When you visit a foreign country, asking for information or help is a very common and necessary activity. So it’s important to know     1     to ask for information politely. We need to learn to be polite when we make some requests. It can be very helpful. On the one hand, we should pay attention     2     the way we speak when talking with different people. The expressions you use might depend on whom you are speaking to or how well you know them. For example, you might say “What’s up today?” to your friend, but you won’t say it to a stranger. On the     3     hand, a very direct order sounds impolite in English. Speaking     4     a polite way is more difficult than being direct. So you should be careful when you are in European countries. However, in order not to cause trouble, you’d     5     learn about language etiquette (礼仪) and avoid using any rude words. This will help you communicate better with other people.

OK is one of the most common expressions on the earth. We use it for so many times every day. “How about two o’clock, OK?” “OK.” “OK” is     1     to say, write and understand and is widely used. Each year,         2     March 23, people celebrate the “OK Day” together. It has been 180 years since it appeared.

Not only in English-speaking countries, but also in many other     3     around the world, people like to use OK. What makes OK so popular? It’s hard to say. Maybe It’s because OK is simple but useful. With OK, people can answer simply     4     of explaining a lot. For example, if someone asks you to go for a walk after lunch, you can simply say “OK”. No reason needs to     5     given.

Where did this simple expression come from? Some people say OK was the name of somebody or something, but     6     think it started in the American Civil War(美国内战).

Some might argue that the word is not formal enough to be used in some important situations.     7    , even the president(总统) of the United States once used OK in his speeches.

So, don’t worry. It’s OK to say OK. No matter     8     you go, someone will understand you if you say OK.