the diary of the unknown soldier read aloud audiovisual supplements section one: pre-reading...

The Diary of the Unknown Soldier

Read aloud Audiovisual supplements

Section One:Pre-reading Activities

Section Two: Global Reading

Section Four: Consolidation Activities

Section Five: Further Enhancement

I. Read aloud

Read the following poem aloud, making a pause between sense groups.

Section Three:Detailed Reading

You Never Know Until You Try You never know until you try,and you never try unless you really try.You give it your best shot,You do the best you can,and you’ve done everything in your power and still "fail" —The truth of the matter isthat you haven’t failed at all.When you reach for your dreams,


Read aloud Audiovisual supplements





No matter what they may be,You grow from the reaching,You learn from the trying,You win from the doing.


Read aloud

Audiovisual supplements


II. Audiovisual supplements

Questions:

1. Why does the German Captain ask the prisoners to leave?2. What do you think war may bring us?

Film episode: Raid on Rommel

Answers for reference:

1. Because Tobruk has been conquered by German and it is safe. 2. Open answer.



The Diary of the Unknown Soldier Section Four: Consolidation Activities


Read aloud



Major, I have orders. You and your men are to leave at 12 for Tobruk.Tobruk? Why? That is crazy.Those are my orders.That’s an active war zone! As prisoners of war we are supposed to be sent to a safe area.Tobruk is now ours, Major. I assure you it is very safe.The Geneva Convention has explicit rules on ...We also have those rules. Your side was notified yesterday about the movement of prisoners.Hail Hitler!You will do that too. So prepare. We leave immediately.

German Captain:

Major: German Captain: Major:

German Captain:

Prisoner:German Captain:

Prisoner: German Captain:





Read aloud






And what if we refuse to go?We will leave you here. Then you will see there are worse things than dysentery. Merrihew! Sir? Pack it.Yes, sir.

Major: German Captain:

Major: Merrihew: Major:Merrihew:


Read aloud







■

Text analysis Structural analysis



Cultural backgroundThis story is dedicated to all of the unknown soldiers who

died while trying to protect the lives of the innocent.

I. Text analysis




Text analysis

Structural analysis


Cultural background

II. Structural analysis

—

—




The second entry the grim situation the author had during war time and his affection for his family and his rage for “selfish and ignorant” killing and destruction

The first entry the battlefield that the author and his fellow soldiers expected, the description of the enemy’s air raid and the feeling as a lucky survivor

— The third entry the author shifted his focus from the approaching death on the battlefield to his envisioned peace at home


men were still in the east to enforce the treaty and to occupy the Ukraine. These forces were badly needed on the Western Front, and the disruption of agriculture due to war and civil war meant that they were able to extract precious little in the way of additional foodstuffs from the former Russian Empire to overcome the shortages at home.

Text analysis

Structural analysis



Cultural background

III. Cultural backgroundAt first it seemed that Germany had won a sig

nificant victory. Russia was out of the war and the High Command had realised its annexationist ambitions in the east. But the treaty also caused a number of serious problems.

The lengthy deliberations seriously disrupted planning for the German spring offensive that was to begin on 21 March 1918. Over one million




Most serious of all, although very few of the German and allied troops were attracted to Communism, the Bolshevik appeal for an end to the war met with a powerful resonance and was the direct cause of a wave of strikes beginning in Vienna in January 1918 and spreading to Germany. Despite these problems, and although a number of senior commanders were exceedingly sceptical about the chances of success, German expectations were high that the 'Michael' offensive across the old Somme battlefields in March would end the war, with Germany victorious. The German Army made astonishing advances in the first few days of the offensive, advancing up to 60 kilometres (38 miles) and destroying the British Fifth Army. But the campaign soon became bogged down and degenerated into a series of limited attacks with no clear operational goal.

Text analysis

Structural analysis



Cultural background




The French counter-attacked in July, the British in August, and it was now clear that the Central Powers could not possibly win the war. Germany had lost the initiative, Austria-Hungary was on the verge of collapse and there was a chronic shortage of manpower.

Text analysis

Structural analysis



Cultural background




This story is dedicated to all of the unknown soldiers who died while trying to protect the lives of the innocent.







NOVEMBER 24, 1943It has been almost six months since I last saw American soil,

my family, or my home. My heart aches every moment because everywhere I look I see piles of rubble where houses used to stand and lifeless bodies that once moved around with the joy of life inside them. It is as if I have stared into death’s eyes and seen its hatred, its coldness. If it would have been some strangers’ corpses that I had seen I might have taken it lighter. But these lifeless heaps are, or used to be, my friends and colleagues. They all came here with an air of confidence and eagerness, ready to win. What fools







they were! Couldn’t those men see that what they received was a one-way ticket to death, couldn’t they have opened their eyes! Of course, I was like them, but I have changed my views since the last D-day, when our regiment was assigned to protect London.

Today was rainy and cold, just like any other, when, out of the blue, German fighter planes bombarded our small, makeshift camp. All I could hear were the sounds of bombs exploding, crippling those people in their way. I was suddenly knocked into a trench and able to be undetected by the planes circling overhead. I was lucky.







When I came to, the Axis planes had gone and the few survivors that were left began scooping up bodies. I suffered minor head injuries, but the rest of my platoon wasn’t so fortunate. All I can say to describe the aftermath of the explosions is that it was a sea of blood. Right about this time thoughts of suicide entered my head, but I decided that I must go on. I must go on living this nightmare, if not for myself or my country, then for my family back home. I want my children to have a father. My family has been sending me mail, but I have received only a few letters so far. Oh, how I wish I could see my darling daughters! They are experiencing tough times too, with the food shortage problems and all. I hope the garden that they planted is growing. My thoughts drift to my wife now. She is so dear to me that I can’t stop thinking about her.







My job now is plane spotting. It is a civilian’s task, but there are no more civilians left to do it. I must end this entry now because I am too tired to go on writing. All I ask is that I be alive when this ends. Although I’m not so sure I’ll get my wish.

NOVEMBER 29, 1943

I do not remember why I ever came here. Why does war have to be the way problems are solved? War just creates more problems; something every sensible person knows. I guess that means people like Hitler aren’t sensible. Now my K–rations are running low. My joints are frozen stiff and my ammunition has been used up. Word has it that the Axis powers are sending troops to our location within the month. My situation is grim and the odds of winning, or even surviving, seem unlikely. More blood has been shed and my body simply cannot take it. When I eat, sleep, and fight I have to stare


at cold, lifeless soldiers that look like they were never alive. If I return home I vow to keep these soldiers’ memories alive by telling their families they died bravely in an effort to save their country from turmoil. While that might not provide much to help them cope with their loss, it will make the children feel like their fathers made a difference.






