When initiating a conversation, note how close you are standing to the person opposite you. Personal space is an essential concept in many cultures, and how much or little you give often __41__ the first impression you make. __42__ , in most Western nations, locals do not like standing close to one another. In these countries, it is customary for people to back away when they feel their space has been __43__ . On the other hand, South Americans stand in close __44__ to one another. When you are meeting one of them, keep in mind that it’s __45__ to step backwards during a conversation. A good rule of thumb is to stand at least an arm’s length away from your speaking partner.

       Although it started as a produce market, the Covent Garden shopping area in London is now filled withmany interesting shops.__21__ in 1661, Covent Garden soon became the market for London and thecountry’s southeast, and all the main shops and restaurants bought their fruits, flowers, and vegetablesthere. In the 1920s, __22__ , Covent Garden’s market closed. For many years, the large warehouse andsurrounding areas remained__23__ . Then, in the 1960s, new shops began to open. By the 1980s, the largemarket building__ 24__ a shopping center. Today, many stores sell fashionable clothing, perfumes, books,and gifts for the home. These stores__25__ inside the original market building and along the streetsnearby. Once again, Covent Garden is a popular shopping area.