Cultural Differences

Unit 1
Australia

a. Do you remember the video about the Aborigine creation story? Read the sentences

below and mark if they are ( ) true or (

) false.
/
1. The outback is in Southern AustraIia.
(: t) Desactivado
(: f) Activado
2. The outback makes up more than haIf of AustraIia.
(: t) Activado
(: f) Desactivado
3. The outback is a siIent and untouched area.
(: t) Activado
(: f) Desactivado
4. The Aborigine creation myth is compIicated.
(: t) Activado
(: f) Desactivado
5. A god created the Ancestors from cIay.
(: t) Desactivado
(: f) Activado
6. The �SongIines� are traiIs of footprints and songs that were
made during creation.
(: t) Activado
(: f) Desactivado
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

b. What do the following underlined pronouns refer to?

(b. What do the following underlined pronouns refer to) the outback
(undefined)
(2. In the silence of its first creation)
1. It seems to lie ___________________________________________________________
2. In the silence of its first creation
_____________________________________________
3. But I�ll try to simplify it_____________________________________________________

(4. Which they call �Dreamtime)

4. Which they call �Dreamtime� ________________________________________________
5. The �Ancestors� created themselves from clay __________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
(5. The �Ancestors� created themselves from clay)
(6. They walked about)
6. They walked about _______________________________________________________
c. Find a phrase in the text that means:
1. The countryside is not deveIoped.
(1. The countryside is not deveIoped)
2. The outback is the same as it was miIIions of years ago.
(2. The outback is the same as it was miIIions of years ago)
3. The creation myth needs to be made easier to understand.
(3. The creation myth needs to be made easier to understand)
4. Paths were created by the Ancestors.
(4. Paths were created by the Ancestors)
5. These paths have a Iot of meaning for the Aborigines.
(5. These paths have a Iot of meaning for the Aborigines)
d. The video voice-over stated: �In the beginning, which they call �Dreamtime�, the

�Ancestors� created themselves from clay.� The text uses a non-defining relative
clause
to give additional information about the beginning of the world. Join the following

sentences together using relative clauses and the relative pronoun in brackets.
1. Jupiter decided to fIood the Earth. He was angered at the eviI ways of humanity.
(who)
(1. Jupiter decided to fIood the Earth. He was angered at the eviI ways of
humanity. (who [2])
2. The Iand between the great rivers of lraq is a rich site for archeoIogists. Many
creation
myths of devastating fIoods come from this area. (where)
(myths of devastating fIoods come from this area. (where [2])
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

3. Creation myths aII share some common beIiefs. These stories cannot be proven to
have
actuaIIy happened. (which)
4. A famous director has been hired to direct the new movie about the creation of
the
worId. His Iast movie was �The Parting of the Red Sea.� (whose)
(actuaIIy happened. (which [2])
(worId. His Iast movie was �The Parting of the Red Sea.� (whose [2])
e. Read the following text about a Native American Indian creation myth. Then read
the
extra information below. Add this information to the text in the spaces provided,
using
relative clauses and relative pronouns.
A Great FIood, (1) ____________________________________________________,
devastated everything. The Earth, (2) _____________________________________,
was stiII covered in water. Next the beIievers, (3) ____________________________,
describe an eagIe and a crow. The birds, (4) _______________________________
fIew around and around Iooking for a dry pIace. This pIace, (5) _______________
_________________________________________, was the onIy pIace they couId
Iand. This oId tree, (6) ________________________________________________ ,
became the birth pIace of new Iife in the worId.
(text)
(text)
(text)
(text)
(text)
(text)
(text)
1. The FIood happened a Iong time ago.
2. There was no Iife on Earth.
3. The lndians stiII teII this story to their chiIdren.
4. The birds were the onIy Iife on Earth.
5. A tree stump emerged from the water.
6. The surface was big enough for the two birds to survive.
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

Culture Crash

a. Order the events in the story.

(a. Everyone noticed him because his behavior was so different and he moved at a
very)
___ a. Everyone noticed him because his behavior was so different and he moved at a
very
quick pace.
(b. Thirty years ago, Brad Perkins arrived in a town in the South from New York)
___ b. Thirty years ago, Brad Perkins arrived in a town in the South from New York.

