A
After living, studying and traveling in Rome for over nine months, I finally flew back “across the pond” to America.While the reunion with my friends and family was unbelievable, I began to feel the socalled “reverse (反向的) culture shock”.
Before experiencing any psychological distress (忧虑) upon reentry, I noticed all of the obvious physical and cultural differences between Italy and Indiana — one of which occurred in Walmart.As I walked down the seemingly endless aisles, I was confused.When I finally found the cream cheese, I just stopped and stared.“Is it really necessary to sell over ten different flavors of the same product?” I thought.I immediately recalled the small grocery store, Carrefour, a block away from the Rome Global Gateway.While the store was small compared to Walmart, it still sold everything I ever wanted.It seemed that Walmart is a perfect example of overindulgence (放纵) and materialism, two known negative qualities of American culture.
Because I struggled to communicate with the locals of Rome, who spoke very little English, I was unexpectedly pleased to have the ability to talk to anyone once again.Personally, I have never been the type to strike up conversation with strangers, yet I found myself enjoying conversation with others I hadn't met before in public.It feels good to no longer be the “outsider” walking on eggshells so as not to offend anyone or say something with the wrong accent or incorrect grammar.
While attending a Student Safety Summit for Notre Dame students traveling abroad, one of the speakers noted that living in a foreign country will “change you in ways you can't even imagine yet”, including the way you interact with others, how you dress, what you eat, and how you perceive (感知) the world.Before living abroad, I thought to myself that nothing could influence my sense of identity, let alone the way I dress! However, those words have stuck with me, and I believe the speaker was right!
语篇解读:本文是一篇记叙文。“逆向文化冲击”(Reverse culture shock)是指一个人在国外生活很长时间,再次回到祖国之后出现一些不适应的现象,如焦虑、烦躁甚至抑郁的情绪。作者向我们讲述自己对这一现象的切身感受。
1.What puzzled the author at Walmart?
A.It was not selling a common product.
B.Its cream cheese had a terrible flavor.
C.It was located very close to its competitor.
D.It was unnecessarily rich in product varieties.
解析:选D 细节理解题。根据第二段中的Is it really necessary to sell over ten different flavors of the same product?可知,美国的沃尔玛商场里奶油奶酪有很多种风味,作者认为完全没有必要。故选D。
2.According to Paragraph 2, what's the author's attitude towards American culture?
A.Proud. B.Curious.
C.Unsupportive. D.Uninterested.
解析:选C 观点态度题。 根据第二段最后两句While the store was small compared to Walmart, it still sold everything I ever wanted.It seemed that Walmart is a perfect example of overindulgence (放纵) and materialism, two known negative qualities of American culture.可知,作者并不支持美国文化中的过度消费和物质享受主义。故选C。
3.Before coming to Rome, the author was used to .
A.speaking with an accent
B.not talking to strangers
C.keeping his identity secret
D.correcting others' grammar
解析:选B 细节理解题。根据第三段中的I have never been the type to strike up conversation with strangers可知,去罗马之前,作者总是避免主动同陌生人谈话。故选B。
4.What is the best title for the text?
A.How to Prepare for Culture Shock
B.Keeping Your Identity During Travel
C.Dealing with Reverse Culture Shock
D.How to Follow Foreign Customs as You Travel
解析:选C 标题归纳题。通读文章,尤其是根据第一段中的I began to feel the socalled “reverse (反向的) culture shock ”可知,本文作者主要讲述了自己在国外生活回国后遇到的逆向文化冲击,故选C。