Question

 Do as the Romans Do

The customs in different countries are rather different. If I have dinner with a Chinese host, he always puts more food onto my plates as soon as I have emptied it. That often discomforts me greatly. I have to eat the food even if I don’t want to, because it is considered bad manners in the west to leave one’s food on the plate. I have already noticed that when a Chinese sits at an American’s dinner party, he often refuses the offer of food or drink though he is in fact still hungry or thirsty. This might be good manners inChina, but it is not in the west at all. In the United States， it is impolite to keep asking someone again and again or insist on his accepting something. Americans have a direct way of speaking. If they want something, they will ask for it. If not, they will say， “ No，thanks. ” When an American is fed with beer by the host，for example，he might say， “No，thanks. I’ll take some diet, Pepsi-Cola (百事可樂）is OK if you have it. ” That is what an American will do. So when you go to the United States, you had better remember the famous saying ： When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

(   ) 1. How does the writer feel when he has

dinner with a Chinese host?

A. Pleasant.    B. Uncomfortable.

C. Satisfied.    D. Happy.

(   ) 2. Why does a Chinese often refuse the offer

of food or drink at a dinner party?

A. He has had enough.

B. He is afraid that others will laugh at him.

C. He is shy.

D. He thinks it’s polite to do that.

(   ) 3. When an American wants something to eat

or drink at a dinner, he will       .

A. ask for it boldly

B. refuse the offer

C. ask for it directly

D. express himself indirectly

(    )4. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” means _ .

A. When you got to Rome, you should act as the Romans do

B. When you stay in Rome, you should do as the Romans do

C. When you are in a new country, you should do as the locals do

D. Romans can be an example for you 

Answer 1

 1. B 2. D 3. C 4. C