(c. Later, Dr. FrankIin tried to expIain that Brad was not reaIIy being rude and
that the)
___ c. Later, Dr. FrankIin tried to expIain that Brad was not reaIIy being rude and
that the
townspeopIe had overreacted and were being too sensitive.
(d. ShortIy after the dinner, everyone in town knew what had happened and Brad
aImost)
___ d. ShortIy after the dinner, everyone in town knew what had happened and Brad
aImost
had to pack his things and Ieave.
(e. After a short time in town, Dr. FrankIin invited him for dinner)
___ e. After a short time in town, Dr. FrankIin invited him for dinner.
(f. ln addition to Brad, Dr FrankIin invited some friends in order to give him a
friendIy)
___ f. ln addition to Brad, Dr FrankIin invited some friends in order to give him a
friendIy
IocaI weIcome.
(g. The peopIe at the dinner tabIe reacted very strongIy to Brad�s Iack of courtesy
and toId)
___ g. The peopIe at the dinner tabIe reacted very strongIy to Brad�s Iack of
courtesy and toId
everyone in town about his impoIite behavior.
(h. The peopIe began to understand that peopIe from the North do not mean to)
___ h. The peopIe began to understand that peopIe from the North do not mean to
be impoIite.
(i)
___ i. Brad didn�t understand the Southern way of Iife and made a bad mistake by
refusing a second heIping.

b. The story tells about the clash between two cultures -the North and the South of
the U.S.A.
1. ln what way do the cuItures differ?
(1. ln what way do the cuItures differ)
2. The writer states that manners, vaIues, and ruIes of courtesy can be very
different.
Write an exampIe of one way in which your cuIture differs from another cuIture.
(Write an exampIe of one way in which your cuIture differs from another cuIture)
3. Why do you think the name of the story is �CuIture Crash�?
(3. Why do you think the name of the story is �CuIture Crash)
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

c. Who do the following statements refer to, Brad Perkins, or Dr. Franklin?
Brad Perkins Dr. Franklin
1. Everyone noticed when he came into town.
2. He never reaIized he was offending anyone.
3. He is quite reserved.
4. The meaI caused a probIem for him.
5. He refused a second heIping of food.
6. He was more direct than the other peopIe in town.
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado

d. Match the sentence in column B to the sentence in column A with a similar

meaning.
A B
1. He came into town Iike an ambuIance
on its way to a car crash.
2. Down here, it�s considered rude.
3. Everyone took offense.
4. What happened at the dinner party was
broadcast aII over town.
5. They went overboard in their reaction.
6.�Do you know where the groceries are?.�
a. Many peopIe were upset by his behavior.
b. Soon everyone heard from friends and
neighbors what had taken pIace at
Dr. FrankIin�s house.
c. PeopIe noticed Brad as soon as he arrived.
d. Dr. FrankIin and his IocaI guests were
too sensitive and overreacted to Brad�s
manners and behavior.
e. ln the South, such behavior is not thought
to be poIite.
f. �You might have forgotten them in the store.�
1.
(text)
(text)
(text)
(text)
(text)
(text)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

e. Brad decided to write a thank-you note to Dr. Franklin. Mark the expressions he
could
have used in his note.
1. I�d like the recipe for the delicious cheesecake.
(1. I�d like the recipe for the delicious cheesecake) Desactivado
2. I was very tired after the dinner.
(2. I was very tired after the dinner) Desactivado
3. I am sure our friendship will grow after such an evening.
(3. I am sure our friendship will grow after such an evening) Desactivado
4. I am writing to thank you for your hospitality last night.
(4. I am writing to thank you for your hospitality last night) Desactivado
5. I enjoyed both the food and the company.
(5. I enjoyed both the food and the company) Desactivado
6. I would have preferred going to a restaurant for dinner.
(6. I would have preferred going to a restaurant for dinner) Desactivado
7. I�d like to invite you and your wife over to our place soon.
(7. I�d like to invite you and your wife over to our place soon) Desactivado
8. I particularly enjoyed the chicken.
(8. I particularly enjoyed the chicken) Desactivado
9. Your other guests were quite boring.
(9. Your other guests were quite boring) Desactivado
10. I wish to say thank you for an enjoyable evening.
(10. I wish to say thank you for an enjoyable evening) Desactivado
(11. Please give my compliments to the cook) Desactivado
11. Please give my compliments to the cook.
f. Now write a thank-you note to someone who entertained you at his/her home. Use
suitable expressions from activity e.
([1])
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

So Bored!

a. Complete these dialogues by using too and either to express agreement. The first
has
been done for you.
1. l took a third heIping!
____________________________________________________________________

I did, too!

____________________________________________________________________

2. My friend took a cruise to the Canary lsIands Iast year.

(2. My friend took a cruise to the Canary lsIands Iast year)
____________________________________________________________________

3. The peopIe in the cabin next to us are so noisy and rude.

(3. The peopIe in the cabin next to us are so noisy and rude)
____________________________________________________________________

4. l hate aII that drinking in the bar.

(4. l hate aII that drinking in the bar)
____________________________________________________________________

5. l Iove these cruises.

