Directions:

Read the following text. Choose the best word(s) for each numbered blank and mark ［A］, ［B］, ［C］ or ［D］ on Answer Sheet 1. (10 points)

Generally speaking, a British is widely regarded as a quiet, shy and conservative person who is1 only among those with whom he is acquainted. When a stranger is at present, he often seems nervous,2embarrassed. You have to take a commuter train any morning or evening to3the truth of this. Serious-looking businessmen and women sit reading their newspapers or dozing in a corner. Hardly anybody talks, since to do so would be considered quite offensive.

4, there is an unwritten but clearly understood code of behavior which,5 broken, makes the offender immediately the object of6.

It has been known as a fact that the British has a7for the discussion of their weather and that, if given a chance, he will talk about it8. Some people argue that it is because the British weather seldom 9forecast and hence becomes a source of interest and10 to everyone. This may be so.11 a British cannot have much12 in the weathermen, who, after promising fine, sunny weather for the following day, are often proved wrong13 a cloud over the Atlantic brings rainy weather to all districts! The man in the street seems to be as accurate—or as inaccurate—as the weathermen in his14.

Foreigners may be surprised at the number of references15weather that the British make to each other in the course of a single day. Very often conversational greetings are 16 by comments on the weather. “Nice day, isn’t it?”“Beautiful!” may well be heard instead of “Good morning, how are you?”17 the foreigner may consider this exaggerated and comic, it is worthwhile pointing out that it could be used to his advantage. 18 he wants to start a conversation with a British but is19 to know where to begin, he could do well to mention the state of the weather. It is a safe subject which will20 an answer from even the most reserved of the British.

1. ［A］ relaxed ［B］ frustrated ［C］ amused ［D］ exhausted

2. ［A］ yet ［B］ otherwise ［C］ even ［D］ so

3. ［A］ experience ［B］ witness ［C］ watch ［D］ undergo

4. ［A］ Deliberately ［B］ Consequently ［C］ Frequently ［D］ Apparently

5. ［A］ unless ［B］ once ［C］ while ［D］ as

6. ［A］ suspicion ［B］ opposition ［C］ criticism ［D］ praise

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