Ⅲ.DISCOURSE CLOZE
The following is taken from the textbook. Read the passage and fill in the numbered spaces(there are more suggested answers than necessary). Write your answers on the ANSWER SHEET.(10 points, 1 point each)
The English, as a race, have the reputation of being very different from all other nationalities, including their closest neighbors, the French, Belgians and Dutch. It is claimed that living on an island separated from the rest of Europe has much to do with it. Whatever the reasons,(31)______.
Broadly speaking, the Englishman is a quiet, shy, reserved person who is fully relaxed only among people he knows well. In the presence of strangers or foreigners he often seems inhibited, even embarrassed. You have only to witness a commuter train any morning or evening to see the truth of this. (32)__________; no one speaks. In fact, to do so would seem most unusual. An English wit,(33)_________, once suggested, “On entering a railway compartment shake hands with all the passengers.” Needless to say, he was not being serious. There is an unwritten but clearly understood code of behavior which, if broken, makes the person immediately the object of suspicion.
It is a well-known fact that the English have an obsession with their weather and that, given half a chance, (34)____________. Some people argue that it is because English weather defies forecast and hence is a source of interest and speculation to everyone. This may be so. Certainly Englishmen cannot have much faith in the meteorological experts—the weathermen—who, after promising fine, sunny weather for the following day, (35)____________. The man in the street seems to be as accurate—or as inaccurate—as the weathermen in his predictions. This helps to explain the seemingly odd sight of an Englishman (36)____________. So variable is the weather that by lunchtime it could be pouring.
The overseas visitors may be excused for showing surprise at the number of references to weather that the English make to each other in the course of a single day. Very often conventional greetings are replaced by comments on the weather. “Nice day, isn’t it?” “Beautiful!” may well be heard (37)_____________. Although the foreigner may consider this exaggerated and comic, it is worthwhile pointing out that it could be used to his advantage. If he wants to start a conversation with an Englishman (or woman) (38)_____________.It is a safe subject which will provoke an answer from even the most reserved of Englishmen.
In many parts of the world it is quite normal to show openly extremes of enthusiasm, emotion, passion etc., often accompanied by appropriate gestures. The Englishman is somewhat different. Of course, an Englishman feels no less deeply than any other nationality, but he tends to display his feelings far less. This is reflected in his use of language. Imagine a man commenting on the great beauty of a young girl. Whereas a man of more emotional temperament might describe her as “an exquisite jewel,” “divine,” “precious,” (39)_____________. An Englishman who has seen a highly successful and enjoyable film recommends it to a friend by commenting, “It’s not bad, you know,” or on seeing a breathtaking landscape he might convey his pleasure by saying, “Nice, yes, very nice. ” The overseas visitor must not be disappointed by this apparent lack of interest and involvement; (40)_____________. This special use of language, particularly common in English, is known as understatement. |
