A
Every year, more books on happiness are published. And every year, more people feel depressed because they do not see themselves as happy. They don't remember or know what it feels like, and instead, they feel guilty that they aren't as happy as everyone says they should be. This is really a sad state of emotional affairs.
The books, blogs, YouTube videos and advice columns (专栏) will tell you that if you read, exercise, stay busy, help others, and increase your intimacy (亲密) every day, then you too can be happy.
The simple truth is that no one can be happy all the time. That doesn't mean you have to be sad, angry, or depressed the rest of the time but that you can find a middle ground called contentment. This middle ground is a good place mentally and emotionally, and spending time there is a healthy choice.
Contentment is somewhere between satisfied and peaceful. When you are in that place, the stuff of life can be going on around you, but you don't need to allow it to bother you. And that, my friends, is a very nice way to go through life.
I find contentment in walks and in writing, and in talking with my partner and reminding each other that our life is good, despite temporary setbacks or scary moments. Because I know about myself and I can respond differently. Doing this takes away stress and will keep you from losing your state of contentment.
If there is even one thing that puts you in a state of contentment — you do it regularly and early enough each day — it will help you go through any challenges you may have to face later.
Right at this moment, things around me are still a little out of my control — such is life — but I am feeling pretty good because I actively living my purpose. I am now content, and that feeling will last the whole day through. You can do the same.
语篇解读：本文是一篇议论文。文章论述了作者对“幸福”的看法及其对生活的积极态度。
1．What does the author want to stress by mentioning “Books on happiness” in Paragraph 1?
A．People find it difficult to agree on what happiness is.
B．Such books are so popular that they are sold out very soon.
C．Happiness is something easy to gain in our daily life.
D．Experts find it useless to argue about the value of happiness.
解析：选A 推理判断题。根据第一段可知，每年都有很多关于快乐的书出版是为了强调人们无法对书中定义的快乐产生认同感。
2．When facing setbacks or sad moments, what does the author do?
A．He turns to such media as blogs.
B．He definitely communicates with partners.
C．He adjusts himself and reacts positively.
D．He sees himself unlucky and feels depressed.
解析：选C 细节理解题。根据第五段第一句可知，每当作者遇到挫折时，他会散步、写作、和伙伴交谈，调节自己，积极面对。
3．What is the author most likely to agree with?
A．Still waters run deep.
B．Health is better than wealth.
C．Enough is as good as a feast.
D．One good turn deserves another.
解析：选C 推理判断题。根据第六段可知，作者强调要保持对生活的满足感，才能获得快乐。由此可知，作者会认同“知足常乐”这个观点。
4．What is the author's purpose in writing the text?
A．To introduce a novel experience.
B．To advocate a proper life attitude.
C．To encourage studies on happiness.
D．To persuade us to work endlessly.
解析：选B 写作意图题。根据最后一段最后一句可知，作者是要号召人们像文中说的一样，让自己对生活有满足感，从而获得快乐，即提倡正确的生活态度。
