The Titanic Puzzle 21st Century College English: Book 3 Unit 2: Part A.

The Titanic PuzzleThe Titanic PuzzleThe Titanic PuzzleThe Titanic Puzzle

21st Century College English: Book 321st Century College English: Book 3

Unit 2: Part AUnit 2: Part AUnit 2: Part AUnit 2: Part A

• Pre-reading Activities

• Text A: Language Points

• Exercises

• Assignment

Unit 2: Part AUnit 2: Part A

The Titanic PuzzleThe Titanic Puzzle

Pre-reading ActivitiesPre-reading Activities

For gentlemen:For gentlemen: There are many traditional ways of showing There are many traditional ways of showing

courtesy to women — gestures like lighting their cigarettes for them courtesy to women — gestures like lighting their cigarettes for them

or standing up when they enter a room. What other things can you or standing up when they enter a room. What other things can you

think of? Name some of those you know!think of? Name some of those you know!

ThinkingThinking

For ladies:For ladies: What do you think of the woman’s argument about What do you think of the woman’s argument about

everyday reality? What about you view of common courtesy? everyday reality? What about you view of common courtesy?

You are going to hear a conversation about Western traditions of You are going to hear a conversation about Western traditions of courtesy towards women. Before you listen to the conversation, courtesy towards women. Before you listen to the conversation, have a look at the questions below.have a look at the questions below.

• Where do you imagine the incident the woman describes

took place?

• What courtesy did she expect?

• What, in the man's view, is the basis of a lot of common

courtesy?


Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up

ListeningListening

• Where do you imagine the incident the woman describes took place?

• What courtesy did she expect?

• What, in the man's view, is the basis of a lot of common courtesy?


At the entrance to a building.

She expected the man to open the door for her.

The notion that women are not strong enough to cope with everyday reality.

ScriptScriptScriptScript


G = GermaineG = Germaine H = HughH = Hugh

G:G: So there I was, struggling to get the door open without droppiSo there I was, struggling to get the door open without dropping my bags, and this guy just stood there staring at me with a ng my bags, and this guy just stood there staring at me with a look of total confusion on his face. I don'tlook of total confusion on his face. I don't understand. I thinkunderstand. I think: : If it'dIf it'd been a woman, she would've opened the door for me. Or been a woman, she would've opened the door for me. Or if I'dif I'd been a man, he would've opened the door for me. It was a been a man, he would've opened the door for me. It was a simple case of one human being needing a hand from another simple case of one human being needing a hand from another human being, and all this guy could do was stare stupidly at human being, and all this guy could do was stare stupidly at me. me.

H:H: I don'tI don't blame him. How was he supposed to know you wouldblame him. How was he supposed to know you wouldn'tn't bite his head off for offering help? A lot of women get mad bite his head off for offering help? A lot of women get mad nowadays when a guy offers to help them with something. Menowadays when a guy offers to help them with something. Men just don'tn just don't know how to act anymore.know how to act anymore.

G:G: That's exactly my point! Something's gone wrong. Surely the iThat's exactly my point! Something's gone wrong. Surely the idea of equal rights for women wasn't meant to prevent commdea of equal rights for women wasn't meant to prevent common courtesy.on courtesy.

H:H: Well, but a lot of what you call common courtesy is based on tWell, but a lot of what you call common courtesy is based on the notion that women are too weak to cope with everyday realihe notion that women are too weak to cope with everyday reality.ty.

G:G: [getting angrier and angrier] Oh yeah?! Well, maybe too much [getting angrier and angrier] Oh yeah?! Well, maybe too much of what you call everyday reality was designed without thinkinof what you call everyday reality was designed without thinking of women. Why is the door so heavy? Why are the shelves ig of women. Why is the door so heavy? Why are the shelves in shops and libraries so high?? Why aren't babysitters providn shops and libraries so high?? Why aren't babysitters provided for free??? [wildly] Why was I the one carrying all those heed for free??? [wildly] Why was I the one carrying all those heavy shopping bags?!?!avy shopping bags?!?!

H:H: Ow, don't hit me!Ow, don't hit me!

Language PointsLanguage Points


Should a good feminist accept priority seating on a lifeboat?

By Charles Krauthammer

11 You're on the Titanic II. It has just hit an iceberg and is sinking. A. It has just hit an iceberg and is sinking. A

nd, as last time, there are not enough lifeboats. The captain shouts, nd, as last time, there are not enough lifeboats. The captain shouts,

““Women and children first!Women and children first!” ” But this time, another voice is heard: But this time, another voice is heard:

““Why women?Why women?””


22 Why, indeed? Part of the charm of the successful movie Why, indeed? Part of the charm of the successful movie TitanicTitanic

are are

the period costumes, the period extravagance, and the period prejudices.

An audience can enjoy these at a distance. Oddly, however, of all the

period attitudes in the film, the old maritime tradition of ““women and women and

children firstchildren first” ” enjoys total acceptance by modern audiences. Listen enjoys total acceptance by modern audiences. Listen

to the audience boo at the bad guys who try to sneak on the to the audience boo at the bad guys who try to sneak on the

lifeboats with — or ahead of — the ladies.lifeboats with — or ahead of — the ladies.


33 But is not grouping women with children a raging anachronism? But is not grouping women with children a raging anachronism?

Should not any self-respecting modern person, let alone feminist, object to it as insulting to women?

