Questions 47 to 56 are based on the following
passage. 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 (47) circumstances. Social support consists of
the exchange of resources among people (48) on their
interpersonal ties. Those of us with strong support systems appear better able
to cope with major life changes and daily hassles. People with strong social
ties live longer and have better health than those without such ties. Studies
over a (49) of illnesses from depression to heart disease,
(50) that the presence of social support helps people fend
off illnesses, and the (51) of such support makes poor
health more likely. Social support cushions stress in a number
ways. First, friends, relatives and co-workers may let us know that they
(52) 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 (53) to them. Third, we
typically find social (54) supportive. Engaging in
leisure-time activities with others helps us to meet our social needs while at
the same time (55) us from our worries and troubles.
Finally, other people may give us instrumental support, financial aid, material
resources, and needed services that reduce stress by helping us (56)
and cope with our problems. A) range
B) value C) concentrated
D) solutions E) absence F)
disappearance G) reveal H)
resolve I) distracting J) stressful
K) protecting L) companionship
M) ways N) based
O)assess