Here is some must-know information from a handbook on how people behave in doing business in some countries.
In Brazil
Brazilians are warm and friendly. They often stand close when talking and it is common for them to touch the person on the shoulder. People often greet each other (particularly women) with light cheek kisses. Schedules tend to be flexible, with business meetings sometimes starting later than planned. But to be safe, be on time. Meals can stretch for hours—there’s no such thing as rushing a meal in Brazil. Lunches also can start in the mid to late afternoon. Brazilians are social, preferring face-to-face communication over mails or phone calls.
In Singapore
Singaporeans shake hands when they meet and often also greet each other with a small, polite bow. Business cards should be offered and received with two hands. Arriving late is considered disrespectful. So be on time. Efficiency(效率) is the goal, so meetings and dealings often are fast-paced. Singaporeans are direct in their discussions, even when the subject is about money. Rank is important and authority is respected. This determines both people interact in meetings. For example, people avoid disagreeing outright with someone with a higher rank.
In the United Arab Emirates
In the UAE, status is important, so the most senior or oldest should be greeted first with their titles. The handshake seems to be longer than elsewhere. So, do not pull away the handshake. Women should cover themselves when it comes to dress. Men also tend to be covered from neck to elbows(肘部) and down to the knees. People do not avoid entertaining in their homes, but they also hold business meals at restaurants. Touching or passing food or eating with your left hand is to be avoided. When meetings are one-to-one, if your host offers you coffee, you should refuse. It might seem odd, but it is a cultural tradition. Coffee should only be accepted if it is always set out or presented.
In Switzerland
The Swiss tend to be formal and address each other by last name. They also are respectful of private lives. You should be careful not to ask about personal topics. Punctuality (守时) is vital, something that comes from a deep respect for others’ time. Arrive at any meeting or event a few minutes early to be safe. They also have clear structure in their companies. Higher-ups make the final decisions, even if others might disagree. Neat, clean dress is expected. The Swiss follow formal table manners. They also keep their hands visible at the table and their elbows off the table. It is polite to finish the food on your plate.
46. The passage is mainly about ________.
   A. communication types                       B. the workplace atmosphere
   C. customs and social manners                 D. living conditions and standards
47. Why do Singaporeans avoid arguing with their boss?
   A. They put efficiency in the first place.
   B. They dislike face-to-face communication.
   C. They want to finish meetings as quickly as possible.
   D. They are supposed to obey the person of a higher rank.
48. In the UAE, when should you refuse the coffee if it is offered?
   A. When greeting seniors.                     B. When meeting the host alone.
   C. When attending a presentation.               D. When dining with business partners.
49. In which country do people care about where to put their hands at the dinner table?
   A. In Brazil.                                B. In Singapore.
   C. In the United Arab Emirate.                 D. In Switzerland.
【考点】考察文化知识类阅读
【文章大意】本文是一个介绍不同国家里人们不同的风俗习惯和文明礼仪的小册子，列举了巴西、新加坡、阿拉伯联合酋长国以及瑞士四个国家的具体例子。
46.C 中心思想题。根据文章中心句第一句Here is some must-know information from a handbook on how people behave in doing business in some countries.得知本文讲述的是一些国家里人们的行为举止是什么样子的，接在举例说明了四个国家中具体的风俗习惯。所以本文主要是关于世界各国的不同风俗习惯和文明礼仪的。故C正确。
47.D 推理题。根据In Singapore部分中Rank is important and authority is respected. This determines both people interact in meetings. For example, people avoid disagreeing outright with someone with a higher rank得知新加坡等级是很重要的，决定了在交流中人们应该如何行动，那么在交流时避免和老板争论是为了服从地位更高的人。故D正确。
48.B 细节题。根据In the United Arab Emirates部分中 When meetings are one-to-one, if your host offers you coffee, you should refuse. 得知当你和主人单独相处时，你应该拒绝主人提供的咖啡。故B正确。
49.D 细节题。公积金In Switzerland部分这个The Swiss follow formal table manners. They also keep their hands visible at the table and their elbows off the table. It is polite to finish the food on your plate.得知在瑞士吃饭的时候，你阅读要注意自己的双手要放在桌子上。故D正确。
【长难句解析】
When meetings are one-to-one, if your host offers you coffee, you should refuse.
【翻译】当你和主人一对一见面的时候，如果主人给你咖啡，你应该拒绝。
【分析】本句中的when时间状语从句中含有一个省略句的用法，在when的后面省略了you are；当状语从句的主语和主句主语一致且含有be动词的时候，可以把状语从句的主语和be动词一起省略。