Passage 1
When you're concerned about a loved one's well - being, starting a conversation can be challenging. Here are some useful conversation starters.
How are you feeling at the moment It might sound simple, but showing a genuine interest can be a good approach. Keeping things broad allows them to go at their own pace with sharing, as well as choose the starting point for the conversation. 1.___ It can also be a helpful route into a deeper conversation, as often the initial idea of "what's bothering us" might not seem as personal, but follow - up questions can allow you to enter into the impact of this and how they feel more detail.
I realise I haven't checked in properly for a while. How are things with you Is there anything you want to talk about For a more casual approach, you could say something like this to introduce the idea of checking up, while also setting expectations that you want to check - in more regularly. Knowing that could make them more aware of the support network they have, so even if they answer "I'm fine", they may contemplate sharing next time. 2.____
I've noticed you've not really been yourself lately. Has something been bothering you This can make them feel seen, recognising that you've noticed a change in their behaviour, and care about them. 3.____ Often, if we're in a challenging situation, we're so focused on it that we don't know what might help us, and so drawing attention to this option, and letting them know it's there, could feel like a real relief.
I don't want to overstep, but I know you've been having a hard time. I want you to know I'm here for you – would talking it through help 4.____ It allows them to set their own boundaries, but also might prompt them to think about what will help them.
When you make an effort to check - in with someone, they might not always be ready to open up, and that's OK – it's important not to pressure them. So if that's the case, reassure them that you're there for them when they are. The fact that you've noticed they might be struggling and checked in itself can help create a safe, supportive space. 5.____ By their side for support.
A. A direct question like this shows you care about their situation.
B. And it can be a starting point for a more in - depth conversation.
C. In the meantime, maintain your connection by planning ways to remind them they're not alone.
D. Sometimes, just being there for them is enough to make a difference.
E. This simple question can be a great way to start a conversation.
F. It can help them feel that their feelings are understood and that they're not being judged.
G. It's a gentle way to show you care and open the door for communication.
答案
E:前文提到 “How are you feeling at the moment ” 这个问题看似简单但能开启对话,E 选项 “This simple question can be a great way to start a conversation.” 中的 “This simple question” 指代前文的问题,且说明这是开启对话的好方式,与前文衔接紧密,所以选 E。
G:该段主要讲了用较为随意的方式询问对方近况并表达关心,G 选项 “It's a gentle way to show you care and open the door for communication.” 中的 “It's a gentle way” 对应前文 “For a more casual approach”,“open the door for communication” 也符合这种询问方式能开启交流的意思,所以选 G。
F:前文提到 “I've noticed you've not really been yourself lately. Has something been bothering you ” 这种询问能让对方感受到被关注,F 选项 “It can help them feel that their feelings are understood and that they're not being judged.” 进一步说明这种询问对对方的影响,即让他们觉得自己的感受被理解且不被评判,与前文逻辑连贯,所以选 F。
A:该段开头的询问是直接表达对对方困境的关注,A 选项 “A direct question like this shows you care about their situation.” 中的 “A direct question like this” 指代开头的询问,且说明这种直接询问能体现对对方情况的关心,与该段内容相符,所以选 A。
C:前文提到当对方还没准备好敞开心扉时要让他们知道你在支持他们,C 选项 “In the meantime, maintain your connection by planning ways to remind them they're not alone.” 中的 “In the meantime” 承接上文,“maintain your connection” 和 “remind them they're not alone” 进一步说明了在这种情况下要做的事,所以选 C。
Passage 2
Treating Yourself Wisely
In our busy lives, treating ourselves is important, but it should be done in a way that benefits us both physically and mentally. Here are some tips on how to treat yourself wisely.
Manage your finances for treats Glance over your bank statements, and you'll probably find that you're already embracing treat culture with enthusiasm. Take stock of your spending and set yourself a monthly treat budget. Consider those midweek shopping trips or the Saturday night takeaway. 1.____ If it made you feel bloated and tired the next day, perhaps it isn't an ideal future treat option. This way, you can ensure that your treats are both enjoyable and within your financial means.
Avoid emotional numbing The key to treating yourself is to make sure that you are using it as a way to increase your sense of fulfillment, not repress difficult emotions. 2.____ But instead of always opting for convenience, experiment with spending your time instead. This could be putting your phone on silent and escaping into a nostalgic movie complete with homemade popcorn, or looking up recipes online to slow - cook a delicious meal without any distractions. Such experiences can truly satisfy your soul.
