PART I: WRITTEN RECEPTION (70 points)

(ACCESS TO INFORMATION FROM WRITTEN TEXTS)

Read the text below and then answer questions 1–7.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPLIMENTS

I Do you ever compliment your friends, neighbors, family members or people you work with? Many
people don't! According to research, one reason is that we are afraid of how the person may react.
Without realizing it, we worry that they will think we are not honest and that we don't really mean what
we are saying, or that we will both feel embarrassed. So, instead of praising them, we often say nothing.
5 II However, according to Seth Kramer, a professor of behavioral science, there is no reason to worry
about giving compliments. "Praising people has great benefits for both sides," he says. "Our studies show
that people are usually happy to receive a compliment. It puts the recipient (the person who receives the
compliment) in a good mood. If we could just realize that there is no need to feel uncomfortable when
praising someone, we could improve our relationships with family, friends and colleagues."
10 III Canadian researcher Professor Karen Green has found that giving compliments is an effective
way to get others to do helpful things. "Compliments help the recipients feel good about themselves
and so the person receiving your compliment is more willing to do something for others, like driving a
colleague home or doing extra work at the office."
IV However, the researchers advise people to follow some rules when giving compliments. First,
15 don't exaggerate! The recipient may feel that the praise is not honest. Second, ask yourself how well you
know each other. "It's not always clear how a stranger or colleague will react to your compliment," says
Professor Green. Therefore, only compliment them if you are sure the situation is appropriate. Last, try
not to comment on someone's appearance unless you know the person well. It's best to compliment on
the person's actions or work.
20 V Both researchers believe, however, that we should stop worrying. Giving praise doesn't require
special skills and we all have the power to use positive words. So give a compliment! It is a wonderful
way to make someone feel happy.

<u>QUESTIONS</u> (70 points)
Answer questions 1–7 in <u>English</u>, according to the text. In questions 4 and 6, circle the number of the correct answer. In the other questions, follow the instructions.