Lesson 23: The United States
US Essentials
The 50 States & Landmarks
[Image of Map of the USA with regions highlighted]| Region | Major Cities | Famous For |
|---|---|---|
| East Coast | New York, Boston, Washington D.C. | History, Finance, Skyscrapers. |
| West Coast | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle | Hollywood, Technology, Ocean, Mountains. |
| The South | Houston, Miami, New Orleans | BBQ, Music (Jazz/Country), Hot weather. |
| Midwest | Chicago, Detroit | Farms, Lakes, "The Heartland". |
Famous Landmarks
- Grand Canyon: (Arizona) A massive natural canyon.
- Statue of Liberty: (New York) Symbol of freedom.
- Mount Rushmore: (South Dakota) Presidents' faces in rock.
- Yellowstone: (Wyoming) Geysers and wildlife.
- Hollywood Sign: (Los Angeles) Center of movies.
- Niagara Falls: (New York) Huge waterfalls on Canada border.
Measurements (Important!)
- Distance: Miles (1 mile ≈ 1.6 km).
- Temperature: Fahrenheit (32°F = 0°C).
- Weight: Pounds/lbs (1 kg ≈ 2.2 lbs).
- Height: Feet/Inches (6 ft ≈ 183 cm).
American Culture Weekly
Tipping is Mandatory
In the US, servers (waiters) earn a low salary. They rely on tips. It is standard to leave 15% to 20% of the bill as a tip. If you don't tip, it is considered very rude.
Diners & Fast Food
The Diner is a classic American restaurant. They serve breakfast all day (pancakes, eggs, bacon). Hamburgers and fries are the most popular fast food. Soda usually comes with free refills!
American Football
The most popular sport is American Football (NFL). The biggest event of the year is the Super Bowl in February. It is not just a game; it is a national party with food and music.
Car Culture
The US is built for cars. Cities are spread out, and public transport is often limited (except in NYC). People love Road Trips. Route 66 is the most famous historic highway.
The HOA
Many Americans live in neighborhoods controlled by an HOA (Homeowners Association). They make strict rules. They tell you what color to paint your house, how short to cut your grass, and where to park. If you break the rules, you pay a fine!
Coffee to Go
Americans are always in a rush. "Coffee to go" is a way of life. Cups are very big! A "small" coffee in the US might be a "large" in Europe. Brands like Starbucks are everywhere.
Silicon Valley
Located in California, this is the tech capital of the world. Companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook have their headquarters here. It represents the American spirit of innovation.
NASA & Space
The US has a strong history in space exploration. NASA's Kennedy Space Center is in Florida. The US was the first country to land a man on the Moon (Apollo 11) in 1969.
Music Genres
The US is the birthplace of Jazz (New Orleans), Blues (Mississippi), Country (Nashville), Rock n' Roll, and Hip Hop (New York). Music is a huge part of the cultural identity.
The Melting Pot
The USA is called a "Melting Pot" because people from every country in the world live there. This mix creates diverse food, festivals, and traditions in every major city.
American Holidays
| Date | Holiday | Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| July 4 | Independence Day | Fireworks, BBQ, Parades. Celebrates freedom from Britain (1776). |
| Nov (4th Thu) | Thanksgiving | Turkey dinner, giving thanks, watching Football. Pumpkin pie. |
| Oct 31 | Halloween | Costumes, Trick-or-Treat (Candy), Scary movies. |
| Dec 25 | Christmas | Santa Claus, stockings, tree, gifts in the morning. |
| Jan (3rd Mon) | MLK Day | Honors Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights. |
Exercises (15 Sets)
Trip to New York
