Understanding Forgiveness

Which of these statements best expresses the definition of forgiveness provided in "Understanding Forgiveness"?

• Forgiveness is two people coming together in mutual respect.

• Forgiveness is when you make a decision to ignore your desire for revenge after someone has wronged you.

• Forgiveness is the acceptance of apologies and compensation from someone who has wronged you.

• Forgiveness is a change in attitude so that you no longer feel ill will toward someone who has wronged you.

According to "Understanding Forgiveness," what is the relationship between forgiveness and justice?

• You can forgive someone only when you feel that you have been given justice.

• Forgiving someone is proof that you have accepted justice in a situation.

• True justice can be achieved only after you have forgiven someone.

• You can pursue justice with or without forgiving someone.

According to "Understanding Forgiveness," what are the main benefits of forgiving others? Choose two options.

• showing faith in humanity

• achieving greater well-being

• soothing dangerous enemies

• winning respect from society

• establishing better relationships

What is the main source of the information about forgiveness provided in "Understanding Forgiveness"?

• informal evidence

• religious teachings

• scientific research

• historical documentation

What is most likely the meaning of nonexistent in this sentence from “Understanding Forgiveness”?

The body of research on forgiveness has grown in the last two decades from nearly nonexistent to hundreds of studies and dozens of books.

• not created or present

• not eager or enthusiastic

• not modern or up-to-date

• not important or valuable

The word resolution has multiple meanings. What does the context suggest is the most likely meaning of resolution in this sentence from "Understanding Forgiveness"?

Forgiveness is also a natural resolution of the grief process, which is the necessary acknowledgment of pain and loss.

• a formal decision or statement of opinion made by a group

• an action that solves a problem or ends a difficult situation

• promise to yourself to do something

• determination, or firmness of purpose

What does the context suggest is the most likely meaning of reconciliation in this excerpt from "Understanding Forgiveness"?

Forgiveness is something that is entirely up to you. Although reconciliation may follow forgiveness, it is possible to forgive without re-establishing or continuing the relationship.

• making up for a wrong you have done

• coming together after a disagreement

• acting entirely on your own

• showing understanding

According to "Understanding Forgiveness," what role does memory play in the act of forgiving?

• To forgive a wrong, you must consciously decide to forget about it.

• To forgive a wrong, you must vividly recall every single detail about it.

• To forgive a wrong, you must recall it without feeling angry or wanting to retaliate.

• To forgive a wrong, you must wait until your complete memory of it fades over time.

According to "Understanding Forgiveness," what must the person who has wronged you do in order to be forgiven?

• accept punishment

• give compensation

• apologize

• nothing

What is the author's purpose of writing "Understanding Forgiveness"?

• To persuade

• To inform

• To entertain

• To describe