2 . Many people love travelling to different countries, but if you plan to go abroad, you should know how to behave in different situations around the world.

Most travelers enjoy meeting new people, but sometimes you can be rude without saying anything. In Russia, you should never shake hands in a doorway, and if you’re travelling in Thailand, never touch people’s heads or point your feet at people.

In most countries in Europe people expect a lot of eye contact when you talk to them, but in many Asian countries a lot of eye contact seems unfriendly. And in South America people usually stand quite close to each other when they talk, but in countries like the USA you need to give people more personal space. Also, it’s rude to interrupt Japanese people while they are talking to you. You must wait until they finish before you start speaking.

When you’re travelling in Asia, if someone invites you to his or her home, don’t forget to take off your shoes when you arrive. And if you visit an Arab family’s home, don’t admire anything valuable because your host will feel he should give it to you as a present.

With so much to think about, it’s not surprising that many people prefer going on holiday in their own countries—or you might just decide to stay at home!

3 . 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit in China. But ________ would a year be named after a rabbit? Rabbits aren’t very strong ________, but they are symbols of beauty and cleverness in Chinese culture. They are also ________ as the luckiest of all the Chinese zodiac (生肖) animals. If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit, you are thought to be beautiful, clever and lucky.

The Chinese zodiac animals ________ more than just what kind of person you are. They also have a deep connection with ancient Chinese culture. Other cultures around the world have their own ________ about rabbits. Most of them think of rabbits as symbols of springtime and cleverness.

People do many things that relate to (与……相关) rabbits. _________, on the first day of a new month, people in western countries will say, “rabbit, rabbit”. They believe saying it will ________ them good luck. ________, not every culture sees rabbits as symbols of good luck. American Indians consider rabbits ________ cheats (骗子).

For the most part, rabbits mean good luck, so don’t forget to say, “rabbit, rabbit” at the beginning of the next _______ month. It could mean 30 days of good luck!

Clothing is an important part of any culture. Chinese culture is more than 5,000 years old, so the traditional Chinese clothing also has a long history.

Jimmy is a 14-year-old boy from America. He hates doing chores, but he has to do a lot every week. He needs to clean his bedroom every day. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays he has to take out the rubbish. On weekends he has to help his father to wash the car. Sometimes he has to look after his little sister and brother. Mario is Jimmy’s foreign friend. He comes from Singapore. He doesn’t need to do any housework at home. Only girls help to do chores in Mario’s family. Mario’s sisters wash the clothes and clean the rooms. Mario’s mother cooks meals every day, and his sisters help their mother sometimes.

When Jimmy talks with Mario about chores, he feels very unlucky and sad.

Doing chores is too boring, so Jimmy hopes to make a robot to help him do chores in the future. Then how is he going to do that? He is very good at science, and he decides to work harder to make his dream come true.

7 . Different countries have different rules on doing business. When there is a chance for you to go abroad for a business purpose, it is best to be clear about the rules and customs.     1    

Brazilians are warm and friendly. They often stand close when talking and it is common for them to touch the person on the shoulder. People often greet each other (especially women) with light kisses.

    2     Business meetings sometimes start later than planned. But to be safe, be on time. Meals can last for hours―there’s no such thing as rushing a meal in Brazil. Brazilians are social, preferring face-to-face communication to mails or phone calls.

Singaporeans shake hands when they meet and often also greet each other with a small, polite bow. Business cards should be offered and received with two hands.     3     This is because arriving late is considered impolite.

The Swiss call each other by their last name. They are also respectful of private lives.     4    

For example, asking about a lady’s age or how much they make a month is seen impolite. Being on time is required. Arrive at any meeting or event a few minutes early to be safe. They also have clear structure in their companies. Higher-ups make the final decisions, even if others might disagree.

    5     They keep their hands be seen at the table and their arms off the table. It is polite to finish the food on your plate.

Please remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

9 . 假定你是学生李辉，你的英国笔友Mike打算到中国学习。他写信向你咨询在中国可能会遇到的文化冲击, 请你给他写一封回信,

You asked me about what culture shock you will meet in China.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Yours,

Li Hui