Неличные формы глагола. Артикль: Практикум

Федеральное агентство по образованию Омский государственный университет им. Ф.М. Достоевского

УДК 802.0 ББК Ш143.21–2 Н492 Рекомендовано к изданию редакционно-издательским советом ОмГУ Рецензенты: канд. филол. наук, доц. ОмА МВД России В.Г. Болотюк С.В. Котлярова Н492

Неличные формы глагола. Артикль: практикум / сост. О.В. Гоголь. – Омск: Изд-во ОмГУ, 2005. – 104 с. ISBN 5-7779-0610-9

НЕЛИЧНЫЕ ФОРМЫ ГЛАГОЛА. АРТИКЛЬ Практикум

Изд-во ОмГУ

Омск 2005

В практикуме приводятся тренировочные упражнения закрепляющего и обобщающего характера, а также тестовые задания по двум разделам курсов «Практическая грамматика» и «Функциональный синтаксис». Разработан на основе современного аутентичного материала, позволяющего помимо отработки, закрепления и обобщения грамматического материала расширить кругозор студентов и ознакомить их с интересными аспектами повседневной жизни Америки и американцев. Может быть использован как материал для самостоятельной работы. Для студентов II, III курсов факультета иностранных языков.

ISBN 5-7779-0610-9

© Омский госуниверситет, 2005

Оглавление PART ONE. ARTICLES The Use and Non-Use of Articles ..................................................... 6 Further Uses of Articles .................................................................... 9 Revision exercises .......................................................................... 12 PART TWO. GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES All charts for Infinitives and Gerunds............................................. 31 Revision exercises ........................................................................... 36 PART THREE. KEYS TO REVISION EXERCISES Articles ............................................................................................ 59 Gerunds and Infinitives .................................................................. 78

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ПРЕДИСЛОВИЕ Практикум состоит из двух частей, посвященных темам «Артикль» и «Неличные формы глагола». Каждую часть открывает краткий схематичный (представленный в виде таблиц и схем, сопровожденных наглядными примерами) обзор теоретической части и основных правил, за которым следует подборка текстов с заданиями. К обеим частям практикума прилагаются ключи с ответами к заданиям, что дает возможность его использования в качестве материала для самостоятельной и дополнительной работы студентов по данным темам. Уровень лексической наполняемости текстов и сложности рассматриваемых грамматических явлений можно оценить как Higher-Intermediate, что необходимо учитывать в ходе работы. Наиболее полезно использование этого пособия на завершающих этапах работы по темам «Артикль» и «Неличные формы глагола». Материалы практикума разработаны на основе аутентичного лингво-страноведческого материала по теме «США: культура, обычаи, традиции, повседневная жизнь» с целью предоставить возможность студентам закрепить и повторить основные правила использования артиклей и форм инфинитива и герундия в познавательной и увлекательной форме.

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PART ONE ARTICLES The Use and Non-Use of Articles Definition of articles

READ, ENJOY AND LEARN

English has two types of articles: definite (the) and indefinite (a, an.) The use of these articles depends mainly on whether you are referring to any member of a group, or to a specific member of a group: 1. Indefinite Articles: a and an

LEARN ABOUT THE USA AND REVISE YOUR GRAMMAR THE FUN WAY

A and an signal that the noun modified is indefinite, referring to any member of a group. These indefinite articles are used with singular nouns when the noun is general; the corresponding indefinite quantity word some is used for plural general nouns. The rule is: •

a + singular noun beginning with a consonant: a boy

•

an + singular noun beginning with a vowel: an elephant

•

a + singular noun beginning with a consonant sound: a user (sounds like 'yoo-zer,' i.e. begins with a consonant 'y' sound, so 'a' is used)

•

some + plural noun: some girls

If the noun is modified by an adjective, the choice between a and an depends on the initial sound of the adjective that immedately follows the article: • 5

a broken egg 6

•

an unusual problem

•

a European country (sounds like 'yer-o-pi-an,' i.e. begins with consonant 'y' sound)

Note also that in English, the indefinite articles are used to indicate membership in a profession, nation, or religion. •

I am a teacher.

•

Brian is an Irishman.

•

Seiko is a practicing Buddhist.

The is used with noncountable nouns that are made more specific by a limiting modifying phrase or clause: The coffee in my cup is too hot to drink. The Japanese he speaks is often heard in the countryside. The intelligence of animals is variable but undeniable. The is also used when a noun refers to something unique: the White House the theory of relativity the 1999 federal budget

2. Definite Article: the

Note: Geographical uses of the

The definite article is used before singular and plural nouns when the noun is particular or specific. The signals that the noun is definite, that it refers to a particular member of a group. Compare the indefinite and definite articles in the following examples:

Do not use the before:

Indefinite (a or an)

•

names of countries (Italy, Mexico, Bolivia) except the Netherlands and the US

•

names of cities, towns, or states (Seoul, Manitoba, Miami)

Definite (the)

names of streets (Washington Blvd., Main St.)

Singular

the dog (that specific dog) the apple (that specific apple)

•

a dog (any dog) an apple (any apple)

•

names of lakes and bays (Lake Titicaca, Lake Erie) except with a group of lakes like the Great Lakes

the dogs (those specific dogs) the apples (those specific apples)

•

Plural

some dogs (any dogs) some apples (any apples)

names of mountains (Mount Everest, Mount Fuji) except with ranges of mountains like the Andes or the Rockies or unusual names like the Matterhorn

•

names of continents (Asia, Europe)

•

names of islands (Easter Island, Maui, Key West) except with island chains like the Aleutians, the Hebrides, or the Canary Islands

The is not used with noncountable nouns referring to something in a general sense: [no article] Coffee is a popular drink. [no article] Japanese was his native language. [no article] Intelligence is difficult to quantify. 7

Do use the before: 8

I saw the milk spill. (How many milks? Milk cannot be counted)

•

names of rivers, oceans and seas (the Nile, the Pacific)

•

points on the globe (the Equator, the North Pole)

•

geographical areas (the Middle East, the West)

I admired the foliage. (How many foliages? Foliage cannot be counted)

•

deserts, forests, gulfs, and peninsulas (the Sahara, the Persian Gulf, the Black Forest, the Iberian Peninsula)

2. First vs. Subsequent Mention

Further Uses of Articles In addition, use of a, an, and the also depends on whether the noun following the article possesses one of these paired qualities: •

Countable vs. noncountable

•

First vs. subsequent mention

•

General vs. specific

1. Countable vs. Noncountable A and an are used if the noun can be counted. I stepped in a puddle. (How many puddles did you step in? Just one. Therefore, use a.) I drank a glass of milk. (Glasses of milk can be counted) I saw an apple tree. (Apple trees can be counted) The must be used when the noun cannot be counted. I dove into the water. (How many waters did you dive into? The question doesn't make any sense because water is noncountable. Therefore, use the.) 9

A or an is used to introduce a noun when it is mentioned for the first time in a piece of writing. The is used afterward each time you mention that same noun. An awards ceremony at the Kremlin would not normally have attracted so much attention. But when it was leaked that Soviet President Konstantin Chernenko would be presenting medals to three cosmonauts, interest in the ceremony intensified. Time, Sept. 17, 1984. Note: There is and there are can be used to introduce an indefinite noun at the beginning of a paragraph or essay. There is a robin in the tree outside my window. When my cat jumps up on the desk, the robin flies away. 3. General vs. Specific A, an, and the can all be used to indicate that a noun refers to the whole class to which individual countable nouns belong. This use of articles is called generic, from the Latin word meaning "class." A tiger is a dangerous animal. (any individual tiger) The tiger is a dangerous animal. (all tigers: tiger as a generic category) The difference between the indefinite a and an and the generic a and an is that the former means any one 10

member of a class while the latter means all of the members of a class.

PART ONE ARTICLES

The omission of articles also expresses a generic (or general) meaning:

REVISION EXERCISES

no article with a plural noun: Tigers are dangerous animals. (all tigers) no article with a noncountable noun: Anger is a destructive emotion. (any kind of anger)

TEXT ONE

Omission of Articles While some nouns combine with one article or the other based on whether they are countable or noncountable, others simply never take either article. Some common types of nouns that don't take an article are: 1. Names of languages and nationalities a. b. c. d.

Chinese English Spanish Russian

2. Names of sports a. b. c.

volleyball hockey baseball

3. Names of academic subjects a. b. c. d.

In the texts, below fill out the blanks with the appropriate articles.

mathematics biology history computer science

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HURRICANES AND TORNADOES

Two of 1. most dangerous storms which afflict 2. America are 3. hurricanes and 4. tornadoes. They are very much feared by anyone who may live in 5. path of their destruction and cause millions of dollars worth of 6. damage to 7. life and 8. property every year. 9. Hurricanes, which usually develop between July and October, are similar to 10. cyclones and originate over 11. waters in 12. Caribbean Sea. They move upwards hitting 13. mainland of America somewhere in 14. Gulf of Mexico or 15. Atlantic Ocean. Once they hit land they carry tremendous power with driving rain and wind. These winds can attain speeds of over 75 mph. And cover 16. area of over 500 miles in diameter. At the center of the storm there is 17. “eye” with 18. relatively fair weather and warm, dry air aloft. The diameter of the eye is usually about 32 kilometers. When the eye passes the relief is only temporary but soon the wind and rain will suddenly reappear from 19. opposite direction. Every year homes are destroyed by their fury and often lives are lost. 20. Most people who live near the coast are forced to evacuate their homes and to move to 21. safer areas until the storm passes. 22. Floods are caused along the coasts by both the heavy rain and a storm tide that is considerably above normal water level. The high winds, coastal flooding and torrential rains associated with 23. hurricane cause 24. enormous damage. If one should travel inland across the Great Plains and 25. prairie states of America, one will most likely not encounter a hurricane, but there is another kind of storm in the Midwest which is equally feared. It is called 26. tornado. Tornadoes are violent low-pressured storms with an 12

intense updraft near their center which is capable of lifting quite heavy objects from 27. ground. 28 tornado, therefore, is 29. dark, funnelshaped cloud containing violently rotating air. It can pick up 30. trees and cars right into 31. air and even uplift heavier objects such as homes and railway cars. Like 32. vacuum cleaner across 33. rug, it sucks up into the air anything which may lie in its path. These storms occur most often during the summer months and are noticeable by their strong wind and lack of rain. 34. sky turns black as dust is sucked up into the air. 35.Tornadoes travel normally at around 60 kilometers per 36. hour and the winds can reach 800 kilometers per hours in 37. most violent storms. Tornadoes are most frequent in 38. United States 39. east of 40. Rocky Mountains and especially in 41. central plains area of the Mississippi basin where about 150 occur each year. Tornadoes may also strike 42. southern states in winter and have even been known to develop in the northeast. Both 43. hurricanes and 44. tornadoes cause millions of dollars worth of damage each year. Today they can be predicted more easily than in 45. past, but they cannot be stopped or ignored. TEXT TWO

THE PRESIDENT’S PRIVACY

Americans cherish their privacy and this right is protected by 1. Constitution. 2. Most questions about 3. religion, 4. finances and family are pretty much private matters which are carefully guarded by each and every individual. Yet, when it comes to 5. President of 6. United States his life becomes our own. Unfortunately, once 7. person is elected to this most revered office and is sworn in as president, his life is not closed like 8. book but is completely opened to 9. public. There is hardly any aspect of his life which is not revealed, exploited and held up to public scrutiny. We learn 10. things about the president which we would resent wanting anyone else to know about ourselves. His likes and dislikes are thoroughly investigated, analyzed and judged and subjected to commentary. His favorite actors and musicians, movies, books, snack foods, vacation spots and hobbies are all exposed to the public for either 11. criticism or 12. curiosity. He may often find himself very careful in voicing his dislikes lest they should offend some 13

ethnic or religious group. When President Bush, the elder, openly said he disliked 13. taste of 14. broccoli it became 15. headlines in 16. news and angered 17. farmers who raised this crop Ghosts emerge from 18. president’s past to haunt him and long-lost relatives, who should have remained better forgotten and left to obscurity, suddenly appear in 19. limelight. The confidentiality of his college grades are brought to the surface and 20. nation soon learns if he was 21. honor student or barely made it to graduation. The president’s wife, who is known as 22. First Lady, also receives special attention. So do his children and close friends. 23. Comments made in 24. jest are taken seriously. If her were 25. good athlete in his college days, 26. public will expect to see pictures of how he performed. If he has 27. secret retreat somewhere in 28. country, the public will want to know of its whereabouts. His health also is 29. matter of 30. public concern. Should he be 31. smoker , everyone will know how many cigarettes he smokes daily. Should he be hospitalized, the attending physician will hold 32. press conference and describe the nature of the illness. The American people watch their president’s life unfold on 33. TV as if they were members of his own immediate family. Perhaps nowhere was this sense of exploitation drawn to the extreme than with the events leading up to 34. impeachment of 35. President Clinton by 36. House of Representatives. The truth became tabloid and privacy became a perversion. It became 37. situation in which all of the people involved became losers. As president he becomes the nation’s scapegoat, rather than its leader. Unfortunately, the tragic effect of this scrutiny is reflected in 38. lack of men willing to assume elected offices. 39. Qualified men of good character are now dissuaded from entering 40. politics. TEXT THREE

NICKNAMES

Americans have 1. great love for 2. informality and nowhere is this better expressed than in their love for 3. nicknames. Upon greeting strangers for 4. first time they will quickly introduce themselves by their nickname. These are shortened forms of their given name at 5. birth and reflect the casual relationships which exist among friends and 14

coworkers. Family names are hardly ever used in 6. daily situations and 7. use of one’s father’s last name is saved only for rare and formal occasions. In many traditional cultures the use of the family name is seen as 8. sign of 9. respect. For Americans, however, it’s the nickname which creates an immediate intimacy between 10. two people upon which to build 11. relationship. By speaking to another on 12. first name basis and using his nickname walls are immediately torn down and equality between two people is established. At work 13. bosses will refer to their employees by their nicknames. Should 14. employer use 15. worker’s family name, you can be sure that some kind of correction or serious business will follow. This love for nicknames can create 16. sense of closeness between people who are otherwise not related. Even 17. presidents of the United States Have borne nicknames. Abraham Lincoln was known as Honest Abe, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was simply called FDR; Eisenhower was referred to informally as Ike; Richard Nixon was scorned as Tricky Dick; 18. President Reagan was affectionately called The Gipper. John F. Kennedy was known as Jack or JFK and William Clinton has no reservations in letting 19. people know he prefers to be called Bill, but those who look upon him with 20. disfavor may call him Slick Willy. Not only people but 21. cities often carry their own nicknames. Chicago is called the “Windy City” because of 22. gusty winds which come down from 23. Canada throughout 24. year. Philadelphia is well-known as 25. City of Brotherly Love”, St. Louis with its Gateway Arch is called 26. Gateway to 27. West”, and 28. New York City is considered the “Big Apple” for reasons which are still obscure to 29. most people including many New Yorkers. Other cities are merely abbreviations for 30. sake of 31. convenience. Washington is simply called D.C. and Los Angeles is L.A. Even some of the natural wonders of the land have been baptized with 32. nickname. Perhaps 33. most famous in this regard is the geyser at Yellowstone National Park in 34. Wyoming. Because it erupts on a regular basis and without 35. fail, it has been nicknamed Old Faithful. Not every nickname, however, is 36. complement and some can be downright rude and insulting. If someone should demonstrate 37. certain negative characteristic, 38. label will soon be attached to describe that person in 39. non-flattering way Likewise 40. person’s physical 15

traits which are very dominant may lead to nicknames but not necessarily to one’s liking or choice. TEXT FOUR

SCHOOL RINGS AND SENIOR PRIVILEGES

In 1. most American high schools 2. social life of the students plays 3. important part of their development. Holiday parties, part-time jobs, social interaction and weekend dances are as much 4. part of 5. student’s life as studying for 6. final exam. 7. graduating students of 8. high school are referred to as 9. seniors and their final year is filled with 10. nostalgic events which become 11. crowning memories of their high school days. This is 12. time to learn 13. social skills which will guide them through 14. life and 15. social graces needed for participation in their adult life to follow. In this final year, therefore, 16. acquisition of 17. school ring is looked upon as one of 18. most important occasions of the year. (In some schools the ring is given at the end of the third year.) The school ring somehow is 19. tangible symbol which binds the student to the school and the memories of the four years spent there. The school ring for many students is very significant because it creates 20. sense of social binding among the class and is 21. remembrance of 22. importance of one’s high school education. This ring is usually inscribed with 23. name of the student and engraved with 24. name of the school and the year of graduation. 25. semiprecious stone is placed in the center of the ring. Besides receiving their rings all of the seniors also look forward to their special privileges. These privileges are freedoms given to them by 26. administration which are not granted to the students in the lower grades. These privileges are 27. exceptions to 28. regular school rules and set the seniors apart from the rest of the student body. These privileges may vary from 29. school to 30. school depending upon 31. principal’s generosity and liberal disposition and the trustworthiness of the students. 16

For some seniors the privilege may be to leave the school at 32. lunch time to eat with 33. other classmates somewhere in 34. neighborhood. If 35. school is located in 36. rural area such 37. privilege may be to park one’s car on the school grounds. These privileges are often integrated into 38. notion of 39. responsibility. They come with 40. restrictions and, if 41. privilege is abused, it may very well be revoked by 42. principal. In this sense 43. senior privilege is 44. challenge for the student to act in 45. mature and responsible way. TEXT FIVE

BLUE MONDAY AND “THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY”

For the average American worker, Monday and Friday are 1. work days with 2. special meaning. 3. former is often referred to as 4. Blue Monday because another work week has begun after two days of time off for oneself. The Monday morning blues often mean that the worker must face another five days of getting up early, putting up with 5. rush hour crowds, taking 6. orders from demanding employers, meeting 7. important deadlines on schedule and fulfilling job responsibilities. It is no wonder that the trek to work may not be 8. cause for 9. great joy. The average worker may feel a bit depressed over the prospects of beginning another week and stressed out before it has begun. If one enjoys his work, then Blue Monday may not be so traumatic. Yet, if one is not happy on his job, Blue Monday can be a cause for great pain and anxiety with 10. hope that Friday may not be very far away. Hopefully the week’s routine may offer 11. few surprises and if all goes well, there may be no major problems or conflicts to upset the work equilibrium. It is for this reason that 12. Friday morning is greeted with 13. warm anticipation and 14. upbeat attitude. T.G.I.F. stands for 15. words “Thank God It’s Friday.” At the office or workplace colleagues will greet each other with these four letters and everyone knows what they mean. This expression will elicit 16. great smile of satisfaction from 17. most office workers. They soon think of how they might spend 17

18. weekend, since most offices and schools are not opened on Saturdays and Sundays. Closing time on Friday, therefore, brings in 19. pleasure of 20. two-day weekend. For Americans, this is 21. time to go off somewhere with friends or by oneself to recharge one’s batteries and renew one’s energy. When Friday does come around, 22. excitement which it engenders becomes contagious as co-workers and colleagues get together and brace themselves for their weekend plans. Perhaps they will take off into 23. country for 24. overnight stay at a mountain resort, or go skiing at a nearby lodge or better yet, stay at home and do absolutely nothing at all. When Sunday night approaches, they are sufficiently refreshed or totally exhausted. 25. Most, however, are sufficiently invigorated to get up on Monday morning and trudge off to 26. work renewing the week’s cycle. If the mood on Monday is a bit more subdued, it is because everyone knows another Blue Monday has begun. In recent years some places of employment have begun to initiate 27. four-day work week and 28. computer age has even made it possible for many jobs to function from the home without 29. need to commute. Even some holidays which used to fall in the middle of the week are now moved to Monday guaranteeing a longer weekend. Perhaps the traditional attitudes towards Mondays and Fridays may soon be 30. thing of the past. TEXT SIX

DISNEYLAND AND THEME PARKS

Among 1. many tourist sights which 2. people around 3. world often wish to visit in America the Disney Parks hold 4. rather special and prominent place. They are more than just 5. average vacation spot for 6. typical American family. They are a total experience which is both exciting and enjoyable. They are self-contained worlds of magic, mystery and fun. These Disney Parks are places where 7. fantasy and 8. reality freely 18

mix with each other and one can indulge oneself totally at whichever age level one wants to be. One can become part of 9. past or journey into 10. future. Attractions in the park are based on the tales and legends which nurture the imagination of 11. child’s world and take the adult back on 12. journey into his own past. These parks are 13. places where 14. adults can once again become a child, and children can live in the dreams of their youth. The Disney characters made popular through animated films come alive and invite the visitors of the park to become part of their world. 15. Children can take a picture with 16. Snow White and shake 17. hands with 18. Mickey Mouse himself. Donald Duck, Goofy, and the Seven Dwarves walk about the streets and avenues of the park like 19 living celebrities ever ready for 20. photo or 21. signature. The magical world of Disney creates 22. innocent mythology which speaks directly to the child within each of us. Although the first Disney park was opened several decades ago in 23. suburb of Los Angeles in Anaheim, California, 24. second park was later established on the East Coast of America in Orlando, Florida. It was not long before 25. Disneyland opened near Tokyo and later one was built in Paris. Since the advent of Disneyland, 26. other theme parks have emerged throughout the country using Disney as their model for 27. success. Over the years they also have established themselves and have grown and expanded offering wholesome entertainment for the family. In America alone Busch Gardens and Six Flags Over Texas are representative of this kind of holiday destination. Obviously their popularity is based on the need to offer 28. valuable service to 29. public. They provide vacationing families with 30. wholesome atmosphere especially designed for children but which offers enough diversity to entertain adults as well.

