Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each other numbered blanks from 37 to 41.
Culture has a strong influence on non-verbal communication. Even the simple act of looking someone in the eye is not at all that simple. In the USA, Americans are (37) ________ to look directly at people when speaking to them. It shows interest in what they are saying and is thought to carry a (38) ________ of honesty. Meanwhile, in Japan and Korea, people avoid long periods of eye contact. It is considered more polite to look to the side during a conversation. The Lebanese, (39) ________, stand close together and look intensely into each other’s eyes. The action shows sincerity and gives people a better sense of what their counterparts want.
Given (40) ________ differences with even the most common expressions, people (41) ________ travel or work abroad have a real need to learn the other culture’s body language. People tend to be unaware of the messages they are sending to others. So, it is useful to consider your own body language before dealing with people from other cultures. Knowing about the body language of friends, clients, and colleagues can be very helpful in improving understanding and avoiding miscommunication.



