Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow :
Etiquette is the unwritten code that governs social behaviour. Etiquette reflects formulas of conduct in
which society or tradition have invested. Western etiquette tells people to greet friends and acquaintances
with warmth and respect, refrain from insults and curiosity, offer hospitality equally to guests, wear clothing
suited to the occasion, talk properly, eat neatly and quietly, avoid disturbing others, follow the rules of an
organisation, arrive promptly when expected, comfort the bereaved, and respond to invitations promptly.
Violations of etiquette can cause public disgrace, and in private hurt individual feelings, create
misunderstandings or real grief and pain.
Some people feel etiquette to be an unnecessary restriction of freedom of personal expression. However,
wearing pajamas to a wedding in a cathedral may be an expression of the guest’s freedom, but may also
cause the bride and groom to suspect that the guest is expressing amusement or disparagement towards
them and their wedding.
Etiquette is dependent on culture; what is excellent etiquette in one society may shock in another. Etiquette
can vary widely between different cultures and nations. In China, a person who takes the last item of food
from a common plate without offering it to others at the table is seen as a glutton whilst in most European
cultures he is expected to eat all the food given to them, as a compliment to the cooking. In some societies
it is considered disgusting to eat with the left hand, and left handed individuals are sometimes forced to
use their right hand. Recently, internet has created Netiquette, which governs the drafting of e-mail, rules
for participating in online forums, and so on.
- Bhuvan’s Journal
March 31, 2007
Choose the most appropriate title for this
passage.
A ‘Etiquettes and Manners’
B ‘Western Etiquette’
C ‘Etiquette and Culture’
D ‘Importance of Etiquette’
It can be D as well.