Most of us are taught to pay attention to what is said--the words. Words do provide us with some information, but meanings are (1) from so many other sources that it would hinder our effectiveness (2) a partner to a relationship to rely too heavily on words (3) Words are used to describe only a small part of the many ideas we associate with any given (4) . Sometimes we can gain insight into some of those (5) if we listen for (6) words. We don’t always say what we mean (7) mean what we say. Mostly we mean several things at once. A person wanting to purchase a house says to the current owner. "This step has to be fixed before I’ll buy." The owner says, "It’s been like that for years". (8) , the step hasn’t been like that for years, but the (9) message is: "I don’t want to fix it. We can put up with it why can’t you" The (10) for a more expansive view of meaning can be developed by examining a message (11) who said it, when it occurred, the (12) conditions or situation, and how it was said.
When a message occurs can also (13) associated meaning. A friend’s unusually docile behavior may only be understood by (14) that it was preceded by situations that required a (n) (15) amount of assertiveness.
We would do well to listen for how message are (16) The words, "it sure has been nice to have you over," can be said with (17) and excited or ritualistically. The phrase can be said once or (18) several times. And the meaning we associate with the phrase will change (19) Sometimes if we say something infrequently it assumes more importance; sometimes the more we say something the (20) importance it assumes.
Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark A, B, C, and D on ANSWER SHEET 1.4（）
A．message
B．description
C．statement
D．explanation