Unit 2 The Power of Words新编大学英语第二版第四册教案.doc

Unit 2 The Power of WordsUseful InformationAt any level of society, people who are good with words often have power or influence. The capacity to communicate is a valuable asset in any situation, whether you want to convince, console or encourage others. To be able to use the right words at the right time is both a skill and a gift. We often assume that to be a good communicator you have to be well educated when in fact people from all walks of life can communicate effectively. The most important aspect of the art of communicating is to know or understand ones audience. Without this sensitivity, it is impossible to choose words that will have the desired impact on the person or people with whom we are speaking. One of the advantages of education is that it often enables one to change levels or registers of language more easily. When speaking to a person in a position of authority, we normally speak differently than we would if we were speaking to a close friend. Education increases our vocabulary and our capacity to switch from one type of language to another. In other words, we can choose to speak in plain and simple language or with complex and sophisticated sentences. Changing registers does not mean, of course, that the content of what we say becomes more or less profound. Just because a person speaks in simple terms (or even incorrectly) does not mean that they are not saying something important and profound. After all, one of the most famous sentences in the English language is extremely simple grammatically but complex from a philosophical point of view: “To be or not to be, that is the question.”In our personal lives, other peoples words can change our mood or even our attitudes. Words are an essential link between friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances. Using kind and thoughtful words to maintain and to improve our relationships is one way to contribute to the well-being of others. In todays fast-paced world, it is often easy to become so involved with ones daily existence that one forgets to keep in touch with friends, to give words of encouragement to the people around us and to show that we care about them. The written word is even more powerful than the spoken word because it can be kept and treasured as a permanent reminder of a positive gesture on the part of someone we knew or still know. With the advent of e-mail, letter-writing has perhaps made a comeback. Providing one has access to a computer and a modem, keeping in touch with distant friends and colleagues has been made much easier.Part One PREPARATION1. The Sentences That Affected YouSamples:1) When I left home for college, my mother said to me with tears in her eyes: Take good care of yourself.I love you.I admire you.You are so beautiful.2) You are stupid.I dont love you any more.You disappointed me.3) Go on.Im sure youll succeed.Wherever you go, Ill be right there supporting you.2. What Has Happened?Sample:Pat and Tom work in the same office and are good friends too. One day they were having dinner in a restaurant. They were talking about their colleague, Mary. Both of them thought that Mary was a disagreeable person, and not easy to get along with. They even mentioned that once Mary suspected her colleague had stolen her purse, but in fact she had left it in the bus. When they were talking, they didnt realize that Mary happened to be there, too.Then, Mary stomped angrily out of the restaurant. At that moment, Pat realized that Mary had listened to their conversation and heard what they had been saying about her. Pat was very embarrassed. She put her hand to her mouth, wishing that they hadnt said anything about her.3. Dialects and Mandarin(Putonghua)1) (open)2) (open)3) Sample answers:The great majority of Chinese people should be able to speak Mandarin because dialects can be understood only by small groups of people. When we go to a different city, we have to speak Mandarin if we dont know the local dialect. Otherwise, people wont understand us and therell be a lot of trouble and inconvenience. Not only is Mandarin important for our work and life, it is also important for entertainment. If we dont understand Mandarin, we wont be able to enjoy TV programs, radio programs and movies, because they are usually in Mandarin.To me, dialects are important in many ways. People speaking the same dialect feel close to each other. Usually they are from the same region and have more in common. When you talk about a particular event or custom in your home town, very often youll find it hard to express yourself in Mandarin. At that time, youll find your dialect has more vivid expressions than Mandarin. Besides, dialects can help you recognize fellow townsmen or fellow provincials. You can identify them by the dialect they speak or the accent they have. Sometimes when you are in difficulty, your dialect can help you find people wholl give you a hand because you speak the same dialect.Part Two READING-CENTERED ACTIVITIESIn-Class ReadingPre-ReadingSamples:1)I usually send or receive letters to or from my parents once a month. I have many friends and classmates and we also write each other letters. I am very happy when I receive their letters, and cant wait to read them. Sometimes I cant help laughing while reading because they tell me a joke or describe something interesting in the letter. After I send a letter, I will wait anxiously for a reply. I hope they enjoy my letters too, for I want to make them feel good.I dont think people of my age often write letters. Instead, we send e-mails to each other almost every day. So the happiest time in a day is when I sit down and check my emailbox after a days work. When I read emails, I feel as if I were talking with the writers face-to-face. And at the same time, I can experience many things vicariously and share with them some happy moments in their lives.2)Yes, I believe people need encouragement and praise. