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(2020·惠州市高三第一次调研)
How to Cultivate Confidence?
When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to appear at every corner, maybe you’ll hear this advice: Be more confident.__1__ Take the belief that you are precious and capable, also known as selfesteem.Confidence turns thoughts into action.It comes from the genes you are born with, the way people get used to treating you as well as the choices you make.While it isn’t possible to completely separate these three factors, the personal choices we make obviously play a major role in confidence development.As a result, by keeping certain practical tips in mind, we do actually have the power to cultivate our own confidence.
__2__ If you’re looking for a longterm change, consider the way you think about your abilities and talents.Do you think they are fixed at birth, or that they can be developed? These beliefs matter because they can influence how you act in the face of setbacks.If you have a fixed mindset, meaning that your talents are locked in the place, you might give up, assuming you’ve discovered something you’re not good at.But if you have a growth mindset, and think your abilities can improve, a challenge will become an opportunity to learn and grow.Neuroscience (神经科学) supports the latter.The connections in your brain do get stronger and grow with study and practice.__3__
Practicing failure is a must.Failure happens.__4__ J．K.Rowling was rejected by twelve different publishers before one picked up Harry Potter.The Wright brothers built on history’s failed attempts at flight before designing a successful airplane.Studies show that those who fail regularly and keep trying anyway are better equipped to respond to challenges in constructive ways.__5__ So, think of a challenge you want to take on, realize it’s not going to be easy, accept that you’ll make mistakes, and be kind to yourself when you do.You’ll feel the excitement, knowing that whatever the result, you’ll have gained greater knowledge and understanding.
A．But what is confidence?
B．So can confidence be easily cultivated?
C．Everyone is likely to encounter failure.
D．Being a talented person is quite necessary.
E．They learn to try different strategies and persevere.
F．Believing in your abilities to improve is the first step.
G．It also turns out that people with a growth mindset are better at dealing with challenges.
语篇解读：文章主要介绍了两条非常实用的培养自信心的建议：第一，相信自己的能力可以提高；第二，从失败中汲取经验教训。
1．选A 前一句给出要更加自信的建议，后一句是说相信自己是有价值的，有能力的，这也是自尊，故A项“但是什么是自信？”衔接上下文，符合语境。
2．选F 根据文章结构和空处所在位置可知，空处为该段的主题句。第一段最后一句是说要记住几条实用的建议，第二段第一句话应该是第一条建议，并结合该段的内容可知，本段主要讲述要相信自己的能力可以提高，故F项“相信你的能力能提高是第一步”符合语境。
3．选G 根据上文中的“But if you have a growth mindset ...grow with study and practice.”可知，如果你有成长的心态，认为你的能力可以提高，一项挑战将变成学习和成长的机会，你大脑里的联系就会更强并且随着学习和练习而增加，由此可知，空处应是进一步说明有成长心态的人的优势，故G项符合语境。
4．选C 空前一句是说失败很常见，空后两句又举例说明一些名人在成功前遭遇的失败，故C项“每个人都有可能经历失败”衔接上下文，符合语境。
5．选E 空前一句是说那些经常失败但一直坚持的人会积极应对挑战，故E项“他们学着尝试不同的策略并坚持不懈”符合语境。