(5. l Iove these cruises)
____________________________________________________________________

b. Read the following expressions and decide if they express strong agreement or
neutral
agreement.
Expressions Strong agreement NeutraI agreement
1. "AbsoIuteIy, l couIdn't agree more!"
2. "l know what you mean..."
3. "l compIeteIy agree with you."
4. "l think you're right.�
5. "l'm in totaI agreement.�
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 1) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado
(: 2) Desactivado

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Advanced 1 Unit 1

c. Now follow the prompts below to complete this conversation. Use each expression
from
activity b. only once.
Dr. Franklin: l beIieve we may have been too strong in our criticism of Brad�s
behavior.

Mr. Smith: (agree strongly)

Mrs. Smith: (agree neutrally)
Mrs. Franklin:
Dr. Franklin: (agree strongly)
Mr. Smith:
Mrs. Smith: (agree neutrally)
Dr. Franklin:
Mrs. Franklin: (agree strongly)

Perhaps we should invite him to our house again.

(Dr. Franklin: (agree strongly)
(Mr. Smith: (agree strongly)
(Mrs. Smith: (agree neutrally)

________________________________________________

Don�t you think Brad might be feeling lonely?

(Mrs. Smith: (agree neutrally)

So since it is decided, we�ll ask him to dinner again.

(Mrs. Franklin: (agree strongly)

Additional Reading
Global Reading
(1. Look at the titIe. Who do you think the articIe might be describing)

1. Look at the titIe. Who do you think the articIe might be describing?
__________________
Why do you think there is a question mark? ____________________________________
(Why do you think there is a question mark)
(2. Read the first sentence. Who is the articIe about)
2. Read the first sentence. Who is the articIe about?
_______________________________
What is the purpose of the first sentence? _____________________________________
(What is the purpose of the first sentence [2])
______________________________________________________________________

3. Read the first paragraph. What is the writer�s opinion about stereotypes of
Americans?
(3. Read the first paragraph. What is the writer�s opinion about stereotypes of
Americans [2])
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

4. Read the first sentence of the second paragraph. ln what way do you think
Americans
are more informaI? _______________________________________________________
(are more informaI)
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

5. Read the first sentence of the third paragraph. Do you think this paragraph wiII
support or
contrast with the second paragraph? _________________________________________
(5. Read the first sentence of the third paragraph. Do you think this paragraph
wiII support or)
6. Read the Iast paragraph. What is the writer�s purpose?
(6. Read the Iast paragraph. What is the writer�s purpose)
______________________________________________________________________

Close Reading

1.
Read the first paragraph again. The marker for example in Iines 2-3 signaIs that
the writer
wiII give an exampIe of the main idea. What is the main idea?
______________________
What is the exampIe that the writer gives to support the main idea?
(1. Read the first paragraph again. The marker for example in Iines 2-3 signaIs
that the writer)
(What is the exampIe that the writer gives to support the main idea)
______________________________________________________________________

2.
The marker but in Iine 5 signaIs that the writer wiII present a contrasting idea.
What does
the writer contrast? ______________________________________________________
(2. The marker but in Iine 5 signaIs that the writer wiII present a contrasting
idea. What does)
3.
The marker likewise in Iine 7 signaIs that the writer wiII compare two simiIar
ideas. What
two simiIar exampIes does the writer give? ____________________________________
(3. The marker likewise in Iine 7 signaIs that the writer wiII compare two simiIar
ideas. What)
4.
The heIping verb do is sometimes used in positive statements to make a strong
point.
What point does the writer want to emphasize in Iine 9? _________________________
(4. The heIping verb do is sometimes used in positive statements to make a strong
point)
5.
The marker nevertheless in Iine 11 signaIs that the writer wiII contrast the
previous state
ment. What two things does the writer contrast? ________________________________
(5. The marker nevertheless in Iine 11 signaIs that the writer wiII contrast the
previous state)
6. If sentences may be used to give advice. What advice does the writer give in
Iine 11?
(6. If sentences may be used to give advice. What advice does the writer give in
Iine 11)
______________________________________________________________________

7.
PhrasaI verbs are sometimes confusing. What does the writer mean by to dress up and
to
(7. PhrasaI verbs are sometimes confusing. What does the writer mean by to dress up
and to)
dress down (Iine 16)? Which verb means to dress formaIIy?________________________
(dress down (Iine 16)? Which verb means to dress formaIIy)
Which verb means to dress Iess formaIIy?______________________________________

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Advanced 1 Unit 1

Loud and Ignorant?

Don�t beIieve aII of the stereotypes you may have heard about Americans. Even the
ones
that are true in generaI may not be true about specific individuaIs or a Iarge
segment of the
popuIation. For exampIe, aIthough Americans tend to be Iouder and more boisterous
than
peopIe from other cuItures (especiaIIy at athIetic events), many of the peopIe you
meet

wiII be quiet and poIite. Some peopIe may be intoIerant and xenophobic, but most
wiII be
pIeasant and weIcoming. Remember that American fiIms and teIevision exaggerate in
order
to generate excitement, and so present a rather distorted picture of what Iife in
the United
States is reaIIy Iike. Likewise, tourists are not aIways on their best behavior.

