Characteristics of Americans (continued)

16. Listen to the text and get ready to find answers to the questions:

a. Why do we buy souvenirs?

b. What do you do when invited to be a guest?

c. What kinds of invitations do you know?

CHARACTERISTICS OF AMERICANS

(continued)

Remember that public events such as concerts, weddings, classes begin exactly in time.

If you accept an invitation or make an appointment, it is very important that you appear as promised. It is because your hosts will take much trouble to prepare for your visit. If you cannot go there you have to say about it, please reply.

It is not necessary to take a gift unless the occasion is a birthday party or Christmas, or the invitation is for an entire weekend. In these cases, a simple inexpensive gift or flowers, or a small souvenir from your own country would be acceptable. A thank - you note to your host or hostess is considerate.

If you have been invited to go out for a meal you should take in to consideration that all parties will pay for themselves, unless the invitation included a specific offer to pay for your food.

If health or religions beliefs don't allow you to eat foods you should feel to say it when you accept an invitation to visit. Such preferences are always understood. Your host or hostess will usually be happy to take them into consideration when the menu is planned. In public places, such as theatres, stores, museums, and many office buildings they do not smoke. In the homes smoking is also unusual.

In the United States you may ask any questions you need. Americans do so freely and never think that asking questions is considered as ignorance or weakness. When you ask anything you will find most people glad to be of help.

(From “Living in the United States. A Handbook for Visiting Fullbright Scholars".

Washington, DC., 20008-3009, p. 8)

18. Let’s talk about the writers. Use the given phrases.

MARK TWAIN

Samuel Langhome Clemens’s boyhood passed in the small town on the Mississippi River. When he was twelve years old his father died. He had to leave school and went to work. His first short story published in 1867 under the pen name of “Mark Twain".

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” was published in 1876 where he described the life of a boy. He was a great humorist.

His works were published in 25 languages. He died in 1910.