Friendship is one of the basic bonds between human beings. While the characteristics of friendship might vary from one country to another, people from all cultures not only enjoy friends but need them.
Many studies have shown that teenagers who have no friends often suffer from psychological disorders. It has been shown that teenagers, perhaps more than any other age group, need companionship and a sense of belonging. The negative consequences of loneliness have also been observed among the elderly. The death of a spouse often leaves a widow or a widower totally bereft. If, however, they are surrounded by friends and relatives and if they are able to articulate their feelings, they are more likely to recover from their grief.
“No man is an island.” In other words, we are all parts of society. We all need the love, admiration, respect and moral support of other people. If we are fortunate, our friends will provide us with all of these necessary aspects of life.
As most people observe, there are many levels of friendship. The degree of intimacy of friendship varies depending on the personality of the individuals involved and the context of the relationships. Extroverts enjoy being surrounded by many people whereas introverts are perhaps content with fewer but more intense friendships.
Everyone is not equally open with all their friends. The degree of intimacy is determined by many factors. Close friends can be formed at any stage in one’s life but they are usually very rare. Not very many people have more than a few really close friends. Irrespective of the level of intimacy, all friendships are based on reciprocity, honesty and a certain amount of love and affection.
1. The second paragraph implies that ______.
A. teenagers without friends will suffer from psychological problems
B. a widow or a widower will die very soon without companionship
C. human beings need companionship and a sense of belonging
D. both A and B
2. “No man is an island” (Line 1, Para. 3) implies that ______.
A. everyone is a part of an island
B. man cannot be an island
C. everyone is just a part of society
D. society is an island
3. The degree of intimacy of friendship mainly depends on ______.
A. age
B. belonging
C. personality
D. culture
4. The author thinks that close friends ______.
A. can be easily formed when one is young
B. cannot be long-lasting
C. are not rare for everyone
D. are rare for most people
5. The word “irrespective” (last sentence, Para. 5) means ______.
A. not respecting
B. dishonoring
C. regardless
D. considering
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