Prime Time 7, Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks

Strip malls, indoor malls and discount stores are all so bland, so functional. Architecturally, they are all so dismal. They all cover so many acres, so many fields that used to be green. America will soon be nothing but a sea of asphalt with islands of brick monstrosities. These kinds of shopping areas may not be wholly unfamiliar to Europeans. But in Europe they are rare. In America they are everywhere. In many cities there are massive clusters of them along a single avenue. On the left a huge discount store, on the right a strip mall, followed by another strip mall. On the left a strip mall, followed by another discount store. On the right an indoor mall, followed by another indoor mall. How all these businesses stay alive, I don’t know. Many of them don’t survive. Thus every indoor mall, every strip mall, is pocked with empty storefronts. In some places an entire 20-store mall sits empty. All this development, all this ugliness, is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. More stores, more buildings, more asphalt are usually looked upon as a good thing – more business for the community, more jobs, more choice for customers. Some people complain. But there’s a lack of will to demand a better use of land or architecture more appealing to the human spirit. I notice such things. That’s what comes from being away. Brian Deming 75 80 85 90 95 Questions on the text a) Why has the author’s opinion on his homeland changed since his return? b) What does the term “a bottomless cup” mean? c) How does the author describe the typical American suburb? d) What problems do increasing suburbs create? e) What kinds of US shopping malls does the author mention? f) What is the problem with these malls and why? Writing: A blog comment Travelmania.com is a travel blog where tourists post their travelling experiences. This is what a man writes: by Arthur 16 November, 7:09 p.m. A typical Austrian starts the day with a light breakfast of coffee or milk with bread and butter or jam. Sausage served with mustard on a hard roll is a typical midmorning snack. Lunch is usually the main meal of the day and consists of soup and a main course of meat – sausage, the widely popular Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal), chicken, beef, pork or fish. Fresh vegetables, dumplings, noodles or potatoes often accompany the main course. A salad may conclude the meal. Austrian city dwellers often take a midafternoon coffee break at a national institution, the coffee- house. Part of the Austrian way of life, the coffeehouse serves as a meeting place and a source for breakfast or a snack or light lunch. Most coffeehouses, which usually also serve alcohol, have their own distinctive atmosphere. The evening meal usually consists of something light, perhaps cold meats, cheese or smoked fish with bread and wine or beer. You have decided to comment on this blog post. In your blog comment you should: • describe your experiences with Austria’s national identity • suggest factors that form one’s identity • discuss how Austria differs from other nations Write around 250/400 words 3  4  39 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv