1. If English people are making a journey by train, they will try ______. ( D )
(a) to share a compartment with a stranger
(b) to keep a compartment with a stranger
(c) to ask personal questions in order to get to know each other
(d) to sit alone as they are unwilling to talk with strangers
2. According to the text, if a friendly stranger does start a conversation, ______. ( D )
(a) the English people may make an unwilling reply
(b) he will be considered ill-bred
(c) the English people may respond coldly
(d) his friendliness may please the English people
3. The self-disapproval and modesty of the English people ______. ( B )
(a) is understandable to most foreigners
(b) often results in misunderstanding
(c) shows that they don't really care about anything
(d) is considered bad behavior
4. The ideal of English sense of humor is ______. ( C )
(a) to laugh at other's failures
(b) to show sympathy to a tragedy
(c) to laugh at oneself
(d) a disrespectful attitude towards life
5. We may well guess from the text that English people ______. ( D )
(a) do not always obey rules of sport
(b) are good at playing tennis
(c) are bad-tempered when defeated
(d) show respect for other people's feelings
6. The starting point of politeness in Britain is________. ( C )
(a) a positive attitude to life
(b) to show hospitality to others
(c) to show consideration for each other
(d) to please other people
7. "Would you mind if I open the window?" A polite answer to the question is ______
(a) "No, please."
(b) "Yes."
(c) "Of course not."
(d) "Please do."
8. Politeness towards women and old people is based on ______. ( A )
(a) the feeling that they are in need of protection
(b) the fact that they are physically weak
(c) their actual need
(d) the feeling that they are more experienced
C. Understanding vocabulary.
Choose the correct definition according to the context.
1. Similarly, conversation in Britain is in general quiet and restrained and loud speech is considered ill-bred. ( B )
(a) quick-tempered
(b) badly-behaved
(c) thoughtless
(d) healthy
2. On the other hand, they are perfectly human behind their barrier of reserve, and may be quite pleased when a friendly stranger or foreigner succeeds for a time in breaking the barrier down. ( A )
(a) destroying
(b) interrupting
(c) separating
(d) protecting
3. Within their hearts, the English are perhaps no less conceited than anybody else, but in their relations with others they value at least a show of modesty. ( D )
(a) modest
(b) cool
(c) excited
(d) self-important
4. This attitude is never cruel or disrespectful or malicious. ( D )
(a) deceptive
(b) keen
(c) critical
(d) hateful
5. Women especially, for reasons of sexual attraction, long to "stay young" and there is no greater compliment to a mature woman than to be told "How young you look!" ( A )
(a) praise
(b) prudence
(c) concern
(d) help
6. Rules are the essence of sport, and sportsmanship is the ability to practise a sport in obedience to its rules, while also showing generosity to one's opponent and good temper in defeat. ( C )
(a) friend
(b) enemy
(c) rival
(d) master
7. When the request is granted, and at any time when you are receiving something, however obviously you are entitled to it, you are always expected to say "Thank you". ( A )
(a) have the right to
(b) are worthy of
(c) are respected for
(d) are opposed to
8. It is still considered polite to give up one's seat to a woman who is standing, to open doors for her, help her alight from the bus. ( A )
(a) get off
(b) get on
(c) keep away
(d) sit away
9. Old age and seniority alone do not command authority. ( C )
(a) being expert
(b) high rank
(c) higher standing through long service
(d) modesty
D. Discussing the following topics.
1. According to the British standard, what sort of behaviors are considered rude?
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答案
Troubling someone without saying "Excuse me" or disturbing someone without expressing regret. Also, when you receive something or when others have done you a favor, it is impolite not to express your appreciation. Direct requests or actions that involve inconvenience are not proper. (More examples of this sort of behavior are expected to be found by yourself.)
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2. What is your general impression of politeness in Britain?
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答案
Politeness in Britain is based on the elementary rule of showing consideration for others, and acknowledging the consideration they show to you. This is a reasonable social rule. Western civilization is famous for its politeness towards women, the idea of which originates from the inequality between men and women. This politeness is less observed today as women have become equal with men in many aspects. Old people are respected in Britain because they are felt to be in need of protection and support, the idea of which is different from that of the Chinese people who respect the aged not merely because they need protection but also because they are worthy of the respect.
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