Question 20 is based on the recording you have just heard.

Recording Two

听力原文

        Emotions are an essential and inseparable part of our consciousness. They are part of a built-in mechanism, which allows us to cope with the ups and downs of our lives both physically and mentally. When we hide our emotions and our true feelings, we stop being genuine, spontaneous and authentic in our relationships. When we put on cultivated and polished faces in the company of others, we stop being true to ourselves. (19) [Socially, it may be a good tactic to hide our true emotions, but morally it is also a breach of faith and trust.] Although humans are more advanced and intelligent, animals are more genuine and authentic in their behavior and responses than human beings. The more educated we are, the less transparent and reliable we become. We are drawn to our pets because pets do not lie.

        (20) [One of the first steps in dealing with emotions such as anger or fear is to acknowledge them as normal and human.] There is nothing sinful or immoral about being emotional, unless your emotions make you inhuman, insensitive and cruel to others. Feelings of guilt associated with emotions are more devastating and damaging than the experience of emotion itself. So when you deal with the problem of emotions, you should learn not only how to control them but also how to accept them and manage the guilt and anguish arising from them.

        Our brains are made up of a primitive inner core and a more evolved and rational outer core. Most of the time, the rational part of the mind controls the information coming from the primitive core and makes its own decisions as to what to do and how to respond. However, during critical situations, especially when a threat is perceived, the outer core loses control and fails to regulate the impulses and instinctive responses coming from the primitive brain. As a result, we let disturbing thoughts emotions arise in our consciousness and surrender to our primitive behavior.

        In times of emotional turmoil, remember that emotions arise because your senses are wired to the primitive part of your mind which is self-regulated, autonomous and spontaneous. Your rational mind does not always deal with the messages coming from it effectively. These messages are part of your survival mechanism and should not be stifled simply because emotions are unhealthy and betray your weaknesses. (21) [When emotions arise, instead of stifling them, pay attention to them and try to understand the messages they are trying to deliver.] This way you make use of your emotions without losing your balance and inner stability.

20. What should we do first in dealing with emotions?（在处理情绪时，我们首先应该做什么？）

解析：C。录音中提到，处理愤怒或恐惧等情绪的第一步是承认它们是正常的和人性的。C项Accept them as normal是对录音中的acknowledge them as normal的同义替换，故为正确答案。

错项排除：录音中虽然提到情绪的多种后果，但并没有说要对其进行评估，故A项排除。B项Guard against their harm和D项Find out their causes在录音中都无依据，故均可排除。