《综合教程》第二版课后练习答案 第一单元：永不说再见

Integrated skills

I. Dictation

Throughout history / the basic unit of almost every human society / has been the family. / Members of the family live together / under the same roof. / They share the economic burdens of life / as well as its joys. / The family head usually has considerable influence / in arranging marriages, / selecting careers / and determining all important moves and purchases / by any member of the family. / Particularly in conditions / where society or the state / does not give aid / and the responsibilities of the family are greater, / this large group / provides better protection / in times of economic or other emergency.

II. Fill in each blank in the passage below with ONE word you think appropriate.

1. later

2. push

3. what 4. puzzled 5. custom 6. because 7. hosts 8. visitor 9. table 10. however

Listening

Gifts and Cultures

Narrator: In many countries, people give special gifts at certain times. Sometimes the customs seem unusual. For example, in Australia, a birthday cake for a 21-year-old is often shaped like a key. It means the person is an adult and can come home at any time. In parts of Africa, people give a cow as a wedding present, because they believe that a cow can bring good luck to the newly-weds. Before Korean students take university entrance tests, their friends give them sticky rice candy for luck. The friends hope that the students will pass the test and "stick to" the university. The following short conversations will tell you about different customs in China, Argentina, Switzerland, Italy and Japan.

Number 1: China

Woman: Did I tell you I'm going to China?

Man: China? Great.

Woman: Yes. I'm going to Shanghai on business. I have to buy some gifts.

Man: Good idea. What are you going to take?

Woman: I was thinking of bringing some handkerchiefs. They're colorful, beautiful? also lightweight. I don't want to carry anything heavy.

Man: Ah, I don't think you should give handkerchiefs. They aren't a good gift in Chinese culture.

Woman: Why not?

Man: A handkerchief is a symbol of saying goodbye.

Woman: Saying goodbye?

Man: Yeah, like when you're going away ... and people are crying, so they need a handkerchief. Actually, I've heard that one of the best things to give is a dinner -- not a present, but a big dinner. It's good for business.

Number 2: Argentina

Woman: This is interesting. Did you know that in Argentina you should never give clothing unless you know the person really well?

Man: Don't give clothing? Why not?