In the United States, it is not customary¹ to telephone someone very early in the morning. If you telephone him early in the day, while he is shaving or having breakfast, the time of the call shows that the matter is very important and requires immediate² attention. The same meaning is attached to telephone calls made after 11:00 p.m. If someone receives a call during sleeping hours, he assumes(想当然地认为)it's a matter of life and death. The time chosen for the call communicates its importance.

In social life, time plays a very important part. In the U.S.A. guests tend to feel they are not highly³ regarded if the attention to a dinner party is extended⁴ only three or four days before the party date. But it is not true in all countries. In other areas of the world, it may be considered foolish to make an appointment too far in advance because plans which are made for a date more than a week away tend to be forgotten. The meaning of time differs in different parts of the world. Thus, misunderstandings arise(产生) between people from cultures that treat time differently. Promptness⁶ is valued highly in American life, for example. If people are not prompt⁵, they may be regarded as impolite or not fully⁷ responsible. In the U.S. no one would think if keeping a business associate waiting for an hour. It would be too impolite. A person who is 5 minutes late is expected to make a short apology. If he is less than 5 minutes late, he will say a few words of explanation, though perhaps he will not complete the sentence.

1. "The same meaning is attached to telephone calls after 11:00p.m." Here "attached" means _____.

A. taken B. drawn⁸ C. given D. shown

2. According to this passage, time plays an important role in _____.

A. everyday life B. school life

C. communication D. private life

3. The best title for this passage is _____.

A. The Voice of Time

B. The Importance of Time

C. The Importance of an Announcement

D. Time and Tide Wait for No Man

4. According to the passage, the author of the article may agree to which of the following statements?

A. It is appropriate to send your invitation cards three or four days before a dinner party date in U.S.A..

B. It may be appropriate to send your invitation cards to your guests three or four days before a dinner party date in some countries.

C. It is best for one to make telephone calls at eight because it costs much less.

D. If one is less than 5 minutes late, he has to make a short apology.

KEY: 1. C 2. C 3. A 4. B