3.____We spend our days rushing from one task to another, which means we often waste money on things that offer convenience over pleasure. But treating yourself should be about pleasure. So, it's crucial to use your time wisely when treating yourself. You could engage in activities that you truly enjoy, like reading a good book in a cozy corner or taking a long, relaxing bath.
Think about the experience Research shows that purchases that lead to human connection tend to be a guaranteed boost for your mental health, because meaningful social relationships contribute a great deal to our happiness. 4.____ This might mean prioritizing treats that involve a social aspect, such as eating in restaurants with friends, or going to see your favourite band play live. Again, it's about figuring out the specific emotional benefit that the treat delivers, instead of throwing money at your unhappiness.
Treating yourself is a personal journey. It's not just about the material things but also about the experiences and emotions associated with them. 5.____ By being more intentional with how you treat yourself, you can improve your quality of life and overall well - being.
A. Spend time with family.
B. Spend your time wisely
C. So, it's important to choose treats that align with your values and bring you long - term joy.
D. For example, did they boost your mood
E. Sometimes, we waste money on things that only offer short - term pleasure.
F. We often waste money on things that offer convenience over pleasure.
G. Spending time with others can be a great way to treat yourself.
答案
D:前文提到要回顾平时的消费行为,后文说如果某种消费带来不好的后续感受就不是理想选择,D 选项 “For example, did they boost your mood ”(例如,它们提升你的心情了吗?)通过举例进一步说明要思考这些消费的效果,与上下文衔接紧密,所以选 D。
F:该段主题是避免情感麻木,前文指出犒劳自己应是增加满足感而非压抑情绪,后文说不要总是选择便利的方式,F 选项 “We often waste money on things that offer convenience over pleasure.”(我们经常在提供便利而非愉悦的事物上浪费钱)与后文形成对比转折,符合语境,所以选 F。
B:此段后文提到人们因忙碌常把钱花在便利而非愉悦的事物上,而犒劳自己应注重愉悦,要明智利用时间,B 选项 “Spend your time wisely”(明智地利用你的时间)作为小标题能准确概括段落主旨,所以选 B。
G:前文表明能带来人际关系的消费对心理健康有益,后文举例说明涉及社交方面的犒劳方式,G 选项 “Spending time with others can be a great way to treat yourself.”(和他人共度时光是犒劳自己的好方式)承上启下,说明和他人相处是很好的犒劳途径,与上下文连贯,所以选 G。
C:该空位于文章结尾段,前文总结犒劳自己不仅关乎物质,还涉及相关的体验和情感,C 选项 “So, it's important to choose treats that align with your values and bring you long - term joy.”(所以,选择与你的价值观相符并能给你带来长期快乐的犒劳方式是很重要的)进一步强调了正确选择犒劳方式的要点,对全文起到总结升华的作用,所以选 C。
Passage 3
Weddings are a celebration of love, commitment, and family, yet planning them can be extremely stressful. A 2023 survey from a wedding planning app found that a whopping 94% of us feel stressed while planning our big day. So, how can you reduce the stress and focus on what really matters on your wedding day Here are some tips from experts.
Identify what you truly want Counsellor and clinical supervisor Jacqui Parkinson advises deciding on your true non - negotiables early on, as they can have a huge impact. Write down your non - negotiables (maybe your ideal venue, your key colour scheme, your perfect bridesmaid dress) and get those locked in. Anything else can be considered a ‘nice to have’, but you can move forward stress - free, knowing that the essentials for your dream day are in the bag.” 1.____
Delegate, delegate, delegate “Choose a good support team and delegate, delegate, delegate. You don't have to do it all yourself—honestly!” Jacqui says. “The most effective organisers have a list of trusted contacts to call upon for advice or practical help. 2.____ Siting down, sharing your vision and expectations, and then dividing up tasks according to skills and temperament can bring immediate relief.”
Don't give away too many details Recently, psychotherapist Justine Sheedy found that too much advice and input could lead to putting others’ ideas and wishes before your own. “Taking wedding advice from others is challenging and, more often than not, 3.____ It can be hard to filter through all the opinions and figure out what actually matters to you.”
Set realistic expectations Weddings usually involve multiple people with different ideas and preferences. It's important to remember that not everything will go exactly as planned. 4.____ Try to focus on the overall experience rather than getting caught up in small imperfections.
