GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文七三

　　73. The advice to act naturally or follow ones instincts can, admittedly, be helpful

　　advice for someone torn between difficult career or personal choices in life. In most

　　situations, however, following this advice would neither be wise nor sensible. Following

　　ones own instincts should be tempered by codes of behavior appropriate to the situation

　　at hand.

　　First of all, doing what comes naturally often amounts to impulsive overreaction

　　and irrational behavior, based on emotion. Everyone experiences impulses from time to

　　time, such as hitting another person, quitting ones job, having an extramarital affair,

　　and so forth. People who act however they please or say whatever is on their mind

　　without thinking about consequences, especially without regard to social situation, may

　　offend and alienate others. At the workplace, engaging in petty gossip, sexual

　　harassment, or back-stabbing might be considered natural yet such behavior can be

　　destructive for the individuals at the receiving end as well as for the company. And in

　　dealings with foreign business associates, what an American might find natural or

　　instinctive, even if socially acceptable here, might be deeply insulting or confusing to

　　somebody from another culture.

　　Second, doing what comes naturally is not necessarily in ones own best interests.

　　The various behaviors cited above would also tend to be counterproductive for the

　　person engaging in them. Natural behavior could prove deadly to ones career, since

　　people who give little thought before they act cannot be trusted in a Job that requires

　　effective relationships with important clients, colleagues, and others.

　　Third, the speaker seems to suggest that you should be yourself, then act

　　accordingly―in that order. But we define ourselves in large measure by our actions.

　　Young adults especially lack a clear sense of self. How can you be yourself if you dont

　　know who you are? Even for mature adults, the process of evolving ones concept of

　　self is a perpetual one. In this respect, then, the speakers recommendation does not

　　make much sense.

　　In sum, one should not follow the speakers advice universally or too literally. For

　　unless a persons instincts are to follow standard rules of social and business etiquette,

　　natural behavior can harm others as well as constrain ones own personal and

　　professional growth.