Englishman and Weather

　　Broadly speaking, the Englishman is a quiet, shy, reserved person who is fully relaxed only among people he knows well. In the presence of (1)or foreigners he often seems inhibited(抑制), (2)embarrassed. You have only to take a commuter train any morning or evening to see the truth of this. Serious-looking businessmen and women sit reading their newspapers or dozing in a corner; no one speaks. In fact, to do so would seem most unusual. Practically, there is here an (3)but clearly understood code of behavior which, if broken, makes the person immediately the object of (4)It is a well-known fact that the English have a (5)for the discussion of their weather and that, given half a chance; they will talk about it (6).Some people argue that it is because English weather defies forecast and hence is a source of interest (7)everyone. This may be so. Fundamentally Englishmen cannot have much (8)in the weathermen, who, after promising fine, sunny weather for the following day, are often proved wrong (9)cloud over the Atlantic brings rainy weather to all districts! The man in the street seems to be as accurate — or as inaccurate — as the (10)in his predictions.

　　The overseas visitors may be excused for showing surprise at the number of references (11) weather that English make to each other in the course of a single day. Very often conversational greetings are conducted by comments on the weather. “Nice day, isn’t it?” “Beautiful!” may well be heard instead of “Good morning, how are you?” (12)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 (13) a conversation with an Englishman but is (14) to know where to begin, he could do well to mention the state of the (15). It is a safe subject which will stimulate an answer from even the most reserved of Englishmen.

　　1.A.friends B.strangers C.workmates D.schoolmate

　　2.A.yet B.otherwise C.even D.though

　　3.A.unwritten B.written C.unknown D.apparent

　　4.A.suspicion B.opposition C.attack D.attention

　　5.A.passion B.interest C.will D.ability

　　6.A.at length B.to a great extent C.from their heart D.by all means

　　7.A.for B.to C.in D.with

　　8.A.faith B.reliance C.honor D.credit

　　9.A.if B.once C.when D.whereas

　　10.A.spokesmen B.addressors C.weathermen D.announcers

　　11.A.about B.on C.as to D.to

　　12.A.Since B.Although C.However D.Before

　　13.A.end B.start C.skip D.stop

　　14.A.at a loss B.at last C.in fact D.on the occasion

　　15.A.weather B.climate C.football D.basketball

　　答案：BCADA ABACC DBBAA

（编辑：何莹莹）