A few days ago my ragtag group of soldiers journeyed to a small European town that had been untouched by warfare. Still, the townspeople took all of the proper wartime precautions. One night, as I performed my routine watch, I passed a young girl of no more than twelve or thirteen, who was walking home. I couldn’t help thinking about my two daughters when I saw her. I fell apart inside and broke into tears, wondering yet again if I would ever see my family. I would give anything to see them, even if it was for five







minutes! I am not a man made for war, nor am I an adventurous person. I do not even remember my reason for joining in this madness! I guess I thought it was something that had to be done. A saying I once heard strikes a painful note in my head, “Even one war is too many.” The person who said it had a valid point. Never have I been so enraged at my fellowman before. Humans do err, but that is no excuse for ending innocent lives and destroying whole countries! No one has that right. How can we be so selfish and ignorant as to not care about each other! This thought makes me sicker than when I am staring at heaps of bodies strewn over the tattered soil.DECEMBER 24, 1943







I think we have a spy in our regiment because the nightmare has surfaced again. Our “secret” location is being invaded by Nazi troops as I write this down. I have hidden myself in a small trench, my last hope for surviving. I wish, with all my soul that I could be home now, in my own bed, waiting for Christmas morning to come. The children would be tucked in their beds, and my wife and I would be soundly asleep in our room. I am struggling to calm myself down, but my face is covered in dirt and sweat, and my head is pounding like mad. I am so close to death that I can actually feel its fiery breath engulfing me. To help keep me from panicking I am thinking of my daughters’ faces as they open their presents on Christmas Day. The faces are all aglow with delight. I will always remember their faces, wait — I hear footsteps coming in my direction. My rifle is useless since there are no shells in it. If this







is my last entry then please, whoever finds this, return it to my family. Oh my God! I can see from my hiding spot that a Nazi soldier is inspecting the trench. It is only a matter of time before he finds me. I have one last question before I die. Why?

Almost nine and a half years after the last diary entry was written a British infantryman found the small journal as he was clearing away wreckage at the doomed battle site. The name of the author is today a mystery and it was not mentioned in the diary. Only the initial R was found in the bottom left-hand corner of the first page. The man, who is dubbed (named) “The Unknown Soldier”, was never found although we assume he is dead at this time.

1,200 words


This story is dedicated to all of the unknown soldiers who died while trying to protect the lives of the innocent.







NOVEMBER 24, 1943It has been almost six months since I last saw American soil,

my family, or my home. My heart aches every moment because everywhere I look I see piles of rubble where houses used to stand and lifeless bodies that once moved around with the joy of life inside them. It is as if I have stared into death’s eyes and seen its hatred, its coldness. If it would have been some strangers’ corpses that I had seen I might have taken it lighter. But these lifeless heaps are, or used to be, my friends and colleagues. They all came here with an air of confidence and eagerness, ready to win. What fools


they were! Couldn’t those men see that what they received was a one-way ticket to death, couldn’t they have opened their eyes! Of course, I was like them, but I have changed my views since the last D-day, when our regiment was assigned to protect London.






Today was rainy and cold, just like any other, when, out of the blue, German fighter planes bombarded our small, makeshift camp. All I could hear were the sounds of bombs exploding, crippling those people in their way. I was suddenly knocked into a trench and able to be undetected by the planes circling overhead. I was lucky.







When I came to, the Axis planes had gone and the few survivors that were left began scooping up bodies. I suffered minor head injuries, but the rest of my platoon wasn’t so fortunate. All I can say to describe the aftermath of the explosions is that it was a sea of blood. Right about this time thoughts of suicide entered my head, but I decided that I must go on. I must go on living this nightmare, if not for myself or my country, then for my family back home. I want my children to have a father. My family has been sending me mail, but I have received only a few letters so far. Oh, how I wish I could see my darling daughters! They are experiencing tough times too, with the food shortage problems and all. I hope the garden that they planted is growing. My thoughts drift to my wife now. She is so dear to me that I can’t stop thinking about her.







My job now is plane spotting. It is a civilian’s task, but there are no more civilians left to do it. I must end this entry now because I am too tired to go on writing. All I ask is that I be alive when this ends. Although I’m not so sure I’ll get my wish.

NOVEMBER 29, 1943

I do not remember why I ever came here. Why does war have to be the way problems are solved? War just creates more problems; something every sensible person knows. I guess that means people like Hitler aren’t sensible. Now my K–rations are running low. My joints are frozen stiff and my ammunition has been used up. Word has it that the Axis powers are sending troops to our location within the month. My situation is grim and the odds of winning, or even surviving, seems unlikely. More blood has been shed and my body simply cannot take it. When I eat, sleep, and fight I have to stare


at cold, lifeless soldiers that look like they were never alive. If I return home I vow to keep these soldiers’ memories alive by telling their families they died bravely in an effort to save their country from turmoil. While that might not provide much to help them cope with their loss, it will make the children feel like their fathers made a difference.






A few days ago my ragtag group of soldiers journeyed to a small European town that had been untouched by warfare. Still, the townspeople took all of the proper wartime precautions. One night, as I performed my routine watch, I passed a young girl of no more than twelve or thirteen, who was walking home. I couldn’t help thinking about my two daughters when I saw her. I fell apart inside and broke into tears, wondering yet again if I would ever see my family. I would give anything to see them, even if it was for five







minutes! I am not a man made for war, nor am I an adventurous person. I do not even remember my reason for joining in this madness! I guess I thought it was something that had to be done. A saying I once heard strikes a painful note in my head, “Even one war is too many.” The person who said it had a valid point. Never have I been so enraged at my fellowman before. Humans do err, but that is no excuse for ending innocent lives and destroying whole countries! No one has that right. How can we be so selfish and ignorant as to not care about each other! This thought makes me sicker than when I am staring at heaps of bodies strewn over the tattered soil.DECEMBER 24, 1943







I think we have a spy in our regiment because the nightmare has surfaced again. Our “secret” location is being invaded by Nazi troops as I write this down. I have hidden myself in a small trench, my last hope for surviving. I wish, with all my soul that I could be home now, in my own bed, waiting for Christmas morning to come. The children would be tucked in their beds, and my wife and I would be soundly asleep in our room. I am struggling to calm myself down, but my face is covered in dirt and sweat, and my head is pounding like mad. I am so close to death that I can actually feel its fiery breath engulfing me. To help keep me from panicking I am thinking of my daughters’ faces as they open their presents on Christmas Day. The faces are all aglow with delight. I will always remember their faces, wait — I hear footsteps coming in my direction. My rifle is useless since there are no shells in it. If this







is my last entry then please, whoever finds this, return it to my family. Oh my God! I can see from my hiding spot that a Nazi soldier is inspecting the trench. It is only a matter of time before he finds me. I have one last question before I die. Why?

Almost nine and a half years after the last diary entry was written a British infantryman found the small journal as he was clearing away wreckage at the doomed battle site. The name of the author is today a mystery and it was not mentioned in the diary. Only the initial R was found in the bottom left-hand corner of the first page. The man, who is dubbed (named) “The Unknown Soldier”, was never found although we assume he is dead at this time.

1,200 words





D-day



Paraphrase:

It is the planners’ designation of the day on which to start a military operation. The actual date of the operation will be fixed later.

这是计划者指定的作为军事训练的一天。一般实际日期要晚些定下来。


In the clause after “ask”, subjunctive is preferred. More examples:I ask that he be given his due.He has asked that the proposal be discussed at the meeting.




All I ask is that I be alive when this ends.


我所希望的是一切结束后我还能活着。


Paraphrase:






K–rations

Paraphrase:

provisions for US soldiers during World War II

二战期间给予美兵的供应品







Word has it that ...


Paraphrase:

It is said that ...

……据说






Axis powers

Paraphrase:

They referred to the alliance of Germany, Italy and Japan in World War II that opposed the Allies ,which were Russia, France, Great Britain and later many others, including the US.







It will make the children feel like their fathers made a difference.

Paraphrase:

It will make the children feel that their father did not die for nothing.


那会让孩子们觉得他们的父亲死得值。






Humans do err.

Paraphrase:

It’s an allusion in the Bible. The original sentence is “It is human to err.”


凡人孰能无过。


I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people.

be dedicated to

e.g. Their money was dedicated to scientific research.1) to set apart for a special use

devote, dedicate, consecrate, pledge Devote implies faithfulness and loyalty.

Dedicate connotes a solemn, often formal commitment.

