Unit 2: Cultural Diversity - Reading

Exercise 1: Read the passage carefully and then choose the correct answers These days, most people in Britain and the US do not wear very formal clothes. But sometimes it is important to wear the right thing. Many British people don't think about clothes very much. They just like to be comfortable. When they go out to enjoy themselves, they can wear almost anything. At theatres, cinemas and concerts you can put on what you like from elegant suits and dresses to jeans and sweaters. Anything goes, as long as you look clean and tidy. But in Britain, as well as the US, men in offices usually wear suits and ties, and women wear dresses or skirt (not trousers). Doctors, lawyers and business people wear quite formal clothes. And in some hotels and restaurants men have to wear ties and women wear smart dresses. In many years, Americans are more relaxed than British people, but they are more careful with their clothes. At home, or on holiday, most Americans wear informal or sporty clothes. But when they go out in the evening, they like to look elegant. In good hotels and restaurants, men have to wear jackets and ties, and women wear pretty clothes and smart hairstyles. It is difficult to say exactly what people wear informal or formal in Britain and the US, because everyone is different. If you are not sure what to wear, watch what other people do and then do the same. You'll feel more relaxed if you don't look too different from everyone else.

Exercise 2: Fill in each blank with one appropriate word Americans tend to be very (6)............ people. This is often expressed in conversations. It is (7)................ for an American to end a conversation by saying: "Let's get together sometime," "Come by for a visit when you have a chance," or "Let's meet for coffee." However, these (8)................ are usually not intended to be taken literally. An invitation is not (9)............ unless a time and place is set. If you have accepted an invitation or if a meeting has been set, Americans usually expect you to arrive at the agreed ................(10) at the right time. It is considered (11)............. to accept an invitation and not show up or to arrive more than 10 to 20 minutes late. Americans tend to be quite (12)...................... If you have to cancel an appointment or know that you will not be able to be on time, you should call your friend or host to cancel or reschedule.