Section C

　　Directions: In this section, you will hear three recordings of lectures or talks followed by three or four questions. The recordings will be played only once. After you hear a question, you must choose the best answer from the four choices marked A), B), C) and D). Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer Sheet 1 with a single line through the centre.

　　Recording One

　　We all need to do more than just encourage people to “reach out” when they’re struggling. We need to recognize unhealthy behaviors and compassionately show up for loved ones―even if they say they’re fine or generally appear OK.

　　When you’re in the thick of a mental health issue, you often don’t feel like you can reach out. Some of the major symptoms of mental health conditions are isolation, shame and guilt. The very nature of the illness makes it hard to reach out or speak up.

　　It’s hard to reach out when you’re struggling and not feeling like yourself. Mental health disorders are very consuming. ... Sometimes you’re not conscious enough to think, ‘I should tell my friends’ or ‘I should call my sister.’ You’re just trying so hard to survive and stay above water.

　　This isn’t to say that the duty is solely on loved ones to pull someone out of a mental health matter. But there are efforts you can make aside from a nice platitude. Here are just a few ways by which you can help someone in your life who either has a history of mental struggles or is currently dealing with one:

　　Firstly, we should get to know the warning signs.

　　The first thing you can do right now is to talk to your loved ones about mental health and their healthy behaviors. How do they normally sleep or eat? What does a regular routine look like for them? Knowing this information can help you recognize when something isn’t right on your own.

　　People don’t always know how to ask for help or they feel like they’re being a burden. They may feel embarrassed when they’re having another mental health episode. If people around them are aware of what their baseline is, they can then intuitively pick up on when they need help.

　　Secondly, we are supposed to know how to be an active listener.

　　If someone does disclose that they’re having a difficult time, make sure to fully immerse yourself in that dialogue. Active listening refers to a technique that you concentrate on what the other person is saying and reply in a way that shows them you understand. And it is crucial in these tough conversations.

　　Active listening skills are something none of us are really taught. It’s less about what you say and more about how you encourage them to talk more and give them a response that’s nonjudgmental and really supportive.

　　Questions 16 to 19 are based on the passage you have just heard.

　　16. What does the speaker advise people to do to help loved ones with mental illness?

　　17. Why are people with mental problems reluctant to ask others for help?

　　18. What’s the first step to help loved ones with mental problems?

　　19. What’s the key to effectively practicing active listening skills?

　　16. D 17. C 18. A 19. B