A British reporter puts questions to three American students who recently spent a year at British universities.

Reporter: After nearly a year in Britain, what are your impressions of the country and people?

Michael: Sharing a common language is important; in spite of what some Americans say, we do speak the same language. As a result, there’s great interest in the literature of the other nation – not to mention pop music and television.

Laura: I’m much more struck by the personality difference. British people often talk about loudness of Americans but I think Americans are more open.

Steve: Personally I’ve found it more difficult to have serious discussions with British students than with other European students. It’s really difficult to talk with a British student about anything more serious than football or beer.

Michael: I don’t agree. I’ve had discussions on serious things with English students. But I have to admit that “British reserve” so much talked about is a reality; the British I’ve met are hard to get to know.

Laura: We shouldn’t be too critical. There are a lot of things which we like here.

Michael: Well, I think that the observation that the British are more polite is true. And, as far as I have been able to see, the cities of Britain haven’t yet reached the point of no return in crime* that some of our cities have.

Reporter: Finally, what strikes you as the most important difference between the two nations?

Steve: The pace of life. Everyday life moves much faster in America; everything is much more intense. But I think things are changing in Britain and in ten years it’ll be the same here.

Note: *the point of no return in crime – (зд.) очень высокий уровень преступности.

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