Question

Here is some must­know information from a handbook on how people behave in doing business in some countries.

In Brazil

Brazilians are warm and friendly. They often stand close when talking and it is common for them to touch the person on the shoulder. People often greet each other (particularly women) with light cheek kisses. Schedules tend to be flexible，with business meetings sometimes starting later than planned. But to be safe，be on time. Meals can stretch for hours—there’s no such thing as rushing a meal in Brazil. Lunches also can start in the mid to late afternoon. Brazilians are social，preferring face­to­face communication over emails or phone calls.

In Singapore

Singaporeans shake hands when they meet and often also greet each other with a small，polite bow. Business cards should be offered and received with two hands. Arriving late is considered disrespectful. So be on time. Efficiency(效率) is the goal，so meetings and dealings often are fast­paced. Singaporeans are direct in their discussions，even when the subject is about money. Rank is important and authority is respected. This determines how people interact in meetings. For example，people avoid disagreeing outright with someone of a higher rank.

In the United Arab Emirates

In the UAE，status is important，so the most senior or oldest should be greeted first with their titles. The handshake seems to be longer than elsewhere. So do not pull away from the handshake. Women should cover themselves when it comes to dress. Men also tend to be covered from neck to elbows(肘部) and down to the knees. People do not avoid entertaining in their homes，but they also hold business meals at restaurants. Touching or passing food or eating with your left hand is to be avoided. When meetings are one­to­one，if your host offers you coffee，you should refuse. It might seem odd，but it is a cultural tradition. Coffee should only be accepted if it is already set out or presented.

In Switzerland

The Swiss tend to be formal and address each other by last name. They also are respectful of private lives. You should be careful not to ask about personal topics. Punctuality(守时) is vital，something that comes from a deep respect for others’ time. Arrive at any meeting or event a few minutes early to be safe. They also have clear structure in their companies. Higher­ups make the final decisions，even if others might disagree. Neat，clean dress is expected. The Swiss follow formal table manners. They also keep their hands visible at the table and their elbows off the table. It is polite to finish the food on your plate.

1.The passage is mainly about___________

A． communication types

B． the workplace atmosphere

C． customs and social manners

D． living conditions and standards

2.Why do Singaporeans avoid arguing with their boss?

A． They put efficiency in the first place.

B． They dislike face­to­face communication.

C． They want to finish meetings as quickly as possible.

D． They are supposed to obey the person of a higher rank.

3.In the UAE，when should you refuse the coffee if it is offered?

A． When greeting seniors.

B． When meeting the host alone.

C． When attending a presentation.

D． When dining with business partners.

4.In which country do people care about where to put their hands at the dinner table?

A． In Brazil.

B． In Singapore.

C． In the United Arab Emirates.

D． In Switzerland.

Answer

1.C

2.D

3.B

4.D

【解析】

1.1】从文章的首句“Here is some must­know information from a handbook on how people behave in doing business in some countries.”及对各个不同国家描述的内容可知，本文讲述的是在一些国家做生意时要注意的风俗和社交礼仪。故C项正确。

2.2】由文中In Singapore部分中的最后三句“Rank is important...people avoid disagreeing outright with someone of a higher rank.”可以判断，新加坡人避免与老板争吵是因为在新加坡等级很重要，人们一般避免与比自己级别高的人发生正面冲突。故D项正确。

3.3】由文中In the United Arab Emirates部分中的倒数第三句“When meetings are one­to­one，if your host offers you coffee，you should refuse.”可知，在阿联酋，如果你单独与主人见面，应该拒绝喝咖啡。故B项正确。

4.4】从In Switzerland部分中的倒数第二、三句“The Swiss follow formal table manners.They also keep their hands visible at the table and their elbows off the table.”可知，在瑞士，人们用餐时应该把手放在餐桌上能看见的地方。故D项符合题意。