TEXT SEVEN

LAS VEGAS AND ATLANTIC CITY

Pachinko, 1. kind of pinball machine which is so popular in Japan, has never really caught on in America. In 2. U.S. other forms of gambling seem to meet more with public favor. Especially popular ones are 3. casinos which offer 4. variety of games at which one can test his fate and try his luck. 5. most popular gambling city in America and perhaps 6. world is Las Vegas. Located in the middle of the Western desert, this city is 7. unique place where 8. main attractions are the many casinos with their non-stop gambling machines and nightclub entertainment. The gambling covers 9. wide range of games from roulette to slot machines and black jack. 10 element and danger of risk is ever present. 11. person may lose a little over 12. long period of time or a great deal all at once. Such is 13. uncertainty of gambling. 15. careful gambler will never lose more than he could afford and 16. lucky gambler may walk home with a jackpot. Most would be happy if they just broke out even. When one tires of these games of chance, the gambler may enjoy the many nightclubs which are part of the casinos. Featuring some of the nation’s most famed entertainers, they provide 17. necessary distraction and offer a moment of relief from 18. tensions of the gambling tables. For those who may have suffered 19. great financial losses, they offer temporary consolation before the long trip home. If one cannot afford to travel out West, then there is 20 gambling center in the eastern part of America which offers 21. similar outlet to those who wish to try their luck with 22. fate. The East Coast “Las Vegas” is located at Atlantic City in New Jersey. Instead of being located in the desert, it is found on 23. windswept white sandy beaches of 24. great Atlantic Ocean. In recent years 25. popularity of gambling once confined to Las Vegas and Atlantic City has extended to 26. other states especially along the coast of 27. Gulf of Mexico. Following suit several other states have

19

20

chosen to legalize casino gambling with 28. hope of acquiring revenue to fund domestic programs. The once pristine and secluded beaches in many southern states are now alive with 29. lights and lure of the casinos. These casinos have begun to attract many gamblers worldwide to their shores. Although the excitement of gambling can provide much fun, it’s possible to lose 30. great amount of money at the casinos and some people often do. There is 31. growing fear among some people that gambling can be 32. social disorder which breaks up 33. families and lives. If someone feels they are 34. compulsive gambler, they are advised to seek 35. help through Gamblers Anonymous. TEXT EIGHT

GREYHOUND BUSES

One of 1. most convenient and cheapest ways to see 2. America is by riding 3. Greyhound bus. This interstate bus system connects all major cities in 4. United States providing them with 5. frequent and convenient service. The bus system even has 6. international service which connects 7. Canadian cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal to the Continental United States. At the southern border Greyhound also makes connection with 8. cities in Mexico. Traveling by 9. bus may take longer than flying by 10. plane, but the terminals are located in the center of most cities and there is easy access to the downtown area. At 11. night these terminals are carefully supervised and patrolled by 12. security guards so as to guarantee safety. If 13. person in the terminal cannot produce 14. ongoing ticket to another destination, he will be required to leave. 15. purpose of this policy is to safeguard 16. security of passengers and discourage 17. beggars from loitering around the premises. Some terminals in major cities are opened around 18. clock, while others may close after 19. midnight and open again in 20. morning. Greyhound also offers 21. variety of 22. discount fares for the cross-country travelers who may like to visit many places across the continent. For them there is 23. Ameripass. This pass is designed for budget travelers and can be 24. great saving over 25. regular fare. This pass can be purchased for periods from as short as one week to as long as thirty days. It enables 21

the traveler to visit any city along the Greyhound route within the purchased time limit. What is being purchased, therefore, is not distance but time. These buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. They are all equipped with 26. toilets in 27. rear to add to the convenience of the passengers but there are some very severe rules of 28. conduct which are strictly enforced. On all buses 29. smoking is prohibited and 30. consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed. For those passengers who use 31. pocket-sized stereo like a Walkman transistor for 32. personal entertainment, the law requires that 33. volume be turned down so as not to disturb 34. other passengers. 35. drivers are well-trained, very courteous and professional and always introduce themselves at the beginning of their route. They stop frequently along the journey to permit smokers to grab 36. quick cigarette or for other to pick up 37. snack at 38. fast food restaurant. Although 39. bus travel may not be suited to everyone’s taste, it affords budget travelers and backpackers the chance to see America in 40. comfort and safety and at 41. leisurely unhurried pace. TEXT NINE

TIPPING

1. Tipping is very much 2. part of American culture and one which creates 3. problem for 4. most foreign travelers when they arrive for 5. holiday who are not familiar with 6. custom. They are at 7. loss as to how much to tip and to whom. Often they tip too much and to the wrong person. Or else, they may tip not at all. In general, we give 8. tip in appreciation for 9. service rendered. Tipping is a courtesy, and not an obligation. One should not feel it is necessary to tip if the service is bad or indifferent. The history of the practice, however, dates back to England in 10. midseventeenth century. At that time there were 11. coffee houses which were frequented by men to discuss 12. politics and literary affairs. Cus22

tomers of the coffee houses were expected to drop coins into 13. box on which was written “to insure promptness.” “T.I.P.”, 14. initials of that phrase are said to be 15. origin of the modern word “tipping.”

who may have provided 39. special service. 40. Most Americans dislike tipping and find it 41. nuisance. If 42. poll were taken, the consensus would favor just adding the tip to the total of the bill as is the custom in Japan and other Asian countries.

The question, of course, is whom do we tip and how much is considered 16. fair amount. Usually 17. waiters and 18. taxi cab drivers expect to get a tip. In 19. hotel, the bellhop and chamber-maid also expect some gratuity. The amount, of course, depends upon the nature of the service requested and the quality level of the hotel. Hairdressers and barbers can also merit a small tip. Even sky-cap porters at 20. airports who may carry your suitcase to 21. checkout counter expect 22. dollar tip per 23. bag.

TEXT TEN

Although the amount may vary according to the kind of service and the quality of the restaurant and hotel, generally, 24. ten percent tip is considered adequate. In New York and larger metropolitan cities they may expect as much as fifteen or twenty percent. In 25. restaurants, the tip is left on the table and the bill is paid separately. The tip should never be given directly to 26. waiter but it can be added onto a check if one is paying by 27. credit card. In tipping 28. cab driver, the tip can simply be added to the total amount of the fare. Tipping, of course, is not mandatory in any situation, and one should not feel under any obligation to give one. If a waiter is not prompt and attentive and noticeably lacking in 29. courtesy and manners, it would be perfectly acceptable not to leave 30. tip. It would also not be out of 31. order to register 32. complaint with the management. Likewise, if a cab driver does not take a passenger to his destination by 33. shortest route, he also deserves to forfeit his tip.

PART-TIME JOBS FOR TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS

1. Part-time jobs for 2. American students are very popular but usually begin during their high school days. Besides working in fast food restaurants and small cafeterias, 3. very popular job for 4. teenager in America is baby sitting. This has its greatest appeal among 5. teenage girls and 6. good baby sitter can earn quite a bit if she is reliable, responsible and mature. It is not necessarily 7. easy job and requires both 8. social skills and 9. general competence. A good baby sitter should know how to change 10. diapers and earn the respect of 11. children she is watching. She must be able to get the children ready for 12. bed and keep 13. eye on them even while they are sleeping. In 14. addition, she should be able to handle any unexpected emergency with 15. common sense and be calm at all times. She should know 16. emergency numbers of the hospital and police for situations which require 17. assistance. Once the children are asleep the baby sitter is free to watch 18. TV or listen to 19. music. If she is really conscientious about her studies, she may well spend the time doing homework but should not tie up the phone with 20. personal calls just in case 21. parents want to be in 22. contact with her. Such 23. job often involves working on Friday and Saturday nights when many married couples like to spend 24. night going to 25. movie or the theater. On such occasions they will leave their children in 26. care of 27. dependable baby-sitter.

Ushers in theaters whose job it is to see you to your seat and service help in 34. fast food restaurants do not expect 35. tip. At the end of the year, however, it has become the custom to give a tip or small gift to newspaper boys who deliver 36. paper to your home throughout 37. year. The same may be true for 38. garbage collectors or anyone

Other part-time jobs which are popular especially among 28. young boys is managing 29. paper route or mowing 30. lawns of people in one’s neighborhood. These jobs also requires a sense of maturity and responsibility and can be 31. source of good income for 32. high

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school student. Young boys who run paper routes are required to get up early in 33. morning to deliver the daily news regardless of 34. weather. This job has no holidays and requires the newspaper to be delivered every day without 35. exception. In America there are no newspaper holidays. If they choose to mow lawns, part of the job responsibilities may require that they also periodically rid it of 36. weeds and occasionally re-seed areas which have been burned by 37. sun or thinned or thinned out by wear. During the winter 38. snowstorm can become another source of income for the teenager. The young boys make their rounds through their neighborhood equipped with 39. shovel and offer to clear sidewalks or stoops in front of homes or to dig out 40. car buried in a meter of 41. snow. These jobs, dependent on the weather, require stamina, diligence, discipline and a spirit of the entrepreneur. While part-time jobs for high schools students may be frowned upon in Japan, in American they are often seen as 42. opportunity to teach young people about work responsibility and respect for others. TEXT ELEVEN

SUNDAY: A DAY OF REST

For many Americans, Sunday is 1. day of 2. rest. After 3. busy week of 4. business transactions and work routines, it is 5. day to pause and focus on 6. faith and family. However, it is not 7. day to waste away by doing nothing. It is a day for many to attend 8. church and to worship with their local community. This notion is based on the Biblical account of creation when 9. God created 10. world in six days and rested on 11. seventh. For this reason, one day is set aside during the week as a day of rest and worship. On Sunday 12. most department stores and business are closed for 13. day and only places of entertainment and culture may be open to 14. public. Sometimes when we read the newspapers and watch TV, we get the false impression that American is 15. amoral society where 16. people have no respect for 17. family and religious values. This concept is often exploited by 18. tabloid papers and the foreign press but nothing could be further from 19. truth. In spite of the apparent carefree attitude sometimes pro25

jected by the press, many Americans, especially those living in the rural areas and the deep south, are very traditional in their approach to life, family and religion. Sundays for them still become 20. time to attend their local church and to meet with their fellow parishioners. At the church service, 21. choir composed of members from the community sings hymns and songs and the preacher or minister delivers 22. sermon based on a passage from the Gospel. After the service, which may last as long as 23. hour, the members of the congregation along with their pastor may meet in the parish hall to enjoy coffee and cake and to socialize together. 24. Most churches may also distribute a small bulletin containing 25. announcements of births, deaths and marriages within the community. There may also be additional short notices of special meetings to be held in the parish, such as choir rehearsals, senior citizen group activities and local scouting events. Upcoming parish events sponsored by 26. church also get ample notice. Belonging to 27. church is important to many Americans because it helps to bring people together with others who share 28. same religious faith and family values. It also helps to create 29. sense of the extended family and solidifies the community spirit and a sense of personal belonging. On 30. remainder of this day of rest, families are merged into closely knit units by getting together for 31. dinner at which one’s own extended family is invited. If one is not 32. regular churchgoer the day is still 33. chance to rest. It is spent visiting 34. other relatives or friends, going to parks or attending ball games, museums or concerts. It is a time to enrich one’s life through 35. leisure and to prepare one’s mind for 36. workweek to follow. TEXT TWELVE

AMERICANS AND THEIR CARS

Ever since Henry Ford invented the Model T, America has been romanced by the automobile. Today America is very much 1. car culture and 2. most people find that owning 3. car is essential to their lives. Modern housing developments usually spring up in the suburbs away from city transportation, but close to main boulevards and interstate 26

highways which become 4. lifeline to support their active lifestyles. To live in these developments without 5. car would make 6. modern life almost impossible. One would become 7. virtual prisoner in his own home. For this reason no private home today is built without 8. driveway and garage. Many homes may even have as many as three or four cars; one owned by each member of 9. family. 10. Japanese cars, although small in 11. size, are very popular in America because they are very economical to maintain and fuel efficient. In 12. general, American cars are neither economical to run nor efficient with fuel. Nevertheless, they are much larger with plenty of 13. space in the trunk storage area and the back seat. However, in 14. comparison to 15. other developed nations, gas in America is still reasonably priced. Americans, therefore, tend to clock in more miles on their car every year because of the larger distances covered in getting from 16. place to 17. place. If Japan is well-connected by its excellent railroad system, America prides herself on her vast network of parkways and superhighways which connect the smaller town with the bigger cities. Perhaps no country in 18. world has developed such 19. extensive highway system as 20. United States with so many toll-free roads. Her dependence on 21. automobile has made such 22. highways both 23. convenience and 24. necessity. Along these highway can be found almost every modern convenience so that one can travel endlessly without ever making 25. contact with 26. cities. Along the highways are motels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment centers. In America one is more likely to see 27. cars in 28. rainbow of colors and a variety of shades with 29. possible exception of white. This is probably 30. least popular color for 31. American motorist. Americans feel that 32. white car is too conspicuous and much harder to keep clean than one which has 33. darker color.

iors in 37. countryside going to school every day by 38. car and parking on the school grounds. TEXT THIRTEEN

FAST FOOD AND TV DINNERS

Americans are 1. very energetic and mobile people, always on 2. run, rushing from one appointment to another, from a PTA meeting to a social planning committee. They have very little time to spend preparing 3. elaborate everyday meals to be eaten at 4. leisure. In many homes it is rare for 5. whole family to sit down at 6. supper together. Clubs and commitments force them to grab 7. quick meal rather than 8. sit-down supper. When they do have 9. chance to eat at home often the working housewife prefers to prepare meals which can be quickly heated and consumed. It is no wonder, therefore, that America has become 10. sanctuary for 11. fast food consumption. This great transformation occurred after 12. World War II when many women began to work 13. fulltime jobs and were spending less time at home with their families. Women, however, wanted to function well in the capacity of homemaker, as well as that of career woman but time became 14. precious commodity which had to be carefully used. Therefore, it was necessary to make her life easier at home in the preparation of the family dinner. Simultaneously with 15. women entering 16. job market there was also 17. shifting of the focus of home entertainment from 18. radio to 19. television. Television became the latest fad in the fifties and no one wanted to miss his or her favorite televised program. 20. place for the evening’s supper shifted from the dining room to the living room.

This integration of the automobile into 34. lifestyle of most Americans is also reflected in the many driver’s education courses found in 35. curriculum of most high schools. Students can earn needed credits for graduation by taking these courses and gaining for themselves 36. driver’s license in the process. It is not odd to see high school sen-

As the customs changed, so did the culture. The immediate solution for this was 21. invention of the TV dinner. These were 22. frozen meals which were sectioned off into 23. portions of meat and vegetables. They could easily be popped into 24. oven and prepared within 25. minutes. The tin trays in which they were served were conveniently carried into the living room and dinner was consumed in front of

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a TV set. Cleaning up afterwards was no problem. The tin trays were easily tossed into the garbage. From 26. fast dinners at home the next step was quick eating while on 27. road. At this time also the love for TV was combined with 28. fascination for 29. automobile. It is not odd that with the development of the superhighways America saw the beginning of 30. fast food chains. McDonald’s paved the way with its variety of burgers and shakes soon to be followed by all kinds of 31. other foods. Today dozens of fastfood chain franchises can be found along 32. highways, in 33. modern shopping malls and scattered throughout 34. neighborhoods in America. Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Roy Roger’s, Burger King and Wendy’s are just 35. few of the fast-food chains which are now part of American culture. They offer chicken, donuts, tacos and pizza, all quickly produced in great quantities for the masses. TEXT FOURTEEN

HITCHHIKING ON THE OPEN ROAD

Since 1. auto is 2. main source of 3. travel in America and distances between major cities are far, 4. common way of getting around the country is by 5. hitchhiking. Although it is not illegal, 6. law enforcers and most people in 7. authority, especially school administrators, try to discourage people, especially the young, from traveling this way. Most people, however, are aware of 8. dangers which one can encounter by hitchhiking but 9. money saved by doing so is often 10. just compensation for 11. risk involved. 12. word hitchhiking entered the English language around 1925 when 13. automobile became 14. popular means of transportation. Anyone can hitchhike. There are no age limitations but it is especially popular with 15. college students trying to go crosscountry or 16. overseas traveler hoping to discover America. Some hitchhikers may even be 17. homeless or runaway youths who have no real sense of where they are going but are eager to leave their hometowns. The hitchhiker usually stands at the entrance ramps of highways or along the road itself with fingers clenched and 18. thumb of 19. right hand extended and pointing to 20. direction of the traffic. This is called “thumbing 21. ride”, 22. expression coined in 23. late 1930s, 29

which is also another name for hitchhiking. Any motorist seeing 24. person on the roadside with this hand gesture is quick to recognize his intention and reserves the right to give or decline him 25. lift to 26. convenient destination. Although in most cases the rides are free, some motorists may accept some money contributed to the cost of tolls and gas. For those motorists traveling alone 27. fellow rider will help pass the time on 28. journey. Some hitchhikers may even go so far as to paint 29. poster with the name of the city of their destination written on it. In 30. large letters they print the name of the city where they want to go, stand by the side of the road and hope that some motorist who is going in that direction will stop to give them 31. ride. Another popular way to get a ride is to hang out around 32. highway rest stops and ask people in the dining area if they are going your way. If a hitchhiker is patient, someone will surely make themselves available and offer 33. ride. Hitching 34. ride with 35. family is always safer than getting a ride from someone who is alone. 36. Truck drivers transporting 37. goods across the country are also safer that the lone driver aNd may have extra room in the cabin of their truck for 38. passenger. As 39. rule heeding to one’s intuition and inner common sense is 40. good measure to judge if 41. driver is honest and the ride is safe. There is always 42. risk, however, for both the driver and the hitchhiker. Both are totally unknown to each other and it takes 43. act of 44. faith to trust whether intentions are sincere on 45. both sides.

