How to talk to a foreigner? Students often want to practice their English outside class．One of the best ways to practice your English is to speak to a foreigner．This week's question comes from a student who is eager to start a conversation with the foreigners he sees every day．He asks, “Is it okay to talk to foreigners I see in the street? The answer is yes and no, but probably no．If you see a foreigner who looks lost，it is polite to ask him。”May I help you? But，otherwise（除此之外），you should probably let him get on with his business．Situations，however, do exist where it is quite all right to talk to foreigners．If a foreigner enters year school，classroom，office，shop or restaurant，for instance，feel free to ask them  （for example）：

--May I know your name，please?

--Where do you come from?

--What do you think of Beijing?

--How long will you stay in Beijing?

There are also situations where it's okay to talk to foreigners in public places．If you see a foreigner alone in a restaurant，bar or care, it may be appropriate（恰当的）to ask him or her：

--Is this seat free?

--Do you mind if I talk to you in English?

--You pan probably help them if they are new to China and if they are alone，you may be able to make them feel more welcome．After a few such questions, you should know whether this person wants to talk to you or not．If they ask you similar questions, or if they give long, informative（提供有用信息的）answers, you're in luck．If not，then give them their privacy（独处）．Talking to strangers is fun if you choose the right time and place．

1、One way to practice your spoken English is to try to talk with         ．

A、your friends           B、foreigners              C、your classmates      D、your teacher

2、When you first meet a foreigner，you should probably say         ．

A、Where are you going?                              B、Have you eaten your dinner?

C、Can you help me with my English?               D、How do you do?

3、The writer suggests that we should         ．

A、follow foreigners when we meet them in the street

B、talk with a foreigner at a good time

C、have a meal with foreigners in a restaurant

D、move to a place where a foreigner lives

Here are some American classroom customs:

     If the teacher asks a question, you are expected to give an answer. If you do not understand the question, you should put up your hand and ask the teacher to repeat the question. If you do not know the answer, it is all right to tell the teacher that you do not know. Then he or she knows what you need to learn.

     There is no excuse for not doing your homework. If you are absent (缺席), you should ear your teacher or someone who is in your class and ask for the assignment(作业). It is your responsibility (责任) to find out what assignments you have missed. It is not the teacher's responsibility to remind you of missed assignments.

      You must not be absent on a test day. If you are seriously ill, call and let the teacher, know you will not he there for the test. If your teacher allows make - up tests, you should take the test within one or two days after returning to class. Serious illness is the only reason for missing a test.

      Be on time! It is considered(认为) rude to be late. Also, it disturbs other students. If you must come in late, be sure to do it quietly. Have your books and papers out of your bag before you come into the room. Then go to your seat and sit quietly. In the U. S. it is not necessary to knock before you enter the classroom. If you must leave during class, do so quietly. There is no need to ask the teacher's per-mission. Entering a teacher's office or any office with a closed door without knocking fast is not accept-able. Knock first, then wait to he invited in.

      Wearing a hat in class is considered impolite by many teachers. Some teachers may ignore it, but you should ask permission first.

1. What should a student do if he or she doesn't understand the teacher' s question?

___________________________________________________________________

2. If a student misses a class, how can he or she find out the assignment?

___________________________________________________________________

3. What is the only reason for missing a test?

___________________________________________________________________

4. Is it necessary for a student to knock before he or she enters the classroom ?

___________________________________________________________________

5. What about wearing a hat in class?

___________________________________________________________________