We often describe a friendly, kind, and cooperative person as “agreeable”. In psychology, agreeableness is actually one of the five major personality traits. People with this trait are usually warm, and prefer harmony over arguments. Most of us would probably rather work or live with someone who is agreeable than with someone who is constantly difficult. But is it always an advantage to be so agreeable? Researchers decided to explore this question.

A 2022 study that combined hundreds of previous studies revealed how agreeableness significantly impacts our lives. The findings show that agreeable people generally experience greater mental well-being. They feel more autonomous, connected to others, and competent (有能力的) in their abilities. This positive trait also brings practical advantages: agreeable students tend to perform better academically and adjust to college more easily, while agreeable workers are often more hard-working and engaged at work.

Furthermore, agreeable individuals report higher life satisfaction and experience more positive emotions. They develop stronger relationships, feel a greater sense of purpose in life, and are less likely to experience loneliness or engage in problematic behaviors. They also tend to have more successful marriages and are significantly less likely to display negative personality traits like being too self-centered.

However, being agreeable does come with a surprising downside in the area of personal finance. Research indicates that highly agreeable people often have lower savings, lower incomes, and experience more financial hardship. This may be because they tend to view money as less important and might be less willing to speak up in salary negotiations or financial decisions.

In summary, while agreeableness is largely a beneficial trait that contributes to strong relationships and personal satisfaction, extremes can be problematic. Being excessively agreeable might lead to difficulties in standing up for oneself or, as shown in financial matters, not advocating for one’s own interests.

Perhaps we could all benefit from being a little more agreeable — but like everything in life, balance is key. For anyone wanting to test this idea in daily life, why not try being slightly more agreeable this week and observe what differences it makes in your interactions?

1.1. What was the purpose of the 2022 study mentioned in the passage?

A To list the five major personality traits.

B To check if agreeableness is always good.

C To compare students and workers’ traits.

D To explain how to improve mental health.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第一段结尾的“But is it always an advantage to be so agreeable? Researchers decided to explore this question”以及第二段开头“A 2022 study that combined hundreds of previous studies revealed how agreeableness significantly impacts our lives”可推知，2022年研究的核心目的是探究“宜人性是否始终是优势”，即 “确认随和是否总有益”。故选B。

2.2. What practical benefit do agreeable students gain based on the second paragraph?

A Worse academic grades.

B Reduced sense of competence.

C More conflicts with peers.

D Smoother college adaptation.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。根据第二段的“agreeable students tend to perform better academically and adjust to college more easily”可知，随和的学生学业表现更好且更容易适应大学生活，D项的“更顺畅的大学适应”是对原文的转述。故选D。

3.What does the underlined word “downside” in Paragraph 4 probably mean?

A Mistake.

B Difficulty.

C Drawback.

D Burden.

解析：选C。C 词义猜测题。前文在描述“随和”带来好处，即优势；第四段开头的“However”表明进行转折，并结合后文“Research indicates that highly agreeable people often have lower savings, lower incomes, and experience more financial hardship.”研究表明非常随和的人往往储蓄较少、收入较低，且更易遭遇经济困境，可知这是随和带来的一个“缺点”或“不利方面”。故选C。

4.4. What is the author’s advice on agreeableness?

A Be as agreeable as possible.

B Keep a balance in agreeableness.

C Avoid being an agreeable person.

D Only be agreeable at work.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第五段的“In summary, while agreeableness is largely a beneficial trait... extremes can be problematic...”以及第六段的“but like everything in life, balance is key” 可知，作者认为随和虽有益，但极端不可取，“平衡是关键”，“Keep a balance in agreeableness” 是对该观点的直接概括。故选 B。