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PART TWO GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES

Common Verbs Followed by an Infinitive I refuse Verb

Example:

ALL charts for Infinitives and Gerunds Common Adjectives Followed by an Infinitive Example:

I am

eager Adjective

to see Infinitive

you.

to lie Infinitive

to my customers.

afford

come

hesitate

prefer

swear

agree

consent

hope

prepare

tend

appear

continue

hurry

pretend

threaten

arrange

dare

incline

profess

turn out

afraid

determined

frightened

ready

ask

decide

intend

promise

venture

alarmed

disappointed

furious

relieved

attempt

deserve

learn

prove

volunteer

amazed

distressed

glad

reluctant

begin

determine

like

refuse

want

angry

disturbed

happy

sad

elect

long

request

wish

anxious

eager

hesitant

scared

can’t afford

ashamed

ecstatic

interested

shocked

can’t bear

endeavor

love

resolve

would like

astonished

embarrassed

intrigued

sorry

manage

say

yearn

encouraged

lucky

surprised

can’t stand

expect

careful curious

excited

pleased

touched

can’t wait

fail

mean

seek

delighted

fascinated

prepared

upset

care

get

need

seem

depressed

fortunate

proud

willing

chance

grow up

offer

shudder

choose

guarantee

pay

start

claim

hate

plan

strive

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Verbs Followed by Object + Infinitive They invited me Example: Verb

Object

to go

to the party.

Infinitive

Common Verbs Followed By Gerunds advise

force

remind

allow

hire

require

invite

teach

cause

need*

tell

choose*

order

urge

convince

pay*

want*

encourage

permit

warn

expect*

persuade

would like*

forbid

prepare*

ask*

*

abhor acknowledge admit allow appreciate attempt avoid be worth

endure enjoy escape evade explain fancy feel like feign

practice prefer prevent prohibit propose practice prefer* prevent

Began *can't bear can't help can't stand* celebrate confess consider *continue defend delay deny detest discontinue discuss dislike dispute dread

finish forgive give up (stop) hate* imagine justify keep (continue) like* love* mention mind (object to) miss necessitate omit permit picture postpone

tolerate try* understand urge

*

Indicates verbs that can be followed by an infinitive only (no object). 33

34

prohibit propose quit recall recollect recommend regret* report resent resist resume risk shirk shun start* suggest support

Go + Gerund Combinations Example:

We

go skiing Go + Gerund

whenever it snows.

REVISION EXERCISES

go go fishing birdwatching

go shopping

go snorkeling

go boating

go sightseeing

go swimming

go hiking

go bowling

go hunting

go camping

go jogging

go canoeing

go mountain climbing

go kayaking

go running

go dancing

go sailing

go go skating tobogganing go go window skateboarding shopping go skiing go skinnydipping go sledding

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PART TWO GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES

In the texts below, open the brackets, using the appropriate form of the non-finite forms of the verbs (infinitives/gerunds) TEXT ONE

FIREARMS AND GUN CONTROLS

When foreigners are sometimes asked what seems most strange about American society, somewhere on the top of the list will be the fact that the average citizen is allowed (possess) guns. Although it is true that many people carry guns legally in the United States, it is also known that many who possess guns carry them illegally. Others, who don’t have guns, feel that guns can (acquire) quite easily. A recent survey indicated that many high school students, especially in the inner cities, can acquire a gun with little difficulty. Some schools require students (pass)through a metal detector similar to those (find)at airports before entering the school building. Police statistics also show that death by firearms is one of the leading causes of death among children under twenty and many citizens feel that (own) one is a necessary for selfprotection. In a campaign (get)children (give up)their weapons, guns were once exchanged for toys at Christmas. Several years ago thousands of children handed in their firearms for coupons redeemable at Toys “R” Us. This was a bizarre and ironic indication of the full extent of the problem. Although most people would never want (own)a gun, others have taken up (hunt) as a sport and enjoy ( hunt) wild game in season. Hunting for deer, pheasants and duck in fall and winter is very much a part of the American culture. Also, some ranchers in rural areas who raise cattle and sheep feel they need (protect)their animals against the mountain lions and wolves which attack their herds and flocks at night. (defend and support)their rights (possess) firearms The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by National Guard officers. Their purpose was (help)rifle owners (increase)the 36

accuracy of their marks-manship. The organization has close ties with the Defense department which has helped (support)the organization and even sponsor a rifle contest. Nevertheless, the main importance of this association has been its efforts (prevent)strict gun control legislation. The association has great political support in small towns and rural areas especially in the West and the South where (hunt) is especially popular. Those who favor the right (possess)guns insist that the second amendment to the constitution provides the right of people “to keep and bear arms.” They believe that gun control laws will not solve the problem of crime and violence. Recent events in America, however, have shown that the question of gun possession is now out of control and strong lobbies in Washington have called for immediate action (take). In seemingly peaceful schools students have gone into classrooms and cafeterias and opened fire upon their own classmates. In horror and shock America has been traumatized by such incidents which seem (occur) with greater frequency. The periodic deaths of innocent citizens and even foreign visitors from guns have forced legislators (enact) laws (stop) these senseless killings. Some have suggested that the distribution of ammunition be strictly controlled and heavily taxed, thereby making it difficult (acquire)bullets for weapons. Others have proposed that a strict test be offered to anyone (apply) for a gun (ascertain)his mental competency and stability. The day may not be far off when America will be transformed from a gun culture to one which controls their use and possession. TEXT TWO

ETHNIC AMERICANS AND HYPHENATED ONES

Most Americans can trace their family roots back to another country. Perhaps it is not an exaggeration (claim) that almost every country in the world has some migration to America as part of its history. The ethnic diversity (find) in the United States displays a uniqueness (find) in few other societies. America’s greatness is based upon its ability (absorb) the cultures of the world into its borders. Very often in conversation the term “hyphenated American” is used. This term refers to those Americans who can trace their origins directly back to another 37

country. More often than not these Americans may be fluent in the language of their ancestry, speak it in their daily lives, and make frequent visits back to the “home country.” They also maintain close ties with overseas relatives and continue (retain)the traditions of the old country. Americans, therefore, take great pride in their bicultural status and continue (keep) alive the customs and traditions of their ancestors which in no way diminishes their loyalty to America. Because they feel very much connected to the country of their origins they enjoy (celebrate) the traditions of their parents and forefathers. The Irish, for example, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in March with a gallant parade and parties which involve the family. The Italians, for example, in New York’s “Little Italy” hold a festival (honor) San Gennaro every year in September. The Germans celebrate Octoberfest every fall and the Hispanic culture remains always vibrant and alive. Likewise, other groups celebrate their own ethnic awareness on different occasions throughout the year. The Polish, who make up a large minority group in Chicago, celebrate Kosciusko Day (proclaim) their ethnicity. At election time politicians try (exploit) the ethnic vote and they cater and adjust their campaigns (appease) the priorities of ethnic minorities. There is, however, a large group of people who are not hyphenated Americans. They are the Native Americans. Their ancestors belonged to the land long before the (come) of the early discoverers and first settlers from Europe. In a true sense, the land which is America really belongs to them. It is theirs. Their history, unfortunately, is a tragic one and lies in the shadow of shame for the way in which they were treated. These Native Americans are also justly proud of their cultural heritage and hope that it will never (allow) to die. TEXT THREE

THE AMERICAN DREAM

If you were (ask) any American what his dream might (be) most would probably say that his dream is (become)rich and famous. Wealth and fame are not necessarily goals in themselves, but rather they are perceived as the rewards of achievement. Americans are taught at an early age that with perseverance and patience anything is 38

possible and that wealth and fame crown one with both esteem and recognition. Children in elementary schools are taught that Abraham Lincoln is the foremost example of the American dream and a model (emulate) Here was a man who lived in poverty and spent his youth in a log cabin. His thirst for knowledge and desire for self-fulfillment were (motivate) forces which made his dream (come) true. (be) self-taught, he studied at night by candlelight, became a lawyer and later was elected president of the United States. His life was the success story of a self-made man. Some of the greatest contributors to American society were simple people who had a (drive) force (make) something of their lives. It is not surprising that many of those who fulfilled the American dream were immigrants. The vast number of immigrants who came to America very often had nothing to their name. They arrived in their new home with only a few bags of clothing and a suitcase which contained the sum total of all their possessions. In addition to their poverty and frugal life they nourished the dream (make) a better life for themselves and their children. For them the American Dream was empowered by self-respect, determination and hard work. There are other in America, however, who are less motivated and less self-sufficient. Their dream is fostered by fantasy and they believe that their dream can (realize) by sheer luck. The popularity of game shows on prime time TV and state lotteries in local communities emphasize the possibility of (be) an instant winner. Also, the ever increasing lure of the casinos tempt people with the glamour of (get) rich quick. Las Vegas and the myth of the casino tempt people (become) overnight millionaires with the lucky throw of the dice. The people who play such games also have a dream but it is much different from that which inspired Lincoln or the early immigrants. Theirs is (get) rich as quickly as possible and with the least amount of effort. All they need is a little bit of luck TEXT FOUR

which really capture the American Spirit. The first of these is jazz. Around the turn of the century the American public began (tire) of the sentimentality of ballads. Negro bands were forming throughout the country (begin) in the South and (move) to cities up North. These musicians brought with them their skill on the piano, trumpet and drums and their wonderful (change) (improvise) rhythms. (emerge) from the depths of the black man’s soul which yearned for freedom, jazz is one of the freest of all musical forms with its numerous variations. The jazz musician, as if almost hypnotized, lets his soul (dominate) the path of the journey the music will take. No two pieces are ever played alike and no one piece is ever played the same. For this reason it remains one of the most difficult types of music (perform) and many a (train) professional musician cannot play jazz well unless he can ‘feel’ rather than ‘read’ the music. (be) born of the black man’s captivity it flourished in the south (find) a home in the French Quarter of New Orleans. When it moved up north its cultural center was located in Harlem and today it is widely performed and appreciated throughout the world. Jazz is not so much a “kind’ of music as it is a “way” of (play) music. Almost any music can become jazz if (play) with a jazz treatment. On the other hand country-western music which finds its home in Nashville, Tennessee, generates a different mood. Centered in the heart of the eastern mountains of America, it expresses itself best in words. This music has a distinctly melancholic charm. Its melodic lyricism stands in contrast to the strong and heavy rhythms of jazz. The lyrics of all country-western songs speak of lost loves, lost homes, broken hearts and faithful dogs. It remains perhaps one of the most popular forms of music today in America and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is said (be) the music capital of the world where its summer festival attracts large crowds. Many country western singers are held up as idols by their (admire) fans.

JAZZ AND COUNTRY-WESTERN

Among the many contributions Americans have made to the arts, one of the most significant contributions has been in the field of music. During her short history America has evolved several musical forms 39

40

TEXT FIVE

DOGGIE BAGS & BROWN BAG RESTAURANTS

In America everything is considered “big” and portions in a restaurant are often so generous that even a person with a large appetite might not be able (consume) all the food that is placed before him. Rather than (let) the uneaten food (go) to waste many diners prefer (take) it home (eat) later. The waiter is summoned to the table and politely asked for a doggie bag. After all, it has been paid for, so it might as well (take) home rather than (go) to waste. The inference to this request is that the (unfinish) meal will be given to one’s pet who is protecting the homestead. It really doesn’t matter that one’s dog doesn’t enjoy (cream) broccoli, scalloped potatoes, eject fries or the varied items (find) on a gourmet’s menu, nor that one may have goldfish rather than a golden retriever. The doggie bag is never really meant (give) to man’s best friend in the first place. Its contents will most likely (eat) by the pet’s owner. This take-home food might well (eat) later that same night as a midnight snack or perhaps reheated a day later as leftovers and served as part of a regular meal. When the waiter returns with the check, he will also hand the diner his doggie bag. Some restaurants even have heavy duty paper bags with a picture of a puppy (imprint) on the side. A “brown bag’ restaurant, however, is something quite different. There are some restaurants which are not allowed (serve) liquor because they do not have a license (do) so. If they should (catch) (sell) beer, wine or whiskey, they can (force) (close) in violation of the law or else be subjected to a heavy fine. However, there is a way of (get) around the legality of the situation. Patrons can bring in their own spirits in a brown paper bag and serve themselves. The customers at the restaurant with a brown bag into which is carried their (prefer) alcoholic beverage for the evening (consume) with their dinner. It may be wine, beer, whiskey or any other kind of alcoholic drink. The waiter merely provides the guests with the can opener or corkscrew after the meal has been ordered. In this way the management can never (accuse) of either (sell) or (serve) drinks without a license. It is a simple yet honest way of (get) around a legal problem while (provide) an (add) service for the customer. 41

This custom of brown bagging is very popular and satisfies both the customer who has come to dine and the manager of the restaurant who wants (maintain) his business. The customer likes it because he can enjoy his meal with a carafe of wine, a bottle of whiskey or a can of beer (purchase) cheaply from the outside. The owner of the restaurant is satisfied because he is guaranteed the (continue) patronage of his customers without the added expense of (maintain) a liquor license. TEXT SIX

GRAND TOUR OF AN AMERICAN HOME

Of all the aspirations which make up the American Dream perhaps the most prominent is (own) one’s own home. Americans are very proud of their homes and spend a great deal of time (maintain) their houses and (keep) the property in good condition. A man’s home is often called his castle, and the hours (spend) (keep) his fortress safe and secure become one of his greatest pleasures. If a home is in an especially fashionable neighborhood, the owners may consult an interior director (give) the home a certain (coordinate) appearance. If there is a large back yard, great care may (spend) in (have) it properly (landscape) with exotic trees, shrubs and plants. It is almost a certainty that should you (be) a first visitor to an American home, you will (take) on a grand tour of the premises. The owner will take great pride in (show) to you the place he calls home. Every closet, every cabinet and closed door will be opened so that you can actually see the extent and value of his home. You will even (take) into the father’s den and the mother’s sewing room. These are special rooms for the respective man and woman of the house (insure) their privacy. They may be off-limits to the rest of the family but, for the visitor they are open to scrutiny and inspection. Yes! You’ll get the chance (browse) through the books on the library shelves and (inspect) their collection of videos and CDs. The master bedroom, that room of marital privacy, with walk-in closets and wall to wall (carpet) will also be yours (see). Even the children’s playroom with its inventory of video games and mechanical high-tech toys will be open to public (view).

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It is, of course, considered polite on the tour (comment) favorably on each room (pick) out its most salient, important feature, such as the special view from the window, the vaulted ceiling in the foyer or the exotic choice of wallpaper in the bathroom. The finished basement is a special cause for pride for the family with its exercise room, video games, carpenter shop and eject tte. In most homes it is here that the family entertains itself in the evening while the rest of the house becomes more of a showcase. On your tour you may (remind) of the hours the owners had spent “(fix up) the house” so it would be “nice for the kids (bring) over their friends.” You may even sense a feeling of competition in (know) that they have not only “kept up with the Jones” but have far surpassed them. The tour will terminate after an hour or so somewhere on the back lawn next to the two-car air-conditioned garage where you may (treat) to a snack and light refreshment. (Show) off one’s home is more than an exercise in vanity. It is a tribute to one’s accomplishments. It is a way of (say) that a man has been a good provider for his family and that he has realized one of his dreams. TEXT SEVEN

SALUTING THE FLAG

For most Americans the flag is a cause for national pride and admiration. The “Stars and Stripes,” as the flag is commonly called, helps (unify) the country and (unite) many different people from many different cultures into one united country. It is a source of national identity. The design of the American flag has gone through several changes but the one which is used today is highly symbolic and cannot (confuse) with that of any other nation. The red and white stripes on the flag represent the original thirteen colonies and each white star set in a field of blue stands for a state. In schools today around the country an average class day officially begins with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. This is often proclaimed while the student faces the flag and places his right hand over his heart. The pledge must (recite) with reverence and respect and from memory. The student must stand at attention as if he were a soldier and focus his 43

eyes on the flag itself. (mumble) the words or (slouch) casually would register an attitude of disrespect. There is no classroom in which the flag is not displayed. Likewise, most school assemblies begin with the same pledge. This pride in the flag is further recognized by (celebrate) Flag Day every year on June 14th. On this day the flag is prominently displayed from the porches of homes and from most public Federal buildings but it is not a legal holiday. This respect for the flag as a symbol of our nation is further enhanced by the special care which is required in (handle) it whenever it is folded and stored away. There are many rituals (surround) the manner in which the flag is handled and displayed. Even the (fold) of the flag follows a certain pattern. The flag is folded in such a way that it results in a triangle with the stars (expose) in the blue background. When (remove) the flag from its pole, it is important that the flag should not (permit) (touch) the ground. There is such a reverence in the handling of the flag that a controversy arose several years ago concerning the willful (burn) of the flag as a form of protest. Some felt that (burn) the flag in certain instances was permissible as a symbol of one’s freedom, but most believed that such an act was an offense which violated this sacred symbol of American. Most recently a Bill was submitted to Congress (make) it a crime (desecrate) the flag in any way. The flag is such a (revere) symbol of the country’s identity that every year when resident immigrants become naturalized Americans, they are required (recite) the pledge and (salute) the flag as part of the ceremony before (grant) citizenship. TEXT EIGHT

FACES CARVED IN STONE

Throughout all ages man has always carved colossal figures out of stone. This can (see) in the ancient ruins of Egypt, Persia and Babylon. In modern times America has also taken up the same challenge and has carved huge sculptures into her mountains. On the East Coast of America not far from Atlanta, Georgia stands Stone Mountain, the largest mass of (expose) granite in the world. (Carve) into the side of this mountain are three tremendous figures. They are sculptures of Jeffer-

