Question

It can’t be truer that when in Rome do as the Romans do. So it’s necessary for you to know what you can talk with the local people in France, Australia and Switzerland, and different customs of these countries.

In France

You’ll find that conversations often turn into heated debates. Give opinions only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about. There is rarely a moment of silence, except when the topic under discussion has been exhausted, and nothing new has been introduced.

Food, art, music and current events or history are welcome topics. French believe in freedom, and you can criticize anyone, but not Napoleon, who is a symbol of French spirit and never use the standard. U.S. conversation opener “What do you do”.

In Australia

Australians tend to be enthusiastic debaters. A wide range of topics may be open to discussion, including religion and politics. The best policy, however, is to wait for Australian companions to bring up these two subjects; be prepared to hear their arguments.

Sport is a common topic of conversation in Australia and Australians tend to use sporting comparisons. Australians like to criticize themselves, but they can’t stand criticism from others. Don’t talk big；instead Australians prefer to judge your competence and abilities through your actions. People who show off their education in conversation may be subject to teasing.

In Switzerland

The Swiss may seem cold. Once you get close to them, however, you’ll find that they are honest, responsible people, who will be loyal to your interests.

They are good listeners and will remember practically everything you say to them. Sometimes they will even go so far as to take notes while you speak. The Swiss are a very private people, so you should avoid asking personal questions. They can be rather serious, so it is advisable to avoid making jokes on them.

1.Which of the following statements is TURE according to the passage?

A．There is no moment of silence when you talk with French.

B．French don’t like others asking their careers.

C．The Swiss may seem cold but humorous sometimes.

D．Australians tend to judge you by your words.

2.It is suggested during talking that ______

A．you should tell the Australians what education you have received.

B．you should not use too much sporting comparisons with Australians.

C．you should not ask personal questions from people of the three countries.

D．you should have the Australians bring up subjects first.

3.We can infer from the passage that ______

A．Australians don’t like to show off their success before others.

B．Australians like to criticize themselves and others.

C．you can talk with French about anything even if you know little.

D．you can criticize anyone in France because you have the right.

4.What is the best title of the passage?

A．Talking in western countries

B．How to argue with foreigners

C．Things that can’t be talked with foreigners

D．How to adapt to the life in western countries

5.What will the author talk about in the following paragraphs?

A．How to talk efficiently with foreigners.

B．Customs of the three countries.

C．How to choose topics in the western countries.

D．How to be a good listener.

Answer

1.B

2.D

3.A

4.A

5.B 

【解析】

试题分析：这篇文章讲的是如何于西方人交谈。所谓入乡随俗，我们要了解这些西方国家的风俗习惯才不会出现尴尬的情况。

1.排除题：从第二段的句子：There is rarely a moment of silence,可知A错， 从最后一段的句子：They can be rather serious, so it is advisable to avoid making jokes on them.可知C是错的，从第五段的句子：Australians prefer to judge your competence and abilities through your actions.可知D是错的，从第三段的句子Food, art, music and current events or history are welcome topics.可知法国人不喜欢谈职业。选B

2.细节题：从第四段的句子：The best policy, however, is to wait for Australian companions to bring up these two subjects; be prepared to hear their arguments.可知你应该等澳大利亚人先提出话题。选D

3.细节题;从第五段的句子：People who show off their education in conversation may be subject to teasing.可知澳大利亚人不喜欢在别人面前吹嘘自己的成功。选A

4.主旨题：从第一段的句子：So it’s necessary for you to know what you can talk with the local people in France, Australia and Switzerland, and different customs of these countries.可知这篇文章讲的是如何于西方人交谈。选A。

5.推理题：ACD三项在前面的文章里都提到过，下面作者将会谈论这三个国家的风俗。选B。

考点：考查文化类短文