Most people agree that the direct.assertiveAmerican personality is a virtue.but

    Most people agree that the direct，assertive(过分自信的)American personality is a virtue，but it sometimes surprises foreigners．In many cultures，respect for older people or those in positions of authority keeps others from expressing their true feelings．But in the U．S. children often argue with their parents，students may disagree with their teachers，and citizens may express opposition to the actions of the government．If the soup has a fly in it or the meat is too tough to chew, the diner can complain to the waiter, if the boss makes a mistake，an employee will politely point it out．

    Some straight talk about the American personality must include the admission that Americans  have their faults．The extremely competitive nature of Americans is probably their worst fault．Of course，competition isn’t  always bad．As a matter of fact，it promotes excellence by encouraging individuals and businesses to try to do their best．But the desire to get ahead of others  sometimes causes people to do things that are unkind and even dishonest．Also，Americans admire what is practical，fast, efficient，and fresh．Sometimes they fail to understand and appreciate practices that have greater respect for more traditional，leisurely ways of doing things．On the other hand，people from other cultures may dislike the practical，challenging American lifestyle．

    Despite culture differences，most foreigners give Americans credit for their virtues．Americans are generally viewed as friendly, adaptable，energetic，and kindhearted．Most newcomers to the U．S．like Americans，and the feeling is usually mutual．Perhaps the greatest

    American virtue is a deep interest in new ideas and new people．In a nation of immigrants，the foreigner does not remain an outsider for long．

56．What does the passage mainly talk about?(within 5 words．)

57．According to the passage，why do people outside America tend to avoid expressing their true feelings when they see their parents or teachers make a mistake? (within 15 words)   

58．Why is the extremely competitive nature considered as one of the American faults?

    (within 20 words)

 59．That does the writer mean by saying“most foreigners give Americans credit for their virtues”? (within 10 words)

60．Please explain the underlined word‘‘immigrant'’in English．(within l O words)

试题答案

 56．American personality．  

 57．Because they respect older people or those in positions of authority：．

 58．Because it may sometimes urge people to do something bad  The desire to get ahead of others sometimes causes people to do things that are unkind and even dishonest．   

59．Foreigners trust／believe in Americans’ virtues

60．Someone who comes to live in a different country.