44 Yet its Yet its usage is as common today as it was in 1912. Consider these examples taken almost at random from recent newspapers:

55 ““The invaders gunned down the Indians, most of them women and The invaders gunned down the Indians, most of them women and

children ...children ...””

66 ““As many as 200 civilians, most of them women and children, As many as 200 civilians, most of them women and children,

were killed ...were killed ...””


77 ““At the massacre in Ahmici 103 Muslims, including 33 women and At the massacre in Ahmici 103 Muslims, including 33 women and

children, were killed ...children, were killed ...””

88 At a time when women fly combat aircraft and run multi-national cAt a time when women fly combat aircraft and run multi-national c

orporations, how can one not orporations, how can one not wince when adult women are routinely cl when adult women are routinely cl

assed with children? In Ahmici, it seems, 70 adult men were killed. Anassed with children? In Ahmici, it seems, 70 adult men were killed. An

d how many adult women? Not clear. When things get serious, when bd how many adult women? Not clear. When things get serious, when b

lood starts to flow or ships start to sink, you'll find them with the childlood starts to flow or ships start to sink, you'll find them with the child

ren.ren.


99 Children are entitled to special consideration for two reasons:

helplessness and innocence. They have not yet acquired either the faculty of

reason or the wisdom of experience. Consequently, they are defenseless

(incapable of fending for themselves) and blameless (incapable of real sin).

That's why we grant them special protection. In an emergency, it is our duty

to save them first because they, helpless, have put their lives in our hands.

And in wartime, they are supposed to be protected by special immunity

because they can have threatened or offended no one.


1010 The phrase “women and children” attributes to women the same dependence and moral simplicity we find in five-year-olds. Such an attitude perhaps made sense in an era dominated by male . Such an attitude perhaps made sense in an era dominated by male

privilege. privilege. Given the disabilities attached to womanhood in 1912, the disabilities attached to womanhood in 1912,

it was only fair that a new standard of gender equality not suddenly be proclaimed just as lifeboat seats were being handed out. That deference — a somewhat more urgent . That deference — a somewhat more urgent variation on giving up yo on giving up yo

ur seat on the bus to a woman — complemented and perhaps to somur seat on the bus to a woman — complemented and perhaps to som

e extent compensated for the legal and social constraints placed on e extent compensated for the legal and social constraints placed on

women at the time.women at the time.


1111 But in our era of extensive social restructuring to grant women But in our era of extensive social restructuring to grant women

equality in education, in employment, in government, in athletics, equality in education, in employment, in government, in athletics,

what entitles women to the privileges — and reduces them to the status — of children?

1212 Evolutionary psychologists might say that Evolutionary psychologists might say that

ladies-to-the-lifeboats is an instinct that developed to perpetuate the species: Women are indispensable child-bearers. You can repopulate a village if the women survive and only a few of the men, but not if the men survive and only a few of the women. Women being more precious, biologically speaking, than men, evolution has conditioned us to give them the kind of life-protecting deference we give to that other seed of the future: kids.


1313 The problem with this kind of logic, however, is its The problem with this kind of logic, however, is its depressing reductionism. It's like a serious version of the geneticist's old joke that a chicken is just an egg's way of making another egg. But humans are more than just egg-layers. And traditional courtesies are more than just disguised survival strategies. So why do we say ““women and childrenwomen and children””? ?

1414 Perhaps it's really Perhaps it's really ““women for children.women for children.” ” The most basic parental The most basic parental

bond is maternal. bond is maternal.

Equal parenting is great, but women, from breast to cradle to reassuring hug, can nurture in ways that men cannot. And thus, because we value children, women should go second. The children need them.


1515 But kiddie-centrism gets you only so far. What if there are no children . What if there are no children

on board? You are on theon board? You are on the Titanic III Titanic III, and this time it's a singles cruise. , and this time it's a singles cruise.

No kids, no parents. Now: Iceberg! Lifeboats! Action!No kids, no parents. Now: Iceberg! Lifeboats! Action!

1616 Here's my scenario. The men, out of Here's my scenario. The men, out of sheer irrational heroism, shoul irrational heroism, shoul

d let the women go first. And the women, out of sheer feminist self-resd let the women go first. And the women, out of sheer feminist self-res

pect, should refuse.pect, should refuse.

1717 Result? Result? Stalemate. How does this movie end? How should it end? . How does this movie end? How should it end?

Hurry, the ship's going down. Hurry, the ship's going down.

ParaphraseParaphrase

??

KeyKey

—— Suppose you find yourself in a similar situation to Suppose you find yourself in a similar situation to that of the Titanic.that of the Titanic.

More to learnMore to learnMore to learnMore to learn

You're on the You're on the Titanic IITitanic II..

At 2:20 AM on April 15, 1912, the Titanic, then the At 2:20 AM on April 15, 1912, the Titanic, then the world's largest and most luxurious ocean liner, world's largest and most luxurious ocean liner, disappeared into the icy depthsdisappeared into the icy depthsof the North Atlantic. With herof the North Atlantic. With hershe took the lives of some 1,500she took the lives of some 1,500men, women, and children —men, women, and children —more casualties than in anymore casualties than in anyother marine disaster inother marine disaster inpeacetime history. Many moviespeacetime history. Many movieswere shot about this event, but the one that came out in were shot about this event, but the one that came out in 1998 was the biggest hit.1998 was the biggest hit.

