Question

       Since we are social beings, the quality of our lives depends in large measure on our interpersonal relationships. One strength of the human condition is our tendency to give and receive support from one another under stressful circumstances. Social support consists of the exchange of resources among people based on their interpersonal ties. Those of us with strong support systems appear better able to deal with major life changes and daily difficulties. People with strong social ties live longer and have better health than those without such ties. Studies over a range of illnesses, from depression（抑郁癥）to heart disease, show that the presence of social support helps people protect themselves from illness, and the absence of such support makes poor health more likely.

       Social support cushions stress in a number of ways. First, friends, relatives and co-workers may let us know that they value us. Our self-respect is strengthened when we feel accepted by others despite our faults and difficulties. Second, other people often provide us with informational support. They help us to explain and understand our problems and find solutions to them. Third, we typically find social companionship supportive. Engaging in leisure time activities with others helps us to meet our social needs while at the same time distract（轉(zhuǎn)移…注意力）us from our worries and troubles. Finally, other people may give us important support— financial aid, material resources, and needed services —that reduces stress by helping us solve and deal with our problems.

  83. Research shows that people’s physical and mental health has much to do with _________.

       A. the social medical system

       B. the amount of support they get from others

       C. their strength for dealing with interpersonal ties

       D. their ability to deal with daily worries and troubles

  84. The underlined word “cushions” probably means “______”.

       A. adds up to                       B. lessens the effect of

       C. does away with                D. lays the foundation for

  85. Helping a sick neighbor with some repair work is an example of _______.

       A. important support                    B. informational support

       C. social activity                          D. the strengthening of self-respect

  86. Social companionship is beneficial in that it _______.

       A. helps strengthen our ties with relatives

       B. enables us to get rid of our faults and mistakes

       C. makes our leisure time activities more enjoyable

       D. draws our attention away from our worries and troubles

Answer 1

BBAD