Vocabulary

Task 1. Find these words and expressions in the text. Explain their meaning in English. Then look them up in the dictionary to check their translation if necessary. Give an example of the situation in which these words and phrases can be used.

To be blended together, melting pot, distinctive communities, ethnic neighbourhoods, to share a common language, people from different backgrounds, to give way to (new ways), to adopt new ways, successive generations, native-born Americans, to retain elements of one’s ethnic heritage, traits, to take risks, willingness, to strike out for the unknown, to be (acutely) aware of, on an equal footing, a continual influx of people with a pioneering spirit, obsession with promptness, to get the most out of (every minute), purchasing power, to donate money to good causes, assertive (-ness), competitive nature, leisurely ways of doing things, self-reliant.

Task 2. Match each word from the reading with its synonym. Make up sentences with the words from the text. Give an example of the situation in which these words and phrases can be used.

1) diversity	a) appreciate
2) welcome	b) done without haste
3) band together	c) strong belief; trust
4) neighbourhood	d) quickness
5) feature	e) variety
6) faith	f) greet
7) promptness	g) keep together
8) leisurely	h) area
9) value	i) trait

Task 3. Fill each gap with one word. Then re-read the text if necessary.

1. Most Americans take pride in the great ______ found in the country’s geography and population.

2. The story of the American people is the story of _______.

3. The United States was likened to a big ____ of soup, which had bits of _____ from each different culture.

4. Often groups of Americans from the same culture live together in distinctive _______, such as “Chinatowns” or “Little ______”.

5. The U.S. has had a continual ______ of people with pioneering _______.

6. Americans have been a people willing to take ______ and try new things.

7. Americans believe that by working hard and ______ the laws, they can have a better life.

8. Americans are often accused of being ________ , of valuing wealth and possessions above all else.

WRITING

Read the beginning part of the essay on American literature by the American writer Steven Boy Saum below and write a summary of the text considering the following:

1. What are the stereotypes that come to mind with the phrase “an American identity”?

2. What does Saum say about this identity?

3. How have history and geography played a role in defining American literature?

4. What are the problems the essay asks the reader to consider?

5. What is the tone of the essay?

6. What are the challenges American writers face at the end of the twentieth century?

While writing, remember that a summary should be organized so that others can understand the source or evaluate your comprehension of it.  The following format works well: 

The introduction (usually one paragraph) 1. Contains a one-sentence thesis statement that sums up the main point of the source. This thesis statement is not your main point;  it is the main point of your source. Usually, though, you have to write this statement rather than quote it from the source text.  It is a one-sentence summary of the entire text that your essay summarizes.

2. Also introduces the text to be summarized:

• Gives the title of the source (following the citation guidelines of whatever style sheet you are using).

• Provides the name of the author of the source.

• Sometimes also provides pertinent background information about the author of the source or about the text to be summarized.

• The introduction should not offer your own opinions or evaluation of the text you are summarizing.     

The main body of a summary (one or more paragraphs)    In your summary, be sure that you:

• Include important data but omit minor points.

• Include one or more of the author’s examples or illustrations (these will bring your summary to life).

• Do not include your own ideas, illustrations, metaphors, or interpretations. You are simply repeating what the source text says, in fewer words and in your own words.  But the fact that you are using your own words does not mean that you are including your own ideas.

When you have summarized the source text, your summary essay is finished.  Do not add your own concluding paragraph unless your teacher specifically tells you.