大学体验英语英语视听说教程3 第二单元

1、UNIT 2Nature or Nurture?QuetuIts not that Im so smart; its just that I stay with problems longer.QuetuAlbert Einstein What do you know about Albert Einstein? Where is he from? What did he achieve? Stories in his childhood his marriage his manner .Nature or Nurture? Elbert Einstein is probably the mo

2、st influntial scientist and greatest physicist of the 20th century. He revolutionized our ideas about time and space, and he is best known for his theory of relativity and his equation E=MC2, which explians the relationship between energy and mass. By age 30 he was considered by many to be one of th

3、e worlds greatest scientific thinkers.Background InformationUnit OverviewLesson 1Lesson 2Supplementary ReadingHome listening What led to Einsteins success? This has been discussed for a long time. In thi s unit, two contrasting views on this issue will be presented. Students will get to know Nature

4、vs. Nurture theories through listening, viewing and reading. Various activities will inspire students to talk about the nature-nurture argument by using the words and expressions in this unit. And finally, they will conduct a project on Einstein with their peers.Unit OverviewBackground Information H

5、ow to Define Nature vs. Nurture Theories There are three distinctive schools of thought.1. Personality is Natural: This group believes that your personality is the result of evolutionary process. You inherit behaviors due to a complex interaction of genes. That controls your behaviors, so you dont h

6、ave the ability to act otherwise.2. Personality is Nurtured: This group argues that your personality is not inherited. Your mind is a blank slate( 白板） at birth. It is your environment, education and culture that influence your behavior. You have “free will” to change your behavior.3. Personality is

7、Spiritual: This group claims that your personality is result of neither nature nor nurture. It is a gift of a deity（神性）. They are split on the issue of “free will”. Nature vs. Nurture Theories and Evolutionary Psychology Darwins theory of evolution led William Hamilton, George Williams and many othe

8、rs to the idea of personality evolution. They propose that, like physical organs, your personality is the result of natural selection for survival of the fittest. You do as your genes dictate. They suggest that fear of death, fear of injury, fear of snakes, shyness, addiction, criminality and sexual

9、 orientation are examples of heritable behaviors. Steven Pinker (2004) includes religiousness, liberalism（开明） and conservativeness on the list. William Paley considers cognitive capabilities（认知能力）, temperaments（气质） and cheating behaviors heritable.Background InformationBackground Information However

10、, there is strong criticism on this idea:1. There is no single universal behavior which can be proved evolutionary. Even fear of death, which seems natural to all, has been overridden in crusades, suicides and suicide bombings.2. You are made of 25,000 to 30,000 genes; that is merely twice the numbe

11、r of a fruit fly. Chimpanzees share 95% of your genetic characteristics. However, they dont share even 10% of your behavior.3. People dont differ in behavior as they differ in skin pigments（肤色）. Extroverts, introverts, optimists, pessimists, criminals, liberals, etc. are found in all societies and c

12、ultures. Even identical twins (with 100% similar genes) and fraterna（兄弟般的）l twins (with 50% similar genes) behave differently in most of the cases.Background Information Nature vs. Nurture Theories and PhysicsDiscoveries in physics have always provided new meat to nature vs. nurture theories. The co

13、nclusions of Newton and Einstein helped people believe that future events can be predicted through knowledge of matterand natural laws. This led psychologists to suggest that your future behaviors can be predetermined. The whole mechanism of psychometrics（心理测验学） follows this hypothesis. However, qua

14、ntum physics has changed the situation altogether. Evidence proves that you cant make two (almost) simultaneous（同时的） measurements of observables correctly. For example:1. Position and momentum（动量） of a particle（粒子）2. Position and direction of a particle3. Time and frequency of a sound wave4. Wavelen

15、gth and magnitude（量级） of a sound waveNature vs. Nurture Theories and PhysicsQuantum physics（量子物理学） has shaken determinism so much so that scientists had to devise the “Heisenberg uncertainty principle” which challenges the notion that any physical event can be predicted precisely in time and space.

