1 . People often talk about cultural differences between western and eastern countries, but how about the western world itself? Surprisingly, a closer look at it can reveal a good many curious details.

The most obvious characteristic of the majority of Americans is that they smile a lot. It does not matter whether they have a strong reason to smile; they do it, sometimes simply because they have to. A smile is not just a powerful marketing tool but also a way to show that someone is friendly, and that life in general is fine. Europeans, on the contrary, prefer to keep a more neutral   (不露声色的) facial expression. They smile mostly when they are in a good mood, or feel amused; if not, a European’s face will remain neutral, or even dull. In Russia, for example, there is a proverb saying that laughing for no reason is a sign of a fool. It does not mean that Europeans are serious, or that they do not have a sense of humor.

The same refers to communication in general. Americans are extremely communicative; small talk and chats are common. Europeans talk mostly when there is something to say, and rarely enter communication just for the purpose of talking to other people. American people prefer to express what they think carefully, considering how it might affect surrounding people. Europeans are more straightforward, even with unfamiliar people. A European friend will almost always voice their opinion on different occasions, and will not hesitate to remind you that you need to lose some weight or take a shower.

It can be said that Americans are people of contrasts. They are open-minded, flexible, and ready to accept everything new enthusiastically; but at the same time, American society manages to bring up unbelievable conservatives. Americans are extremely politically correct, which, in most cases, is indeed a secure and beneficial practice, but it can also mess up daily or even private communication, sometimes preventing having close relationships. Europeans, on the contrary, are more straightforward, preferring to tell the truth in direct ways. Each way of communication is different — neither is correct or incorrect.

1. What does the author say about smiling?

A．It is culture-related within western countries.

B．It is a powerful marketing tool across cultures.

C．It is thought of as a sign of a fool in America.

D．It is regarded as being socially necessary in Europe.

2. What is typical of Europeans’ communication?

A．Beating around the bush.	B．Having small talk and chats.
C．Hiding their feelings carefully.	D．Expressing themselves openly.

3. What does the underlined word “it” in the last paragraph refer to?

A．Being straightforward.	B．Being politically correct.
C．Accepting everything new.	D．Raising unbelievable conservatives.

4. How is the text mainly developed?

A．By analyzing cause and effect.	B．By making comparisons.
C．By classifying body language.	D．By discussing research findings.

2 . Color is considered one of the most useful and powerful design tools you have. People respond to different colors in different ways. Colors tell someone if you are friendly. In the same way they affect whether someone will continue clicking through your website. Colors determine if someone will start reading your article in a magazine or post on your website.

Colors also help to keep people involved on your website and determine how long they stay. Of course that’s not just about the content. Colors also influence how people will respond and behave.

The next time you go into a fast-food restaurant, look closely at the colors. Do they decorate with vivid reds and oranges because they encourage diners to eat and leave quickly like many of the fast-food establishments(企业)？That is exactly the response they want.

Different cultures have different attitudes and preferences; thus, they will have another color reaction. In China, “white” stands for death and in Brazil, it is the color purple while in America it is black. People from warm countries respond favorably to warm colors; people from colder climates prefer cooler colors. In America, green is associated with jealousy or money. Blue (the most popular) is associated with trust, responsibility, belonging and coolness.

This also means that color affects shopping habits. Different colors attract different kinds of customers. Red, orange, black and royal blue attract impulse(冲动的)buyers. Pink, light blue and navy attract smart budget shoppers. There is really a lot into it. To experience this, why not click on the following large companies’ websites that have spent the funds on this type of research now?

1. This passage mainly tells us ______

A．what colors mean to people in different countries.

B．colors affect people in many different countries.

C．which kind of color does good to people’s health.

D．a good website should have as many kinds of colors as possible.

2. According to this passage, which of the following is TRUE?

A．Reds and oranges in a restaurant will make you stay there longer.

B．In Brazil, the color purple is associated with death.

C．People from warm countries will like cooler colors better.

D．People’s shopping habits will not be affected by colors

3. What would the author probably talk about in the next paragraph?

A．To offer some large companies’ websites.

B．To introduce what colors mean in different countries.

C．To tell us how to use colors in our daily life.

D．To give more examples about successful restaurants.