The power of words

主題語境：人與社會 篇幅：290詞 建議用時：6分鐘

1How men first learned to invent words is unknown.All we have really known is that men,unlike animals,somehow invented certain sounds to express thoughts,feelings,actions,and things so that they could communicate with each other.Later,they agreed upon certain signs,called letters(字母),which could come together to represent(代表)those sounds,and could be written down.These sounds,whether spoken or written in letters,are called words.

2The power of words,then,lies in their associations(聯系)—the things they bring to our minds.Words become filled with meaning for us by experience;and the longer we live,the more certain words recall to us the glad and sad events of our past;and the more we read and learn,the more the number of words that mean something to us increases.

3Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which touch our minds and emotions(情感).Above all,they are skilled at words.They can express their meaning in words.Their positions and associations can move us to tears.We should therefore learn to choose our words carefully and use them correctly,or they will make our speeches silly.

4I often talk to my kids about the power of words and how we use them.Sometimes we use our words wisely,but sometimes we don't.Everyone makes mistakes,or says things they regret.Offer kind words any time you are able to do so.It will make a difference to someone in a way.Negative words never bring anything good.Even if you disagree or are expressing your anger,be polite.Remember when words have hurt you,try not to do the same to someone else.

Reading Check

1.Which of the following were first invented by men about language?

A.Sounds. B.Signs. C.Letters. D.Actions.

2.What's special about great writers according to the text?

A.They communicate much in their lives.

B.They have rich life experiences.

C.They are good at making speeches.

D.They can express their great thoughts in words.

3.What does the underlined word “they” in paragraph 3 refer to?

A.Emotions. B.Thoughts. C.Words. D.Speeches.

4.The last paragraph mainly focuses on ________ .

A.some powerful words B.how to use words correctly

C.why kids make mistakes D.some polite actions

Language Study

Difficult sentences

1.These sounds,whether spoken or written in letters,are called words.這些聲音，無論是口頭的還是以字母形式寫下來的，都被稱為文字。

【點石成金】該句中的whether spoken or written in letters為插入語，起補充說明的作用。

2.Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which touch our minds and emotions.偉大的作家是那些不僅有偉大的思想，而且用觸動我們的思想和情感的語言來表達這些思想的人。

【點石成金】該句中，who引導一個定語從句，對先行詞those起修飾和限定作用。這個定語從句又有另一個由which引導的定語從句，words是其修飾和限定的先行詞。