American society is much more informal than that of many other countries and, in some ways, is characterized by less social distinction. The American mixture of pride in achievement and sense of “I’m just as good as anybody else.” along with lack of importance placed on personal dignity, is difficult for a foreigner to understand. (31) ________, and they grumble loudly about inconveniences or nor getting a “fair deal.” Yet they do not make a point of their personal honor. (32) ______, John Whyte in American Words and Ways gives the following account.

  A European professor visiting in America was once sent a bill for hospital services which he had never enjoyed. The bill was accompanied by a strong letter demanding payment. (33) _____, but the professor, thoroughly aroused by this reflection on his character and financial integrity, wrote a vigorous letter of reply (which an American might also have done). But in this letter of reply he demanded that the creditor write him a formal letter of apology for this reflection on his honor. Since no publicity could possibly have been given to the mistake, for mistake it was, most Americans in that situation, after getting the matter off their chest (or without doing that) would have let the matter rest.

  An example of the same thing may be that although Americans like to talk about their accomplishments, it is their custom to show certain modesty in reply to compliments. (34) _____, which, incidentally, is a very polite thing to do in America, the American turns it aside. If someone should say, “Congratulations upon being elected president of the club,” an American is expected to reply, “Well, I hope I can do a good job,” or something of the sort. Or if someone says, “That’s a pretty blue necktie you are wearing,” an American is likely to say, “I’m glad you like it,” or “Thank you. My wife gave it to me for my birthday.” The response to a compliment seldom conveys the idea, “I, too ,think I’m pretty good.”

  (35) ______. Students do not rise when a teacher enters the room. One does not always address a person by his title, such as “Professor” or “Doctor” (“Doctor” is always used, however, for a doctor of medicine). The respectful “sir” is not always used in the northern and western parts of the country.

  Clothing in America, as in every place in the world, to a certain degree reflects a person’s social position and income, or, at least among the young , his attitudes toward society or toward himself. (36) ________. A bank president may wear overalls to paint his house and is not ashamed of either the job or the clothing, and a common laborer may wear a rented tuxedo at his daughter’s wedding.

  Yet in spite of all the informality, (37) _______. For example, one is likely to use somewhat more formal language when talking to superiors. While the informal “Hello” is an acceptable greeting from employee to employer, the employee is more apt to say, “Hello, Mr. Ferguson,” whereas the employer may reply, “Hello, Jim.” Southerners make a point of saying “Yes, sir,” or “Yes, ma’am,” or “No, sir,” or “No, ma’am,” when talking to an older person or a person in position of authority. (38) _______, “Yes ,Mr. Weston” or “No, Mrs. Baker” is somewhat more common in a similar situation in the North or West.

  (39) ______. Though people wear hats less now than in the past, women still occasionally wear hats in church and at public social functions (except those that are in the evening).

  (40) ______. He opens the door for her and lets her precede him through it. He walks on the side of the walk nearest the street. He takes her arm when crossing a street or descending a stairway. A younger person also shows respect for an older one in much the same fashion, by helping the older person in things requiring physical exertion or involving possible accident.

(From American Social Relations)

A.It was obvious that a mistake in names had been made

B.Likewise, there are fewer social conventions that show social differences in America

C.The American is quite ready to admit certain weaknesses

D.Americans in general do not like to be considered inferior

E. Yet no person is restricted to a certain uniform or manner of dress because of his occupations or class in society

F. Although this is a good form all over the United States

G. In America there are still customs by which a man may show respect for a woman

H. Although Americans are quite informal

I. America is not completely without customs that show consciousness of social distinction

J. When someone praises an American upon his achievement or upon his personal appearance

K. Certain other forms of politeness are observed on social occasions

L. As an illustration of the difference between European and American reflection in this respect

 （31）