16、Do you think that particles are too small to affect big events? Reconsider that thought. What would have happened if Hitler had died in his young age of cancer, which can occur with a slight genetic mutation（基因突变）?Background InformationLead-inAudio studioVideo studioSpeaking workshopProject bulletin

17、 Task 1Task 2Task 3Task 1 Describing the PictureDescribe the pictures first and then discuss the question “What leads to Einsteins success?”.What is the person in the left picture doing?Do you agree to the statement “For Albert Einstein, the road to the stars was paved with questions” in the right p

18、icture?If you had a chance to ask Einstein about the key to his success, what do you think Einsteins answer would be?Task 2 Reflecting on the Reading 1. What is the binary argument on what leads to genius?Answer: Geniuses are those who have the intelligence, enthusiasm and endurance to acquire the n

19、eeded expertise in a broadly valued domain of achievement and who then make contributions to that field that are considered by peers to be original.Answer: Is it nature or is it nurture?2. According to the passage, whats the definition of genius?3. How did people deal with Einsteins brain after his

20、death?Answer: Thomas Harvey at Princeton Hospital removed Einsteins brain and decided to keep it for study.4. According to the passage, whats Professor Simontons opinion on the genius debate?Answer: The traits contributing to genius success are only partly inherited. They are also shaped by environm

21、ent.5. According to the passage, whats Gladwells opinion?Answer: He believes that kids need a chance to show how hard they can work; society should provide opportunities for all.Task 3 Expanding Your Vocabulary A. very importantB. power believed to control eventsC. to make (sth) manageableD. without

22、 any plan, aim, or patternE. to put (money) to a particular useF. to fill the mind of sb continually1.obsess（缠绕）（缠绕）2. random3. crucial4. invest5. tame6. destiny（命（命运）运）Audio StudioTask 1Task 2Audio Task 1 Identifying the Gist（主旨，要点）（主旨，要点） 1. Whats the topic of this audio clip?A) A brief introducti

23、on to Nurture vs. Nature theories.B) An investigation into childrens intelligence.C) President Obamas new education policy.2. What can be inferred from the recent data?A) Nature is as important as nurture.B) Nature is more important than nurture.C) Nurture is more important than nature.Audio Task 2

24、Checking the Facts 1. _, there has always been one _question: Is intelligence a function of nature? Is it simply encoded in a childs genes?2. If we take two identical twins,_3. If we put identical twins in different environments, we would find differences in their intelligence several years later, w

25、hich indicates that_.4. _ clearly helps give children from poverty-stricken areas the chance at a stronger start in school and in life.5. We will _ and begin investing greater sums at the early childhood level.Listen to the audio clip again and fill in the blanks according to what you have heard. Re

26、peat the sentences after you have completed them.When it comes to intelligence,fundamentalchances are that they will beenvironment does play a crucial role inInvesting in quality pre-school opportunitiestake a hard look at this compelling data as intelligent as each other When it comes to intelligen

27、ce, there has always been one fundamental question: Is intelligence a function of nature? Is it simply encoded in a childs genes? Or is it a function of nurture? Is it more about the environment that a child grows up in? On the one hand, if we take two people at random from the crowd, it is very lik

28、ely that their degrees of intelligence will be completely different. However, if we take two identical twins, chances are that they will be as intelligent as each other. Therefore, a conclusion can be drawn that intelligence is to some extent something we are born with. On the other hand, though, if

29、 we put identical twins in different environments, we would find differences in their intelligence several years later, which indicates that environment does play a crucial role in peoples intelligence. ScriptScript Recently, data has clearly indicated that nurture is indeed more than 50% of the equ

30、ation. That is good news for educators, but even better news for society as a whole. Fortunately, President Obama has come out in strong support of early childhood education, particularly for those children most at risk of school failure. Investing in quality pre-school opportunities clearly helps g

31、ive children from poverty-stricken areas the chance at a stronger start in school and in life. If we are serious about helping our children succeed in school, if we are truly interested in “Leaving No Child Behind,” we will take a hard look at this compelling data and begin investing greater sums at

