Social customs and ways of behaving change.Things which were considered impolite many years ago are now acceptable.Just a few years ago,it was considered impolite behavior for a man to smoke on street.No man who thought of himself as being a gentleman would make a fool of himself by smoking when a lady was in a room.
Customs also differ from country to country.Does a man walk on the left or the right of a woman in your country? Or doesn’t it matter? What about table manners? Should you use both hands when you are eating? Should you leave one in your lap,or on the table?
The Americans and the British not only speak the same language but also share a large number of social customs.For example,in both America and England people shake hands when they meet each other for the first time.Also Englishmen will open a door for a woman or offer their seat to a woman,and so will most Americans. While waiting in line, Englishmen will never push their way to the front. Neither do Americans. Promptness is important both in England and in America.That is,if a dinner invitation is for 7 o’clock,the dinner guest either arrives close to that time or calls up to explain his delay.
The important thing to remember about social customs is not to do anything that might make other people feel uncomfortable——especially if they are your guests.There is an old story about a man who gave a formal dinner party. When the food was served,one of the guests started to eat his peas with a knife.The other guests were amused or shocked,but the host calmly picked up his knife and began eating in the same way.It would have been bad manners to make his guest feel foolish or uncomfortable.
According to Paragraph1,____________________________.
A.Customs differ from country to country. |
B.Some customs considered impolite in the past are accepted by people now. |
C.Gentlemen like to smoke in front of women. |
D.Smoking on streets were considered polite behaviors in the past. |
If one has accepted a dinner invitation, what should he do if he can’t arrive on time?
A.He should find an excuse. |
B.He should ask for excuse. |
C.He should say “sorry”. |
D.He should telephone to explain his being late. |
The Americans and the British also share a large number of social customs except(除了)___________.
A.shaking hands when meeting for the first time |
B.offering their seat to a woman |
C.waiting in line |
D.being late for dinner |
According to the passage, the best host______________.
A.tries his best to make his guests feel comfortable |
B.makes his guests feel excited |
C.tries to avoid being foolish to his guests |
D.tries to behave the same as the guests |