1. Why is the USA called "a nation of nations"?

The United States is often called "a nation of nations" because its population is
made up of people from all over the world. Since its founding, the U.S. has been a
destination for immigrants seeking better opportunities, freedom, or safety. People
from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and elsewhere have brought their
languages, religions, traditions, and values to the country. Over time, these diverse
cultures have blended into American society, making it one of the most
multicultural nations in the world. This phrase reflects both the country’s history
and its identity as a place shaped by immigration and diversity.

2. What are major serious problems of immigrants to the USA? How should
such problems be solved?

Major problems immigrants face include:

 Language barriers: Many immigrants struggle with English, which can

affect their ability to find jobs, access healthcare, or help their children in
school.

 Legal and documentation issues: Undocumented immigrants may live in

fear of deportation, and even legal immigrants may face long waits or
complicated visa processes.

 Discrimination and racism: Some immigrants face prejudice based on their

race, religion, or nationality, making it harder to integrate into society.

 Employment difficulties: Many immigrants are overqualified for the low-

paying jobs they get due to a lack of recognition for their education or
experience.

 Cultural adjustment: Learning to adapt to a new culture while maintaining

one’s own can be difficult and emotionally stressful.

Solutions could include:

  Stronger support for language education through free or affordable ESL
(English as a Second Language) programs.

 Legal reforms to make the immigration process fairer, faster, and more
transparent.

 Anti-discrimination laws and education to promote tolerance and

diversity.

 Job training and credential recognition so immigrants can use their skills
in the U.S. job market.

 Community support services such as cultural orientation programs,

counseling, and help navigating public services.

3. What do you think about a society which is like...

a. A melting pot

A melting pot society blends people of different cultures into one shared culture.
Everyone contributes something, but the result is a unified whole. This idea was
popular in the early 20th century, especially as a way to describe how immigrants
were expected to "assimilate" into American society.

 Pros: Creates a strong sense of national identity and unity. Differences fade
over time, leading to fewer divisions.

 Cons: Minority cultures may feel pressure to abandon their language,

customs, or values to fit in, which can lead to cultural loss.

b. A mosaic

A mosaic values diversity and encourages different cultures to coexist while

maintaining their unique identities—like the individual pieces of a mosaic artwork
forming a beautiful whole.

 Pros: Celebrates multiculturalism, promotes inclusion, and allows for

freedom of cultural expression.
  Cons: Some argue that too much cultural separation might create divisions
or prevent social cohesion.

Which should the U.S. be?

Many people today prefer the mosaic model because it respects and celebrates
differences while still fostering a shared sense of belonging. A mosaic society
encourages mutual understanding and cultural exchange, which can be healthier in
a globalized world.

4. What are minor differences between American English and British English?
Give specific examples.

Though both are English, there are several small but noticeable differences:

 Spelling:

o American: color, center, analyze

o British: colour, centre, analyse

 Vocabulary:

o American: truck, apartment, elevator, cookie

o British: lorry, flat, lift, biscuit

 Pronunciation:

o British English often pronounces the “r” less strongly or not at all at
the end of words (e.g., "car").

o American English usually pronounces all “r” sounds.

 Grammar:

o Americans say "I have gotten better," while the British say "I have got
better."

o Collective nouns (like "team"):

  American: "The team is winning."

 British: "The team are winning."

These differences rarely cause serious confusion, but they can be interesting and
sometimes funny.

5. What is the English Only Movement? What are its good and bad points, in
your opinion?

The English Only Movement is a political movement that supports making

English the official language of the United States and limiting the use of other
languages in public life, such as in government documents, schools, and signs.

Good points:

 Promotes unity and shared communication.

 Encourages immigrants to learn English, which helps them succeed in

society.

 Reduces the cost of translating government services into multiple languages.

Bad points:

 Can be seen as discriminatory or anti-immigrant.

 May marginalize people who are still learning English.

 Ignores the value of cultural and linguistic diversity.

In my opinion, while English is an important unifying language, it’s also important

to respect and accommodate linguistic diversity—especially in a multicultural
society.

6. What period of U.S. history is your concern? Why?

One period of U.S. history that is particularly important and concerning is the Civil
Rights Movement (1950s–1960s). This was a time when African Americans and
other minorities fought for equal rights and an end to racial segregation and
discrimination, especially in the South.

Why it matters:

 It led to significant legal changes, like the Civil Rights Act (1964) and
Voting Rights Act (1965).

 It showed the power of nonviolent protest and civic action.

 It exposed the deep racial injustices that still affect American society today.

This period is both inspiring and troubling—it shows both the progress America
has made and the challenges it continues to face regarding racial equality and
social justice.

7. What were the causes and the effects of the American Civil War?

Causes:

 Slavery: The Southern economy depended on slavery, while the North was
moving toward abolition.

