A
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”
You probably heard those lines in grammar school, but do you really agree that harsh (严厉的) or negative words do not harm us? Words have power.Surely we all have had our feelings hurt by something someone said.
We may not say words to hurt others, but the way we interpret (解释) them and how we say them may cause great harm.Here's an example：
An ancient king dreamed all his teeth had fallen out.He sent for a wise man to explain his dream to him: the dream means that all your relatives will die and you will be left alone!
The king was very angry and threw the interpreter into prison.He then sent for another interpreter who said, “Congratulations! King! You will live many more years.In fact, you will survive all your relatives.Long Live the King！”
Both interpreters gave the same interpretation, but there was a huge difference in the way they said it.
Our speech must be understood by those who hear our words, but the way we say things and the intention behind them have as much power as the words themselves.Words can cause anger or appreciation.Which would you rather receive?
People who say harsh and negative things may not mean to harm, but have you ever known anyone who is a naysayer？They often look at the dark sides of things.They always see the glass as half empty rather than half full.How do you feel when you are around this type of person? Remember: words have power.Use them wisely.
语篇解读：本文是一篇议论文。文章通过一则小故事表明了语言的巨大威力：相同的意思用不同的语言来表达会带来不同的效果。进而提醒大家要字斟句酌，正确地运用语言。
1．The author mentions the story of the ancient king to show that ________.
A．one dream sometimes has different explanations
B．good words can bring good luck to people
C．people should be careful when talking to a king
D．different ways of saying things have different effects
解析：选D 推理判断题。根据第三段和第六段内容可知，作者引用这个故事的目的是为了论证自己的观点：相同的意思用不同的语言表达会带来不同的结果。故选D项。
2．The underlined word “naysayer” in the last paragraph refers to a person who always ________.
A．has a negative attitude
B．likes to be praised
C．talks big
D．likes to repeat what others say
解析：选A 词义猜测题。根据画线词的后两句“They often look at the dark sides of things.They always see the glass as half empty rather than half full.”可知，他们经常看到的是事情的阴暗面，他们总是看到杯子是半空的而不是半满的。由此可推断，这样的人总是对事情持消极态度。故选A项。
3．According to the text, how can people understand each other better?
A．By sharing different life experiences.
B．By accepting different habits.
C．By properly using words.
D．By recognizing different values.
解析：选C 细节理解题。根据最后两段可知，只有正确地使用语言，人们才能彼此更好地理解沟通。故选C项。
4．The passage mainly talks about ________.
A．the power of words
B．the cruelty of the king
C．how to understand others
D．how to build good relationships
解析：选A 主旨大意题。本文是围绕语言的巨大威力来展开论述的，故选A项。