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son Davis, Robert E. Lee and “Stonewall Jackson.” It is a memorial to the Confederacy. In South Dakota, a western state, is located another achievement of man’s ability (shape) nature into his own image and the achievement is considered (be) one of the great man-made wonders of the modern world. This masterpiece in stone consists of the faces of four U.S. presidents which are 60 feet high each. The monument took 14 years (complete) and ranks as one of the great sculptures of the world equal to the colossal figures of gods and kings (find) in Egyptian temples and tombs. Some have argued that a fifth face should be carved next to the existing four, but this would be impossible because the stone on the rest of the mountain is not of good quality for (carve). The sculpture depicts faces which are determined and strong and the eyes, although (make) of stone, are vibrant and alive. Not far from Mount Rushmore another gargantuan sculpture is now in progress. It is located six miles north of Custer and depicts the Great Sioux chieftain, Crazy Horse. It is called the Crazy Horse Memorial. At present no one knows when the sculpture of Crazy Horse will (complete) because of the uncertainty of (finance) but for future generations it will be another masterwork (carve) in stone. A trip to America would not be complete without (view) one of these monuments. TEXT NINE

SENDING CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Most Americans love (send) and (receive) cards for every occasion and for no special reason in particular. Messages of congratulations and encouragement have been exchanged for centuries, but only in the past century have they taken the form of (greet) cards. More than anyone else, Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark, is regarded as the architect of the modern-day greeting card industry. His business was started in 1910 in Nebraska and has grown into a multibillion dollar corporation. Today cards are sent not only at Christmas, but also for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and weddings. If someone is going on a trip, then a “Bon Voyage” card is sent to the (depart) traveler. Should someone be moving into a new home, then an appropriate cards will 45

quickly be sent to the new occupant (wish) him the best in his new residence. Cards are sent (congratulate) and (console), (thank) and (celebrate). If someone is ill, a “Get Well” greeting cards will be sent (cheer up) the patient. If someone has been promoted to a new position or acquired a new job then a “Good Luck” card is soon (follow) the good news. There is a card suitable for every occasion and many for no reason at all other than (keep) in touch with someone on does not see on a regular basis. Some cards are merely sent (reestablish) contact with an old friend who has not remembered one’s birthday or forgotten to send a card at Christmas. These cards are attempts (keep up) relationships with (cherish) friends one hasn’t seen or heard from in a long time. If one should be the kind of person who is always behind schedule, then there is no need (worry). Belated greetings for every occasion are in full supply. The most popular category of cards is that which is purely seasonal. The most popular, however, are the Christmas cards which are collected and often displayed on fireplaces and around windows and doorways in the home. These are the most (cherish) of all because they come but once a year from friends of the distant past who have been separated by both time and space. Americans look forward to (receive) their Christmas cards. These cards make one feel (connect) to the past while looking forward to the future when they may (meet) again. Many of these cards are bought in stores (specialize) in stationary and party goods. Sometimes they are handmade and often they are humorous, but the (send) of cards is anything but frivolous. It is an attempt (bind) relationships, (deepen) friendships and (unite) people to the ones they love. TEXT TEN

SENDING CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Most Americans love (send) and (receive) cards for every occasion and for no special reason in particular. Messages of congratulations and encouragement have been exchanged for centuries, but only in the past century have they taken the form of (greet) cards. More than anyone else, Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark, is regarded as the architect of 46

the modern-day greeting card industry. His business was started in 1910 in Nebraska and has grown into a multibillion dollar corporation. Today cards are sent not only at Christmas, but also for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and weddings. If someone is going on a trip, then a “Bon Voyage” card is sent to the (depart) traveler. Should someone be moving into a new home, then an appropriate cards will quickly be sent to the new occupant (wish) him the best in his new residence. Cards are sent (congratulate) and (console), (thank) and (celebrate). If someone is ill, a “Get Well” greeting cards will be sent (cheer up) the patient. If someone has been promoted to a new position or acquired a new job then a “Good Luck” card is soon (follow) the good news. There is a card suitable for every occasion and many for no reason at all other than (keep) in touch with someone on does not see on a regular basis. Some cards are merely sent (reestablish) contact with an old friend who has not remembered one’s birthday or forgotten to send a card at Christmas. These cards are attempts (keep up) relationships with (cherish) friends one hasn’t seen or heard from in a long time. If one should be the kind of person who is always behind schedule, then there is no need (worry). Belated greetings for every occasion are in full supply. The most popular category of cards is that which is purely seasonal. The most popular, however, are the Christmas cards which are collected and often displayed on fireplaces and around windows and doorways in the home. These are the most (cherish) of all because they come but once a year from friends of the distant past who have been separated by both time and space. Americans look forward to (receive) their Christmas cards. These cards make one feel (connect) to the past while looking forward to the future when they may (meet) again. Many of these cards are bought in stores (specialize) in stationary and party goods. Sometimes they are handmade and often they are humorous, but the (send) of cards is anything but frivolous. It is an attempt (bind) relationships, (deepen) friendships and (unite) people to the ones they love.

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TEXT ELEVEN

LADIES FIRST

It is the custom in America (give) women special treatment. Although there was a time when they were denied the right (vote) and their proper place was considered (be)in the home, they were always looked upon as the “fair sex.” A man’s job was seen as that of the breadwinner; a woman’s position was that of the homemaker. Along with this subservient role came certain privileges. A woman was given a priority in various social situations and treated with both reverence and respect. This respect she justly earned if she were both a (care) mother and a faithful wife. In the past it has been the gentleman’s responsibility (be) her protector and escort. Even today a man with proper (breed) and good manner will politely open the door for a lady, help her on with her coat when necessary and escort her to the door of her home after a date, (make) sure she is safely within the confines of her home. Likewise, when a man takes a woman out for dinner, it is considered polite (assist) her with her chair when she gets up or sits down. On a (crowd) train or bus, it is altogether proper for a man (offer) a woman his seat especially if she is elderly or pregnant. This respect for women dates back perhaps to the time of chivalry when men fought duels for the hand of a fair maiden. Even when it comes to (shake) hands ladies come first. It is considered impolite for a man (extend) his hand to a woman for a handshake upon first greeting. This remains the woman’s option. If a woman does not extend her hand to the man first, then the man should refrain from (offer) his. In this sense the woman’s choice comes first. Not only do ladies come first, but if she is the wife of the president, she is called the “First Lady” and women continue (break) new “first” categories by (enter) into fields of social service once (consider) exclusively the realm of men. America now has had a first woman Secretary of State in the person of Madeline Albright and a “first” woman president may not be far off in the future. There is no doubt that the Women’s liberation movement has put women on an equal footing with men with respect to jobs and career opportunities. There can also be no (deny) that many women today prefer (treat) the same as men in every way. Yet, in spite of their new 48

freedom and social equality none of them seem (object) to the rule of “ladies first.” TEXT TWEVLE

HEALTH WARNINGS

Most Americans are very conscious of their health and try (maintain)a nutritious diet and daily routines (sustain) good health. Yet, for many years the tobacco and liquor industries had tried (project) the image of style, fashion and sophistication for those who use their products. Most have learned, however, that the dangers (impose)to health by tobacco and alcohol can no longer (deny or ignore) . It is no longer considered macho or fashionable (smoke) a cigarette or take a shot of whiskey straight up (impress) others. The campaigns (alert) the public to the evils of these two social drugs have been intense and effective. However, most people, young or old, dislike (warn) that they shouldn’t do something. It is a kind of psychological resistance. Yet, all tobacco and liquor products must now contain a warning on the package or label. The warning is simple, but the message is clear; (smoke) and (drink) are hazardous to the health. The wording may vary, but it is phrased in such a way as (draw) the attention of the consumer to the danger. There are currently about nine warnings which are printed on labels. Some of them are; “Cigarettes are addictive”, “Cigarettes cause fatal lung disease”, “Smoking during pregnancy can harm you baby”, “Tobacco smoke can harm your children”. Some people have suggested that the word ‘warning’ should (eliminate) since it might increase an interest in smoking among young people. Labels that contain information and do not give orders have proven effective in (deter) behavior. On American TV all tobacco (advertise) is legally banned, and every ad in a magazine must display the warning. There are many public notices on trains and buses (give out) the warning that smoking is linked to lung cancer and other lung and heart diseases. The admonition against alcohol consumption is of a different kind. The warning goes out especially to women who are pregnant and anyone (operate) a car or electrical machinery. A woman who is carrying a child in her womb can cause damage to the fetus by (drink) alcohol. Also anyone operating a machine runs the risk of an accident which 49

could be fatal. Such warnings appear on all wine and whiskey bottles and even an apparently harmless can of beer. For those who are deeply entrenched in their habit, group help is provided in the form of “Smoke-Enders” and “Alcoholics Anonymous.” Also (know)as AA ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ is a worldwide organization (dedicate) to the curing of alcoholics. This organization helps the addict (control, curb and eliminate)the habit. The organization was established in 1935 by two former alcoholics. The organization, which functions through local groups, is based on a philosophy of life that has enabled countless numbers of people (recover) from alcoholism. In 1988 there were one million members worldwide. For spouses, relatives and friends of alcoholics there is even the support group known as Al-Anon. To further encourage the smoker (quit), life insurance premiums may be reduced for those who have quit (smoke) The benefits, therefore, can (see) not only in terms of health and safety, but also with regard to finance. TEXT THIRTEEN

THE APPLE AS A SPECIAL FRUIT

If the rose can (speak) of as a special flower, then it can (say) that the apple is a special fruit. American culture is filled with references to the apple. American folklore speaks of Johnny Appleseed who went throughout the American countryside (plant) apple trees. His real name was John Chapman and he had a great love for nature. He traveled through Pennsylvania and Ohio and collected apple seeds which he later distributed to farmers along the Ohio river. He wandered through fields and farms (add) richness and beauty to the American landscape. One of the first proverbs (teach) to all school children is “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This short proverb encourages children (eat) fresh fruit (keep)healthy and what fruit is more accessible in America than the apple? Likewise a young pupil can gain the admiration of a favorite lady teacher by (bring) her an apple and (place) it judiciously on her desk before class. Furthermore, should someone every get on someone else’s good side by flattery, people will call him an apple polisher. This, however, should not (take) as a compliment. Yet, if someone is very dear to us, we say that he or she is the “apple of our eye.” Most people believe that the forbidden fruit which Eve gave 50

to Adam in the garden of Eden was an apple even though the Bible never mentions it as such. The apple, therefore, is deeply embedded in the language and folklore of America. While an apple may be the forbidden fruit, it is also one of the most delicious and finds its way into the American diet with much ingenuity. Apples can (bake) as they are with cinnamon and syrup or they can (fashion) into a pie with raisins and spices. They can also be glazedover with a candied syrup and served at parties. During the holiday season they also can (make) into a sweet sauce (serve) along with (roast)pork or as a simple dessert for young children. For breakfast one can enjoy apple butter spread generously onto toast and washed down with apple juice. Likewise no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without apple cider, a sweet juice (heat) in the cold season and (spice)with cinnamon drink around a warm fireplace. In many parts of the country during the harvest season a popular ejectity is (go) into the apple orchards to pick apples. The states of Washington and New York are especially famed for their apples. The humble apple has also entered the age of high-tech where the number one choice for a computer might very well (be) the Macintosh Apple. Finally, when it’s time (take) a vacation, one can always visit New York (call) the “Big Apple” for reasons nobody remembers now.

of the buffaloes was essential to the life and culture of the Native American. It had also been believed that (eat) the warm heart of a fallen buffalo after a hunt would endow the Indian with strength and courage. At their peak, the buffaloes numbered more than sixty million, a figure which would have guaranteed their endurance for hundreds of generations. Such was not (be) the case. With the expansion of the West and the development of cities and industry, the herds began (diminish). In particular, the (build) of the transcontinental railroad spelled doom for the bison. The white settlers wantonly slaughtered millions of buffaloes, at times only for sport, (leave) them an (endanger) species at the turn of the century. This unabashed slaughter of these magnificent animals for sport and meat reduced the great herds to near extinction. In 1900 there were only three hundred left in the United States. This condition drastically altered the life of the Plains Indians. Now, the trend has been reversed and the buffaloes live in the wilderness on reservations with the hope that their numbers will increase. They will never reach their former status when they roamed freely over the majestic, windswept plains. But hopefully man will be wise enough (protect) them from extinction.

TEXT FOURTEEN

The figure of the American buffalo was once imprinted on the nickel coin. These coins are now collector’s items and very rare. Ironically, the buffaloes themselves were just as rare at the turn of the century and today they are a (protect) species. These huge majestic creatures, also (know)as bisons, once roamed freely across the Great Plains of America, the western part of Canada and northern Mexico. They grazed in huge herds (command) the great expanse of the West as their native habitat. They were much prized by the Plains Indians who hunted them for their skins and meat. The hides of these animals were used (make) clothing and tents. The warmth of the buffalo fur protected the Indians from the harsh winds and snow of winter. The flesh of these animals became a protein source for their diet. It is easy (see) that the presence

After a busy week of classes, lectures and seminars college students in America like (loosen up)and forget their studies. They often have a favorite neighborhood pub near their campus where they can (meet) old friends, make new ones and socialize with those they see every day. There is a custom in America of (make) it an all-night affair. These students may spend the whole night just (go) from one bar to another (drink) with their classmates and (pass) the night away. This custom is called (barhop) and is popular with college students and young people in their early twenties. With the stamina (survive) a night of (drink) they may visit as many as three or four bars in one night (have) a few drinks at each, (spend) an hour or so in each place before (move) on to the next “watering hole.” Fortunately it is not done every night or at every chance (celebrate). Older people may not have the stamina (endure) a whole night of drinking, nor the free time that it requires. It is

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THE AMERICAN BUFFALO

TEXT FIFTEEN

BARHOPPING AND TEETOTALERS

usually reserved for special weekends for to celebrations at the end of the term exams. One would gather from the above that America is a nation of heavy drinkers and closet alcoholics. Yet, there are many Americans who never touch a drink either for reasons of religion or health. They may even detest the smell of beer and the taste of liquor and may refuse (serve) it even to guests who visit in their home. In the nation’s history there was even a period (know) as the Prohibition. This was a time when liquor laws prevented the (manufacture) and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The temperance movement gained impetus in World War I when conservation policies limited liquor output. In 1919 the 18th amendment to the Constitution established prohibition. At that time back in the 1930’s the manufacturing and (sell) of alcohol was strictly forbidden by law. What alcohol was produced was done so illegally and was in the hands of (organize) crime. It was difficult (enforce) and in 1933 prohibition was repealed by the 21st amendment. Although the law had been repealed the attitude of those who endorsed it has not. Today there are many federal laws regulating the advertisement of alcohol. Even TV commercials advertising beer and wine are prevented from (show) on TV for fear of the negative impact they might (have) on children. It is also recommended that at a party a host should refuse (offer) alcohol to anyone who has a heavy (drink) problem, and there are states where the sales of alcoholic beverages is carefully regulated by local governments. In many states liquor stores are required (close) on Sunday which is considered the Lord’s Day.

One of the features of the American Justice system is the concept of a jury. In America a jury is usually a group of twelve men and women who preside at a trial and determine the innocence or guilt of the person on trial. In common law it is a group of laymen (summon) (study) the evidence and determine the facts in a dispute tried in a court of law. The 6th and 7th amendment to the Constitution provides for a jury trial in most criminal cases. The use of the jury system is an important protection against judicial tyranny and represents the voice of the people.

The members of the jury (choose) by law and sworn (consider) the facts of a case and decide upon the truth. A jury is composed of average citizens (select) from the list of voters. Almost any citizen over 21 can be a juror. This is one of the main ways in which men and women take part in the government. A juror receives notice through the mail that he or she has been chosen for jury duty and it is his or her responsibility (accept) and appear on a jury. Jurors are called for (vary) periods of time according to state law, usually for two weeks. If they are workers, employers have (excuse) them from their work. There may be occasions, however, when one may (excuse) because of a specific work or home situation, but exceptions are not always granted. At a trial, the jury listens to both the defense and the prosecution. They hear the testimony of witnesses and the arguments of lawyers on both sides of the case. They are presented with evidence, either concrete or circumstantial, and the judge (preside) over the case gives them final directions (follow) in (help) them (make) a decision. The decision, however, is completely theirs. Jury verdicts represent the common sense judgments of ordinary people. Critics of the system claim that clever lawyers often use shrewd psychology (influence) a jury. When the time comes for them (deliberate) the verdict, they are ushered into a (close) room where they decide if the defendant is guilty or innocent. This is painstaking and may take a long time because a jury’s decision must be unanimous. All twelve members must be in agreement for a verdict to be given. Should one member of the jury persist and refuse (go along) with the other eleven, the situation is called a hung jury. At this point a new jury might have (select) and the entire process repeated. Recently, however, some states allow majority verdicts in some cases, since unanimous decisions can become difficult and troublesome. The jury system has its merits and demerits, and there are those who oppose it while others are its staunch defenders. The bottom line in the argument is whether or not a man should (judge) by his own peers who themselves share equal limitations and inherent prejudices. Some legal experts do not believe that they system works well and in many cases juries are being used less and less. Some feel that the jury often takes too much time (decide) a case or the jurors themselves are not totally objective. True judgment, some believe, belongs only in the hands of those who have studied all the nuances of the law

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TEXT SIXTEEN

THE AMERICAN JURY SYSTEM

and who are professionally qualified (judge). Yet, others may go one step further and say that men should only (judge) by God TEXT SEVENTEEN

AMERICAN HOLIDAYS

January

February

The first day of January is New Year’s Day. This federal holiday celebrates the beginning of each New Year. People in the U.S. sometimes spend this day (watch) college football games and parades. On the third Monday in January, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a federal holiday. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked (change) laws so that all people in the U.S. would (treat) fairly. He worked for change in the 1950s and 60s when many states had laws (separate) black and white people. Martin Luther King taught people (use) peaceful demonstrations to change laws, instead of violence.

We celebrate Presidents’ Day on the 3rd Monday of February as a federal holiday (commemorate) the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. We call George Washington “the father of our country” because he was the American general in the Revolutionary War who led us to victory against England. He was elected (be) our first president. Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president. He kept our country together during the Civil War when the Southern states wanted (form) a separate country. Lincoln freed the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation.

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April

March th

March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day. This holiday comes from Ireland. People wear 3-leaf shamrocks because St. Patrick used them (explain) the Christian Trinity. Many people celebrate this holiday by (wear) shamrocks or green clothing in honor of St. Patrick. Some people even drink green beer!

Holidays in the spring are celebrations of the rebirth of life. Passover is a Jewish holiday (celebrate) between March 13th and April 11th. Easter is a Christian holiday that is celebrated on a Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the U.S., people attend religious services and family gatherings like picnics. They hide colored eggs for children (find). Many children wake up to baskets filled with candy that the “Easter Bunny” has left for them.

May

June

Mother’s Day is observed in the United States in honor of mothers on the second Sunday in May. Julia Ward Howe wrote a Mother’s Day proclamation in 1870. She wanted (have) an international day when all mothers of the world would stand up and speak for peace, so their sons would not have (die) in war. In 1907, Anna Jarvis proposed a day (remember) all mothers. Today, Mother’s Day is a holiday to remember mothers with cards, flowers and presents.

Flag Day on June 14th is the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag in 1777. It is not a federal holiday, although many people display flags outside their homes and in their communities. The third Sunday in June is Father’s Day in the United States. Father’s Day was first observed in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. This is a day for people (remember) their fathers with presents and cards. People celebrate with family gatherings, picnics and sports activities.

