Reading Comprehension

Directions: There are three passages in this part. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet.

Passage 1

 Questions 1-5 are based on the following passage

A great difference between American social customs and those of other countries is the way in which names are used. Americans have little concern for “rank”, especially socially. Most Americans do not want to be treated in any especially respectful way because of their age or social rank; it makes them feel uncomfortable. Many Americans even find the terms “Mr.”, “Mrs” or “Miss” too formal. People of all ages may prefer to be called by their first names. “Don’t call me Mrs Smith. Just call me Sally.” Using only first names usually indicates friendliness and acceptance. However, if you do not feel comfortable using only first names, it is quite acceptable to be more formal. Just smile and say that after a while you will use first names but you are accustomed to being more when you first meet someone.

Very often, introductions are made using both first and last names: “ Mary Smith, this is John Jones.” In this situation you are free to decide whether to call the lady “Mary” or “Miss Smith”. Sometimes both of you will begin a conversation using last names, and after a while one or both of you may begin using first names instead. You have a choice: if you don’t want to use first names so quickly, no one will think it impolite if you continue according to you own custom.

1. In the first paragraph the author tells us that

A. Americans do not talk about rank, especially socially

B. Americans feel uncomfortable when talking about rank

C. Americans tae interests in social customs

D. Americans don’t care much about social rank

2. According to the passage, most Americans feel when they are treated especially respectfully owing to their age or social rank.

A. sick                         B. sorry                        C. uneasy                     D. embarrassed

3. Which of the following statements in NOT true?

A. The way names are used in America is different from those of other countries.

B. Many Americans are used to being called by their first names.

C. It shows friendliness and kindness to use only first names.

D. When you talk to people in the United States, you have to use their first names.

4. If an American lady say “Don’t call me Mrs Smith, just call me Sally.” that shows

A. she is not a married woman

B. she prefers to be called “Sally”

C. she is not Mrs Smith

D. she likes to be more formal

5. The passage you’ve just read would most likely be found in a

A. guide-book for tourists

B. book about American history

C. notice

D. short story

PASSAGE 1