Introduction:
Speaking English is not only about using proper grammar. To use English effectively, you
need to understand the culture in which it is spoken. Here are a number of important tips to
remember when speaking English in the United States.
General Points to Remember
Most Americans only speak English.
While it is true that more and more Americans
speak Spanish, most Americans only speak
English. Don't expect them to understand
your native language.
Americans have difficulty understanding
foreign accents. Many Americans are not used
to foreign accents. This requires patience from
both of you!
Conversation Tips
Speak about location.
Talk about work. Americans commonly
ask "What do you do?" It's not considered
impolite（as in some countries）and is a
popular topic of discussion between strangers.
Talk about sports.
Be careful when expressing ideas about
race, religion or other sensitive topics.
Addressing People
Use last names with people you do not
know.
Always use “Ms.” when addressing
women.
Many Americans prefer first names.
Americans prefer informal greetings and
using first names or nicknames when speaking
with colleagues and acquaintances.
Public Behavior
Always shake hands.
Look your partner in the eye.
Don't hold hands: Same sex friends do
not usually hold hands or put their arms
around each other in public in the United
States.
小题1:"When speaking to a stranger, ask them where they are from and then make a connection with that place”can be used as a supporting sentence to _____.
A．talk about sports B．address people
C．talk about work D．speak about location
小题2:If you are introduced to a woman called Pearl S. Buck, how should you address her usually?
A．What are you doing, Madam Buck?
B．How do you do, Ms. Buck?
C．How are you doing, Mrs. Pearl?
D．How are you, Miss Pearl S.?
小题3:The underlined word “acquaintance” in the table may probably mean______.
A．things that are precious
B．foreigners that you can talk to
C．persons who you are familiar with
D．languages that you can speak
小题4:We can infer from the text that ______.
A．smoking is allowed in public in the modern United States
B．different sex friends should hold hands during the first meeting
C．when you speak to others, it's polite not to look into their eyes
D．Americans shake hands when greeting the same sex friends