PASSAGE 3

Promptness is important in American business,

academic, and social settings. The importance of punctuality is taught to young children in school. Tardy slops and the use of bells signal to the child that punctuality and time itself are to be respected.People who keep appointments are considered dependable. If people are late to job interviews, appointments, or classes, they are often viewed as unreliable and irresponsible. In the business world, "time is oney" and companies may fine their executives for tardiness to business meetings. Of course, it is not always possible to be punctual. Social and business etiquette also provides rules for late arrivals. Calling on the telephone if one is going to be more than a few minutes late for schedule appointments is considered polite and is often expected. Keeping a date of a friend waiting beyond ten to twenty minutes is considered rude. On the other hand, arriving thirty minutes late to some parties is acceptable.

Respecting deadlines is also important in academic and professional circles. It is expected that deadlines for class assignments or business reports will be met. Students who hand in assignments late may be surprised to find that the professor will lower their grades or even refuse to grade their work. Whether it is a question of arriving on time or of meeting a deadline, people are culturally conditioned to regulate time.

31. The best title for this passage is ________.

A. Promptness

B. Time

C. Deadlines

D. Etiquette

32. In the United States the child who must go to bed early, be prompt at school, or bring a tardy slip if he is late______

A. is learning the importance of time and punctuality in his culture.

B. Is learning to disobey his parents and teachers.

C. Is being punished for disobeying his mother and school officials.

D. Is being punished for playing too much.

33. If a person is late for a business meeting, he may be _____

A. criticized

B. fired

C. made to pay

D. given a pay rise

34. Social etiquette in the United States allows people______

A. to be a few minutes late for interviews and business meetings.

B. to come early to parties

C. to be up to a half-hour late for some parties.

D. to call a date when he is thirty minutes late.

35. The last sentence means ______

A. people everywhere regulate time in the same way.

B. Conditions decide how people spend time.

C. Regular timetable is important in every culture.

D. Different cultures have different customs concerning time.