Consecrate suggests sacred commitment.

To pledge is to back a personal commitment by a solemn promise.

Comparison:

e.g. Nurses devote themselves to the care of the sick.

e.g. To such a task we can dedicate our lives and our fortunes.

2) to commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or actione.g. We are dedicated to starting our own business.

e.g. His entire life is consecrated to science.

e.g.







1) The monument is to the memory of soldiers killed in the defense of the country.





Practice:


Derivation:

dedication n.

Fill in the following blanks with the proper forms of dedicate, consecrate, devote and pledge.

dedicated________

2) The doctor his life to improving hospital care in his community.

dedicated________

3) They have that they will always remain faithful.pledged________

4) His entire life is to science.consecrated__________

5) He his life to helping blind people.devoted_______






piles of

e.g. piles of books


a lot of

pile up1) to accumulate2) (informal) to undergo a serious vehicular collision

Comparison:






rubble n.


a loose mass of angular fragments of rock or masonry crumbled by natural or human forces

e.g. The rubble blocked the road.







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 建筑物被轰炸成了碎片瓦砾。

2) 我们正在修建以碎石为路基的道路。

The building was reduced to rubble by bombing.

We are building a road with the foundation of rubble.






hatred n.

e.g. He declared his hatred of enemies.


intense animosity or hostility

bear sb. hatred

Comparison:







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 我对任何人都不怀恨。

2) 这种仇恨只能导致流血事件。

I bear hatred against no man.

Such hatred can only lead to bloodshed.






corpse n.

e.g. The corpse is decaying.


a dead body, especially the dead body of a human

remains, corpse remains: ancient ruins or fossilscorpse: the dead body of a human being

Comparison:







1) He is a living

Practice:

Fill in the following blanks with the proper forms of remain and corpse:

2) There are the of an old castle.remains________

corpse________.






heap n.

e.g. a heap of dirty rags lying in the corner


1) a group of things placed or thrown, one on top of the other

e.g. We have heaps of homework tonight.

2) (informal) a great deal; a lot, often used in plural form

heap, bank, mound, pile, stackThese nouns denote a group or collection of things lying one on top of the other.

Comparison:







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 那有一大堆书。

2) 我们有的是时间。

There is a big heap of books.

We are in heaps of time.

e.g. a stack of firewood

e.g. a heap of old newspapers

e.g. a bank of thunderclouds

Comparison:


e.g. a mound of boulders

e.g. a pile of boxes





with an air of

e.g. He is smiling with an air of triumph.


seeming to have/be

Idiom:

in the air: prevalent

up in the air: not yet decided; uncertaine.g. Excitement was in the air.







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 他带着事情已成定局的神情摇了摇头。

2) 他带着一种会意的神情点了点头。

He shook his head with an air of finality.

He nodded with an air of knowing.






regiment n.

e.g. The general is reviewing a regiment.


1) a military unit of ground troops consisting of at least two battalions, usually commanded by a colonel

e.g. There is a regiment of students.

2) a large group of people







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 骑兵团正在战斗。

2) 那有一大群鸭子。

A regiment of cavalry are in the war.

There are regiments of ducks over there.






out of the blue

e.g. criticism that came out of the blue


1) from an unexpected or unforeseen source

e.g. a long-unseen friend who appeared out of the blue

2) at a completely unexpected time







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into Chinese:1) 那感觉就如晴天霹雳。

2) 约翰出乎意料地来到了。

The feeling is like a bolt out of the blue.

John arrived out of the blue.






bombard v.

e.g. The Americans bombarded Dresden.


1) to attack with bombs, shells, or missiles

e.g. The office was bombarded by telephone calls.

bombardment n.

Derivation:

2) to do something too often or too much, for example criticizing or questioning someone, or giving too much information







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into Chinese:1) 他的崇拜者给他的信件像雪片一样飞来。

2) 这个城镇被敌人的炮火整整轰了一周。

His fans bombard him with letters.

The town was bombarded with enemy shells for a whole week.






makeshift adj.& n.

e.g. use a rock as a makeshift hammer


1) a. suitable as a temporary or expedient substitute

e.g. purely temporary makeshifts

2) n. a temporary or expedient substitute for something else

e.g. The committee exhausted every expedient before filing suit.

makeshift, expedient, resort, stopgap These nouns denote something used as a substitute when other means fail or are not available.

Comparison:

e.g. The old man lacked a cane but used a stick as a makeshift.

e.g. The crate serves as a stopgap for a chair.

e.g. We will use force only as a last resort.







Practice:

1. last way of doing something

2. use for a time for there is nothing better

3. some thing or body that fills for a time

4. useful or helpful idea for a purpose

a. stopgap

b. resort

c. makeshift

d. expedient

Key: b c a d






scoop up

e.g. He scoops the sugar out of the container.


take out or up with or as if with a scoop

Idiom:

make a (big) scoop 赚大钱

scoop out scoop in

Comparison:







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 孩子们用手将雪捧起来堆雪人。

2) 他捧起地板上的书。

The children scooped up the snow with their hands to build a snowman.

He scooped his books up off the floor.






platoon n.


1) a subdivision of a company of troops consisting of two or more squads or sections and usually commanded by a lieutenant

e.g. a platoon of firefighters

e.g. a platoon of soldiers

2) a group of people working, traveling, or assembled together

e.g. buses carrying platoons of tourists







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 中尉被委任指挥一个步兵排。

2) 桌子上有一组空瓶子。

The lieutenant was put in charge of an infantry platoon.

There are platoons of empty bottles on the table.






aftermath n.

e.g. famine as an aftermath of drought


1) a consequence, especially of a disaster or misfortune

e.g. in the aftermath of war

2) a period of time following a disastrous event

aftermath: the consequences of an event (especially a catastrophic event)result: to come about as a consequence

Comparison: aftermath, result







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 苦难通常是战后余殃。

2) 懒惰的后果就是失败。

Misery is usually the aftermath of the war.

The aftermath of laziness is fail.






nightmare n.


1) a dream arousing feelings of intense fear, horror, and distress

2) an event or experience that is intensely distressing

Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 我昨晚做了一个噩梦。

2) 人们被灾难引起的的恐惧所困扰。

I had a nightmare last night.

People are bothered by the nightmare of the disaster.






so far

e.g. So far there’s been no word from them.


1) up to the present moment

e.g. You can go only so far on five dollars.

2) to a limited extent

Idiom:

by far to the most extreme or evident degree: She is by far the best executive in the company. thus far up to this point; so far: our success has been limited thus far







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 这是目前最好的了。

2) 目前我们还没在人群中找到他。

This is the best so far.

So far we haven’t seen him in the crowd.






drift v.

e.g. a balloon drifting eastward


1) to be carried along by currents of air or water

e.g. drifting among the party guests

2) to proceed or move unhurriedly and smoothly

e.g. as the wreckage drifted toward shore

e.g. a day laborer, drifting from town to town

3) to move leisurely or sporadically from place to place, especially without purpose or regular employment







Practice:

drift off: 1) to gradually fall asleep 2) to gradually leave

Collocation:

Fill in the blanks with proper prepositions:

1) The ship drifted at the mercy of the wind.

2) One by one the students drifted into the darkness.

about________

off____






civilian n.&adj.


1) a person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the military or police

e.g. civilian clothes

2) of or relating to civilians or civil life; nonmilitary

civilian, citizen civilian: a nonmilitary citizencitizen: native or naturalized member of a state or other political community

Collocation:

e.g. a civilian career







Practice:

Fill in the blanks with proper prepositions:

1) In wars as well as soldiers are killed. 2) She is an American but lives in France.

civilians________

citizen______


Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 我们负责运送炮弹。

2) 士兵们在子弹打完后，用刺刀继续战斗。We are in charge of transporting ammunition.

