Directions: Read the passage and answer the questions or complete the statements in the fewest possible words.
D
If you are invited to an American friend’s home for dinner, keep in mind these general rules for polite behavior. First of all, arrive approximately on time ( but not early). Americans expect promptness. It is OK to be 10 or 15 minutes late, but not 45 minutes late. Dinner might be overcooked and ruined by then. When you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, it is polite to “bring a small gift”. Flowers or candy are always appropriate. If you have an attractive item made in your native country, your host and/ or hostess would certainly enjoy receiving that as a gift.
Some Americans don’t know about the dietary restrictions of various ethnic and religious. Don’t make a fuss about it. If your host doesn’t say anything about what you are eating, then you shouldn’t, either. Simply eat what you can and hope that no one notices what you left. If you are questioned, you may have to admit that you don’t eat meat (or whatever), but you can also say that you have enjoyed the other foods and have had “more than enough” to eat. Don’t make the cook feel obliged to prepare something else for you. Be sure to compliment the cook on the food that you enjoyed.
Don’t leave immediately after dinner, but don’t overstay your welcome, either. When your friends seem to be getting tired and running out of conversation, take their behavior as a cue to leave. The next day, call or write a thank-you note to say how much you enjoyed the evening.
If you invite someone to join you for dinner in a restaurant, phone the restaurant first to find out if you need a reservation in order to avoid a long wait for a table. To make a reservation, just give your name, the number of people in your group, and the time you plan to arrive. When you invite someone to dinner, you should be prepared to pay the bill and reach for it when it arrives. However, if your companion insists on paying his or her share, don’t get into an argument about it. Some people prefer to pay their own way so that they don’t feel indebted, and those feelings should be respected. In most American restaurants, the waiter or waitress’ tip is not added to the bill. If the service was adequate, it is customary to leave a tip equal to about 15% of bill. In expensive restaurants, leave a bit more.
(Note: Answer the questions or complete the statements in NO MORE THAN 13 WORDS.)
80. When invited to an American family for dinner, the first rule of polite behavior to keep in mind is to __________________________________.
81. The author uses the expression of “host and/or hostess” to avoid the impression of
_______________________________________.
82. When served a food that you don’t like in an American family, what is the proper thing for you to do?
___________________________________________________.
83. What is the proper amount of tip in an expensive American restaurant ?
________________________________________________.
