International travel is popular, but visitors can run into trouble if they don’t know some basic “rules”. So, it’s important to learn about the cultures they’re visiting.

BRAZIL

In general, Brazilian culture is informal. Most Brazilians are very friendly, so it’s important to greet the people you meet. Normally women kiss on the cheek, but men usually just shake hands. Brazilians usually stand very close to each other while speaking. Even if this is unusual in your culture, try not to move away if it happens. If you go to a business meeting, you are not expected to take a gift.

On the other hand, if you are invited to someone’s house, you should take a gift — like flowers or chocolate. However, avoid anything purple or black, as these colors have to do with death.

If you are invited to dinner, arrive at least 30 minutes late, but always dress well, because a person’s appearance can be very important to Brazilians.

SAUDI ARABIA

Saudi Arabia is a very traditional country. It is important to greet the oldest or the most senior person first. People shake hands in business situations, but men and women do not touch in public.

In a business meeting, do not start with business matters at once. Instead, lead in the conversation by asking about people’s family or health. Arrive on time for business meetings, but don’t be surprised if others are late. Being on time is less important in Saudi Arabia than it is in most western countries. Business dress is formal.

Gifts are not expected at business meetings. If you are invited to a Saudi home, acceptable gifts are chocolate or coffee. Be careful not to admire the things the host owns, because he or she will feel necessary to give an item to you as a gift.

【小题1】The underlined word “this” in Paragraph 2 refers to ________.

A．kissing on the cheek when greeting

B．dressing formally when invited

C．preparing gifts at business meetings

D．standing very close when talking

【小题2】Which of the following are mentioned in both countries in the passage?
①lead-in topics     ②greetings     ③arriving time      ④giving gifts      ⑤dresses

A．①②③④

B．①②④⑤

C．①③④⑤

D．②③④⑤

【小题3】Why does the writer write this passage?

A．To ask more people to travel to different countries.

B．To introduce some basic rules in different cultures.

C．To teach tourists how to understand English culture.

D．To show different opinions about different cultures.