When the soldiers used up their ammunition, they went on fighting with their swords.





ammunition n.

e.g. We supply them with the ammunition.


projectiles, such as bullets and shot, together with their fuses and primers, that can be fired from guns or otherwise propelled






grim adj.

e.g. He showed a grim smile.


1) unrelenting; rigid

e.g. “Undoubtedly the grimmest part of him was his iron claw.” (J.M. Barrie)

2) uninviting or unnerving in aspect; forbidding

e.g. “He made a grim jest at the horrifying nature of his wound.” (Reginald Pound)

3) ghastly; sinister

e.g. a grim, rainy day4) dismal; gloomy

e.g. the grim advance of the pillaging army 5) ferocious; savage







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 这是生死攸关之事。

2) 天真阴 !

It’s a grim struggle.

What a grim day!

hold on like grim death: hold on very firmly

Comparison:

Derivation: grimly adv.

grimness n.






odds n.

e.g. It sounds a bit over the odds.


1) the probability of a specified outcome

2) (sports)

Idiom:

1) at odds In disagreement; in conflict: “The artist and the self-critic are, with a few felicitous exceptions, forever at odds” (Joyce Carol Oates).

a. In the United States, a golf score one stroke higher than the score of one’s opponent.

b. In Great Britain, a stroke added to a superior golfer’s score or a stroke taken away from an inferior golfer’s score in order to equalize the chances of winning a match.







Idiom:

2) by all odds In every possible way; unquestionably: By all odds it is the best film of the year.

beg no odds of: don’t need help

Comparison:







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 死亡使一切不平等的都平等了。

2) 他大概不会来了。

Death makes the odds all even.

It’s long odds against his coming.






shed blood

e.g. It was a bitter fight but fortunately no blood was shed.


to take life, especially with violence; to kill

shed v.

1) to cause to pour forth

e.g. shed tears

2) to diffuse or radiate; to send forth or impart

e.g. shed light

3) to repel without allowing penetration

e.g. A duck’s feathers shed water.







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 他为祖国流血捐躯。

2) 许多人在那次斗争中流血受伤。

He shed his blood for his country.

Many people were wounded and shed their blood in that fight.






ragtag n.& adj.

e.g. Look at those ragtags.


1) disparaging terms for the common people

2) shaggy or unkempt; ragged

e.g. “They’re a small ragtag army of racketeers, bandits, and murderers” (Thomas P. O’Neill, Jr.).

3) diverse and disorderly in appearance or composition

Comparison:

ragtag and bobtail: the riff-raff; disreputable people






err v.

e.g. Someone errs at some time or other.


(formal) to make an error or a mistake

Adage:

To err is human. 凡人孰能无过。







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 他误入歧途。

2) 我们在观察方面出了差错。

He erred from the right path.

We have erred in observation.






ignorant adj.

e.g. He is an ignorant man.


1) lacking education or knowledge

Derivation:

e.g. What an ignorant mistake it is!

2) showing or arising from a lack of education or knowledge

ignorantly adv.

Comparison:

be ignorant of sth.







Practice:

Paraphrase the following expressions:1) He is not stupid, merely ignorant.

2) He is too ignorant of the way of the world.

He is not stupid and only lacks education.

He is in lack of knowledge of the way of the world.






strew v.

e.g. They are strewing flowers down the aisle.


1) to spread here and there; to scatter

2) to cover (an area or a surface) with things scattered or sprinkled

e.g. Italy was strewn thick with the remains of Roman buildings.

strew sth. on/over sthstrew sth. with sth

Collocation:







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 地上到处是垃圾。

2) 桌子上摊满了书。

Rubbish was strewn about on the floor.

The table is strewn with books.






tuck v.

e.g. Tuck the pleats before sewing the hem.


1) to make one or more folds in

2) to gather up and fold, thrust, or turn in so as to secure or confine

e.g. She tucked her scarf into her blouse.

3) a. to put in a snug spot

b. to put in an out-of-the-way, snug place

c. to store in a safe spot; to save

e.g. a cabin that was tucked among the pines

e.g. tuck away a bit of lace; tuck away millions







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 枪被藏在了角落里。

2) 他们可以放量大吃。

The gun was tucked away in the corner.

They can tuck in as much as they desire.

tuck away/ into: (British English, informal) to consume (food) heartilytuck in: to make (a child, for example) secure in bed for sleep,

especially by tucking bedclothes into the bed

Comparison:


1) a. easily excited or emotionally volatile; tempestuous

b. charged with emotion; spirited





fiery adj.

e.g. a fiery temper


2) having the color of fire; brightly red

e.g. a fiery denunciation

e.g. fiery hair; a fiery sunset

3) a. consisting of or containing fire b. burning or glowing c. using or effected with fire d. easily ignited; flammable

Derivation:

fierily adv. fieriness n.







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 他做了一次激昂的演讲。

2) 天空是火红色的。

He gave us a fiery speech.

The sky is fiery.






engulf v.

e.g. The spring tide engulfed the beach houses.


to swallow up or overwhelm by or as if by overflowing and enclosing

swallow: to cause (food or drink, for example) to pass through the mouth and throat into the stomach

engulf: to swallow up (as in a gulf)

Comparison: swallow, engulf







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 整个村子被洪水吞没了。

2) 他埋头攻读。

The whole village was engulfed in the flood.

He engulfed himself in his studies.






aglow adj.

e.g. The house is aglow with lights.


1) softly bright or radiant

2) (of persons) showing warmth from exercise or excitement

e.g. His face is aglow with health.







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 夕阳映红了天空。

2) 她双颊通红。

The sky was aglow with the setting sun.

Her cheeks were all aglow.


handgun: a firearm that can be used with one handrifle: a shoulder firearm with a long barrel and a rifled bore





rifle n.

e.g. He lifted the rifle to his shoulder and fired.


a firearm with a rifled bore, designed to be fired from the shoulder

Comparison: handgun, rifle







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 他正在用枪瞄准。

2) 那是把自动来复枪。

He is aiming a rifle.

It’s an automatic rifle.


in spots: now and then; here and there; occasionallyon the spot: 1) without delay; at once 2) at the scene of action 3) under pressure or attention; in a pressed position





spot n.

e.g. This is a nice spot for a picnic.


1) a point located with respect to surface features of some region

2) a blemish made by dirt

e.g. He had a spot on his cheek

Idiom:

e.g. He had a spot on his cheek.

3) small contrasting part of something

e.g. a bald spot; a leopard’s spots







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 豹不能改变它的斑点（本性难移）。

2) 这是个吸引人的地方。The leopard cannot change his spots.

It’s an attractive spot.


navy man: a serviceman in the navyairman: someone who operates an aircraftinfantryman: a soldier in the infantry





infantryman n.


fighters on foot with small arms

Comparison:navy man, airman, infantryman


v.1) to condemn to ruination or death

2) to cause to an unhappy end as predetermined by the fate





doom v.&n.

e.g. The prisoner was doomed to death.


e.g. From the start, the plan was doomed to failure.

n.3) inevitable destruction or ruin

4) fate, especially a tragic or ruinous one

cf. doomsday: the end of the world

e.g. He awaits his doom.

e.g. Everyone was aware of the approaching doom but was helpless to avoid it.







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 他在劫难逃。

2) 他命中注定要遭厄运。

His doom is sealed.

He was doomed to ill fortune.






dub v.


