unit8

Cultural information


1. Quote

O Hare Noel (American Writer): As a modern parent, I know that it’s not how much you give children those counts, it’s the love and attention you shower on them. A caring attitude can not only save you a small fortune, but also even make you feel good about being tight-fisted and offering more care than present.


2. Father The father is often seen as an authority figure. A common observation among scholars is that the authority of the father and of the political leader are closely intertwined, that there is a symbolic identification between domestic authority and national political leadership. The fundamental common grounds between domestic and national authority, are the mechanisms of naming (exercise the authority in someone’s name) and identification. In a patriarchal society, authority typically uses such rhetoric of fatherhood and family to implement their rule and advocate its legitimacy.


In Western culture patriarchy and authority have been synonymous. In the 19th century Europe, the idea was common, among both traditionalist and revolutionaries, that the authority of the domestic father should “be made omnipotent in the family so that it becomes less necessary in the state”. In the second part of that century, there was an extension of the authority of the husband over his wife and the authority of thefather over his children, including “increased demands for absolute obedience of children to the father”.

Main idea

Main idea Structural analysis

The text recollects a series of events concerning the narrator’s father, who showed profound affection for his daughter by offering her valentines on Valentine’s Day.

1. What is the story narrated in the text about?

Structural analysisMain idea

Because the first and last gifts her father offered her are the most impressive and the most unforgettable ones.

2. Why does the writer focus her accounts and descriptions on her first recollection of the magic her father brought to the occasion and on the last card and gift from him?

Structural analysis

Main idea Structural analysis

1. Work out the structure of the text by completing the table.

Paragraphs Main idea

1-2 It gives a brief account of the narrator’s father and points out the theme of the text.

3-10 It provides a detailed account of how the father showed profound affection for his daughter on Valentine’s Day.


Paragraphs Main idea

11-12 The narrator tells us how important it has been to her to have such a loving father and that she will never forget her father and his kindness to her.


2. The author’s recounting of her Valentine’s Day memories in the second part of the text follows closely the chronological order. Try to pick out the three sentences in this part that indicate the progression of time.

The three sentences that indicate the progression of time are:

1)My first recollection of the magic he could bring to Valentine’s Day came when I was six. (Paragraph 3)


2) As I grew older, the gifts gave way to heart-shaped boxes filled with my favorite chocolates and always included a special card signed “Love, Dad.” (Paragraph 5)

3) My mailbox eventually had a rural address, and the job of hand-delivering candy and cards was relegated to the U.S. Postal Service. (Paragraph 7)

The traditional holidays in our house when I was a child were spent timing elaborate meals around football games. My father tried to make pleasant chitchat and eat as much as he could during half time. At Christmas he found time to have a cup or two of holiday beer and do his holly-shaped bow tie. But he didn’t truly shine until Valentine’s Day.

My Forever Valentine

Detailed reading

1

Detailed reading

I don’t know whether it was because work at

the office slowed during February or because the

football season was over. But Valentine’s Day

was the time my father chose to show his love for

the special people in his life. Over the years I

fondly thought of him as my “Valentine Man”.

2

Detailed reading

My first recollection of the magic he could bring to Valentine’s Day came when I was six. For several days I had been cutting out valentines for my classmates. Each of us was to decorate a “mailbox” and put it on our desk for others to give us cards. That box and its contents ushered in a succession of bittersweet memories of my entrance into a world of popularity contests marked by the number of cards received, the teasing about boyfriends/girlfriends and the tender care I gave to the card from the cutest boy in class.

3

Detailed reading

That morning at the breakfast table I found a

card and a gift-wrapped package at my chair. The

card was signed “Love, Dad,” and the gift was a

ring with a small piece of red glass to represent

my birthstone, a ruby. There is little difference

between red glass and rubies to a child of six,

and I remember wearing that ring with a pride

that all the cards in the world could not surpass.

4

Detailed reading

As I grew older, the gifts gave way to heart-shaped boxes filled with my favorite chocolates and always included a special card signed “Love, Dad.” In those years my thank-yous became more of a perfunctory response. The cards seemed less important, and I took for granted the valentine that would always be there. Long past the days of having a “mailbox” on my desk, I had placed my hopes and dreams in receiving cards and gifts from “significant others,” and “Love, Dad” just didn’t seem quite enough.

5

If my father knew then that he had been replaced, he never let it show. If he sensed any disappointment over valentines that didn’t arrive for me, he just tried that much harder to create a positive atmosphere, giving me an extra hug and doing what he could to make my day a little brighter. My mailbox eventually had a rural address, and the job of hand-delivering candy and cards was relegated to the U.S. Postal Service. Never in ten years was my father’s package late nor was it on the Valentine’s Day eight years ago when I reached into the mailbox to find a card addressed to me in my mother’s handwriting.

Detailed reading

6

7

It was the kind of card that comes in an inexpensive assortment box sold by a child going door to door to try to earn money for a school project. It was the kind of card you used to get from a grandmother or an aging aunt or, in this case, a dying father. It was the kind of card that put a lump in your throat and tears in your eyes because you knew the person no longer was able to go out and buy a real valentine. It was a card that signaled this would be the last you would receive from him. The card had a photograph of tulips on the outside, and on the inside my mother had printed “Happy Valentine’s Day.” Beneath it, scrawled in barely legible handwriting was “Love, Dad.”

Detailed reading

8

9

10

His final card remains on my bulletin board today. It’s a reminder of how special fathers can be and how important it has been to me over the years to know that I had a father who continued a tradition of love with a generosity of spirit, simple acts of understanding and an ability to express happiness over the people in his life. Those things never die, nor does the memory of a man who never stopped being my valentine.

Detailed reading

11

12

time: v. arrange or set the time at which something happens or is to happen

e.g. You timed your arrival well; we were just going to have dinner.

Detailed reading

Collocations:

be timed to do sth.

be timed for sth.e.g. The train is timed to arrive at 6 o’clock.

e.g. The next show is timed for 8 o’clock.

Detailed reading

Comparisons:

ill-timed, well-timed, mistime

ill-timed: adj. happening or done at the wrong timewell-timed: adj. happening or done at the most suitable time mistime: v. do something at the wrong time or at an unsuitable time

Detailed reading

elaborate: adj. containing a lot of small details or parts that are connected with each other in a complicated way

e.g.She made elaborate preparations for the party.The curtains had an elaborate pattern of flowers.

Collocation:elaborate plan/notes/excuses, etc.Derivations:elaborate: v.

elaborateness: n.

Translation:

The problem is too elaborate.

这个问题太复杂了。

fondly: adv.1)in a way that shows you like someone very

much

2) in a foolishly hopeful manner

e.g. She greeted her old friend fondly.

Comparison:

lovely: adj. beautiful or attractive; friendly and pleasant

Derivations:

fond: adj.fondness: n.