Take care of yourself Amidst all the wedding planning chaos, it's easy to neglect your own well - being. Make sure to schedule some time for self - care activities like exercise, meditation, or a relaxing bath. 5.____ A healthy and happy you will be better able to handle the stress.
In conclusion, with these tips, you can reduce the stress of wedding planning and enjoy the journey to your big day.
A. Pick two or three people you can depend upon and bring them into your circle of wedding planning trust.
B. you may end up feeling more stressed and confused.
C. This will help you relax and recharge, both physically and mentally.
D. This way, you can ensure that the most important aspects of your wedding are taken care of.
E. You should communicate your needs and concerns clearly to your partner and wedding team.
F. However, with some careful planning and the right approach, you can manage the stress effectively.
G. It's normal to feel a bit of disappointment when things don't go as expected, but don't let it ruin your day.
答案
D:前文提到要确定好自己婚礼中最重要的、不可协商的事项,D 选项 “This way, you can ensure that the most important aspects of your wedding are taken care of.”(这样,你可以确保婚礼最重要的方面都得到了处理)中的 “This way” 指代前文确定重要事项的做法,说明了这样做的好处,与前文衔接紧密,所以选 D。
A:该段主题是要学会分配任务,前文提到有效的组织者有可信赖的联系人名单,A 选项 “Pick two or three people you can depend upon and bring them into your circle of wedding planning trust.”(挑选两三个你可以信赖的人,并将他们纳入你婚礼策划的信任圈子)进一步说明了如何建立支持团队,与该段主题相符,所以选 A。
B:前文说太多他人的建议和意见会导致把别人的想法和愿望置于自己的之前,B 选项 “you may end up feeling more stressed and confused.”(你最终可能会感到更加焦虑和困惑)说明了接受过多他人建议的结果,与前文逻辑连贯,所以选 B。
G:该段主题是要设定现实的期望,前文提到婚礼中不是所有事情都会按计划进行,G 选项 “It's normal to feel a bit of disappointment when things don't go as expected, but don't let it ruin your day.”(当事情没有如预期那样发展时,感到有点失望是正常的,但不要让它毁了你的一天)承接上文,说明了面对这种情况应有的态度,所以选 G。
C:该段主题是要照顾好自己,前文提到要安排一些自我照顾的活动,C 选项 “This will help you relax and recharge, both physically and mentally.”(这将有助于你在身体和精神上放松和恢复精力)说明了这些活动的作用,与前文衔接恰当,所以选 C。Passage 1
When you're concerned about a loved one's well - being, starting a conversation can be challenging. Here are some useful conversation starters.
How are you feeling at the moment It might sound simple, but showing a genuine interest can be a good approach. Keeping things broad allows them to go at their own pace with sharing, as well as choose the starting point for the conversation. 1.___ It can also be a helpful route into a deeper conversation, as often the initial idea of "what's bothering us" might not seem as personal, but follow - up questions can allow you to enter into the impact of this and how they feel more detail.
I realise I haven't checked in properly for a while. How are things with you Is there anything you want to talk about For a more casual approach, you could say something like this to introduce the idea of checking up, while also setting expectations that you want to check - in more regularly. Knowing that could make them more aware of the support network they have, so even if they answer "I'm fine", they may contemplate sharing next time. 2.____
I've noticed you've not really been yourself lately. Has something been bothering you This can make them feel seen, recognising that you've noticed a change in their behaviour, and care about them. 3.____ Often, if we're in a challenging situation, we're so focused on it that we don't know what might help us, and so drawing attention to this option, and letting them know it's there, could feel like a real relief.
I don't want to overstep, but I know you've been having a hard time. I want you to know I'm here for you – would talking it through help 4.____ It allows them to set their own boundaries, but also might prompt them to think about what will help them.
When you make an effort to check - in with someone, they might not always be ready to open up, and that's OK – it's important not to pressure them. So if that's the case, reassure them that you're there for them when they are. The fact that you've noticed they might be struggling and checked in itself can help create a safe, supportive space. 5.____ By their side for support.
A. A direct question like this shows you care about their situation.
B. And it can be a starting point for a more in - depth conversation.
C. In the meantime, maintain your connection by planning ways to remind them they're not alone.
D. Sometimes, just being there for them is enough to make a difference.
E. This simple question can be a great way to start a conversation.
F. It can help them feel that their feelings are understood and that they're not being judged.
G. It's a gentle way to show you care and open the door for communication.
Passage 2
Treating Yourself Wisely
In our busy lives, treating ourselves is important, but it should be done in a way that benefits us both physically and mentally. Here are some tips on how to treat yourself wisely.
