期末英语论文The_United_States.doc

The United StatesWhat is an American? This has become a classic question asked not only by foreigners visiting the United States, but more often by Americans themselves. You may find out an interesting answer from a book, it says: “What then is the American, this new man? He is either a European, or the descendant of European, hence that strange mixture of blood, which you will find in no other country. I can point to you a family whose grandfather was an Englishman, whose wife was Dutch, whose son married a French woman, and whose present four sons have now four wives of different nations. He is an American.” The American is a new man, and the America is a new country. Anyway, most people feel the American and their life in the films, but I want to say that those senses in the movies are only a part of their life. Today, I will add some new or at least fascinating things to your old understanding of America. Greeting the Art of Language When you visit a strange country, its essential and urgent for you to learn how to greet those around you. Its also the case in American. In American, when being introduced to other guests, first and last names are always presented. Then you can use the words “nice to meet you” to express your hospitality and kindness. Besides, there is another customary greeting. This customary greeting is “Hi, how are you?” ac companied by a smile and out-thrust hand. And you are not expected to provide a detailed report on the state of your health. To give a similarly vague answer like “Fine, how are you?” is appropriate. Dining Etiquette to Be Good Manners Americans will find any excuses to eat out to socialize ,for instance, for convenience, or simply for excellent value offered by those huge breakfast, “early bird” specials, and all-you-can-buffets. There are few hard and fast rules of dining etiquette in this relaxed culture. When a group of friends dine out together, they usually divide the bill equally among the number of guests. But when we sit by the table, what should we do next? For instance, how should we use the knife and properly? Its not as easy as we expect. Americans generally cut their food with the knife in the right hand, and then switch the knife and fork. The knife is placed on the plate, and the food is eaten with fork in the right hand. It may seem a bit troublesome. However, you should follow these dining rulers when you eat at the table in this country. Time Out Have A Good Time Its a clich worth repeating. Americans work hard and play hard. They may exchange the trading place for the gum or garden, but they approach their leisure time with the same energy they apply to workdays. “Thank god its Friday” means starting to enjoy as much as possible in the coming weekends A snapshot of a typical urban Saturday morning would be made up of cars washed, lawns mown, and home projects tackled. The great outdoors is Americans playground. Even the workaholic will put aside proper time to play golf、hike、cycle or ski. Because filled with energy and a spirit of seeking for challenge, the Americans are also “joiner”. Eight out of ten belong to at least one club. This may be a sports club or a special interest organization. All of these activities make up the colorful life of Americans. Holiday What They Are and How They Are Celebrate Some holidays are uniquely celebrates by Americans, such as Thanksgiving and Independence Day. Others are religious or ethnic festivals that have been brought in by immigrants. And the most widely celebrated holidays are listed in the following. Forth of July The quintessential American holiday commemorates the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. American dresses up in the stars and strips to celebrate its birthday. By the way, hot dogs, hamburgers, corns and apple pies are the patriotic foods of choice. Thanksgiving thanksgiving is a uniquely North American holiday, initiated by early settlers to give thanks for the abundant harvest that allowed them to survive. In the busiest travel period of the year, families get together and enjoy a fest of traditional, local foods such as turkey and pumpkin pie. Other holidays like Halloween、Christmas Day and Valentines Day are also very popular in America. Due to those interesting and colorful holidays, the Americans can allow them to stop working to take a deep breath. Business Make the Country Prosperous The United States remains the wealthiest, most productive country in the world. Its clear that business plays an important part. But do you know how they act in business? There is one astonishing point that the Americans do not feel the need to know the people they do business with. Trust is place only in lawyers and contracts, not in people. The second point Id like to mention is dress code. Dress codes vary depending on the industry and cooperating culture. Men typically wear dark suit and women dresses or skirts or pant suits. Besides, something like first impression makes sense. Remember “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”. You will be judged on your conduct and appearance on business. So its a small key make you success. ConclusionIf I have to use some words to describe the United States, I will choose the words “energetic” and “enthusiastic” and some other words similar. Every American always keeps one sentence in their minds “If you are standing still, you are moving backward.” Well, anyway, USA enables you to appreciate this rich and fascinating country at many different l