阅读理解。 It's sometimes said that the Engl

问题：

阅读理解。

　　It's sometimes said that the English are polite people. This can make life

difficult for foreigner. Suppose a foreign boy asks an English girl to go out with

him and she says, " If I finish my work, I'll meet you in the café at 7 o'clock," Is

she saying " yes" or " no" to his invitation?

　　In grammatical terms, she is using the conditional structure. By using the

conditional, speakers of English can avoid giving a "yes" or " no" answer to a

question. It enables people to be diplomatic. If the girl doesn't want to go out

with the boy, she won't turn up at the café. She will let him understand she is still

working. If she wants to go out with him, but doesn't want to appear too easy to

catch, she has achieved that with her reply. But in this case, as she uses the first

conditional which shows probability, she is quite likely to turn up at the café.

Being polite can make life very difficult!

　　The conditional is often used by people in the news-politicians, for

example-who to avoid speaking out their ideas. This is very important if they are

on their way to discuss an agreement. No one wants to give away his or her

points before he or she starts. A government spokesman might say to a group of

workers, " if we could pay you more, we would.' The use of the conditional here

makes room for argument although the speaker is using the second conditional

form, which shows improbability. So it is unlikely the workers will get their

rise.

　　"If" is a small word, which appears often in the English language. It can

show politeness, reported speech and conditionals such as the

First-probability-if I can come to your party, I will; the

second -improbability-if I saw you tomorrow, I'd give you the book; and the

third-impossibility( meaning it is too late to change something that has

happened)-if you have told me. I would have helped you.

1. The using of the conditional can make a speech _____.

A. clearer

B. quicker

C. more polite

D. more exciting

2. Which of the following is true according to the passage?

A. Language used in the news should make room to argue.

B. Usually English girls are not easy to catch.

C. English people never speak out their ideas in public.

D. The word "if" can show different meanings.

3. In the passage," If we could pay you more, we would." probably means _____.

A. the workers will make more money

B. the spokesman doesn't give any promise

C. the spokesman keeps his word

D. the workers' problems aren't difficult

4. This passage is mainly talking about _____.

A. the conditional in communication

B. how to invite a girl in Britain

C. British people and their life

D. some language points in daily English