American stereotypes and paradoxes

Read the text below and match choices (A-H to 17-21). There are 3 choices you do not need to use.

AMERICANS: MYTHS, STEREOTYPES AND PARADOXES

17________When we think of Americans, we usually associate them with colourful clothes, noisy behaviour and overweight, But what are they really like? What values do they have? It is not possible to answer this questions explicitly but it seems that some American characteristics are a legacy or the Puritan ideology.

18________ The Puritans thought of themselves as a special people able to build 'a city upon a hill. They considered their success and interesting prosperity a sign of God's grace and didn't respect those who failed . They promoted hard work, self-reliance and believed in man's unlimited ability to make progress. Even today their ideas are still popular. The special significance of succeeding in life has come to characterize the American culture ever since.

19________American children are taught that drive, initiative and activity are the essence of life. It is believed that passivity warps the mind and that is why it is not accepted. Generally, Americans are characterized by a very practical sense and optimism, They never give up and even it they have problems, they are always trying to find some solution. Their recipe is simple. You have no money? No job?

Don't wait! Do something! Be flexible! There is always a way out! Take a course in gardening, cooking, ceramics, embroidering, typing... Promote yourself! You must find some way to achieve success! If you don't, you are a muff and a crock.

20________ Americans see their country as a vast continent of unlimited possibilities, the Promised Land where everyone has a chance to become perfect and successful. Success means money, hence Americans seem to be preoccupied with the thought of how to make money. Many of them still believe in the myth 'from rags to riches'. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the

richest country in the world. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the richest country in the world. The vast majority of Americans have their own house, a good car and a well-paid job. The less fortunate ones rent a sleazy apartment and live on unemployment benefits. It is also commonly accepted that in that country of welfare there are some people living in cardboard boxes, sleeping on the pavement and carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

21 __________Another American obsession, apart from money, is being fit and healthy. Illnesses make life complicated, hence Americans put a lot of effort into prevention. They regularly see specialists, take tons of vitamins, minerals and pills, practise sports( especially jogging ), and keep a healthy, low-fat diet. Paradoxically, there are more overweight people in States than anywhere else. It is not surprising since they are constantly tempted by calorific junk food, snacks, fry-ups, hot-dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chocolate bars, chips, cookies and so on.

A /The Americans are people with a very practical sense and optimism.

B/ Puritan ideology is the ideology with strict moral principles.

C/ American children are taught that the care of their parents is the essence of the life.

D/ American characteristics are a legacy of the Puritan ideology.

E/ Being fit and healthy is another American obsession, apart from money,

F/ The Americans are usually associated with rich people and big mansions.

G/ Puritan ideology is the ideology without any more principles.

H/ American belief in the myth 'from rags to riches'.

Read the text below and match choices (A-H to 17-21). There are 3 choices you do not need to use.

AMERICANS: MYTHS, STEREOTYPES AND PARADOXES

17________When we think of Americans, we usually associate them with colourful clothes, noisy behaviour and overweight, But what are they really like? What values do they have? It is not possible to answer this questions explicitly but it seems that some American characteristics are a legacy or the Puritan ideology.

18________ The Puritans thought of themselves as a special people able to build 'a city upon a hill. They considered their success and interesting prosperity a sign of God's grace and didn't respect those who failed . They promoted hard work, self-reliance and believed in man's unlimited ability to make progress. Even today their ideas are still popular. The special significance of succeeding in life has come to characterize the American culture ever since.

19________American children are taught that drive, initiative and activity are the essence of life. It is believed that passivity warps the mind and that is why it is not accepted. Generally, Americans are characterized by a very practical sense and optimism, They never give up and even it they have problems, they are always trying to find some solution. Their recipe is simple. You have no money? No job?

Don't wait! Do something! Be flexible! There is always a way out! Take a course in gardening, cooking, ceramics, embroidering, typing... Promote yourself! You must find some way to achieve success! If you don't, you are a muff and a crock.

20________ Americans see their country as a vast continent of unlimited possibilities, the Promised Land where everyone has a chance to become perfect and successful. Success means money, hence Americans seem to be preoccupied with the thought of how to make money. Many of them still believe in the myth 'from rags to riches'. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the

richest country in the world. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the richest country in the world. The vast majority of Americans have their own house, a good car and a well-paid job. The less fortunate ones rent a sleazy apartment and live on unemployment benefits. It is also commonly accepted that in that country of welfare there are some people living in cardboard boxes, sleeping on the pavement and carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

21 __________Another American obsession, apart from money, is being fit and healthy. Illnesses make life complicated, hence Americans put a lot of effort into prevention. They regularly see specialists, take tons of vitamins, minerals and pills, practise sports( especially jogging ), and keep a healthy, low-fat diet. Paradoxically, there are more overweight people in States than anywhere else. It is not surprising since they are constantly tempted by calorific junk food, snacks, fry-ups, hot-dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chocolate bars, chips, cookies and so on.