Detailed reading

e.g. She fondly imagined that she could pass her examination without working hard.

The traditional holidays in our house when I was a child were spent timing elaborate meals around football games. ( Paragraph 1)

Translation:

小时候，我们家的传统节日总是根据足球比赛的时间来准备精美的饭菜。

Explanation:Some of the traditional holidays in the United States are Valentine’s Day (February 14); St. Patrick’ Day (March 17); and Halloween (October 31). In some states, Arbor Day, Bird Day, and Flag Day are school holidays. Child Health Day (the first Monday in October) is widely observed in schools. Many schools and some businesses close on Good Friday.

Detailed reading

Questions1)What was the narrator’s father? And what was his

hobby?

The narrator’s father did office work. He was fond of watching football matches.

Detailed reading

2)Why did the narrator think of her father as her Valentine Man? Because her father chose Valentine’s Day to show his profound affection for her by presenting her with gifts and showing great care for her on that particular day for many years in succession until he passed away.

Paragraph 2

Question

What does “the magic” mentioned in Paragraph 3 refer to?

“The magic” mentioned in Paragraph 3 refers to charm added to the day by the wonderful gifts and the profound affection that the narrator’s father gave her.

Detailed reading

Paragraph 3

Detailed reading

recollection: n.memory; the power or action of remembering the past; something in one’s memory of the past

e.g. I have no recollection of meeting him.

Comparison:recollection, collection

Derivation:

recollect: v.

collection: n. a group of things that are put together

Practice:

A of empty wine bottles stood on

the back porch.

Her of the events is rather patchy.

1)

2)

collection_________

recollection__________

succession: n. happening one after another

Detailed reading

Collocations:

in succession

a succession of

e.g.She won the championship four times in succession.

e.g. A succession of visitors came to the door.Comparisons:

succession to the throne, accession to the throne

succession to the throne: the act of becoming the next king or queenaccession to the throne: the act of becoming king or queen

Detailed reading

contest: n. a struggle to win control or power; a competition, esp. one judged by a group of specially chosen judgese.g. Many beautiful girls from the five continents

participated in the Beauty Contest.

Comparison:

Derivations:contestant: n. someone who competes in a contestcontest: v.

match: n. an organized sports event between two teams or people

cute: adj.1) attractive in an amusing or interesting way

e.g. What a cute little baby!

Detailed reading

2) (sometimes derog.) (too) clever; shrewd e.g. You must approach her carefully, for she is a

cute woman.Synonyms:

lovely, pleasant

Derivation:

cuteness: n.

Detailed reading

e.g. China wants to catch up with and surpass the developed countries in the world.

surpass: v. exceed; go beyond in amount, degree, or quality

Collocation:

e.g. Her splendid performances surpassed all our expectations.

surpass expectations/hopes/dreams: be better than you had expected, hoped, etc.

Derivation:

surpassing: adj. much better than that of other people or things

Detailed reading

Translation:

He surpassed all his rivals.

他比所有的对手都强。

Question

What gifts did the narrator’s father give her as she grew older?

As she grew older, the narrator’s father gave her such gifts as heart-shaped boxes filled with her favorite chocolates, which always included a special card signed “Love, Dad.”

Detailed reading

Paragraph 5

give way 1) have its place taken by

e.g.Steam trains gave way to electric trains.

Detailed reading

2) agree to do what someone else wants to do, instead of what you wanted to do

e.g.He is too stubborn to give way.

Comparisons:give away, give in

e.g. They argued back and forth until finally Buzz gave in.

give in: unwillingly agree to someone’s demands after they have spent a lot of time arguing with you, trying to persuade you

Detailed reading

Antonym:

discreet: adj. done or said in a careful way

perfunctory: adj. (of an action) done hastily and without thought, interest or care

e.g.Olivia dismissed him with a perfunctory nod.

Derivation:

perfunctory: n. someone who is perfunctory

That box and its contents ushered in a succession of bittersweet memories of my entrance into a world of popularity contests marked by the number of cards received, the teasing about boyfriends/girlfriends and the tender care I gave to the card from the cutest boy in class. (Paragraph 3)

Translation:

那只箱子以及其中的贺卡礼物勾起了我一连串苦乐交织的回忆：（六岁起，）我开始加入一场场展示受欢迎程度的角逐，最终结果取决于收到贺卡的数量、有关男女朋友的揶揄，以及我给予班中最可爱的男生所赠贺卡的关爱程度。

Detailed reading

As I grew older, the gifts gave way to heart-shaped boxes filled with my favorite chocolates and always included a special card signed “Love, Dad. ” (Paragraph 5)

Translation:

长大后，我收到的礼物变成了心形的盒子。里面装满了我最喜欢的巧克力，还随附一张很特别的卡片，上面写着“我的心肝，爱你的爸爸”。

Explanation:

The affectionate message might be carried by a heart-shaped box of chocolate candies, or by a bouquet of tulips tied with filmy red ribbon.

Detailed reading

He never let it show. (Paragraph 6)

Paraphrase:

He never revealed his feelings.

Detailed reading

Detailed reading

Activity: Making sentences

Directions: Use the following words and expressions to make sentences.

elaborate cute fondly recollection succession surpass give way

Question

Why was the job of hand-delivering candy and cards relegated to the U.S. Postal Service?

Because the narrator settled down in a rural area, which was far away from where her father lived.

Detailed reading

Paragraph 7

eventually: adv. at last; in the ende.g.

After many attempts she eventually managed to get promotion.

Detailed reading

Comparison:

eventfully: adv. in a way that is full of interesting or important events

Derivations:

eventual: adj.eventuality: n. a possible event or result, esp. an unpleasant one

deliver: v. take goods, letters, etc. to people’s houses or places of work

e.g.Letters are delivered every day.

Detailed reading

Derivations:

deliverer: n. someone who takes goods, letters, etc. to people’s houses or places of workdelivery: n. the act of bringing goods, letters, etc. to the person or place they have been sent to

Collocation:deliver sth. toe.g. Could you deliver this letter to the accounts

department?

relegate: v.put into a lower or worse place

e.g.He was relegated to a remote place to do farm work.

Detailed reading

Derivation:

relegation: n.

Comparison: delegate: v. give part of your power or work to someone in a lower position

Practice:

A good manager knows when to .

Their football team was .

1)

2)

delegate________

relegated_________

assortment: n.a mixture of different things or of various kinds of the same thing

e.g.She has an odd assortment of friends.This is an assortment of sweets.

Detailed reading

Synonym:collection: n. a group of things that are put together

Derivation:

assorted: adj. of various different kinds

scrawl: v. write in a careless, hurried, awkward, or unskillful waye.g.She scrawled a brief note and handed it to

her secretary.

Detailed reading

Synonym:scribble: v. write something quickly and untidily

Derivation:

scrawl: n. something written in an untidy careless way

Practice:

Don’t on the wall.

