In writing assignments in English classes my students frequently raise the topic of friendship. Reading what they write, I start to understand Chinese friendship obligations. Chinese can usually expect more from their friends than Americans can. For instance, once a student wrote that she understood that her friend wanted to go shopping. My student was busy and really had no time to do that, but she kept silent, put her work aside and went shopping with her friend. This is quite different from what American young people would say about friendship. In the U.S. you feel free to ask your friend for help, but you recognize that the friend may say no, if they give you a reason. A friend in China is someone who, sensing that you are in need in some way, offers to assist you without waiting to be asked. In China there are few limits on what you can ask or expect of a friend.
Another difference is that Chinese expect friendships to be more lasting. They think a true friendship is a relationship that endures through changes in the lives of the friends. In the U.S. a person is likely to change even “best friends” several times over the years. Even the relationship in which people feel close emotionally and tell each other their secrets and personal problems may not survive life changes such as a move to another city, graduation from university, a significant change in economic circumstances, or the marriage of one of the friends. I think the reason is that friendship, like so many other relationships in the U.S. including marriage, depends on frequent interaction with the other person. If the people involved do not see each other and interact regularly, the relationship is likely to fade and die.
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| (1).[本题2分] What may an American girl do if she is busy when her friend asks her to go shopping? |
| (A) She may say no, giving reasons.
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| (B) She may put her work aside and go shopping with her friend.
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| (C) she may help you without waiting to be asked.
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| (D) She may keep silent.
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| (2).[本题2分] Which of the following statements is true? |
| (A) Americans always say no to their friends.
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| (B) Americans wouldn’t offer help when you ask.
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| (C) Chinese people always try to help their friends without being asked.
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| (D) Chinese people don’t feel free to ask their friends for help.
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| (3).[本题2分] Which of the following sayings can properly describe Chinese friendship? |
| (A) A friend in need is a friend indeed.
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| (B) None of the above.
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| (C) Love me, love my dog.
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| (D) Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
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| (4).[本题2分] According to the passage, why are Americans likely to change their friends several times over the years? |
| (A) Because American friendship is to fade and die.
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| (B) Because this is their nature.
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| (C) Because they don’t have best friends all through their lives.
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| (D) Because American friendship depends on frequent interaction with the other person.
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| (5).[本题2分] What is the most proper title for this passage? |
| (A) Friendship in China and America
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| (B) American Friendship
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| (C) Chinese Friendship
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| (D) Friendship
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