[解析]
(1)A 细节理解题.根据文章首段首句"The meaning of silence varies among cultural groups"可知,作者认为沉默是有文化特性的.根据后面的第四句"Silence may be viewed by some cultural groups as extremely uncomfortable"以及第五句"Persons in other cultural groups value silence"也是很好的佐证;故选A.
(2)C 细节理解题.根据第二段中"what may be implied is that the person wants the listener to consider what has been said before continuing"以及"In these cultures,silence is a call for reflection."可知中国人认为谈话时人们沉默是在思考.故选C.
(3)B 细书理解题.根据末段末句"A nurse who understands the healing value of silence can use this understanding to assist in the care of patients"可知,作者建议护士要用沉默来冶疗病人.故选B.
(4)D 标题归纳题.文章主要介绍了在不同文化背景下谈话期间沉默的不同含义,由此判断B选项可以概括文章内容.故选D.