(2015·贵州贵阳一模)Communication is an important part of any relationship. Many of us are __1__ to share our experiences or emotions with our friends. But when it’s our turn to lend a(n) __2__， we soon become bored or are short of ideas on how to __3__ and offer advice.
That’s because of what researchers call “listener burnout (精疲力竭)”. A friend might talk to us __4__， often complaining about the same __5__ problems. When we offer quick advice to __6__ the situation, we may be unconsciously trying to __7__ ourselves from burnout. However, good listeners __8__ their natural tendency to solve the other’s problems hurriedly and to keep the conversation brief.
To be a good __9__， you need to use “active listening”. It starts with the real __10__ to help others and think through their feelings. Don’t __11__ things. You can start by putting your phone __12__ and sitting close to your friend. Let your facial expressions __13__ what he or she is saying. __14__ you are able to fully understand, acknowledge the other person’s __15__ by reflecting them back: “That must be really hard for you.” Use __16__ words or even sounds such as “yes”“right”， and “hmm” to __17__ the other person to continue.
Of course, a __18__ can be extremely hard if the other person is too critical. But don’t get defensive. Effective listeners don’t __19__ negative criticism. Instead, they listen and understand what the person is trying to convey __20__ responding.
【解题导语】 交流在人际关系中起着重要的作用，许多人都愿意和朋友分享自己的经历或情感，但是如何做一个善听者呢?文章对这个问题进行了说明。
1.A.afraid B.hesitant
C.shy D.eager
解析：选D。我们许多人都渴望和朋友分享自己的经历或感情。be eager to do sth.“渴望做某事”。
2.A.shoulder B.hand
C.ear D.eye
解析：选C。lend an ear为固定短语，意思为“倾听”。
3.A.respond B.explain
C.argue D.quit
解析：选A。根据“and offer advice”可知，我们对如何做出反应(respond)和提供建议没有了主意。
4.A.aimlessly B.endlessly
C.deliberately D.cautiously
解析：选B。由下文的“经常抱怨同样老生常谈的问题”可知，这里应该是无休止地(endlessly)对我们谈这些。
5.A.difficult B.old
C.acute D.sensitive
解析：选B。参见上题解析。
6.A.fix B.discuss
C.create D.describe
解析：选A。由“offer quick advice”可知，应选fix，表示“解决”。
7.A.forgive B.protect
C.discourage D.prevent
解析：选B。protect sb./sth. from sth.表示“保护某人/某事免于某事”，符合语境。
8.A.follow B.display
C.form D.overcome
解析：选D。然而，好的倾听者会克服(overcome)他们的自然倾向来迅速解决他人的问题。
9.A.reader B.partner
C.listener D.speaker
解析：选C。由下文的“active listening”可知，做一个好的倾听者(listener)需要积极地倾听他人诉说。
10.A.demand B.habit
C.desire D.ability
解析：选C。开始时要有真的要帮助别人的渴望(desire)，并认真考虑他们的感情。
11.A.skip B.rush
C.overlook D.postpone
解析：选B。rush things表示“仓促做事”，符合语境。
12.A.away B.off
C.out D.up
解析：选A。这里表示把你的手机收起来(putting your phone away)，紧紧地坐在你朋友身边。
13.A.record B.restrict
C.reflect D.replace
解析：选C。由下文的“by reflecting them back”可知，这里表示让你的面部表情对你朋友所说的话做出反应。
14.A.Whether B.Since
C.While D.If
解析：选A。作为一个倾听者不管你是否(whether)能够完全理解对方，你都要对对方的感情(feelings)做出回应。
15.A.suggestions B.purposes
C.responses D.feelings
解析：选D。参见上题解析。
16.A.big B.tough
C.strong D.short
解析：选D。由下文的yes, right和hmm可知，要用简短的(short)语言来鼓励(encourage)他人继续说下去。
17.A.force B. remind
C.encourage D.convince
解析：选C。参见上题解析。
18.A.conversation B.suggestion
C.problem D.lecture
解析：选A。由语境可知，这里说的是谈话(conversation)很难进行下去。
19.A.give up B.make up
C.leave out D.block out
解析：选D。善听者不会抹去负面批评，相反，他们会在做出反应之前倾听并且明白这个人试图传达的意思。block out“不去想，抹去”。
20.A.after B.before
C.while D.once
解析：选B。参见上题解析。
