题目

PART THREE
QUESTION 13-20
Read the article below about stress management, and answer questions 13-20 on the opposite page.

A Lesson In Stress Management
Demands placed on us at work can often lead to considerable worry and discomfort. There are, however, ways of protecting ourselves from the stress we face at work. We interviewed Jane Collard, a consultant in stress management.

1. In Jane Collard's opinion, stress is becoming an increasingly common feature of the workplace. Stress is a highly individual reaction, which varies considerably from person to person, and it is difficult for some employees to avoid it. Indeed, stress is regarded by many as part of the organizational culture of our institutions: it comes with the job. Recent figures indicate that time taken off work because of stress has increased by 500 per cent since the 1950s. Undoubtedly, changes in working conditions have led to greater pressure at work at all levels. With reductions in staffing, workloads for individual employees have increased. In addition, many employees are left worrying about the security of their jobs.

2. On the stress management courses that she runs, Jane Collard tries to make the trainees realise that stress in itself is not harmful. Everyone needs a certain level of stress to enable them to feel motivated and to perform effectively. A complete absence of stress can be as damaging as overstress, since it can make people lose interest in their work, and even lead to depression. The difficulties occur when the amount of stress rises above a level which is healthy for a particular individual. If this happens, the effects are very obvious and the trainees are taught to recognize the signs. Stress may be expressed physically, for example through headaches and tiredness, or through emotional problems such as depression. A person suffering from stress may also start to behave differently, and can be difficult to deal with.

3. While it may not always be possible to prevent stress, there are a number of ways in which it can be controlled. The first thing that the trainees learn is how to manage their time effectively. This involves, first of all, setting realistic goals for both the short and long term. Once this framework has been established, tasks are then prioritised on a daily basis. The trainees are also reminded that when they are under pressure the less important items should be left, and they should never hesitate to delegate. Everyone is encouraged to look at ways of reducing 'wasted time ', for example by grouping similar tasks together or dealing with items immedkiately.

4. Jane feels that one of the most useful features of the course is that it enables trainees to deal with those demands or deadlines that they regard as unreasonable. They are encouraged to avoid being defensive, but at the same time they are advised not to be afraid of saying 'no'. They are asked to give reasons only if necessary. The training helps them to foresee difficult situations or unwanted demands, and they learn how to prepare themselves mentally. Everyone is encouraged not to get stuck in negative thought patterns, where stress can feed a circular sense of helplessness. One solution they discuss is to think of a more encouraging alternative for each negative message. They learn, for example, to remind themselves that nothing terrible happens when a demand is refused or a deadline missed. Life goes on.

QUESTION 13-16
13 Paragraph 1 ___________
14 Paragraph 2 ___________
15 Paragraph 3 ___________
16 Paragraph 4 ___________

A Higher stress levels among top managers
B Coping with stress through a positive attitude
C Time lost at work through sickness
D Causes of increased stress in the work environment
E Explanations for missed deadlines
F stress reduction through better organisation
G Typical problems associated with stress

答案及讲解

答案：13.D 14.G 15.F 16.B

讲解：第一段的主要内容讲：压力在工作场所越来越常见。压力是非常个人化的反应，每个人都情况都不同，很难避免压力大的情况。许多人认为压力是有组织的文化的一部分，伴随着工作而来。由于工作压力而离开工作的人增加了很多。由于裁员，职员的压力更大，而且还要担心工作的安全。

第二段主要讲她试图让接受训练的人员意识到压力本身并不是有害的，适当的压力可以使人产生动力，表现的更好。完全没有压力和压力过大同样有害。如果完全没有压力，可能导致一个人对工作丧失兴趣，甚至产生抑郁症。当压力上升到一定程度，超过了健康水平时就会产生问题。如果这种情况发生，他们会教给被训练人员辨别压力迹象的方法。压力可能通过身体表现出来，比如头疼和疲倦，也可能通过情感方面表现出来，比如抑郁。苦于压力烦恼的人还可能开始行为异常。

第三段讲控制压力的方法。一是怎样有效控制时间，第一步是制定长期和短期的目标，按照计划去实施。一旦处于压力下，一些次要的东西可以先放下。要寻找避免浪费时间的方法。

第四段讲Jane讲述该课程的特点。

理解了文章的内容，就比较容易选择了。