READING PASSAGE 30

You are advised to spend about 15 minutes on Questions 1-15 which refer to

WRAP UP YOUR VISIT WITH THE PERFECT GIFT

Section 1A

‘It is better to give than to receive’; Never look a gift horse in the mouth’; Beware of Greeks (ancient, of course) bearing gifts’. Gifts are a fundamental element of culture and our lives as social creatures. They are also an important part of our business relationships.

There are occasions when giving a gift surpasses spoken communication, since the message it offers can cut through barriers of language and cultural diversity. Present a simple gift to your host in a foreign country and the chances are he or she will understand you perfectly, though you may not understand a single word of each other’s languages. It can convey a wealth of meaning about your appreciation of their hospitality and the importance you place upon the relationship. Combine the act of giving with some knowledge of and sensitivity to the culture of the recipient and you have an invaluable chance to earn respect and lay the foundations of a durable and mutually beneficial business relationship.

For all countries, take account of climate, especially in regard to clothing. Some gifts can be ruined by extremely hot or humid climates, possibly causing their receiver considerable anguish. Consider the kinds of products that are abundant in the country concerned and try for something that is uncommon there. Think about the level of language skills: a book with hundreds of pages of English text may be at best useless, at worst embarrassing, to a person with limited English. Inform yourself as much as possible about local customs, rules, and etiquette, especially to do with wrapping. Presenting, superstitions, taboos and importantly, customs and quarantine regulations. The following is a brief account of the etiquette of gift-giving in some countries of Asia and the Middle East.

Section 1B

Hong Kong Chinese greatly appreciate simple greeting cards, though obviously, they will not refuse small tokens of friendship in the form of gifts.

Books with plenty of illustrations are most appreciated in Indonesia. Inappropriate items: alcohol, products made from pigs, warm clothing. Ties and cufflinks are not commonly worn.

In Iran, short-sleeved shirts and any visual representation of naked or partially dressed people, male or female are highly inappropriate. Don’t bother with ties, videos or records. As in all Islamic countries, there is a strict taboo on any pork products.

Respecting the Arab tradition, gifts should endeavor to praise the recipient in Iraq and should never be of an order that cannot reasonably be reciprocated.   

Avoid certain color combinations: red, white and black (colors of the Nazi flag); and red, green and black (the Palestinian flag) in Israel.

Gifts are normally exchanged at the beginning of meetings with Japanese and should be given and received with both hands. It is seen as impolite to give an unwrapped gift. The emphasis should be on high quality, though not necessarily expensive, items.

When in Jordan, it is preferable, but not vital, to avoid green in packaging. Do not give books. Videos, etc that mention Israel. Normal Arab customs apply, so no alcohol, pork, women’s clothing etc. Arabs generally do not greatly appreciate handcrafts in wood, fabric or pottery. Gifts should ideally appear valuable.

Again, the exchange should be made with both hands in Korea. Also, similar to Japan is the emphasis on presentation. Do not use red ink to write the names of the recipients. It is worth remembering that it is customary for a gift given to a company to be shared out around the office concerned, so items that lend themselves to this practice – like a bottle of good whiskey – are very well received. Laos has virtually no cultural taboo items. It would be difficult to offend with virtually any gift’.

Business contacts in the People’s Republic of China are keen recipients of good Scotch whiskey and American cigarettes, to the point where it is almost obligatory to take some along when you go there. Or, if not obligatory, it certainly helps to warm relations.

Do not open gifts in the presence of the giver in the Philippines. Not recommended are items alluding to religion. Many people are Catholic and many others Moslems. This also means literature and art with any possible suggestions of lewdness or racism are to be strictly avoided. For Thailand, gifts should not be wrapped or packaged in black. Modest gifts, like ties, scarves and key rings, are much appreciated. Traditionally, sharp objects like knives or even letter openers are not given as gifts.

No special gift-giving customs in Vietnam, but the Vietnamese are enthusiastic gift givers and like very much to receive them as well. Liquor and wine can be problematic, for reasons pertaining to Vietnamese tastes rather than morality or religion.

Questions 1-4

 Statements 1-4 are based on Reading Passage 1. Complete the statements by using ONE word from Reading Passage 1 for each answer. Write your answers in the spaces numbered 1-4 on the answer sheet.

1.Differences in culture and ________ can be overcome by gifts.

2. Overseas visitors are advised to give gifts to their __________

3. ________ should be considered when giving gifts such as think clothing.

4. To present a gift of chocolates in a tropical country might create _________ . 

Questions 5-10

Read each of the following statements. Write T if the statement is true, F if the statement is false and IE if there is insufficient evidence, according to Reading Passage 30. Write your answers in the spaces numbered 5-10 on the answer sheet.

5. An Israeli business manager would undoubtedly appreciate the gift of a black, white and red striped tie.

6. It is recommended to give wine to the Vietnamese.

7. An inexpensive pigskin wallet would probably be appreciated in Japan, Vietnam, and Laos.

8. A silk scarf is an appropriate gift for a Jordanian host’s wife.

9. Umbrellas are popular gifts in Hong Kong.

10. Whiskey would be a welcome gift in Laos.

Questions 11-15

The paragraph below is a summary based on information in Reading Passage 30. There are some words missing. Complete the paragraph by using ONE word for each space. All the words you will need to use come from Reading Passage 1. Write your answers in the spaces numbered 11-15 on the answer sheet.

There are important details to consider when  11-------------Some cultures have prohibitions on animal products such as those from a 12----------Others have political aversions to specific       13----------because of their use on certain countries’ flags. Similarly, Thais do not like   14---------------covered gifts, and in Korea, it is suggested that name tags written in red should be avoided. But the presentation is not only restricted to what wrapping or pen you use, but in Japan care should also be taken in selecting gifts that are of superior 15.