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     A lot of us lose life's tough battles by starting a frontal  attack - when a touch of humor might

well enable us to win. Consider the case of a young friend of mine, who was trapped in a traffic

jam on his way to work shortly after receiving a warning about being late for the job. Although

there was a good reason for Sam's a being late - serious illness at home - he decided that this by

now-familiar excuse wouldn't work any longer. His boss was probably already pacing up and dow

n preparing a dismissal speech.

     Yes, the boss was. Sam entered the office at 9:35. The place was as quiet as a locker room

(更衣室); everyone was hard at work. Sam's boss came up to him. Suddenly, Sam smiled and

stretched out his hand. "How do you do!" he said. "I'm Sam Maynard. I'm applying for a job,

which, I understand, became available just 35 minutes ago. Does the early bird get the worm?"

     The room exploded in laughter. However, the boss clamped off a smile and walked back to

his office. Sam Maynard had saved his job - with the only tool that could win, a laugh.

     Humor is a most effective, yet frequently neglected, means of handling the difficult situations

in our lives. It can be used for patching up differences, apologizing, saying "no", criticizing, getting

the other fellow to do what you want without his losing face. For some jobs, it's the only tool that

can succeed. It is a way to discuss subjects so sensitive that serious dialogue may start a quarrel.

For example, many believe that comedians  on television are doing more today for racial and

religious tolerance than people in any other field.

1. Why was Sam late for his job?

A. He was ill.                        

B. He was caught in a traffic jam.

C. He was busy applying for a new job.  

D. He got up late.

2. The underlined phrase "clamped off" in the third paragraph probably means __________.

A. burst into          

B. tried to set up  

C. tried to hold back    

D. gave out

3. Which of the following statements can we infer from the text?

A. Sam was supposed to come to his office at 8:30.

B. It wasn't the first time that Sam came late for his work.

C. Humor is the most effective way of solving problems.

D. All people lose life's battles for they are lacking in a sense of humor.