Reading comprehension.
In modern societies the media is full of pictures of "ideal (理想的) bodies". The "perfect" male is handsome,
tall and muscular and their "perfect" female equivalent is beautiful, firm and seemingly impossibly thin. These
"perfect" people are seen to have happiness, wealth and partners. The hidden message is "be like this and you
can have these things, too". This is what creates the pressure in most people-aspiring to these idealized body
images. We want these things and we think this is the way to get them. This pressure affects a lot of men and
women and, increasingly, boys and girls.
Many people ignore the fact that the idealized body images that surround them are just that idealized and
actually impossible for most of us. This can lead to poor self-esteem (自尊) and lack of confidence.
Remember the vast majority of people don't have perfect bodies. It doesn't actually mean you can't have the
positive things. The biggest myth is there are many ways to be attractive beyond the stereotype, It's certainly
not always the best-looking person that gets the girl or guy.
Most of us are much more likely to talk and get to know somebody who is friendly and approachable rather
than a more physically attractive self-centered person. Recognize your advantages and make the most of them
rather than dwell on imperfections. Your attitude towards yourself makes a big difference. Lack of confidence
in your appearance can lead you to behave in defensive ways that appear unfriendly, and this behavior is likely
to put people off rather than your appearance.
Believing in yourself and feeling good about your appearance will help automatically send off more positive
signals of yourself. So don't waste time trying to be a second-class somebody else but get on with being a first-
class you!
1. What do we know about "ideal bodies"?
A. They are perfect male and female models created by modern media.
B. They are not real men and women but something in the pictures.
C. They are believed to represent wealth, power and happiness.
D. They are one of the sources of jealousy for many ordinary people.
2. What is the mistake most people make when they look at the ideal bodies?
A. Most people want to be as wealthy and happy as the ideal bodies.
B. Most people think that it is the best way to achieve their personal goals.
C. Most people use those ideal bodies as examples for their children.
D. Most people ignore the fact that ideal bodies are impossible for them.
3. From the passage we probably know that _____.
A. physically attractive people are more welcomed by others
B. people full of confidence will be attractive to those around
C. ideal bodies are the only type of people that will be loved
D. most people with ideal bodies behave in a defensive way
4. What is the proper attitude to your appearance?
A. Be proud of it, if you are good-looking.
B. Cry over it, if you are an ugly-looking guy.
C. Make the best of your appearance to make profits.
D. Be confident, whether you are good-looking or not.
5. What does the last sentence of the passage imply?
A. It is waste of time to imitate those perfect people. Do try to be yourself.
B. You are always the best and all other people are the second class.
C. It is better to be a second class of others than a first class of yourself.
D. It is impossible to be both a second class somebody and a first-class you.