1) to tap lightly on the shoulder by way of conferring knighthood

e.g. They dubbed him monkey.

3) to give a name to sth./ sb. facetiously or playfully; to nickname

2) to honor with a new title or description







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 披头士被授予了爵位。

2) 因为他长的矮胖，所以他们叫他冬瓜。

The Beatles were dubbed.

Because he is short and chubby, they all dub him white gourd.






assume v.

e.g. assume responsibility; assume another’s debts


1) to take upon oneself

e.g. assume the presidency 2) to undertake the duties of (an office)

e.g. “The god assumes a human form” (John Ruskin). 3) to take on; to adopt

e.g. The queen assumed a velvet robe. 4) to put on; to don

e.g. assume that prices would rise 5) to take for granted; to suppose

e.g. assume control 6) to take over without justification; to seize







Practice:

Translate the following sentences into English:1) 在未听到对他不利的证词之前，你假定他是无罪的。

2) 他并非如你想象的那样愚蠢。

You assume his innocence before hearing the evidence against him.

He is not as foolish as you assume him to be.



Vocabulary analysis Grammar exercises

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Vocabulary analysis

1. Word comparison

2. Word derivation

3. Collocation practiceExercises for integrated skills

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Word comparison

Group 1: A. innocent B. guilty C. guiltless D. free E. accused

Explanation:

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Writing practice

A.

e.g. Don’t be so innocent as to believe everything the politicians tell you.

Innocent means (of a person) not guilty of a particular crime, or having no knowledge of the unpleasant and evil things in life, or (of a thing) harmlessly intended.

Guilty means having broken a law or disobeyed a rule. B.e.g. He must have done something wrong, because he’s looking

so guilty.






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Guiltless means not responsible for doing something wrong or committing a crime.

C.

e.g. These men are guiltless and should go free.

Free means not limited or controlled. D.e.g. Please feel free to interrupt me if you don’t understand

anything.

Accuse means charged with doing something wrong, crime, etc.E.

e.g. The company stands accused of failing to safeguard the public.






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Writing practice

Group 2: A. aftermath B. scene C. photo D. situation E. result

Explanation:

A.

e.g. Many more people died in the aftermath of the explosion.

Aftermath means the period which follows an event, accident, etc., and the effects which it causes.

Scene means a part of a play or film in which the action stays in one place for a continuous period of time.

B.

e.g. What impressed me most about the movie were the scenes filmed in New York.






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Photo means a picture obtained by using a camera and film sensitive to light.

C.

e.g. I spent the evening looking at some of my old photo albums.

Situation means a position or state at a particular time; set of conditions, facts, and events having an effect on a person, society, etc.

D.

e.g. With no rain for the last three years, the country is in a desperate situation.

Result means something that happens or exists because of something else.

E.

e.g. The road has being widened, but the result is just more traffic.






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Writing practice

Group 3: A. odds B. ratio C. scale D. probability E. rate

Explanation:

A.

e.g. The odds are in your favor because you have more experience.

Odds means the probability that something will or will not happen.

Ratio means the relationship between two groups or amounts, which expresses how much bigger one is than the other.

B.

e.g. The ratio of men to women at the conference was ten to one.


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Scale means a set of numbers or other system used to measure or compare things.

C.

e.g. How would you rate his work on a scale of one to five?

Probability means how likely the thing will happen or be true. D.e.g. The probability of her making a full recovery is quite good.

Rate means a level of speed with which something happens or changes, or the number of times it happens or changes, within a particular period.

E.

e.g. Although she is recovering from her illness, her rate of progress is quite slow.


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Group 4: A. strew B. spread C. distribute D. lay E. scatter

Explanation:

A.e.g. There were papers strewn all over the floor.

Strew means to scatter irregularly.

Spread means to (cause to) cover, reach or have an effect on a wilder or increasing area.

B.

e.g. The fire spread very rapidly because of the strong wind.

Distribute means to share or give (something) out to several people, or to spread, scatter or supply (something) over an area.

C.

e.g. The world’s wealth is not fairly distributed between women and men.


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Lay means to put (something) in esp. a flat or horizontal position, usually carefully or for a particular purpose.

D.

e.g. Perhaps we should lay paper over the floor while we’re decorating the room.

Scatter means to (cause to) move far apart in different directions, or to cover (a surface) with things that are far apart in no particular arrangement.

E.

e.g. The policeman blew his whistle and the students scattered in all directions.


e.g. Before I answer your question, could you define your terms a little more?

Vocabulary analysis

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Group 5: A. dub B. entitle C. define D. name E. brand

Explanation:

A.

e.g. The newspapers dubbed the nurse who murdered several children “Angel of Death”.

Dub means to give (something or someone) a particular name, esp. describing what you think of them.

Entitle means to give (someone) the right to do or have something. “”

B.

e.g. Being unemployed entitles you to free medical treatment.

Define means to say what the meaning of (something) is, esp. (a word), or to explain and state the meaning and exact limits of (something).

C.


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Name means to give a name to (somebody or something).D.e.g. On independence, they named the new country Ghana.

Brand means to say that you think (someone) is (something bad).

E.

e.g. Because of one minor offence he was branded a common criminal.


Vocabulary analysis


Word derivation1. inspect

Derivative of inspect: inspection

1) 进行卫生及安全检查

carry out health and safety inspection

2) 他怀疑证书是伪造的，但经进一步查看，它似乎没有问题。

He had a suspicion the certificate was a forgery, but on closer inspection, it seemed okay.

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Chinese-English translation:


Wall Street made Friday’s running on the international stock exchange.

Vocabulary analysis


2. run

1) 今天奥林匹克马拉松的选手来自 37个不同的国家。 The runners in today’s Olympic marathon come from 37 different countries.

Chinese-English translation:

2) 报纸上刊登出所有参加今天比赛的马和骑手的名字。All the runners and riders for today’s races are in the newspaper.

3) 我走到哪他就跟到哪，我只得叫他走开，别碍事。He’s been following me around, so I just told him to go and take a running jump.

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4) 在星期五的全球股票交易中，华尔街一马当先。


Derivatives of run: runner, running

Vocabulary analysis


3. spot

1) 她穿着一件黑白点子的连衣裙。She was wearing a black and white spotted dress.

Chinese-English translation

2) 人行道上有几滴雨迹。

The pavement was spotted with rain.

3) 星探

a talent-spotter

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Derivatives of spot: spotted, spotter

4) 鸟类观察者

a bird spotter


Vocabulary analysis


Collocation practice

1. no more than

Explanation:

1) There are no more than half of the students in the class having passed the final examination.

这个班只有半数的人通过了期末考试。

only

2) She spoke to me no more than a few minutes ago on the telephone.

她几分钟前刚跟我通了电话。

Examples:

3) He is very poor, and he earns no more than 500 yuan per month.

他很穷，每月只挣 500 块。

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Vocabulary analysis


2. strike a note

Explanation: to express a particular feeling or attitude Examples:

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1) His new book strikes a warning note against government overspending.他的新书警告政府必须要注意超支问题。

2) I should like to strike a note of caution.

我想提醒大家要小心谨慎。3) You should strike a note of what she tells you because she knows

their strategy well.

你应该注意她所说的话，因为她熟知他们的战略。


Vocabulary analysis


3. word has it that …

Explanation:

1) Word has it that you will see your soul in the mirror at 12:00 pm. sharp.

据说在午夜 12 点，你会在镜子里看见自己的鬼魂。

it is said that …

据说那次财政丑闻被掩盖了多年。

Examples: Grammar exercises



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2) Word has it that the scandal about finances was kept quiet for years.





