When a friend is sad about a tragedy(悲剧)，it's hard to know how to comfort(安慰) him/ her. But the worst thing you can do is to say nothing. It could mean that you don't care. You don't have to say much.. A single supportive phrase doesn't require absolutely perfect words to break the ice. Here are some conversation starters when difficult situations have your tongue tied.

1. A friend loses his baby.

　Don't say: "Don't worry. You're so young. You'll have another baby." Do say: " I'm so sorry. I can't begin to imagine what you are going through, but if you want to talk about it, call me anytime."

2. A guy deserts(抛弃) your friend.

　Don't say: "I never liked that rat bastard (坏蛋) anyway!" ( If the couple winds up reconciling (和解)，you could end up losing your friend.) Do say: "Breaking up is always hard to deal with, but I'm here for you, whatever you need."

3. A friend has a death in the family.

　Don't say: "It's God's will." or "I know exactly how you feel." Do say: "I'm sorry about your loss. What can I do to help?"

4. A friend loses a job suddenly.

　Don't say: " Work is always boring. Those employers didn't suit you!" Do say: " I'm sorry for that, but I know there's an even better job waiting for you there. Let's think about possibilities."

5. Someone's pet dies.

　Don't say: "Gee! It was only a cat!" or "My roommate doesn't like her dog and she is getting rid of her dog. Do you want it?" Do say: "I'm sorry, she was such a great cat. How long did you have it?"

29. Which of the following has the same meaning as the underlined part "have your tongue tied"?

　　A. have no suitable words to say. B. make your tongue work.

C. tie your tongue in order not to say. D. say what you want freely.

30. As a whole, what's the best way to comfort your friend troubled with a tragedy?

A. To try to make the tragedy less serious.

B. To show your sorrow and offer your help.

C. To tell your friend not to say anything.

D. To do your best to make him/her leave the room.

31. Though your friend is deserted, you'd better not say dirty words about her/ his friend because________ .

　　A. your friend might hate you in the future

　　B. your friend might not like you to say that against her / his friend

C. they might get along well again and you might be deserted