Unit 1: American Beginnings

Guide

Hello Class! I am Teng Jimeng from the School of English and International Studies of Beijing Foreign Studies University. In today's class we are going to deal with the first unit on the history of the United States of America. As is known to all, America is a new nation and the product of the Western civilization. In fact, the American continent was first discovered by an Italian sailor called Christopher Columbus in 1492. And the United States was not officially founded until 1776 when 13 former British colonies rose up against the British Empire and fought a war for their independence. But, before we start, let's take the time to preview some of the questions regarding the history of the United States. Please see if you can answer the following questions. Please supply the correct answers, if you happen to know them, in the space bellow.

1. The first inhabitants of the American continent were_________.
　(a) the Italians
　(b) the Spanish
　(c) the Indians
　　　Answer:

2.	Three of the most famous primitive tribes living in the American continent created such brilliant civilizations. They are _____________.
	(a) the Aztecs, the Incas and the Mayas (b) the Iroquois, the Pueblo, and the Pima Indians (c) Yadkin, Coles Creeks, and Smoky Hills 　　Answer:

3.	The first English permanent settlement was founded in 1607 in _________.
	(a) New York (b) San Francisco (c) Virginia 　　Answer:

4.	The historical document, adopted on July 4 by the Congress, 1776, which officially proclaimed the independence of 13 North American colonies was called____________.
	(a) the Emancipation Proclamation (b) the Declaration of Independence (c) the Paris Treaty 　　Answer:

5. In 1773, a group of patriots responded to the tea tax by staging the ______________.
　(a) "Boston Tea Party"
　(b) the Republican Party
　(c) the League of Nations
　　　Answer:

Well, are these questions too difficult for you to handle? Well, if they are, don't feel discouraged, as you will soon learn that as long as you can finish this text, they will be a piece of cake. So, let's move on with the text. Remember, always refer to the focal points below.