Unit 8: Part A 21st Century College English: Book 4.

Unit 8: Part AUnit 8: Part AUnit 8: Part AUnit 8: Part A

21st Century College English: Book 421st Century College English: Book 4

speechspeech

• Pre-Reading Activities

• Text A: Language Points

• Exercises

• Assignment

Unit 10: Part AUnit 10: Part A

Pre-Reading ActivitiesPre-Reading Activities

• Preview

• Pre-Reading Listening


PreviewPreview

What makes a great speech? Of course an outstanding public What makes a great speech? Of course an outstanding public

address should inspire its audience, but the author of each of address should inspire its audience, but the author of each of

three speeches collected in this unit focuses on another three speeches collected in this unit focuses on another

quality: conciseness. The ability to express yourself clearly quality: conciseness. The ability to express yourself clearly

and effectively in a few words is a mark of true mastery over and effectively in a few words is a mark of true mastery over

language. Text C, John F.Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, is language. Text C, John F.Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, is

regarded as one of the greatest political speeches in recent regarded as one of the greatest political speeches in recent

U.S. history though it is barely 1,350 words long. Text A and U.S. history though it is barely 1,350 words long. Text A and

B are less momentousB are less momentous speeches; each was written as a speeches; each was written as a


PreviewPreview

graduation address to a class completing their college graduation address to a class completing their college

education. But the burden or brevity has pressured these education. But the burden or brevity has pressured these

speakers to hone their messages to the sharpest edge, to speakers to hone their messages to the sharpest edge, to

communicate and inspire within the narrow period of time communicate and inspire within the narrow period of time

before the attention of their audience wanes. The way in before the attention of their audience wanes. The way in

which these speakers can express such an inspirational, which these speakers can express such an inspirational,

heartfelt message in so few words is a lesson to us all.heartfelt message in so few words is a lesson to us all.


Before listening to the tape, have a quick look at the following Before listening to the tape, have a quick look at the following words.words.

spiritual spiritual 精神上的精神上的 ancestor ancestor 祖先祖先 Athenian Athenian 雅典人雅典人

literate literate 有文化修养的有文化修养的 ecology ecology 生态学生态学 epic epic 史诗史诗（的）（的）

Visigoth Visigoth 西哥特人西哥特人 marauder marauder 强盗强盗 desecrate desecrate 亵渎亵渎

align oneself with align oneself with 与…结盟与…结盟 outnumber outnumber 数目超数目超过过

First ListeningFirst Listening


Listening to the tape again. Then, choose the best answer to each Listening to the tape again. Then, choose the best answer to each of the following questions. of the following questions.

Second ListeningSecond Listening

Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up



1.1. What is the speaker’s main purpose in this graduation speech?What is the speaker’s main purpose in this graduation speech?

A)A) To provide practical advice for those entering the job market.To provide practical advice for those entering the job market.

B)B) To reflect on the value of the education the graduates have To reflect on the value of the education the graduates have received.received.

C)C) To inspire the graduates to live a life of high ideals.To inspire the graduates to live a life of high ideals.

D)D) To inform the graduates about some interesting historical facts.To inform the graduates about some interesting historical facts.

1. 1. What is the speaker’s main purpose in this graduation speech?What is the speaker’s main purpose in this graduation speech?

A)A) To provide practical advice for those entering the job market.To provide practical advice for those entering the job market.

B)B) To reflect on the value of the education the graduates have To reflect on the value of the education the graduates have received.received.

C)C) To inspire the graduates to live a life of high ideals.To inspire the graduates to live a life of high ideals.

D)D) To inform the graduates about some interesting historical facts.To inform the graduates about some interesting historical facts.



2.2. Which of the following is NOT an accomplishment of the Which of the following is NOT an accomplishment of the Athenians?Athenians?

A)A) Creating a culture which flourishes until today.Creating a culture which flourishes until today.

B)B) Creating great works of art which have lasting beauty.Creating great works of art which have lasting beauty.

C)C) Inventing science, philosophy, and political democracy.Inventing science, philosophy, and political democracy.

D)D) Holding the values of truth and beauty in the highest regard.Holding the values of truth and beauty in the highest regard.

2.2. Which of the following is NOT an accomplishment of the Which of the following is NOT an accomplishment of the Athenians?Athenians?

A)A) Creating a culture which flourishes until today.Creating a culture which flourishes until today.

B)B) Creating great works of art which have lasting beauty.Creating great works of art which have lasting beauty.

C)C) Inventing science, philosophy, and political democracy.Inventing science, philosophy, and political democracy.

D)D) Holding the values of truth and beauty in the highest regard.Holding the values of truth and beauty in the highest regard.



3. 3. Which of the following are the Visigoths given credit for?Which of the following are the Visigoths given credit for?

A)A) Striving for excellence in all things.Striving for excellence in all things.

B)B) Developing modern logical and science.Developing modern logical and science.

C)C) Creating the Olympic games.Creating the Olympic games.

D)D) Being excellent horsemen and warriors.Being excellent horsemen and warriors.

3. 3. Which of the following are the Visigoths given credit for?Which of the following are the Visigoths given credit for?

A)A) Striving for excellence in all things.Striving for excellence in all things.

