The best way to come first is to go last．An analysis of almost 50 years of competitions--including Eurovision Song Contests and world skating championships--has found that contestants are more likely to win if they are among the last to appear before the judges．

 The study by an American university appears to provide scientific proof(证据)that the best man，or woman，does not always win．

 It found that。on average，the last competitor to appear in the Eurovision Song Contest was more than twice as likely to win as the one who went on first．

 The first rounds of figure-skating championships，for which the running order is selected at random，showed more dramatic results．The final skater had a 1 4 per cent chance of victory，making him or her more than four times as likely to win as the first skater．

The study showed a gradual worsening of chances for competitors who appeared earlier in the running order．A contestant who appears first in a contest is two per cent less likely to win than one who appears second．A contestant who appears second is two per cent less likely to win than one who appears third，and so on。

 The findings are published in the March issue of Acta Psychologica，a scientific journal．

 Robert Hardman，a senior lecturer in psychology at London Metropolitan University who specializes in the science of decision-making，said that the results were interesting。He suggested that the effect was caused by the limitations of the human memory．

“When people make comparisons；they aren’t really able to make a lot of fine-grade discrimination．When contestants appear at the beginning of a contest, judges have little to compare them to and are perhaps wary(谨慎的)of the scores they give,” he said．

“Later on，when judges are able t0 compare the contestants to those that have gone before，

they might give more extreme marks because they feel more confident about their judgments．”

11．Robert Hardman’s words mainly tell about his       .

A．own achievement in the research

B．explanation for the findings

C．suggestion to solve the problem

D．comments on the findings

12 The first skater in the first round of figure skating championships had a        percent chance of winning．

A．two    B．three    C．four        D．six                         

13．According to the study，the best competitor does not always win possibly because he／she

_______.

 A．fails to show his／her very best

B．is mistakenly put in the running order

C．meets with unfair judges

D．appears too early before the judges

14．Judging from the context，the underlined word  “worsening” in the 5th paragraph should mean        .

A．decrease in number

B．increase in degree

C．reduction in possibility

D．rising in quantity

15. What may be a problem with the judges according to the article?

A．They can’t remember things well enough．

B．They believe the first is seldom the best．

C．They don’t really know what is good．

D．They show favor towards the contestants they like．

Interviewing someone for a job is not as easy as it looks. First, as the interviewer, you’re tasked with finding the person who will not only do the job well but also fit in well with the other employees.
You have to make an evaluation of abstract qualities that can’t be found on a résumé. Because you have to repeat the process for every potential employee, you end up asking question after question, applicant after applicant.
Still, interviewers need to be told something: “What is your biggest weakness?” is not a good question. It just isn’t.
Now, job seekers have to understand that interviewers want to find some way to know what makes an applicant different from others. Asking questions that are seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see who can think creatively. Then what may be a proper way to respond to such a question?
Honesty, with a twist(新手法)
“‘What are your three strengths and three weaknesses?’ is a classic, but not too many people know how to answer this,” says Kenneth C. Wisnefski, founder and CEO of WebiMax, an online marketing company.
“As an interviewer, we want to hear strengths that describe initiative(主动性), motivation and dedication. The best way to respond is to include these qualities into specific ‘personal statements.’”
“Similarly, weaknesses should be positioned as a strength that can benefit the employer.”
“I like to hear applicants state an exaggerated strength, and put an interesting twist on it. An example of this is, ‘My initiative is so strong, that sometimes I take on too many projects at a time.’”
This answer leads with a strength that employers want —initiative —and still acknowledges that you’re not perfect.
Although you might consider this acknowledgement too honest, it works because it proves you’re being honest.
Honesty, with progress
When you consider what your weaknesses are, think about how you have attempted to overcome them. No one is perfect, so pretending that you are a perfectionist will come across as insincere.
Debra Davenport, author of “Career Shuffle,” believes citing(引用) examples are the best approach.
“My preferred response for this question is to tell the truth without damaging the applicant’s image.” Davenport explains.
“A better response might be, ‘I’ve had some challenges with work-life balance in the past and I realize that a life out of balance isn’t good for me, my family or my employer. I’ve taken the time to learn better time and project management, and I’m also committed to my overall wellness.’”
The answer adds some dimension to the question, and proves you’ve thought beyond the answer. You’ve actually changed your behavior to address the situation, even if you haven’t completely overcome the weakness.
Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes
However you decide to answer, Debra Yergen, author of “Creating Job Security Resource Guide,” recommends job seekers imagine themselves sitting on the other side of the desk.
“If you were doing the hiring, what would you be looking for? What would be your motivation for asking certain questions? Who would you be trying to weed out? If you can empathize (共鸣) with the interviewer, you can better understand what they want and need, and then frame your qualifications to meet their needs for the position you seek.”
Once you consider what the goal of the question is and figure out what your honest answer is, you’ll be able to give the best possible answer to a tricky question.