Text-related informationText-related information

the Titanic IIthe Titanic II

the period costumes, the period extravagance, and the the period costumes, the period extravagance, and the period prejudicesperiod prejudices

ParaphrasingParaphrasing

??

KeyKey

—— the costumes, the extravagance, and the prejudices of the costumes, the extravagance, and the prejudices of that time in historythat time in history


the the periodperiod costumes, the period extravagance, and the costumes, the period extravagance, and the periodperiod prejudices prejudices

ExamplesExamples

• periodperiod furniture furniture

• a a periodperiod cottage cottage

periodperiod a. a.

—— typical of an earlier time in history, either dating typical of an earlier time in history, either dating from that from that time or deliberately made in the style of time or deliberately made in the style of that that timetime

atat / / fromfrom aa distancedistance

—— from a place that is not very close; a long time after sth. hfrom a place that is not very close; a long time after sth. happened appened

ExamplesExamples

• ItIt's 's wise to stay wise to stay at a distanceat a distance from the cobras. from the cobras.

• Some people are more respectable if admired Some people are more respectable if admired from a from a distance.distance.

• Remembering the disaster Remembering the disaster at a distanceat a distance, I now feel , I now feel sure that it was not his fault.sure that it was not his fault.

let alonelet alone—— (to indicate that a particular situation is even less (to indicate that a particular situation is even less

likely or possible) not to mention; without likely or possible) not to mention; without consideringconsidering

ExamplesExamples

• I was too tired to walk,I was too tired to walk, let alonelet alone running. running.

• There wasn't enough room for us, There wasn't enough room for us, let alonelet alone three dogs three dogs and two cats.and two cats.


Should not any self-respecting modern person, Should not any self-respecting modern person, let alonelet alone feminist, object to it as insulting to women? feminist, object to it as insulting to women?

Should not any self-respecting modern person, let aloneShould not any self-respecting modern person, let alone feminist, feminist, object toobject to it as insulting to women? it as insulting to women?

object toobject to —— oppose; be againstoppose; be against

ExamplesExamples

• The embassy The embassy objects toobjects to their requests to take refuge their requests to take refuge there.there.

• Professor Hawking Professor Hawking objects toobjects to being treated like being treated like someone special.someone special.

usageusage nn..

—— the way sth. is used; the way words are used in a language the way sth. is used; the way words are used in a language

Note:Note: UsageUsage is different from is different from useuse in that it often implies in that it often implies the degree to which something is used or the way the degree to which something is used or the way in which it is used.in which it is used.

ExamplesExamples

• The manual describes the proper The manual describes the proper usageusage of the of the appliance.appliance.

• The expression has come into common The expression has come into common usageusage..

• the environmental effects of energy the environmental effects of energy usageusage

• Sports equipment is designed to withstand hard Sports equipment is designed to withstand hard usageusage..

wincewince vi.vi.

—— suddenly and briefly show pain in one's facial expressionsuddenly and briefly show pain in one's facial expression

(( 因疼痛、惊吓等因疼痛、惊吓等 )) 本能地退缩，畏缩；皱眉蹙眼本能地退缩，畏缩；皱眉蹙眼

Examples Examples

• David David wincedwinced when the dentist touched his sore when the dentist touched his sore tooth.tooth.

• It makes me It makes me wince wince even thinking about eye even thinking about eye operation.operation.

Children Children are entitled toare entitled to special consideration special consideration

ExamplesExamples

• You You are entitled toare entitled to high praise for handling this high praise for handling this difficult situation successfully all alone.difficult situation successfully all alone.

• II''m m entitled toentitled to know how my own money is being know how my own money is being spent.spent.

be entitled to (do) sth.be entitled to (do) sth.

—— be given the right to have or do (sth.)be given the right to have or do (sth.)

facultyfaculty n.n.

1.1. any of the powers of the body or mind; a particular ability fany of the powers of the body or mind; a particular ability for doing sth. or doing sth. 才能；能力；天赋才能；能力；天赋

2.2. all the teachers and workers of a university or college all the teachers and workers of a university or college (( 高高等院校的等院校的 )) 全体教师及职工全体教师及职工

ExamplesExamples

• Even at the age of 100, she still had all her Even at the age of 100, she still had all her facultiesfaculties..

• Mary has a remarkable Mary has a remarkable facultyfaculty for adding large for adding large numbers in her head.numbers in her head.

• Jane is a member of theJane is a member of the faculty faculty at the local at the local universityuniversity..

immunityimmunity n.n.

1. protection or freedom (from sth.) 1. protection or freedom (from sth.) 受保护；豁免受保护；豁免 (( 权权 ))

2. ability to resist infection, disease, etc. 2. ability to resist infection, disease, etc. 免疫力免疫力

ExamplesExamples

• He was told that he would be granted He was told that he would be granted immunityimmunity frofrom m prosecution (prosecution ( 起诉起诉 ) if he confessed the names of t) if he confessed the names of the other spies.he other spies.

• diplomatic diplomatic immunityimmunity (( 外交豁免权外交豁免权 ))

• Most people have no Most people have no immunity againstimmunity against that virus. that virus.

threatenthreaten vt.vt.

1. make a threat against (sb.) 1. make a threat against (sb.) 威胁，恐吓威胁，恐吓2. give a warning (of sth. bad) 2. give a warning (of sth. bad) 预示预示

ExamplesExamples

• They They threatenedthreatened their son with punishment. their son with punishment.

