Question

Here is some must-know information from a handbook on how people behave in doing business in some countries.

In Brazil

Brazilians are warm and friendly. They often stand close when talking and it is common for them to touch the person on the shoulder. People often greet each other (particularly women) with light cheek kisses. Schedules tend to be flexible, with business meetings sometimes starting later than planned. But to be safe, be on time. Meals can stretch for hours—there’s no such thing as rushing a meal in Brazil. Lunches also can start in the mid to late afternoon. Brazilians are social, preferring face-to-face communication over mails or phone calls.

In Singapore

Singaporeans shake hands when they meet and often also greet each other with a small, polite bow. Business cards should be offered and received with two hands. Arriving late is considered disrespectful. So be on time. Efficiency(效率) is the goal, so meetings and dealings often are fast-paced. Singaporeans are direct in their discussions, even when the subject is about money. Rank is important and authority is respected. This determines both people interact in meetings. For example, people avoid disagreeing outright with someone with a higher rank.

In the United Arab Emirates

In the UAE, status is important, so the most senior or oldest should be greeted first with their titles. The handshake seems to be longer than elsewhere. So, do not pull away the handshake. Women should cover themselves when it comes to dress. Men also tend to be covered from neck to elbows(肘部) and down to the knees. People do not avoid entertaining in their homes, but they also hold business meals at restaurants. Touching or passing food or eating with your left hand is to be avoided. When meetings are one-to-one, if your host offers you coffee, you should refuse. It might seem odd, but it is a cultural tradition. Coffee should only be accepted if it is always set out or presented.

In Switzerland

The Swiss tend to be formal and address each other by last name. They also are respectful of private lives. You should be careful not to ask about personal topics. Punctuality (守時(shí)) is vital, something that comes from a deep respect for others’ time. Arrive at any meeting or event a few minutes early to be safe. They also have clear structure in their companies. Higher-ups make the final decisions, even if others might disagree. Neat, clean dress is expected. The Swiss follow formal table manners. They also keep their hands visible at the table and their elbows off the table. It is polite to finish the food on your plate.

1.The passage is mainly about ________.

A. communication types                      

B. the workplace atmosphere

C. customs and social manners                

D. living conditions and standards

2.Why do Singaporeans avoid arguing with their boss?

A. They put efficiency in the first place.

B. They dislike face-to-face communication.

C. They want to finish meetings as quickly as possible.

D. They are supposed to obey the person of a higher rank.

3.In the UAE, when should you refuse the coffee if it is offered?

A. When greeting seniors.                    

B. When meeting the host alone.

C. When attending a presentation.              

D.When dining with business partners.

4.In which country do people care about where to put their hands at the dinner table?

A. In Brazil.                                B. In Singapore.

C. In the United Arab Emirate.                 D. In Switzerland.

 

Answer 1

1.C

2.D

3.B

4.D

【解析】

試題分析：這是一篇記敘文。這篇短文是一本手冊上摘錄下來的，是關(guān)于不同國家里的風(fēng)俗習(xí)慣和社交禮儀的。在這篇短文中一共出現(xiàn)了四個(gè)國家或地區(qū)。

1.1】C 主旨大意題。這篇短文主要講述的什么？這篇短文的第一段就是文章的中心句，意為：這里是一個(gè)從一本手冊上摘錄下來的，關(guān)于不同的國家中，人們的行為舉止是怎樣的。故它講述的是不同的國家風(fēng)俗習(xí)慣和社交禮儀。故選C。

2.2】D 細(xì)節(jié)理解題。為什么新加坡人不會跟老板發(fā)生爭吵。根據(jù)短文中關(guān)于新加坡的這一段內(nèi)容可知，在新加坡等級是很重要的，權(quán)威的人物必須受到尊敬。由此我們可以知道，新加坡人不會跟他們的老板爭吵。故選D。

3.3】B細(xì)節(jié)理解題。在阿聯(lián)酋，什么時(shí)候你應(yīng)該拒絕咖啡？根據(jù)短文第四段中if your host offers you coffee, you should refuse. It might seem odd, but it is a cultural tradition. Coffee should only be accepted if it is always set out or presented.可知，如果主人給你咖啡，你應(yīng)該拒絕。故應(yīng)該選B。

4.4】D 細(xì)節(jié)理解題。在哪個(gè)國家人們把手放在餐桌上？根據(jù)短文的最后一段可知，在瑞士這個(gè)國家里，人們遵循著正式的餐桌禮儀，他們在吃飯的時(shí)候，要把手放在餐桌的上面，胳膊肘放在下面，而且要吃光盤里的東西。故選D。

考點(diǎn)：文化類短文閱讀。