Job Interviews
Tasks for a job interviewer	☆ Find the person both doing the job well and (【小题1】)   ▲   along well with other employees. ☆ (【小题2】)   ▲  abstract qualities of applicants by asking one question after another.
(【小题3】)    ▲   to interviewees for replying to a tricky question	☆ Understand that the interviewers want to (【小题4】)   ▲   between applicants and that asking a question seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see an applicant’s (【小题5】)   ▲   . ☆ Be (【小题6】)   ▲   and inventive when asked about your weaknesses, and respond properly. ☆ Never (【小题7】)   ▲   you are perfect, which may be believed to be insincere. ☆Try to show that you’ve changed a lot (【小题8】)   ▲    you haven’t completely get rid of your weaknesses. ☆ Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes and have a better  (【小题9】)   ▲      of their needs for the job.
Conclusion	☆ With the goal of the question (【小题10】)   ▲   into account and the honest answer in your mind, you will be able to give the best possible answer.

 

 阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。

注意：请将答案写在答题卡上相应题号的横线上。每个空格只填1个单词。

Interviewing someone for a job is not as easy as it looks. First, as the interviewer, you’re tasked with finding the person who will not only do the job well but also fit in well with the other employees.

You have to make an evaluation of abstract qualities that can’t be found on a résumé. Because you have to repeat the process for every potential employee, you end up asking question after question, applicant after applicant.

Still, interviewers need to be told something: “What is your biggest weakness?” is not a good question. It just isn’t.

Now, job seekers have to understand that interviewers want to find some way to know what makes an applicant different from others. Asking questions that are seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see who can think creatively. Then what may be a proper way to respond to such a question?

Honesty, with a twist（新手法）

“‘What are your three strengths and three weaknesses?’ is a classic, but not too many people know how to answer this,” says Kenneth C. Wisnefski, founder and CEO of WebiMax, an online marketing company.

“As an interviewer, we want to hear strengths that describe initiative（主动性）, motivation and dedication. The best way to respond is to include these qualities into specific ‘personal statements.’”

“Similarly, weaknesses should be positioned as a strength that can benefit the employer.”

“I like to hear applicants state an exaggerated strength, and put an interesting twist on it. An example of this is, ‘My initiative is so strong, that sometimes I take on too many projects at a time.’”

This answer leads with a strength that employers want — initiative — and still acknowledges that you’re not perfect.

Although you might consider this acknowledgement too honest, it works because it proves you’re being honest.

Honesty, with progress

When you consider what your weaknesses are, think about how you have attempted to overcome them. No one is perfect, so pretending that you are a perfectionist will come across as insincere.

Debra Davenport, author of “Career Shuffle,” believes citing(引用) examples are the best approach.

“My preferred response for this question is to tell the truth without damaging the applicant’s image.” Davenport explains.

“A better response might be, ‘I’ve had some challenges with work-life balance in the past and I realize that a life out of balance isn’t good for me, my family or my employer. I’ve taken the time to learn better time and project management, and I’m also committed to my overall wellness.’”

The answer adds some dimension to the question, and proves you’ve thought beyond the answer. You’ve actually changed your behavior to address the situation, even if you haven’t completely overcome the weakness.

Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes

However you decide to answer, Debra Yergen, author of “Creating Job Security Resource Guide,” recommends job seekers imagine themselves sitting on the other side of the desk.

