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[2020·ºÏ·ÊÊиßÈýµÚ¶þ´ÎÕï¶Ï¼ì²â]  People often talk about cultural differences between western and eastern countries, but how about the western world itself? Surprisingly, a closer look at it can reveal a good many curious details.

The most obvious characteristic of the majority of Americans is that they smile a lot. It does not matter whether they have a strong reason to smile; they do it,  sometimes simply because they have to. A smile is not just a powerful marketing tool but also a way to show that someone is friendly, and that life in general is fine. Europeans, on the contrary, prefer to keep a more neutral (²»´ø¸ÐÇéÉ«²ÊµÄ)  facial expression.  They smile mostly when they are in a good mood, or feel amused; if not, a European's face will remain neutral, or even dull.  In Russia, for example, there is a proverb saying that laughing for no reason is a sign of a fool. It does not mean that Europeans are serious, or that they do not have a sense of humor.

The same refers to communication in general.  Americans are extremely communicative; small talks and chats are common. Europeans talk mostly when there is something to say, and rarely enter communication just for the purpose of talking to other people. American people prefer to express what they think carefully, considering how it might affect surrounding people. Europeans are more straightforward, even with unfamiliar people. A European friend will almost always voice his opinion on different occasions, and will not hesitate to remind you that you need to lose some weight or take a shower.

It can be said that Americans are people of contrasts. They are open­minded, flexible, and ready to accept everything new enthusiastically; but at the same time, American society manages to bring up unbelievable conservatives. Americans are extremely politically correct, which, in most cases, is indeed a secure and beneficial practice, but it can also mess up daily or even private communication, sometimes preventing having close relationships. Europeans, on the contrary, are more straightforward, preferring to tell the truth in direct ways. Each way of communication is different — neither is correct or incorrect.

1£®What does the author say about smiling?

A£®It is culture­related within western countries.

B£®It is a powerful marketing tool across cultures.

C£®It is thought of as a sign of a fool in America.

D£®It is regarded as a social necessity in Europe.

2£®What is typical of Europeans' communication?

A£®Beating around the bush.

B£®Haying small talks and chats.

C£®Hiding their feelings carefully.

D£®Expressing themselves openly.

3£®What does the underlined word “it”  in the last paragraph refer to?

A£®Being straightforward.

B£®Being politically correct.

C£®Accepting everything new.

D£®Raising unbelievable conservatives.

4£®How is the text mainly developed?

A£®By analyzing cause and effect.

B£®By making comparisons.

C£®By classifying body language.

D£®By discussing research findings.