Ⅰ.阅读理解
“Sorry seems to be the hardest word”—that is one of Elton John's most popular songs. But not every public figure seems to find it so tough to say that powerful fiveletter word.
In recent days public figures, from politicians to stars, have all publicly expressed remorse. But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse?
Specifically, saying sorry should be a realization that something you have said or done has hurt someone and you want to make amends (弥补). “People want the response to be personal to them. They want to feel that they're being listened to and taken seriously，” says Martin Stone.
Firstly, it is important to show that you understand. It is vital that any group or a person making an apology understands the focus—is it sorry for the way it's acted or is it sorry that the complainant feels the way they do? Watch out for the speed of response. The quicker the apology comes, the better it indicates that the person making it has felt an immediate sense of guilt.
If sincere, the person making the apology will be looking for clues (线索) to see if he or she is being understood, such as eye contact and facial expressions. Performed apologies always have a sense of being “acted out”， and are often accompanied by too many unnatural gestures.
For a sincere apology, it is also important to avoid promises that can't be kept. Don't say that you'll make sure that this will not happen again if you're not confident that it won't. It could come back to bite you. And do remember that the use of “but” can hugely change the tone (语气) of an apology. As Stone points out, “I'm sorry but” sounds like you are making excuses and aren't actually taking any form of responsibility.
本文是一篇说明文。文章教我们如何辨别道歉是否真诚。
1．What does the underlined word “remorse” probably mean?
A．Feelings. B．Appreciation.
C．Regret. D．Sympathy.
答案：C
解析：词义猜测题。根据第二段中how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse？(我们怎样才能从发自内心的悔恨中分辨出被迫的道歉呢？)由此推知画线词的意思是“后悔”。故选C。
2．Which of the following indicates it's a performed apology?
A．Swearing it will not happen again.
B．Avoiding eye contact with the listener.
C．Showing you understand his/her feelings.
D．Paying attention to the listener's reaction.
答案：B
解析：推理判断题。根据倒数第二段中If sincere, the person making the apology will be looking for clues (线索) to see if he or she is being understood, such as eye contact and facial expressions. Performed apologies always have a sense of being “acted out”， and are often accompanied by too many unnatural gestures.可知， “避免与听者有眼神交流”表明不是真诚的道歉，故选B。
3．What is stressed in the last paragraph?
A．The attitude. B．The tone of voice.
C．The body language. D．The choice of language.
答案：D
解析：推理判断题。根据最后一段中do remember that the use of “but” can hugely change the tone (语气) of an apology. As Stone points out, “I'm sorry but” sounds like you are making excuses and aren't actually taking any form of responsibility.可知，最后一段强调道歉语言的选择。故选D。
4．What is the purpose of the text?
A．To explain what a good apology is.
B．To discuss how to give a formal apology.
C．To show why we should apologize in life.
D．To teach us how to tell if an apology is sincere.
答案：D
解析：推理判断题。根据第二段But with so much remorse, how can we tell a forced apology from a heartfelt expression of remorse？(但是，带着如此多的懊悔，我们怎样从发自内心的悔恨中分辨出被迫的道歉呢？)可知，这篇文章的目的是“教我们如何辨别道歉是否真诚”。故选D。
