The behaviors we think show respect and kindness can sometimes have the opposite effect. Different cultures have developed their own rules about what’s considered polite over thousands of years. These rules often differ from one another, creating situations where doing the “right thing” in one place may become the wrong thing somewhere else.

Saying “You’re Welcome” After Thanks

In some cultures, people often say “you’re welcome” when someone thanks them. This sounds polite in places like the United States. But in some other cultures like Britain, the same words can sound like you are expecting praise for a simple act of kindness. Different places have their own ways to reply to thanks.

Arriving Exactly on Time

Being on time is very important in cultures such as Germany, Switzerland, and many in Northern Europe, where lateness may be seen as disrespectful. In other cultures, people have a more relaxed view of time. In those places, arriving exactly on time might be seen as too formal or even impolite.

Finishing All Your Food

In many Western cultures, finishing the food on your plate is a way to show you enjoyed the meal. However, in some Asian cultures, a clean plate could be taken to mean the host did not offer enough food. It’s worth noting that in China today, many people support the “Clean Plate” action to avoid waste. Still, in certain countries, finishing your food may be seen as a sign that you want more.

Giving Even Numbers of Flowers

Bringing flowers is a common gesture in many cultures for hosts or special events. People in places like the United States may give an even number of flowers without a second thought. Yet in several European and Slavic cultures, even numbers of flowers are linked with funerals. Giving an even number could upset your hosts on a happy occasion.

1.1. In Britain, how might saying “you’re welcome” be viewed?

A As an unnatural but polite habit.

B As a sign of expecting praise.

C As an indirect translation for thanks.

D As an automatic behavior.

解析：选B。B细节理解题。第二段“But in some other cultures like Britain, the same words can sound like you are expecting praise for a simple act of kindness.”可知，在英国等其他文化中，说“不客气”听起来可能像你在期待对赞美。选项B “As a sign of expecting praise”是对原文“like you are expecting praise”的同义转述。故选B。

2.2. What can be inferred about being late from the text?

A It is universally regarded as a sign of respect.

B Germans and Americans hold identical views on it.

C It is always considered anxious behavior.

D Its social significance varies across cultures.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。第三段通过对比德国、瑞士等文化（高度重视守时）与其他文化（对时间持更宽松的态度，认为过分准时不必要甚至有些失礼），说明了守时的社会意义并非全球一致。选项A中的“universally”（普遍地）与文章主旨冲突；B中的“identical”（完全相同的）过于绝对，且文章未表明美德观点完全一致；C中的“always”（总是）表述绝对，忽略了在部分文化中守时是被赞赏的。故选D。

3.3. In many Asian cultures, what message might a clean plate convey?

A The guest highly appreciates the food.

B The guest wishes to have less food.

C The guest finds the food insufficient.

D The guest is being polite and respectful.

解析：选C。C细节理解题。第四段提到“in some Asian cultures, a clean plate could be taken to mean the host did not offer enough food”，在许多亚洲文化中，干净的盘子表明主人没有提供足够的食物。故选C。

4.4. Which would most likely cause discomfort at a birthday party in some Slavic cultures?

A A bouquet of a dozen roses.

B A single rose.

C A bouquet of eleven roses.

D A potted plant.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。最后一个小节指出，在一些欧洲和斯拉夫文化中，偶数的鲜花与葬礼和死亡相关联。一打玫瑰（a dozen roses）是12支，是偶数，因此很可能引起不快。选项B（1支）和C（11支）都是奇数，符合文化习惯；D（盆栽植物）未被文章讨论，属于无关信息。故选A。