Part I Writing

Part I Writing
When you learn a foreign language you must learn more than just the vocabulary and the grammar.To communicate successfully in speech,you must also learn the nonverbal language,or “body language” of that culture.“Body language” is a term used to describe facial expressions,gestures,and other movements of the body that send messages.This means of communication is so important that we may actually say more with our movements than we do with words.
Speaking a foreign language is sometimes difficult because we may not understand the nonverbal signals of another culture,or they may mean something very different from what they mean in our own culture.For example,nodding the head up and down is a gesture that conveys a different message in different parts of the world.In North America,it means “I agree.” In the Middle East,nodding the head down means “I agree” and up means “I disagree.” In a conversation among Japanese,it often simply means “I am listening.” One Japanese student in the United States learned the difference the hard way.While speaking with a salesman,the student nodded his head politely to show that he was paying attention.The text day the salesman brought a new washing machine to the student’s apartment.
Although we spend many years learning how to speak a foreign language,misunderstandings can occur unless we also know the nonverbal language and the correct behavior of that culture.We are not really prepared to communicate in a foreign language unless we know whether to shake hands or bow,when to sit and stand,and how to behave in unfamiliar situations.Perhaps a fifth skill ought to be added to the four traditional communications skills of reading,writing,speaking,and listening:cultural awareness.
1.According to the passage,successful communication depends on all of the following EXCEPT _________.
A.nonverbal language B.grammar C.humor D.vocabulary
2.Body language probably does NOT describe ______.
A.the way people laugh B.the way people are seated
C.the way people shake hands D.the way people sleep
3.Why did the American salesman bring a new washing machine to the Japanese student’s apartment?
A.Because the salesman misunderstood the student
B.Because the salesman was a good listener
C.Because the student agreed to take it.
D.Because the student was polite.
4.Which of the following can be inferred according to the passage?
A.Don’t nod your head up and down when buying things.
B.We should also spend years learning body language.
C.Body language is playing an important role in intercultural communication.
D.Don’t communicate in a foreign language before we know the body language of that culture.
5.Which of the following can be the title of this passage?
A.Communication Without Words B.Five Communicative Skills
C.Body Language and Misunderstanding D.Foreign Language Learning

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