Why Should We Learn Body Language

In English classes, we spend a large amount of time studying grammar and learning new words. We work hard to improve our reading and listening skills. Few of us, however, pay enough attention to body language. So body language is not important, is it?

The answer is, “Yes!” As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” Sometimes, we can communicate things even without a single word. For example, shrug our shoulders (耸肩), and, without a word, we’ve just said, “I don’t know.”

Body language can help us stress what we are saying. It can help us express our true, inner feelings. Moreover, body language can help us find out if someone is lying. Often, people who are lying do not make eye contact (接触). They may turn away or raise their shoulders because they are uncomfortable with the conversation.

In job interviews, the interviewers can sometimes judge the interviewee before he or she speaks. Body language is important in our personal lives, too. It can show if you really care about your friends. Leaning forward into the conversation, for example, means you are interested in what is being said. Listening without making eye contact means you are not paying attention but are waiting for your turn to speak.

Scientists have been studying body language for a long time. They say more than 70 percent of our messages are delivered (递送)through body language. Sometimes, body language is more accurate (精准的) than the words we use.

So it is very important for us to learn body language. By understanding body language, we are less likely to be misunderstood. We will find it easier to get a job. We will also have lasting friendships.

【小题1】According to the first paragraph, in English classes, people do all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A．studying grammar	B．learning new words
C．improving listening skills	D．practicing using body language

【小题2】According to the passage, in which of the following pictures is the woman saying, “I don’t know.”?

A．

B．

C．

D．

【小题3】According to the passage, people who are lying may ________.

A．learn forward	B．make eye contact
C．raise their shoulders	D． shrug their shoulders

【小题4】According to the author, body language can help us ________.
① get a job             ② lie without anyone knowing
③ prevent misunderstandings       ④ improve our English reading skills

A．①③

B．②④

C．①④

D．②③

【小题5】By writing this passage, the writer mainly wanted to ________.

A．teach readers to understand body language

B．tell readers it is important to learn body language

C．show readers how to find out if someone is lying

D．help readers improve their English reading and listening skills