🟣Culture
🟣 Fact or Fiction? Fast Food
Americans eat hamburgers, pizza, and French fries for almost every meal. There is very little healthy food in the US.
FICTION. Fast food is everywhere, but healthy food culture is huge in California and at UC Davis. You will see massive salad bars, organic food, smoothies, and vegetarian options all over campus.
🟦
A speaker in the US uses many difficult words. You are completely lost and confused. What is the best thing to do?
A) Stay quiet, do not interrupt, and try to find the words on your phone during the lesson.
B) Raise your hand and say: "Excuse me, could you explain that one more time, please?"
C) Wait until the presentation is 100% finished, walk up to the speaker privately, and ask your question then.
Answer: B (In the US, speakers expect you to speak up and ask questions during the lesson. Asking in front of everyone helps other students who might also be confused!)
🟩Bikes on Campus
You are walking to your classroom building at UC Davis. You need to cross a path. You see a large painted circle on the ground with many students riding bicycles very fast inside it. What is the correct way to cross?
A) Just walk across. Bicycles will automatically stop for people walking.
B) Wait at the side, look left and right, and only cross when there is a clear gap in the bicycle traffic.
C) Run across as fast as you can while waving your arms so the bicyclists can see you.
Correct Answer: B
UC Davis is the bicycle capital of the US. Bicyclists have the momentum (speed) in these campus circles and expect pedestrians (walkers) to wait for a safe gap before crossing!
💗 Small Talk
Name 3 topics that are NOT OK to discuss in casual small talk with an American you do not know well.
Politics, Religion, How much money they make/salary, How much their clothes, etc., cost,
🟨Lucky!
Scenario: You tried to order a "Small" drink at a fast-food place, but the American Small is the size of a Taiwanese Extra Large! You are fully hydrated and full of energy.
Result: Move forward 2 spaces.
🟣 Fact or Fiction? Everyone is Rich
All Americans are rich. They live in big houses, drive fancy cars, buy expensive clothes, and always have a lot of money to spend.
FICTION.
Hollywood movies make it look like everyone is rich, but the US has a wide wealth gap. Many students work part-time jobs while studying, live with roommates to save money, and live very simply.
🟦 Making a Mistake (The Wrong Answer)
Scenario: In class, you answer a question, but your answer is completely wrong. You feel embarrassed and your face gets hot. What should you do?
A) Look down at your desk, say "I am sorry," and do not raise your hand again for the rest of the day.
B) Smile, look at the teacher, and say: "Ah, my bad! Thanks for the correction," and keep listening.
C) Quickly explain why you made the mistake so the teacher knows you are actually smart.
Answer: B
(In the US, making mistakes is just a normal part of learning.)
🟩Campus Greeting
You are walking across the UC Davis campus. An American student passes you, smiles, and says: "What's up?" What is the best and most natural way to respond?
A. I'm fine, thanks.
B. Not much. You? (or What's up?)
C. It is really hot today.
Correct Answer: B
A sounds polite because it's what we learn for "How are you?". But in the US, "What's up?" is just a greeting. Option B is the perfect answer.
💗 Name 3 things that California (the state where UC Davis is located) is famous for!
Hollywood/Movies, Silicon Valley/Apple/Google, Disneyland, Golden Gate Bridge, Sunshine/Beaches, Surf culture, In-N-Out Burger.
🟨 Unlucky!
You used your phone too much to take photos on a tour! Your battery died and you forgot your charger!
Go backward 1 space.
🟣 Fact or Fiction? The Water with Ice Habit
Americans almost always drink freezing cold water with lots of ice, and it is very difficult to find hot water to drink in public spaces.
FACT This is true! Restaurants will automatically serve you water with 90% ice, even in winter. Public water fountains are always chilled. If you want hot water to drink, you must ask a cafe barista specifically or bring a kettle for your room.
🟦Checking for Understanding
Scenario: The teacher explains a big idea. You think you understand it, but you want to be 100% sure before the group discussion starts. What should you say?
A) "Excuse me, do you mean [explain the idea in your own words]?"
B) "Can you please repeat that whole idea again from the beginning?"
C) "Is this really very important for our program, or can we move to the next topic?"
Answer: A
(Saying the idea in your own words shows that you are actively listening and trying to learn.)
🟩 Shopping Math
Scenario: You find a cool UC Davis hoodie at the campus bookstore. The price tag says exactly $40.00. You hand the cashier $40.00 exactly. What happens next?
