阅读理解

　　One of the most striking(显著)characteristics of English life is the good manners of people from all walks of life．There is little noisy behavior, and practically no loud arguing in the street．People don’t rush excitedly for seats in buses and trains, but wait in queues at bus stops in a quiet and orderly manner．

　　English people are naturally very polite and never tired of saying “Thank you”, “I’m sorry” and “I beg your pardon”．If you follow anyone who is entering a building or a room, he will hold the door open for you．Many foreigners have commented on the remarkable politeness of the English people．

　　English people don’t like showing their emotions even in dangerous and tragic situation, and ordinary people seem to keep good-tempered and cheerful under difficulties．They often see the good aspect of things．

　　English people don’t like any boasting or showing off in manners, dress or speech．Sometimes they conceal their knowledge; a linguist, for example, may not mention his understanding of a foreigner’s language．

　　An Englishman prefers his own house to an apartment in a block of flats, because he doesn’t want his activities to be overlooked by his neighbors．“An Englishman’s home is his castle．”

　　Many Englishmen help their wives with housework．They clean the windows on Saturday afternoon, and they often wash the dishes after supper in the evening．

　　Although times may have changed and cultures have changed, too, the English people still have special characteristics which set them apart from other nationalities．