A /The Americans are people with a very practical sense and optimism.

B/ Puritan ideology is the ideology with strict moral principles.

C/ American children are taught that the care of their parents is the essence of the life.

D/ American characteristics are a legacy of the Puritan ideology.

E/ Being fit and healthy is another American obsession, apart from money,

F/ The Americans are usually associated with rich people and big mansions.

G/ Puritan ideology is the ideology without any more principles.

H/ American belief in the myth 'from rags to riches'.

Read the text below and match choices (A-H to 17-21). There are 3 choices you do not need to use.

AMERICANS: MYTHS, STEREOTYPES AND PARADOXES

17________When we think of Americans, we usually associate them with colourful clothes, noisy behaviour and overweight, But what are they really like? What values do they have? It is not possible to answer this questions explicitly but it seems that some American characteristics are a legacy or the Puritan ideology.

18________ The Puritans thought of themselves as a special people able to build 'a city upon a hill. They considered their success and interesting prosperity a sign of God's grace and didn't respect those who failed . They promoted hard work, self-reliance and believed in man's unlimited ability to make progress. Even today their ideas are still popular. The special significance of succeeding in life has come to characterize the American culture ever since.

19________American children are taught that drive, initiative and activity are the essence of life. It is believed that passivity warps the mind and that is why it is not accepted. Generally, Americans are characterized by a very practical sense and optimism, They never give up and even it they have problems, they are always trying to find some solution. Their recipe is simple. You have no money? No job?

Don't wait! Do something! Be flexible! There is always a way out! Take a course in gardening, cooking, ceramics, embroidering, typing... Promote yourself! You must find some way to achieve success! If you don't, you are a muff and a crock.

20________ Americans see their country as a vast continent of unlimited possibilities, the Promised Land where everyone has a chance to become perfect and successful. Success means money, hence Americans seem to be preoccupied with the thought of how to make money. Many of them still believe in the myth 'from rags to riches'. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the

richest country in the world. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the richest country in the world. The vast majority of Americans have their own house, a good car and a well-paid job. The less fortunate ones rent a sleazy apartment and live on unemployment benefits. It is also commonly accepted that in that country of welfare there are some people living in cardboard boxes, sleeping on the pavement and carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

21 __________Another American obsession, apart from money, is being fit and healthy. Illnesses make life complicated, hence Americans put a lot of effort into prevention. They regularly see specialists, take tons of vitamins, minerals and pills, practise sports( especially jogging ), and keep a healthy, low-fat diet. Paradoxically, there are more overweight people in States than anywhere else. It is not surprising since they are constantly tempted by calorific junk food, snacks, fry-ups, hot-dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chocolate bars, chips, cookies and so on.

A /The Americans are people with a very practical sense and optimism.

B/ Puritan ideology is the ideology with strict moral principles.

C/ American children are taught that the care of their parents is the essence of the life.

D/ American characteristics are a legacy of the Puritan ideology.

E/ Being fit and healthy is another American obsession, apart from money,

F/ The Americans are usually associated with rich people and big mansions.

G/ Puritan ideology is the ideology without any more principles.

H/ American belief in the myth 'from rags to riches'.

Read the text below and match choices (A-H to 17-21). There are 3 choices you do not need to use.

AMERICANS: MYTHS, STEREOTYPES AND PARADOXES

17________When we think of Americans, we usually associate them with colourful clothes, noisy behaviour and overweight, But what are they really like? What values do they have? It is not possible to answer this questions explicitly but it seems that some American characteristics are a legacy or the Puritan ideology.

18________ The Puritans thought of themselves as a special people able to build 'a city upon a hill. They considered their success and interesting prosperity a sign of God's grace and didn't respect those who failed . They promoted hard work, self-reliance and believed in man's unlimited ability to make progress. Even today their ideas are still popular. The special significance of succeeding in life has come to characterize the American culture ever since.

19________American children are taught that drive, initiative and activity are the essence of life. It is believed that passivity warps the mind and that is why it is not accepted. Generally, Americans are characterized by a very practical sense and optimism, They never give up and even it they have problems, they are always trying to find some solution. Their recipe is simple. You have no money? No job?

