When our friends ask for help, we often agree without a second thought. Why do we do this? Usually, we say yes because we want to give a helping hand, bring joy to others, or be at peace with everyone. However, always saying yes to everything is not wise.

Does this mean we can always say no? The answer is clear. In some cases, to say yes is the only answer. For example, we must follow school rules. When it comes to keeping public safety and guarding national interests, we must say yes.

But when can we say no? We can say no if the request (请求) is unreasonable. Saying no can help us stick to what is right and avert unnecessary problems. After knowing when to say no, it is time to learn how to say no in a proper way.

Here are some ways to help us say no.

·Start small. Like any habit, saying yes to everything can be hard to break. We can begin by saying no to easier situations, and then practice more.

·Don’t say yes too early. Tell others we need to check our plans first.

·Keep answers short. We don’t need long excuses. A simple “No, I have other plans.” is enough. Make sure we say it in a polite way.

·Be brave. If we must say yes, say it with an open heart. If we must say no, say it without fear.

Saying no is not the same as being selfish (自私的). We also need to stand up for others and a better society.

1.1. Why do we say yes when our friends ask for help?

A To care about our hands.

B To get on well with others.

C To take down our thoughts.

D To stay far away from joy.

解析：选B。细节理解题。根据文中“Usually, we say yes because we want to give a helping hand, bring joy to others, or be at peace with everyone.”，我们答应朋友求助，是想帮助别人、给他人带去快乐，和大家和睦相处。be at peace with everyone和get on well with others含义一致。所以选B。

2.2. What does the underlined word “avert” in Paragraph 3 mean?

A Avoid.

B Face.

C Cause.

D Correct.

解析：选A。词义猜测题。根据文中“Saying no can help us stick to what is right and avert unnecessary problems.”，拒绝能够坚持正确的事情，避免不必要的麻烦。avoid意为避免；face面对；cause造成；correct纠正。所以选A。

3.3. Which of the following is a proper way to say no according to the text?

A Consider others’ plans first.

B Answer as rapidly as possible.

C Start from difficult situations.

D Reply politely without long excuses.

解析：选D。细节理解题。根据文中“Keep answers short. We don’t need long excuses...Make sure we say it in a polite way.”，拒绝时不用长篇借口，礼貌简短回复即可。所以选D。

4.4. What does the writer encourage readers to do?

A Keep requests in mind.

B Say yes to the power of no.

C Offer advice without fear.

D Give way to the need of friends.

解析：选B。推理判断题。全文讲述不要一味答应，要认识到“拒绝”的力量，学会适时、得体地说“不”，也就是接纳 “说不”的力量。所以选B。