高考英语话题阅读素材：Unit96AGlimpseofUSStudentsSocialLife.docVIP

Unit 96　　A Glimpse of US Students Social Life　　Fun and Alcoholic　　The unstated purpose of most American students social life is to have fun. For them, social life entails going somewhere outside their house or apartment and doing something, such as drinking in a bar or at a party, participating in some sport or recreational activity (To Americans, the word drinking refers to consuming alcoholic beverages.), having a picnic, going to a concert, or at least taking a walk. Just staying home and visiting or playing games would b the last resort of most Americans who want to socialize. A large amount of socializing among American students takes place in bars. Other common gathering places are recreation facilities, parks, and places to eat.　　Students from other countries generally seem far less interested in drinking, at least in public places. This fact erects a significant barrier to socializing between American and foreign students, and serves to drive foreign students toward each other for social activities.　　Chinese students who want to socialize with Americans but who do not want to drink alcohol can g to bars for conversation (although the noise level can make it difficult to bear others talking and the cigarette smoke can be irritating). They can drink something non-alcoholic or not drink anything. A good strategy is to order a club soda with a lime twist, which looks like an alcoholic drink, called a gin and tonic, and will give the appearance that you are drinking alcohol. People who are drinking often feel more relaxed talking with other people who they think are also drinking.　　Gay Life　　Gay is a colloquialism for homosexual, a person whose feelings of sexual attraction are toward members of their own sex. A lesbian is a homosexual woman. A bisexual is a person who feels attraction toward members of both sexes. On many American campuses gay students are becoming more open and visible. So are gay faculty and staff members.　　Organized Group Activities