The power of words

主题语境：人与社会 篇幅：290词 建议用时：6分钟

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(联系)—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.这些声音，无论是口头的还是以字母形式写下来的，都被称为文字。

【点石成金】该句中的whether spoken or written in letters为插入语，起补充说明的作用。

2.Great writers are those who not only have great thoughts but also express these thoughts in words which touch our minds and emotions.伟大的作家是那些不仅有伟大的思想，而且用触动我们的思想和情感的语言来表达这些思想的人。

【点石成金】该句中，who引导一个定语从句，对先行词those起修饰和限定作用。这个定语从句又有另一个由which引导的定语从句，words是其修饰和限定的先行词。