B)B) Developing modern logical and science.Developing modern logical and science.

C)C) Creating the Olympic games.Creating the Olympic games.

D)D) Being excellent horsemen and warriors.Being excellent horsemen and warriors.



4. 4. At the end of the speech, what choice does the speaker pose At the end of the speech, what choice does the speaker pose to the graduates?to the graduates?

A)A) To choose to follow either the spirit of the Athenians or that of To choose to follow either the spirit of the Athenians or that of the Visigoths.the Visigoths.

B)B) To choose whether or not to attend graduate school.To choose whether or not to attend graduate school.

C)C) To choose whether to pursue social justice or a high-paying caTo choose whether to pursue social justice or a high-paying career.reer.

D)D) To remember the history of Europe, so that its wars need not tTo remember the history of Europe, so that its wars need not to be repeated.o be repeated.

4. 4. At the end of the speech, what choice does the speaker pose At the end of the speech, what choice does the speaker pose to the graduates?to the graduates?

A)A) To choose to follow either the spirit of the Athenians or that of To choose to follow either the spirit of the Athenians or that of the Visigoths.the Visigoths.

B)B) To choose whether or not to attend graduate school.To choose whether or not to attend graduate school.

C)C) To choose whether to pursue social justice or a high-paying caTo choose whether to pursue social justice or a high-paying career.reer.

D)D) To remember the history of Europe, so that its wars need not tTo remember the history of Europe, so that its wars need not to be repeated.o be repeated.

ScriptScriptScriptScript


Today’s speech is a real challenge for me. I want to share some memorable ideas with you, but I am also aware that the first requirement of any graduation speaker is not to go on for too long.

I will try to satisfy both requirements by telling you about two groups of people who can be considered your spiritual ancestors. These two groups were very different from each other, representing opposite values and traditions.

The first group is called the Athenians and about 2,500 years ago they created the first truly literate society on earth. They invented the idea of political democracy, they invented philosophy and science, and they invented the word and idea which we know today as ecology.

The Athenians believed in reason, in truth, and in beauty. They The Athenians believed in reason, in truth, and in beauty. They composed great epic poems and wrote plays that still today have the composed great epic poems and wrote plays that still today have the power to make audiences laugh and weep. The Athenians also power to make audiences laugh and weep. The Athenians also invented the Olympic Games, and among their values none stood invented the Olympic Games, and among their values none stood higher than that one should strive for excellence in all things. higher than that one should strive for excellence in all things.

The second group of people, the Visigoths, lived in central The second group of people, the Visigoths, lived in central Europe some 1,700 years ago. They were spectacularly good Europe some 1,700 years ago. They were spectacularly good horsemen, but that’s about the only good thing to say about them. horsemen, but that’s about the only good thing to say about them. They were marauders -- ruthless and brutal. There was nothing a They were marauders -- ruthless and brutal. There was nothing a Visigoth liked better than to burn a book, desecrate a building, or Visigoth liked better than to burn a book, desecrate a building, or smash a work of art. From the Visigoths, we have no poetry, no smash a work of art. From the Visigoths, we have no poetry, no theater, no logic, no science. theater, no logic, no science.

Now, it should be clear what this has to do with you. Sooner than Now, it should be clear what this has to do with you. Sooner than you probably realize, you will have to choose to align yourself with you probably realize, you will have to choose to align yourself with the spirit of one or the other.the spirit of one or the other.

You must be an Athenian or a Visigoth.You must be an Athenian or a Visigoth.

Of course, we cannot know on this day how many of you will Of course, we cannot know on this day how many of you will choose each road. But I will close with the following thought: I can choose each road. But I will close with the following thought: I can wish nothing better for today’s graduating class that the Athenians wish nothing better for today’s graduating class that the Athenians among you will greatly outnumber the Visigoths. among you will greatly outnumber the Visigoths.

Thank you, and congratulations.Thank you, and congratulations.

Language PointsLanguage Points

My Graduation Speech

Text A:

My Graduation SpeechMy Graduation Speech

by by Neil Postman

Author’s Note: Having sat through two dozen or so graduation speeches, I have naturally wondered why they are so often so bad. One reason, of course, is that the speakers are chosen for their eminence in some field, and not because they are either competent speakers or gifted writers. Another reason is that the audience is eager to be done with all the ceremony so that it can proceed to some serious reveling. Thus any speech longer than, say, fifteen minutes will seem tedious, if not entirely


pointless. There are other reasons as well, including the

difficulty of saying something inspirational without being banal. difficulty of saying something inspirational without being banal.

Here I try my hand at writing a graduation speech, and not Here I try my hand at writing a graduation speech, and not

merely to discover if I can conquer the form. This is precisely merely to discover if I can conquer the form. This is precisely

what I would like to say to young people if I had their attention what I would like to say to young people if I had their attention

for a few minutes.for a few minutes.

