Directions: Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions or complete the statements in not more than 15 words for each question.?
① “Hello” is one of the first words we learn as babies, yet it’s one of the last ones we think to use as adults. That’s unfortunate, because saying hello is more than just saying hello. It is recognition of another’s worth. How might the world change — how might we change — if we mastered this word? To find out, I spent one month saying hello to every person I met. Here’s what I’ve learned.
② It can boost(促進(jìn))productivity. In one of the few studies ever done on this subject, Allan Allday, an assistant professor of special education at Oklahoma State University, had middle school teachers greet their students individually each morning. This exchange of greetings raised the kids’ productivity. School went from impersonal to personal, and that resulted in more class participation (參與) and better grades.
③ Environments influence friendliness. One study found that people in the city were more likely to kiss one’s hands with a stranger than those in the countryside. And, researchers say, pleasant environments generally encourage more smiles and hellos than unpleasant one. My experience was similar. Whatever the reason, my urban hellos were answered far less often than my rural ones. Similarly, people in vacation spots, like the Jersey Shore, were far friendlier than those hurrying to work downtown.
④ It’s a form of universal health insurance. It’s impossible to say hello without smiling. And smiling has been shown to lower blood pressure, relieve stress and boost happiness. Apparently, a smile creates a similar effect in the recipient (接受者).
⑤ So maybe we can make the world a better place by saying hello to each other. After a month of doing it, I feel lighter and more connected and I have a better sense of well-being.
小題1: In the first paragraph, what does the author mean by saying “it’s one of the last ones we think to use as adults”?
小題2:The research shows that if the school teachers greet their students each morning individually, the students______________________.
小題3: Three effects of smiling on health are: (1) ___________ (2) _____________ (3) _____________
小題4:What is the main idea of the passage?