Prompt
Wow! You now know so much about Mexico! Your friend Jordan, however, knows nothing about it. In a few months, his family is going on a tour of Spanish speaking-countries, including Spain and several Latin American countries. He has asked you to help him learn more about those places before his trip. His first trip is to Mexico.
Write Jordan a letter in English comparing Mexican culture and American culture in a minimum of ten descriptive sentences.
Note: The United States is a vast country filled with diverse and beautiful cultures and people, and so is México! One person's cultural experience in the United States can vary greatly to another. Write about your cultural experience. Your culture can be different than your best friend's culture or neighbor's culture. You may share a Mexican-American culture. Write about it.
Think in terms of food, sports, transportation, weather, population, celebrations, and demographics. How is your culture similar to Mexican culture? How is it different? Use details from what you have learned to help Jordan prepare for the trip, and have fun!
Before you write, take notes on these questions to help guide your writing. Be sure to include an introductory sentence and a sign-off in your letter.
A) What are the three most interesting things you have learned about Mexico?
1.
2.
3.
B) What are three aspects of Mexican culture that are similar to your culture in the United States?
1.
2.
3.
C) What are three aspects of Mexican culture that are different from your culture in the United States?
1.
2.
3.
Now, here is a guide for your letter. Feel free to use the format if it's helpful, but make it your own.
Hola Jordan,
It's so cool that you get to visit Mexico. I found some very interesting things about living there. Did you know...? (Describe 3 items from list A).
Some things in Mexico can be very different from how you or I live in the United States. For example, (Describe 3 items from list B).
Otherwise, just like my family and I, we do many things the same. For example, (Describe 3 items from list C).
Have a great trip! Bring me back a souvenir!
Saludos,
(Your name)
You will be graded on (a) appropriate use of cultural knowledge from section A,B, and C of the outline (b) completeness and detail of the response, and (c) overall quality of the writing in a letter format
Hola Jordan,
I'm thrilled to hear that your family is embarking on a Spanish-speaking countries tour, with Mexico being one of your stops! Mexico is a country rich in culture, history, and tradition, and it's exciting to think about all the amazing experiences that await you there.
From what I've learned about Mexico, one of the most fascinating aspects is their deep-rooted traditions, especially the Day of the Dead celebration. It's a beautiful and colorful event where families honor and remember their deceased loved ones. Another interesting thing is the ancient ruins like Teotihuacan and Chichen Itza that offer a glimpse into the powerful civilizations that once flourished in Mexico. Lastly, Mexican cuisine is recognized worldwide, and it's far more diverse and regional than the typical tacos and burritos we often see in the States.
There are several cultural nuances in Mexico that are fairly similar to our culture here in the United States. For instance, both countries love sports, with soccer being as beloved in Mexico as American football is in the U.S. Family is central to both Mexican and American life; we both enjoy spending time with our loved ones and celebrating important milestones together. We also share a love for music and dance, which are integral parts of social life and express our shared human joy and creativity.
On the flip side, Mexico has unique differences in its daily life that set it apart from the U.S. Public transportation, for example, is much more common and includes a variety of options like peseros (small buses) and colectivos (shared taxis), not something you see much of in our car-oriented American society. Another distinction is the siesta, a traditional midday break that some Mexican businesses still observe, while the non-stop, all-day business hours are more typical in the U.S. Finally, the approach to life often feels different, with many Mexicans placing a strong emphasis on living at a slower pace and valuing 'mañana' (tomorrow) as a philosophy, contrasted with the go-go-go mentality prevalent in many parts of American culture.
Have a great trip, Jordan! Immerse yourself in the beauty of Mexico. I'd love to hear all about it, and if you could grab me a piece of artisanal craftsmanship, I'd treasure it forever!
Saludos,
[Your Name]