If you think my graduation speech is good, I hereby grant If you think my graduation speech is good, I hereby grant

you permission to use it, without further approval from or credit you permission to use it, without further approval from or credit

to me, should you be in an appropriate situation.to me, should you be in an appropriate situation.


http://www.tcsphoto.com/ZCPIC/10736

11 Members of the faculty, parents, guests and graduates, Members of the faculty, parents, guests and graduates,

have no fear. I am well aware that on a day of such high excitement, . I am well aware that on a day of such high excitement,

what you what you require, , first and foremost, , of any speaker is brevity. I shall any speaker is brevity. I shall

not fail you in this respect. There are exactly eighty-five sentences not fail you in this respect. There are exactly eighty-five sentences

inin my speech, four of which you have just heard. It will take me my speech, four of which you have just heard. It will take me

about twelve minutes to about twelve minutes to speak all of them and I must tell you thatspeak all of them and I must tell you that

such economy was not easy for me to arrange, because I have such economy was not easy for me to arrange, because I have

chosen as my topic the complex subject of your ancestors. Not, of chosen as my topic the complex subject of your ancestors. Not, of

course, your biological ancestors, about whom I know nothing, but course, your biological ancestors, about whom I know nothing, but

youryour


spiritual ancestors, about whom I know a little. To be specific, I spiritual ancestors, about whom I know a little. To be specific, I

want to tell you about two groups of people whose influence is still want to tell you about two groups of people whose influence is still

with us. They were very different from each other, representing with us. They were very different from each other, representing

opposite values and traditions. I think it is appropriate for you to be opposite values and traditions. I think it is appropriate for you to be

reminded of them on this day because, sooner than you know, you reminded of them on this day because, sooner than you know, you

must must align yourself with the spirit of one or the other.the spirit of one or the other.


22 The first group lived about 2,500 years ago in the place we now The first group lived about 2,500 years ago in the place we now

call Greece, in a city they called Athens. We do not know as much call Greece, in a city they called Athens. We do not know as much

about their origins as we would like. But we do know a great deal about their origins as we would like. But we do know a great deal

about their accomplishments. They were, for example, the first about their accomplishments. They were, for example, the first

people to develop a complete alphabet, and therefore they became people to develop a complete alphabet, and therefore they became

the first truly literate population on earth. They invented the idea of the first truly literate population on earth. They invented the idea of

political democracy, which they practiced with a vigor that political democracy, which they practiced with a vigor that

puts us to shame. They invented what we call philosophy. And they . They invented what we call philosophy. And they

also invented what we call science, and one of them — also invented what we call science, and one of them — Democritus

by


name — conceived of the atomic theory of matter 2,300 years before name — conceived of the atomic theory of matter 2,300 years before

it occurred to any modern scientist. They composed and sang epic it occurred to any modern scientist. They composed and sang epic

poems of unsurpassed beauty and insight. And they wrote and poems of unsurpassed beauty and insight. And they wrote and

performed plays that, almost three millennia later, still have the performed plays that, almost three millennia later, still have the

power to make audiences laugh and weep. They even invented power to make audiences laugh and weep. They even invented

what, today, we call the Olympics, and among their values none what, today, we call the Olympics, and among their values none

stood higher than that than that inin all things one should all things one should strive for excellence. .

They believed in reason. They believed in beauty. They believed in They believed in reason. They believed in beauty. They believed in

moderation. And they invented the word and idea which we know moderation. And they invented the word and idea which we know

today as ecology.today as ecology.


3 3 About 2,000 years ago, the vitality of their culture declined and About 2,000 years ago, the vitality of their culture declined and

these people began to disappear. these people began to disappear. But not what they had created. Their

imagination, art, politics, literature, and language spread all over the

world so that, today, it is hardly possible to speak on any subject without

repeating what some Athenian said on the matter 2,500 years ago.


44 The second group of people lived in the place we now call The second group of people lived in the place we now call

Germany, and flourished about 1,700 years ago. We call them the Germany, and flourished about 1,700 years ago. We call them the

Visigoths, and you may remember that your sixth- or seventh-grade

teacher mentioned them. They were spectacularly good horsemen, which

is about the only pleasant thing history can say of them. They were

marauders—ruthless and brutal. Their language lacked subtlety and

depth. Their art was crude and even grotesque. They swept down

through Europe destroying everything in their path, and they through Europe destroying everything in their path, and they

overran overran the Roman Empire. There was nothing a Visigoth


like better than to burn a book, desecrate a building, or smash a like better than to burn a book, desecrate a building, or smash a

work of art. From the Visigoths, we have no poetry, no theater, no work of art. From the Visigoths, we have no poetry, no theater, no

logic, no science, no humane politics.logic, no science, no humane politics.

55 Like the Athenians, the Visigoths also disappeared, but not Like the Athenians, the Visigoths also disappeared, but not

before they before they had ushered in the period known as the period known as the Dark Ages. It took Europe almost a thousand years to recover from the Visigoths.


66 Now, the point I want to make is that the Athenians and the Now, the point I want to make is that the Athenians and the Visigoths still survive, and they do so through us and the ways in Visigoths still survive, and they do so through us and the ways in which we conduct our lives. All around us—in this hall, in this which we conduct our lives. All around us—in this hall, in this community, in our city—there are people whose way of looking at community, in our city—there are people whose way of looking at the world reflects the way of the world reflects the way of the Athenians, and there are people the Athenians, and there are people whose way is the way of the Visigoths. I do not mean, of course, whose way is the way of the Visigoths. I do not mean, of course, that our modern---day Athenians roam abstractly through the that our modern---day Athenians roam abstractly through the streets reciting poetry and philosophy, or that the modern-day streets reciting poetry and philosophy, or that the modern-day Visigoths are killers. I mean that to be an Athenian or a Visigoth is Visigoths are killers. I mean that to be an Athenian or a Visigoth is to organize your life around a set of values. to organize your life around a set of values. An Athenian is an idea. And a Visigoth is an idea. Let me tell you briefly what these ideas consist of.


