Writing

Task I. Fill in the table illustrating the major stages of the US economic history. Use external sources if necessary.

Stage	Period	Features	Main events
Stage I Stage II Stage III Stage IV Stage V Stage VI

Task II. Write a Summary and a GIST of the text.

Speaking

Task I. Comment on the table (Task I, Writing)

Task II. Use additional sources of information and prepare reports in the form of presentations on the following issues. Use visual aids.

1. A history of the US economy: from Colonial America to the present-day superpower.

2. The Great Depression ( causes, developments, results)

3. The American Dream – what is it?

Part 2

Read the passage below and match each paragraph with the appropriate heading.

1. Materialism

2. Education Disparity

3. Drug/Alcohol Abuse

4. Growing up too fast

5. Erosion of National Pride/Identity

6. Single Parent Households

7. Obesity

8. Poverty

9. Violence in Schools

10. Shifting Economy

Top 10 Issues Facing Our Youth Today (on the materials of the USA Internet and press resources)

Now that we are well into the new Millennium society has begun to recognize serious concerns with issues that kids have to deal with today. Some issues have always been there but are now coming to the eyes of the public to find solutions. Other issues are new trends as society begins to adapt to a faster pace of life. Below are the top 10 issues facing our youth today.

10. ________________

The problems begin at home. Since the 1950s, the number of single parent homes has consistently increased to the point of catastrophe. Today, 14 million single parents are responsible for 28 million children. Raising a child is difficult enough in a two parent home, especially in tough economic conditions. The situation is even direr when there is only one parent. Economically, a single parent is likely to bring less income home. This equates to fewer opportunities for such vital necessities as education. Trying to make ends meet also takes time – time that is spent away from children who need a parent’s guiding/influence. Absent a parent’s diligent guidance, children become subject to higher dropout rates, higher risk of dangerous sexual behaviors and pregnancies, higher chances of drug and alcohol abuse etc. It truly takes a village to raise a child.

9. __________

There was a time in cinematic history where virtually every actor/actress was portrayed on screen with a cigarette in hand. Smoking, it was implied, was cool. As a result everyone was doing it, including kids. Well, as awareness to the danger of smoking increased, “cool” images of smoking disappeared. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about drugs and alcohol. These vices are staples in everyday media. Simply, drinking and using drugs is shown as being cool. The numbers bear the tale. 21% of high school seniors say they get high and 41% of the same group report drinking alcohol. Our kids are literally moving around in an intoxicated daze. Immature behavior is then amplified due to being under the influence. Drunk driving, poor grades and attendance, anti-social and violent behavior and the list goes on.