Introduction :

     Speaking English is not only about using proper grammar. To use English correctly, you need to understand the culture in which it is spoken. Here are a number of important tips (告诫)  to remember when speaking English in the USA.

General Points to Remember

   Most Americans only speak English:

While it is true that more and more Americans

speak Spanish, most Americans only speak

English.

  Americans have difficulty understanding

foreign accents (口音): Many Americans are

not used to foreign accents.

Conversation Tips

      Speak about location.

  Talk about work: Americans commonly ask "what do you do?" It's not thought impolite (as in some countries)  and is a popular topic to discuss between strangers.

     Talk about sports.

Addressing (称呼) People

   Use last names with people you do not know. Always use "Ms" when addressing women. Many Americans prefer first names.

   Americans prefer informal: In general,

Americans prefer informal greetings and using

first names or nicknames when speaking with workmates and friends.

Public Behavior

     Always shake hands.

     Look your partner in the eyes.

     Don't hold hands: Same sex friends do not usually hold hands or put their arms around each other in public in the USA.

      Smoking is out! Smoking, even in public places, is strongly disagreed by most modern Americans.

     55.  What is necessary to know when we speak English besides using grammar?

         A. Introduction.       B. The culture.       C. Grammar.        D. Topics.

     56.  If you are introduced to a woman called Pearl S. Buck,  how should you address her usually?

         A. Mrs. Pearl.        B. Miss Pearls.     C. Ms Buck.        D. Madam Buck.

     57.  We can learn from the text that________

         A. Americans shake hands when greeting same sex friends

         B. when you speak to others, it's polite to look into their eyes

         C. different sex friends should hold hands when first meeting

         D. smoking is allowed in the modem United States

     58.  What would be the best title for the text?

         A. American English Tips                   B. Language Differences

         C. The Different Language Culture            D. American Customs

   

     Thank you, Mr. Morley, for your kind introduction. It was very nice of you to speak of me like that. While I was listening, I had trouble believing that I was the man you were talking about.

     My thanks go out to all of you for being here at this dinner. I look around and say to myself, "These people are my friends." And you know how good it is to be among friends.

     Seven years ago, I became the tennis coach (教练) at this school. I can remember arriving here as if it were yesterday. When ! started coaching, we only had a small team then, just three boys and two girls, and only one tennis court. So my first job was to increase the team. At the end of the first year, we had ten boys and six girls. And it seems like the team keeps getting stronger every year.

     I've been lucky to have some really good players to coach. Coaches love good players. Some great players from our school over the past years include Herbert Bradbury, Christopher Stanton and Emma Austen, all champions (冠军) during the years they played.

     Among the players on our team now is Arthur Burney, perhaps the best of them all. I'm sure you all join with me in wishing him good luck as he leaves for Capetown next week. He's our first student to enter the Capetown Junior International Tennis Tournament, where he will play against some of the best young tennis players in the world. Good luck, Ace!

     The time has come for me, however, to make a change. Recent health problems have made it difficult for me to continue coaching.

     I must say, I'm looking forward to my retirement (退休) with mixed feelings. I'm certainly ready for a long rest, but I'm a bit worried about what I'll do with all my spare time. You might find me coming down to watch the games from time to time. If you can still remember me, you might say hello.

     Thank you everyone. I'll miss you all.

38. What did the man say in the speech?

     A. He introduced a famous person.    B. He started a meeting.

     C. He would not work any more.      D. He thanked the school for an award.

39. Who were Bradbury, Stanton, and Austen?

     A. Ace's teachers                   B o other coaches at the school

     C. players on the team now          D. students from the past

40. What happens to Ace next week'?

     A. He leaves Capetown.             B. He's away from this school.

     C. He's unhealthy for work.          D. He comes to Emma Austen

41. How does he probably feel during the speech?

     A. Very surprised  B. Quite satisfied  C. A bit frightened     D. A little sad

42. What causes the speaker's retirement?

     A. His health problems.             B. The changes in the players.

     C. He's too old.                    D. He's sick of coaching.