2) Look at the list of values. Try to guess which value is linked to each saying.

- time management - self-help - competition

UNIT VI

The lifestyle of americans

How much do you know?

• If you had to move your house where would you like to live? Would you prefer to live in a house or in an apartment? Why?

• What do you know about American houseowners?

• Have you ever tasted American food? Was it a snack, a main course, or a dessert? Describe what you ate.

• Which sports are you interested in? Do you play or do you watch?

• Do you know how Americans spend their free time?

• Have you ever celebrated a holiday in another country? Which one was it? Describe what happened.

Sweet home

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Traditional American house

wning your own home is a part of the American Dream and about two-thirds of Americans are homeowners. Traditional American houses are two stories high and made of wood. The yard or garden often has a white picket fence around. But most of Americans save for years, then make a down payment and take a mortgage or loan for the rest of the money. Approximately 66 percent of Americans live in a one-family house, 27 percent in an apartment, and 7 percent in a mobile home, located in mobile-home parks, which are becoming more popular, because they are comfortable, inexpensive, and easy to take care of.

Stucco houses are found in California, Florida, and other southern states.

Some people never own a house or an apartment because they can't save enough money for a down payment, or because they prefer to rent. If prices are high near where people work, they have to commute long distances by car, bus, or train every day.

In the city, home may be in an apartment building called a condominium (often shortened to condo) or a co-op. Some buildings have door attendants (usually) doormen) for security. An apartment in a building without an elevator is called a walk-up. Out in the suburbs and in the country, home is more likely to be a one- or two-family house.

Older people often do not live with their grown-up children. Many live in old people's homes, where there are no young children and the atmosphere is quiet.

Americans are frequently on the move, and some families change their homes every few years. Every year, 20% of Americans move house. A married couple could start life in an apartment in New York, go on to a white painted wooden home in New Eng]|and, with small windows to keep out the cold in winter, and end their life in a sunny house in California, where oranges grow in the garden, and big windows give a wonderful view of the swimming pool and the ocean.

Eating american style As American as apple pie

The expression "as American as apple pie" means something that is typically American, but even apple pie came from somewhere else. The only true American foods are those that the Native Americans gave the first settlers, including corn, squash, pumpkin, turkey, and buffalo. Roast turkey, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie are still eaten at Thanksgiving.

I mmigrants have brought all kinds of dishes with them from their home countries. People enjoy tasting new dishes and often exchange recipes with friends. A typical family may eat tacos (originally from Mexico), pizza (from Italy), or apple pie (from England). Steaks and hamburger are popular, although for health reasons many people eat less red meat than they used to. Fried chicken is also a favorite, especially in the southern states.

Americans love desserts. The standard dessert is pie. You can have fruit pies made from apple, peach, rhubarb, apricot, or cherry, or berry pies with

The tortilla is the flat Mexican bread that is the basic ingredient for many Tex-Mex dishes.

blackberry, raspberry, or blueberry. A piece of pie is often served with ice cream.