“If you were doing the hiring, what would you be looking for? What would be your motivation for asking certain questions? Who would you be trying to weed out? If you can empathize (共鸣) with the interviewer, you can better understand what they want and need, and then frame your qualifications to meet their needs for the position you seek.”

Once you consider what the goal of the question is and figure out what your honest answer is, you’ll be able to give the best possible answer to a tricky question.

Job Interviews	Details
Tasks for a job interviewer	☆ Find the person both doing the job well and1.     along well with other employees. ☆ 2.   abstract qualities of applicants by asking one question after another.
3.   to interviewees for replying to a tricky question	☆ Understand that the interviewers want to 4.   between applicants and that asking a question seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see an applicant’s 5.      . ☆ Be6.     and inventive when asked about your weaknesses, and respond properly. ☆ Never 7.     you are perfect, which may be believed to be insincere. ☆Try to show that you’ve changed a lot 8.    you haven’t completely get rid of your weaknesses. ☆ Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes and have a better9.       of their needs for the job.
Conclusion	☆ With the goal of the question 10.    into account and the honest answer in your mind, you will be able to give the best possible answer.

 

请认真阅读下列短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入一个最恰当的单词。  

注意：每个空格只填1个单词。

Interviewing someone for a job is not as easy as it looks. First, as the interviewer, you're tasked with finding the person who will not only do the job well but also fit in well with the other employees.

You have to make an evaluation of abstract qualities that can't be found on a résumé. Because you have to repeat the process for every potential employee, you end up asking question after question, applicant after applicant.

Still, interviewers need to be told something，“What is your biggest weakness？” is not a good question. It just isn't.

Now, job seekers have to understand that interviewers want to find some way to know what makes an applicant different from others. Asking questions that are seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see who can think creatively. Then what may be a proper way to respond to such a question?

Honesty, with a twist(新手法)

“‘What are your three strengths and three weaknesses？’ is a classic,  but not too many people know how to answer this，” says Kenneth C. Wisnefski,  founder and CEO of WebiMax, an online marketing company.

“As an interviewer, we want to hear strengths that describe initiative(主动性), motivation and dedication. The best way to respond is to include these qualities into specific ‘personal statements’．”

“Similarly, weaknesses should be positioned as a strength that can benefit the employer.”

“I like to hear applicants state an exaggerated strength, and put an interesting twist on it. An example of this is, ‘My initiative is so strong, that sometimes I take on too many projects at a time.’”

This answer leads with a strength that employers want—initiative—and still acknowledges that you're not perfect.

Although you might consider this acknowledgement too honest, it works because it proves you're being honest.

Honesty, with progress

When you consider what your weaknesses are, think about how you have attempted to overcome them. No one is perfect, so pretending that you are a perfectionist will come across as insincere.

Debra Davenport, author of “Career Shuffle”， believes citing(引用) examples are the best approach.

“My preferred response for this question is to tell the truth without damaging the applicant's image.” Davenport explains.

“A better response might be, ‘I've had some challenges with work­life balance in the past and I realize that a life out of balance isn't good for me, my family or my employer. I've taken the time to learn better time and project management, and I'm also committed to my overall wellness.’”

The answer adds some dimension to the question, and proves you're thought beyond the answer. You've actually changed your behavior to address the situation, even if you haven't completely overcome the weakness.

Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes

However you decide to answer, Debra Yergen, author of “Creating Job Security Resource Guide”， recommends job seekers imagine themselves sitting on the other side of the desk.

“If you were doing the hiring, what would you be looking for? What would be your motivation for asking certain questions? Who whould you be trying to weed out? If you can empathize(共鸣) with the interviewer, you can better understand what they want and need, and then frame your qualifications to meet their needs for the position you seek.”

Once you consider what the goal of the question is and figure out what your honest answer is, you'll be able to give the best possible answer to a tricky question.

