Generally speaking, a British is widely regarded as a quiet, shy and conservative person who is __1__ only among those with whom he is acquainted. When a stranger is at present, he often seems nervous, __2__ embarrassed. You have to take a commuter train any morning or evening to __3__ the truth of this. Serious-looking businessmen and women sit reading their newspapers or dozing in a corner; hardly anybody talks, since to do so would be considered quite offensive. __4__, there is an unwritten but clearly understood code of behavior which, __5__ broken, makes the offender immediately the object of __6__.
It has been known as a fact that the British has a __7__ for the discussion of their weather and that, if given a chance, he will talk about it __8__. Some people argue that it is because the British weather seldom __9__ forecast and hence becomes a source of interest and __10__ to everyone. This may be so. __11__ a British cannot have much __12__ in the weathermen, who, after promising fine, sunny weather for the following day, are often proved wrong __13__ a cloud over the Atlantic brings rainy weather to all districts! The man in the street seems to be as accurate—or as inaccurate—as the weathermen in his __14__.
Foreigners may be surprised at the number of references __15__ weather that the British make to each other in the course of a single day. Very often conversational greetings are __16__ by comments on the weather. "Nice day, isn't it?" "Beautiful!" may well be heard instead of "Good morning, how are you?" __17__ the foreigner may consider this exaggerated and comic, it is worthwhile pointing out that it could be used to his advantage. __18__ he wants to start a conversation with a British but is __19__ to know where to begin, he could do well to mention the state of the weather. It is a safe subject which will __20__ an answer from even the most reserved of the British.
1. A. relaxed B. frustrated C. amused D. Exhausted
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