A. through B. universal C. gratitude D. generosity E. anniversaries
F. responsive G. reaching H. add to I. overlooked J. embarrassment
In our life, we have rarely expressed our gratitude to the one who’d lived those years with us. In fact, we don’t have to wait for (41)_______ to thank the ones close to us—the ones so easily (42)_______. If I have learned anything about giving thanks, it is this: give it now!While your feeling of appreciation is alive and sincere, act on it. Saying thanks is such an easy way to (43)_______ the world’s happiness.
Saying thanks not only brightens someone else’s world, but it also brightens yours. If you’re feeling left out, unloved or unappreciated, try (44)_______ out to others. It may be just the medicine you need.
Of course, there are times when you can’t express (45)_______ immediately. In that case don’t let (46)_______ sink you into silence—speak up the first time you have the chance.
Once a young minister, Mark Brian, was sent to a remote parish(教区) of Kwakiutl Indians in British Columbia. He had been told that the Indians did not have a word for thank you. But Brian soon found that these people had exceptional (47)_______. Instead of saying thanks, it is their custom to return every favor with a favor of their own, and every kindness with an equal or superior kindness. They do their thanks.
I wonder if we had no words in our vocabulary for thank you, would we do a better job of communicating our gratitude? Would we be more (48)_______, more sensitive and more caring?
Thankfulness sets in motion a chain of reaction that transforms people all around us—including ourselves, for no one ever misunderstands the melody of a grateful heart. Its message is (49)_______; its lyrics transcend all earthly barriers; its music touches the heavens.
EIHGC JDFB
Some people believe that greed and selfishness has become the basis of modern society, and we should return to the old traditions of family and community then we will have a better life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above opinion?
In this fast-paced world, many values are undergoing major changes. While people traditionally prioritize caring, sharing and generosity in life and work, modern people seem to be more self-absorbed and self-concerned.
Modern people act selfishly to survive the harsh competition of life. They say that it is a jungle out there. To survive, you have to fight with whatever means that come handy. Obviously greedy and selfishness go perfectly well with such ideas. In a company, employees do everything they can to get better pay and higher position, even at the cost of colleagues. We are in any way advocating any selfish conduct. It is just that people are pressured to act in a certain way due to outside influences.
In spite of common practice, it is hard to conclude that modern society is built on greed and selfishness, both of which are not newly invented vocabulary. In ancient times people also did greedy and selfish things though such behaviors were more condemned then. But we can not ignore the fact that people in the past lived a relatively more isolated life and faced less pressure compared with their modern counterparts.
Are we happier to share with others and be generous to them? There is no fixed answer either. Some people take great pleasure helping and giving to others while others feel happy doing the opposite. But I personally think that people should not be too selfish. Caring for others can actually encourage the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.
In conclusion, modern people appear to be more self-centered than those in the past due to strong outside pressure. However, we should encourage people to know the importance of being caring and generous and to build a mutually beneficial relationship with others.
Are Modern People Becoming More Selfish?
Main comparisons | Contexts |
__76__ are changing | In the past people put caring, sharing and generosity in the first ___77____. |
Nowadays, people seem to be more ____78____about themselves. | |
___79___are changing too. | People in the past appeared to be modest and self-effacing(谦让的). |
People may strive to achieve their own __80___ at the price of their coworkers. | |
The author’s understanding | |
___81____ for the changes in author’s eyes | Fierce __82___ and great __83___on modern people may be responsible for the changes. |
The author’s ___84____towards topic | A relationship which can ___85___ two sides should be established. |