Values, Characteristics, Personal Habits and Courtesies of Americans Although Americans hate generalizations and hold an ethnocentric point of view, they can be summarized or categorized by some evident values they prefer: Ⅰ Individualism &independence: Persons prefer being as individuals to representing a family or a group. examples: 1) Everyone would pay (1) ______ of his or her own rather than be someone’ s (1) ______ guest when dining at a restaurant. 2) Americans may be ill at ease if you give them more help than they need because they view (2) ______ as weakness. (2) ______ Ⅱ Informality: Informality is more predominant in university than in other (3) ______ (3) ______ 1) You may call the first names of other students regardless of age (4) ______ (4) ______ 2) Informal dress is common on campus. 3) Language is informal and sometimes (5) ______ (5) ______ Ⅲ Directness: Honesty and (6) ______ are more important to Americans than "saving face". (6) ______ Americans are quick to the point and do not spend much time on formal amenities. Some behaviors have associated with (7) ______: (7) ______ 1) A firm handshake-a sign of sincerity. 2) Looking at the person you are speaking to indicates honesty. 3) One is taken at his or her word-a refusal really means (8) ______ (8) ______ Ⅳ Punctuality: Punctuality is highly valued by Americans. You should be present for school and business appointments strictly on time while being 10-15 minutes late for (9) ______ is acceptable. (9) ______ However, you need to apologize and explain if you are more than 15 minutes late for a dinner you are invited to. Ⅴ Achievement & competition: Competition may take the forms of friendly joking or banter and the quick reply in a witty manner. That Americans value achievement may be expressed in the following ways: 1) sports awards are often displayed in their homes; 2) books and movies may be judged on the (10) ______ that are sold or on the (10) ______ sum of money as profit that is realized.