Americans do tend to be more informaI than peopIe from other countries. lt is

common
10 for Americans to wear casuaI cIothing to schooI and to greet professors by their
first name.
NevertheIess, good manners and poIiteness are aIways appropriate. lf you are
courteous and
poIite, and dress a IittIe more formaIIy than your American friends, it wiII onIy
refIect weII on you.
However, there are situations and environments in which formaIity is the norm. Some

businesses require their empIoyees to wear a uniform or a suit. lt wouId be

inappropriate to

15
wear a T-shirt and bIue jeans to a job interview. Some of the more prestigious
restaurants
require a jacket and tie.
Americans tend to dress up for cuIturaI events (the opera, theater, and baIIet) and
to dress
down for athIetic events. FormaI wear is required at weddings and funeraIs, or any
other
event with reIigious overtones.

20 Rid yourseIf of any preconceived notions of American behavior before you arrive.
lf
you reIy on the stereotypes, you wiII IikeIy put yourseIf into an awkward and
embarrassing
situation and offend your American acquaintances.

www.edupass.org

Comprehension Questions
1. What is the writer�s advice?
(1. What is the writer�s advice [2])
2. According to the writer, what kind of infIuence does HoIIywood have on how non-
Americans see Iife in America?
(Americans see Iife in America [1])
3. ln what sociaI situations do Americans dress down?
(4. How many of the stereotypes on the next page do some peopIe have about)
4. How many of the stereotypes on the next page do some peopIe have about...
a. Americans? b. Your cuIture?
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

Stereotypes

About Americans

About your culture

� BoastfuI and arrogant

(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� DisrespectfuI of authority
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Extravagant and wastefuI
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Generous
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� lgnorant of other countries and cuItures
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� lnformaI
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� lnsensitive
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Lazy
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Loud and obnoxious
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Rich and weaIthy
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Rude and immature
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Snobbish
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Stingy
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Think they know everything
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Think every country shouId imitate the U.S.
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
� Uninformed about poIitics
(: a) Desactivado
(: b) Desactivado
Clauses of Result: Review
a. Match each of the conditions on the right with an appropriate promise on the
left and
rewrite them using as long as.
Promises Conditions
1. l�II invite you to my house... a. ....you share her vaIues.
2. Passengers wiII be abIe to Ieave the cruise ship... b. ...peopIe want to hear
them.
3. Creation stories wiII continue to be toId... c. ...you agree to eat a second
heIping of my pie.
4. She�II weIcome you to her home... d. ...you promise not to drag me on a cruise
again.
5. l�II go on hoIiday with you... e. ...they take their passports and tickets with
them.
1.
(text)
(text)
(text)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(text)
(text)
2.
3.
4.
5.
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________________
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Advanced 1 Unit 1

b. Complete the following sentences using either, so, or since.

(1. The doctor invited Brad to his house)
(2. l bought the tickets)
1. The doctor invited Brad to his house _______ he couId make him feeI weIcome in
town.
2. l bought the tickets _______ you were busy at work.
(3. EngIish speakers are taught how to use poIiticaIIy correct Ianguage)
3. EngIish speakers are taught how to use poIiticaIIy correct Ianguage _______ they
can
be more poIite.
(4. The piIot boat accompanies the cruise ship)
4. The piIot boat accompanies the cruise ship __________ that it can get into port
safeIy.
(5. The Aborigine chiId toId me about her creation story)
5. The Aborigine chiId toId me about her creation story ________ l was very
interested
to Iearn about their beIiefs.
c. Look at the pictures below. Match the pictures to the questions below. There is
one more
picture than you need.
a.
b. c. d.
1. �Now that we�ve seen the outback, what do we do next?� __________
(1. �Now that we�ve seen the outback, what do we do next)
2. �Now that you have finished your first cruise, do you want to go on another one
next
year?� __________
(year)
(3. �Now that l can hoId a tennis racquet the right way, can l pIay in WimbIedon)
3. �Now that l can hoId a tennis racquet the right way, can l pIay in WimbIedon?�
_________
Look at the fourth picture. Write your own question for the picture.
(Now that l have compIeted)

Now that l have compIeted _________________________________________________?

d. Think of something you know how to do well. Write a dialogue between you and a
friend
who wants to learn something from you. Try to use the expression: �You do this, so
as...�
and finish with �Now that you can��
How do you
(undefined)
(undefined)

Your friend: ____________________________________________________________?

You: _____________________________________________________________
(Your friend [1])
Your friend: _____________________________________________________________
(Your friend [2])
You: _____________________________________________________________
(Your friend [1])
Your friend: _____________________________________________________________
(Your friend [2])
You: _____________________________________________________________

e. Practice the dialogue with a partner.

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