Customs Around the World — Interactive Activities

Reading Instructions

Before You Begin

Read the article “Customs around the world” by Andy Schmidt in your book.
It is in Unlock 3 – Unit 4 - Reading 1 (Brazil, Japan, and Saudi Arabia).

Discussion Activities

Discuss these questions with a partner or small group.

✈️ Why learn about customs?

• Why might travellers “run into trouble” if they don’t know basic cultural rules?

• What does the introduction say this series will do each month?

🇧🇷 Brazil

• How is personal space and touch different from very formal cultures?

• What is the rule for gifts at a business meeting compared to a private home? What colours should you avoid for gifts?

🇯🇵 Japan

• What is bowing, and why are business cards treated carefully?

• What might happen when someone gives or receives a gift in a business context?

🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia

• Why is hierarchy important, and whom should you greet first?

• Why should you be careful about admiring things in a host’s home or office?

🌍 Compare

• Where is punctuality especially strict, and where might people be late even if you arrive on time?

• Which customs in the text were new or surprising to you?

Multiple Choice Quiz

Select the correct answer based on the reading passage.

1. According to paragraph 1, why is it important for travellers to learn about the cultures they plan to visit?

So they never need a passport So they know what to expect and how to avoid cultural misunderstandings So they can ignore local people So they only visit one country

2. In Brazil, how do women often greet men?

They kiss men on the cheek They never speak first They only bow They only wave from far away

3. What does the passage say about gifts at a Brazilian business meeting?

You must bring an expensive gift every time You are not expected to take a gift; an expensive gift can be seen as suspicious You must bring purple flowers Gifts are always refused

4. If you take a gift to a Brazilian home, what should you avoid?

Purple or black items Only chocolate Only flowers Any gift at all

5. If you are invited to dinner in Brazil, when should you arrive?

Exactly on time At least 30 minutes late Two hours early You should not go

6. What does the passage say about kissing or touching in public in Japan?

It is not common It is required in business It is the same as in Brazil It only happens at night

7. In a Japanese business meeting, how should you hand over your business card?

With one hand behind your back Using both hands Only by email You should not bring a card

8. In Japan, what may happen when someone receives a gift in a business setting?

The recipient may refuse the gift at least once before accepting it The gift must be opened immediately in the street Gifts are never exchanged You must throw the gift away

9. In Saudi Arabia, whom should you greet first in a business situation?

The youngest person in the room The oldest or the most senior person Anyone randomly Only people from other countries

10. In Saudi Arabia, why should you be careful not to admire things the host owns?

The host may feel obliged to give the item to you as a gift It is illegal to look at objects The host will always be angry You must buy everything in the house

Quiz Results

Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the list below.

token • chocolate • punctual • modest • dates
purple • right • hierarchy • bowing • informal

1. In general, Brazilian culture is .

2. In Japan, — bending forwards to show respect — is the traditional greeting.

3. In Saudi business situations, is important — greet the oldest or most senior person first.

4. In Saudi Arabia, people should shake hands using the hand.

5. For business dress in Saudi Arabia, women should wear clothes.

6. Acceptable gifts in a Saudi home or office include good-quality chocolate, coffee, or .

7. For a gift to a Brazilian home, avoid anything or black.

8. For Japanese business meetings, it is important to be and arrive early.

9. When you present a gift in Japan, you should say that it is a of your appreciation.

10. If you are invited to a Brazilian home, you might take flowers or .

Results

True or False

Decide if the statements are True or False according to the passage.

1. At a Brazilian business meeting, an expensive gift can be seen as suspicious.

True False

2. In Japan, when you receive a business card, you should immediately read it carefully.

True False

3. In Saudi Arabia, men and women may shake hands with each other in public.

True False

4. Brazilians typically stand close and may touch your arm or elbow while speaking.

True False

5. In Japan, gifts are never exchanged in business meetings.

True False