In today’s globalized business world, effective communication across cultures is not only an advantage but a necessity. Multicultural teams are now common, as they combine different perspectives that can drive creative solutions and growth. Yet, bringing together various cultures also presents challenges, including misunderstandings rooted in cultural differences and diverse approaches to decision-making.

Cross-cultural communication involves recognizing both differences and similarities among cultural groups to interact successfully. It is about how people from different backgrounds adapt their communication. When done well, it helps every team member feel valued and understood, turning diversity into a strength instead of a difficulty.

However, several factors can hinder effective cross-cultural communication. Linguistic prejudice — or biases against someone’s accent or language fluency — can reduce confidence. Cultural insensitivity (不敏感) may also cause tension; for instance, a gesture considered polite in one culture could be seen as rude in another. Time differences can complicate scheduling and deadlines. Additionally, insisting on a single “right” way to work based on one’s own culture can create friction, as different cultures may have equally valid problem-solving methods.

To build a cooperative environment, some proven methods are key. Leaders can set clear expectations for positive behavior. Training in negotiation and conflict resolution enables constructive management of disagreements. It is also vital to respect different work styles and acknowledge religious or national holidays. Setting clear communication standards and fair policies reduces misunderstandings. Fostering teamwork, feedback, and team-building activities promotes mutual cultural understanding and strengthens cooperation.

1.1.What is the key to turning cultural diversity into a strength in a team?

A Combining different perspectives creatively.

B Driving team growth with various cultures.

C Avoiding misunderstandings in decision-making.

D Recognizing differences and similarities.

解析：选D。D细节理解题。文章第二段首句明确提到：“Cross-cultural communication involves recognizing both differences and similarities among cultural groups to interact successfully.” 这表明，将多样性转化为优势的关键在于“识别文化间的差异与共同点”。选项D与原文直接对应。选项A、B虽然也是团队多元化的好处，但并非题干所问的“关键”；选项C是避免问题的方式，而非“转化为优势”的核心。故选D。

2.2.The underlined word “hinder” in Paragraph 3 most probably means ________.

A improve

B observe

C describe

D block

解析：选D。D词义猜测题。“hinder”出现在第三段首句：“several factors can hinder effective cross-cultural communication。” 后文列举了语言偏见、文化不敏感、时差等问题，这些都会对沟通产生负面影响。因此，“hinder”应意为“阻碍、妨碍”，与“block”同义。选项A（improve）意为“改善”，与上下文矛盾；B（observe）和C（describe）均不符合语境。故选D。

3.3.What can we infer about overcoming cross-cultural communication barriers?

A It happens automatically.

B It requires active strategies.

C It depends only on leaders.

D It avoids all conflicts.

解析：选B。B推理判断题。文章第四段详细介绍了克服跨文化沟通障碍的具体策略（如设定明确期望、提供培训、尊重不同工作方式等），最后一段也强调“requires continuous effort”和“applying practical strategies”。由此可推断，克服障碍需要主动采取策略，而非自动完成（A错）；它需要团队共同努力，不仅仅依赖领导者（C错）；文章并未说能避免所有冲突（D错），而是强调有效管理分歧。故选B。

4.4.What is the main purpose of the passage?

A To discuss globalization’s impact.

B To compare business cultures.

C To solve cross-cultural team issues.

D To promote language learning.

解析：选C。C主旨大意题。全文围绕跨文化团队沟通的挑战和解决方法展开：先指出跨文化沟通的重要性与困难，接着分析障碍因素，然后提出具体解决方案，最后强调持续努力的价值。因此，文章的主要目的是“解决跨文化团队问题”。选项A（全球化影响）和B（比较商业文化）虽在文中略有提及，但并非核心；选项D（促进语言学习）则过于片面，语言只是沟通障碍的一部分。故选C。