B
Fourth-grader Alice Tapper was on a school field trip when she noticed that most of the girls quietly stayed at the back of the group, while the boys gathered at the front and raised their hands to answer questions. The 11-year-old then realized how often she and her female classmates didn't speak up in class for fears of getting an answer wrong and being embarrassed.
She decided to change this and launched a campaign to encourage girls to have faith in themselves, even take risks and be leaders —— and support other girls in doing the same. With assistance from her Girl Scout troop (女童子军), she created a new Raise Your Hand program, and soon girls around the country were taking a pledge(承诺) to raise their hands in class.
In my work as an administration coach I see many women (and some men) with habits that are holding them back. Women at work tend to hang back in meetings for fear they may not have the right answer. They will spend countless hours (and sometimes days) replaying the tapes in their head, while males in similar situations simply move on, until they are perfect when instead they should be establishing relationships. The truth is that after a year no one remembers your nice report. Forget perfect. It doesn't exist. Say what's on your mind and let things go.
Similarly, women tend to talk more softly than men, which can be problematic, especially the higher up in the organization you go. To have an influence on business, it's not enough to have a seat at the table. You have to have a voice and people have to hear from you. Don't wait for an invitation. Raise your hand, say what you have to say, and when you see an opportunity, go for it!
24. What can we know from the first paragraph?
A. Girls are hesitant to speak up. B. Boys are smarter than girls in class.
C. Field is not fourth-graders' favorite. D. Girls don't like to raise their hands.
25. Why did Alice launch the program?
A. To help teenager girls to learn more.
B. To encourage girls to have confidence.
C. To motivate girls to compete with boys.
D. To call on everyone to raise their hands.
26. According to Paragraph 3, what holds women back?
A. Life-long habit. B. Lack of time.
C. Desire for perfection. D. Replaying the tapes.
27. What does the author advise women to do in the fourth paragraph?
A. Speak to be heard. B. Behave well in public.
C. Seize the opportunity. D. Have a clear voice.
