Unit 6Unit 6

Text I Atomic Cars

Objectives:Objectives:

1. Persuasive writing 2. Logical organization of a controversial issue 3. Vocabulary and structures

Teaching Tasks and ProcessTeaching Tasks and Process

I. background information: Atomic cars

Ford Nucleon 1958Ford Nucleon 1958 (atomic (atomic car)car)

Pre-reading QuestionsPre-reading Questions

Decide whether the following statements are true or false.

We get atomic energy from the splitting of the nucleus, or the central part, of the atom.

In producing atomic energy, the nuclear reactor gives off a lot of harmful rays.

To keep ourselves safe from the harmful rays, we need a container made of very strong material to prevent the rays from escaping.

Atomic energy has been used in power stations and in all kinds of vehicles.

An atomic car would be very convenient to use but very expensive to keep.

The Main Idea The Main Idea

It is possible to have an atomic car made cheaply with an ideal material, but it is doubtful whether it will be 100% safe.

Analysis Analysis Para. 1 --- dreams of a car of the future does not have to

be refueled cost little Para. 2 --- the answer is the atom Para. 3 --- theoretically, he is right. The answer is the

atom Para. 4 --- science-fiction-like picture of…a car

possible? many problems Para. 5 --- in a word---radiation Exactly dangerous radiation rays just as dangerous many tons of lead…to prevent the radiation from

escaping

Para. 6 --- a metal, strong enough, light enough the motoring world will be well on the way to an

atomic car two other problems: economics and safety Para.7 --- safe to say, eventually, the price will go down Para. 8 --- road accident, explosion, equal to that of a

very small atomic bomb possible, really safe in every circumstance?

Language PointsLanguage Points

Every motorist dreams of a car of the future that does not have to be refueled .

The thing will run for years without a refill.

refuel: fill up again with fuel The aircraft made a stop to refuel.

……because there is no because there is no outlayoutlay on on petrol. petrol.

outlay on: spending of money on/ sum of money spent

There is a considerable outlay on my books every year.

HarnessHarness atomic power in a car, atomic power in a car, and you’lland you’ll

have no more worries about petrol.have no more worries about petrol. If you can harness…, you will…

Practice speaking English every day, and you will improve your oral English quickly.

Be careful with your pronunciation, or you will have trouble in your listening and speaking.

This radiationThis radiation penetrates penetrates anything except anything except the thickest concrete and lead,…the thickest concrete and lead,…

Penetrate v. 1.) (into, through) to enter, pass, cut, or force a way

(into, through): The knife penetrated his stomach. The rain had penetrated right through (his

clothes) to his skin. The noise of the explosion penetrated the

Japanese market (= begin selling goods there) with their latest product.

2.) to see into or through: My eyes couldn’t penetrate the gloom. (fig.) the scientists who first penetrate

d the mystery of the atom/ He had a false beard on, but we soon penetrated his disguise.(=recognized that it was him)

3) infml. To come to be understood: I heard what you said,

but it didn’t penetrate.

. … but at the same time light enough for a vehicle to carry with ease and economy. (Para. 6)

However, even after…, two other problems still remain, those of economics and safety. (Para.6)

It is extremely doubtful whether at the beginning a really economic engine could be made…(Para.7)

economy, economic, economical economy, economic, economical and economicsand economics

economy--- an abstract noun meaning “thrift and frugality”, e.g.,

We are better off now, but we still have to practise economy.

economic--- an adjective meaning “having to do with economics”, e.g.,

Economic crises are sure to occur in the capitalist world from time to time.

economical --- an adjective meaning “thrifty, not wasting money or time”, e.g.,

The writer is famous for his economical style. (= the style of using few lines or words)

We all like economical stoves.

economics --- an uncountable noun meaning “a science that deals with the production, distribution of goods and consumption of wealth”. Economics is plural in form, but takes a singular verb.

……, the motoring world will , the motoring world will be well be well on the wayon the way toto an atomic car. an atomic car.

be well on the way to: be well in the process of going to

The experiment is well on the way to completion/ success.

The new hospital is well on the way of being finished.

People realize that we are on the way to an age of knowledge-based economy.

Suppose thatSuppose that there is a road there is a road accident involving one, or…accident involving one, or…

Suppose that…: pretend that …is true/ take …as a fact Suppose that it rains, what will we do? Suppose that you had a million pounds - how would yo

u spend it?

more phrases that have the same meaning and usage: provided that; on condition that; in case; granted th

at

Comments on the textComments on the text

Introduction (Para.1 and Para.2) --- The problem is set forth clearly.

The body (Para.3 --- Para.7)---The possibility of making atomic cars is discussed.

The concluding paragraph (Para.8) --- The last sentence is an open-ended question, which the writer leaves for the reader to answer.

TEXT II TEXT II

Energy or Extinction ?

Questions Questions 1. Why is Sir Fred Hole’s book Energy and Exti

nction riveting? In what respects is it different from other books on the same subject?

2. What did Sir Fred Hoyle say was the only hope for the future? Do you agree with him?

3.. For what purpose did Sir Fred Hoyle write the book Energy or Extinction?

4. What do you think is the reason for so much opposition to the development of nuclear reactors?

5.. After you have read the whole passage, do you have a better understanding of the title Energy or Extinction? Explain it in your own words.

Discussion/ExercisesDiscussion/Exercises

ORAL WORK

Role-play –A Discussion on the Nuclear Power Station

Paragraph WritingParagraph Writing

Precis Writing

LETTER WRITING LETTER WRITING

Heading: As the writer and the addressee are sister and brother, no address is necessary on either side, only the writer’s city need be given. The date must be supplied.

Ending: Use “Love”, or “Affectionately yours,”. “All my love,” can also be used. “Sincerely yours,” is not suitable.

AssignmentsAssignments

Exercises on the Work Book