Question

    Perhaps you have heard the expression “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” So when you want to do business in France, you have to get to know French culture, make marketing plans, and run your business by local laws.

1. The French take great pride in their language, so anyone who does not speak it may run the risk of being disrespected by his French colleagues or business partners. Also, another reason why learning French is important is that it is a great way to show every possible French business partner that you care and respect their country's culture and language.

The first thing that you should do when meeting someone new is to shake his hand firmly and always look at the person in the eye. In social meetings with friends, kissing is common.

Use first names only after being invited to. 2. The French will sometimes introduce themselves using their surname first, followed by their first name.

Dress well. 3. Your business clothing is a reflection of your success and social status. Always try to be tasteful and stylish. Women are advised to dress simply but elegantly. Wearing make­up is practiced widely by businesswomen.

The French are passionate about food, so lunches are common in doing business in France, which usually consist of an appetizer, a main meal with wine, cheese, dessert and coffee, and normally take up to two hours. 4.

Do not begin eating until the host says “bon appetite”. Pass dishes to the left, keep wrists above the table and try to eat everything on the plate. 5. This may suggest that you find the food tasteless. If eating in a restaurant, the person who makes an invitation always pays.

A. Remember to be as polite as possible.

B. This is a time for relationship building.

C. Use Monsieur or Madame before the surname.

D. Be careful with adding salt, pepper or sauces to your food.

E. Make an appointment with your business partner in advance.

F. The French draw information about people based on their appearance.

G. Language should be the focus of anyone planning to do business in France.

Answer

1.G

2.C

3.F

4.B

5.D

【解析】

本文为一篇说明文。入乡随俗，在法国做生意，就要了解法国的文化。文章介绍了与一些法国人做生意有关的文化和注意事项。

1.该段内容介绍了在法国做生意时学习法语的重要性，故该句应提出“法语学习很重要”这个话题。分析选项可知，G项（语言应该成为所有打算在法国做生意的人的焦点）的意思就是说法语的重要性。故G选项正确。

2.结合下一句The French will sometimes introduce themselves using their surname first, followed by their first name.中的surname可知，本段与surname有关，分析选项只有C（Use Monsieur or Madame before the surname）与此相关，故选项C项正确（在姓之前使用Monsieur（先生）或Madame（女士）），故选C项。

3.根据下一句“Your business clothing is a reflection of your success and social status.” （你的商务着装是成功和社会地位的反映。）可以看出，着装在商业活动中的重要性。因此F选项（法国人会根据对方的外表来得出有关对方的信息）与此相符，故选F项。

4.根据本段的第一句“The French are passionate about food, so lunches are common in doing business in France,”可知，午餐在商业活动中的重要性，可推断出这是建立商业关系的最佳时间。分析选项可知，选项B（这是一个建立关系的好时机）符合语境，故选B项，

5.该段介绍的是进餐时需要注意的地方。由下一句“This may suggest that you find the food tasteless”(你觉得食物无味时，可能你会添加一些佐料。)分析选项，可知E项（在食物中添加盐，辣椒或酱油要当心）符合你的食物没有味道时的反应，故选D项。