Since we are social beings, the quality of our lives depends in large measure on our interpersonal relationships. One strength of the human condition is our tendency to give and receive support from one another under stressful circumstances. Social support consists of the exchange of resources among people based on their interpersonal ties. Those of us with strong support systems appear better able to cope with major life changes and daily hassles (困难). People with strong social ties live longer and have better health than those without such ties. Studies over a range of illnesses, from depression to heart disease, reveal that the presence of social support helps people fend off (挡开) 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 despite 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 supportive. Engaging in leisure-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 support—financial aid, material resources, and needed services—that reduces stress by helping us resolve and cope with our problems.

　　36. Interpersonal relationships are important because ________.
　　A) they are indispensable to people’s social well-being
　　B) they awaken people’s desire to exchange resources
　　C) they help people to cope with life in the information era
　　D) they can cure a range of illnesses such as heart disease, etc

　　37. Research shows that people’s physical and mental health ________.
　　A) relies on the social welfare 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 closely related to their strength for coping with major changes in their lives

　　38. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word “cushions” (Line 1, Para. 2)?
　　A) Adds up to.
　　B) Does away with.
　　C) Lessens the effect of.
　　D) Lays the foundation for.

　　39. 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

　　40. Social companionship is beneficial in that ________.
　　A) it helps strengthen our ties with relatives
　　B) it enables us to eliminate our faults and mistakes
　　C) it makes our leisure-time activities more enjoyable
　　D) it draws our attention away from our worries and troubles

　　答案：36. A 37. B 38. C 39.A 40. D