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Good manners are a set of behaviors which mark someone as a civilized and cultured
member of a society. A person is considered well-mannered if he or she behaves politely.
However, good manners do not come naturally and should be taught from a very young age.
If children do not receive additional training in etiquette, they might grow up boorish.
People with good manners are always agreeable companions. They are delightful because
they always think of others, not of themselves. They do not have their own way or seek
their own comfort. Instead, they always think of the happiness of others.
Different countries and different races have different manners. For example, if you receive
a gift in Japan, opening it upon receiving it would be impolite. However, in Austria, do open
your gift immediately; otherwise you will be seen as being rude. Another example is that
a guest in a Chinese house never finishes a drink. He leaves a little in order to show that
he has had enough. Similarly, in a Malay house, a guest alwa ys leaves a little food.
In England, however, a guest always finishes a drink or food to show that he has enjoyed it.
The other example about table manners is that in Japan, it is not only acceptable to slurp
the noodles in your soup, but considered good table manners to do so. However, if you are
enjoying a nice bowl of soup in England, slurping is considered rude. In fact, it would seem
rather uncouth if you drink a liquid while making a sucking sound in England.
Therefore, we must find out the customs of other countries before our visit, so that
they will not think us ill-mannered. By reading up on a country’s customs, traditions,
and etiquette, you will not only fit in better, but also show respect for the locals of the country
you are visiting. But one thing that people all over the world all agree is that being
well-mannered really means being kind and helping others, especially those older or weaker
than ourselves. If we remember this, we will not go very far wrong.
【題組】25. According to the passage, which behavior is considered as ill-mannered in some European
countries?
(A) Always finish drinks or food. (B) Drink without sucking sounds.
(C) Slurp a nice bowl of soup. (D) Open a present upon receiving it.