TOEFL Sample Question
작성자
CLI 아카데미
작성일
2013-03-26 09:40
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4234
Read the following passage. Then fill in the diagram with the information that you read.
Symbolic Behavior
People throughout history have developed ways to cope with uncertainty in life. Symbolic behavior, which can be defined as any superstitious action that attempts to bring about a supernatural result, is one way that people have dealt with uncertainty. A recent poll showed that over half of Americans hold some superstitious beliefs, even if they know that they are illogical. Nonetheless, superstitions may have positive psychological effects. Both rituals and taboos-two common types of symbolic behavior-can help reduce anxiety and give a person a sense of control.
Rituals involve any behavior that is done repeatedly in order to produce a desired outcome. Generally, rituals express a person’s anxiety symbolically. This means the behavior is an attempt to lead to a result through an unrelated action. Those who believe in the power in the power of rituals often feel that breaking the ritual will produce negative consequences, perhaps even supernatural punishment. Psychologically, ritualistic behavior can provide a sense of control over often uncontrollable situation. For instance, Wayne Gretzky, a Hall-of-Fame hockey player, tucked in his jersey in the exact same manner before each game. The outcome of a hockey game obviously cannot be controlled solely by a single hockey player. However, a ritual may give a player the feeling that he has control over the team’s success, even if it is through the superstitious habit of putting on a jersey in a certain way.
Some people do certain things like perform rituals to obtain the help of the supernatural. Others do not do certain things for the same reason. A taboo is a forbidden behavior. Taboos can reduce anxiety n a number of situations through what a person does not do. Taboos often originate from beliefs that if a certain action is performed (often in a particular context), some tragedy or misfortune will transpire. Unlike ritual, taboo does not involve repetition. Even one incidence of the tabooed behavior may result in supernatural punishment. This type of symbolic behavior can be seen in the habits of New England fishermen. These fishermen have many taboos while at sea, such as whistling on board or saying the “pig.” Although even the fishermen themselves admit that they do not believe the taboos have any effect, they continue to follow them. In essence, these taboos assure the fishermen that they are doing everything that they can to avoid misfortune. As a result, they are able to set out to sea with a more positive mindset.
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Cope : to deal with emotionally
Symbolic : representing something that cannot otherwise be expressed
Outcome : a result
Jersey : a shirt worn as part of a sports uniform
Solely : alone; as the only influence
Transpire: to occur
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Q. According to paragraph 2, why is a ritual said to be symbolic?
(A) Because it connects actions that are not related
(B) Because breaking the ritual will cause problems
(C) Because it involves perceptions of supernatural powers
(D) Because it gives people control over their lives
A > (A) Because it connects actions that are not related