Manage your finances for treats Glance over your bank statements, and you'll probably find that you're already embracing treat culture with enthusiasm. Take stock of your spending and set yourself a monthly treat budget. Consider those midweek shopping trips or the Saturday night takeaway. 1.____ If it made you feel bloated and tired the next day, perhaps it isn't an ideal future treat option. This way, you can ensure that your treats are both enjoyable and within your financial means.
Avoid emotional numbing The key to treating yourself is to make sure that you are using it as a way to increase your sense of fulfillment, not repress difficult emotions. 2.____ But instead of always opting for convenience, experiment with spending your time instead. This could be putting your phone on silent and escaping into a nostalgic movie complete with homemade popcorn, or looking up recipes online to slow - cook a delicious meal without any distractions. Such experiences can truly satisfy your soul.
3.____We spend our days rushing from one task to another, which means we often waste money on things that offer convenience over pleasure. But treating yourself should be about pleasure. So, it's crucial to use your time wisely when treating yourself. You could engage in activities that you truly enjoy, like reading a good book in a cozy corner or taking a long, relaxing bath.
Think about the experience Research shows that purchases that lead to human connection tend to be a guaranteed boost for your mental health, because meaningful social relationships contribute a great deal to our happiness. 4.____ This might mean prioritizing treats that involve a social aspect, such as eating in restaurants with friends, or going to see your favourite band play live. Again, it's about figuring out the specific emotional benefit that the treat delivers, instead of throwing money at your unhappiness.
Treating yourself is a personal journey. It's not just about the material things but also about the experiences and emotions associated with them. 5.____ By being more intentional with how you treat yourself, you can improve your quality of life and overall well - being.
A. Spend time with family.
B. Spend your time wisely
C. So, it's important to choose treats that align with your values and bring you long - term joy.
D. For example, did they boost your mood
E. Sometimes, we waste money on things that only offer short - term pleasure.
F. We often waste money on things that offer convenience over pleasure.
G. Spending time with others can be a great way to treat yourself.
Passage 3
Weddings are a celebration of love, commitment, and family, yet planning them can be extremely stressful. A 2023 survey from a wedding planning app found that a whopping 94% of us feel stressed while planning our big day. So, how can you reduce the stress and focus on what really matters on your wedding day Here are some tips from experts.
Identify what you truly want Counsellor and clinical supervisor Jacqui Parkinson advises deciding on your true non - negotiables early on, as they can have a huge impact. Write down your non - negotiables (maybe your ideal venue, your key colour scheme, your perfect bridesmaid dress) and get those locked in. Anything else can be considered a ‘nice to have’, but you can move forward stress - free, knowing that the essentials for your dream day are in the bag.” 1.____
Delegate, delegate, delegate “Choose a good support team and delegate, delegate, delegate. You don't have to do it all yourself—honestly!” Jacqui says. “The most effective organisers have a list of trusted contacts to call upon for advice or practical help. 2.____ Siting down, sharing your vision and expectations, and then dividing up tasks according to skills and temperament can bring immediate relief.”
Don't give away too many details Recently, psychotherapist Justine Sheedy found that too much advice and input could lead to putting others’ ideas and wishes before your own. “Taking wedding advice from others is challenging and, more often than not, 3.____ It can be hard to filter through all the opinions and figure out what actually matters to you.”
Set realistic expectations Weddings usually involve multiple people with different ideas and preferences. It's important to remember that not everything will go exactly as planned. 4.____ Try to focus on the overall experience rather than getting caught up in small imperfections.
Take care of yourself Amidst all the wedding planning chaos, it's easy to neglect your own well - being. Make sure to schedule some time for self - care activities like exercise, meditation, or a relaxing bath. 5.____ A healthy and happy you will be better able to handle the stress.
In conclusion, with these tips, you can reduce the stress of wedding planning and enjoy the journey to your big day.
A. Pick two or three people you can depend upon and bring them into your circle of wedding planning trust.
B. you may end up feeling more stressed and confused.
C. This will help you relax and recharge, both physically and mentally.
D. This way, you can ensure that the most important aspects of your wedding are taken care of.
E. You should communicate your needs and concerns clearly to your partner and wedding team.
F. However, with some careful planning and the right approach, you can manage the stress effectively.
G. It's normal to feel a bit of disappointment when things don't go as expected, but don't let it ruin your day.