Happy hours are not necessarily happy nor do they last for an hour, but they have bec

ome a part of the ritual (例行公事) of the office worker and businessman.

On weekdays in pubs and bars throughout America, there is the late afternoon happy hour.The time may vary from place to place, but usually it is held from four to seven.After the workday is finished, office workers in larger cities and small towns take a relaxing pause and head off for the nearest bar or pub to be with friends, co-workers and colleagues.Within minutes the pub is filled to capacity with businessmen and secretaries, payroll clerks and stock executives.They gather around the bar and gossip about the intrigues (勾心斗角) of office life or matters more personal.This is their oasis (避风港); the place to free themselves from the day's stress at the office.

At these happy hours, social binding occurs between people who share the same workplace or similar professions.They may gossip about each other or talk about a planned project that has yet to meet a deadline.In this sense, these places become extensions of the workplace and may make up a good portion of one's social life.

These happy hours are those late afternoon chances to relax after work and before returning home.Conversations which may begin quietly and with reserve, rise gradually from a chatter to a roar.The oasis quickly fills up with smoke.Loud laughter may cackle in the air as a way to relieve the tensions of the day.The cheerful mood, heightened by the feeling of relief, competes with a TV broadcasting the latest update of CNN evening news or a sports game already in progress.

(1).How long are happy hours？

A.They are exactly two hours

B.They last as long as there are customers

C.They vary from place to place and the price of drinks.

D.Not exactly an hour but maybe a little bit longer

(2).What are the usual times for a happy hour？

A.From 5 p.m.to 8 p.m

B.From 4 p.m.to 7 p.m

C.From 6 p.m.until 9 p.m

D.From 10 p.m.until midnight

(3).Who usually attend happy hours？

A.Teachers and school administrators

B.College students and young people

C.Office workers and business people

D.Housewives

(4).What is the purpose of a happy hour？

A.To give people a happy feeling

B.To help people unwind from the stress of their jobs

C.To have the chance to drink cheaply

D.To bring in extra business

(5).What kind of conversation occurs at a happy hour？

A.General gossip and light business talk

B.Serious conversation

C.Not much talking but a lot of drinking

D.A lot of joking around with the bartender