阅读理解
When we offer our best wishes to others, more often than not, we say: "May you be happy every
day". But it's easier said than done to stay happy all the time. There are always things that stand in its
way.
The first, perhaps the biggest is genetics. Some scientists say that some people are naturally happier
than others. Besides, major life events as well as social and economic factors can also stand in the way
of happiness, such as losing your job or a family member. Then, there is health affecting your happiness.
So, is it possible that people can find lasting happiness with so many factors preventing them?
Positive psychologists(心理学家)believe it's possible for people to stay happy for long periods,
although it cannot be lasting. Martin Seligman at University of Pennsylvania argues that daytoday
happiness comes from two things: pleasures and satisfactions. Pleasures are rich experiences that simply
make us feel good things like eating cake or drinking wine. While pleasures can be quite satisfying, the
enjoyment we get from them is shortlived.
Satisfactions are activities that we like to do and we give all we have to them. They are often
challenging, and we have to draw_on personal skills and strengths to perform them. For some people,
satisfactions come with work. Doctors, for example, often become so concentrated in an operation that
hours pass without them noticing the time. For others, it may be hobbies like gardening, playing tennis or
stamp collecting. These satisfactory activities affect the mood in a way that appears to be lasting.
Too often, people choose pleasures over satisfactions because they are easier and the effects are
more immediate. Though pleasures may work for a while, there are bad effects. Pleasurable activities
become less enjoyable if overused. Always choosing pleasures over satisfactions can also prevent people
from developing their personal strengths, which, if they're not put to work, will die.
1. How many aspects are mentioned that affect one's staying happy?
A. Two.
B. Three.
C. Four.
D. Five.
2. Compared with pleasures, satisfactions ________.
A. have immediate effect and work quickly
B. are more meaningful and last longer
C. are more easily ignored by people
D. depend mostly on one's genetics
3. The underlined phrase "draw on" means ________.
A. learn
B. find
C. improve
D. use
4. What is the best title for the passage?
A. How to Be a Happier Person?
B. It's Impossible to Stay Happy Long.
C. Pleasures Are Different From Satisfactions.
D. The Factors That Affect Our Happiness.
