The Famous American People
Marilyn Monroe (1926 – 1962) – a model, actress, singer and arguably one of the most famous women of the twentieth century.
Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865) – US President during American civil war.
Mother Teresa (1910 – 1997) was a Roman Catholic nun, who devoted her life to serving the poor and destitute around the world. She spent many years in Calcutta, India, where she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a religious congregation devoted to helping those in great need. In 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and has become a symbol of charitable selfless work. She was beatified in 2003, the first step on the path to sainthood, within the Catholic Church.
Bill Gates (1955 – ). As founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates is one of the most influential and richest people on the planet. Recent estimates of his wealth put it at $56 billion; this is the equivalent of the combined GDP of several African economies. In recent years he has retired from working full time at Microsoft, instead he has concentrated on working with his charitable foundation "The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation".
Muhammad Ali (1942 – ). American boxer and civil rights campaigner. Ali was crowned "Sportsman of the Century" by Sports Illustrated. He won the World Heavyweight Boxing championship three times, and won the North American Boxing Federation championship as well as an Olympic gold medal.
Elvis Presley (1935 – 1977) was an American singer, musician and actor. Elvis Presley became one of the most influential cultural icons of a generation. He is commonly referred to as the "The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll" and epitomizes the post-war pop generation.
Walt Disney (1901 – 1966) was a film producer, media magnate, and co-founder of the Walt Disney Company. He was an iconic figure in the Twentieth Century media and entertainment industry, helping to produce many films. With his staff, he created famous cartoon characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck; his name was also used for the successful Disney Theme Parks. During his lifetime, he received a record 59 Nominations for the Academy Awards, winning 22 Awards.
Ernest Hemingway (1899 – 1961) was an American author and journalist whose unique writing style had a strong influence on 20th century fiction and culture. Many of his books are considered classics of American literature.
Henry Ford (1863 – 1947) was an industrialist who changed the face of automobile manufacture in America, becoming the epitome of American Capitalism. He lent his name to "Fordism" – efficient mass production.
Mother Teresa Marilyn Monroe Ernest Hemingway
Michael Jackson Abraham Lincoln Bill Gates
Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009) was an American singer, dancer, entertainer, and recording artist. Michael Jackson epitomized the era of pop in the 70s, 80s and 90s, earning himself the title the King of Pop. He remained a global icon until his untimely death in 2009.
Madonna (1958 –) – a famous American Pop singer.
Task 6. Prepare the presentation about one of the famous American persons.
Task 7. Read the following sentences and say if they true or false:
Americans are very formal in their general behavior and in their relationships with other people.
Self-improvement is considered to be shameful in the United States.
Americans see as heroes those people who lead a modest life.
Americans ask direct questions and expect "straight" answers.
Americans usually say "no" directly.
Americans are sure that their country is superior, probably the "greatest" country in the world.
Task 8. Summarize all the information you have learned and make up a short description about the population of the USA.