觀點"C. 履行諾言 D.堅持斗爭

　　3題C：考查細節理解題。根據文章倒數第四行"Make clear and direct requirements."得知C是正確答案。