There are 20 blanks in the following passage. For each blank there are four choices marked A), B), C)
and D). You should choose the ONE that best fits into the passage. Then mark the corresponding letter on the answer sheet. Generally speaking, a
British is widely regarded as a quiet, shy and conservative person who is 36 only among those with whom he is acquainted. When a stranger is at
present, he often seems nervous, 37 embarrassed. You have to take a commuter train any morning or evening to 38 the truth of this. Serious-looking
businessmen and women sit reading their newspapers or dozing in a corner; hardly anybody talks, since to do so would be considered quite offensive. 39
, there is an unwritten but clearly understood code of behavior which, 40 broken, makes the offender immediately the object of 41. It has been known as
a fact that the British has a 42 for the discussion of their weather and that, if given a chance, he will talk about it 43. Some people argue that it is because
the British weather seldom 44 forecast and hence becomes a source of interest and 45 to everyone. This may be so. 46 a British cannot have much 47 in
the weathermen, who, after promising fine, sunny weather for the following day, are often proved wrong 48 a cloud over the Atlantic brings rainy
weather to all districts! The man in the street seems to be as accurate---or as inaccurate---as the weathermen in his 49. Foreigners may be surprised at
the number of references 50 weather that the British make to each other in the course of a single day. Very often conversational greetings are 51 by
comments on the weather. “Nice day, isn’t it?” “Beautiful!” may well be heard instead of “Good morning, how are you?” 52 the foreigner may consider
this exaggerated and comic, it is worthwhile pointing out that it could be used to his advantage. 53 he wants to start a conversation with a British but is
54 to know where to begin, he could do well to mention the state of the weather. It is a safe subject which will 55 an answer from even the most
reserved of the British. 36.
A. relaxed
B. frustrated
C. amused
D. exhausted
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