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英语拓展阅读:旅美小常识

2012-05-21 08:00
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1. 不要称呼黑人为 “Negro”
“Negro”是英语“黑人”的意思,尤指从非洲贩卖到美国为奴的黑人。所以在美国千万不要把黑人称作“Negro”,跟白人交谈如此,跟黑人交谈更如此。否则,黑人会感到你对他的蔑视。说到黑人,最好用“Black”一词,黑人对这个称呼会坦然接受。

2. 不能随便说 “I am sorry”
“I am sorry” 和 “Excuse me” 都是“抱歉、对不起” 的意思,但 “I am sorry” 语气较重,表示承认自己有过失或错误。如果为了客气而轻易出口,常会被对方抓住把柄,追究实际不属于你的责任。到时只有“哑巴吃黄连”,因为一句“对不起”已承认自己有错,又如何改口呢?

3. 谦虚(modest)并非美德(virtue)
中国人视谦虚为美德。但是美国人却把过谦视为虚伪(deceptive)的代名词。如果一个能操流利英语的人自谦说英语讲得不好,接着又说出一口流畅的英语,美国人便会认为他撒了谎,是个口是心非、装腔作势的人。所以,同美国人交往,应该大胆说出自己的能力,有一是一,有十是十,不必谦虚客气,否则反而事与愿违。

拓展阅读:

Christmas in America
Christmas is the most important festival in the western world. It falls on December 25th. When my mother and I stayed in America, we were invited by one of my mother's friends to have Christmas with an American family. We bought some presents for our American friends on our way to their house.

They had prepared different kinds of gifts for their family and guests when we got to their house, such as Christmas candles, cakes, cards, little toys, biscuits and so on. A Christmas tree was placed in the corner of the brilliant hall. How beautiful it was! We were impressed by these.

We had a big meal. After dinner, they told us some interesting stories about Christmas. We learned that Christmas had something to do with God. We went to bed at midnight. Though we knew the Santa Claus was not true, we were still waiting for the Santa Claus with white beard to bring us presents. And we received many beautiful presents the next morning.

This Christmas was really unforgettable.

1,When is the Christmas Day?
A.On December 25th
B.On December 15th
C.On November 25th
D. On November 15th

2.Christmas is associate with_____.
A. the moon      B. the old man
C. the God       D. mother

3. What is the Chinese name of the Santa Claus?

4. Please list 3 things to stand for Christmas Day.

5. Do you believe that there is the Santa Claus in the world?

答案
1.A
解析:圣诞节在12月25日
2.C
解析:We learned that Christmas had something to do with God.选C
3.圣诞老人
解析:通读理解最后一段得出答案
4,Christmas candles, Christmas tree, the Santa Claus.
解析:通读全文得出答案
5.No, I don't.
解析:根据自己情况作答即可

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