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July

August

The Fourth of July is a very important holiday in the U.S. We celebrate the (sign) of the Declaration of Independence by representatives of the thirteen American Colonies. On July 4, 1776, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, well-known patriots, declared the thirteen American colonies (be) independent from Great Britain. This holiday is considered the `birthday of the United States of America.’ It is the greatest non-religious holiday on the U.S. We celebrate this day with fireworks and parades.

During the month of August there are no major holidays (celebrate). Many families go on vacation or have picnics or go to the beach. August 26th is a day that is recognized and celebrated as Equality Day by individuals or groups because of the adoption of the 19th amendment to the Constitution in 1920. This amendment granted women the right (vote).

September

October

September has one federal holiday, Labor Day. It honors all (work) people in the U.S. and Canada. It began with a New York City parade in 1882 and is now celebrated on the first Monday in September. National Grandparents Day, which honors grandparents and the love they show to their children’s children, is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day.

The 2nd Monday of October is Columbus Day, (celebrate) the historic trip of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. Because Columbus was Italian, this federal holiday is especially important to Italian-Americans but may not (celebrate) in all states. October 31st is Halloween. During the 19th century, immigrants to the United States brought Halloween customs. These customs have changed over the years. Children in cos57

tumes go from house to house (say) “trick or treat.” The treat usually given is candy and tricks are rarely done. A common symbol of Halloween is the jack-olantern, (carve) out of a pumpkin. December

November th

November 11 is Veteran’s Day. This federal holiday honors the soldiers who fought in World War I and those who fought for the U.S. in all wars. We celebrate by (display) the American flag from our homes, (have) parades and (decorate) graves with flowers and flags. Thanksgiving Day is the 4th Thursday in November and a federal holiday. On this day we remember how the Indians helped the Pilgrims by (teach) them how (farm and hunt). On this day, we give thanks for food, our country, and our families.

In December we celebrate holidays of light and hope in the dark winter. There is an eight-day Jewish holiday known as Chanukah during which candles are lit on each day. December 25th is Christmas, (celebrate) the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Many people decorate their houses with Christmas trees and lights and give presents to family members. Children hang stockings for Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) to fill with gifts. Christmas is a federal holiday. The African-American holiday of Kwanzaa is the last week of December. Candles are lit (represent) the virtues of the African-American people. As you can see, we have much (celebrate) in the U.S. Many holidays are uniquely our own and many have been borrowed from other countries.

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PART THREE KEYS TO REVISION EXERCISES ARTICLES TEXT ONE

HURRICANES AND TORNADOES

Two of 1. the most dangerous storms which afflict 2. -- America are 3. -- hurricanes and 4. -- tornadoes. They are very much feared by anyone who may live in 5. the path of their destruction and cause millions of dollars worth of 6. -- damage to 7. -- life and 8. -- property every year. 9. – Hurricanes, which usually develop between July and October, are similar to 10. – cyclones and originate over 11. the waters in 12. the Caribbean Sea. They move upwards hitting 13. the mainland of America somewhere in 14. the Gulf of Mexico or 15. the Atlantic Ocean. Once they hit land they carry tremendous power with driving rain and wind. These winds can attain speeds of over 75 mph. And cover 16. an area of over 500 miles in diameter. At the center of the storm there is 17. an “eye” with 18. – relatively fair weather and warm, dry air aloft. The diameter of the eye is usually about 32 kilometers. When the eye passes the relief is only temporary but soon the wind and rain will suddenly reappear from 19. the opposite direction. Every year homes are destroyed by their fury and often lives are lost. 20. -Most people who live near the coast are forced to evacuate their homes and to move to 21. -- safer areas until the storm passes. 22. -- Floods are caused along the coasts by both the heavy rain and a storm tide that is considerably above normal water level. The high winds, coastal flooding and torrential rains associated with 23. a hurricane cause 24. -- enormous damage. If one should travel inland across the Great Plains and 25. the prairie states of America, one will most likely not encounter a hurricane, but there is another kind of storm in the Midwest which is equally feared. It is called 26. a tornado. Tornadoes are violent low-pressured storms with an intense updraft near their center which is capable of lifting quite heavy objects from 27. the ground. 28 A tornado, therefore, is 29. a dark, funnel-shaped cloud containing vio59

lently rotating air. It can pick up 30. -- trees and cars right into 31. the air and even uplift heavier objects such as homes and railway cars. Like 32. a vacuum cleaner across 33. a rug, it sucks up into the air anything which may lie in its path. These storms occur most often during the summer months and are noticeable by their strong wind and lack of rain. 34. The sky turns black as dust is sucked up into the air. 35. – Tornadoes travel normally at around 60 kilometers per 36. – hour and the winds can reach 800 kilometers per hours in 37. the most violent storms. Tornadoes are most frequent in 38. the United States 39. – east of 40. the Rocky Mountains and especially in 41. the central plains area of the Mississippi basin where about 150 occur each year. Tornadoes may also strike 42. the southern states in winter and have even been known to develop in the northeast. Both 43. – hurricanes and 44. – tornadoes cause millions of dollars worth of damage each year. Today they can be predicted more easily than in 45. the past, but they cannot be stopped or ignored. TEXT TWO

THE PRESIDENT’S PRIVACY

Americans cherish their privacy and this right is protected by 1. the Constitution. 2. – Most questions about 3. – religion, 4. – finances and family are pretty much private matters which are carefully guarded by each and every individual. Yet, when it comes to 5. the President of 6. the United States his life becomes our own. Unfortunately, once 7. a person is elected to this most revered office and is sworn in as president, his life is not closed like 8. a book but is completely opened to 9. the public. There is hardly any aspect of his life which is not revealed, exploited and held up to public scrutiny. We learn 10 – things about the president which we would resent wanting anyone else to know about ourselves. His likes and dislikes are thoroughly investigated, analyzed and judged and subjected to commentary. His favorite actors and musicians, movies, books, snack foods, vacation spots and hobbies are all exposed to the public for either 11. – criticism or 12. – curiosity. He may often find himself very careful in voicing his dislikes lest they should offend some ethnic or religious group. When President Bush, the elder, openly said he disliked 13. the taste of 14. – broccoli it be60

came 15. – headlines in 16. the news and angered 17. the farmers who raised this crop Ghosts emerge from 18. a president’s past to haunt him and long-lost relatives, who should have remained better forgotten and left to obscurity, suddenly appear in 19. the limelight. The confidentiality of his college grades are brought to the surface and 20. the nation soon learns if he was 21. an honor student or barely made it to graduation. The president’s wife , who is known as 22. the First Lady, also receives special attention. So do his children and close friends. 23. -- Comments made in 24. -- jest are taken seriously. If her were 25. a good athlete in his college days, 26. the public will expect to see pictures of how he performed. If he has 27. a secret retreat somewhere in 28. the country, the public will want to know of its whereabouts. His health also is 29. a matter of 30. -- public concern. Should he be 31. a smoker , everyone will know how many cigarettes he smokes daily. Should he be hospitalized, the attending physician will hold 32. a press conference and describe the nature of the illness. The American people watch their president’s life unfold on 33. -- TV as if they were members of his own immediate family. Perhaps nowhere was this sense of exploitation drawn to the extreme than with the events leading up to 34. the impeachment of 35. -- President Clinton by 36. the House of Representatives. The truth became tabloid and privacy became a perversion. It became 37. a situation in which all of the people involved became losers. As president he becomes the nation’s scapegoat, rather than its leader. Unfortunately, the tragic effect of this scrutiny is reflected in 38. the lack of men willing to assume elected offices. 39. -- Qualified men of good character are now dissuaded from entering 40. -- politics.

Americans have 1. a great love for 2. -- informality and nowhere is this better expressed than in their love for 3. – nicknames. Upon greeting strangers for 4. the first time they will quickly introduce themselves by their nickname. These are shortened forms of their given name at 5. – birth and reflect the casual relationships which exist among friends and coworkers. Family names are hardly ever used in 6.

-- daily situations and 7. the use of one’s father’s last name is saved only for rare and formal occasions. In many traditional cultures the use of the family name is seen as 8. a sign of 9. -- respect. For Americans, however, it’s the nickname which creates an immediate intimacy between 10 -- two people upon which to build 11. a relationship. By speaking to another on 12. a first name basis and using his nickname walls are immediately torn down and equality between two people is established. At work 13. -- bosses will refer to their employees by their nicknames. Should 14.an employer use 15. a worker’s family name, you can be sure that some kind of correction or serious business will follow. This love for nicknames can create 16. a sense of closeness between people who are otherwise not related. Even 17. the presidents of the United States Have borne nicknames. Abraham Lincoln was known as Honest Abe, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was simply called FDR; Eisenhower was referred to informally as Ike; Richard Nixon was scorned as Tricky Dick; 18. -- President Reagan was affectionately called The Gipper. John F. Kennedy was known as Jack or JFK and William Clinton has no reservations in letting 19 -- people know he prefers to be called Bill, but those who look upon him with 20. -- disfavor may call him Slick Willy. Not only people but 21. -- cities often carry their own nicknames. Chicago is called the “Windy City” because of 22. the gusty winds which come down from 23. -- Canada throughout 24. the year. Philadelphia is well-known as 25. The City of Brotherly Love”, St. Louis with its Gateway Arch is called 26. The Gateway to 27. the West”, and 28. -- New York City is considered the “Big Apple” for reasons which are still obscure to 29. -- most people including many New Yorkers. Other cities are merely abbreviations for 30. the sake of 31. -- convenience. Washington is simply called D.C. and Los Angeles is L.A. Even some of the natural wonders of the land have been baptized with 32. a nickname. Perhaps 33. the most famous in this regard is the geyser at Yellowstone National Park in 34. -Wyoming. Because it erupts on a regular basis and without 35. -- fail, it has been nicknamed Old Faithful. Not every nickname, however, is 36. a complement and some can be downright rude and insulting. If someone should demonstrate 37. a certain negative characteristic, 38. a label will soon be attached to describe that person in 39 a non-flattering way.

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TEXT THREE

NICKNAMES

Likewise 40 a person’s physical traits which are very dominant may lead to nicknames but not necessarily to one’s liking or choice. TEXT FOUR

SCHOOL RINGS AND SENIOR PRIVILEGES

In 1. -- most American high schools 2. the social life of the students plays 3. an important part of their development. Holiday parties, parttime jobs, social interaction and weekend dances are as much 4. a part of 5. a student’s life as studying for 6. a final exam. 7. The graduating students of 8. a high school are referred to as 9. -seniors and their final year is filled with 10. -- nostalgic events which become 11. the crowning memories of their high school days. This is 12. the time to learn 13. the social skills which will guide them through 14. -- life and 15. the social graces needed for participation in their adult life to follow. In this final year, therefore, 16. the acquisition of 17. the school ring is looked upon as one of 18. the most important occasions of the year. (In some schools the ring is given at the end of the third year.) The school ring somehow is 19. a tangible symbol which binds the student to the school and the memories of the four years spent there. The school ring for many students is very significant because it creates 20. a sense of social binding among the class and is 21. a remembrance of 22. the importance of one’s high school education. This ring is usually inscribed with 23. the name of the student and engraved with 24. the name of the school and the year of graduation. 25. A eject cious stone is placed in the center of the ring. Besides receiving their rings all of the seniors also look forward to their special privileges. These privileges are freedoms given to them by 26. the administration which are not granted to the students in the lower grades. These privileges are 27. -- exceptions to 28. the regular school rules and set the seniors apart from the rest of the student body. 63

These privileges may vary from 29. -- school to 30. -- school depending upon 31. the principal’s generosity and liberal disposition and the trustworthiness of the students. For some seniors the privilege may be to leave the school at 32. -lunch time to eat with 33. -- other classmates somewhere in 34. the neighborhood. If 35. a school is located in 36. a rural area such 37. a privilege may be to park one’s car on the school grounds. These privileges are often integrated into 38. the notion of 39. -- responsibility. They come with 40. -- restrictions and, if 41. a privilege is abused, it may very well be revoked by 42. the principal. In this sense 43. a senior privilege is 44. a challenge for the student to act in 45. a mature and responsible way. TEXT FIVE

BLUE MONDAY AND “THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY”

For the average American worker, Monday and Friday are 1. --- work days with 2. a special meaning. 3. The former is often referred to as 4. --- Blue Monday because another work week has begun after two days of time off for oneself. The Monday morning blues often mean that the worker must face another five days of getting up early, putting up with 5. --- rush hour crowds, taking 6. --- orders from demanding employers, meeting 7. --- important deadlines on schedule and fulfilling job responsibilities. It is no wonder that the trek to work may not be 8. a cause for 9. --- great joy. The average worker may feel a bit depressed over the prospects of beginning another week and stressed out before it has begun. If one enjoys his work, then Blue Monday may not be so traumatic. Yet, if one is not happy on his job, Blue Monday can be a cause for great pain and anxiety with 10. the hope that Friday may not be very far away. Hopefully the week’s routine may offer 11. --- few surprises and if all goes well, there may be no major problems or conflicts to upset the work equilibrium.

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It is for this reason that 12. a Friday morning is greeted with 13. --warm anticipation and 14. an upbeat attitude. T.G.I.F. stands for 15. the words “Thank God It’s Friday.” At the office or workplace colleagues will greet each other with these four letters and everyone knows what they mean. This expression will elicit 16. a great smile of satisfaction from 17. --- most office workers. They soon think of how they might spend 18. the weekend, since most offices and schools are not opened on Saturdays and Sundays. Closing time on Friday, therefore, brings in 19. the pleasure of 20. a two-day weekend. For Americans, this is 21. a time to go off somewhere with friends or by oneself to recharge one’s batteries and renew one’s energy. When Friday does come around, 22. the excitement which it engenders becomes contagious as co-workers and colleagues get together and brace themselves for their weekend plans. Perhaps they will take off into 23. the country for 24. an overnight stay at a mountain resort, or go skiing at a nearby lodge or better yet, stay at home and do absolutely nothing at all. When Sunday night approaches, they are sufficiently refreshed or totally exhausted. 25. ---- Most, however, are sufficiently invigorated to get up on Monday morning and trudge off to 26. --- work renewing the week’s cycle. If the mood on Monday is a bit more subdued, it is because everyone knows another Blue Monday has begun. In recent years some places of employment have begun to initiate 27. a four-day work week and 28. the computer age has even made it possible for many jobs to function from the home without 29. the need to commute. Even some holidays which used to fall in the middle of the week are now moved to Monday guaranteeing a longer weekend. Perhaps the traditional attitudes towards Mondays and Fridays may soon be 30. a thing of the past. TEXT SIX

DISNEYLAND AND THEME PARKS

ence which is both exciting and enjoyable. They are self-contained worlds of magic, mystery and fun. These Disney Parks are places where 7. -- fantasy and 8. -- reality freely mix with each other and one can indulge oneself totally at whichever age level one wants to be. One can become part of 9. the past or journey into 10. the future. Attractions in the park are based on the tales and legends which nurture the imagination of 11. a child’s world and take the adult back on 12. a journey into his own past. These parks are 13. -- places where 14. -- adults can once again become a child, and children can live in the dreams of their youth. The Disney characters made popular through animated films come alive and invite the visitors of the park to become part of their world. 15. -Children can take a picture with 16. -- Snow White and shake 17. -hands with 18. -- Mickey Mouse himself. Donald Duck, Goofy, and the Seven Dwarves walk about the streets and avenues of the park like 19 -- living celebrities ever ready for 20. a photo or 21. a signature. The magical world of Disney creates 22. an innocent mythology which speaks directly to the child within each of us. Although the first Disney park was opened several decades ago in 23. a suburb of Los Angeles in Anaheim, California, 24. a second park was later established on the East Coast of America in Orlando, Florida. It was not long before 25. a Disneyland opened near Tokyo and later one was built in Paris. Since the advent of Disneyland, 26. -- other theme parks have emerged throughout the country using Disney as their model for 27. -- success. Over the years they also have established themselves and have grown and expanded offering wholesome entertainment for the family. In America alone Busch Gardens and Six Flags Over Texas are representative of this kind of holiday destination.

Among 1. the many tourist sights which 2. -- people around 3. the world often wish to visit in America the Disney Parks hold 4. a rather special and prominent place. They are more than just 5. an average vacation spot for 6. a typical American family. They are a total experi-

Obviously their popularity is based on the need to offer 28. a valuable service to 29. the public. They provide vacationing families with 30. a wholesome atmosphere especially designed for children but which offers enough diversity to entertain adults as well.

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TEXT SEVEN

LAS VEGAS AND ATLANTIC CITY

Pachinko, 1. a kind of pinball machine which is so popular in Japan, has never really caught on in America. In 2. the U.S. other forms of gambling seem to meet more with public favor. Especially popular ones are 3. -- casinos which offer 4. a variety of games at which one can test his fate and try his luck. 5. The most popular gambling city in America and perhaps 6. the world is Las Vegas. Located in the middle of the Western desert, this city is 7. a unique place where 8. the main attractions are the many casinos with their non-stop gambling machines and nightclub entertainment. The gambling covers 9. a wide range of games from roulette to slot machines and black jack. 10 The element and danger of risk is ever present. 11. A person may lose a little over 12. a long period of time or a great deal all at once. Such is 13. the uncertainty of gambling. 15. A careful gambler will never lose more than he could afford and 16. a lucky gambler may walk home with a jackpot. Most would be happy if they just broke out even. When one tires of these games of chance, the gambler may enjoy the many nightclubs which are part of the casinos. Featuring some of the nation’s most famed entertainers, they provide 17. a necessary distraction and offer a moment of relief from 18. the tensions of the gambling tables. For those who may have suffered 19. -- great financial losses, they offer temporary consolation before the long trip home.

states have chosen to legalize casino gambling with 28. the hope of acquiring revenue to fund domestic programs. The once pristine and secluded beaches in many southern states are now alive with 29. the lights and lure of the casinos. These casinos have begun to attract many gamblers worldwide to their shores. Although the excitement of gambling can provide much fun, it’s possible to lose 30. a great amount of money at the casinos and some people often do. There is 31. a growing fear among some people that gambling can be 32. a social disorder which breaks up 33. -- families and lives. If someone feels they are 34. a compulsive gambler, they are advised to seek 35. -- help through Gamblers Anonymous. TEXT EIGHT

GREYHOUND BUSES

One of 1. the most convenient and cheapest ways to see 2. -- America is by riding 3. a Greyhound bus. This interstate bus system connects all major cities in 4. the United States providing them with 5. -- frequent and convenient service. The bus system even has 6. an international service which connects 7. the Canadian cities of Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal to the Continental United States. At the southern border Greyhound also makes connection with 8. -- cities in Mexico.

If one cannot afford to travel out West, then there is 20 a gambling center in the eastern part of America which offers 21. a similar outlet to those who wish to try their luck with 22. -- fate. The East Coast “Las Vegas” is located at Atlantic City in New Jersey. Instead of being located in the desert, it is found on 23. the windswept white sandy beaches of 24. the great Atlantic Ocean.

