阅读理解。
A letter to Edward, a columnist (报刊专栏作家)
Dear Mr Expert:
I grew up in an unhappy and abusive home. I always Promised myself that I'd get out as soon as
possible. Now, at age 20, I have a good job and a nice house, and I'm really proud of the independence
I've achieved.
Here's the problem: several of my friends who still live with their parents wish they had places like
mine-so much so that they make mine theirs.
It started out with a couple of them spending the weekends with me. But now they seem to take it
for granted that they can show up any time they like. They bring boyfriends over, talk on the phone and
stay out forever.
I enjoy having my friends here sometimes-it makes the place feel comfortable and warm-but this is
my home, not a party house. I was old enough to move out on my own, so why can't I seem to ask my
friends to respect my privacy (隐私)?
Joan Edward's reply to Joan
Dear Joan:
If your family didn't pay attention to your needs when you were a child, you probably have trouble
letting others know your needs now.
And if you've gathered your friends around you to rebuild a happy family atmosphere (气氛), you may
fear that saying no will bring back the kind of conflict you grew up with-or destroy the nice atmosphere
you now enjoy. You need to understand that in true friendship it's okay to put your own needs first from
time to time.
Be clear about the message you want to send. For example, "I really love your company but I also need some privacy. So please call before you come over."
1. We can learn from the first letter that Joan Edward _____.
A. lives away from her parents
B. takes pride in her friends
C. knows Mr Expert quite well
D. hates her parents very much
2. We can infer from the first letter that _____.
A. Joan considers her friends more important than her privacy
B. Joan's friends visit her more often than she can accept
C. Joan doesn't like the parties at all
D. Joan dislikes the boyfriends her friends bring over
3. According to Mr Expert, why can't Joan tell her friends her feelings?
A. She is afraid of hurting her friends.
B. She does not understand true friendship.
C. Her family experience stops her from doing so.
D. She does not put her needs first.
4. The underlined word "conflict" in the second letter means _____.
A. dependent life
B. fierce fight
C. bad manners
D. painful feeling
5. The second letter suggests that Mr Expert _____.
A. is worried about Joan's problem
B. warns Joan not to quarrel with her friends
C. advises Joan on how to refuse people
D. encourages Joan to be brave enough