3) Word has it that it’s impossible to eat the cake and have it, too.

人常说，鱼与熊掌不可兼得。


Vocabulary analysis


4. with an air ofExplanation:

1) With an air of sadness, he said farewell to his friends.

他带着忧伤的神情与大家说再见。

seeming to haveExamples:

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2) She opened the birthday gifts with an air of happiness.

3) Venice in winter has an air of mystery and sadness.

她带着高兴的神情打开了礼物。

冬天的威尼斯带着神秘与悲伤的气息。


Vocabulary analysis

Grammar exercises



Grammar exercises

I. The usage of question words

II. Hyperbaton structure


Oral activities

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The usage of question words

Vocabulary analysis

Grammar exercises




Oral activities

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A sentence or an expression that asks a question.

e.g. Who are you?


Fill in the blanks with the appropriate question words.Vocabulary analysis

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Practice:


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1. A: is it? B: It depends, some are small, some big.

How big_______

Explanation:

From the question, we can find the question word is to ask the size of the object, how is used to ask the size.

2. A: uses it? B: Everybody.

Who____

Explanation:

Who is used to ask the subject of the predicate.


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3. A: do you use it? B: Once or twice a day.

How often_________

Explanation:

How often is used to ask the frequency.

4. A: do you use it? B: Because I want to see myself.

Why____

Explanation:

Why is used to ask the reason.

5. A: is it? B: It’s a mirror.

What______

Explanation:

What is used to ask the object.


Hyperbaton structureA figure of speech, such as anastrophe or hysteron proteron, using deviation from normal or logical word order to produce an effect, always use the pattern as follows: emphasis word + predicate + subject

Vocabulary analysis

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when adverb (such as here, there) is at the beginning of the sentence

when words with negative meaning are at the beginning of the sentencewhen words with negative meaning are at the beginning of the sentence

when words like ONLY, AS, THOUGH are at the beginning of the sentence


When adverb like here, there is at the beginning of the sentenceVocabulary analysis

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e.g. There was a sudden gust of wind and away went his hat.

e.g. In each room are ten students.


when words with negative meaning are at the beginning of the sentenceVocabulary analysis

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e.g. Not until he came back did I leave.


when words like ONLY, AS, THOUGH are at the beginning of the sentenceVocabulary analysis

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e.g. Child as / though he was, he had a good command of English.

e.g. Only by working hard can you achieve your goal.


Vocabulary analysis

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Practice:

1) Hardly the airport when the plane took off.C_____

A. I had arrived atB. had I arrivedC. had I reachedD. I had got to

2) —Have you ever seen anything like that before? —No, anything like that before.C_____

A. I never have seen B. never I have seenC. never have I seenD. I have seen


Vocabulary analysis

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3) She is not fond of cooking, I.B_____

A. so amB. nor amC. neitherD. nor do

4) Only in this way make progress in your English.

A. youB. can youC. you be able toD. will you able to

B_____


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5) Only when the meeting was over go back to meet his friend.

A. he could B. he was able toC. was he able toD. was able to he

C_____


Vocabulary analysis

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Translate each of the following sentences into English, using the word or phrase given in the bracket. Inflect the word of phrase where necessary.


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Assign means to give as a share or duty; to allot.

The boss assigned me to check the quality of all the goods leaving the factory.

1. 老板派我去检查全部出厂货物的质量。 (assign)

Notes：


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1) 分配给我的工作是照料新来的学生。I’ve been assigned the job of looking after the new students.

2) 他们把这个工作分派给我了。They’ve assigned the job to me.


3) 这项工作分派我做。The task was assigned to me.


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1) 尽管我们尽了全力，我们仍被打败了。Despite all our efforts we were still beaten.

2) 那个囚犯没有试图越狱。The prisoner made no effort to escape.

In an effort to means in an attempt using all one’s powers.

The company is selling off some of its buildings in an effort to accumulate capital.


2. 那家公司正出售他们的一些大楼以积攒资金。 (in an effort to)Notes：

3) 请尽力按时到达那里。Please make an effort to get there on time.


Vocabulary analysis

Grammar exercises



Enrage means to make very angry; to infuriate.

Adam’s refusal to work overtime enraged his boss.Exercises for integrated skills

Oral activities

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3. 亚当拒绝加班，这使他的老板极为恼火。 (enrage)





Notes：

1) 她的行动激怒了他。Her behavior enraged him.


2) 发现他们违抗了我的命令，这使我极为恼火。I was enraged to find they had disobeyed my orders.


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Out of the blue means unexpectedly.

I was pleasantly surprised to see an old friend who appeared at the party out of the blue.

4. 在那次晚会上一位老朋友突然出现，令我惊喜不已。 (out of the blue)

Notes：


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1) 约翰突然来了。John arrived completely out of the blue.


2) 你的双手冻得发紫了。

Your hands are blue with cold.


The plane did not frighten Kaz. For (1) thing, Hiroshima had gone almost untouchd by the air war. For another, Kaz had been born in California, and (2) her father had returned to Japan while she was still (3) diapers, she liked to tell people she was the American in the family. She even felt a kind of distant kinship (4) the B-29s that flew regularly overhead, bound north (5) Tokyo and other targets. She waved at the plane. “Hi, angel!” she called.

A white spot appeared in the sky, as small and innocent-looking (6) a scrap of paper. It was falling away (7) the plane, drifting down toward them. The journey (8) 43 seconds.

Vocabulary analysis

Grammar exercises




Exercises for integrated skillsFill in each blank in the passage below with ONE word you think appropriate.

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one______

although_________in___

with______ for______

as___ from______took______


Vocabulary analysis

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The air exploded in blinding light and color, the rays shooting outward as in a child’s drawing (9) the sun, and Kaz was thrown to the ground so violently (10) her two front teeth broke off; she had sunk (11) unconsciousness. Kaz’s father had been out back tending the vegetables, in his undershorts.

(12) he came staggering out of the garden, blood was running from his nose and mouth. (13) the next day the exposed parts of his body would turn a chocolate brown. What had been the finest house (14) the neighborhood came crashing down.

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that____of___

into____

When______By___

in___


Vocabulary analysis

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Explanation:For one thing is used for introducing a reason.

one

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Vocabulary analysis

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Explanation:Although means in spite of the fact that; though.

although

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Vocabulary analysis

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Explanation:In shows a position, meaning within (an enclosed area).

in

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Vocabulary analysis

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Explanation:Feel a … kinship with sb./sth. means to find the likeness in character.

with

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Vocabulary analysis

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Explanation:Bound for means going to or intending to go to.

for

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Vocabulary analysis

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Explanation:As … as … is used in comparisons and examples, meaning equally; like.

as

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Explanation:From means in a state of separation with regard to.

from

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Explanation:Take means to need (a stated amount of time).

took

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Explanation:A drawing of … means a picture (made by drawing) of.

of

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Explanation:So … that ... means to such a (great) degree and with the result that …

that

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Explanation:Sink into means to become deeply absorbed into.

into

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Explanation:When means at the time that.

When

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Explanation:By means not later than.

By

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Explanation:In the neighborhood means in the area around a point or place.

in

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Vocabulary analysis

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Oral activities


1. Gather statistical information on the cruelty of war from the Internet and discuss what you find.


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Useful websiteshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwone/http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/war/wwtwo/index.shtmlhttp://www.defenselink.mil/home/photoessays/200405/p20040526a1.shtml

Suggestions:

Converse with one of your classmates on the following topics.


The discussion can be based on the following aspects.1) Keeping a diary in English can help cultivate the habit of

thinking in English.2) Practice makes perfect.

