Read the following passage, and answer the questions.
Use the words provided below each question.
Mediation
Of the methods used to settle or resolve conflicts, mediation is one with which almost all of us have experience. If two people disagree and are unable to come to an agreement, they might call in a third person to help solve their problem. The third person then becomes the mediator. When we are young, this is often a parent or a teacher. For adults to reach a successful conflict resolution, they must agree to follow some rules. First, they must make a sincere effort to solve the problem. Second, they must not be rude or insulting during this process. Third, they must listen carefully, and not interrupt, while others are speaking. Fourth, they must tell the truth about their desires and feelings. In this case, the mediator manages the resolution process. To start, the mediator asks each person how the conflict came about. Each speaker continues without interruption until finished. They are asked how they feel about the conflict. They are asked what they really want. They are asked how they might reach an agreement. The best result is one in which those in conflict create their own agreement. Still good is a result in which the mediator suggests an agreement acceptable to those in conflict. If allowed to escalate, conflicts often end in anger, hurt feelings and violence.
Resolving conflicts as soon as possible helps avoid major problems and allows us to get on with our lives.
mediation: the act of mediating; intervention
interrupt: to break off; to stop before finishing
come about: to happen
escalate: to get more serious; to increase intensity in steps
end in: to result in; to lead to
get on with: to carry on; to continue
1. According to the reading passage, what are the rules for a successful conflict resolution?
effort, rude, insulting, listen, truth
Your answer may begin like: First, make a sincere effort. Second, ....
2. Do you have your own rules for preventing interpersonal conflicts?
smile, good things, number, sense of humor
Your answer may begin like: First, smile. I practice smiling in front of the mirror before I leave home.
Second, ....