Job Interviews
Tasks for a job interviewer	☆ Find the person both doing the job well and (1)________ along well with other employees. ☆ (2)________ abstract qualities of applicants by asking one question after another.
(3)________ to interviewees for replying to a tricky question	☆ Understand that the interviewers want to (4)________ between applicants and that asking a question seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see an applicant's (5)________． ☆ Be (6)________ and inventive when asked about your weaknesses, and respond properly. ☆ Never (7)________ you are perfect, which may be believed to be insincere. ☆ Try to show that you've changed a lot (8)________ you haven't completely get rid of your weaknesses. ☆ Put yourself in the interviewer's shoes and have a better (9)________ of their needs for the job.
Conclusion	☆ With the goal of the question (10)________ into account and the honest answer in your mind, you will be able to give the best possible answer.

 

认真阅读下面短文，并根据所读内容在文章后表格中的空格里填入最恰当的单词。

（注意：每空填1个单词。）

Interviewing someone for a job is not as easy as it looks. First, as the interviewer, you’re tasked with finding the person who will not only do the job well but also fit in well with the other employees.

You have to make an evaluation of abstract qualities that can’t be found on a résumé. Because you have to repeat the process for every potential employee, you end up asking question after question, applicant after applicant.

Still, interviewers need to be told something: “What is your biggest weakness?” is not a good question. It just isn’t.

Now, job seekers have to understand that interviewers want to find some way to know what makes an applicant different from others. Asking questions that are seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see who can think creatively. Then what may be a proper way to respond to such a question?

Honesty, with a twist（新手法）

“‘What are your three strengths and three weaknesses?’ is a classic, but not too many people know how to answer this,” says Kenneth C. Wisnefski, founder and CEO of WebiMax, an online marketing company.

“As an interviewer, we want to hear strengths that describe initiative（主动性）, motivation and dedication. The best way to respond is to include these qualities into specific ‘personal statements.’”

“Similarly, weaknesses should be positioned as a strength that can benefit the employer.”

“I like to hear applicants state an exaggerated strength, and put an interesting twist on it. An example of this is, ‘My initiative is so strong, that sometimes I take on too many projects at a time.’”

This answer leads with a strength that employers want —initiative —and still acknowledges that you’re not perfect.

Although you might consider this acknowledgement too honest, it works because it proves you’re being honest.

Honesty, with progress

When you consider what your weaknesses are, think about how you have attempted to overcome them. No one is perfect, so pretending that you are a perfectionist will come across as insincere.

Debra Davenport, author of “Career Shuffle,” believes citing(引用) examples are the best approach.

“My preferred response for this question is to tell the truth without damaging the applicant’s image.” Davenport explains.

“A better response might be, ‘I’ve had some challenges with work-life balance in the past and I realize that a life out of balance isn’t good for me, my family or my employer. I’ve taken the time to learn better time and project management, and I’m also committed to my overall wellness.’”

The answer adds some dimension to the question, and proves you’ve thought beyond the answer. You’ve actually changed your behavior to address the situation, even if you haven’t completely overcome the weakness.

Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes

However you decide to answer, Debra Yergen, author of “Creating Job Security Resource Guide,” recommends job seekers imagine themselves sitting on the other side of the desk.

“If you were doing the hiring, what would you be looking for? What would be your motivation for asking certain questions? Who would you be trying to weed out? If you can empathize (共鸣) with the interviewer, you can better understand what they want and need, and then frame your qualifications to meet their needs for the position you seek.”

Once you consider what the goal of the question is and figure out what your honest answer is, you’ll be able to give the best possible answer to a tricky question.

 

Job Interviews
Tasks for a job interviewer	☆ Find the person both doing the job well and 1.   ▲    along well with other employees. ☆2.   ▲   abstract qualities of applicants by asking one question after another.
3.    ▲    to interviewees for replying to a tricky question	☆ Understand that the interviewers want to 4.   ▲    between applicants and that asking a question seemingly impossible to answer is one way to see an applicant’s 5.   ▲    . ☆ Be6.   ▲    and inventive when asked about your weaknesses, and respond properly. ☆ Never 7.   ▲    you are perfect, which may be believed to be insincere. ☆Try to show that you’ve changed a lot 8.   ▲     you haven’t completely get rid of your weaknesses. ☆ Put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes and have a better  9.   ▲      of their needs for the job.
Conclusion	☆ With the goal of the question 10.   ▲    into account and the honest answer in your mind, you will be able to give the best possible answer.