• The dark clouds The dark clouds threatenthreaten a storm. a storm.

The phrase The phrase ““women and childrenwomen and children” ” attributes to women the attributes to women the same same dependence and moral simplicitydependence and moral simplicity we find in five-year- we find in five-year-olds. olds.


??

Key:Key:

• By classing women with children, we think that By classing women with children, we think that women are as helpless and innocent as little kids. women are as helpless and innocent as little kids.


dependence and moral simplicitydependence and moral simplicity

—— another way of saying “helplessness and innocence”another way of saying “helplessness and innocence”

attributeattribute (a quality, feature, etc.) (a quality, feature, etc.) toto sb./sth. sb./sth.

— — say or think that sb./sth. has got (that quality, feature, etc.)say or think that sb./sth. has got (that quality, feature, etc.)

ExamplesExamples

• He tends to He tends to attributeattribute mean motives mean motives toto other people. other people.

• I wouldn't dream of I wouldn't dream of attributingattributing such a lack of such a lack of judgment judgment toto you. you.

The phrase The phrase ““women and childrenwomen and children” ” attributes toattributes to women the women the same dependence and moral simplicity we find in five-year-same dependence and moral simplicity we find in five-year-olds. olds.

givengiven — — prep.prep. considering considering 考虑到考虑到 a.a. 1. 1. 规定的，特定的；规定的，特定的； 2. 2. 假设的；已知的假设的；已知的

Examples Examples

• GivenGiven their inexperience, they've done a good job. their inexperience, they've done a good job.

• GivenGiven (the fact) that she is interested in children, I a (the fact) that she is interested in children, I am sure teaching is the right career for her.m sure teaching is the right career for her.

• The work must be done within the The work must be done within the givengiven time. time.

• under a under a given given conditioncondition

• The The givengiven radius ( radius ( 半径半径 ) being 4 ft., find the circumfe) being 4 ft., find the circumference (rence ( 周长周长 ).).


givengiven—— used as a prepositionused as a preposition

The wordThe word givengiven can be used as a preposition followed by a can be used as a preposition followed by a noun phrase or noun clause. If you say given something or noun phrase or noun clause. If you say given something or given that something is true, you mean what is mentioned is given that something is true, you mean what is mentioned is considered or is taken into account.considered or is taken into account.

In formal English,In formal English, givengiven the chance, given the opportunity, the chance, given the opportunity, etc. mean if one has the chance, the opportunity, etc.etc. mean if one has the chance, the opportunity, etc.

Examples Examples

• GivenGiven his age, he is a remarkable fast runner. his age, he is a remarkable fast runner.

• I'm sure teaching is the right career for her, I'm sure teaching is the right career for her, given given (the fact) that she is interested in children.(the fact) that she is interested in children.

• She could have done just as well as you have, She could have done just as well as you have, givengiven the chance. the chance.

• GivenGiven imagination, anything is possible. imagination, anything is possible.


givengiven


Complete the following sentences by translating the Chinese into Complete the following sentences by translating the Chinese into English, using English, using given given clauses appropriately.clauses appropriately.(Ex. VIII, p. 208)Ex. VIII, p. 208)

1.1. _______________(_______________( 鉴于政府在失业问题上的记录鉴于政府在失业问题上的记录 ), thei), thei

r chances of winning the election look poor.r chances of winning the election look poor.

2.2. _____________(_____________( 鉴于儿童不能自立，不能自卫鉴于儿童不能自立，不能自卫 ), adults ), adults

are responsible for granting them special protection.are responsible for granting them special protection.

Given the government's record on unemployment

Given children's helplessness and defenselessness

givengiven



3.3. ________________(________________(如果天气好的话如果天气好的话 ), our ship will reac), our ship will reach Yantai tomorrow morning.h Yantai tomorrow morning.

4.4. ___________(___________(鉴于免疫力弱鉴于免疫力弱 ), children and old people ar), children and old people are advised not to stay in an air-conditioned room for too loe advised not to stay in an air-conditioned room for too long.ng.

Given good weather

Given poor immunity

givengiven


5.5. _______________(_______________( 鉴于女权主义者已为男女平等斗争鉴于女权主义者已为男女平等斗争了多年了多年 ), it is not surprising to find such new words as ch), it is not surprising to find such new words as chairperson and Ms. in widespread use.airperson and Ms. in widespread use.

6.6. (( 如果再给我一次读大学的机会如果再给我一次读大学的机会 ), I would choose to stu), I would choose to study engineering rather than mathematics.dy engineering rather than mathematics.

Given that feminists have been fighting for gender/sexual equality for years

Given one more chance to go to college

attachattach ((toto) ) vt.vt.

—— 1.1. consider that sb. has a certain quality consider that sb. has a certain quality

2.2. fasten or joinfasten or join

Examples Examples

• The panel of scientists The panel of scientists attachesattaches great importance great importance to to hihis research on genes.s research on genes.

• Chinese movies used to Chinese movies used to attachattach every good quality every good quality to to a a hero.hero.

• A label A label is attached tois attached to each piece of luggage. each piece of luggage.

• Bill Bill attachedattached a big bow ( a big bow ( 蝴蝶结蝴蝶结 ) ) toto the birthday pres the birthday present.ent.

