Assertiveness is the ability to confidently express your opinions, feelings,attitudes, and rights, in a way that doesn't infringe（侵犯） the rights of others.
Many of us are taught that it is not nice to consider our own needs above those of others. If someone says or does something that we don't like, we should just be quiet and try to stay away from that person in the future.
Why is Assertiveness important?
If you don't know how to be assertive, you might experience:
?Depression - Anger, a sense of being helpless, hopeless, or of having no　control over your life.
?Resentment - Anger at others for taking advantage of you.
?Frustration - Why did I allow that to happen?
Most people find it easier to be assertive in some situations than in others. This　makes perfect sense. It's a lot easier to hold your ground with a stranger than with　someone you love. But the more important the relationship is to you, the more　ｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔ it is to be assertive. Assertive behavior leads to increased respect from others！
But before you decide to act assertively, you have to decide if you can live
with the results. Although assertive behavior usually will result in a positive
response  (积极的回应)，some people 　might react differently.
How to be effectively（有效地） assertive:
?Use "I" statements. Keep the focus on the problem you're having. "I'd like to be able to tell my stories without interruption." instead of "You're always interrupting my stories ! "
?Use facts, not opinions. "Did you know that shirt has a hole?" instead of　"You're not going out looking like THAT, are you?"
?Express ownership of your thoughts, feelings, and opinions. "I get angry when he breaks his promises. " instead of "He makes me angry. "
? Make clear and direct requirements. Don't invite the person to say no. "Will  you please?" instead of　'Would you mind．．．?" or "Why don't you．．．?"
?Keep repeating your point. Use a low level and pleasant voice. Don't try to explain yourself.
【小题1】The writer probably agrees that­­­____________.

A．you should consider others' response before you act assertively

B．you should be assertive if you want to get good marks

C．assertiveness is the ability to infringe others' rights.

D．assertive behavior will bring you bad feelings

【小题2】The expression "hold yourｇround" probably means “_________________”

A．reach an agreement

B．insist on your point

C．keep your word

D．keep on fighting

【小题3】Which of the following helps you to be effectively assertive?

A．Explaining yourself in a soft and sweet voice.

B．Expressing ownership of others' thoughts.

C．Making requirements directly and clearly.

D．Using your opinions instead of facts.

Happy Farm is an online game. It is very popular among people in China. The game offers you a piece of empty land and some seeds (种子) at first. You are like the farmer. If your land is small, you can spend some money to make it big. And you must harvest your things on the farm on time, or some other farmers will steal your fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs and so on. Of course, you can steal theirs. If you want to make money, you must sell your things out.
Some Chinese websites have offered this game to its users. So far, it is said that about 16 million Chinese people are playing this game. Some people were so crazy (疯狂的) that they even get up in the midnight to harvest their crops and steal others’.
Happy Farm brings happiness to people. It is really a fascinating game. But it also brings many problems. It is reported that a baby died in a hospital just because the doctor didn’t give him timely treatment. Do you know what the doctor was doing? He was playing Happy Farm! There are many stories like this.
【小题1】According to this passage, what is very popular in China?

A．The farmer	B．Happy Farm
C．The Chinese website	D．The Doctor

【小题2】Which is the right order to play the game Happy Farm?
a. Plant some crops.         b. Harvest your crops on time.   
c. Sell your things out.       d. Get land and some seeds.

A．d-b-c-a

B．a-d-c-b

C．d-a-b-c

D．c-d-a-b

【小题3】Many people are so involved in the game Happy Farm that they get up in the midnight _____.

A．to harvest and steal crops

B．to chat with others

C．to sell their things out

D．to read news about this game

【小题4】What does the writer think of this game?

A．It is not interesting at all.

B．People shouldn’t be crazy about it.

C．People must get up early to steal crops.

D．People may play it when they are at work.