D. It would be a shadow kind of optimism to believe that the introduction of the art of inventing has benefited mankind immediately and brought them only benefit.

Ⅳ．阅读理解。阅读短文，根据短文的内容从A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出一个正确答案，并将“答题纸”的相应代码涂黑。错涂、多涂或未涂均无分。 （本大题共10小题，每小题2分，共20分）

Passage 1

Since we are social beings, the quality of our lives depends in large measure on our interpersonal relationships. One strength of the human conditions is our possibility to give and receive support from one another under stressful(有压力的) conditions. Social support makes up of the exchange of resources among people based on their interpersonal（人际间的） ties. Those of us with strong support systems appear better able to deal with major life changes and daily problems. People with strong social ties live longer and have better health than those without such ties. Studies over types of illnesses, from depression (抑郁症) to heart disease, show that the presence of social support helps people defend themselves against illness, and the absence of such support makes poor health more likely.

Social support cushions stress in a number of ways. First, friends, relatives and co-workers may let us know that they value us. Our self-respect is strengthened when we feel accepted by others in spite of (尽管) our faults and difficulties. Second, other people often provide us with informational support. They help us to define and understand our problems and find solutions to them. Third, we typically find social companionship ( 同伴) supportive. Taking part in free-time activities with others helps us to meet our social needs while at the same time distracting(转移注意力) us from our worries and troubles. Finally, other people may give us instrumental (手段的) support—money aid, material resources, and needed services—that reduces stress by helping us resolve and deal with our problems.

41. Interpersonal relationships are important because they can help us to ______ .

A. live a better life                                                     B. smooth away daily problems

C. deal with life changes                                           D. cure types of illnesses

42. The researches show that people’s physical and mental health ______ .

A. lies in the social medical care systems which support them

B. has much to do with the amount of support they get from others

C. depends on their ability to deal with daily worries and troubles

D. is related to their courage for dealing with major life changes

43. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the underlined word “cushions” ?

 A. takes place of                                                      B. makes up of

C. reduces the effect of                                             D. gets rid of

44. Helping a sick neighbor with some repair work is an example of ______ .

 A. instrumental support                                          B. informational support

C. social companionship                                          D. the strengthening of self-respect

45. What is the subject discussed in the text?

 A. Interpersonal relationships.                               B. Kinds of social support.

C. Ways to deal with stress.                                      D. Effects of stressful conditions.

Passage 2

There are two types of people in the world. Although they have equal degree of health and wealth and other comforts of life, one becomes happy and the other becomes unhappy. This arises from the different ways in which they consider things, persons，events and the resulting effects upon their minds.

People who are to be happy fix their attention on the convenience of things: the pleasant parts of conversation, the well prepared dishes, the goodness of the wine and the fine weather. They enjoy all the cheerful things. Those who are t