32、 the early childhood level.Video StudioTask 1Task 2Task 3Video Task 1 Matching &Predicting1.Dr. Jim Al-Khalili _ the works of his hero Einstein.2. Mark Lythgoe _ secrets of creativity inside the human mind.3. Dr. Mark Lythgoe believes scientists can _ what made Einstein a genius.4. Now, Ive trained

33、to develop the stamina in my muscle, hopefully then I can _ to this hole for a period of time.5. It is now understood that more and more parts of the brain _ a muscle.is obsessed byhunts forfind outhold onbehave likeVideo Task 2 Bridging the GapWatch this part of the video again and fill in the blan

34、ks. NameProfessionOpinionHobbyNot referred toEinsteins genius came from his_and_Jim Al-Khaliliimaginationn o ma n o r n o machine canmeasure that.physicistMark Lythgoebrain specialistEinsteins genius came from _He is a keen climber and finds parallels between_ _hishobby andhis profession.nervecells,

35、 whichcan be analyzed.Video Task 3 Checking Your ComprehensionWatch this part of the video clip and answer the following questions.1.Einsteins life changed when he was given a compass.Correction: Einsteins life changed when he was given a book on geometry(几何学）几何学）.2. Mark and Jim went to Germany to

36、look for Einsteins brain.Correction: Mark and Jim went to America to examine Einsteins brain.3. The first scenario is the idea that the brain is like a skeleton.Correction: The first scenario is the idea that the brain is like a muscle.4. In Einsteins day, people believed the brain was like a skelet

37、on without any limits.Correction: In Einsteins day, people believed the brain was like a skeleton with natural limits.5. It is now understood that more and more parts of the brain can grow on its own.Correction: It is now understood that more and more parts of the brain can expand with use.Video Tas

38、k 3 Checking Your ComprehensionWatch this part of the video clip and answer the following questions. Einsteins destiny as a great physicist was not obvious. As a child, his passion was music, not physics. “I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. If I were not a physicist, I would proba

39、bly be a musician.” But Einsteins life changed when he was given a book on geometry. The universe could betamed through numbers. His lifes work would be to control the music of the universe. During his life, Einstein changed our concept of space and time forever. He harnessed energy, mass and the sp

40、eed of light in the most famous equation all time E equals MC squared.What made Einsteins brain so exceptional? Dr. Jim Al-Khalili, like Einstein, is a physicist and is obsessed by the work of his hero. Brain specialist Mark Lythgoe hunts for secrets of creativity inside the human mind. “My name is

41、Dr. Jim Al-Khalili I believe Einsteins genius came from his imagination, and noman or no machine can measure that. Am I right?” . “My name is Dr. Mark Lythgoe and I believe that Einsteins genius comes from nerve cells,which can be analyzed. We can find out what made Einstein a genius. Am I right?”So

42、 which view is correct? To solve the riddle of Einsteins genius, Mark and Jim would have tojourney to America to hunt down and examine Einsteins disembodied brain. Nature or nurture? Biology or training? Are geniuses born or are they made? Neurophysiologist Dr. Mark Lythgoe is a keen climber and fin

43、ds parallels between his hobby and his profession.“Now, there are two scenarios for how the brain works. The first scenario is the brain is like amuscle. Now Ive trained to develop the stamina in my muscle, hopefully then I can hold on to this hole for a period of time. The second is that the brain

44、is like a skeleton and it doesnt matter how much Ive trained, Im never, ever going to be able to reach that hole right up there. “Now, in Einsteins day they believed that the brain was like a skeleton that had natural limits, but that view is changing today. Instead, it is now understood that more a

45、nd more parts of the brain behave like a muscle. They can expand with use. Then, if all of our brains are like muscles, could it be that we all have the ability to become Einstein?”Speaking Workshop1 when it comes to2 grow up3 at random4 chances are that .5 to some extent6 be born with7 play a cruci

