Time is, for the average American, of utmost importance. To the【B1】___visitor, Americans seem to be more concerned with getting things【B2】on time (according to a predetermined schedule) than they are with developing deep【B3】relations. Schedules, for the American, are meant to be planned and then followed in the smallest【B4】___.

It may seem to you that most Americans are completely【B5】___by the little machines they wear on their wrists, cutting their discussions off【B6】___to make it to their next appointment on time.

Americans’ language is filled with【B7】______ to time, giving a clear【B8】______of how much it is valued. Time is something to be “on,” to be “kept,” “filled,” “saved,” “wasted,” “gained,” “planned,” “given,” “made the most of,” even “killed. “

The international visitor soon learns that【B9】______.

Time is so valued in America because by considering time to be important one can clearly achieve more than if one “wastes” time and doesn’t keep busy. This philosophy has proven its worth.【B10】___. Many American proverbs (谚语) stress the value of guarding time, using it wisely and setting and working toward specific goals.【B11】___.

【B6】