I his phone number in my address

book.

1)

2)

scrawl______

scribbled________

legible: adj. (of handwriting or print) that can be read, esp. easilye.g.Her handwriting was tiny and barely legible.

Detailed reading

Antonym:illegible

Derivation:legibility: n.

Never in ten years was my father’s package late nor was it on the Valentine’s Day eight years ago when I reached into the mailbox to find a card addressed to me in my mother’s handwriting. (Paragraph 7)

Translation:

10 年中，我父亲的包裹总是准时寄到，即使在 8 年前的情人节，也是如此。那天，我把手伸进邮箱，拿到的是一张寄给我的卡片，上面是我母亲的笔记。

Detailed reading

It was the kind of card that put a lump in your throat and teas in your eyes because you knew the person no longer was to go out and buy a real valentine. (Paragraph 9)

Translation:

这是张能让人喉咙哽咽、泪水盈眶的贺卡，因为当你看到它时，你明白这个人再也无法出门给你买情人节贺卡了。

Detailed reading

Question

How did the writer describe the final card she received from her dying father?

It was an ordinary-looking card, but full of her dying father's year-long affection for her which could move the author into tears.

Detailed reading

Paragraphs 8-10

Questions1) Why does her father’s final card still remain on

her bulletin board today?

It’s a reminder of her father, being special and important for her years long.

Detailed reading

2) Would you please paraphrase the concluding part? It is something that makes me remember how particularly great fathers can be and how valuable and influential it has been to me over the years to have such a loving father. Those things will always live in my heart, and the same is true of the memory with my father on Valentine’s Day.

Paragraphs 11-12

reminder: n. something that reminds you of something that happened in the past

Detailed reading

Collocation: reminder of sth.

e.g. Her disability remains as a perpetual reminder of the war years.

Comparison:

remembrance: n. a memory that you have of a person or event

Derivation:

remind: v.

generosity: n. willingness to give money, time, etc. in order to help or please someone

Detailed reading

Antonym:miserliness

Derivation:

generous: adj.

e.g. People admire him for his diligence, friendliness, and generosity.

Detailed reading

Translation:

His generosity claims our respect.

他的慷慨值得我们尊敬。

以德服人

convince by kindness or generosity

Detailed reading

Activity: Write a love story

Directions: Work in groups of three or four. Write a love story of no more than 500 words, which is supposed to happen on Valentine’s Day. You should use the following words and expressions in your story.

elaborate fondly recollection succession cute surpass give way perfunctory eventually deliver scrawl legible reminder generosity

Phrase practice

Word comparison

Synonym / Antonym

Sentence rephrasing

Vocabulary Translation Integrated skillsOral activitiesWriting ListeningGrammar

think of as = regard as ……认为，把当作

e.g. Crying is always thought of as the nature of women. 人们总认为哭是女人的天性。

You can’t think of him as a friend but a business associate. 你不能把他当做朋友，他只是你的生意伙伴。


usher in = be the beginning of 引进，开创

e.g. The manager ushered in a series of reform. 经理开创了一系列的改革。

The change of the president ushers in new ideas and policies. 新总统的上台带来了新的理念和政策。


more of = to a greater degree 更

e.g. Piracy is becoming more and more of a problem in China. 隐私在中国已日益成为一个问题。

He is more of an athlete than his brother. 他比他兄弟更适合当运动员。


careful: if you are careful, you give serious attention to what you are doing, in order to avoid harm, damage, or mistakes e.g. We had to be very careful not to be seen.

elaborate: containing a lot of careful details or many detailed parts e.g. They are making the most elaborate

preparations for the wedding.


Group 1

conscious: if you are conscious of something, you notice it or realize that it is happening

e.g. I had to make a conscious effort not to be rude to him.

Vocabulary Translation Integrated skillsOral activitiesWriting Listening

conscientious: careful to do everything that it is your job or duty to do e.g. A conscientious teacher may feel inclined to

take work home.

Grammar

Group 1

create: when someone creates a new product or process, they invent it or design it e.g. It is really great for a radio producer to create

a show like this.

produce: to bring something or bring something into existence

e.g.France produces a great deal of wine for export.


Group 2


make: to cause an object to exist, for example, by putting the different parts of it together

e.g. I’m going to show you how to make a box.

Grammar

invent: if you invent something such as a machine or process, you are the first person to think of it or make it e.g.He invented the first electric clock.

Group 2

eventually: in the end, especially after a long time or a lot of effort, problems, etc. e.g.

Although she had been ill for a long time, it still came as a shock when she eventually died.

lastly: used when telling someone the last thing at the end of a list or a series of statements e.g. Lastly, could I ask all of you to keep this

information secret?


Group 3

at last: finally

e.g. I’ve finished my essay at last.


finally: you use “finally” to suggest that something happens after a long period of time, usually later than you wanted or expected it to happen e.g. Finally, after ten hours of negotiations, the

gunman gave himself up.

Grammar

Group 3

usher: to help someone to get from one place to another, especially by showing them the way e.g. He ushered her into the room.

guide: if you guide someone around a city, museum, or building, you show it to them and explain points of interest e.g. There will be guided walks around the site.


Group 4

introduce: to put something into use, operation or a place for the first time e.g. The smaller 10 pence coin was introduced

in 1992.

display: to show something to people, or put it in a place where people can see it easily e.g. All the exam results will be displayed on

the notice board.


Group 4

aging: someone or something that is aging is becoming older and less healthy or efficient e.g. John lives with his aging mother.

old: used to describe or ask about someone’s age

e.g. He’s a couple of years older than me.


Group 5

aged: very old

e.g. She nurses her aged mother.

elderly: you use “elderly” as a polite way of saying that someone is old e.g. Many of those most affected are elderly.


Group 5

continue: to keep happening, existing or doing something, or to cause something to so this e.g. It’s said that the boat went down, but the band

continued to play.

remaining: the remaining people or things are those that are left when the others have gone, or been dealt withe.g. The few remaining guests were in the kitchen.


Group 6

persist: if something undesirable persists, it continues to exist e.g.

These problems persisted for much of the decade.

maintain: to continue to have; to keep in existence, or not allow to become less e.g. The army has been brought in to maintain

order in the region.


Group 6

deliver: to take goods, letters, parcels, etc. to people’s houses or places of work

e.g. Mail is delivered to our office twice a day.


address: if a letter, envelope, or parcel is addressed to you, your name and address have been written on it

e.g. Applications should be addressed to: The business affairs editor.

Grammar

Group 7

signal: to show that you intend or are ready to do something

e.g.The union has signaled that the workers will strike.


send: to arrange for something to go or be taken to another place, especially by post

e.g. Lyn sent some pictures from the wedding.

