Read the following paragraphs and the answer the questions below. There could be more than one choice for each question. A. The Great American novelist and humorist Mark Twain described the typical English man or woman as “a person who does things because they have been done before” and the typical American as “a person who does things because they haven’t been done before.” Americans love to try something new out of curiosity and a belief that newer may be better. B. Americans love science and technology because these fields involve new discoveries. The U.S. has embraced the age of communication with great enthusiasm. From preschoolers to senior citizens, Americans are learning to use computers—at school, at work, and at home. Robots, lasers, and other inventions of modern technology fascinate them. Americans subsidize all kinds of space exploration, from outside the Earth to inside the atom, in order to uncover the secrets of the universe. C. Love of change is closely tied to faith in improvement. Americans have always been optimistic, believing in the perfectibility of people, the basic goodness of their country, and the ability of American ingenuity to improve the quality of life. But people have come to realize that, if life can become better, it can also become worse. The dangers of air and water pollution, nuclear power, and overpopulation have become clear. D. Yes, Americans love to make a lot of money and spend it on themselves—to buy things that save time, give them pleasure, or serve as status symbols. However, Americans are also very generous and very willing to donate money to good causes. The American character includes a strong sense of obligation to help those in need. E. Americans are direct and assertive. They ask for what they want. In many cultures, respect for those in positions of authority keeps people from expressing their true feelings or intentions. In the U.S.A., however, children often argue with their parents and citizens express opposition to actions of the government. If the soup is cold or the meat is tough, the diner can complain to the waiter. If a teacher is wrong or confusing, a student may say so. If the boss makes a mistake, an employee may politely point it out. Assertive behavior sometimes seems improper and rude to foreigners, but it works well for Americans. In fact, assertiveness is almost a necessity in the business world.