It can’t be true that when in Rome do as the Romans do. So it’s necessary for you to know what you can talk about with the local people in other countries.

In France

You’ll find that conversations often turn into heated discussions. You’d better give opinions only on subjects that you are knowledgeable about. There is seldom a moment of silence, except when the topic under discussion has been finished, and nothing new has been introduced.

Food, art, music and current events or history are welcome topics. The French believe in freedom, and you can criticize（批评）anyone, but not Napoleon, who stands for the French spirit. Moreover, never use the conversation opener “What do you do?”

In Australia

Generally speaking, the Australians are excited about discussions. Many topics may be open to discussion, including religion and politics. The best way, however, is to wait for Australians to bring up these two subjects; be prepared to listen to what they are talking about.

The Australians like to criticize themselves, but they can’t stand being criticized by others. Don’t talk big. Instead, the Australians prefer to judge（判断）your abilities through your actions. People who show off their education in conversation may be laughed at.

In Switzerland

The Swiss may seem cold. Once you get close to them, however, you’ll find that they are honest, responsible people, who will respect your interests much.

They are good listeners and will remember almost everything you say to them. Sometimes they will even take notes while you speak. The Swiss are a very private people, so you should avoid asking personal questions. They can be rather serious, so it is advisable to avoid playing jokes on them.

53. According to the passage, it’s better not to criticize ______.

　 A. the Romans　　　　 B. the French　　　　 C. the Australians　 D. the Swiss

54. What can we infer from the passage?

　 A. The Swiss are not as cold as they seem to be.

　 B. The French can’t stand the heated discussions.

　 C. The Australians like to talk about their success.

　 D. The French usually have a conversation about jobs.

55. The writer wants to tell us 　　　.

　 A. what to introduce to foreigners

　 B. how to live in foreign countries

　 C. how to get along with foreigners

　 D. what to talk about in foreign countries

For several years, Americans have enjoyed teleshopping—watching TV and buying things by phone.Now teleshopping is starting in Europe (欧洲).In a number of European countries, people can turn on their TVs and shop for clothes, jewelry, food, toys, and many other things.

Teleshopping is becoming popular in Sweden, for example.The biggest Swedish company sells different kinds of things on TV in 15 European countries, and in one year it made ＄100 million.In France there are two teleshopping channels, and the French spend about ＄20 million a year to buy things through these channels.

In Germany, until last year teleshopping was only possible on one channel for 1 hour every day.Then the government allowed (允许) more telepshopping.Other channels can open for telebusiness, including (包括) the largest American teleshopping company and a 24?hour teleshopping company.German businessmen are hoping this new teleshopping will help them sell more things.

Some people like teleshopping because it allows them to do their shopping without leaving their homes.With all the problems of traffic in the cities, this is an important reason.But at the same time, other Europeans do not like this new way of shopping.They call teleshopping “junk (垃圾) on the air”.Many Europeans usually worry about the quality (质量) of the things for sale on TV.Good quality is important to them, and they believe they cannot be sure about the quality of the things on TV.

The need for high quality means that European teleshopping companies will have to be different from the American companies.They will have to be more careful about the quality of the things they sell.They will also have to work harder to sell things that the buyers cannot touch or see in person.

1.Teleshopping is ____ in Europe.   

　　A.not popular    B.growing    C.not possible    D.cheap

2.People like teleshopping because it is ____ .

　　A.American     B.cheaper     C.easier         D.more popular

3.Some Europeans don't like teleshopping because they ____ .

A.don't like to buy things               B.don't watch TV

C.believe the things sold on TV are expensive

D.think the things sold on TV are bad quality

4.In Germany, teleshopping may ____ .

A.help businessmen get more money      B.keep the shops open longer

C.have fewer buyers                   D.bring better TV programmes

5.The best title of this passage is ____ .

A.American Teleshopping               B.Teleshopping Companies

C.Teleshopping in Europe               D.Teleshopping—Junk on the Air