Grammar

Group 7

caution: the quality of being very carefully to avoid danger or risks

e.g. We urged caution.


reminder: a person or thing which makes you remember a particular person, event or situation

e.g. This has been a timely reminder of the need for constant care.

Grammar

Group 8

remainder: the remainder of a group are the things or people that still remain after the other things or people have gone or have been dealt with

e.g. Nine people came in and the remainder stayed outside.


notice: information or a warning given about something that is going to happen in the future

e.g. The next time you visit, can you give me more notice?

Grammar

Group 8

unpleasant, displeasing, disagreeable, bitter, nasty

Give synonyms or antonyms of the word underlined in each sentence in the sense it is used.1. The traditional holidays in our house when I was

a child were spent timing elaborate meals around football games.

Synonyms:rich, well-prepared, complicated, complex

2. My father tried to make pleasant chitchat and eat as much as he could during half time.

Antonyms:


3. I don’t know whether it was because work at the office slowed during February or because the football season was over.

Synonyms:slacken, decelerate

4. Over the years I fondly thought of him as my “Valentine Man.”

Antonyms:coldly, bitterly, hatefully, spitefully


5. … the tender care I gave to the card from the cutest boy in class.

Synonyms:lovely, lovable, attractive

6. I remember wearing that ring with a pride that all the cards in the world could not surpass.

Antonyms:shame, disgrace, humiliation


7. In those years my thank-yous became more of a perfunctory response.

Synonyms: indifferent, half-hearted, thoughtless

8. I had a father who continued a tradition of love with a generosity of spirit.

Antonyms:selfishness, greediness, meanness


Rephrase each of the following sentences with the word given in brackets.


1. We must have your answer tonight at the latest. (insist)

We insist on having your answer tonight at the latest.

2. My father is going to lend me his car tonight. (borrow)

My father is gong to let me borrow his car tonight.

4. You don’t mean to say you want a fifth ice cream, do you? (surely)



3. We see it as a wonderful opportunity. (look)

We look upon it as a wonderful opportunity.

You surely don’t want a fifth ice cream, do you?



6. The bank now owns this block of flats. (belong)

5. There is almost nothing in the house to eat tonight. (hardly)

There is hardly anything in the house to eat tonight.

This block of flats now belongs to the bank.



8. There’s no need to telephone me when you arrive. (bother)

7. Is it really advisable to freeze this sort of food? (should)

Should we really freeze this sort of food?

Don’t bother to telephone me when you arrive.

insist v. demand sth. should happen 坚决要求，坚持


e.g.They insisted that everyone should come to the meeting.

insist on / upon sth.

e.g.The girl insisted on checking everything herself.

borrow v. get temporarily 借，借入


e.g. They are poor but they never borrow money from others.


look v. perceive with attention 看

e.g. Look at the blackboard please.

look upon/on = regard as

e.g.We look upon it as a very promising attempt.


surely adv. certainly, definitely 稳当地，无疑地

e.g. I surely need your support and trust.


hardly adv. almost not 几乎不

e.g. The children in the family hardly watch TV.


belong to: be owned by 属于

e.g. I think the toy must belong to that girl.


should aux. will, need to 应该，将要

e.g. All kids should be taken good care of.


bother to: (usually used in the negative form) to cause inconvenience or discomfort to 费心，麻烦……

e.g. It’s no bother to me. And I'll be glad to do it.

It + be + … + that

Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated skillsOral activitiesWriting Listening

Real and unreal conditionals


With real conditionals, there is a chance that the condition will be fulfilled; with unreal conditional there is no such chance.

e.g. If he arrives on time, he will be able to go with us. (Real condition) If he had arrived on time, he would have been able to go with us. (Unreal condition) If I were (was) you, I would be careful. (Unreal condition).


Conditional sentences have two clauses. Real conditionals:

If clause: present tense Result clause: future tense

If you eat too much ice cream,

you’ll get sick.


Unreal Conditions — present:

If clause: simple past

Result clause: would or could + base form of verb

If I had more time,

I’d do exercises everyday.

If you were rich,

you could buy a large house in the suburbs.


Unreal Conditions — past:

If clause: past perfect

Result clause: would have + past participle

If Ronald had stayed in school,

he would have gotten a better job.

Practice:Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.


What (happen) if I press this

button?

If the story hadn’t been true, the newspaper

(not print) it.

I (not buy) things on the

installment system if I were you.

1.

2.

3.

will happen__________

wouldn’t have printed___________________

wouldn’t buy____________


Practice:Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tenses.

If he’d taken his doctor’s advice he

(not die).

She’ll lose weight if she (go) on a diet.

If I were you, I (not believe)

his story.

4.

5.

6.

wouldn’t have died_________________

goes____

wouldn’t believe_______________

In a real conditional, when talking about the future, the verb in the if-clause is in the present tense while that in the main clause is in the future tense.


In an unreal conditional, we use “if + past perfect” and “would + have done” in the main clause when we talk about something in the past.


In an unreal conditional, we use a past tense in the if-clause and “would do” in the main clause when we talk about present or future situations.


Sentences introduced by “It is” or “It was” are often used to emphasize a specific subject or object. The introductory clause is then followed by a relative pronoun. “It + be + … + that” can be used to highlight the subject, object, adverbial of time, place, manner, cause.


e.g.It is Jenny who spends all her money on shoes. (subject) It is shoes that Jenny spends all her money on. (object)It was in London that he met his first wife. (place)It was only when he phoned that I realized what had happened. (time)It is learning English that I find most enjoyable nowadays. (gerund action)


Practice:Highlight the underlined parts in the following sentences using “it + be + … + that.”


1. I put them into the soil the day my first son was born.It was on the day my first son was born that I put them into the soil.

2. We reached Istanbul by train.

It was by train that we reached Istanbul.


3. He’s feeling unwell because he’s been working too hard.

It is because he’s been working too hard that he’s feeling unwell.

4. The awful weather drives him crazy.

It is the awful weather that drives him crazy.


5. We get light and heat from the sun.

It is from the sun that we get light and heat.

6. I understood the true state of affairs not until I had read your letter.

It was not until I had read your letter that I understood the true state of affairs.

1. 索菲亚委婉地取笑汤姆那顶新帽子，而汤姆不顾情面地对她的卷发嘲弄了一番。 ( tease sb. about)

If you tease sb. about something, you make fun of sb., esp. by making him believe sth. that is untrue, or you dig dirt about sb., or mock or joke about sb.

Sophia teased Tom about his new hat mildly, but Tom teased her curly hair unmercifully.


Practice ：别的男孩经常拿他的口音取笑。

每当有人对乔的体重开玩笑时。他就勃然发怒。


The other boys used to tease him about his accent.

Whenever anyone teases Joe about his weight, he sees red.

我们经常取笑约翰的秃头，但他并不见怪。

We often tease John about his bald head but he takes it in good part.

