王强口语 第二册 Read Text 022

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　　口语部分
文化篇
Read the text carefully and be prepared to answer the question:
Regional Characteristics of People
New Yorkers, that is, people who live in the Big Apple, are in a class by themselves. They have a reputation for rudeness3, impatience¹, and fast-talking that is well-deserved.  People put their heads down and stick their elbows out to crowd their way onto the bus or subway.  New Yorkers believe that money makes the world go round, and the sky's the limit to what money can buy in New York.  But you shouldn't let New Yorkers' rudeness or wisecracks get to you.  Instead, try to appreciate their biting sense of humor, which is unparalleled.  New York is also a place where people make close friends, because otherwise the big city can be very lonely.
Midwesterners, on the other hand, are considered plain-living, plain-speaking, and easy-going.  They may not be sophisticated and glamorous², but they are thought of as good, honest folks.  Midwesterners hate "phonies" who put on a big act, so when you're in the Midwest it's best just to be yourself.
Californians, finally, are stereotyped³ as superficial  airheads obsessed⁴ with the latest fads⁵.  Southern California is the place where you're most likely to see bleach⁶ blondes rollerblading along the boardwalk and hear Hollywood moguls insincerely telling everyone, "Let's do lunch."  On the positive side, Californians are proud of their open-minded attitude and multiculturalism⁷.  Since the state is a rainbow of cultures and ethnicities, tolerance⁸ is the norm.