Vocabulary analysis

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2. Keeping a diary in English is one of the effective ways to improve English writing. It can help cultivate the habit of thinking in English. What is your opinion?

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With the development of globalization, English has become an indispensable tool for communication. Consequently, people are more and more concerned with English study. Some people suggest that English learners should keep a diary to enhance their English learning ability. In my case, I am not quite on their side. I am in favor of reading to improve English learning ability.

For one thing, keeping a diary is a sort of writing which requires some high qualities that might be difficult for English learners, especially elementary learners. However, reading can help solve this problem. While reading, you can pay special attention to the use of words that seem foreign to you. Moreover, you can develop a good mastery of how to write idiomatic English through appreciating native writers’ works. For another thing, reading can broaden your horizon,

A sample discussion on the second topic:


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which will be helpful for you to stand out among other English learners and also, it can foster your ability to contemplate in a different perspective which keeping a diary definitely cannot do because nothing new comes to your mind.

In conclusion, to some extent, keeping a diary is a kind of repeated activity, which may keep you at the same level. However, reading can make a big difference in helping you improve your English learning ability, especially writing ability.


Write an essay of no less than 300 words on the following topic:Vocabulary analysis

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Most countries spend a large amount of money on weapons to defend themselves though they are not at war. These countries should spend the money to help their poor and other disadvantaged citizens.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?


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More Money Should Be Spent on Helping the Poor With the rapid advancement of science and technology, more and more countries are concerned with how to protect their own countries, or otherwise how to invade other countries. Therefore, more and more nuclear weapons are produced. Some experts suggest that such countries should spend more money on how to comfort the poor and make them live a happy life. I totally agree. For one thing, nuclear weapons are of danger. With so many nuclear weapons sitting around a country, it may make people panicked in fear of the underlying crisis. Furthermore, it might influence their normal work and study. If the nuclear weapons go off, it will create many unexpected problems. For example, it can pollute the atmosphere and ocean, which are the most indispensable things for human beings. Also, it may lead human beings to a terminal disease

Sample writing:


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which means death. Most unexpectedly, it will destroy the world. On the other hand, we advocate world peace and never expect wars. If a country declares wars to other countries, it will be condemned by people all over the world. Hence it is not necessary to own nuclear weapons in a country. For another thing, poverty-stricken areas still exist in every corner of the world, especially in Indonesia and Iraq for people there have suffered tsunami and war respectively. We should help them to get rid of poverty to the best of our ability. More money ought to be spent on enhancing their living condition and education standard because it is an effective approach to remove poverty. Firstly, provided that they have a comfortable living condition, they can be healthier than ever before, and will be much stronger to take the responsibilities for the burden of their families and to deal with the difficulties lingering in their mind. Secondly, if they can receive a good education,


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they will be more capable of coping with the problems. Moreover, when they become state pillars, they will benefit their motherland. In this case, both the country and the world will be more and more prosperous and strong. Taken altogether, to get rid of poverty is a constant theme in the world. We should take every means to wipe out poverty. Instead of squandering too much money on producing nuclear weapons, it is essential to spend more money on helping the poor.


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Supply the missing words according to what you hear from the tape.The fear

1. Everybody had , but there’re people that can . I think I were probably . I think I was just

anybody else I could .

fear______ handle fear_________

one of them___________as scared as ___________ except ______ think______

2. It’s a you would not and you would not let your comrades or .

feeling ______ let yourself down _______________your unit down______________

3. We all had . But we all had to know that you try to and what you’re

.

fear______ training_______

handle your fear ______________ work to accomplish ________________supposed to be doing__________________

4. You have a feeling you’re going to . You have a feeling . You can’t . It’s just

live through the war__________________

it’s starting to ease off__________________ account for it___________a gut feeling___________.


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1. Like in Bastogue, we were . We didn’t have

. We were per man there for a whole. And we didn’t have . But we had that our

would get to us .

short of equipment________________enough ammunition________________ down to one round ___________________

enough warm clothes___________________confidence____________ higher military authorities ______________________

whatever we needed_________________

2. But the was in. They couldn’t or . Every time they tried to in to us, they

and them to

fog_____ drop us ________ re-supply us___________drop supplies ____________ missed us _________

dropped_______ the Germans___________.3. There was a with a . We were on

that . The knew right where we were, and they

really gave us .

ridge ______ tree line_________ dug in ______ridge_______ Germans__________

a shellacking_____________


The cruelty

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1. It’s a very unusual . It’s a very unusual and it’s a very unusual . We knew that we could

and so we were .

feeling_______ happening_________bonding_________

depend on each other __________________ a close-knit group________________

2. The are the fellows that are still and those that .

real heroes ___________ buried over there _______________came home to be buried____________________

3. I’m just one of the and I’m to be a part of it. I served in the

little part ________ big war ________ proud _______

company of heroes_________________.4. From this day to the , we shall

be . We , we . For he who

today with me shall be .

ending of the world___________________ in it _____remembered___________ lucky few_________ band of brothers_____________

sheds his blood _____________ my brother__________


The brotherhood

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Band of Brothers





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A: Everybody had fear, but there are people that can handle fear. I think I were probably one of them. I think I was just as scared as anybody else except I could think. It’s a feeling you would not let yourself down and you would not let your comrades or your unit down. We all had fear. But we all had training to know that you try to handle your fear and work to accomplish what you’re supposed to be doing.

The fear


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B: How do you prepare yourself mentally? Each man must do that himself. At the back of your mind, you know, you wonder what’s gonna happen and all that. You know, you’ve been trained and trained and trained ... and what your job is gonna be ... and what you’re supposed to do and ... Oh, that’s what you gotta think about, you know? You have a feeling you’re gonna live through the war. You have a feeling it’s starting to ease off. You can’t account for it. It’s just a gut feeling. But everybody had that feeling. “I believe I might be able to live through it.” So, walk carefully, take care of yourself.


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C: Like in Bastogue, we were short of equipment. We didn’t have enough ammunition. We were down to one round per man there for a whole. And we didn’t have enough warm clothes. But we had confidence that our higher military authorities would get to us whatever we needed. But the fog was in. They couldn’t drop us or re-supply us. Every time they tried to drop supplies in to us, they missed us and dropped them to the Germans.

D: There was a ridge with a tree line. We were dug in on that ridge. The Germans knew right where we were, and they really gave us a shellacking. It was a difficult situation there. I don’t know the exact amount of men that got killed in that ... but six, seven of them, were real close friends of mine. And we lost a lot of people that night ... but you try to put it all out of your mind.





The cruelty


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E: One of the guys got hit in the arm with a piece of shrapnel. Took his arm off above the elbow. And they were taking him out, he said, “Get my wristwatch off my arm.” Even today, a real cold night ... we got to bed and my wife will tell you that the first thing I’ll say is, “I’m glad I’m not in Bastogue.”






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F: It’s a very unusual feeling. It’s a very unusual happening and it’s a very unusual bonding. We knew that we could depend on each other and so we were a close-knit group.

G: Just brave, so brave it was unbelievable. And I don’t know anybody that I admire more than those being killed on the battlefield. The real men ... the real heroes are the fellows that are still buried over there and those that came home to be buried.

H: I’m just one part of the big war, that’s all. One little part and I’m proud to be a part of it. Sometimes it makes me cry. I cherish the memories of a question my grandson asked me the other day. He said, “Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?” I said, “No ... but I served in the company of heroes.”

The brotherhood


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I: Henry the Fifth was talking to his men. He said, “From this day to the ending of the world, we in it shall be remembered. We lucky few, we band of brothers. For he who today sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.”