2. 他痛哭不已，我设法劝他不要过度悲伤。 ( give way to)

If you give way to sb. or sth., you move in order to make room for them.


He kept crying bitterly, and I tried to persuade him not to give way to grief.

Practice ：当两辆汽车在路上相遇时，双方司机必须相互礼让通行。

在激烈的竞争下，市场需要往往会让位于竞争需要。


When two cars pass each other, both drivers should politely give way to each other.

In a highly competitive environment, the needs of the market usually give way to the need for competition.

暴风雨过后一定是灿烂的阳光。你的暴风雨也会过去。你的难题终将解决。

Storms always give way to the sun. Your storm will pass. Your problem will be solved.

3. 我想当然地认为你想要看这出戏，所以给你买了一张票。(take for granted)

If you take sth. for granted, you accept without question or objection; or you use, accept, or treat it in a careless or indifferent manner.


I took it for granted that you would like to see the play, so I bought you a ticket.

Practice ：我们把每个人都应该有受教育的机会视为理所当然。

他意大利语说得极好，所以我就理所当然地把他当做土生土长的意大利人。


We take it for granted that everyone should have the chance of being educated.

I took it for granted that he was a native Italian because he spoke Italian so well.

4. 当我告诉她那个消息时，不知道为什么自己喉咙哽咽起来。(a lump in one’s throat)

If there is a lump in your throat, you have a tight or uncomfortable feeling in the throat, as a reaction to an emotion.


I don’t know why telling her the news brought a lump in my throat.


Practice ：当我看到她受苦时，心里感到特别不好受。

当我听到她与病魔斗争的故事时，我的喉咙哽咽了。

I got a lump in my throat on seeing her suffer.

I felt a lump in my throat on hearing her story of fighting with the illness.


Dictation

Cloze


DictationYou will hear a passage read three times. At the first reading, you should listen carefully for its general idea. At the second reading, you are required to write down the exact words you have just heard (with proper punctuation). At the third reading, you should check what you have written down.

Dictation I believe my father is a talented man. / He is decisive and efficient in doing things. / By his own talents and efforts, / he has secured for the family a good social position / and a comparatively rich life. / People of all fields come to my house, / and from them I have gained lots of valuable social experience / and seen a lot of joys and sorrows of the world. / But at home he is a harsh parent. / He has high expectations of me. / When I am idling away my time, / I can see that it hurts him deeply. / When I am doing something great, / such as writing a book, / he is more than excited. / With such a father, / I always remind myself that I must go on and on, never give up.


Fill in each blank in the passage below with ONE word you think appropriate.

People in countries as far apart as Japan, the United States, Australia and France send Valentine cards to someone they fancy on 14 February, St. Valentine’s Day. Most cards are romantic and express secret (1) messages which don’t let on who the (2) is. Senders of newspaper messages, no matter (3) they are in Britain, North America or Australia, must get a thrill (4) of their exhibitionism without (5) on who is the secret admirer hidden in the words of the advertisement. The British newspaper and


sender______

love____

whether_______

out___letting______

brigades (6) to see themselves or the desired ones (7) animals, with bears being the firm favorites. But fleas, toads, bugs and mice are well represented.In parts of the English countryside it is still (8) that a girl can tell the occupation of her future husband by noting (9) bird she sees first on 14 February. But if it’s a woodpecker, she will find no man at (10) . Happy bird-watching! Happy Valentine’s Day!


tend____as__

believed________

which_____

all__



sender______

love____

whether_______

out___letting______

Here you can use a word meaning “affectionate” .



sender______

love____

whether_______

out___letting______

the person who sends the message



sender______

love____

whether_______

out___letting______

Here you can use a word to include the all places mentioned.



sender______

love____

whether_______

out___letting______

Here you can use a preposition meaning “from”.



sender______

love____

whether_______

out___letting______

Here you can use a verb meaning “release”.


Here you can use a verb meaning “incline”.brigades (6) to see themselves or the desired ones (7) animals, with bears being the firm favorites. But fleas, toads, bugs and mice are well represented.In parts of the English countryside it is still (8) that a girl can tell the occupation of her future husband by noting (9) bird she sees first on 14 February. But if it’s a woodpecker, she will find no man at (10) . Happy bird-watching! Happy Valentine’s Day!

tend____as__

believed________

which_____

all__


Here you can use a preposition meaning “like”.brigades (6) to see themselves or the desired ones (7) animals, with bears being the firm favorites. But fleas, toads, bugs and mice are well represented.In parts of the English countryside it is still (8) that a girl can tell the occupation of her future husband by noting (9) bird she sees first on 14 February. But if it’s a woodpecker, she will find no man at (10) . Happy bird-watching! Happy Valentine’s Day!

tend____as__

believed________

which_____

all__


Here you can use a word meaning “accept as true”.brigades (6) to see themselves or the desired ones (7) animals, with bears being the firm favorites. But fleas, toads, bugs and mice are well represented.In parts of the English countryside it is still (8) that a girl can tell the occupation of her future husband by noting (9) bird she sees first on 14 February. But if it’s a woodpecker, she will find no man at (10) . Happy bird-watching! Happy Valentine’s Day!

tend____as__

believed________

which_____

all__


Which kind of bird it is? brigades (6) to see themselves or the desired ones (7) animals, with bears being the firm favorites. But fleas, toads, bugs and mice are well represented.In parts of the English countryside it is still (8) that a girl can tell the occupation of her future husband by noting (9) bird she sees first on 14 February. But if it’s a woodpecker, she will find no man at (10) . Happy bird-watching! Happy Valentine’s Day!

tend____as__

believed________

which_____

all__


The sentence is negative, and “not at all” is a regular collocation.brigades (6) to see themselves or the desired ones (7) animals, with bears being the firm favorites. But fleas, toads, bugs and mice are well represented.In parts of the English countryside it is still (8) that a girl can tell the occupation of her future husband by noting (9) bird she sees first on 14 February. But if it’s a woodpecker, she will find no man at (10) . Happy bird-watching! Happy Valentine’s Day!

tend____as__

believed________

which_____

all__


Giving a talk

Having a discussion

Giving a talk


Imagine that you are the writer’s father, and now you are seriously ill, knowing that you will not have long to live. Now try to recall how you have spent all the Valentine’s Days in your life, especially how you have shown your love for your daughter on this day during various stages of her life. You may find the following outline helpful for your recounting:

— When I was young, I was usually very busy with my office work. I could hardly find time to spend with my kids. However …— I still remember the first Valentine gift I gave to my daughter, when she was six, was a ring …— As she grew older, the small gifts were replaced by … Somehow I felt that in her heart I was replaced too …— When she moved away from home and started a life of her own, I …— Now Valentine’s Day is drawing near. This is probably the last time I will send her a card …


— When I was young, I was usually very busy with my office work. I could hardly find time to spend with my kids. However, I would choose Valentine’s Day to show my love for them, especially my daughter. She is so special and precious to me. I would give her some lovely gifts as a surprise.

