Write a composition on the ANSWER SHEET in about 150 words, basing yourself on one of the texts you have learned.
TOPIC: What is your understanding of “culture shock”? Use the outline given below.
• Define culture shock.
• Explain the causes and symptoms.
• Give your advice.
     CULTURAL SHOCK IS A FEELING OF CONFUSION THAT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY FIRST ARRIVE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. IT IS CAUSED BY NOT FEELING COMFORTABLE WITH THE NEW COUNTRY’S SOCIAL CUSTOMS, VALUES AND WAYS OF THINKING, SUCH AS HOW TO GREET PEOPLE, WHEN AND HOW TO GIVE TIPS, HOW TO GO SHOPPING, WHEN TO ACCEPT OR REFUSE INVITATIONS, WHEN TO TAKE STATEMENTS SERIOUSLY AND WHEN NOT, ETC.
     ONE MAJOR SYMPTOM OF CULTURE SHOCK IS REJECTING THE WAYS OF LIVING IN THE NEW PLACE. PEOPLE COMING FROM THE SAME COUNTRY OFTEN GET TOGETHER AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THE HOST COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE. ANOTHER SYMPTOM IS REGRESSION. THEY BEGIN TO GLORIFY THEIR HOME COUNTRY. ALL OF A SUDDEN, EVERYTHING AT HOME IS PERFECT TO THEM. THEY FORGET THE PROBLEMS BACK THERE.
     INDIVIDUALS DIFFER GREATLY IN THE DEGREE IN WHICH CULTURE SHOCK AFFECTS THEM, BUT MY GENERAL ADVICE IS “WHEN IN ROME, DO AS THE ROMANS DO.”
