People all over the world are now taking action to fight against the novel coronavirus. But how they behave may depend on their own culture and traditions. Let's take a look.

When everyone in China is wearing masks to stop the novel coronavirus, many people in Western countries don't seem to want to do the same. For example, an Italian lawmaker was criticized (批评)by his coworkers when he went to work with a mask. They said he was "causing panic"(恐慌). But why do the East and West have different ideas about wearing masks? Let's take a look.

Western ideas about masks

In the West, people should wear masks only when they get sick—chronic allergies(慢性过敏) or infectious(传染的)diseases. People see masks as a tool to protect sick people and stop disease from spreading, so healthy people don't need to wear them. Therefore, during the novel coronavirus outbreak, people would be "treated as a virus spreader" if they go out with a mask. Some European and American people say wearing a mask outdoors makes them feel "worried", "shy", and "afraid of being looked at differently."

But as the number of COVID-19 cases is growing around the world, people in the West are changing their ideas. In the US, for example, many healthy people are starting to wear masks now to protect themselves.

Mask culture in the East

In Asian countries like China and Japan, wearing masks is common. In 1910, Chinese doctor Wu Liande invented the modern medical mask during the pneumonic plague(肺鼠疫). Since then, masks have been a symbol of China's position as a modern, scientific nation,according to Scottish medical anthropologist(人类学家)Christos Lynteris. During the 2003 SARS epidemic(传染病), people in China and East Asia also used masks to protect themselves.

In Japan, wearing masks shows your politeness when you get a cold or flu. Some Japanese also turn masks into fashion. They have different colors and patterns to choose to match their clothes. Some young women wear masks when they don't have their makeup on. Many pop stars in Asia also use masks to protect their privacy(隐私). This cultural and historical background has made it easier for people in the East to wear masks when epidemics break out.

1.What did the coworkers think of the Italian lawmaker?

A.He was too worried to work. B.He made other people nervous.

C.He was unwilling to go to work. D.He was just trying to protect himself.

2.From the story, what might people use masks to do in Japan?

a. Show politeness. b. Protect privacy. c. Look fashionable. d. Protect their makeup.

A.abc B.bcd C.acd D.abd

3.From the story, we know that________.

A.healthy people in the West will never wear masks

B.wearing masks is the only way to protect ourselves

C.masks can be used in many different ways

D.masks are not useful during a serious epidemic

Dear daughter,

You are a wonderful person and your mother and I love you. It will not be long before you leave home to make your way in the world. Can I please give you some friendly advice? Here are some things that you should never do.

1). Never Look Down Upon Yourself.

You are great and able to achieve great things so believe in yourself. When things go badly, never stop believing. Some girls get upset and lose confidence. And then all kinds of problems can follow.

2). Never Get Upset With Your Looks.

We think you look great . Please be happy with the person you are and the body you have. Eat well, take exercise and be healthy. Some girls become upset because they try to lose weight or get the perfect shape. You look fine.

3). Never spend money more than your income (收入) .

Never spend money more than your income and save a little every month. Don’t borrow other’s money if possible.

4). Never Give Less Than Your Best.

We are very proud of what you have succeeded so far. You should be proud too. Keep doing well. Keep trying your hardest at everything you do. No one can ask for more than that.

5). Never Forget That Your Parents Love You.

Whatever happens in life, your family will still be your family. Whatever difficulties you have, you can always talk to us and we will try to help. We are here for you.

Love,

Dad

1.From the letter, we can know the daughter will _________soon.

A.leave school B.go to college C.go to another city D.face lots of difficulties

2.According to the father, some girls become upset because they __________.

A.aren’t healthy enough B.don’t make enough money

C.don’t have good jobs D.try to have the perfect shape

3.When someone gets upset and loses confidence, _________________.

A.nobody will love him B.he can’t get good income

C.all problems will follow him D.his parents won’t believe in him anymore

4.The father thinks his daughter has been a _____________person.

A.happy B.successful C.perfect D.hard-working

5.The father writes this letter to his daughter in order to tell her_____________.

A.that her parents love her B.what she should never do

C.how she can become successful D.that her parents will always help her

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