 States’ rights vs. federal authority: Southern states wanted more control,
especially over slavery.

 Economic differences: Industrial North vs. agricultural South.

 The election of Abraham Lincoln (1860): Southern states feared he would

abolish slavery.

Effects:

 Over 600,000 Americans died.

 Slavery was abolished (13th Amendment).

 The Southern economy and infrastructure were destroyed.

 The federal government gained more power over the states.

  The Reconstruction Era began, which tried (and often failed) to rebuild the
South and give rights to former slaves.

The Civil War remains one of the most defining and painful chapters in American
history.

8. Give your comment on the three branches of the U.S. government.

The U.S. government is divided into three branches to ensure a system of checks
and balances:

1. Legislative (Congress) – Makes the laws. It has two parts: the Senate and
the House of Representatives.

2. Executive (President) – Enforces the laws and leads the country.

3. Judicial (Supreme Court and other courts) – Interprets the laws and
ensures they follow the Constitution.

Why this system matters:

 Prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

 Encourages cooperation, but sometimes causes political gridlock.

 Promotes democracy, transparency, and accountability.

Overall, it's a well-designed system, but it relies on the responsibility and integrity
of leaders to function properly.

9. What are the U.S. President's powers?

The President of the United States has both domestic and international powers,
including:

 Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

 Veto power over laws passed by Congress.

  Appointing federal judges, ambassadors, and cabinet members.

 Negotiating treaties (with Senate approval).

 Issuing executive orders to manage the government.

 Granting pardons for federal crimes.

However, the President’s power is limited by the Constitution and checked by

Congress and the courts, so the role is powerful but not absolute.

10. Compare and contrast the U.S. education system with the Vietnamese one
briefly.

U.S. Education System:

 Emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and student participation.

 More flexible curriculum; students can choose electives.

 Encourages group projects, presentations, and open discussions.

 Grading is often continuous (assignments, quizzes, etc.).

 Higher education is very expensive but globally respected.

Vietnamese Education System:

 More focused on memorization and exams.

 National curriculum is stricter and less flexible.

 Students may face more pressure to perform well in standardized tests.

 More teacher-centered instruction.

 Education is more affordable, but international exposure may be more

limited.
In short:
U.S. education encourages independence and problem-solving, while Vietnamese
education emphasizes discipline and academic rigor.

11. What is your favorite family pattern? What are its good and bad points?

My favorite is the nuclear family pattern—two parents and their children living
together.

Pros:

 More privacy and independence.

 Parents may have more time to focus on their children.

 Easier to make decisions without too many opinions.

Cons:

 Less support from extended family during emergencies or childcare.

 Can feel isolated or lonely without a larger support network.

In some cultures, extended families (grandparents, uncles, etc.) are more common,
and that has its own strengths—like built-in help and stronger traditions.

12. What are the attitudes of American people and of foreigners toward the
U.S. media?

American people's attitudes:

 Mixed—some trust the media, others see it as biased or politically

motivated.

 Many people now get news from social media or online sources, which can
create echo chambers.

Foreigners' attitudes:
  U.S. media is often respected for its global influence and freedom of speech.

 However, some view it as too focused on American perspectives or

sensationalism.

Overall, the U.S. media is powerful and diverse, but it faces challenges like
misinformation and political polarization.

13. What is the most popular form of U.S. media? Why?

Television and social media (especially YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and

X/Twitter) are the most popular.

 TV remains influential for news (e.g., CNN, Fox News), entertainment, and
sports.

 Social media is especially popular with younger people for quick updates
and trends.

Why popular?

 Fast access to information.

 Entertaining and interactive.

 Personalized content.

However, this also means people can live in “information bubbles,” only seeing
news they agree with.

14. How do American people observe their federal holidays?

Federal holidays are usually observed with:

 Time off from work and school.

 Family gatherings (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas).

 Travel or vacations.
  Parades and ceremonies (e.g., Independence Day).

 Sales and shopping events (especially on holidays like Memorial Day or

Labor Day).

Each holiday has its own traditions, but most are a time for family, rest, and
reflection.

15. Describe ONE (a) holiday or (b) festival in the U.S. you know well. How
important is it to American people?

Let’s take Thanksgiving (late November):

 Tradition: Families gather for a large meal, usually including turkey,

stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

 History: It started as a harvest celebration between Native Americans and

Pilgrims in the 1600s.

 Importance: It's one of the most beloved holidays in the U.S., symbolizing
gratitude, family, and togetherness.

 Many people travel long distances to be with family for Thanksgiving.

While the holiday has a warm meaning, there’s also growing awareness of the
historical conflict and pain associated with colonization and Native American
history, which some people reflect on during the holiday.