How do you address(称呼) people in English when you want to talk to them? The following may be some simple rules the beginners should follow.

1. When talking to strangers there is often no special form of address in English. Usually, if you want to catch the attention of a stranger it is necessary to use such phrases as “Excuse me”.

2. In British English “Sir” and “Madam” are considered to be too formal for most situations. They are used mostly to customers in shops or restaurants. While in American English “Sir” and “Madam” are not so formal and are commonly used between strangers, especially with old people whose names you don’t know.

3. When you talk to some people you know, you can use their names. If you are friends, use their first names; if your relationship is more formal, use “Mr., “Mrs.”, “Ms”, etc, before their family names.

4. There are many other forms of address which can be used between friends and strangers. However, many of these are limited in use. For example, “pal” and “mate” can be used between strangers, but are usually only used by men talking to other men.

小题1: According to the passage, “Excuse me” is mainly used to _____.

A．address a person you don’t know

B．apologize to others

C．catch the attention of a stranger

D．suggest good manners小题2: If John Smith is your best friend, according to the passage you should often call him _____.

A．John

B．Smith

C．Mr. John

D．Mr. Smith小题3:Which of the following is NOT true?

A．“Sir” and “Madam” are used more often in America than in England.

B．People often use “Mr.”, “Mrs.” or “Ms.” before the first names of those people who they don’t know very well.

C．“Pal” and “mate” are usually only used among men.

D．While addressing friends, people just use their first names.小题4:The passage is mostly likely taken from an English _____.

A．textbook

B．card

C．storybook

D．grammar book