……, it was only fair that a new standard of , it was only fair that a new standard of gender gender equality not equality not suddenly be proclaimed just as life boat seats were being suddenly be proclaimed just as life boat seats were being handed out. handed out.

ExamplesExamples

• The job is open to any suitably qualified person regarThe job is open to any suitably qualified person regardless of age, dless of age, gender gender or race.or race.

• Sociologists believe that Sociologists believe that gender gender differences in voting differences in voting will gradually disappear as women become more politwill gradually disappear as women become more politicized.icized.

• In German, the In German, the gender gender of the word "Hund", meaning of the word "Hund", meaning "dog" , is masculine ("dog" , is masculine ( 阳性的阳性的 ).).


gender equalitygender equality = sex equality = sex equality

n.n. 1. (1. ( 生理上的生理上的 )) 性；性； 2. (2. ( 名词、代词等的名词、代词等的 )) 性性

—— GenderGender means sex but is especially used in job advertisem means sex but is especially used in job advertisements, in writing about politics and society, as well as in graents, in writing about politics and society, as well as in grammar, while sex is a general word.mmar, while sex is a general word.

……, it was only fair that a new standard of gender equality not , it was only fair that a new standard of gender equality not suddenly be suddenly be proclaimedproclaimed just as life boat seats were being just as life boat seats were being handed out. handed out.

proclaimproclaim vt.vt.

—— make known officially or publicly; declaremake known officially or publicly; declare

Note:Note: ProclaimProclaim implies a clear, forceful, authoritativ implies a clear, forceful, authoritative oral declaring of something, often of national impore oral declaring of something, often of national importance.tance.

Examples Examples

• The president The president proclaimed proclaimed a day of mourning.a day of mourning.

• The American colonies The American colonies proclaimedproclaimed their their independence in 1776.independence in 1776.


……, it was only fair that a new standard of gender equality not , it was only fair that a new standard of gender equality not suddenly be proclaimed just as life boat seats were being suddenly be proclaimed just as life boat seats were being handed outhanded out. .

hand outhand out

—— distributedistribute 分发分发 , , 散发散发

Examples Examples

• Make a list of names, see if they're all present, and Make a list of names, see if they're all present, and hand outhand out the books. the books.

• Would you Would you hand hand the cake the cake outout while I pour the coffee? while I pour the coffee?


……, it was only fair that a new standard of gender equality not , it was only fair that a new standard of gender equality not suddenly be proclaimed just as life boat seats were being suddenly be proclaimed just as life boat seats were being handed out. handed out.


??

KeyKey

• ……, the traditional gender inequality should naturally , the traditional gender inequality should naturally continue at that critical moment when the ship was continue at that critical moment when the ship was sinking — it was fair that women should have been sinking — it was fair that women should have been given seats on the lifeboats first.given seats on the lifeboats first.

That deference — a somewhat more urgent That deference — a somewhat more urgent variationvariation on giving on giving up your seat on the bus to a woman — complemented and up your seat on the bus to a woman — complemented and perhaps to some extent compensated for the legal and social perhaps to some extent compensated for the legal and social constraints placed on women at the time. constraints placed on women at the time.

variationvariation n.n.

— — (on) one in a group or set which is different in some (on) one in a group or set which is different in some way from the normal or most commonway from the normal or most common

ExamplesExamples

• His books are all His books are all variations variations on a basic theme.on a basic theme.

• It was the same TV programme with only nightly It was the same TV programme with only nightly vavariationsriations..


That deference — a somewhat more urgent variation on giving That deference — a somewhat more urgent variation on giving up your seat on the bus to a woman — complemented and up your seat on the bus to a woman — complemented and perhaps to some extent compensated for the legal and social perhaps to some extent compensated for the legal and social constraints placed on women at the time. constraints placed on women at the time.


??KeyKey

• That respect for women (i.e. offering priority seating oThat respect for women (i.e. offering priority seating on a lifeboat) was very similar to, but somewhat more un a lifeboat) was very similar to, but somewhat more urgent than, offering your seat to a woman on the bus. rgent than, offering your seat to a woman on the bus. This helped to improve, and perhaps more or less madThis helped to improve, and perhaps more or less made up for the disabilities attached to womanhood (para.e up for the disabilities attached to womanhood (para.10) by law and by society at that time. 10) by law and by society at that time.

..., what entitles women to the privileges — and ..., what entitles women to the privileges — and reducesreduces them them tto o the status — of children?the status — of children?

reduce sb. toreduce sb. to

—— bring sb. to (a specified, usu. worse, state or conditiobring sb. to (a specified, usu. worse, state or condition)n)ExamplesExamples

• We were We were reducedreduced to selling the car to selling the car toto pay the rent. pay the rent.

• He ran out of cigarettes and He ran out of cigarettes and was reduced towas reduced to smoking smoking the butts left in the ashtrays.the butts left in the ashtrays.



??

KeyKey

• ..., why should women be given the same privileges, ..., why should women be given the same privileges, and be brought to the same insignificant status, as and be brought to the same insignificant status, as children?children?

..., what entitles women to the privileges — and ..., what entitles women to the privileges — and reducesreduces them them tto o the status — of children?the status — of children?

ladies-to-the-lifeboats is an instinct that developed to ladies-to-the-lifeboats is an instinct that developed to perpetuate the species perpetuate the species

ParaphraseParaphrase ??

giving priority to ladies to enable them to survive a giving priority to ladies to enable them to survive a shipwreck is a natural tendency formed in order to shipwreck is a natural tendency formed in order to prevent the extinction of mankind prevent the extinction of mankind

Translate the sentenceTranslate the sentence ??

