When someone has a sharply different viewpoint from our own, we naturally choose two common ways: avoiding the conversation or trying to convince them that they are wrong. Research shows there is a better choice—using receptive language, which means showing we are truly interested in new points of view.
Many of us try to avoid disputed discussions and prefer talking with people who hold similar opinions. We wrongly believe that communicating with those who disagree with us will be extremely unpleasant. When we have to talk with others who have different views, we always try to make them give up their beliefs to “win” the argument. Unfortunately, the other side will do the same, making the problems harder to solve.
A more effective method is being conversationally receptive. Studies show that the receptive attitude makes our arguments more convincing, and makes people more willing to accept our ideas. It also makes us more popular and improves our cooperation with others.
Researchers put forward three practical tips to improve conversational receptiveness. First, recognise the other person’s point of view to show that we value their opinions. Second, hedge your statements—we’d better not express our views in a direct and forceful way, so that our ideas can be better accepted. Third, express our arguments in a polite way instead of using rude words.
By following these tips, we can communicate
more effectively and bridge the differences with others smoothly.
任务一 选择正确答案
1. According to the passage, being conversationally receptive can lead to .
A. useful communication
B. creative opinions
C. clear confidence
D. different opinions
2. The words “hedge your statements” in Paragraph 4 probably mean “”.
A. explain your reasons clearly
B. raise your questions politely
C. voice your ideas less forcefully
D. express your excuses more directly
3. Where can you most possibly read this article?
A. In a science book.
B. In a storybook.
C. In a social science magazine.
D. In a guidebook.
任务二 回答问题(每个题目的答案不超过5个单词)
1. What’s a better way to face disagreements?

2. How may people feel when they talk to those who have similar ideas?

3. What can receptive language help us do?

4. How should we express our ideas?

5. What do you often do when you have different opinions from others?

任务一
1. A 推理判断题。根据“Studies show that the receptive attitude makes our arguments more convincing ... with others.”可知，当我们表现出接纳性的态度时，我们的论点会更有说服力，人们更愿意接受我们的想法，这让我们更受欢迎，促进我们和他人的合作。即接纳性对话能促成更有效的沟通。
2. C 词义猜测题。根据 we'd better not express our views in a direct and forceful way 可知，我们最好不要用直接的、强硬的方式表达观点。hedge your statements 在此意为“委婉表达观点，避免过于强硬”。
3. C 推理判断题。本文围绕人际沟通、观点分歧、接纳性语言等社会交往话题展开，这类内容最常出现在社会科学类杂志中。
任务二
1. Using receptive language. 2. Pleased. 3. Improve our cooperation with others. 4. In a polite way. 5. Value their ideas. /Make them accept mine.（答案不唯一）

【分析】
本题为英语阅读理解题，分为任务一（选择题）和任务二（简答题）。任务一的3道题分别考查细节推理、词义猜测、文章出处判断，需通过定位原文对应内容或结合语境分析作答；任务二为细节查找题，需从原文提取符合字数要求的答案，第5题为开放性问题，结合实际作答即可。
【解析】
任务一：
1. 细节推理题：定位到第三段，接纳性态度能让论点更有说服力、促进合作，对应“有用的沟通”，故选A。
2. 词义猜测题：第四段中“hedge your statements”后解释“we’d better not express our views in a direct and forceful way”，即少有力地表达想法，故选C。
3. 推理判断题：文章围绕人际沟通的社会交往话题展开，属于社会科学范畴，最可能出自社会科学杂志，故选C。
任务二：
1. 细节查找题：原文第一段明确指出更好的方式是“using receptive language”。
2. 细节查找题：原文提到人们喜欢和观点相似的人交流，可推断感受是愉快的，答Pleased。
3. 细节查找题：原文第三段提到接纳性语言能“improves our cooperation with others”。
4. 细节查找题：原文第四段提到要“express our arguments in a polite way”。
5. 开放性问题，结合自身实际作答，如Value their ideas。
【答案】
任务一：1.A 2.C 3.C
任务二：1.Using receptive language. 2.Pleased. 3.Improve our cooperation with others. 4.In a polite way. 5.（答案不唯一，如Value their ideas）
【知识点】
英语阅读理解、词义猜测、推理判断
【点评】
本文围绕人际沟通中处理观点分歧的策略展开，考查学生的英语阅读理解核心能力，题型常规，难度适中，适合学生练习。
【难度系数】
0.6