Active Skills for Reading Intro (Unit 6: Comparing Cultures)


CHAPTER 2 Homestay Diary

My Homestay Diary

June 13

It's my first week in the United States and my first time in another country. So much is new and unusual (to me). It's great to be here. I hope I do well!

June 25

I live with an American host family: Valerie and Tim and their daughter, Megan. They're really nice. Every day I learn something new. For example, this morning Valerie said, "Tim and I work late, and I can't cook tonight. Help yourself to anything for dinner."

I didn't understand Valerie. I thought she wanted help with dinner. So I bought takeout1 for everyone. When Valerie came home, she said, "Daniela, why did you buy food? We have a lot." I explained. She said, "Help yourself means eat anything you want." I was confused! We laughed and ate the Chinese food anyway.

July 1

My best friend from Brazil called today. I was really happy to talk to her, but after, I felt kind of down. Everything here is so different from home-the food, the people, even the weather (It gets cold here even in the summer sometimes!).

July 5

Yesterday was Independence Day. It's a big holiday here. My host family had a barbecue in their yard2 Their friends and neighbors came. Everyone was very friendly and warm. Later, I went with some friends from school to watch the fireworks. Then we went dancing. It was fun!

1 Takeout is food you get at a restaurant and take home to eat.
2 A yard is an open area in front of or behind a house.

Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

A. Choose the correct answers.

B. Read the sentences below. Write true (T), false (F), or not given (NG).

Sentence T/F/NG
1. This is Daniela's second time in the US.
2. In the US, Daniela lives with two people.
3. July 4 is an important day in the US.
4. Daniela's brother will visit her in the US in August.

Critical Thinking

  1. Daniela is learning English while she is in the United States. What else is she learning about?
    Answer

    Possible answers include: American culture and family life

  2. Do you think Daniela's stay in the United States was mostly good? Why?
    Answer

    Students should support their answers with examples. Daniela's diary shows her mostly happy and excited to be in the U.S.


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