77 To be an Athenian is to To be an Athenian is to hold knowledge and, especially, the knowledge and, especially, the

quest for knowledge quest for knowledge in high esteem. To contemplate, to reason, to . To contemplate, to reason, to

experiment, to question—these are, to an Athenian, the most experiment, to question—these are, to an Athenian, the most

exalted activities a person can perform. To a Visigoth, the quest for exalted activities a person can perform. To a Visigoth, the quest for

knowledge is useless unless it can help you to earn money or to knowledge is useless unless it can help you to earn money or to

gain power over other people.gain power over other people.

88 To be an Athenian is to cherish language because you believe To be an Athenian is to cherish language because you believe

it to be humankind’s most precious gift. In their use of language, it to be humankind’s most precious gift. In their use of language,

Athenians strive for grace, precision, and variety. And they admire Athenians strive for grace, precision, and variety. And they admire

those who can achieve such skill. To a Visigoth, one word is as those who can achieve such skill. To a Visigoth, one word is as

good as another, one sentence indistinguishable from another. A good as another, one sentence indistinguishable from another. A

Visigoth’s language aspires to nothing higher than the clichVisigoth’s language aspires to nothing higher than the clichéé..


99 To be an Athenian is to understand that the thread which holds To be an Athenian is to understand that the thread which holds

civilized society together is thin and vulnerable; therefore, civilized society together is thin and vulnerable; therefore,

Athenians place great value on tradition, social restraint, and Athenians place great value on tradition, social restraint, and

continuity. To an Athenian, bad manners are acts of violence continuity. To an Athenian, bad manners are acts of violence

against the social order. The modern Visigoth cares very little about against the social order. The modern Visigoth cares very little about

any of this. The Visigoths think of themselves as the center of the any of this. The Visigoths think of themselves as the center of the

universe. universe.

Tradition exists for their own convenience, good manners are an affectation and a burden, and history is merely what is in yesterday’s paper.


1010 To be an Athenian is to take interest in public affairs and the imTo be an Athenian is to take interest in public affairs and the im

provement of public behavior. Indeed, provement of public behavior. Indeed,

the ancient Athenians had a word for people who did not. The word was The word was

idiotes, from which we get our word idiot. A modern Visigoth is interidiotes, from which we get our word idiot. A modern Visigoth is inter

ested only in his own affairs and has no sense of the meaning of coested only in his own affairs and has no sense of the meaning of co

mmunity.mmunity.


1111 And, finally, to be an Athenian is to esteem the discipline, skill, And, finally, to be an Athenian is to esteem the discipline, skill,

and taste that are required to produce enduring art. Therefore, in and taste that are required to produce enduring art. Therefore, in

approaching a work of art, Athenians prepare their imagination approaching a work of art, Athenians prepare their imagination

through learning and experience. To a Visigoth, there is no measure through learning and experience. To a Visigoth, there is no measure

of artistic excellence except popularity. What of artistic excellence except popularity. What catches the fancy of the of the

multitude is good. No other standard is respected or even multitude is good. No other standard is respected or even

acknowledged by the Visigoth.acknowledged by the Visigoth.


1212 Now, it must be obvious what all this has to do with you. Now, it must be obvious what all this has to do with you.

Eventually, like the rest of us, you must be on one side or the other. Eventually, like the rest of us, you must be on one side or the other.

You must be an Athenian or a Visigoth. Of course, it is much harder You must be an Athenian or a Visigoth. Of course, it is much harder

to be an Athenian, for you must learn how to be one, to be an Athenian, for you must learn how to be one,

you must work at being one, whereas we are all, in a way, natural-born Visigoths.

That is why there are so many more Visigoths than Athenians. And I

must tell you that you do not become an Athenian merely by attending

school or accumulating degrees. My father-in-law was one of the most

committed Athenians I have ever known, and he spent his entire adult life

as a dress cutter on Seventh Avenue in


New York City. On the other hand, I have known physicians, lawyers,New York City. On the other hand, I have known physicians, lawyers,

and engineers who are Visigoths of unmistakable and engineers who are Visigoths of unmistakable persuasion. And I . And I

must also tell you, as much in sorrow as in shame, that at some of omust also tell you, as much in sorrow as in shame, that at some of o

ur great universities, perhaps even this one, there are professors of ur great universities, perhaps even this one, there are professors of

whom we may fairly say they are closet Visigoths. And yet, you muswhom we may fairly say they are closet Visigoths. And yet, you mus

t t not doubt doubt for a moment that a school, after all, is essentially an Aththat a school, after all, is essentially an Ath

enian idea. There is a direct link between the cultural achievements enian idea. There is a direct link between the cultural achievements

of Athens and what the faculty of this university is all about. I have of Athens and what the faculty of this university is all about. I have

no difficulty imagining that no difficulty imagining that Plato, Aristotle, or Democritus would be , Aristotle, or Democritus would be

quite at home in our classrooms. A Visigothwould merely scrawl obquite at home in our classrooms. A Visigothwould merely scrawl ob

scenities on the wall.scenities on the wall.


