Some cats like to catch small birds, like canaries. If someone looks very proud or satisfied with himself, we say he looks like the cat that ate the canary.
Sometimes, a cat likes to play with a small animal it catches. So if you play cat and mouse with someone, you change between different kinds of behavior when dealing with another person. For example, a child might offer something sweet to her little brother, and then take it away when reaches for it.
A cat will often catch a small animal and present it to its owner. The saying that looks like something the cat dragged in describes something in bad condition.
A fat cat is a person with a lot of money.
There are many other expressions about cats in America. How interesting! Which kind of cat are you, or which kind would you like to be?
【小题1】Americans like ________ best as pets.
| A．dogs | B．pigs | C．cats | D．mice |
| A．dog | B．cat | C．bird | D．fish |
| A．a fat cat | B．a happy cat | C．a thin cat | D．a sad cat |
| A．he plays cat and mouse with someone |
| B．he looks like the cat that ate the canary |
| C．he is a lazy cat |
| D．he has dragged in something |
| A．one | B．two | C．three | D．four |
Every culture around the world has different customs and ways of communicating. When you learn a language, you learn more than words.
In China, people are used to saying “sorry” to show that they regret doing something wrong. But it’s very proud for American people to have polite manners towards one another in public. They often use the word “sorry” —even when they don’t really mean it! Usually, if they want to ask a stranger for the time, they will start by saying “Sorry to trouble you.” If they’re five minutes late for the appointment, they will greet the person by saying “Sorry, I’m late!” It’s quite different in China. They use the word “sorry” in so many different situations that the meaning of the word has changed a little over time. The two main dictionary definitions (定义) of “sorry” are: 1) feeling sad for someone else because of their problems or bad luck; 2) feeling regret because you’ve done something wrong.
So what does “sorry” really mean? And why do western people use it so much? Well, in western culture, saying “sorry” is a way to be polite. It’s also a very clever way to get what they want. If you want to borrow something from others, you’d better say “sorry” to them about something. Or it’s hard for you to get what you want. So maybe saying “sorry” is not only just being polite, but also a good method to get what you want!
【小题1】When do people in China say “sorry” according to the text?| A．When they regret doing something wrong. | B．When they ask strangers for help. |
| C．When they greet people for the first time. | D．When they arrive at a place early. |
| A．约会 | B．协议 | C．想法 | D．安全 |
| A．How to Say “Sorry” Correctly | B．The Different Meanings of “Sorry” |
| C．Why Western People Say “Sorry” | D．Why Chinese People Say “Sorry” |
Some British and American people like to invite friends for a meal at home. You should not be upset(不安的) if your English friends don't invite you home. It doesn't mean they don't like you.
Dinner parties usually start between 7 and 8 p.m.and end at about 11. Ask your hosts what time you should arrive. It's polite to bring flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine as a gift.
Usually the evening starts with drinks and snacks. If you want to be extra(额外的) polite? Say how much you like the room,or the pictures on the wall.But remember it's not polite to ask how much things cost.
In many families, the husband sits at one of the table and the wife sits at the other end. They eat with their guests.
You'll probably start the meal with soup or something small, then you'll have meat or fish with vegetables, and then dessert, followed by coffee. It's polite to finish everything on your plate and to take more if you want it.
Did you enjoy the evening? Call your hosts the next day, or write them a short "thank you" letter. British and American people like to say "thank you" all the time!
【小题1】How long does a dinner party usually last?| A．For 7 or 8 hours. | B．For 11 hours. | C．For 3 or 4 hours. | D．It is uncertain. |
| A．come at a proper time | B．bring some gifts to your host |
| C．say something nice about the host’s room | D．ask how much the host’s furniture costs |
| A．To eat up everything on your plate. |
| B．To ask for more if you really like it. |
| C．To leave some food to show you are not hungry |
| D．To call your host the next day to express your thanks. |
| A．British and American people don’t like to invite friends at home. |
| B．The proper behaviors to be a guest in the home of British and American people. |
| C．You will be upset if your British or American friends invite you home. |
| D．British and American people like to say “thank you” all the time. |
Gift-giving, table manners: what’s acceptable at home doesn’t necessarily apply in other countries. Here are 8 distinctive customs to use as your passport to new experiences and friendships.
| Avoid giving certain flowers in Russia Be careful when presenting flowers to a friend or business associate in Russia. Yellow blooms signify deceit(欺骗) or a relationship break-up. Skip red carnations, too. Traditionally, red carnation are placed on the grave of the dead. |
| Don’t expect a “Thank You” card for these gifts in China Clocks, straw sandals(草鞋) are all associated with death and funerals in China. Deemed inappropriate and morbid, you’ll risk damaging relationship if you present these gifts-for any occasion-to someone in China. |
| Skip the salt in Egypt When tucking into a meal in Egypt, by-pass the saltshaker. It’s insulting(侮辱的) to your host to sprinkle salt on your food. If you have to season your plate, it means that you find the meal’s taste disgusting. |
| Don’t show up on time in Venezuela Here’s one place where being early or on time is viewed as being rude. In Venezuela if you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, it’s recommended that you arrive 10-15 minutes later than the requested time. Early or on time guests are viewed as being too eager, even greedy(贪婪的). |
| Always use a knife and fork in Norway In Norway, table manners are extremely important. Most meals, including sandwiches, are eaten using utensils(餐具). |
| Be “blunt” in the Netherlands Gift giving should be a happy, positive experience. When selecting a present for someone in the Netherland, don’t purchase fancy kitchen knives or scissors. Giving sharp, pointy objects as gifts is considered unlucky. |
| Red equals dead in Korea Writing a lot of cards or notes while visiting South Korea? Be mindful of your pen’s ink color. Scrawling(潦草地写) a person’s name in red ink traditionally signifies that the person is deceased, which means dead. |
| Stick to the sauna(桑拿浴) in Finland In Finland, saunas are a preferred way to relax and socialize with family and friends. Don’t be surprised if your business meeting is followed up with an invite to let off some steam in a local sauna. If you receive such a request, rest assured that your business meeting went well. |
【小题1】Being on time can be seen as a merit in many countries, but in __________, it can be considered as rude.
| A．China | B．Russia | C．Norway | D．Venezuela |
| A．钝的 | B．坦率的 | C．精致的 | D．锋利的 |
| A．The business goes well. |
| B．You will have trouble in doing business. |
| C．The owner thinks that you should clean yourself. |
| D．You must do business in another place. |
| A．Sending yellow flowers or carnation is proper in Russia. |
| B．In Egypt, put salt on your food in front of our host means you like the food very much. |
| C．If you are Chinese, you’ll be happy to receive a clock as a gift. |
| D．You should avoid writing people’s name in red ink in a gift card in Korea. |
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