Question

    Informal conversation is an important part of any business relationship. Before you start a discussion, however, make sure you understand which topics are suitable and which are considered taboos (禁忌) in a particular culture. Latin Americans enjoy sharing information about their local history, art and customs. They expect questions about their family and are sure to show pictures of their children. You may feel free to ask similar questions of your Latin American friends. The French think of conversation as an art form, and they enjoy the value of lively discussions as well as disagreements. For them, arguments can be interesting ---- and they can cover pretty much or any topic ---- as long as they occur in a respectful and intelligent manner.

In the United States, business people like to discuss a wide range of topics, including opinions about work, family, hobbies, and politics. In Japan, China, and Korea, however, people are much more private. They do not share much about their thoughts, feelings, or emotions because they feel that doing so might take away the harmonious (和谐的) business relationship they’re trying to build. Middle Easterners are also private about their personal lives and family matters. It is considered rude, for example, to ask a businessman from Saudi Arabia about his wife or children.

As a general rule, it’s best not to talk about politics or religion with your business friends. This can get you into trouble, even in the United States, where people hold different views. In addition, discussing one’s salary is usually considered unsuitable. Sports is typically a friendly subject in most parts of the world, although be careful not to criticize a national sport. Instead, be friendly and praise your host’s team.

1.The author considers politics and religion ________ with business friends.

A.sensitive topics B.cheerful topics

C.rude topics D.encouraging topics

2.According to the passage, all of the following are true EXCEPT that ________.

A.it is important to be aware of cultural customs during conversations

B.the French consider arguments to be interesting if conducted properly

C.Saudi Arabians would like to share the information about their family

D.sports is typically considered a friendly topic in most places in the world

3.Why are people from Asia more private in their conversation with others?

A.They don’t want to talk with others much.

B.They value their good relationship with others.

C.They are afraid to argue with their colleagues.

D.They want to keep their feelings to themselves.

4.Which of the following do you think is improper (不合适) according to the passage?

A.Asking Latin Americans about their family.

B.Discussing hobbies with American people.

C.Arguing with the French respectfully.

D.Criticizing your foreign friend’s national sports.

Answer

1.A

2.C

3.B

4.D

【解析】

本文是一篇说明文。主要说明了非正式交谈是商业关系的重要组成部分，但在开始之前，了解特定文化中的一些禁忌是有必要，本文在这一方面做了详细的阐述。

1.细节理解题。根据第三段的As a general rule, it’s best not to talk about politics or religion with your business friends.（一般来说，最好不要和你的商业伙伴谈论政治或宗教。）可知，作者认为不要与商界朋友讨论政治和宗教，政治和宗教是敏感话题。故选A。

2.细节理解题。根据第二段的It is considered rude, for example, to ask a businessman from Saudi Arabia about his wife or children.（例如，询问来自沙特阿拉伯的商人关于他的妻子或孩子的事情，被认为是不礼貌的。）可知，C项沙特阿拉伯人愿意分享关于他们家庭的信息是错误的，故选C。

3.细节理解题。根据第二段的…because they feel that doing so might take away the harmonious (和谐的) business relationship they’re trying to build.（因为他们觉得这样做可能会破坏他们试图建立的和谐的业务关系。）由此可知，亚洲人在与他人交谈时更注重隐私的原因是他们重视与他人的良好关系。故选B。

4.细节理解题。根据最后一段的Sports is typically a friendly subject in most parts of the world, although be careful not to criticize a national sport. （在世界上大多数地方，体育通常是一个友好的话题，尽管要注意不要批评一项全国性的运动。）可知，批评你的外国朋友的国家性运动是不恰当的，故选D。