Among the many differences between Western and Chinese cultures, table manners are one of the most noticeable(显著的) differences. Westerners often make mistakes at the table in China or in a Chinese home. In order not to have an embarrassing（尴尬的） experience, here are some things to consider next time you are eating with some Chinese.
Step1:
Keep in mind that food is shared. It is one of the biggest differences between Chinese and Western eating habits. In China a few dishes are placed in the center of a table and shared by all. Also, you should offer thanks when a Chinese host takes food from one of the dishes on the table and places it on your plate. Refusing it would not be polite even if you are full.
Step2:
Respect the chopsticks. The chopsticks are the single most important tool at a Chinese table. Use the chopsticks to grab food and never skewer (叉) it. Also make sure to place your chopsticks over your bowl or plate. Don’t lay them on the table or even worse, stick them into the rice bowl.
Step3:
Use communal(共用的)chopsticks. To take food from the center of the table you should use the communal chopsticks or spoons that are placed there for that purpose. If there are no communal tools, use the other ends of your chopsticks to take food, remembering not to use the other end to put food into your mouth.
Step4:
Respect the elders. Table manners in China place extra respect on elders. At the table, pass food to your elders before taking it for yourself. If someone makes a toast, make sure that when you clink glasses with someone older than you, the rim of your glass is lower than the rim of the elder person.
小题1:How can you use your chopsticks according to the passage?
A．Use them to grab your own food.
B．Put them on the table.
C．Use them to skewer the food.
D．Stick them into the rice bowl.小题2:According to the passage, the following are wrong EXCEPT that ________.
A．you don’t have to accept the food a Chinese host places on your plate
B．a skewer is also a commonly used tool at a Chinese table
C．one can offer his own chopsticks for communal use when there aren’t any
D．when clinking glasses, the rim of the younger person should be lower than that of the older person小题3:What is the purpose of writing the passage?
A．To let the world get a full understanding of China.
B．To introduce table manners among different cultures.
C．To introduce Chinese table manners to Westerners.
D．To introduce how Chinese table manners came into being.