13 13 And so, whether you were aware of it or not, the purpose of And so, whether you were aware of it or not, the purpose of

your having been at this university was to give you a glimpse of the your having been at this university was to give you a glimpse of the

Athenian way, to interest you in the Athenian way. We cannot know Athenian way, to interest you in the Athenian way. We cannot know

on this day how many of you will choose the way and how many will on this day how many of you will choose the way and how many will

not. You are young and it is not given to us to see your future. But I not. You are young and it is not given to us to see your future. But I

will tell you this, with which I will close: will tell you this, with which I will close:

I can wish for you no higher compliment than that in the future it will be reported that among your graduating class the Athenians mightily outnumbered the Visigoths.

1414 Thank you, and congratulations. Thank you, and congratulations.


Text-related informationText-related information

Neil PostmanNeil Postman

Neil Postman is the chair of the Department of Culture Neil Postman is the chair of the Department of Culture

and Communications and professor of media ecology at and Communications and professor of media ecology at

New York University. He is a critic of online education.New York University. He is a critic of online education.


Democritus (460---370 BC)Democritus (460---370 BC)

Democritus was a Greek philosopher who developed theDemocritus was a Greek philosopher who developed the

atomic theory of the universe, which had been riginated atomic theory of the universe, which had been riginated

by his mentor, the philosopher Leucippus.by his mentor, the philosopher Leucippus.


The VisigothsThe Visigoths

The Visigoths (or western Goths) were ancient Germanic The Visigoths (or western Goths) were ancient Germanic

peoples who invaded the Roman Empire. Beginning in peoples who invaded the Roman Empire. Beginning in

the 4the 4thth century AD, they settled in areas of what are now century AD, they settled in areas of what are now

Spain, Portugal, and France.Spain, Portugal, and France.


The Roman EmpireThe Roman Empire

When the ancient Greeks were reaching the height of When the ancient Greeks were reaching the height of their glory, the power of Rome, to the west, was slowly their glory, the power of Rome, to the west, was slowly rising. The genius of the Greeks lay in art, literature, science, rising. The genius of the Greeks lay in art, literature, science, and philosophy. The Romans were best in war-fare, and philosophy. The Romans were best in war-fare, engineering, and government.engineering, and government.

Rome rose to power gradually, with no set plan for world Rome rose to power gradually, with no set plan for world conquest. The Romans fought many wars and enslaved conquest. The Romans fought many wars and enslaved many people. By the time of Augustus, shortly before Christ, many people. By the time of Augustus, shortly before Christ, most of the known world was unified and at peace under most of the known world was unified and at peace under Roman rule.Roman rule.


The Dark AgesThe Dark AgesThe period in history from the end of the Roman Empire to The period in history from the end of the Roman Empire to about 800 AD is often called the Dark Ages. There was not about 800 AD is often called the Dark Ages. There was not much progress made in Europe during this period. The much progress made in Europe during this period. The foundations were laid, however, for important advances that foundations were laid, however, for important advances that were to follow in the later Middle Ages and the Renaissance. were to follow in the later Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The stirrup was probably invented during the Dark Ages. The stirrup was probably invented during the Dark Ages. Water wheels also made their first appearance then.They Water wheels also made their first appearance then.They were used as sources of power in small rivers and in sea were used as sources of power in small rivers and in sea inlets, where they were run by tidal currents. The water inlets, where they were run by tidal currents. The water wheels led to the windmill, which was introduced in about wheels led to the windmill, which was introduced in about 1100. The magnetic compass was also invented at about this 1100. The magnetic compass was also invented at about this time.time.


Plato (428?---348? BC)Plato (428?---348? BC)

Plato, one of the most famous philosophers of ancient GreecPlato, one of the most famous philosophers of ancient Greece, was the first to use the term Philosophy. Plato investigatee, was the first to use the term Philosophy. Plato investigated a wide range of topics. d a wide range of topics.

The influence of Plato has been persistent and unbroken. His The influence of Plato has been persistent and unbroken. His Academy at Athens, which opened in about Academy at Athens, which opened in about 387 BC, was the 387 BC, was the first forerunner of today’s colleges and universities. It was a first forerunner of today’s colleges and universities. It was a school devoted to philosophy, law, and scientific research school devoted to philosophy, law, and scientific research (primarily mathematics) and it endured as an institution until (primarily mathematics) and it endured as an institution until 529 AD. Plato’s influence extended far beyond the Academy. 529 AD. Plato’s influence extended far beyond the Academy. In his lifetime he was the most celebrated teacher of his day. In his lifetime he was the most celebrated teacher of his day. After his death his ideas were taken up by countless other After his death his ideas were taken up by countless other thinkers.thinkers.

sit through sth.sit through sth.—— stay with sth. from the beginning to the endstay with sth. from the beginning to the end

If you If you sit through somethingsit through something such as a file, lecture, or me such as a file, lecture, or meeting, you stay until it is finished although you are not eneting, you stay until it is finished although you are not enjoying it.joying it.