46、al role in8 nature versus nurtureTask 1Task 2 9 in strong support of10 at risk of11 invest in12 be obsessed by13 hunt for14 hunt down15 hold on to16 behave likeSpeaking Task 1 SummarizingTips: When it comes to intelligence, there . Some hold that intelligence is . Others believe that environment . W

47、hat made Einsteins brain so exceptional? Now, there are two scenarios about . The first scenario is . The second is that . In Einsteins day they believed that . but that view is changing today. Instead, it is now understood that .Speaking Task 1 SummarizingTips: When it comes to intelligence, there

48、. Some hold that intelligence is . Others believe that environment . What made Einsteins brain so exceptional? Now, there are two scenarios about . The first scenario is . The second is that . In Einsteins day they believed that . but that view is changing today. Instead, it is now understood that .

49、Speaking Task 1 SummarizingSummary:When it comes to intelligence, there has always been one fundamental question: Is it a function of nature, or is it a function of nurture? Some hold that intelligence is to some extent something we are born with. Others believe that environment plays a crucial role

50、 in peoplesintelligence. What made Einsteins brain so exceptional? There are two scenarios about how the brain works. The first scenario is that the brain is like muscle. The second is that the brain is like a skeleton. In Einsteins day they believed that the brain was like a skeleton with natural l

51、imits, but that view is changing today. Instead, it is now understood that more and more parts of the brain behave like a muscle; they can expand with use.Situation1 Work in groups. Suppose your group members were scientists. You have invented a machine that can act and think like Einstein. You were

52、 supposed to list some functions of your invention.2 You have 15 minutes to discuss within your own group, and then you may move about and find out what other groups have listed.3 Two groups will be selected to report their results. The rest of the class will vote for the one they feel happy to supp

53、ort.Speaking Task 2 Solving the ProblemWork with your peers on the situation below and try to come up with a solution to the problem described. You are expected to share your ideas and justify yourself in this process. Use as many phrases from the “Expressions & Structures to Use” box as possible.Sp

54、eaking Task 2 Solving the ProblemAlternative SituationAbout Einstein:Work in groups. Each one in the group should write at least three questions about Einstein.1. What do you know about Einstein?2. Would you like to meet Einstein and why?3. What would you like to know about Einstein and why?4. What

55、have you learned from this text about Einstein?5. What questions would you like to ask Einstein?6. What would be his answers to those questions?Speaking Task 2 Solving the ProblemAlternative SituationEinstein Survey:After discussing, each pair or group should write at least five questions about Eins

56、tein in thetable.Interview the students in other groups and write down their answers.STUDENT 1STUDENT 2STUDENT 3Q.1Q.2Q.3Q.4Q.5Work on the following real-life project with your group members and present your report in the next class.Real-Life ProjectProject BulletinAlternative ProjectProject Bulleti

57、nLead-inAudio StudioVideo StudioSpeaking WorkshopTeamwork ShowTask 1Task 2Task 1 BrainstormingWork in pairs and discuss the following questions.1. Do you believe Jim and Mark can find the answers on their journey to America?2. Who will win in the end? Jim or Mark?Task 2 Expanding Your Vocabulary1. b

58、eam A. to keep or maintain (sth) in an perfect condition2. perform B. to reproduce (certain conditions) by means of a model, etc. for study or training purposes3. Preserve C. to do sth such as a piece of work, task or duty4. setback D. ray or stream of light5. simulate（模仿） E. sth that delays or prev

59、ents successful progress6. convince F. to make sb feel certainRead through the words in the left-hand column, and match each of them with the appropriate meaning in the right-hand column. Audio StudioTask 1Task 2Audio Task 1 Identifying the Gist 1. Whats the main idea of this audio clip?A) Einsteins

60、 way to success.B) A brief introduction to Einstein.C) An analysis of Einsteins character.2. What do we know about Albert Einstein from the passage?A) The word “Einstein” could be considered a synonym for the word “genius”.B) He was interested in science and liked its system of learning.C) He gradua