Traveling by 9. -- bus may take longer than flying by 10. -- plane, but the terminals are located in the center of most cities and there is easy access to the downtown area. At 11. -- night these terminals are carefully supervised and patrolled by 12. -- security guards so as to guarantee safety. If 13. a person in the terminal cannot produce 14. an ongoing ticket to another destination, he will be required to leave. 15. The purpose of this policy is to safeguard 16. the security of passengers and discourage 17. -- beggars from loitering around the premises. Some terminals in major cities are opened around 18. the clock, while others may close after 19. -- midnight and open again in 20. the morning.

In recent years 25. the popularity of gambling once confined to Las Vegas and Atlantic City has extended to 26. -- other states especially along the coast of 27. the Gulf of Mexico. Following suit several other

Greyhound also offers 21. a variety of 22. -- discount fares for the cross-country travelers who may like to visit many places across the continent. For them there is 23. the Ameripass. This pass is designed

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for budget travelers and can be 24. a great saving over 25. the regular fare. This pass can be purchased for periods from as short as one week to as long as thirty days. It enables the traveler to visit any city along the Greyhound route within the purchased time limit. What is being purchased, therefore, is not distance but time. These buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. They are all equipped with 26. -- toilets in 27. the rear to add to the convenience of the passengers but there are some very severe rules of 28. -- conduct which are strictly enforced. On all buses 29. -- smoking is prohibited and 30. the consumption of alcoholic beverages is not allowed. For those passengers who use 31. a pocket-sized stereo like a Walkman transistor for 32. -- personal entertainment, the law requires that 33. the volume be turned down so as not to disturb 34. the other passengers. 35. The drivers are well-trained, very courteous and professional and always introduce themselves at the beginning of their route. They stop frequently along the journey to permit smokers to grab 36. a quick cigarette or for other to pick up 37. a snack at 38. a fast food restaurant. Although 39. -- bus travel may not be suited to everyone’s taste, it affords budget travelers and backpackers the chance to see America in 40. -- comfort and safety and at 41. a leisurely unhurried pace. TEXT NINE

TIPPING

1. -- Tipping is very much 2. a part of American culture and one which creates 3. a problem for 4. -- most foreign travelers when they arrive for 5. a holiday who are not familiar with 6. the custom. They are at 7. a loss as to how much to tip and to whom. Often they tip too much and to the wrong person. Or else, they may tip not at all. In general, we give 8. a tip in appreciation for 9. a service rendered. Tipping is a courtesy, and not an obligation. One should not feel it is necessary to tip if the service is bad or indifferent. The history of the practice, however, dates back to England in 10. the mid-seventeenth century. At that time there were 11. -- coffee houses which were frequented by men to discuss 12. -- politics and literary affairs. Customers of the coffee houses were expected to drop coins 69

into 13. a box on which was written “to insure promptness.” “T.I.P.”, 14. the initials of that phrase are said to be 15. the origin of the modern word “tipping.” The question, of course, is whom do we tip and how much is considered 16. a fair amount. Usually 17. -- waiters and 18. -- taxi cab drivers expect to get a tip. In 19. a hotel, the bellhop and chamber-maid also expect some gratuity. The amount, of course, depends upon the nature of the service requested and the quality level of the hotel. Hairdressers and barbers can also merit a small tip. Even sky-cap porters at 20. -airports who may carry your suitcase to 21. the checkout counter expect 22. a dollar tip per 23. -- bag. Although the amount may vary according to the kind of service and the quality of the restaurant and hotel, generally, 24. a ten percent tip is considered adequate. In New York and larger metropolitan cities they may expect as much as fifteen or twenty percent. In 25. -- restaurants, the tip is left on the table and the bill is paid separately. The tip should never be given directly to 26. the waiter but it can be added onto a check if one is paying by 27. -- credit card. In tipping 28. a cab driver, the tip can simply be added to the total amount of the fare. Tipping, of course, is not mandatory in any situation, and one should not feel under any obligation to give one. If a waiter is not prompt and attentive and noticeably lacking in 29. -- courtesy and manners, it would be perfectly acceptable not to leave 30. a tip. It would also not be out of 31. -- order to register 32. a complaint with the management. Likewise, if a cab driver does not take a passenger to his destination by 33. the shortest route, he also deserves to forfeit his tip. Ushers in theaters whose job it is to see you to your seat and service help in 34. -- fast food restaurants do not expect 35. a tip. At the end of the year, however, it has become the custom to give a tip or small gift to newspaper boys who deliver 36. the paper to your home throughout 37. the year. The same may be true for 38. -- garbage collectors or anyone who may have provided 39. a special service. 40. -- Most Americans dislike tipping and find it 41. a nuisance. If 42. a poll were taken, the consensus would favor just adding the tip to the total of the bill as is the custom in Japan and other Asian countries.

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PART-TIME JOBS FOR TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS

1. -- Part-time jobs for 2. -- American students are very popular but usually begin during their high school days. Besides working in fast food restaurants and small cafeterias, 3. a very popular job for 4. a teenager in America is baby sitting. This has its greatest appeal among 5. -- teenage girls and 6. a good baby sitter can earn quite a bit if she is reliable, responsible and mature. It is not necessarily 7. an easy job and requires both 8. -- social skills and 9. -- general competence. A good baby sitter should know how to change 10. -- diapers and earn the respect of 11. the children she is watching. She must be able to get the children ready for 12. -- bed and keep 13. an eye on them even while they are sleeping. In 14. -- addition, she should be able to handle any unexpected emergency with 15. -- common sense and be calm at all times. She should know 16. the emergency numbers of the hospital and police for situations which require 17. -- assistance. Once the children are asleep the baby sitter is free to watch 18. -- TV or listen to 19. -- music. If she is really conscientious about her studies, she may well spend the time doing homework but should not tie up the phone with 20. -- personal calls just in case 21. the parents want to be in 22. -- contact with her. Such 23. a job often involves working on Friday and Saturday nights when many married couples like to spend 24. the night going to 25. a movie or the theater. On such occasions they will leave their children in 26. the care of 27. a dependable baby-sitter.

weeds and occasionally re-seed areas which have been burned by 37. the sun or thinned or thinned out by wear. During the winter 38.a snowstorm can become another source of income for the teenager. The young boys make their rounds through their neighborhood equipped with 39. a shovel and offer to clear sidewalks or stoops in front of homes or to dig out 40. a car buried in a meter of 41. -- snow. These jobs, dependent on the weather, require stamina, diligence, discipline and a spirit of the entrepreneur. While part-time jobs for high schools students may be frowned upon in Japan, in American they are often seen as 42. an opportunity to teach young people about work responsibility and respect for others. TEXT ELEVEN

SUNDAY: A DAY OF REST

Other part-time jobs which are popular especially among 28. -- young boys is managing 29. a paper route or mowing 30. the lawns of people in one’s neighborhood. These jobs also requires a sense of maturity and responsibility and can be 31. a source of good income for 32. a high school student. Young boys who run paper routes are required to get up early in 33. the morning to deliver the daily news regardless of 34. the weather. This job has no holidays and requires the newspaper to be delivered every day without 35. -- exception. In America there are no newspaper holidays. If they choose to mow lawns, part of the job responsibilities may require that they also periodically rid it of 36. --

For many Americans, Sunday is 1. a day of 2. -- rest. After 3. a busy week of 4. -- business transactions and work routines, it is 5. a day to pause and focus on 6. -- faith and family. However, it is not 7. a day to waste away by doing nothing. It is a day for many to attend 8. -- church and to worship with their local community. This notion is based on the Biblical account of creation when 9. -- God created 10. the world in six days and rested on 11. the seventh. For this reason, one day is set aside during the week as a day of rest and worship. On Sunday 12. -- most department stores and business are closed for 13. the day and only places of entertainment and culture may be open to 14. the public. Sometimes when we read the newspapers and watch TV, we get the false impression that American is 15. an amoral society where 16. -people have no respect for 17. -- family and religious values. This concept is often exploited by 18. -- tabloid papers and the foreign press but nothing could be further from 19. the truth. In spite of the apparent carefree attitude sometimes projected by the press, many Americans, especially those living in the rural areas and the deep south, are very traditional in their approach to life, family and religion. Sundays for them still become 20. a time to attend their local church and to meet with their fellow parishioners. At the church service, 21. a choir composed of members from the community sings hymns and songs and the preacher or minister deliv-

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ers 22. a sermon based on a passage from the Gospel. After the service, which may last as long as 23. an hour, the members of the congregation along with their pastor may meet in the parish hall to enjoy coffee and cake and to socialize together. 24. -- Most churches may also distribute a small bulletin containing 25. -- announcements of births, deaths and marriages within the community. There may also be additional short notices of special meetings to be held in the parish, such as choir rehearsals, senior citizen group activities and local scouting events. Upcoming parish events sponsored by 26. the church also get ample notice. Belonging to 27. a church is important to many Americans because it helps to bring people together with others who share 28. the same religious faith and family values. It also helps to create 29. a sense of the extended family and solidifies the community spirit and a sense of personal belonging. On 30. the remainder of this day of rest, families are merged into closely knit units by getting together for 31. a dinner at which one’s own extended family is invited. If one is not 32. a regular churchgoer the day is still 33. a chance to rest. It is spent visiting 34. -- other relatives or friends, going to parks or attending ball games, museums or concerts. It is a time to enrich one’s life through 35. -- leisure and to prepare one’s mind for 36. the workweek to follow. TEXT TWELVE

AMERICANS AND THEIR CARS

Ever since Henry Ford invented the Model T, America has been romanced by the automobile. Today America is very much 1. a car culture and 2. -- most people find that owning 3. a car is essential to their lives. Modern housing developments usually spring up in the suburbs away from city transportation, but close to main boulevards and interstate highways which become 4. a lifeline to support their active lifestyles.

three or four cars; one owned by each member of 9. the family. 10. -Japanese cars, although small in 11. -- size, are very popular in America because they are very economical to maintain and fuel efficient. In 12. -- general, American cars are neither economical to run nor efficient with fuel. Nevertheless, they are much larger with plenty of 13. -space in the trunk storage area and the back seat. However, in 14. -comparison to 15. -- other developed nations, gas in America is still reasonably priced. Americans, therefore, tend to clock in more miles on their car every year because of the larger distances covered in getting from 16. -- place to 17. -- place. If Japan is well-connected by its excellent railroad system, America prides herself on her vast network of parkways and superhighways which connect the smaller town with the bigger cities. Perhaps no country in 18. the world has developed such 19. an extensive highway system as 20. the United States with so many toll-free roads. Her dependence on 21. the automobile has made such 22. -- highways both 23. a convenience and 24. a necessity. Along these highway can be found almost every modern convenience so that one can travel endlessly without ever making 25. -- contact with 26. -cities. Along the highways are motels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment centers. In America one is more likely to see 27. -- cars in 28. a rainbow of colors and a variety of shades with 29. the possible exception of white. This is probably 30. the least popular color for 31. an American motorist. Americans feel that 32. a white car is too conspicuous and much harder to keep clean than one which has 33. a darker color. This integration of the automobile into 34. the lifestyle of most Americans is also reflected in the many driver’s education courses found in 35. the curriculum of most high schools. Students can earn needed credits for graduation by taking these courses and gaining for themselves 36. a driver’s license in the process. It is not odd to see high school seniors in 37. the countryside going to school every day by 38. -- car and parking on the school grounds.

To live in these developments without 5. a car would make 6. -- modern life almost impossible. One would become 7. a virtual prisoner in his own home. For this reason no private home today is built without 8. a driveway and garage. Many homes may even have as many as 73

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TEXT THIRTEEN

FAST FOOD AND TV DINNERS

Americans are 1.a very energetic and mobile people, always on 2. the run, rushing from one appointment to another, from a PTA meeting to a social planning committee. They have very little time to spend preparing 3. -- elaborate everyday meals to be eaten at 4. -- leisure. In many homes it is rare for 5. the whole family to sit down at 6. -- supper together. Clubs and commitments force them to grab 7. a quick meal rather than 8. a sit-down supper. When they do have 9. the chance to eat at home often the working housewife prefers to prepare meals which can be quickly heated and consumed. It is no wonder, therefore, that America has become 10. a sanctuary for 11. -- fast food consumption.

From 26. -- fast dinners at home the next step was quick eating while on 27. the road. At this time also the love for TV was combined with 28. the fascination for 29. the automobile. It is not odd that with the development of the superhighways America saw the beginning of 30. -fast food chains. McDonald’s paved the way with its variety of burgers and shakes soon to be followed by all kinds of 31. -- other foods. Today dozens of fast-food chain franchises can be found along 32. -highways, in 33. -- modern shopping malls and scattered throughout 34. -- neighborhoods in America. Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Roy Roger’s, Burger King and Wendy’s are just 35. a few of the fast-food chains which are now part of American culture. They offer chicken, donuts, tacos and pizza, all quickly produced in great quantities for the masses. TEXT FOURTEEN

This great transformation occurred after 12. -- World War II when many women began to work 13. -- full-time jobs and were spending less time at home with their families. Women, however, wanted to function well in the capacity of homemaker, as well as that of career woman but time became 14. a precious commodity which had to be carefully used.

HITCHHIKING ON THE OPEN ROAD

As the customs changed, so did the culture. The immediate solution for this was 21. the invention of the TV dinner. These were 22. -- frozen meals which were sectioned off into 23. -- portions of meat and vegetables. They could easily be popped into 24. an oven and prepared within 25. -- minutes. The tin trays in which they were served were conveniently carried into the living room and dinner was consumed in front of a TV set. Cleaning up afterwards was no problem. The tin trays were easily tossed into the garbage.

Since 1. the auto is 2. the main source of 3. -- travel in America and distances between major cities are far, 4. a common way of getting around the country is by 5. -- hitchhiking. Although it is not illegal, 6. -- law enforcers and most people in 7. -- authority, especially school administrators, try to discourage people, especially the young, from traveling this way. Most people, however, are aware of 8. the dangers which one can encounter by hitchhiking but 9. the money saved by doing so is often 10. a just compensation for 11. the risk involved. 12. The word hitchhiking entered the English language around 1925 when 13. the automobile became 14. a popular means of transportation. Anyone can hitchhike. There are no age limitations but it is especially popular with 15. -- college students trying to go cross-country or 16. an overseas traveler hoping to discover America. Some hitchhikers may even be 17. -- homeless or runaway youths who have no real sense of where they are going but are eager to leave their hometowns. The hitchhiker usually stands at the entrance ramps of highways or along the road itself with fingers clenched and 18. the thumb of 19. the right hand extended and pointing to 20. the direction of the traffic. This is called “thumbing 21. a ride”, 22. an expression coined in 23. the late 1930s, which is also another name for hitchhiking. Any motorist seeing 24. a person on the roadside with this hand gesture is quick to recognize his intention and reserves the right to give or decline him 25. a lift

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Therefore, it was necessary to make her life easier at home in the preparation of the family dinner. Simultaneously with 15. – women entering 16. the job market there was also 17. a shifting of the focus of home entertainment from 18. the radio to 19. the television. Television became the latest fad in the fifties and no one wanted to miss his or her favorite televised program. 20. The place for the evening’s supper shifted from the dining room to the living room.

to 26. a convenient destination. Although in most cases the rides are free, some motorists may accept some money contributed to the cost of tolls and gas. For those motorists traveling alone 27. a fellow rider will help pass the time on 28. the journey. Some hitchhikers may even go so far as to paint 29. a poster with the name of the city of their destination written on it. In 30. -- large letters they print the name of the city where they want to go, stand by the side of the road and hope that some motorist who is going in that direction will stop to give them 31. a ride. Another popular way to get a ride is to hang out around 32. -- highway rest stops and ask people in the dining area if they are going your way. If a hitchhiker is patient, someone will surely make themselves available and offer 33. a ride. Hitching 34. a ride with 35. a family is always safer than getting a ride from someone who is alone. 36. -- Truck drivers transporting 37. -- goods across the country are also safer that the lone driver and may have extra room in the cabin of their truck for 38. a passenger. As 39. a rule heeding to one’s intuition and inner common sense is 40. a good measure to judge if 41. a driver is honest and the ride is safe. There is always 42. a risk, however, for both the driver and the hitchhiker. Both are totally unknown to each other and it takes 43. an act of 44. -- faith to trust whether intentions are sincere on 45. -- both sides.

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GERUNDS AND INFINITIVES •

Some texts in the keys section may contain sentences omitted in the exercise version, so do not be surprised if find them looking a bit longer than the exercise text.