女士上救生船是一种为繁衍物种而形成的本能女士上救生船是一种为繁衍物种而形成的本能

Women being more preciousWomen being more precious, biologically speaking, , biologically speaking, than menthan men, , evolution has conditioned us to give them the kind of life-protecting evolution has conditioned us to give them the kind of life-protecting deference we give to that other seed of the future: kids.deference we give to that other seed of the future: kids.

ParaphraseParaphrase ??• Because women are more important than men in the Because women are more important than men in the

perpetuation of mankind, the law of evolution has perpetuation of mankind, the law of evolution has influenced our attitude, so that we give women the influenced our attitude, so that we give women the same kind of priority of survival as we give children, same kind of priority of survival as we give children, on whom, too, mankind relies for perpetuation. on whom, too, mankind relies for perpetuation.

TranslationTranslation ??

• 因为从生物学的角度来讲妇女比男子更为珍贵，所以进化因为从生物学的角度来讲妇女比男子更为珍贵，所以进化才使我们习惯于把给予未来的另一粒种子——孩子的那份才使我们习惯于把给予未来的另一粒种子——孩子的那份保护生命的敬重给予了她们。保护生命的敬重给予了她们。


Women being more precious ... than menWomen being more precious ... than men

—— Present participle phrase used in the absolute Present participle phrase used in the absolute construction, which functions as an adverbial of cause in construction, which functions as an adverbial of cause in the sentence.the sentence.

Use of the present participle in the absolute construction:Use of the present participle in the absolute construction:

The adverbial present participle phrase has no overt (The adverbial present participle phrase has no overt ( 明言的明言的 ) ) subject and its “understood subject” provides a link with the subject and its “understood subject” provides a link with the main clause, while the absolute construction using the presenmain clause, while the absolute construction using the present participle has its own logical subject and is not overtly bount participle has its own logical subject and is not overtly bound to the main clause, even on a semantic (d to the main clause, even on a semantic ( 语义的语义的 ) level, by a) level, by any shared element. In grammatical functions, however, the twny shared element. In grammatical functions, however, the two forms are similar.o forms are similar.

ExamplesExamples

• No further discussions arising, the meeting was brougNo further discussions arising, the meeting was brought to a close.ht to a close.

• A small boy, his satchel (A small boy, his satchel ( 背包背包 )) trailing behind him, r trailing behind him, ran past.an past.

• Weather permitting, we'll start tomorrow.Weather permitting, we'll start tomorrow.

Women being more preciousWomen being more precious, biologically speaking, , biologically speaking, than menthan men, , evolution has conditioned us to give them the kind of life-protecting evolution has conditioned us to give them the kind of life-protecting deference we give to that other seed of the future: kids.deference we give to that other seed of the future: kids.

depressdepress —— vt.vt. 1. sadden and discourage 1. sadden and discourage 使抑郁，使沮丧使抑郁，使沮丧

2. cause to sink to a lower level of position 2. cause to sink to a lower level of position 使不景气，使不景气，使萧条使萧条

Examples Examples

• The cold, gray weather The cold, gray weather depresseddepressed Anne. Anne.

• High interest rates are continuing to High interest rates are continuing to depressdepress the the economy.economy.

And traditional courtesies are And traditional courtesies are more than justmore than just disguised disguised survival strategies.survival strategies.


KeyKey

• And traditional polite behavior to women is not just a And traditional polite behavior to women is not just a false display intended for the survival of the human false display intended for the survival of the human race.race.

more than justmore than just

—— not just; not simplynot just; not simply

Equal parenting is great, but women, from Equal parenting is great, but women, from breast breast to cradle to to cradle to reassuring hug, can nurture in ways that men cannot. reassuring hug, can nurture in ways that men cannot.


??KeyKey

• It is pretty good for father and mother to be equal in It is pretty good for father and mother to be equal in their relationship with children, but many duties in their relationship with children, but many duties in the rearing and caring of children can be performed the rearing and caring of children can be performed only by women in their special ways, and never by only by women in their special ways, and never by men.men.

breastbreast

—— breast-feedingbreast-feeding 哺哺乳乳

But But kiddie-centrismkiddie-centrism gets you only so far. gets you only so far.


• The explanation that women are given priority to The explanation that women are given priority to survive just because children need them is convincing survive just because children need them is convincing up to this point only.up to this point only.

kiddie-centrismkiddie-centrism—— the notion that children are most important the notion that children are most important

小孩中心论小孩中心论

TranslationTranslation ??

• 但是小孩中心论只能解释到这一步为止。但是小孩中心论只能解释到这一步为止。

sheersheer a.a.—— 1.1. pure; nothing other than (often used in descriptiopure; nothing other than (often used in descriptio

ns of sth. surprising, outrageous, inexplicable, etc.);ns of sth. surprising, outrageous, inexplicable, etc.);2. (of fabric) very thin, light and almost transparent (2. (of fabric) very thin, light and almost transparent ( 透透明的明的 ) ) ；；3.3. very steepvery steep

ExamplesExamples

• It is a It is a sheersheer waste of time. waste of time.

• John peered through the John peered through the sheersheer curtain. curtain.

