Question

【題目】閱讀下列短文，從每題所給的四個選項中（A、B、C和D），選出最佳選項，并在答題卡上將該項涂黑。

A

Britons may like to complain a lot, but they rarely do so right now, explains BBC writer Ruth Margolis. They would rather grumble (發(fā)牢騷) afterward． This is because Britons hate to put someone out and cause any embarrassment. Margolis writes, “For instance, I’m much more comfortable just leaving that piece of raw chicken on my plate instead of complaining to restaurant staff. But beware: if this kind of thing happens when you’re dining with an American, they will most likely speak up on your behalf and not understand why you find this ashamed．”

In a BBC blog post comparing cultural differences between the UK and the US, Margolis mentions a few other things that Americans like to do that are offensive to Britons.

● Not making introductions

Margolis says most Britons dislike this approach because “talking to strangers without being introduced gives them a stomachache”. Americans rarely introduce a new friend to their friends at parties. Strangers are supposed to introduce themselves.

● “Quite” good

Using “quite” to mean “very” happens a lot in the US. But if you are invited to a dinner party in Britain, don't describe the meal as “quite good” if you want to express high praise. To Britons’ ears, “quite” detracts from the “good”: the meal was OK but could have been better.

● Money Talk

Americans can talk about money subjects for hours without feeling uncomfortable. For Britons, says Margolis, “Talking about how much we make is unthinkable — even 1ess so than discussing our feelings.”

● Over-politeness

“It’s not that I want shop assistants to be actively rude. But neither do I want to expend energy responding to someone who's been paid to ask: ‘How are you today?’” says Margolis. In the US, it is not unusual to be greeted by a perfect stranger as “honey” or “sweetie”. But Margolis says Britons find put-on friendliness, especially in stores, deeply irritating.

【1】Margolis’ dining experience in Paragraph 1 shows that_______.

A． Britons are particular about foods

B． Britons are not good at complaining

C． Americans usually complain directly

D． Americans complain more than Britons

【2】Which of the following might Margolis agree with?

A． Britons enjoy talking about their feelings.

B． Americans introduce themselves at parties.

C． Americans dislike talking to strangers at parties.

D． Britons feel happy if treated like close friends.

【3】The underlined phrase “detracts from” in the text probably means ____.

A． differs greatly from

B． increases the quality of

C． reduces the strength of

D． draws attention away from

【4】What does the text mainly talk about?

A． How to get on well with westerners.

B． How to start conversations with Britons.

C． Ruth Margolis’ tips on public behavior.

D． Some American habits that annoy Britons.

Answer 1

【答案】

【】C

【】B

【】C

【】D

【解析】本文主要介紹了美國人喜歡做，卻會觸犯英國人的事情。

【1】根據(jù)第一段可知英國人更傾向于在事情過后在發(fā)牢騷，而美國人則當場就會抱怨。故C答案正確。

【2】根據(jù)第三段Strangers are supposed to introduce themselves.一句，可知在美國，美國人會主動介紹自己，故答案選B。根據(jù)這一點也可得知C選項錯誤， Americans dislike talking to strangers at parties意為“美國人不喜歡在聚會上與陌生人交談”，根據(jù)第五段For Britons, says Margolis, “Talking about how much we make is unthinkable — even 1ess so than discussing our feelings.”可知英國人不喜歡談論自己的感情，故A項錯誤；根據(jù)文章最后一句But Margolis says Britons find put-on friendliness, especially in stores, deeply irritating可知英國人厭惡做作的友誼，故D選項錯誤

【3】本句意為：在英國人聽起來“quite”這個詞消弱了“good”所表達的“好”的力度。故detracts from意為reduces the strength of。故C答案正確。

【4】通讀全文可知，第二段Margolis mentions a few other things that Americans like to do that are offensive to Britons一句是本文的中心句。本文主要介紹了美國人喜歡做，卻會觸犯英國人的事情。故D答案正確。