Question

    In the United States, it is not usual to telephone someone very early in the morning. If you telephone him early in the morning, while he is shaving（刮胡子） or having breakfast, the time of the call shows that the matter is very important and needs immediate（立刻的） attention. The same meaning is attached to telephone calls made after 11:00 p. m. If someone receives a call during sleeping hours, he thinks it’s a matter of life and death. The time chosen for the call passes on importance（重要性）.

    In social life, time plays a very important part. In the USA guests will feel they are not highly regarded if the invitation to dinner party is given only three or four days before the party date. But it is not true in all countries. In the other areas of the world , it may be considered foolish to make an appointment（约会）too early because plans which are made for a date more than a week away are easily forgotten . The meaning of time differs in different parts of the world .Thus, misunderstandings（误解） are caused（引起） . Promptness（及时）is of high value（价值） in American life . 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 his sentence.

 （    ） 1. Supposing one wants to make a telephone call late in the evening, this would mean_______.

    A. the matter is important               B. the matter is rather important   

    C. the matter needs immediate attention    D. it is a matter of life and death

 （    ） 2. According to the passage, the writer may agree to which of the following?

    A. It is proper（合适）to send your invitation cards to your guests three or four days before a dinner party date in the USA.

    B. It may be proper to send your invitation cards to your guests three or four days before a dinner party date in some countries.

    C. It is best for one to make telephone calls at night because it costs much less.

    D. If one is less than 5 minutes late, he has to make a short apology.

 （    ） 3. According to the passage, time plays an important part in ____ ______.

    A. everyday life    B. school life    C. communications    D. night life

 （    ） 4. The best title for this passage is ___ ____.

    A. The Voice of Time                 B. The Importance of Time   

    C. The Importance of an Invitation       D. Time and Tide Wait for No Man

Answer 1

1. D        2. B        3. C        4. B