A reference for the talk:


— I still remember the first Valentine gift I gave to my daughter, when she was six, was a ring with a small piece of red glass to represent her birthstone, a ruby. I could see how happy she was, because she always wore that ring with a pride that all the other gifts in the world could not surpass.


—

— As she grew older, the small gifts were replaced by heart-shaped boxes filled with her favorite chocolates. Somehow I felt that in her heart I was replaced too. I could see she was a little disappointed because at her age, she really hoped that the gifts were given by “significant others”. “Love, Dad” just didn’t seem quite enough.— When she moved away from home and started a life of her own, I kept sending Valentine’s cards to her. The package would come to her on time every year. I knew she had found “significant others”, but I was sure she would be happy to receive two Valentine’s gifts.


—

— Now Valentine’s Day is drawing near. This is probably the last time I will send her a card. I decide to put my words in the card, saying “Dear little girl, you are our princess. You are so important and special to me and your mother. If you need me, I will always be your “Valentine’s Man.”

Having a discussion Discuss, in a group of four or five students, the modern tendency that many young people in China nowadays seem to be crazy about western holidays and festivals. Voice your ideas frankly, and then work out a list of the pros and cons. Let one of you present your group’s opinions on the issue to the class.


Viewpoints for reference:


I think celebrating western holidays and festivals is acceptable. This is an age of cultural exchanges. We should know the western cultures. Celebrating those holidays is one way. For example, from the celebration of Christmas Day and Easter, we learn some western religions, customs or traditions. On the other hand, some western holidays are quite humanistic. Celebrations of holidays such as Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving Day, which we do not have in China, are an advocate of showing love and appreciation to the people who love and help us. Personally speaking, I am quite supportive of the two days.

—


I worry about the craze. Sometimes people are so crazy about western holidays and festivals that they ignore or forget Chinese traditional festivals. Gradually, those Chinese festivals may vanish. Nowadays, a lot of young men prefer exchanging gifts at Christmas to paying a visit to relatives at Spring Festival. Many people celebrate Valentine’s Day while they totally forget in China we have the Lover Festival (The Seventh Evening of the Seventh Moon) which originated from a beautiful legend. Chinese culture is unique with a long history. What I hope is, when we show our respect for foreign cultures, we can still cherish and pass on our own ones. This is our responsibility.

—


Stringy sentence

Practice

Stringy sentences are sentences in which too many clauses are connected. Thus, they seem to be endless. They would be easier to read and understand if they were broken up into separate clauses. To avoid stringy sentences, we can use division, subordination, combination or phrases.


He went to a law school and joined a law firm in Miami. We seldom saw each other anymore. [Separate the original sentence into two.]


A. Division By division, it is to divide the original sentence into several sentences. Division is employed when the clauses in the original sentence are of equal importance.Example:

Revised:

Stringy:

He went to a law school, and then he joined a law firm in Miami, and we seldom saw each other anymore.

Although she was on a diet, Miss Lambert could not resist the piece of cake that Mr. Pym offered her because she was hungry.

[Change all the clauses have been changed into subordinate clauses, except for the second one.]


B. Subordination By subordination, it is to change some clauses into subordinate clauses, if they are of less importance.Example:

Miss Lambert was on a diet, and she was hungry, and Mr. Pym offered her a piece of cake, and she could not resist it. Revised:

Stringy:

After attending classes all morning, working all afternoon, and studying at night, many students are exhausted by the weekend.

[Substitute the first three clauses with participle phrases.]


C. Phrase Phrases can be used to substitute the clauses in the original sentence.Example:Stringy:

Many students attend classes all morning and they work all afternoon and then they have to study at night so they are usually exhausted by the weekend.Revised:

Because the rains had been heavy in the spring and the lake was filling up, my friends were thinking either about fishing in the stream or about getting out their sailboats. [Change the first two clauses into a subordinate clause, and the last one into a prepositional phrase.]

D. Combination All the techniques mentioned above can be combined to revise a stringy sentence. Example:


Stringy: The rains had been heavy in the spring, and the lake was filling up, and some of my friends were thinking about fishing in the stream, and other friends were thinking about getting out their sailboats. Revised:

PracticeImprove the following stringy sentences by any method or combination of methods.


1. We must accept the facts and our enormous energy requirements, but it is also important not to forget that attempts to economize on safety provisions in such hazardous industries result in increased risks, and these increased risks may result in terrible tragedy, even in disasters whose consequences exceed national boundaries, although it is certainly true that a nuclear power station working safely, without accident, is ecologically one of the cleanest of all industrial plants.


We must accept the facts and our enormous energy requirements, but it is also important not to forget that attempts to economize on safety provisions risks. And these increased risks may result in terrible tragedy, even in disasters whose consequences exceed national boundaries. It is certainly true, however, that a nuclear power station working safely, without accident, is ecologically one of the cleanest of all industrial plants.[The original sentence is divided into three sentences.]

Revised:

2. Whether it is deceiving yourself or deceiving others, deception requires much time and energy and because deception never really achieves anything of value, it is a great waste of your precious life and resources, but instead, you’d better put that time and energy into successfully dealing with the truth, because after all, you’ll have to deal with it eventually, and the sooner you begin the more you’ll be able to accomplish.



Whether it is deceiving yourself or deceiving others, deception requires much time and energy. And because deception never really achieves anything of value, it is a great waste of your precious life and resources. Instead, you’d better put that time and energy into successfully dealing with the truth. After all, you’ll have to deal with it eventually, and the sooner you begin, the more you’ll be able to accomplish.[The original sentence is divided into four sentences.]

Revised:

3. Giving is more than merely offering objects and when you give, give your time, your attention, your love, compassion, consideration, patience and respect and give a part of yourself, and you will not ever lose it, because that part of you takes on greater influence and value as it touches other lives beyond your own.



Giving is more than merely offering objects. When you give, give your time, your attention, your love, compassion, consideration, patience and respect. Give a part of yourself, and you will not ever lose it. That part of you takes on greater influence and value as it touches other lives beyond your own.[The original sentence is divided into four sentences.]

Revised:

4. Almost every high school student wants to go to college, and tension and anxiety build to a ridiculous point in college candidates, and this spoils their final year in high school.


As almost every high school student wants to go to college, tension and anxiety build to a ridiculous point in college candidates, spoiling their final year in high school.[The first clause is changed into a subordinate clause and the last clause into a participle phrase.]

Revised:

Valentine’s DayYou are going to hear a short passage about the origin of Valentine’s Day and how people celebrate it.


