Question

【題目】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】

【1】C

【2】B

【3】C

【4】D

【解析】

試題分析：這篇文章主要講了英美文化的差異，主要列舉了美國人一些令英國人討厭的行為。

【1】C細(xì)節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)題干關(guān)鍵詞Margolis’ dining experience in Paragraph 1找到第一段的對應(yīng)關(guān)鍵句是：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.”當(dāng)你正在和一位美國人用晚餐時發(fā)生了這類事情，他們會很可能當(dāng)面抱怨，并且不理解你為何認(rèn)為這是羞愧的。故選C

【2】B細(xì)節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)題干關(guān)鍵詞Margolis找到對應(yīng)段落Not making introductions部分的Strangers are supposed to introduce themselves.可知陌生人應(yīng)當(dāng)介紹他們自己。故選B

【3】C詞義猜測題。A. differs greatly from非常不同于B. increases the quality of增加質(zhì)量C. reduces the strength of減少….的力量D draws attention away from將注意力吸引開。根據(jù)該詞后的the “good”: the meal was OK but could have been better.這頓飯還算可以，但還可以更好。可知選擇C。

【4】D細(xì)節(jié)理解題。A. How to get on well with westerners.如何和西方人融洽相處；B. How to start conversations with Britons.如何開始和英國人之間的談話；C. Ruth Margolis’ tips on public behavior. 關(guān)于公共行為的建議；D. Some American habits that annoy Britons.一些讓英國人厭煩的美國人的習(xí)慣。通過全文，并根據(jù)第二段的內(nèi)容在比較英美文化差異上，馬戈利斯提到一些美國人喜歡做然而會冒犯英國人的事情。從而判斷選擇D。