Don’t be surprised when strangers talk to you in Canada! You will find that many Canadians will smile at you as they pass in the street, or say something to you like “Hi!” or “How’s it going?” Just reply with something similar. In the UK the reply would be “I’m fine”, but in Canada they say “I’m good”.
In company, when someone is offering you a second helping of food or more wine, if you don’t want any more, use the same expression— “I’m good”. In this case, it means “No, thank you. I’ve had enough”. Most Canadians don't press you to eat more than you want.
In restaurant, your plate will be cleared away almost immediately you have finished eating. When you go into a shop or store, the shop assistant asks you how you are or if they can help you, it is their way of being friendly and making conversation with the customers.
Canadians eat early and go home early. When you are invited to a Canadian’s home, you may be asked to arrive at 5:30 pm or 6 pm. But guests in Europe don’t expect to arrive until 7:30 pm or 8 pm. Remember to take off your shoes and leave them inside the door without being asked. It’s not a religious custom, but it’s practical. In winter, there can be a lot of snow and dirt on your shoes, once you are in the warm house it melts and falls off, making a mess. Canadians tend to have light colored carpets or hardwood floors.
If you’re invited for dinner, it will be a full sit- down meal. Meat is usually barbecued in the freezing cold of winter. Do take something with you, like a bottle of wine. Arrive on time and don’t stay over 10 pm.
1. Which of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?
| A. | “I’m good” can mean you do not need more food in Canada. |
| B. | In Canada, you will meet strangers in the street saying “Hi” to you. |
| C. | In a Canadian restaurant, the plates will stay at the table until you leave. |
| D. | Canadians usually say “I’m good” to answer the greeting of “How’s it going?” |
2. If you are invited for dinner in your Canadian friend’s home, ________.
| A. | you will have a full sit-down meal |
| B. | you don’t have to bring any gift for the host |
| C. | you are expected to arrive at 7:30 or 8 pm |
| D. | you don’t have to take off your shoes when you enter the room |
3. When a Canadian shop assistant says “How are you?” to you, it suggests that _______.
| A. | they hope to make friends with you |
| B. | they want to ask you for help |
| C. | they are very friendly to customers |
| D. | they are your good friends |
4. What can we learn from the passage?
| A. | Canadians like dark colored carpets. |
| B. | In Canada, meat will not be barbecued even in the cold winter. |
| C. | You will always be asked to eat more food than you want in Canada. |
| D. | It is usually rude to stay over 10 pm in your Canadian friend’s home. |
5.What would be the best title for this passage?
| A. | Some customs in Canada |
| B. | Dinner party rules in Canada |
| C. | Studying in Canada |
| D. | Doing business in Canada |