Examples:Examples:

•• The movie was so bad that I could hardly bear to The movie was so bad that I could hardly bear to sit sit throughthrough it. it.

• I can’t I can’t sit throughsit through six hours of the play. six hours of the play.

If you If you are done with something or someoneare done with something or someone, you have , you have finished what you were doing with the thing or person.finished what you were doing with the thing or person.

Examples:Examples:

•• AreAre you you done withdone with this dictionary,or are you still this dictionary,or are you still using it?using it?

•• The Where are you going? The Where are you going? I’m not done withI’m not done with you yet. you yet.

have no fearhave no fear

— — don’t worry (for I’m not going to talk for too long)don’t worry (for I’m not going to talk for too long)

first and foremostfirst and foremost

— — most important; more than anything elsemost important; more than anything else

Examples:Examples:

•• I do a bit of writing, but I do a bit of writing, but first and foremostfirst and foremost I am a I am a teacher.teacher.

•• I see myself, I see myself, first and foremostfirst and foremost, as your friend., as your friend.

require sth. of sb.require sth. of sb.

— — need or make it necessary that sb.does or has sth.need or make it necessary that sb.does or has sth.

Examples:Examples:

•• Driving at 80 miles an hourDriving at 80 miles an hour requiresrequires total total concentrationconcentration ofof the drivers.the drivers.

•• It It is required ofis required of me that I give evidence.me that I give evidence.

If you If you align yourself with someonealign yourself with someone you support them you support them because you have the same aim. because you have the same aim.

Examples:Examples:

•• The major unions The major unions have aligned themselves withhave aligned themselves with the the government on this issue.government on this issue.

•• There have been signs that the prime minister There have been signs that the prime minister is is aligning himself withaligning himself with the liberals. the liberals.

If someone If someone puts you to shameputs you to shame, they make you feel , they make you feel ashamed because they do something much better than ashamed because they do something much better than you do.you do.

Examples:Examples:

•• His performance really His performance really put me to shameput me to shame..

•• It It puts me to shameputs me to shame that it’s taken me so long to write that it’s taken me so long to write you the letter I owe you.you the letter I owe you.

stand highstand high

—— be of great value;be good; be noble be of great value;be good; be noble

strive for excellence in sth.strive for excellence in sth.

—— try to do the best in sth. try to do the best in sth.

But not what they had created.But not what they had created.

Paraphrase:Paraphrase:

But what they had created did not disappear.But what they had created did not disappear.

An Athenian is an idea. And a Visigoth is an idea.An Athenian is an idea. And a Visigoth is an idea.

Paraphrase?Paraphrase?

By saying an Athenian or a Visigoth, I don’t mean any By saying an Athenian or a Visigoth, I don’t mean any individual person; I only mean a concept.individual person; I only mean a concept.

A Visigoth’s language aspires to nothing higher than the A Visigoth’s language aspires to nothing higher than the cliché.cliché.


A Visigoth rests content with the use of familiar language A Visigoth rests content with the use of familiar language much used by others.much used by others.

Tradition exists for their own convenience … and history Tradition exists for their own convenience … and history is merely what is in yesterday’s paper.is merely what is in yesterday’s paper.


Tradition is followed only when it is useful to them ( i.e. Tradition is followed only when it is useful to them ( i.e. the Visigoths) … and history is nothing but events of the the Visigoths) … and history is nothing but events of the past (which have little to do with them).past (which have little to do with them).

the ancient Athenians had a word for people who did notthe ancient Athenians had a word for people who did not


the ancient Athenians had a name to call people who took the ancient Athenians had a name to call people who took no interest in public affairs and improvement of public no interest in public affairs and improvement of public behaviorbehavior

you must work at being one, whereas we are all, in a way, you must work at being one, whereas we are all, in a way, natural-born Visigoths.natural-born Visigoths.


it makes learning, and hard learning, to become an it makes learning, and hard learning, to become an Athenian, while it is an instinct of us all to adopt some of Athenian, while it is an instinct of us all to adopt some of the ways of the Visigoths.the ways of the Visigoths.

I can wish for you no higher compliment than that in the I can wish for you no higher compliment than that in the future it will be reported that among your graduating future it will be reported that among your graduating class the Athenians mightily outnumbered the Visigoths.class the Athenians mightily outnumbered the Visigoths.


I wish for you the highest compliment that in the future I wish for you the highest compliment that in the future it will be reported that there were many more Athenians it will be reported that there were many more Athenians than Visigoths among your graduating class.than Visigoths among your graduating class.

usher sth. in usher sth. in

—— mark the start of sth. is about to begin mark the start of sth. is about to begin

Examples:Examples:

•• the new government the new government ushered inushered in a period of a period of prosperity.prosperity.

•• The political reform The political reform has ushered inhas ushered in a new era of a new era of stability in the country. stability in the country.

hold…in high esteemhold…in high esteem

—— show great respect for; have a very favorable opinion show great respect for; have a very favorable opinion of of

Examples:Examples:

•• He He is held in high esteemis held in high esteem by colleagues in the by colleagues in the construction industry. construction industry.