TEXT ONE

FIREARMS AND GUN CONTROLS

When foreigners are sometimes asked what seems most strange about American society, somewhere on the top of the list will be the fact that the average citizen is allowed to possess guns. Although it is true that many people carry guns legally in the United States, it is also known that many who possess guns carry them illegally. Others, who don’t have guns, feel that guns can be acquired quite easily. A recent survey indicated that many high school students, especially in the inner cities, can acquire a gun with little difficulty. Some schools require students to pass through a metal detector similar to those found at airports before entering the school building. Police statistics also show that death by firearms is one of the leading causes of death among children under twenty and many citizens feel that owning one is a necessary for self-protection. In a campaign to get children to give up their weapons, guns were once exchanged for toys at Christmas. Several years ago thousands of children handed in their firearms for coupons redeemable at Toys “R” Us. This was a bizarre and ironic indication of the full extend of the problem. Although most people would never want to own a gun, others have taken up hunting as a sport and enjoy hunting wild game in season. Hunting for deer, pheasants and duck in fall and winter is very much a part of the American culture. Also, some ranchers in rural areas who raise cattle and sheep feel they need to protect their animals against the mountain lions and wolves which attack their herds and flocks at night. To defend and support their rights to posses firearms The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by National Guard officers. Their purpose was to help rifle owners to increase the accuracy of their marksmanship. The organization has close ties with the Defense department which has helped to support the organization and even sponsor a rifle 78

contest. Nevertheless, the main importance of this association has been its efforts to prevent strict gun control legislation. The association has great political support in small towns and rural areas especially in the West and the South where hunting is especially popular. Those who favor the right to possess guns insist that the second amendment to the constitution provides the right of people “to keep and bear arms.” They believe that gun control laws will not solve the problem of crime and violence in America. Recent events in America, however, have shown that the question of gun possession is now out of control and strong lobbies in Washington have called for immediate action to be taken. In seemingly peaceful schools students have gone into classrooms and cafeterias and opened fire upon their own classmates. In horror and shock America has been traumatized by such incidents which seem to occur with greater frequency. The periodic deaths of innocent citizens and even foreign visitors from guns have forced legislators to enact laws to stop these senseless killings. Some have suggested that the distribution of ammunition be strictly controlled and heavily taxed, thereby making it difficult to acquire bullets for weapons. Others have proposed that a strict test be offered to anyone applying for a gun to ascertain his mental competency and stability. The day may not be far off when America will be transformed from a gun culture to one which controls their use and possession. TEXT TWO

ETHNIC AMERICANS AND HYPHENATED ONES

Most Americans can trace their family roots back to another country. Perhaps it is not an exaggeration to claim that almost every country in the world has some migration to America as part of its history. The ethnic diversity found in the United States displays a uniqueness found in few other societies. America’s greatness is based upon its ability to absorb the cultures of the world into its borders. Very often in conversation the term “hyphenated American” is used. This term refers to those Americans who can trace their origins directly back to another country. More often than not these Americans may be fluent in the language of their ancestry, speak it in their daily lives, and make frequent visits back to the “home country.” They also maintain close ties with 79

overseas relatives and continue to retain the traditions of the old country. Americans, therefore, take great pride in their bicultural status and continue to keep alive the customs and traditions of their ancestors which in no way diminishes their loyalty to America. Because they feel very much connected to the country of their origins they enjoy celebrating the traditions of their parents and forefathers. The Irish, for example, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in March with a gallant parade and parties which involve the family. The Italians, for example, in New York’s “Little Italy” hold a festival honoring San Gennaro every year in September. The Germans celebrate Octoberfest every fall and the Hispanic culture remains always vibrant and alive. Likewise, other groups celebrate their own ethnic awareness on different occasions throughout the year. The Polish, who make up a large minority group in Chicago, celebrate Kosciusko Day to proclaim their ethnicity. Thaddeus Kosciusko, a Polish general and patriot, fought for the colonists in the American Revolution against the British. He became a champion for independence and his birthday is celebrated among PolishAmericans today. In the 1970’s for many Americans the cultivation of their ethnic heritage became an avocation. Buttons and bumper stickers essayed their ethnic origins and the study of ancestral languages and culture became a matter of fashion and vogue. Americans became obsessed with their roots and visits to the ‘Old Country’ were all affirmations of ethnic identity. The TV series “Roots” which explores black culture and the popular film series of “The Godfather” documenting the Italian immigrant culture further emphasized the value of one’s ethnic background. At election time politicians try to exploit the ethnic vote and they cater and adjust their campaigns to appease the priorities of ethnic minorities. There is, however, a large group of people who are not hyphenated Americans. They are the Native Americans. Their ancestors belonged to the land long before the coming of the early discoverers and first settlers from Europe. In a true sense, the land which is America really belongs to them. It is theirs. Their history, unfortunately, is a tragic one and lies in the shadow of shame for the way in which they were treated. These Native Americans are also justly proud of their cultural heritage and hope that it will never be allowed to die. In the past they were a 80

voiceless minority but that also has changed as Americans have become increasingly aware of their rights and culture. TEXT THREE

THE AMERICAN DREAM

If you were to ask any American what his dream might be most would probably say that his dream is to become rich and famous. Wealth and fame are not necessarily goals in themselves, but rather they are perceived as the rewards of achievement. Americans are taught at an early age that with perseverance and patience anything is possible and that wealth and fame crown one with both esteem and recognition. Children in elementary schools are taught that Abraham Lincoln is the foremost example of the American dream and a model to emulate. Here was a man who lived in poverty and spent his youth in a log cabin. His thirst for knowledge and desire for self-fulfillment were motivating forces which made his dream come true. Being self-taught, he studied at night by candlelight, became a lawyer and later was elected president of the United States. His life was the success story of a self-made man. Some of the greatest contributors to American society were simple people who had a driving force to make something of their lives. It is not surprising that many of those who fulfilled the American dream were immigrants. The vast number of immigrants who came to America very often had nothing to their name. They arrived in their new home with only a few bags of clothing and a suitcase which contained the sum total of all their possessions. In addition to their poverty and frugal life they nourished the dream to make a better life for themselves and their children. For them the American Dream was empowered by selfrespect, determination and hard work. There are other in America, however, who are less motivated and less self-sufficient. Their dream is fostered by fantasy and they believe that their dream can be realizedby sheer luck. The popularity of game shows on prime time TV and state lotteries in local communities emphasize the possibility of being an instant winner.

the dice. The people who play such games also have a dream but it is much different from that which inspired Lincoln or the early immigrants. Theirs is to get rich as quickly as possible and with the least amount of effort. All they need is a little bit of luck. TEXT FOUR

JAZZ AND COUNTRY-WESTERN

Among the many contributions Americans have made to the arts, one of the most significant contributions has been in the field of music. During her short history America has evolved several musical forms which really capture the American Spirit. The first of these is jazz. Around the turn of the century the American public began to tire of the sentimentality of ballads. Negro bands were forming throughout the country beginning in the South and moving to cities up North. These musicians brought with them their skill on the piano, trumpet and drums and their wonderful changing improvised rhythms. Emerging from the depths of the black man’s soul which yearned for freedom, jazz is one of the freest of all musical forms with its numerous impromptu variations. The jazz musician, as if almost hypnotized, lets his soul dominate the path of the journey the music will take. No two pieces are ever played alike and no one piece is ever played the same. For this reason it remains one of the most difficult types of music to perform and many a well-trained professional musician cannot play jazz well unless he can ‘feel’ rather than ‘read’ the music. Being born of the black man’s captivity it flourished in the south finding a home in the French Quarter of New Orleans. When it moved up north its cultural center was located in Harlem and today it is widely performed and appreciated throughout the world. From being the music of a localized area, it has truly become international. Although there are many jazz vocalists, it is the instrumental aspect of the music which has the greatest appeal.

Also, the ever increasing lure of the casinos tempt people with the glamour of getting rich quick. Las Vegas and the myth of the casino tempt people to become overnight millionaires with the lucky throw of

Jazz is not so much a “kind’ of music as it is a “way” of playing music. Almost any music can become jazz if it is played with a jazz treatment.

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The basic elements of jazz are syncopation and improvisation. In jazz musical ideas are born and the musicians play impromptu together for hours without recourse to written music. There is an element of fun in the performing of jazz brought on by its spontaneity. On the other hand country-western music which finds its home in Nashville, Tennessee, generates a different mood. Centered in the heart of the eastern mountains of America, it expresses itself best in words. This music has a distinctly melancholic charm. Its melodic lyricism stands in contrast to the strong and heavy rhythms of jazz. The lyrics of all country-western songs speak of lost loves, lost homes, broken hearts and faithful dogs. The lyrics are simple but accessible. Their message is direct and immediate. There is a lyrical bent to country music and the songs have a huge does of sentiment and melancholy which make them easy to listen to. It remains perhaps one of the most popular forms of music today in America and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville is said to be the music capital of the world where its summer festival attracts large crowds. Many country western singers are held up as idols by their admiring fans. TEXT FIVE

DOGGIE BAGS & BROWN BAG RESTAURANTS

In America everything is considered “big” and portions in a restaurant are often so generous that even a person with a large appetite might not be able to consume all the food that is placed before him. Rather than to let the uneaten food go to waste many diners prefer to take it home to be eaten later. The waiter is summoned to the table and politely asked for a doggie bag. After all, it has been paid for, so it might as well be taken home rather than go to waste. The inference to this request is that the unfinished meal will be given to one’s pet who is protecting the homestead. It really doesn’t matter that one’s dog doesn’t enjoy creamed broccoli, scalloped potatoes, eject fries or the varied items found on a gourmet’s menu, nor that one may have goldfish rather than a golden retriever. The doggie bag is never really meant to be given to man’s best friend in the first place. Its contends will most likely be eaten by the pet’s owner. 83

This take-home food might well be eaten later that same night as a midnight snack or perhaps reheated a day later as leftovers and served as part of a regular meal. When the waiter returns with the check, he will also hand the diner his doggie bag. Some restaurants even have heavy duty paper bags with a picture of a puppy imprinted on the side. A “brown bag’ restaurant, however, is something quite different. There are some restaurants which are not allowed to serve liquor because they do not have a license to do so. If they should be caught selling beer, wine or whiskey, they can be forced to close in violation of the law or else be subjected to a heavy fine. However, there is a way of getting around the legality of the situation. Patrons can bring in their own spirits in a brown paper bag and serve themselves. The customers at the restaurant with a brown bag into which is carried their preferred alcoholic beverage for the evening to be consumed with their dinner. It may be wine, beer, whiskey or any other kind of alcoholic drink. The waiter merely provides the guests with the can opener or corkscrew after the meal has been ordered. In this way the management can never be accused of either selling or serving drinks without a license. It is a simple yet honest way of getting around a legal problem while providing an added service for the customer. This custom of brown bagging is very popular and satisfies both the customer who has come to dine and the manager of the restaurant who wants to maintain his business. The customer likes it because he can enjoy his meal with a carafe of wine, a bottle of whiskey or a can of beer purchased cheaply from the outside. The owner of the restaurant is satisfied because he is guaranteed the continued patronage of his customers without the added expense of maintaining a liquor license. TEXT SIX

GRAND TOUR OF AN AMERICAN HOME

Of all the aspirations which make up the American Dream perhaps the most prominent is owning one’s own home. Americans are very proud of their homes and spend a great deal of time maintaining their houses and keeping the property in good condition. A man’s home is often 84

called his castle, and the hours spent keeping his fortress safe and secure become one of his greatest pleasures. If a home is in an especially fashionable neighborhood, the owners may consult an interior director to give the home a certain coordinated appearance. If there is a large back yard, great care may be spent in having it properly landscaped with exotic trees, shrubs and plants. It is almost a certainty that should you be a first visitor to an American home, you will be taken on a grand tour of the premises. The owner will take great pride in showing to you the place he calls home. Every closet, every cabinet and closed door will be opened so that you can actually see the extent and value of his home. You will even be taken into the father’s den and the mother’s sewing room. These are special rooms for the respective man and woman of the house to insure their privacy. They may be off-limits to the rest of the family but, for the visitor they are open to scrutiny and inspection. Yes! You’ll get the chance to browse through the books on the library shelves and inspect their collection of videos and CDs. The master bedroom, that room of marital privacy, with walk-in closets and wall to wall carpeting will also be yours to see. Even the children’s playroom with its inventory of video games and mechanical high-tech toys will be open to public viewing. It is, of course, considered polite on the tour to comment favorably on each room picking out its most salient, important feature, such as the special view from the window, the vaulted ceiling in the foyer or the exotic choice of wallpaper in the bathroom. The finished basement is a special cause for pride for the family with its exercise room, video games, carpenter shop and laundrette. In most homes it is here that the family entertains itself in the evening while the rest of the house becomes more of a showcase. On your tour you may be reminded of the hours the owners had spent “fixing up the house” so it would be “nice for the kids to bring over their friends.” You may even sense a feeling of competition in knowing that they have not only “kept up with the Jones” but have far surpassed them.

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The tour will terminate after an hour or so somewhere on the back lawn next to the two-car air-conditioned garage where you may be treated to a snack and light refreshment. Showing off one’s home is more than an exercise in vanity. It is a tribute to one’s accomplishments. It is a way of saying that a man has been a good provider for his family and that he has realized one of his dreams. TEXT SEVEN

SALUTING THE FLAG

For most Americans the flag is a cause for national pride and admiration. The “Stars and Stripes,” as the flag is commonly called, helps to unify the country and to unite many different people from many different cultures into one united country. It is a source of national identity. The design of the American flag has gone through several changes but the one which is used today is highly symbolic and cannot be confused with that of any other nation. The red and white stripes on the flag represent the original thirteen colonies and each white star set in a field of blue stands for a state. The first flag of the U.S. was raised in Cambridge, Mass. By George Washington on January 2, 1776. As part of the celebration to mark the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America president Benjamin Harrison in 1892 called for patriotic exercises in schools. The Pledge of Allegiance was taken from a children’s magazine. It was first recited by public school children as they saluted the flag during the national school Celebration held that year. In 1942 Congress made the pledge part of its code for the use of the flag. Francis Bellamy is attributed with authorship and in 1954 the words “under God” were added by Congress. In schools today around the country an average class day officially begins with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. This is often proclaimed while the student faces the flag and places his right hand over his heart. The pledge must be recited with reverence and respect and from memory. The student must stand at attention as if he were a soldier and focus his eyes on the flag itself. To mumble the words or to slouch casually would register an attitude of disrespect. There is no classroom in which the flag is not displayed. Likewise, most school assemblies begin with the same pledge. This 86

pride in the flag is further recognized by celebrating Flag Day every year on June 14th. On this day the flag is prominently displayed from the porches of homes and from most public Federal buildings but it is not a legal holiday. This respect for the flag as a symbol of our nation is further enhanced by the special care which is required in handling it whenever it is folded and stored away. There are many rituals surrounding the manner in which the flag is handled and displayed. Even the folding of the flag follows a certain pattern. The flag is folded in such a way that it results in a triangle with the stars exposed in the blue background. When removing the flag from its pole, it is important that the flag should not be permitted to touch the ground. There is such a reverence in the handling of the flag that a controversy arose several years ago concerning the willful burning of the flag as a form of protest. Some felt that to burn the flag in certain instances was permissible as a symbol of one’s freedom, but most believed that such an act was an offense which violated this sacred symbol of American. Most recently a Bill was submitted to Congress making it a crime to desecrate the flag in any way. The flag is such a revered symbol of the country’s identity that every year when resident immigrants become naturalized Americans, they are required to recite the pledge and salute the flag as part of the ceremony before being granted citizenship. TEXT EIGHT

FACES CARVED IN STONE

Throughout all ages man has always carved colossal figures out of stone. This can be seen in the ancient ruins of Egypt, Persia and Babylon. In modern times America has also taken up the same challenge and has carved huge sculptures into her mountains. On the East Coast of America not far from Atlanta, Georgia stands Stone Mountain, the largest mass of exposed granite in the world. Carved into the side of this mountain are three tremendous equestrian figures. They are sculptures of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and “Stonewall Jackson.” It is a memorial to the Confederacy. The colossal figure of Lee alone measures 138 feet from the top of his head to the tip of his horse’s hoof. To see these stone sculptures on the side of a mountain is most impressive and inspiring. It was commissioned in 1916 and was begun by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor of Mt. Rushmore, but was not completed until 87

1969 by Walter K. Hancock. In South Dakota, a western state, is located another achievement of man’s ability to shape nature into his own image and the achievement is considered to be one of the great man-made wonders of the modern world. It is located in the Black Hills in the southwestern part of the state. It is called the “Shrine of Democracy” at Mount Rushmore about twenty-five miles from Rapid City. It is visible for 97 kilometers. This monument was conceived by master sculptor, Gutzon Borglum and was begun in 1927. He was born in Idaho and his first commission was a statue of Abraham Lincoln in the Capitol in Washington, D. C. This masterpiece in stone consists of the faces of four U.S. presidents which are 60 feet high each. The monument took 14 years to complete and ranks as one of the great sculptures of the world equal to the colossal figures of gods and kings found in Egyptian temples and tombs. Some have argued that a fifth face should be carved next to the existing four, but this would be impossible because the stone on the rest of the mountain is not of good quality for carving. The mountain is especially beautiful at dawn and sunset as the light of the new day and the onset of evening adds the drama of nature to the art of man. The sculpture depicts faces which are determined and strong and the eyes, although made of stone, are vibrant and alive. Not far from Mount Rushmore another gargantuan sculpture is now in progress. It is located six miles north of Custer and depicts the Great Sioux chieftain, Crazy Horse. It is called the Crazy Horse Memorial. When it is completed it will rival Mount Rushmore in grandeur and stand proudly next to the other great sculptures of the world. The sculptor of this monument is Korczak Ziolkowski. He was invited by the Sioux eject in 1946 to carve Crazy Horse into the sacred Black Hills. Although Korczak died in 1982 his work was continued by his wife who supervises the completion of the sculpture. As of 1998 Crazy Horse’s face was completed. At present no one knows when the sculpture of Crazy Horse will be completed because of the uncertainty of financing but for future generations it will be another masterwork carved in stone. A trip to America would not be complete without viewing one of these monuments. Their size, scope and grandeur stand as a testimony to both art and technology and the grandeur of America. 88

TEXT NINE

SENDING CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Most Americans love to send and receive cards for every occasion and for no special reason in particular. Messages of congratulations and encouragement have been exchanged for centuries, but only in the past century have they taken the form of greeting cards. More than anyone else, Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark, is regarded as the architect of the modern-day greeting card industry. His business was started in 1910 in Nebraska and has grown into a multibillion dollar corporation. He took a fad for picture postcards and transformed it into a social custom which is part of American culture. Today there are over 40 thousand Hallmark stores throughout the country and the name “Hallmark” is synonymous with greeting cards. Today cards are sent not only at Christmas, but also for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and weddings. If someone is going on a trip, then a “Bon Voyage” card is sent to the departing traveler. Should someone be moving into a new home, then an appropriate cards will quickly be sent to the new occupant wishes him the best in his new residence. Cards are sent to congratulate and console, to thank and to celebrate. If someone is ill, a “Get Well” greeting cards will be sent to cheer up the patient. If someone has been promoted to a new position or acquired a new job then a “Good Luck” card is soon to follow the good news. There is a card suitable for every occasion and many for no reason at all other than to keep in touch with someone on does not see on a regular basis. Some cards are merely sent to reestablish contact with an old friend who has not remembered one’s birthday or forgotten to send a card at Christmas. These cards are attempts to keep up relationships with cherished friends one hasn’t seen or heard from in a long time. If one should be the kind of person who is always behind schedule, then there is no need to worry. Belated greetings for every occasion are in full supply.

most popular, however, are the Christmas cards which are collected and often displayed on fireplaces and around windows and doorways in the home. These are the most cherished of all because they come but once a year from friends of the distant past who have been separated by both time and space. Americans look forward to receiving their Christmas cards in the same way that the Japanese cherish their nengajo. These cards make one feel connected to the past while looking forward to the future when they may meet again. Many of these cards are bought in stores which specialize in stationary and party goods. Sometimes they are handmade and often they are humorous, but the sending of cards is anything but frivolous. It is an attempt to bind relationships, deepen friendships and unite people to the ones they love. TEXT TEN

SENDING CARDS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Most Americans love to send and receive cards for every occasion and for no special reason in particular. Messages of congratulations and encouragement have been exchanged for centuries, but only in the past century have they taken the form of greeting cards. More than anyone else, Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark, is regarded as the architect of the modern-day greeting card industry. His business was started in 1910 in Nebraska and has grown into a multibillion dollar corporation. He took a fad for picture postcards and transformed it into a social custom which is part of American culture. Today there are over 40 thousand Hallmark stores throughout the country and the name “Hallmark” is synonymous with greeting cards. Today cards are sent not only at Christmas, but also for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and weddings. If someone is going on a trip, then a “Bon Voyage” card is sent to the departing traveler. Should someone be moving into a new home, then an appropriate cards will quickly be sent to the new occupant wishes him the best in his new residence.

The most popular category of cards is that which is purely seasonal. Easter cards are sent in the spring, while Halloween and Thanksgiving cards are sent in the fall. Valentine’s Day cards are sent in the cold winter month of February, and graduation cards are sent in June. The

Cards are sent to congratulate and console, to thank and to celebrate. If someone is ill, a “Get Well” greeting cards will be sent to cheer up the patient. If someone has been promoted to a new position or acquired a new job then a “Good Luck” card is soon to follow the good news. There is a card suitable for every occasion and many for no reason at

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all other than to keep in touch with someone on does not see on a regular basis. Some cards are merely sent to reestablish contact with an old friend who has not remembered one’s birthday or forgotten to send a card at Christmas. These cards are attempts to keep up relationships with cherished friends one hasn’t seen or heard from in a long time. If one should be the kind of person who is always behind schedule, then there is no need to worry. Belated greetings for every occasion are in full supply.

ence and respect. This respect she justly earned if she were both a caring mother and a faithful wife.

