Directions: For each blank in the following passage there are four words or phrases marked A, B, C

and D. Fill in each blank with the word or phrase that best fits the context.

Arabs consider it extremely bad manners to start talking business immediately. Even the

busiest government official or executive always takes 51_______ time to be polite and offer

refreshments. No matter how busy you are, you should make time for this hospitality.

The "conference visit" is a way of doing business throughout the Arab world. Frequently, you

will have to discuss your business 52_______ strangers, who may or may not have anything to do

with your business. Do not be surprised if your meeting is 53_______ several times by people who

come into the room unannounced, 54_______ or speak softly to the person with whom you are

talking, and 55_______. Act 56_______ you do not hear, and never show displeasure at being

interrupted.

Making decisions 57_______ is not an Arab custom. There is a vagueness in doing business in

the Middle East that 58_______ a newcomer. Give yourself lots of time and ask lots of questions.

59_______ is an important quality. You may have to wait two or three days to see high-level

government officials as they are very busy. Give yourself enough time. Personal relationships are

very important. They are the key to doing business in Arab countries. Try to 60_______ the

decision-maker regarding your product service immediately and get to know him on a friend basis.

Do your 61_______. Be prepared to discuss details of your product or proposal. Be ready to answer

technical questions. Familiarize yourself with the Moslem and national holidays. 62_______ a visit

during Ramadan, the Moslem month of fasting. Most Arab countries have six-day workweek form.

Saturday through Thursday. When matched with the Monday to Friday practice in most Western

countries, it leaves only three and a half workdays shared. Remember this in planning your

appointments. Moslems do not eat pork. Some are strict about the religion’s prohibition against

alcoholic beverages. If you are not sure, wait for your 63_______to suggest the proper thing to

drink.

When an Arab says yes, he may mean "64_______". When he says maybe, he probably means

"no". You seldom get a direct "no" from an Arab because it is considered 65_______. Also, he does

not want to close his options. Instead of “no”, he will say “inshallah”, which means, “if God is

willing”. On the other hand, "yes" does not necessarily mean "yes". A smile and a slow nod might

seem like an agreement, but in fact, your host is being polite. An Arab considers it impolite to

disagree with a guest.

51. A. extra B. little C. dinner D. no

52. A. at the mention of B. in the presence of C. on behalf of D. with the help of

53. A. honored B. hosted C. interrupted D. interpreted

54. A. sneeze B. signal C. wave D. whisper

55. A. cry B. leave C. smile D. stand

56. A. as though B. if only C. even if D. so that

57. A. carefully B. finally C. quickly D. unwillingly

58. A. encourages B. greets C. puzzles D. welcomes

59. A. Bravery B. Courage C. Diligence D. Patience