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. I remember very well when I was in middle school there was a speech contest in my school. I wanted to take part in it but I was afraid of making a fool of myself. Then one of my classmates said to me, “This is your chance. Just have a try. What could you lose?” Her words encouraged me so much that I entered the contest and finally won second prize.There is no doubt that people need encouragement and praise. All of us would like to feel needed and admired. If we didnt hear any words of encouragement or praise, how could we know that we were valued by people close to us? Besides, when I fail to do something successfully, Ill feel depressed. If someone can comfort or console me at this moment, and give me encouragement, theyll probably make a big difference in my life. On the other hand, if I can encourage or cheer my friend, Ill feel good about myself. So encouragement actually benefits people on both sides.In-Class ReadingWords, Phrases and Grammatical Points1. column inch (l. 6)Column inch is a newspaper term. A page may have several columns. A column has a fixed width. Newspaper space is measured as columns wide times inches tallcolumn inches. For example, ads are charged per column inch. To determine the size a classified display ad, we multiply the number of columns wide by the number of inches in depth. For example, an ad that is 2 columns wide and that is 5 inches in depth would be 10 column inches.2.“make a habit of”(l. 9)除了“make a habit of”, “habit”的其它用法有：be in the habit of doing somethingI) Im not in the habit of lying to my friends.II) Jeff was in the habit of taking a walk after dinner.get/fall in(to) /out of the habitI) Since I stopped taking lessons, Ive got out of the habit of practicing my saxophone.II) He had fallen into the habit of having a coffee every time he passed the coffee machine.break the habit of doing somethingI) A new method was developed to help break the habit of smoking.II) In that context, will he break the habit of a lifetime and answer two questions straight?3. a quick, encouraging word (l. 11)Here “word” means “a short statement, especially one that gives advice, information, or a warning”.I) A word to fathers: dont frighten away your daughters friends.II) A good word of advice to students: dont speak before you think.4. the paper was flooded with calls and letters (l. 20)The expression “flood somebody/something with” means “deliver in great quantities for somebody/at something”.I) The office was flooded with complaints.II) He was flooded with joy when his first child was born.5. have been known to turn around a day. (l. 18-19)More examples using the structure “have been + past participle + to do”:I) He has been known to be very generous with his time.II) Dr. Smith has been asked several times to perform that operation.6. attach to (l. 24-25)I) It is unwise to attach too much importance to the information.II) She attached a stamp to the envelope and mailed it.III) This institute is attached to the University of Toronto.7. owe to(l. 28)I) I owe my success to him.II) She owed her good health to her regular life.III) I owe it to the doctor that I am still alive.8. ever-ready (l. 28)“ever-” is a prefix meaning “always or continuously”. It is often used with many adjectives and “ing” verb forms.I) The visit left an everlasting impression on me.II) The leaves of evergreens/evergreen trees are often shaped like needles.III) Perhaps the dread of cancer is ever-present.IV) The government was embarrassed by its ever-growing debt.V) The ever-changing colors of the sea have inspired many artists. Post-ReadingReading Comprehension 1. Recognizing the Organization of the TextThe significance of Don Wolfes notes.By writing encouraging words Don Wolfe made people, including the author, feel good about themselves.Don Wolfes uplifting notes made the author confident and many others feel good.3) Some very busy people write notes and benefit from this practice, for example, George Bush and some top corporate managers like Donald Peterson.5) Conclusion: An uplifting note makes both the receiver and the sender feel good.2.1) F 2) F 3) T 4) F 5) T 6) F 7) T 8) F 9) T 10) T11) F 12) T 13) F 14) T3.Writing NotesSamples:Situation 1: Its not the end of the world. Im sure youll get good results in the final. I once failed two courses.Situation 2: Im sorry to hear that your grandmother died. I am sure she was a wonderful person.Situation 3: Happy Birthday! You are the sweetest person in the world. I miss your company.Situation 4: You are always the best in my eye. Time can cure everything. Be brave!Situation 5: Congratulations! What a good beginning. I wish you success.Vocabulary1. Creating Compound WordsSTEP ONE:Column AColumn BThe compound words createdthroughdaythroughoutupmanupbeat, upliftdraweareddrawbackteenreadyteenagehandconscioushandout, handwrittenbirthbackbirthday, birthstonechairdistancechairmanragbeatrag-earedeverliftever-readyoverageoverdue, overagelongduelong-distance, long-earedselfstoneself-consciousmileoutmileage, milestonetypewishingtypewriter, typewrittenwellwriter/writtenwell-wishing, well-writtenSTEP TWO:1) long-distance 2) upbeat 3) ever-ready 4) overdue 5) typewriter6) milestone 