Question

【题目】Britons may like to complain a lot, but they rarely do so right now, explains BBC writer Ruth Margolis. They would rather grumble (发牢骚) 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】

试题分析：这篇文章主要讲了英美文化的差异，主要列举了美国人一些令英国人讨厌的行为。

【1】C细节理解题。根据题干关键词Margolis’ dining experience in Paragraph 1找到第一段的对应关键句是：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.”当你正在和一位美国人用晚餐时发生了这类事情，他们会很可能当面抱怨，并且不理解你为何认为这是羞愧的。故选C

【2】B细节理解题。根据题干关键词Margolis找到对应段落Not making introductions部分的Strangers are supposed to introduce themselves.可知陌生人应当介绍他们自己。故选B

【3】C词义猜测题。A. differs greatly from非常不同于B. increases the quality of增加质量C. reduces the strength of减少….的力量D draws attention away from将注意力吸引开。根据该词后的the “good”: the meal was OK but could have been better.这顿饭还算可以，但还可以更好。可知选择C。

【4】D细节理解题。A. How to get on well with westerners.如何和西方人融洽相处；B. How to start conversations with Britons.如何开始和英国人之间的谈话；C. Ruth Margolis’ tips on public behavior. 关于公共行为的建议；D. Some American habits that annoy Britons.一些让英国人厌烦的美国人的习惯。通过全文，并根据第二段的内容在比较英美文化差异上，马戈利斯提到一些美国人喜欢做然而会冒犯英国人的事情。从而判断选择D。