Reading and Writing Portfolio 8
Reading an article
Studying abroad
1 Read the article quickly
and match headings a–e to
paragraphs 1–5.
a Holidays
b Living costs
c Time and temperature
d People 1 Advice for students studying in the USA
e Food
2 Read the article again. Are these
sentences true (T) or false (F)?
The article says ...
1 F films and TV are a good
way to learn about
American culture.
2 many Americans like
shouting at sporting
events.
3 meals in restaurants are
usually bigger in the USA
than the UK.
4 leaving a tip in bars is not
usually necessary.
5 there are fewer national
holidays in the USA than in
most other countries.
6 in general the cost of living
is higher in the USA than in
the UK.
7 the difference between the
time in New York and Los
Angeles is three hours.
8 in winter, the north is hotter
than the south.
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Writing connecting words (2): similarities,
differences and comparisons;
a description
Review comparatives; verb patterns
www.nyc-college.com/advice
NYC CoLLege
Everyone knows something about the USA and the
Americans. But films and television often give the wrong
idea about this country and its people.
1The popular stereotype* of Americans is that they are rude and shout a
lot – especially at sports events! In comparison with the British, Americans
are more informal. For example, they often call teachers by their first
names. However, many Americans are like people in other countries –
polite and helpful, especially with foreigners.
2The size of meals in American restaurants
is very large, especially compared to the UK.
And if you can’t finish your meal, it’s common
to ask to take some home with you. This is
completely different from the UK! And don’t
forget to leave a tip* in restaurants and bars.
This is very important – you should leave
about 20% of your bill.
3Americans don’t get much free time. Most people have about two weeks’
holiday each year. This is quite unlike other Western countries. The
average is about four weeks’ holiday. However, Americans also have about
ten national holidays each year. This is similar to most countries.
4 Compared with the UK, the USA is
generally a lot cheaper for clothes, eating
out, entertainment and much more! But the
cost of renting a flat is similar to the UK and
is quite expensive in big cities.
5 The USA is an enormous country and there
are four different time zones in the USA.
So when it’s 9 a.m. in New York, it’s
6 a.m. in Los Angeles. Don’t forget
this when you’re phoning someone! In
comparison with the north, winters in the
south are not usually very cold. Check the
weather in the area you are going to.
*stereotype
t t = an id
idea about
b t what
h t peoplel or thi
things are like
lik that
th t is
i wrong
*a tip = money you give a waiter/waitress to thank them for the service
 HELP WITH WRITING 5 Write these sentences again using the words in
Describing places brackets and the phrases in 3a.
3 a Look at these sentences from the article in 1. 1 Jenny’s personality is like her sister’s.
Which phrases do we use to compare (C), to talk
about similarities (S) and to talk about differences Jenny’s personality is similar to her sister’s. (similar)
(D)? 2 Spanish food is very different from French food.
1 C Compared with the UK, the USA is a lot (unlike)
cheaper.
3 The weather here is similar to the weather at home.
2 Many Americans are like people in other
(like)
countries.
4 The food is not like anything I’ve ever tasted.
3 This is quite unlike other Western countries.
(different)
4 The size of meals in American restaurants is
5 Houses in the UK are usually much smaller than houses
very large – especially compared to the UK.
in the USA.
5 In comparison with the north, winters in the
(compared)
south are not cold.
6 Italians usually dress better than British people.
6 This is completely different from the UK.
(comparison)
7 The cost of renting a flat is similar to the UK.
7 His new album is almost the same as his last one.
b Underline the sentences with the phrases in 3a
in the article. (similar)

6 a Make notes about your country on these topics.

4 Fill in the gaps with these prepositions.

with to in to from to with from people and

stereotypes

1 Compared with my road, yours is much quieter.

food
2 comparison
other countries, the cost of living is much higher.
holidays
3 The weather is similar my country.
4 Chinese food is completely different
Japanese food. living costs

5 Our new house is very spacious compared

our old flat. time and
temperature
6 Which country do you think the UK is most similar
?
7 Americans are not very different
b Write a guide to studying in your country.
● Use your notes from 6a.
other people.
● Organise your guide into different paragraphs with the
headings in the table.
● Read and check for mistakes.
● Give your guide to your teacher in your next class.

Tick the things you can do in English in the

Reading and Writing Progress Portfolio, p88.

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