A. Listen to Part A first, and supply the missing information.

Date of observance: “Valentines”: a decorated with

a box of a tied with

February 14th____________

romantic card____________ hearts, flowers

orbirds

____________________

heart-shaped___________ chocolate

candies________________

bouquet of flowers ________________ red ribbon_________


Messages:

Be

Be

Be

Will

Signatures: anonymous Symbols: Cupid — Roman of love heart

My Valentine___________My Sweetheart_____________My Lover ________

you be my valentine?__________________

Guess who_________

God of Love__________arrow _____


B. Now listen to Part B, and fill in the blanks with what you hear.

It is from the Christians that we about Valentine’s Day that most people have . One story is about whose name was “Valentine.” He lived . At that time the Roman Emperor Claudius any Roman soldiers for any reason whatsoever. So many Roman soldiers .Together with their girls, they came to Valentine to in a Christian way.

get the stories_____________

come to

believe_______

_______ a Christian priest_______________

around 250 AD_____________

refused to allow______________

to get married_____________

turned to

Christianity

__________

__________be married secretly_________________


Later Valentine was and by the Roman Emperor. One tradition says that he to his friends by and then the window of his prison. The leaves were .

discovered_________ put in

prison___________

wrote notes__________

marking on leaves________________

throwing them out________________

shaped like a heart________________

February 14th is a complicated but interesting holiday. First of all, Valentine’s Day is not a holiday from work. No one gets a day off. On Valentine’s Day people usually send romantic cards to someone they love. The cards are called valentines. They are very colorful, often decorated with hearts, flowers or birds, and have humorous or sentimental verses printed inside. The basic message of the verse is always “Be My Valentine,” “Be My Sweetheart” or “Be My Lover.” Besides cards, a valentine could also be a heart-shaped box of chocolate candies, or a bouquet of flowers tied with red ribbon.


Valentine’s DayPart A


But in whatever form, the message is always the same — “Will you be my valentine?” A valentine may be anonymous, or sometimes signed “Guess who.” The person receiving it has to guess who sent it. This can lead to interesting speculation. And that’s half the fun of valentines. One of the symbols of St. Valentine’s Day is the Roman God of Love, called Cupid. Cupid is often printed on the card, a winged naked infant, poised to shoot his arrow into a heart. He would shoot an arrow of love into a person’s heart to make the person fall in love immediately, maybe with the first person to come along.


Sometimes one arrow would go through two hearts, holding them together. So on February 14th not only do we have a picture of the Christian St. Valentine but we also have pictures of the non-Christian Cupid, the Roman God of Love.


It is from the Christians that we get the stories about Valentine’s Day that most people have come to believe. One story is about a Christian priest whose name was “Valentine.” He lived around 250 AD. At that time the Roman Emperor Claudius refused to allow any Roman soldiers to get married for any reason whatsoever. So many Roman soldiers turned to Christianity. Together with their girls, they came to Valentine to be married secretly in a Christian way.

Part B


Later Valentine was discovered and put in prison by the Roman Emperor. One tradition says that he wrote notesto his friends by marking on leaves and then throwing them out the window of his prison. The leaves were shaped like a heart. There are many favorite lyrics of Valentine’s Day. Here is one of them: Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you. Let me hear you whisper, that you love me, too. Keep the love light shining, in your eyes so true. Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you.

Text II Memorable quotes

Lead-in Questions

Text

Questions for discussion

Lead-in Questions


1. Have you ever been confined by illness? What does it

feel like? 2. What kind of support does a patient with

incurable disease need?

Soon after the first chemotherapy treatment, I asked Wanda to help me clean up the studio. The desk, the bookcases, and the typewriter were deep in dust, but we finally managed to make the room spotless. I hadn’t written anyting for a long while. Now I began to write again. One of my first pieces was about a Christmas I remembered. I was seven years old, it was during the Great Depression, and we were living on a run-down farm. In times as hard as those, I didn’t think I would get any presents. A blizzard had developed on Christmas Eve,

MAKE TODAY COUNTOrville E. Kelly


1

and I had snuggled into a featherbed to keep warm, praying that I would get just a little something for Christmas. When I woke the next morning and went downstairs, I found a decorated Christmas tree in the front room, and underneath it, a pair of lace-up boots, a red fire engine, and a sack of candy. “I have seen many other snowfalls,” I wrote, “but for some reason I always remember that night when the blizzard came on Christmas Eve. Whenever I see the snow coming down and hear the wind begin to howl, I remember a dream that came true.”


2


I submitted the story to the local Burlington newspaper — the Hawk Eye — for a winter writing contest and received a first prize for it. That was my first Christmas present of the year. And others came, too. Wanda and I had only a little money, although we had been able to make ends meet with the Social Security disability payments and Veterans Administration checks we had been receiving. But Christmas 1973 turned out to be one of the warmest our family ever had, thanks to the generosity of a few friends, particularly those at the factory where Wanda had worked. We received cash,

3


hams, turkeys, and countless boxes of candy. Wanda bought a few presents for the children. Most important, the entire family was together. The day after Christmas, I decided it was time for me to write about the struggles of a cancer patient. Before I knew that I had cancer, I had thought of it as similar to leprosy — a disease that rotted people slowly — and visibly away. Life with cancer didn’t have to be that way, and I wanted people to know this. Of course, I didn’t have all the answers, but I wanted to show that cancer could be approached with openness, and that dying people did

4


have something to live for. Although I had read about all the money being spent on cancer research, I had heard very little about the emotional rehabilitation of cancer patients and their families. The void was obvious. No matter how the problem of cancer is handled in a family, all the members of the family are bound to be affected in some way. I spent two days writing and editing the piece. “Once,” I wrote in it, “I asked how there could be a God who would let so many terrible things happen. Now I ask myself how I can doubt the existence of God ... when I

5


hear a child’s laughter on a summer evening, or see around me the miracle of life itself. I realize this is life and I am part of it. I know there has to be a God. When I think to myself how lucky I was to have such an understanding person as my wife, Wanda, I know good things happen. When someone does a kind thing for me, I know this is all part of this miracle of living. ” “On Christmas a Burlington woman called to tell me her husband had been told recently he had lung cancer. She wanted to know if I would come to their house and talk to him. He felt he would like to just sit down and talk to someone with the same problems he had.”

6


“The thought came to me that there should be some kind of organization of people with incurable diseases. These people could help each other, and I am going to work on this ...” I sent the story to the Hawk Eye, and the editors decided to use it in the Sunday, January 6 edition. The story was carried on Page 2, along with a picture of me looking out from our back porch and another of me taking my pills. The day the story appeared, I received several telephone calls from other cancer patients, telling me how strongly they supported my idea of forming an organization. So I arranged for a gathering at the local

7

8


Elks Club on January 25. With the help of a little publicity from the local newspaper, eighteen cancer patients and members of their families, including Wanda and me, met that night in the upstairs meeting room. One of the first things I told the group was that I didn’t think we were there to cry on one another’s shoulders. We weren’t there to find out who was the most seriously ill. We were there to share our mutual problems and to try to work them out so that we could live as close to normal lives as possible. We went around the table introducing ourselves and telling our stories as a

9


way to break the ice. After some discussion, we decided we should try to get together once a month to talk with one another and to listen to speakers who could help us face our illnesses. Several days before the meeting, it occurred to me that if we were going to start a group, we ought to have a name. I had three suggestions: Live Each Day Fully; Live for Today; or Make Today Count. When I put the suggestions to a vote, the other seventeen hands were raised in support of my choice. The vote was for Make Today Count.