• The climbers slowly inched (The climbers slowly inched ( 慢慢移动慢慢移动 ) up the ) up the sheersheer cliff.cliff.

stalematestalemate

—— n. n. a stage of a dispute, contest, etc. (esp. chess) at which a stage of a dispute, contest, etc. (esp. chess) at which ffurther progress is impossible for both sidesurther progress is impossible for both sides 僵局；僵持僵局；僵持

ExamplesExamples

• The players reached a The players reached a stalematestalemate, so a draw (, so a draw ( 平局平局 ) w) was declared.as declared.

• Negotiations have come to a Negotiations have come to a stalematestalemate..

Unit 2 Unit 2 • • ExercisesExercises

• ComprehensionComprehension

• Vocabulary

• Listening


Exercises Exercises • • ComprehensionComprehension

《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. II, p. 43Ex. II, p. 43《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. II, p. 43Ex. II, p. 43

11.. What “period attitude” from the movie Titanic does the author focus on?

22.. Why does he consider the audience's acceptance of this attitude odd?

Answer the following questions:

The attitude that women should be grouped with children in getting “priority seating” on lifeboats.

Because it is so clearly contrary to modern view of women’s rights; Because it is insulting to women.


3.3. What examples does the author give to show that this attitude is found not only in the movies?

He gives examples from recent newspapers:“The invaders gunned down the Indians, mot of them wo

men and children.”“As many as 200 civilians, most of them women and chil

dren, were killed…”“At the massacre in Ahmici 103 Muslims, including 33 w

omen and children, were killed…”



4.4. How does the author view the special consideration granted to children?

5.5. What is his argument against granting the same sort of consideration to women?

He considers it appropriate, because children are both helpless and innocent.

He sees it as attributing to women the same dependence and moral simplicity we find in children.



6.6. Why does he consider that this attitude perhaps made sense in 1912 but not any longer?

7.7. What is the author's argument against evolutionary psychologists’ viewpoint?

Special consideration in times of emergency was a form of “compensation” for the inequality of women in 1912. But now there is no justification for giving women special privileges.

It’s depressing and wrong to treat women as if they were merely “egg-layers”.



8. What does he mean by “equal parenting”?

9. What is his argument against “kiddie-centrism”?

Fathers and mothers sharing equally in the responsibilities of bringing up children.

It’s applicable only in a limited number of situations and therefore fails to resolve the whole problem.



10. What are the possible endings for the author's scenario for Titanic III?

The author’s vision is that everyone might drown out of stubborn idealism.



Exercises Exercises • • VocabularyVocabulary

• VocabularyVocabulary Ex. III

Ex. IV


《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. III, p. 44Ex. III, p. 44《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. III, p. 44Ex. III, p. 44


1. In a healthy relationship, the partners' strengths and abilities ___________ each other, rather than being identical.

entitleentitle constraintconstraint complement complement strategy strategy privilegeprivilegeinstinct depress instinct depress survivalsurvival indispensable indispensable urgenturgent facultyfaculty

randomrandom


2. Millions of dollars and lots of famous actors are not ____________ to the production of a successful film, but they help!

III.III. Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the form where necessary. form where necessary.

complement

indispensable

3. I never felt I had a right to expect any special ___________ because of my university education.


4. The marketing ____________ that Edward proposed would be brill

iant if only he hadn't forgotten about good business ethics.

III.III. Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the form where necessary.form where necessary.

strategy

privileges


randomrandom

5. It's true that not having a car imposes some ___________, but owning one also complicates life in many ways.


6. According to the Chinese law, every child is ___________ to nine years of free education.


constraint

entitled


randomrandom

7. Life should consist of more than just a struggle for ___________.


8. The sight of the helpless child aroused her maternal ___________.


survival

instinct(s)


randomrandom

9. The winners of the contest were chosen ___________; no consideration was given to age, gender or income.


10. He has lost the use of his limbs but he is still in possession of all his ___________.


randomly

faculty


randomrandom

11. Please give the highest priority to this very ___________ matter.


12. She enjoyed parts of her trip to India, but said she found the poverty she saw there rather ___________.


urgent

depressing


randomrandom

《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. IV, p. 45Ex. IV, p. 45《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. IV, p. 45Ex. IV, p. 45


IVV. Rescue these sentences! Remember our underachieving student? Remember our underachieving student? HeHe's 's up to his old tricks again: He tried to use an expression from the up to his old tricks again: He tried to use an expression from the text in each of the sentences below, but he got all the prepositions or text in each of the sentences below, but he got all the prepositions or adverbs mixed up. Correct all the sentences, using expressions from adverbs mixed up. Correct all the sentences, using expressions from the text, then put definitions or synonyms of the corrected the text, then put definitions or synonyms of the corrected expressions in the spaces provided.expressions in the spaces provided.


