Eating in China can be a mind-broadening and enjoyable cultural experience. However, there are likely to be many surprises along the way. We would like to prepare you for the main differences between eating in China and in the West.

In China eating is more of a communal activity. In contrast to the West, where everyone orders their own meal, which arrives on a plate and is eaten individually, food is generally ordered dish-by-dish in China to be shared by all present at the table. Each diner has their own small rice bowl, into which food from the plates and bowls in the center of the table is placed using chopsticks, or perhaps serving spoons — a bit like a sit-down buffet perhaps.

Be prepared for your Chinese host placing food in your bowl, usually without even asking. The host will often put chicken legs or other choice parts of the meal in the guest’s bowl. Though Westerners may see this as stepping into one’s personal space, it is a sign of hospitality in China.

Though in the West it is sometimes considered rude to put one’s elbows on the dining table, this is quite acceptable in China, particularly when eating noodles. You however may want to avoid this in some restaurants where the table is only wiped with an old cloth and there may be some unseen residue (残留物) from the previous diners’ meals. Using your own antiseptic wipes (消毒湿巾) may help to put your mind at ease in some situations.

It is common in China for everyone to use their own chopsticks for fetching food from the dishes in the center. If you would prefer, serving spoons and serving chopsticks can be provided for food in the center of the table. Don’t be embarrassed by using chopsticks poorly or not using them at all. The main thing is that you enjoy the food. Food is so important in Chinese culture, and the Chinese are such a practical people, that all around you will most likely be fine with whatever method you use to eat. They will be very impressed though if you can use chopsticks proficiently.

1.What does the underlined word “communal” mean?

A Expensive.

B Peaceful.

C Public.

D Complex.

解析：选C。C词义猜测题。根据第二段关键词组“In contrast to the West ... in China to be shared by all present at the table”可知，在西方，每个人点自己的饭菜然后自己吃，而在中国，饭菜是由餐桌上的所有人一起分享的，由此可知，在中国吃饭更多时候是一种公共活动。故选C。

2.Which of the following behavior may be seen rude in Western countries?

A Ordering their own meals.

B Fetching food for others.

C Avoiding touching the table.

D Wiping tables with an old cloth.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。根据第三段最后一句的“Westerners may see this as stepping into one’s personal space”可知，西方国家的人可能会把给别人夹菜看作是入侵自己私人空间的一种行为，即这种行为可能会被视为粗鲁的。故选B。

3.Why may people not put hands on the table in China?

A For health reasons.

B For cultural reasons.

C For belief reasons.

D For economic reasons.

解析：选A。A细节理解题。根据倒数第二段第二句“You however may want to avoid this in some restaurants where the table is only wiped with an old cloth and there may be some unseen residue (残留物) from the previous diners’ meals.”可知，在中国的一些餐馆里，可能要避免把手肘放在餐桌上，因为有些餐桌上可能会有前面的食客留下的看不见的残留物。故选A。

4.What’s the most important thing when foreigners use chopsticks?

A Never refusing them.

B Enjoying the food.

C Being practical.

D Using them skillfully.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。根据最后一段的“Don’t be embarrassed by using chopsticks poorly or not using them at all. The main thing is that you enjoy the food.”可知，如果不会或者不太会用筷子，都不用感到尴尬，最重要的是享受食物。故选B。