People migrate for two reasons. Firstly, they may wish to get away from
things they do not like. These are called push factors and
include political fears, natural disasters and poor living conditions.
Secondly, people are attracted to things that they do like. These are
called pull factors and include hopes for better housing and
education, chances of a job and good medical care. The United States has
been a usual destination for immigrants from all over the world. It is
a wealthy place with many opportunities, high standards of living, and
an attractive way of life. All these things put together are sometimes
called the American Dream a vision of freedom, opportunity
and good living which is available for all. For people living in poor
conditions in Mexico migration to the United States has been an obvious
choice and since 1940 many Mexicans have migrated northwards.
Most Mexicans settle in California or Texas. Some cross the border legally
but perhaps as many as two million a year cross it without permission.
Many Mexicans now live permanently in the USA but some stay there only
on a temporary basis. They take seasonal jobs and when the work is finished
they return to Mexico. Others cross the border every day to work and then
return home at night. Most do unskilled and low paid work but even in
those occupations they can earn more in a month than they could in a full
year in Mexico. But not all American citizens are happy with Mexican migration.
Especially if they are unemployed, like Brad Bradley. This is what he
thinks: Im sick of these Mexicans coming into our country.
They take our jobs, live in our houses and try to change our cities to
suit their way of life. I dont have a job and I really dont
think it is fair that a foreigner should get work before me. But
Eddie Ingle, a restaurant owner, thinks otherwise. For him, Mexicans are
great: I cant afford to pay high salaries but the Mexicans
seem to be happy on low pay so thats good for my
business. I think we should encourage Mexicans to live in America because
they do work that
we dont like and they are good for our economy.
PART ONE: READING COMPREHENSION
1. Answer the following questions according to the information in
the text.
1. What three things does the United States seem to offer to immigrants?
2. What kind of jobs do Mexican immigrants do in the USA?
3. Why is Eddie Ingle in favour of Mexican immigrants?
4. Which of the following paragraphs (a, b or c) summarises the text
best?
a) Many Mexicans migrate to the USA because of the poor living conditions
in their country. Some Americans do not like the fact that Mexicans may
be taking jobs away from USA citizens. Others are happy to employ Mexicans
because they do not ask for high salaries.
b) Immigrants are sometimes pushed out of their countries by their governments
Those who migrate to the South often face political problems and natural
disasters while those who, like the Mexicans, migrate to the North get
very high
standards of living.
c) Mexicans who live in California or Texas are not given permission to
work in well-paid jobs in the USA. That is why they have to migrate northwards
and try to find illegal jobs. Many are employed by restaurant owners, who like
them a lot, while others are hated by American farmers.
PART TWO: WRITING
Choose ONE. Write about either 1 or 2.
Option A: Write a letter to Brad Bradley trying to change his
views on Mexican migration. Do not use your real name.
Option B: Eddie Ingle wants to open a new restaurant. He discusses
his project with his wife, Jennifer, and tells her it would be a good
idea to hire Mexican workers. Write that conversation.
3. Vocabulary
Explain next words in English, write the phonetics and also an example:
to wish, fear, wealthy, unskilled, to suit, owner.
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