7) handwritten 8) uplifted 9) self-conscious 10) rag-eared11) birthday 12) throughout 13) drawbacks 14) chairman 15) teenage2.1) A. erestB. intrigue n.the act or practice of secretly planning to harm someone or make them lose their position of power2) A. straining v.try very hard to do something using all your physical or mental strengthB. strain n.a force that stretches, pulls or puts pressure on something3) A. savorn.taste; flavorB. savoredv.enjoy the taste or flavor of; enjoy as much as you can4) A. treasurev.treat something as being very special, important, or valuableB. treasure n.a store of gold, silver, jewels, etc.5) A. creditedv.consider as having achieved something or being the reason for itB. creditn.trust; faith6) A. boost n.an encouraging act of cheering somebody upB. boostv.make someone feel more confident and less worried7) A. noten.a short, usually informal, letterB. noted v.notice or pay careful attention to something8) A. signed v.write your signature on a letter or document to show that you wrote it, agreed with itB. signn.gesture used to express ones meaning, idea, etc.9) A. e to a certain amountB. totaln.the whole amount10) A. stuffedv.fill something with a substanceB. stuff n.substance or material11) A. count n.the number that is reached when something is being countedB. count v.be important12) A. lastv.manage to remain in the same situationB. last n.the remaining part of something13) A. complimentedv.express praise or admiration of somebodyB. compliment n.an expression of praise, admiration, approval, etc.14) A. flood n.a large number or amountB. floodingv.arrive in large numbers15) A. munication with a person, organization, country, etc.B. contactv.reach (someone) by message, telephone, etc.3. 1) thrives 2) strategy 3) annual 4) deserve 5) spontaneous6) sincere 7) investments 8) enterprise 9) follow up 10) characterized11) lingered 12) acknowledged4. column: 1) D 2) A 3) B 4) Ctough: 1) D 2) B 3) E 4) F 5) C 6) A5.1) A. complementary B. complimentary C. complimentary complimentary:1) expressing admiration, praise, etc.2) given free of chargecomplementary:making something complete or perfect; supplying what is lacking or needed for completion2) A. stationery B. stationary C. stationarystationary:not moving, or not changingstationery:writing materials ( paper, envelopes, etc.)3) A. typist B. typewriter C. typisttypewriter:a machine with a keyboard that you use for typing words directly onto a sheet of papertypist:a person who types, especially one employed to do so 4) A. vulgar B. vague C. vaguevague:1)not clearly expressed, known, described or decided 2)not clear in shape; not clearly seenvulgar:not having or showing good taste or good manners; not educated5) A. pad B. pat C. padpad:1) several sheets of paper fastened together, used for writing, drawing, etc.2) a piece of soft thick cloth or rubber which is used to protect a part of the body, give shape to something or clean something6) A. own B. owed C. owes D. ownedowe:1) have to pay, for something already done or given2) feel gratefulown:1)a.belonging to oneself and to no one else2)v.possess (something), especially by lawful right6.1) searched 2) clever 3) solution 4) wasted 5) tolerate 6) hidden 7) dumb 8) subject 9) noise 10) extra 11) purchased 12) replaced 13) appreciation 14) hurried 15) warrant 16) strangePart Three FURTHER DEVELOPMENT1. Enriching Your Word Power 1) C 2) A 3) C 4) B 5) B 6) A 7) C 8) A 9) A 10) A 2. Writing versus CallingSamples:Letter writingCallingAdvantagesDisadvantagesAdvantagesDisadvantages1) It saves money.1) It takes much time to send a letter to the receiver.1) It is quick to place a phone call and contact each other.1) It is expensive.2) Letters can be kept and read again and again.2) Mail may get lost.2) It enables us to hear each others voice.2) Calls usually cannot be kept or listened to again.3) Letters can express our deep feelings.3) It takes more time to write.3) We can get our friends response quickly.3) It is difficult to express deep feelings over the phone.4) Its a pleasure towrite.4)Sometimes the sound is not clear.3. How Powerful Are Your Words? Samples Situation 1 Jack: Good afternoon, Miss Brown. Miss Brown: Hello, Jack. How are you, Jack? You dont look well. Jack: I am worried about my English. I failed the final exam. I got 57. I feel terrible. Could you please give me a pass? I promise I will work harder from now on. Miss Brown: I am sorry, Jack. I cant do that. If I did that, it would be unfair to other students. Jack: But I have been working very hard. I was nervous and careless when I took the exam. Miss Brown: If I gave you a pass, then anyone who failed would come to me and want the same thing. What should I say to them? Should I let them all pass? I cant do that. I hope you can work harder and take the make-up examination. Jack: Yes, Miss Brown. Thank you. Good-bye! Miss Brown: Good-bye!Situation 2John: Hi, Mary!Mary: Hi, John. John: I bought two tickets for the concert tonight. Would you like to go with me? Mary: Tonight? Im afraid I cant. Have you forgotten that we have a math test tomorrow? John: Dont worry about the test. Im sure we can pass. Mary: No, I am new here, and I have to work harder than you. John: Are you sure you dont want to go with me? Its a really good concert. Mary: Im terribly sorry. John: OK, how about the weekend? We can do something else.Mary: OK, we can decide later.Situation 3 Robert: Hi, Cathy! Cathy: Hi, Robert! Robert: Could you please do me a really big favor? I want to take Sarah to see my grandparents. But unfortunately my motorcycle broke. Could you please lend me you