In the United States,it is not normal to telephone someone very early in the morning.If you telephone him early in the day,while he is shaving or having breakfast,the time of the call shows that the matter is very important and requires immediate attention.The same meaning is attached to telephone calls made after 11:00 p.m.If someone receives a call during sleeping hours,he assumes it's a matter of life and death.The time chosen for the call communicates its importance.
In social life,time plays a very important role.In the US guests tend to feel they are not highly regarded if the invitation (邀請(qǐng)) to a dinner party is extended only three or four days before the party date.But this is not true in all countries.In other areas of the world it may be considered foolish to make an appointment too far in advance because plans which are made for a date more than a week away tend to be forgotten.
The meaning of time is different in different parts of the world.Thus,misunderstandings arise between people from cultures that treat time differently.To be on time is valued highly in American life,for example.If people are not on time,they may be regarded as not polite or not fully responsible.In the US no one would think of keeping a business associate waiting for an hour; it would be bad-mannered.A person who is five minutes late is expected to apologize.If he is less than five minutes late,he will say a few words of explanation,though perhaps he will not complete the sentence.
If you telephone someone early in the day,it means ___________________.
A.you are expected to explain why
B.you are not kind enough
C.you want to show your concern for him
D.you have a very important matter to discuss
2.The expression "a matter of life and death" means __________________.
A.an issue of the greatest importance and emergency
B.a very important appointment
C.a matter of whether someone should live or die
D.a strong desire to communicate
3.In the US guests tend to feel they are not highly regarded _______________.
A.if the invitation to a dinner party is not extended early enough
B.if the invitation to a dinner party is extended too far in advance
C.if the invitation to a dinner party is not extended repeatedly
D.if the invitation to a dinner party is extended to too many people
4.The word "misunderstanding" can be explained as ____________.
A.failing to attend a party
B.failing to understand correctly
C.standing in one's way
D.standing on one's own feet
5.Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
A.In the US it's normal to keep someone waiting for some time.
B.In the US it's not polite to keep someone waiting for an hour.
C.In the US one is always expected to be on time.
D.In the US one is expected to apologize if he is five minutes late