美国文化Unit 1.doc

美国文化 Chapter 1. Atlantic to Pacific I . Focal Points geographic characteristics of the US II . Questions and Answers on the Text 1. What is the diversity of the people? It refers to the different origins of the immigrants (different ethnic backgrounds) and the differences between the first generation of immigrants and the long-established Americans. 2. How many states did the original Union consist of at the time of its Independence? It consisted of thirteen states. 3. Where were the first thirteen states of the United States mainly located? They were mainly along the eastern seaboard. 4. How many continental states are there in the US? There are forty-eight continental states. 5. Which state is the last continental state added to the Union? Arizona was the last continental state which joined the Union in 1912. 6. Which states are geographically separated from the American continent? Hawaii and Alaska. 7. In which year were the two territories which were separated from the continent granted statehood? In 1959. 8. Which ocean is Hawaii in? It is in the Pacific Ocean. 9. How many time zones are there in the United States? There are four. 10. How many people were there at the fane of independence and how many are there now? There were four million at that time and 215 million now. 11. Which was the mother country? The UK was considered as the mother country of the original thirteen colonies in North America. 12. How many people in the US are engaged in agriculture and forestry? Less than a tenth of the people are engaged in agriculture and forestry. 13. What is a metropolitan area? It refers to a large city with its suburbs. 14. Where is New England located? It is located at the north-eastern part of the United States. 15. What are the characteristics of New England? Small-scale, long established and urban. 16. How many states does New England include? What are they? It includes six states: Maine,