Don't wait! Do something! Be flexible! There is always a way out! Take a course in gardening, cooking, ceramics, embroidering, typing... Promote yourself! You must find some way to achieve success! If you don't, you are a muff and a crock.

20________ Americans see their country as a vast continent of unlimited possibilities, the Promised Land where everyone has a chance to become perfect and successful. Success means money, hence Americans seem to be preoccupied with the thought of how to make money. Many of them still believe in the myth 'from rags to riches'. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the

richest country in the world. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the richest country in the world. The vast majority of Americans have their own house, a good car and a well-paid job. The less fortunate ones rent a sleazy apartment and live on unemployment benefits. It is also commonly accepted that in that country of welfare there are some people living in cardboard boxes, sleeping on the pavement and carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

21 __________Another American obsession, apart from money, is being fit and healthy. Illnesses make life complicated, hence Americans put a lot of effort into prevention. They regularly see specialists, take tons of vitamins, minerals and pills, practise sports( especially jogging ), and keep a healthy, low-fat diet. Paradoxically, there are more overweight people in States than anywhere else. It is not surprising since they are constantly tempted by calorific junk food, snacks, fry-ups, hot-dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chocolate bars, chips, cookies and so on.

A /The Americans are people with a very practical sense and optimism.

B/ Puritan ideology is the ideology with strict moral principles.

C/ American children are taught that the care of their parents is the essence of the life.

D/ American characteristics are a legacy of the Puritan ideology.

E/ Being fit and healthy is another American obsession, apart from money,

F/ The Americans are usually associated with rich people and big mansions.

G/ Puritan ideology is the ideology without any more principles.

H/ American belief in the myth 'from rags to riches'.

Read the text below and match choices (A-H to 17-21). There are 3 choices you do not need to use.

AMERICANS: MYTHS, STEREOTYPES AND PARADOXES

17________When we think of Americans, we usually associate them with colourful clothes, noisy behaviour and overweight, But what are they really like? What values do they have? It is not possible to answer this questions explicitly but it seems that some American characteristics are a legacy or the Puritan ideology.

18________ The Puritans thought of themselves as a special people able to build 'a city upon a hill. They considered their success and interesting prosperity a sign of God's grace and didn't respect those who failed . They promoted hard work, self-reliance and believed in man's unlimited ability to make progress. Even today their ideas are still popular. The special significance of succeeding in life has come to characterize the American culture ever since.

19________American children are taught that drive, initiative and activity are the essence of life. It is believed that passivity warps the mind and that is why it is not accepted. Generally, Americans are characterized by a very practical sense and optimism, They never give up and even it they have problems, they are always trying to find some solution. Their recipe is simple. You have no money? No job?

Don't wait! Do something! Be flexible! There is always a way out! Take a course in gardening, cooking, ceramics, embroidering, typing... Promote yourself! You must find some way to achieve success! If you don't, you are a muff and a crock.

20________ Americans see their country as a vast continent of unlimited possibilities, the Promised Land where everyone has a chance to become perfect and successful. Success means money, hence Americans seem to be preoccupied with the thought of how to make money. Many of them still believe in the myth 'from rags to riches'. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the

richest country in the world. However, not everyone becomes a millionaire in the richest country in the world. The vast majority of Americans have their own house, a good car and a well-paid job. The less fortunate ones rent a sleazy apartment and live on unemployment benefits. It is also commonly accepted that in that country of welfare there are some people living in cardboard boxes, sleeping on the pavement and carrying their belongings in plastic bags.

21 __________Another American obsession, apart from money, is being fit and healthy. Illnesses make life complicated, hence Americans put a lot of effort into prevention. They regularly see specialists, take tons of vitamins, minerals and pills, practise sports( especially jogging ), and keep a healthy, low-fat diet. Paradoxically, there are more overweight people in States than anywhere else. It is not surprising since they are constantly tempted by calorific junk food, snacks, fry-ups, hot-dogs, hamburgers, pizza, chocolate bars, chips, cookies and so on.

A /The Americans are people with a very practical sense and optimism.

B/ Puritan ideology is the ideology with strict moral principles.

C/ American children are taught that the care of their parents is the essence of the life.

D/ American characteristics are a legacy of the Puritan ideology.

E/ Being fit and healthy is another American obsession, apart from money,

F/ The Americans are usually associated with rich people and big mansions.

G/ Puritan ideology is the ideology without any more principles.

H/ American belief in the myth 'from rags to riches'.