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Lead-in questions Supplementary reading



Lead-in questions:

1. What is your viewpoint of war? Do you think it is an effective way to eliminate the conflicts between countries?

2. What do you think of the soldiers who lost their lives in wars?Memorable quotes





In remembrance of a soldier, who died in action at Ypres

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Memorable quotes

Life Goes On





Joana Cruddas

The towers of St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Cloth Hall stand tall and defiant above Ypres, Belgium. The Flemish city has been invaded nineteen times, most famously in World War I. I am heading towards it, clutching a wad of letters written in September 1915 by a young British soldier to his mother.

“Here I am at last ... the country is flat but pretty with great avenues of trees and hop fields dotted all over the place,” he wrote. My two friends and I find that little has changed.

Michel Vansuyt, our silver-haired guide, shakes each of us by the hand and asks how we want to fill our four-hour tour of the battlefields and cemeteries. Noting uncertainty on our faces, he takes command and soon we are speeding towards our first stop, Reservoir Cemetery, just outside the town.

I stare over at the impeccable lines of gravestones, neatly planted with herbs, lavender and annuals, the low surrounding walls blooming with wisteria. Michel looks down the register for Peter Cruddas: Plot 9, Row 7, Number 27 — my father’s brother, killed at the age of 20.

I walk hesitantly towards his grave, wondering what, if anything, I will feel.

And suddenly there it is, and there are hundreds of others. Nothing prepares you for the realization that in this area alone about 250,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers were killed. There are 75 British cemeteries, of which we visit just a handful.



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Back in the car, Michel takes us to the other side of Ypres, following its huge medieval ramparts to the Menin Gate. The names of 55,000 missing soldiers are engraved on its walls. We stare in awe. Next, we head to the Hooge Crater Museum. “More than half a million horses and mules were lost,” says Michel as we pass a herd of cows grazing on the lush grass. “Fifteen tonnes of unexploded ammunition are still collected each year from the fields.” The museum is a small, dark room, which through photos, weapons, clothing and possessions, as well as life-size model of soldiers on horseback, sets the scene for the rest of the day.

Michel bombards us with information as we leave. “British pillboxes,” he says, pointing at small brick lookouts left undisturbed in the middle of the fields. We comment on the heavy clods of ploughed earth. “Imagine what it was like,” Michel says. We already are.



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My uncle wrote: “Today has been soaking wet ... The whole trench is becoming a series of landslips ... most of the place is ankle-deep in water ... Thank you for my boots. They are splendid up here.”

We pass Bethlehem Farm, near the village of Messines. In its midst, a tiny walled enclosure holds just 44 graves. “The smallest cemetery,” says Michel solemnly. I continue flicking through the letters. “This afternoon I went to tea with an officer of the Motor Machine Gun Corps who lives along the trench. I think I must invite him to a meal with us tomorrow.”

As we pass, I wonder if he did.Some way on we come to Tyne Cot, the largest British cemetery i

n the world. Some headstones give scant information, others have words of gratitude or love: “He died that we might live”; “Gone from our sight but not from our hearts.”

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Almost hesitantly, Michel asks if we’d like to see a Belgian cemetery. We find ourselves among copper beech trees, dotted between the diagonal lines of the dead. Then Michel announces, “I’d like you to visit a German cemetery before finishing.”

At the Langemark cemetery we are again in wooded land. But there are no headstones, only slabs in the grass. There are no flowers. The place is dark and dank.

I am leaning against a raised bed. Michel says, “Twenty-five thousand unknown soldiers are buried in there.” I step away.

With some relief we return to the car. As we drive along, Michel points to a copse. “A young soldier was wounded in there. Twenty-four years later he returned as the Führer.” My knowledge of history is put to shame. I had not realized that Adolf Hitler had fought in Belgium.

Lead-in questions

We draw up at a gate. Here, hidden from the road in a large crater, lies the Pool of Peace. “It was created by an explosion so loud it was heard in Downing Street ［ in London ］ ,” says Michel. “The Germans and the British were tunneling towards each other, but the Germans didn’t realize the British were underneath them. You blew the Germans out.”

We look at the still water, reflecting the trees surrounding it. There is hardly a sound.

Our four hours are up and we turn back to Ypres. A quiet hangs over the city. It’s 8 p.m., and the muted sound of the “Last Post” echoes across the square. I glance once more at my letters. Telegrams of regret from Buckingham Palace, the War Office ... Lord Kitchener expresses his sympathy ... and one that should have been at the top of the pile: “Ordered to return to duty immediately. Goodbye. Cruddas.” He survived less than four weeks’ fighting.



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But this daily moment of solemnity passes quickly. Ypres is preparing for the annual Festival of the Cats, which dates from medieval times. Tourists stumble from the chocolate shop clutching life-size cats made of chocolate and boxes of chocolates decorated with poppies and John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields”. Soon there will be dancing in the square.

934 words



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Lead-in questions



... stand tall and defiant above Ypres Ypres is a town of West Flanders, Belgium. Here the word “defiant”, which means “disobedient”, points to the heroic spirit of the people of the small town which had been invaded so many times.

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... if anything ... a phrase you use to introduce something that strengthens or changes the meaning of what you have just said

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Supplementary reading e.g. It certainly wasn’t an improvement. We were, if anything, worse off than before.She didn’t seem upset about losing her job. If anything, she seemed very happy.

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Commonwealth a free association of Britain and certain sovereign independent states, formerly the colonies of the British Empire and their dependencies

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... sets the scene ... prepares the way or creates the conditions in which an event is likely to happen

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Supplementary reading e.g. The unjust agreement set the scene for another war.The scene is set for a tragedy.

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He died that we might live ... He died so that we might live.

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Führer a German word which means “leader”. Here it refers to Adolf Hitler after he came to power. It is normally translated as “ ”元首 .

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Downing Street［ in London ］ the street in Westminster in London, where the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer have their official residences

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Buckingham Palace the official residence in London of the British sovereign

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Lord Kitchener (1850-1956) British field marshal. As war minister from 1914 to 1916, he mobilized the British Army in World War I.

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John McCrae (1872-1918) a World War I poet. He is remembered for what is probably the single best-known and popular poem In Flanders Fields, which was published in 1919.

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Memorable quotes



Questions for discussion:1.2.

How does the passage impress the reader with the cruelty of war?In what way does the author illustrate the title Life Goes On?

Answers for reference:






Lead-in questions

The author impresses the reader with the cruelty of war mainly by being specific about the great numbers of the soldiers and animals lost in the war — 250,000 dead bodies buried in just one of the 75 cemeteries (Paragraph 6), 55,000 soldiers missing and half a million horses and mules lost (Paragraph 7). From these figures the reader can easily imagine how many civilians were killed.This idea is mainly expressed in the first and the last paragraphs. In the first paragraph the author describes the “tall and defiant” towers of St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Cloth Hall and tells us that “the Flemish city has been invaded nineteen times” in her history, which suggests that the evil will never be able to conquer the good. In the last paragraph, the author mentions, “this daily moment of solemnity passes quickly. Ypres is preparing for the annual Festival of the Cats”, which tells us that life is sweet and that, whatever happens, sweet life goes on.

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1.

2.






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Memorable quotes

Please paraphrase the following quotes: There never was a good war or a bad peace. — Benjamin Franklin





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War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity; it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it. — Martin Luther

Lead-in questions

the diary of the unknown soldier read aloud audiovisual supplements section one: pre-reading...

Documents

global reading section

detailed reading section

prereading activities

unknown soldier section

reading activities major

german captain

enhancement slide

prisoners of war