A) The cashier takes the money, smiles, puts the hoodie in a bag, and says thank you.
B) The cashier says, "Sorry, you need to pay $43.50.".
C) The cashier gives you back $4.00 change because 10% student discounts are automatic.
Correct Answer: B
(In the US, sales tax is never on the tag—it is extra at the end. Students must always prepare extra cash for tax.)
💗 Name 3 situations that could happen or items if you lose them where you must tell the group leader immediately.
If you lose: Passport, Boarding pass/Flight ticket, Wallet/Credit card, Mobile phone...
Situation: Getting completely lost alone, Medical emergency/Feeling very sick...
🟨 Lucky!
You were nervous about using your English to buy a snack at the store, but the cashier smiled and told you your English was very good! You are so proud!
Result: Move forward 1 space
🟣 Fact or Fiction? Americans Love to Argue
Americans are very loud, aggressive and direct, which means they love to argue, debate, and shout to prove they are right.
FICTION
Being direct does not mean being angry or aggressive. In the US, sharing opinions is a sign of respect. When an American says, "I see your point, but..." they are not fighting with you—they are inviting you to talk more!
🟦Group Discussion (The Silent Member)
Scenario: You are in a small group discussion. Everyone is sharing ideas. You have a good idea, but you are afraid your English isn't perfect. What should you do?
A) Wait quietly for someone to ask you directly, "What do you think?"
B) Listen closely, nod your head to show you agree, and let the others do the talking.
C) Lean forward, make eye contact, and say: "Can I add something here? I think..." even if your grammar is imperfect.
Correct Answer: C (In a group discussion, silence can be misread as boredom. Americans highly respect people who try to speak up, even with broken English!)
🟩Getting Separated from your Group
Your group is on a tour in San Francisco. You stop to take a photo of a cool building. When you look up, your group is completely gone! You are lost and alone. What is should you do?
A) Start running fast in the direction you think they went so you can catch up.
B) Stay exactly where you are in a safe, public place, look at your phone, and message your group leader and group chat immediately.
C) Walk to the nearest person and ask for help.
Correct Answer: B
(Running in a panic makes it harder for your group to find you. Staying where you are and follow the group plan solves the problem fastest.)
💗 Name 3 English phrases you can use in a classroom or discussion when you don't understand the speaker or need clarity.
"Could you say that slower, please?", "Could you repeat that?", "What does [Word] mean?", "I have a question," "Just to make sure I have this right..."
🟨Bad luck!
You forgot your water bottle in your room. You had to run back in the heat and you were late!
Go back 2 spaces.
🟣 Fact or Fiction? Geography
When you tell Americans you are from Taiwan, most of them will immediately know exactly where it is on a map.
FICTION.
Many Americans accidentally confuse the names "Taiwan" and "Thailand." If someone says, "Oh, Thailand! I love Bangkok!" do not be offended. Politely smile and say: "Actually, I'm from Taiwan—it's a small island near Japan and Hong Kong, famous for boba tea!"
🟦Group Discussion
Scenario: During a group activity, a student shares a really cool point. You want to speak, agree with them, and add your own ideas to the discussion. How do you start?
A) Wait until they completely stop talking, then start a totally new topic so you don't repeat them.
B) Say: "I really like what [Name] just said, and I also think that..."
C) Smile and say "Yes, I agree with you!" and then wait for them to keep talking.
Correct Answer: B
(A good group discussion is like a game of catch—you need to catch their idea and throw it back with more information
🟩The Dinner Bill: Tipping
Scenario: You and your friends sit down at a restaurant for dinner. The food was great and the service was friendly. It costs $20.50 What is the correct way to leave a tip?
A) Round up to $21.00. The extra 50 cents is the tip for the server.
B) Hand the server the exact $20.00, smile and say "Thank you so much!" and leave.
C) Add an extra $3.50 to $4.00 (15% to 20%) to the total and leave it on the table.
Correct Answer: C
(Tip at sit-down restaurants in the US. Leaving zero tip or just a little tells the server you hated the service.)
💗 Name 3 safe questions you can ask any American speaker or host at the end of a presentation to show you were listening.
"What is the most interesting part of your job?", "What advice do you have for students our age?", "How long have you worked here?", "What was your major in university?"
🟨Lucky!
You won a ticket for a free giant pizza dinner with your friends!
Swap your team's token with another team's on the board!