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Shyness May Be PartlyInherited
About 92 million Americans are shy, and according to recent research about half of them inherited the
trait.
The studies were discussed at the American Psychological Convention.
One study, by Harvard University, was of babies 21- 48 months old. It concluded that these babies
had a high heart rate when shown unfamiliar people or different toys.
Although shyness is not new, it has only recently become of interest to
researchers. The first study on the genetic connection was in 1979.
According to Warren Jones of the University of Tulsa, social relations these days are more complex. "With less ritual(仪式) and more complex situations," he said, "shyness is a national concern."
Not all shy people are anxious and fearful, according to another study. Evidence shows that only half
of shy people are tense, worried, and fearful in social situations.
Many men use shyness as an excuse for failing in social situations, according to C.R. Snyder of the
University of Kansas. "This is not true of females. Perhaps,
American men are pressured to be assertive(自信的) and successful. So they would rather say they're
shy than admit they're incompetent."
Shy people may do very well socially after the first meeting with someone. In
fact, shypeople tend to be more stable.
The psychologists said shyness seems to be cultural. Japan has the highest rating. China and Israel
have the lowest rating. The United States rated in the middle.

1. The word "trait" in the first paragraph means ______
A. way
B. tradition
C. character
D. possession

2. Those babies studied were ______ when they saw unfamiliar people or different  toys.
A. tense or fearful
B. calm
C. as usual
D. stable

3. Which of the following statements is Wrong?
A. Researchers began to study shyness when it was known to them.
B. According to Warren Jones, shyness had something to do with social relations
C. Some shy people are anxious and fearful, some not.
D. Shyness can perhaps make people do very well socially.

4. Why would American men rather say they're shy than admit they're incompetent?  Because ______.
A. shyness is usually used as an excuse by them.
B. shyness is a good excuse.
C. females don't use shyness as an excuse.
D. they are under the pressure of social situations.

5.We can learn from this passage that ______
A. shyness is naturally inherited
B. shy people have virtues as well as shortcomings.
C. females don't use shyness as an excuse
D. which country has shy people.

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