IVV. Rescue these sentences!


1. This report is based on a survey of one thousand readers chosen by random.

correct form: _______________________

definition: _______________________

2. The Titanic hit an iceberg and went under with a loss of more than 1,500 lives.

correct form: ________________________

synonym: ________________________

at randomat random

without any plan or criteria for selectionwithout any plan or criteria for selection

went downwent down

sanksank



3. Before we start our discussion, I'd like to hand around some extra materials containing background information.

correct form: _______________________

synanym: _______________________

4. The explosion was heard by startled citizens in a distance from ten miles.

correct form: ________________________

synonym: ________________________

hand outhand out

distributedistribute

at a distance of ten milesat a distance of ten miles

ten miles awayten miles away



5. As soon as baby birds are able to fend to themselves, their parents lose interest in them.

correct form: _______________________

synonym: _______________________

6. The whole country was horrified when a 13-year-old boy gunned

at two teachers and seven students.

correct form: ________________________

synonym: ________________________

fend for themselves fend for themselves

take care of themselvestake care of themselves

gunned downgunned down

shotshot



7. I can't find the pictures that were attached with the documents.

correct form: _______________________

synonym: _______________________

8. Everyone is entitled by his or her own opinion.

correct form: ________________________

definition: ________________________

attached toattached to

fastened tofastened to

is entitled to is entitled to

has a right tohas a right to

Listening PracticeListening Practice

《听说教程 III 》Part 2.2, p.18

《听说教程 III 》Part 2.2, p.18


ConversationConversation

While listening, please think about the following questions.

1.1. What is A planning to do?What is A planning to do?

2.2. What do the two women prefer to be called? Why do they spell women iWhat do the two women prefer to be called? Why do they spell women in a different way?n a different way?

3.3. What is the problem with A’s question about genuine equality with men?What is the problem with A’s question about genuine equality with men?

4.4. What does B imply by using “acknowledged” instead of “achieved”?What does B imply by using “acknowledged” instead of “achieved”?

5.5. Does C agree that their superiority has been recognized by men?Does C agree that their superiority has been recognized by men?

6.6. How does B explain womyns’ superiority to men?How does B explain womyns’ superiority to men?

7.7. Do you think B and C like to be called ladies? Why?Do you think B and C like to be called ladies? Why?

8.8. Does A find out anything about current attitudes toward feminism in the Does A find out anything about current attitudes toward feminism in the end?end?

Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up


Comprehension questions:Comprehension questions:

1.1. What is A planning to do?What is A planning to do?

2.2. What do the two women prefer to be called? Why do they spell woWhat do the two women prefer to be called? Why do they spell women in a different way?men in a different way?

He is planning to take an opinion poll about current attitudes He is planning to take an opinion poll about current attitudes

towards feminism.towards feminism.

““Womyn”. Because they think women are special.Womyn”. Because they think women are special.


3.3. What is the problem with A’s question about genuine equality wiWhat is the problem with A’s question about genuine equality with men?th men?

4.4. What does B imply by using “acknowledged” instead of “achieveWhat does B imply by using “acknowledged” instead of “achieved”?d”?

The two “womyn” believe women are superior to men.The two “womyn” believe women are superior to men.

She implies that women’s superiority is very obvious.She implies that women’s superiority is very obvious.

5.5. Does C agree that their superiority has been recognized by men?Does C agree that their superiority has been recognized by men?

No. She says women are trained to accept their suffering.No. She says women are trained to accept their suffering.


6.6. How does B explain womyns’ superiority to men?How does B explain womyns’ superiority to men?

7.7. Do you think B and C like to be called ladies? Why?Do you think B and C like to be called ladies? Why?

Men fear “womyn”, so they make unfair laws.Men fear “womyn”, so they make unfair laws.

Yes. A called them ladies twice towards the end.Yes. A called them ladies twice towards the end.

8.8. Does A find out anything about current attitudes toward feminisDoes A find out anything about current attitudes toward feminism in the end?m in the end?

No.No.

ScriptScriptScriptScript


A: Good afternoon, ladies — I am taking an opinion poll about current attitudes toward feminism and I’m hoping you might have a few minutes to answer some questions.

B: “Ladies”? Did you call us “ladies”?

A: Er…yes?

B: You clown! We are womyn — and you can write that down. It’s spelled with a y.

A: Y? Why?

C: Womyn are not some sort of strange version of men! We are separate, special creatures and we’re entitled to our own spelling!

A: Uh, okay. W-o-m-y-n. Is that right?

B: Right. Now what are your questions?

A: Uh…Well, the first one is: Do you feel that women have achieved genuine equality with men?

B: “Achieved”? “Equality”? Are you asking whether I think womyn’s superiority to men has been generally acknowledged?

A: Er, well, maybe — I’m not really sure.

C: Womyn just need to assert themselves for their natural superiority to be recognized.

B: Not true. First of all, being assertive is a male strategy. Second, our natural superiority has always been recognized.

C: How can you say that?! Womyn suffer from legal and social

injustice in every society in the world — mainly because we are trained from birth to accept such suffering.

B: But where did the laws and customs that treat womyn unfairly come from? From men’s fear of womyn. Why do men fear womyn? — because of our obvious superiority.

A: Ladies…

C: [ignoring A] But womyn’s strengths have been distorted by so-called civilization —

B: But only if you regard womyn as —

A: LADIES! Forget it. I’m sorry I asked.

1.1. Review Text AReview Text A

2.2. Do exercises:Do exercises:

•• ClozeCloze (Ex., XII p. 209)(Ex., XII p. 209)

•• Translation Translation (Ex. X, XI, p. 49)(Ex. X, XI, p. 49)

3.3. Structured WritingStructured Writing (p. 53)(p. 53)

AssignmentAssignmentAssignmentAssignment

The Titanic Puzzle 21st Century College English: Book 3 Unit 2: Part A.

Documents

Transcript of The Titanic Puzzle 21st Century College English: Book 3 Unit 2: Part A.