QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

CHAPTER 1:
1. Why is the U.S called “a land of diversity”?
2. What three population trends are predicted?
3. What American attitudes are related to democratic ideals?
4. What does “majority rule” mean?
5. What are some examples of the American pioneering spirit?
CHAPTER 2:
1. What are three American engagement customs?
2. List five American wedding customs?
3. How has women’s liberation affected the American marriage?
4. Why do so many American people get divorced?
CHAPTER 3:
1. How has American family life changed as a result of American mothers working outside
the home?
2. How does the mobility of Americans affect families?
3. Who pays for all the possessions of the American family?
4. What are some examples of battles for control within an American family?
CHAPTER 4:
1. How do American attitudes affect American manners?
2. When you introduce two people, what are some rules about whose name goes first?
3. Name several occasions when it’s appropriate to say “Congratulations!”
4. What information should you give when you make a reservation at a restaurant?
5. How has women’s liberation affected manners between the sexes?
6. Name some things students can do and shouldn’t do in an American classroom?
CHAPTER 6:
1. Why is English, rather than French or Spanish, the major language of the US?
2. What historical developments in the U.S stimulated immigration?
3. What problems in Europe stimulated emigration?
4. Why does the U.S need immigration restriction?
5. Where have most of today’s foreign-born U.S residents come from?
6. What historical events caused the U.S to acquire a large Spanish-speaking population?
Name at least three.
7. What has it become more difficult for an illegal alien to get a job?
CHAPTER 20:
1. Why does Mrs. Brown give the children candy?
2. What are the two main themes and colors of Halloween?
CHAPTER 21:
1. Compare the Plymouth Thanksgiving of 1621 with today’s typical American
Thanksgiving?
CHAPTER 22:
1. What event does Christmas celebrate?
2. How does gift-giving relate to the birth of Christ and the spirit of the holiday?
3. Name five other American Christmas customs?
4. What does Hanukkah celebrate? Why are lights important?
5. What is the major theme of the New Year’s holiday? How do Americans celebrate?