The most popular category of cards is that which is purely seasonal. Easter cards are sent in the spring, while Halloween and Thanksgiving cards are sent in the fall. Valentine’s Day cards are sent in the cold winter month of February, and graduation cards are sent in June. The most popular, however, are the Christmas cards which are collected and often displayed on fireplaces and around windows and doorways in the home. These are the most cherished of all because they come but once a year from friends of the distant past who have been separated by both time and space. Americans look forward to receiving their Christmas cards in the same way that the Japanese cherish their nengajo. These cards make one feel connected to the past while looking forward to the future when they may meet again. Many of these cards are bought in stores which specialize in stationary and party goods. Sometimes they are handmade and often they are humorous, but the sending of cards is anything but frivolous. It is an attempt to bind relationships, deepen friendships and unite people to the ones they love.

Likewise, when a man takes a woman out for dinner, it is considered polite to assist her with her chair when she gets up or sits down. On a crowded train or bus, it is altogether proper for a man to offer a woman his seat especially if she is elderly or pregnant.

TEXT ELEVEN

LADIES FIRST

It is the custom in America to give women special treatment. Although there was a time when they were denied the right to vote and their proper place was considered to be in the home, they were always looked upon as the “fair sex.” A man’s job was seen as that of the breadwinner; a woman’s position was that of the homemaker. The man brings home the bacon and the woman takes care of the nest. Along with this subservient role came certain privileges. A woman was given a priority in various social situations and treated with both rever91

In the past it has been the gentleman’s responsibility to be her protector and escort. Even today a man with proper breeding and good manner will politely open the door for a lady, help her on with her coat when necessary and escort her to the door of her home after a date, making sure she is safely within the confines of her home.

This respect for women dates back perhaps to the time of chivalry when men fought duels for the hand of a fair maiden. The ritual of courtship involved the endurance of great hardships, the demonstration of valiant courage and the courtesy of good manners. Even when it comes to shaking hands ladies come first. It is considered impolite for a man to extend his hand to a woman for a handshake upon first greeting. This remains the woman’s option. If a woman does not extend her hand to the man first, then the man should refrain from offering his. In this sense the woman’s choice comes first. Not only do ladies come first, but if she is the wife of the president, she is called the “First Lady” and women continue to break new “first” categories by entering into fields of social service once considered exclusively the realm of men. America now has had a first woman Secretary of State in the person of Madeline Albright and a “first” woman president may not be far off in the future. There is no doubt that the Women’s liberation movement has put women on an equal footing with men with respect to jobs and career opportunities. There can also be no denying that many women today prefer to be treated the same as men in every way. Yet, in spite of their new freedom and social equality none of them seem to object to the rule of “ladies first.” 92

TEXT TWELVE

HEALTH WARNINGS

Most Americans are very conscious of their health and try to maintain a nutritious diet and daily routines to sustain good health. Yet, for many years the tobacco and liquor industries had tried to project the image of style, fashion and sophistication for those who use their products. Most have learned, however, that the dangers imposed to health by tobacco and alcohol can no longer be denied or ignored . It is no longer considered macho or fashionable to smoke a cigarette or take a shot of whiskey straight up to impress others. The campaigns to alert the public to the evils of these two social drugs have been intense and effective. However, most people, young or old, dislike being warned that they shouldn’t do something. It is a kind of psychological resistance. Yet, all tobacco and liquor products must now contain a warning on the package or label. The warning is simple, but the message is clear; smoking and drinking are hazardous to the health. The wording may vary, but it is phrased in such a way as to draw the attention of the consumer to the danger. There are currently about nine warnings which are printed on labels. Some of them are; “Cigarettes are addictive”, “Cigarettes cause fatal lung disease”, “Smoking during pregnancy can harm you baby”, “Tobacco smoke can harm your children,” and “ Cigarettes cause strokes and fatal heart disease.” All of these and others appear regularly on the side of a pack of cigarettes and are preceded by the word “WARNING!” Some people have suggested that the word ‘warning’ should be eliminated since it might increase an interest in smoking among young people. Labels that contain information and do not give orders have proven effective in deterring behavior. On American TV all tobacco advertising is legally banned, and every ad in a magazine must display the warning. There are many public notices on trains and buses giving out the warning that smoking is linked to lung cancer and other lung and heart diseases. The admonition against alcohol consumption is of a different kind. The warning goes out especially to women who are pregnant and anyone operating a car or electrical machinery. A woman who is carrying a child in her womb can cause damage to the fetus by drinking alcohol. Also anyone operating a machine runs the risk of an accident which could be fatal. Such warnings appear on all wine and whiskey bottles 93

and even an apparently harmless can of beer. For those who are deeply entrenched in their habit, group help is provided in the form of “Smoke-Enders” and “Alcoholics Anonymous.” Also known as AA ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ is a worldwide organization dedicated to the curing of alcoholics. This organization helps the addict to control, curb and eventually eliminate the habit. The organization was established in 1935 by two former alcoholics. The organization, which functions through local groups, is based on a philosophy of life that has enabled countless numbers of people to recover from alcoholism. In 1988 there were one million members worldwide. For spouses, relatives and friends of alcoholics there is even the support group known as Al-Anon. To further encourage the smoker to quit, life insurance premiums may be reduced for those who have quit smoking. The benefits, therefore, can be seen not only in terms of health and safety, but also with regard to finance TEXT THIRTEEN

THE APPLE AS A SPECIAL FRUIT

If the rose can be spoken of as a special flower, then it can be said that the apple is a special fruit. American culture is filled with references to the apple. American folklore speaks of Johnny Appleseed who went throughout the American countryside planting apple trees. His real name was John Chapman and he had a great love for nature. He traveled through Pennsylvania and Ohio and collected apple seeds which he later distributed to farmers along the Ohio river. He wandered through fields and farms adding richness and beauty to the American landscape. Those who met him simply called him, “Johnny Appleseed.” One of the first proverbs taught to all school children is “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” This short proverb encourages children to eat fresh fruit to keep healthy and what fruit is more accessible in America than the apple? Likewise a young pupil can gain the admiration of a favorite lady teacher by bringing her an apple and placing it judiciously on her desk before class. Furthermore, should someone every get on someone else’s good side by flattery, people will call him an apple polisher. This, however, should not be taken as a compliment. 94

Yet, if someone is very dear to us, we say that he or she is the “apple of our eye.” Most people believe that the forbidden fruit which Eve gave to Adam in the garden of Eden was an apple even though the Bible never mentions it as such. The apple, therefore, is deeply embedded in the language and folklore of America, but it is also the one fruit which is most favored among the people. While an apple may be the forbidden fruit, it is also one of the most delicious and finds its way into the American diet with much ingenuity. Apples can be baked as they are with cinnamon and syrup or they can be fashioned into a pie with raisins and spices. They can also be glazed-over with a candied syrup and serves at parties. During the holiday season they also can be made into a sweet sauce to be served along with roasted pork or as a simple dessert for young children. For breakfast one can enjoy apple butter spread generously onto toast and washed down with apple juice. Likewise no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without apple cider, a sweet juice heated in the cold season and spiced with cinnamon drink around a warm fireplace. In many parts of the country during the harvest season a popular ejectity is to go into the apple orchards to pick apples. The states of Washington and New York are especially famed for their apples. The whole family loads up in the car with several empty baskets and takes back with them all the apples they can eat. The humble apple has also entered the age of high-tech where the number one choice for a computer might very well be the Macintosh Apple. Finally, when it’s time to take a vacation, one can always visit New York which is called the biggest apple of them all. TEXT FOURTEEN

THE AMERICAN BUFFALO

The figure of the American buffalo was once imprinted on the nickel coin. These coins are now collector’s items and very rare. Ironically, the buffaloes themselves were just as rare at the turn of the century and today they are a protected species. 95

These huge majestic creatures, also known as bisons, once roamed freely across the Great Plains of America, the western part of Canada and northern Mexico. They grazed in huge herds commanding the great expanse of the West as their native habitat. Their heavy heads have two short black horns and their humped shoulders are covered with long fur. This thick fur offers them protection against the bitterly cold winters which sweep down across the plains. They may reach a shoulder height of 1.5 meters and weight as much as 1,130 kgs. In the past, however, their natural endowments for survival did not protect them against the cruelty of man. They were much prized by the Plains Indians who hunted them for their skins and meat. The hides of these animals were used to make clothing and tents. The warmth of the buffalo fur protected the Indians from the harsh winds and snow of winter. The flesh of these animals became a protein source for their diet. It is easy to see that the presence of the buffaloes was essential to the life and culture of the Native American. It had also been believed that eating the warm heart of a fallen buffalo after a hunt would endow the Indian with strength and courage. At their peak, the buffaloes numbered more than sixty million, a figure which would have guaranteed their endurance for hundreds of generations. Such was not to be the case. With the expansion of the West and the development of cities and industry, the herds began to diminish. In particular, the building of the transcontinental railroad spelled doom for the bison. The white settlers wantonly slaughtered millions of buffaloes, at times only for sport, leaving them an endangered species at the turn of the century. This unabashed slaughter of these magnificent animals for sport and meat reduced the great herds to near extinction. In 1900 there were only three hundred left in the United States. This condition drastically altered the life of the Plains Indians.

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Now, the trend has been reversed and the buffaloes live in the wilderness on reservations with the hope that their numbers will increase. They will never reach their former status when they roamed freely over the majestic, windswept plains. But hopefully man will be wise enough to protect them from extinction. TEXT FIFTEEN

BARHOPPING AND TEETOTALERS

After a busy week of classes, lectures and seminars college students in America like to loosen up and forget their studies. They often have a favorite neighborhood pub near their campus where they can meet old friends, make new ones and socialize with those they see every day. There is a custom in America of making it an all-night affair. These students may spend the whole night just going from one bar to another drinking with their classmates and passing the night away. This custom is called barhopping and is popular with college students and young people in their early twenties. With the stamina to survive a night of drinking they may visit as many as three or four bars in one night having a few drinks at each, spending an hour or so in each place before moving on to the next “watering hole.” Fortunately it is not done every night or at every chance to celebrate. Older people may not have the stamina to endure a whole night of drinking, nor the free time that it requires. It is usually reserved for special weekends for to celebrations at the end of the term exams.

prohibition. At that time back in the 1930’s the manufacturing and selling of alcohol was strictly forbidden by law. What alcohol was produced was done so illegally and was in the hands of organized crime. It was difficult to enforce and in 1933 prohibition was repealed by the 21st amendment. Although the law had been repealed the attitude of those who endorsed it has not. Today there are many federal laws regulating the advertisement of alcohol. Even TV commercials advertising beer and wine are prevented from being shown on TV for fear of the negative impact they might have on children. It is also recommended that at a party a host should refuse to offer alcohol to anyone who has a heavy drinking problem, and there are states where the sales of alcoholic beverages is carefully regulated by local governments. In many states liquor stores are required to be closed on Sunday which is considered the Lord’s Day. For still others the ejecttion of alcohol may be a matter of religion. Some religious groups like the Mormons and the Jehovah Witnesses actually forbid the members of their congregation to drink. At their Sunday services the Mormons, for example, use grape juice instead of wine for their communion fellowship. TEXT SIXTEEN

THE AMERICAN JURY SYSTEM

In the nation’s history there was even a period known as the Prohibition. This was a time when liquor laws prevented the manufacturing and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The temperance movement gained impetus in World War I when conservation policies limited liquor output. In 1919 the 18th amendment to the Constitution established

One of the features of the American Justice system is the concept of a jury. In America a jury is usually a group of twelve men and women who preside at a trial and determine the innocence or guilt of the person on trial. In common law it is a group of laymen summoned to study the evidence and determine the facts in a dispute tried in a court of law. The 6th and 7th amendment to the Constitution provides for a jury trial in most criminal cases. The use of the jury system is an important protection against judicial tyranny and represents the voice of the people. The members of the jury are chose by law and sworn to consider the facts of a case and decide upon the truth. A jury is composed of average citizens who are selected from the list of voters. Almost any citizen over 21 can be a juror. This is one of the main ways in which men and women take part in the government. A juror receives notice through the mail that he or she has been chosen for jury duty and it is his or her

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One would gather from the above that America is a nation of heavy drinkers and closet alcoholics. Yet, there are many Americans who never touch a drink either for reasons of religion or health. They may even detest the smell of beer and the taste of liquor and may refuse to serve it even to guests who visit in their home.

responsibility to accept and appear on a jury. Jurors are called for varying periods of time according to state law, usually for two weeks. If they are workers, employers have to excuse them from their work. There may be occasions, however, when one may be excused because of a specific work or home situation, but exceptions are not always granted. At a trial, the jury listens to both the defense and the prosecution. They hear the testimony of witnesses and the arguments of lawyers on both sides of the case. They are presented with evidence, either concrete or circumstantial, and the judge presiding over the case gives them final directions to follow in helping them to make a decision. The decision, however, is completely theirs. Jury verdicts represent the common sense judgments of ordinary people. Critics of the system claim that clever lawyers often use shrewd psychology to influence a jury. When the time comes for them to deliberate the verdict, they are ushered into a closed room where they decide if the defendant is guilty or innocent. This is painstaking and may take a long time because a jury’s decision must be unanimous. All twelve members must be in agreement for a verdict to be given. Should one member of the jury persist and refuse to go along with the other eleven, the situation is called a hung jury. At this point a new jury might have to be selected and the entire process repeated. Recently, however, some states allow majority verdicts in some cases, since unanimous decisions can become difficult and troublesome. The jury system has its merits and demerits, and there are those who oppose it while others are its staunch defenders. The bottom line in the argument is whether or not a man should be judged by his own peers who themselves share equal limitations and inherent prejudices. Some legal experts do not believe that they system works well and in many cases juries are being used less and less. Some feel that the jury often takes too much time to decide a case or the jurors themselves are not totally objective. True judgment, some believe, belongs only in the hands of those who have studied all the nuances of the law and who are professionally qualified to judge. Yet, others may go one step further and say that men should only be judged by God 99

February

January The first day of January is New Year’s Day. This federal holiday celebrates the beginning of each New Year. People in the U.S. sometimes spend this day watching college football games and parades. On the third Monday in January, we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a federal holiday. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked to change laws so that all people in the U.S. would be treated fairly. He worked for change in the 1950s and 60s when many states had laws separating black and white people. Martin Luther King taught people to use peaceful demonstrations to change laws, instead of violence. Many laws were changed because of his work.

February 14th is Saint Valentine’s Day. Saint Valentine’s Day began in Europe and has been celebrated for hundreds of years. In the U.S. today, we remember friends and sweethearts with cards called valentines, flowers, chocolates or small gifts. We celebrate Presidents’ Day on the 3rd Monday of February as a federal holiday commemorating the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. We call George Washington “the father of our country” because he was the American general in the Revolutionary War who led us to victory against England. He was elected our first president. Abraham Lincoln was our 16th president. He kept our country together during the Civil War when the Southern states wanted to form a separate country. Lincoln freed the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation.

March

April

March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day. This holiday comes from Ireland. People wear 3-leaf shamrocks because St. Patrick used them to explain the Christian Trinity. Many people celebrate this holiday by wearing shamrocks or green clothing in honor of St.

Holidays in the spring are celebrations of the rebirth of life. Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrated between March 13th and April 11th. Easter is a Christian holiday that is celebrated on a Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th. Christians celebrate the

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Patrick. Some people even drink resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the green beer! U.S., people attend religious services and family gatherings like picnics. They hide colored eggs for children to find. Many children wake up to baskets filled with candy that the “Easter Bunny” has left for them. May

June

Mother’s Day is observed in the United States in honor of mothers on the second Sunday in May. Julia Ward Howe wrote a Mother’s Day proclamation in 1870. She wanted to have an international day when all mothers of the world would stand up and speak for peace, so their sons would not have to die in war. In 1907, Anna Jarvis proposed a day to remember all mothers. Today, Mother’s Day is a holiday to remember mothers with cards, flowers and presents. Many people in the U.S. celebrate “el cinco de mayo”. This means the 5th of May in Spanish. This holiday celebrates a battle won by Mexicans against the French. In some areas of the U.S., there are parades on this day.

Flag Day on June 14th is the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag in 1777. It is not a federal holiday, although many people display flags outside their homes and in their communities. The third Sunday in June is Father’s Day in the United States. Father’s Day was first observed in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. This is a day when people remember their fathers with presents and cards. People celebrate with family gatherings, picnics and sports activities.

July

August

The Fourth of July is a very im- During the month of August there portant holiday in the U.S. We are no major holidays to celebrate. celebrate the signing of the Decla- Many families go on vacation or 101

ration of Independence by representatives of the thirteen American Colonies. On July 4, 1776, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, wellknown patriots, declared the independence of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain. This holiday is considered the `birthday of the United States of America.’ It is the greatest non-religious holiday on the U.S. We celebrate this day with fireworks and parades.

have picnics or go to the beach. August 26th is a day that is recognized and celebrated as Equality Day by individuals or groups because of the adoption of the 19th amendment to the Constitution in 1920. This amendment granted women the right to vote.

October

September September has one federal holiday, Labor Day. It honors all working people in the U.S. and Canada. It began with a New York City parade in 1882 and is now celebrated on the first Monday in September. National Grandparents Day, which honors grandparents and the love they show to their children’s children, is celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day.

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The 2 Monday of October is Columbus Day, celebrating the historic trip of Christopher Columbus to the Americas in 1492. Because Columbus was Italian, this federal holiday is especially important to Italian-Americans but may not be celebrated in all states. October 31st is Halloween. During the 19th century, immigrants to the United States brought Halloween customs. These customs have changed over the years. Children in costumes go from house to house saying “trick or treat.” The treat usually given is candy and tricks are rarely done. A common symbol of Halloween is the jack-o-lantern, which is carved out of a pumpkin.

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December

November th

November 11 is Veteran’s Day. This federal holiday honors the soldiers who fought in World War I and those who fought for the U.S. in all wars. We celebrate by displaying the American flag from our homes, having parades and decorating graves with flowers and flags. Thanksgiving Day is the 4th Thursday in November and a federal holiday. On this day we remember how the Indians helped the Pilgrims by teaching them how to farm and hunt. On this day, we give thanks for food, our country, and our families.

In December we celebrate holidays of light and hope in the dark winter. There is an eight-day Jewish holiday known as Chanukah during which candles are lit on each day. December 12th is the holiday of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who appeared to a poor Indian in Mexico among winter flowers. December 25th is Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. Many people decorate their houses with Christmas trees and lights and give presents to family members. Children hang stockings for Santa Claus (St. Nicholas) to fill with gifts. Christmas is a federal holiday. The African-American holiday of Kwanzaa is the last week of December. Candles are lit to represent the virtues of the AfricanAmerican people. As you can see, we have much to celebrate in the U.S. Many holidays are uniquely our own and many have been borrowed from other countries. We are a country of many cultures and many holidays!

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Составитель Ольга Васильевна Гоголь

НЕЛИЧНЫЕ ФОРМЫ ГЛАГОЛА. АРТИКЛЬ Практикум

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