•• Because of their achievements they Because of their achievements they were held in high were held in high esteemesteem..

If something If something catches or takes your fancycatches or takes your fancy, you like it a , you like it a lot when you see it or think of it. lot when you see it or think of it.

Example:Example:

•• She makes most of her own clothes, copying anything She makes most of her own clothes, copying anything which which catches her fancycatches her fancy. .

•• The thought of writing an autobiography The thought of writing an autobiography took the took the fancyfancy of the retired minister. of the retired minister.

If you are of a particularIf you are of a particular persuasionpersuasion, you have that , you have that particular belief or set of beliefs. particular belief or set of beliefs.

Example:Example:

• • It is a national movement and has within it people of It is a national movement and has within it people of all political all political persuasionspersuasions. .

•• Fortunately for me, my kids are of the Fortunately for me, my kids are of the persuasionpersuasion that that their failings are of their own making.their failings are of their own making.

Not… for a moment or for one momentNot… for a moment or for one moment is used is used to emphasize the negation of the verb it modifies. to emphasize the negation of the verb it modifies.

Example:Example:

• • I I don’t for a momentdon’t for a moment think there’ll be a world war. think there’ll be a world war.

•• She She didn’tdidn’t believe the story believe the story for one momentfor one moment..

Unit 10 Unit 10 • • ExercisesExercises

• ComprehensionComprehension

• Vocabulary

• Listening

Exercises Exercises • • ComprehensionComprehension

《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. II, p. 228Ex. II, p. 228《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. II, p. 228Ex. II, p. 228

1.1. What did the speaker assure his audience of at the very What did the speaker assure his audience of at the very beginning of his speech?beginning of his speech?

2.2. What is the speaker’s topic?What is the speaker’s topic?

Answer the following questions:

He assured them that his speech would not be He assured them that his speech would not be intolerably long.intolerably long.

His topic is the opposite values and traditions of two His topic is the opposite values and traditions of two very different groups of people.very different groups of people.


3.3. The first group of people the speaker talks about were the The first group of people the speaker talks about were the _________ who lived in a place we now call ________._________ who lived in a place we now call ________.

4.4. The second group of people were the ________ who lived in The second group of people were the ________ who lived in a place we now call ________.a place we now call ________.

5.5. The first group of people were outstanding in such respects The first group of people were outstanding in such respects as________,________,________,________,________,______as________,________,________,________,________,______, and so on., and so on.

6.6. The second group of people were very good ________, but The second group of people were very good ________, but unlike the Athenians, they knew almost nothing of unlike the Athenians, they knew almost nothing of ________,________,________,________, and ________.________,________,________,________, and ________.


AtheniansAthenians GreeceGreece

VisigothsVisigothsGermanyGermany

languagelanguage politicspoliticsphilosophyphilosophy sciencescience literatureliterature sportssports

horsemenhorsemen

poetrypoetry theatertheater logiclogic sciencescience politicspolitics

7.7. What happened to the Athenians and the Visigths?What happened to the Athenians and the Visigths?

8.8. What is the point the speaker wants to make in talking aboWhat is the point the speaker wants to make in talking about the two groups of people in his speech?ut the two groups of people in his speech?

They both disappeared many years ago.They both disappeared many years ago.

He believes that the Athenians and the Visigoths have He believes that the Athenians and the Visigoths have survived through the people of today as they actually survived through the people of today as they actually represent two entirely different sets of very different represent two entirely different sets of very different ideas about life.ideas about life.


9.9. From Paragraph 7 to the Paragraph 11, the speaker makes From Paragraph 7 to the Paragraph 11, the speaker makes a comparison between the values of an Athenian and those a comparison between the values of an Athenian and those of a Visigoth. There are great differences between these of a Visigoth. There are great differences between these people’s ideas and values about a.____________,people’s ideas and values about a.____________,

b.____________,b.____________,

c.____________,c.____________,

d____________,and d____________,and

e._______________.e._______________.


knowledgeknowledge

languagelanguage

traditiontradition

Public affairsPublic affairs

artistic excellenceartistic excellence

10.10. What conclusion does the speaker make after his What conclusion does the speaker make after his comparison of the two groups of people?comparison of the two groups of people?

11.11. According to the speaker, how can one become an According to the speaker, how can one become an Athenian?Athenian?

He concludes that everybody must be an Athenian or a He concludes that everybody must be an Athenian or a Visigoth.Visigoth.

One must learn how to be an Athenian and one must One must learn how to be an Athenian and one must also work at being an Athenian.also work at being an Athenian.


12.12. What kind of people are considered as modern Athenians What kind of people are considered as modern Athenians and what kind of people modern Visigoths?and what kind of people modern Visigoths?

13. Before ending his speech, what does the speaker encourage 13. Before ending his speech, what does the speaker encourage university graduates to do?university graduates to do?

People who have the values and traditions of the People who have the values and traditions of the Athenians are modern Athenians while people who Athenians are modern Athenians while people who ignore those values and traditions are modern Visigoths.ignore those values and traditions are modern Visigoths.

He encourages them to adopt the Athenian way and try He encourages them to adopt the Athenian way and try to be Athenians in the future.to be Athenians in the future.


