PART 2: READING COMPREHENSION How to Get to Know the English It is often said that the English are cold and unfriendly, but in fact this is because they are rather shy. If you are a foreigner, there are a number of ways to get to know the English. For example, imagine you are in a park where there are lots of people with their dogs. Now, you can't say to someone, 'What beautiful hair you have!' even if it's true. But you can say, 'What a lovely dog you have! This is a very good way to start a conversation, even if the dog isn't lovely at all. In fact, this is probably why the English love dogs so much. And who knows how the conversation will end? Another way is to stand at the bus stop and say 'What extraordinary weather we're having. Remember that everyone thinks the weather in England is extraordinary. The other person will say 'Yes, it's too much hot,' if it's sunny, or "Yes, it's wonderful for the garden,' if it's pouring with rain. Then, anyone listening will disagree, because no one agrees about the weather in England. After five minutes you've lots friends (and a few enemies as made well, but never mind). Another good trick is to stand a street corner with a map looking lost. After only two or three minutes, someone comes up to you and gives you directions. Sometimes, two or more people offer their help. Everyone suggests a different route because no one knows how to get there or even when you are at the moment. But that's not the point. The point is to get to know the English, not to find the way. After all, you've got a map for that.