Steve and Yaser first met in their chemistry class at an American university. Yaser was an international student from Jordan. He wanted to learn more about American culture and hoped that he and Steve would become good friends. At first, Steve seemed very friendly. He always greeted Yaser warmly before class. Sometimes he offered to study with Yaser. He even invited Yaser to have lunch with him. But after the term was over, Steve seemed distant. The two former classmates didn’t see each other very often at school. One day Yaser decided to call Steve. Steve didn’t seem very interested in talking to him. Yaser was hurt by Steve’s change of attitude. “Steve said we were friends,” Yaser complained, “and I thought friends were friends forever.” Yaser was a little confused.
As a foreigner, he doesn’t understand the way Americans view friendship. Americans use the word “friend” in a very general way. They may call both casual acquaintances(相识的人;熟人) and close companions(伙伴) “friends”. These friendships are based on common interests. When the shared activity ends, the friendship may fade(逐渐消失). Now as Steve and Yaser are no longer classmates, their “friendship” has changed. In some cultures friendship means a strong lifelong bond between two people. In these cultures friendships develop slowly, since they are built to last. American society is one of rapid change. Studies show that one out five American families moves every year. American friendships develop quickly, and they may change just quickly as well. People from the United States may at first seem friendly. Americans often chat easily with strangers. But American friendliness is not always an offer of true friendship. After an experience like Yaser’s , people who’ve been in this country for only a few months may consider Americans to be fickle(易变的). Learning how Americans view friendship can help non-Americans avoid misunderstandings. It can also help them make friends in the American way.
According to the passage, ________made Yaser a little confused.
A.Steve’s inviting him to dinner |
B.Steve’s cold attitude |
C.Steve’s studying with him |
D.Steve’s misunderstanding him |
We can learn from the passage that_____.
A.Americans use the word “friend” in a very special way and like to develop a close friendship |
B.American friendliness is always an offer of true friendship and is of great value |
C.Americans think the friendship will last for ever, even though the shared activity ends |
D.Americans always base their friendships with others on common interests |
In Paragraph 2, the underlined word “they” refers to “_______”.
A.American friendships |
B.American families |
C.People from the United States |
D.misunderstandings |
This passage mainly tells us_____.
A.that people should not make friends with Americans. |
B.that everyone needs friends. |
C.the importance of keeping friendships |
D.how Americans view friendship |