阅读试题

Here is some must-know 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 face-to-face communication over mails or phone calls.

In Singapore

Singaporeans shake hands when they meet and often also greet each other with a small, polite bow. Businesscards 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 fast-paced. Singaporeans are direct in their discussions, even when the subject is about money. Rank is important and authority is respected. This determines both people interact in meetings. For example, people avoid disagreeing outright with someone with 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 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 one-to-one, if yourhost offers you coffee, you should refuse. It might seem odd, but it is a cultural tradition. Coffee should only be accepted if it is always 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 comesfrom 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. Higher-ups 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.

阅读试题

46. The passage is mainly about ________.

A. communication types 　

B. the workplace atmosphere

C. customs and social manners

D. living conditions and standards

47. Why do Singaporeans avoid arguing with their boss?

A. They put efficiency in the first place.

B. They dislike face-to-face communication.

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

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

48. 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.

49. 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 Emirate.

D. In Switzerland.

参考译文

以下是从手册里获知的关于某些国家的人如何经商的必知信息。

巴西

巴西人热情友好。他们交谈时经常站得很近。对于他们而言，拍别人的肩膀是很常见的一件事。人们相互问候时(尤其是女性)喜欢轻吻面颊。他们的时间表往往是灵活的，业务会议有时开始得比计划晚。但为了安全起见，还是准时到场比较好。吃饭可以延伸至数小时，在巴西没有哪一餐是匆忙的。午餐也有可能从中午一直延续到下午晚些时候。巴西人喜欢社交，而且与邮件或电话交流相比，他们更喜欢面对面的交流。

新加坡

新加坡人见面时喜欢握手，他们相互问候时也喜欢礼貌的小幅度鞠躬。他们要用双手递名片也要用双手接名片。他们认为迟到是无礼的，所以要准时。效率即目标，因此会议和交易通常都是快节奏的。新加坡人在商谈时很直接，即使这个话题是关于金钱的，也是如此。他们尊重等级和权威。这个决定了人们在会议上的互动。例如，人们避免与更高等级的人意见相左。

阿拉伯联合酋长国

在阿联酋，地位很重要，所以最资深或最年长的人最受欢迎的是他们的头衔。他们握手时间似乎比其他任何地方都要长。所以，握手时不要甩开手。女性在穿衣服时要把自己的面部蒙起来。男人往往也要从脖子到肘部直至膝盖都蒙起来。虽然人们不避免在家里举行活动，但他们也有商业餐馆。要避免用左手去碰食物，传递食物或饮食。在一对一的会议场合，如果主人给你提供咖啡，那么你应该拒绝。这可能看上去很奇怪，但这是一种文化传统。只有当主人一直提供咖啡时，你才能接受。

瑞士

瑞士人很正式，他们总是用姓氏称呼彼此。他们也尊重私人生活。你应该小心不要询问个人问题。守时也至关重要，这来自于对他人的时间的尊重。在任何会议或大事件时提前几分钟到是保险的。在他们的公司也有明晰的结构。即使他人可能不同意，也由上级来做最后的决定。公司期望你的衣着干净整洁。瑞士人遵循正式的餐桌礼仪。他们把双手放在桌子上但手肘离开桌面。这样用完盘中食物是礼貌的。

答案解析

46. C 主旨大意题。本文主要介绍了巴西、新加坡、阿拉伯联合酋长国、瑞士四国的商务礼仪。故最佳答案是C项。

47. D 细节理解题。根据In Singapore中最后几句"Singaporeans are direct in their... For example... a higher rank"可知答案是D项。

48，B 细节理解题。根据In the United Arab Emirates中"When meetings are one-to-one, if your host offers you coffee, you should refuse."可知，当单独与主人见面的时候，不应该接受主人提供的咖啡，故答案是B项。

49. D 细节理解题。根据In Switzerland中的"The Swiss follow formal table manners. They also keep their hand visible, at the table..."可知答案选D项。