阅读欣赏 Because of its history, the United States has a society with many different classes, groups, races and lifestyles. Within each of these groups, individual members are also quite different from one another. No one behaves exactly like anyone else. There are, however, several characteristics which most people have in common. Remember, these are general characteristics; many people you meet will not fit these patterns. Individualism Most people in the US believe that the ideal person is independent and self-reliant, and most people think of themselves this way. People in the US do not think of themselves as representatives of their families, communities, or social class. Some international students see this attitude as selfish. You can see examples of individualism in the classroom as well. Teachers expect students to be independent and individualistic, to work alone, and to produce original work. Equality The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal. In many ways people believe this; you can see equality in such common practices as waiting in line. When you go to the bank, to the post office, or to immigration, you will be asked to take a number and wait. Regardless of how important or trivial your need is, you will be treated like everyone else; first come, first served. You can also see equality in the classroom. All students are the same in the eyes of professors, and many professors view students (particularly graduate students) as their equals. Professors may ask students to call them by their first names.
Informality Although equality is ignored in some parts of life, it is followed closely in others. For example, people treat one another very informally, even in the presence of great differences in age or social status. This is not a lack of respect, this is the custom in the United States. Punctuality Many people in the US are very punctual and organize their activities around schedules. Being late is rude. If you cannot be on time, tell the people who are waiting for you. For business appointments, you should arrive a few minutes early. For social appointments, you should arrive 10-15 minutes after the appointed time. It is not a good idea to arrive early for social invitations. Materialism Success in the United States is often measured in dollars. Many people think about money and material possessions as much as time. As a result, you may think that people ignore more important things in life, like love and friendship. This is not true; like people in every country, most people in the US value friendship more than wealth.
生词注释 1. characteristic: n. 特性,特征,特色 2. individualism: n. 个人主义 3. self-reliant: a. 自力更生的 4. immigration: n. 移居，移民 5. punctuality: n. 准时 6. possession: n. 财产
难句解析 1. The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal”. 解析：“Declaration of Independence”《美国独立宣言》，1776年7月4日签署，宣告美国殖民地从英国脱离，获得独立。equal: a. 平等的。在句子中充当主语补足语。参考译文如下：《美国独立宣言》宣称“人生来平等”。 2. Regardless of how important or trivial your need is, you will be treated like everyone else; first come, first served. 解析：regardless of : 不管，不顾，不惜。how 引导of 后的宾语从句。参考译文如下：不管你的需要多么重要或无足轻重，任何人都将获得平等对待：先到者先享受服务。 3. For example, people treat one another very informally, even in the presence of great differences in age or social status. 解析：treat: v. 对待。常用的词组如treat…as…“把某人或某事当作”。同义词组有：think of…as…, see…as…, view…as…等。in the presence of : 当着某人，有某种因素存在的情况下。参考译文如下：例如，美国人对待他人相当随意，甚至在年龄或社会地位悬殊的情况下也是如此。 4. Success in the United States is often measured in dollars. 解析：be measured in: 以……来衡量。in联结单位量词，不加冠词，又如：get paid by hour按小时付薪水。参考译文如下：在美国，成功是由美元来衡量的。
阅读操练 1. Which of the following ideas represent Americans’ individualism？ A. The eldest son of a family is supposed to shoulder the main responsibility of a household. B. Wives should listen to their husbands to make decisions. C. Students who strive to produce original work are spoken highly of by teachers. D. Individuals have to give up their interests so as to serve the community.
2. The underlined word “equals” in Paragraph 3 probably means ____________. A. colleagues who can share their fame and interests B. competitors who are as capable as them C. people who are the same with them in social status D. friends who can share their secrets
3. Which of the following behavior doesn’t fit American customs? A. Mary arrived 15 minutes early for a dinner in a friend’s home, with the intention of helping in the kitchen. B. Henry is always on time for business meetings. C. Trapped in the traffic jam, Justin phoned his colleagues who were waiting for him to start the project presentation. D. The sales manager fired Jane who was late for work more than three times in a month.
4. Which is most valued in American society? A. Getting high salary. B. Achieving career goals. C. Keeping fit all year round. D. Keeping loyal to friends.
