Even nowadays there’s a lot of misunderstandings between nationalities.
Let’s have a look at what the following people have to say.
Maria Conti:I find the English people insincere(虚伪的), cold and unfriendly.They keep saying “Thank you”, “I’m sorry”, even when they don’t know each other.They are even polite to their own relatives!Except for helping you find your way in the streets, they aren’t really friendly and never invite you to their house.
Giannis Sinios:On the contrary I found them both broad-minded and friendly.I was invited to people’s houses and they all showed great interest in my ideas, Greek life and people.In England I learned that it was possible to be warm, friendly and polite at the same time.
Judy Brown:I lived in both Italy and Greece for a few years.At first there were a few misunderstandings between my foreign friends and myself.For example, I once gave a Greek friend a present for her birthday.I was rather sorry that she didn’t unwrap it immediately.What’s more, she even didn’t thank me until I asked her if she liked it!I’ve learned from different experiences that a lot of foreigners find our attitude to what we English people call politeness rather insincere.They feel that politeness isn’t necessary between friends.
(1)
According to Maria Conti, it is ________.
[ ]
A.
insincere to keep saying “thank you” and “I’m sorry” to strangers
B.
necessary for relatives to be polite to each other
C.
unfriendly for the English people to help you find your way in the streets
D.
not polite for the English people to invite her to their houses
(2)
Giannis Sinios is from ________.
[ ]
A.
England
B.
Greece
C.
Italy
D.
America
(3)
When the English people receive gifts from their friends or relatives, they ________.
[ ]
A.
wrap them at once.
B.
unwrap them at once
C.
put them away immediately
D.
always ask their friends or relatives if they like them.
(4)
According to Judy Brown’s experience, ________.
[ ]
A.
when the English people call politeness is rather insincere
B.
the English people are less polite than the people in other countries
C.
ideas of what are good manners are the same in different countries
D.
ideas of what is politeness are not always the same in different countries