5. Taking words apart Compound words

Discuss the meaning of the following compound words.

long-standing soft-spoken outspoken outgoing

6. Practising sentence patterns

A. Passive voice In this chapter, many sentences use passive voice verbs. In passive voice sentences, the subject does not perform the action of the verb but receives that action: An important law was passed by Congress yesterday. On the other hand, in active voice sentences, the subject performs the action of the verb: Congress passed an important law yesterday.

Now write two sentences using the passive voice and the indicated words. Add any other words needed to make a good sentence.

1. American president / elected / the year 2000 (Use past tense.)

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2. Vice presidential candidate / usually chosen / presidential candidate (Use present tense.)

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B. Subjunctive Mood The subjunctive is used to write about something that might-or might not-happen if some other condition were true: If Abraham Lincoln were alive today, he probably wouldn't be elected president. Notice that were is used after if, even when the subject is first person singular: If I were old enough, I would vote in the next election.

Write two of your own statements of this type.

1. If I were president of the U.S., ______________________________

2. If I had a million dollars, __________________________________

7. Sharing ideas

A. Issues

Debate these issues in small groups. Then choose one and write about it.

1. Besides being at least 35 years old and American-born, should there be additional requirements for presidential candidates? If so, what should they be?

2. What are some advantages and disadvantages of a two-party system?

3. Would it be a good thing for Americans to elect a woman president?

B. On a personal note

Write about one of these topics.

1. Almost all American parents dream of their child growing up to be president.

Would you want to have that job? Would you want your child to have it? Explain why or why not.

2. In your opinion, what is good about the American system of choosing a president? What are some weaknesses of the system?

3. Write a letter to the current president of the United States. Give the president advice about how to handle a national or international problem. Address your letter to: The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20500. (Add U.S.A. if you live outside the U.S.) Be sure to include your return address so your letter can be answered.

Citizenship: Its Obligations and Privileges before you read

Discuss

1. What are some things that any government is expected to do for its citizens?

2. What are citizens expected to do for their government?

3. What are some advantages of being a citizen of the country you live in?

Guess

Try to answer the questions. Then look for the answers in the reading.

1. What is the range of income tax rates in the U.S.? Check ( ) one:

_____ 5% - 10.5% ____ 15% - 39.6% ____ 22% - 50%

2. Who is Uncle Sam? Check ( ) one:

_____ a famous American president ____ a symbol of the U.S. government