10

11

12

Make Today Count (Title): We should live each day with a gentleness, a vigor, and a keenness of appreciation.


chemotherapy treatment (Paragraph 1): treatment of disease with drugs that directly poison the disease organism. Chemotherapy most often refers to cancer treatment, where powerful drugs with potentially severe side effects are used to eliminate or contain the spread of tumors.


Great Depression (Paragraph 1): the worst and longest economic collapse in the history of the modern industrial world, lasting from the end of 1929 until the early 1940s. Beginning in the United States, the depression spread to most of the world’s industrial countries. The Great Depression saw rapid declines in the production and sale of goods and a sudden, severe rise in unemployment. Businesses and banks closed their doors, people lost their jobs, homes, and savings, and many depended on charity to survive.


Christmas Eve (Paragraph 1): 24 December, the day before Christmas Day, when all preparations for Christmas are complete and when almost everyone starts a holiday of several days. It is a traditional time for parties, and many workplaces, including shops and banks, close earlier than usual. In the late evening, many people go to a church service, and children, on going to bed, traditionally hang up an old sock at the head of their bed for Santa Claus to fill with presents during the night. This role is actually played by the child’s parents.


Christmas tree (Paragraph 1): The Christmas tree had its origin in Germany. German immigrants took the Christmas tree to other parts of Europe and to the United States and Canada, where it soon became a popular tradition. It is now the centre of interest at most Christmas celebrations. Decorating the tree is part of the Christmas festivities.


Burlington (Paragraph 3): a city in northwestern Vermont, located on Lake Champlain


make ends meet (Paragraph 3): have just enough money to buy what one needs


e.g. Since Mike lost his job, we can hardly make ends meet.

Social Security (Paragraph 3): public programs designed to provide income and services to individuals in the event of retirement, sickness, disability, death, or unemployment


Veterans Administration (Paragraph 3): an independent government agency established in 1930 to administer national benefits for veterans. It was replaced by the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989.


turkeys (Paragraph 3): A traditional midday meal (Christmas dinner) is eaten on Christmas Day. It usually includes roast turkey and Christmas pudding with mince pies, and is accompanied by wine. Roast turkey is stuffed with a bread dressing to absorb the tasty juices as it roasts.


Most important, the entire family was together. (Paragraph 3): Christmas in the United States is a family festival. “Going home for Christmas” is a cherished custom and no distance seems too great if it enables one to join the family circle for the holiday. Parents welcome home their children and grandchildren and often open their doors to friends and strangers.


leprosy (Paragraph 4): a tropical disease that mainly affects the skin and nerves, and can cause tissue change. Leprosy ( 麻风病 ) is transmitted following close personal contact and has a long incubation period. It can now be cured if treated with a combination of drugs.


emotional rehabilitation (Paragraph 4): helping sb. to live a healthy, useful, or active life again after they have been seriously ill


are bound to (Paragraph 4): are certain or extremely likely to


e.g. In a group as big as this, you are bound to get occasional disagreements.

porch (Paragraph 8): an open area with a floor and a roof, often made of wood, fixed to the side of a house on the ground floor


break the ice (Paragraph 9): make people who have just met each other less nervous and more willing to talk, for example at a party or meeting


e.g. Sharon tried to break the ice by suggesting that we all play a game.

..., it occurred to me that ... (Paragraph 10): ..., it suddenly came into my mind that ...


e.g. It suddenly occurred to me that we could use a computer to do the job.


1. What can we infer from the author’s description of a Christmas about the damaging effect of the Great Depression on American farmers?

The Great Depression was devastating to American farmers and their families. Many people lacked adequate food, shelter, and clothing.


Afflicted by the Great Depression, his family lived in poverty. On Christmas Eve, he prayed that he would get just a little present for Christmas and his dream came true the next morning.

2. What memories of childhood come alive again whenever the author sees the snow coming down?



3. What do we know about the author and his family life?

He had served in the armed forces. He or his wife was a disabled person. They lived mainly on the money received from the government.



4. What did the author think of cancer before he knew that he had cancer?

He viewed cancer with great horror. He thought of it as a very serious infectious disease in which the flesh and nerves were gradually destroyed.



5. What were the main criticisms directed against the government concerning cancer research?

All the money was spent on cancer research, but insufficient attention was paid to the emotional rehabilitation of cancer patients and their families.



6. According to the author, what psychological problems may a cancer patient face?

Depression and persistent anxiety. He may have low self-esteem, a sense of hopelessness about the future, and a lack of interest in people and activities once found pleasurable.



7. What was the author’s intent in writing about the struggles of a cancer patient?

He wanted to instill positive attitudes in a cancer patient and hoped that the story would serve as an inspiration for all people with incurable diseases.



8. What did he suggest people with incurable diseases should do to mitigate their own problems?

They should share their mutual problems, help each other and take part in community life on an equal level with others.



Memorable Quotes

Read “Red Red Rose” and analyze the rhetoric devices used in the poem.


Guidance: “Red Red Rose” is a love poem written to be sung. The speaker presents two similes, the first comparing his love to a rose and the second comparing his love to a melody. The speaker also uses repetition to echo his sentiments — my luve’s like in Lines 1 and 3; that’s newly and that's sweetly (pronoun, verb, and adverb combinations) in Lines 2 and 4.


Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881) was a British Prime Minister, parliamentarian, Conservative statesman and literary figure.Robert Burns (1759–1796) was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide.

Memorable Quotes

principle: a rule or standard especially of a good behavior

1. We are all born for love, … It is the principle of existence and its only end.

— Benjamin Disraeli

e.g. Confucius suggested one of the principles for the conduct of life: “Do not do to others what you would not want others to do to you.”


We are all born to love, … We live by love and for love only.

Memorable Quotes

2. Oh my luve’s like a red, red rose, That’s newly sprung in June; Oh my luve’s like the melodie That’s sweetly played in tune.

— Robert Burns


The lady I love is so fresh and beautiful just like a red rose beginning to blossom in June. She is as sweet and pleasant as the melodies played properly.


in/ out of tune: to be/not be singing or playing the correct musical notes to sound good

e.g. My guitar doesn’t play in tune; I would find someone to scale it.

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domestic father

narrators father

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