Exercises Exercises • • VocabularyVocabulary

• VocabularyVocabulary

Ex. IV

Ex. VEx. V

《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. IV, p. 229Ex. IV, p. 229《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. IV, p. 229Ex. IV, p. 229


1.1. While attending college in Brunswick, Longfellow wrote to While attending college in Brunswick, Longfellow wrote to

his father, “I most eagerly aspire after future ___________ his father, “I most eagerly aspire after future ___________

in literature.”in literature.”

preciseprecise restraintrestraint esteemesteem glimpse glimpse permissionpermission continuitycontinuity crudecrude flourishflourishtedioustedious vigorvigor ruthlessruthless spiritualspiritualvulnerablevulnerable eminenceeminence brutalbrutal persuasionpersuasion



IV.IV. 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.

eminenceeminence

2. 2. Television gives its viewers a __________ of real-life tragedy, Television gives its viewers a __________ of real-life tragedy,

as when it covers the victims of wars, natural disasters, and as when it covers the victims of wars, natural disasters, and

poverty.poverty.


3.3. Boxing She is putting on weight again because she eats Boxing She is putting on weight again because she eats

anything she likes without her doctor’s ____________.anything she likes without her doctor’s ____________.

glimpseglimpse

permisspermiss

ionion





5.5. When the typist got sick another typist was employed to When the typist got sick another typist was employed to

keep up the __________ of the work.keep up the __________ of the work.

4.4. Boxing began thousands of years ago, and for much of its Boxing began thousands of years ago, and for much of its

history was an extremely ________ sport.history was an extremely ________ sport. brutalbrutal

continuitycontinuity




6.6. Prehistoric people invented the first ________ “writing.” Prehistoric people invented the first ________ “writing.”

They drew pictures of wild animals on the walls of caves They drew pictures of wild animals on the walls of caves

and rock shelters.and rock shelters.


7.7. Latin, because of its ________ expression, was a perfect Latin, because of its ________ expression, was a perfect

language for law and government.language for law and government.

crude

precise




8.8. Expected that success would bring him freedom and Expected that success would bring him freedom and

power; but it brought only power that was in itself power; but it brought only power that was in itself

another kind of ________ .another kind of ________ .


9.9. Latin,having published more than a dozen papers in some Latin,having published more than a dozen papers in some

first-rate journals, she is held in high ________ by her first-rate journals, she is held in high ________ by her

colleagues.colleagues.

restraint

esteem




10.10. The Maya civilization reached its period of greatest The Maya civilization reached its period of greatest

development about A.D.250 and continued to ________ development about A.D.250 and continued to ________

for hundreds of years.for hundreds of years.


11. 11. The newly captured criminal is a ________ man who poses The newly captured criminal is a ________ man who poses

a serious threat to anyone who stands in his way.a serious threat to anyone who stands in his way.

flourish

ruthless




12. 12. All our attempts at _________ were useless;she would not All our attempts at _________ were useless;she would not

come to our party anyway.come to our party anyway.


13.13. For almost fifty years my father had a ________ job on an For almost fifty years my father had a ________ job on an

assembly line, doing the same kind of work all the time.assembly line, doing the same kind of work all the time.

persuasionpersuasion

tedioustedious




14.14. The ________ of Churchill’s body equaled that of his The ________ of Churchill’s body equaled that of his

mind. His tremendous physical endurance allowed him to mind. His tremendous physical endurance allowed him to

live a long, eventful life.live a long, eventful life.


15.15. Would the world be a better place if the passion for Would the world be a better place if the passion for

________ values were as great as for material things?________ values were as great as for material things?

vigor

spiritual





16.16. The troops were in a ________ position, completely The troops were in a ________ position, completely

exposed to attack from the air.exposed to attack from the air.

vulnerable




《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. V, p. 351Ex. V, p. 351《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. V, p. 351Ex. V, p. 351


V.V. Replace the underlined words or expressions in the Replace the underlined words or expressions in the following sentences with phrases or expressions from the following sentences with phrases or expressions from the text that best keep the original meaning. text that best keep the original meaning.


be/have done withbe/have done with catch the fancy of/sb.’s fancycatch the fancy of/sb.’s fancy at home at home sit throughsit through in a wayin a way usher iusher in n have to do withhave to do with align oneself withalign oneself with known known asasfirst and foremostfirst and foremost hold…in high esteemhold…in high esteem aspire taspire toosweep downsweep down put …to shameput …to shame

be/have done withbe/have done with catch the fancy of/sb.’s fancycatch the fancy of/sb.’s fancy at home at home sit throughsit through in a wayin a way usher iusher in n have to do withhave to do with align oneself withalign oneself with known known asasfirst and foremostfirst and foremost hold…in high esteemhold…in high esteem aspire taspire toosweep downsweep down put …to shameput …to shame


1.1. Although Hippocrates, Although Hippocrates, generally recognized asgenerally recognized as the father the father

of medicine, influenced the development of medicine, it of medicine, influenced the development of medicine, it

was Aristotle who established observation and analysis as was Aristotle who established observation and analysis as

the basic tools of biology. the basic tools of biology.

known asknown as


be/have done withbe/have done with catch the fancy of/sb.’s fancycatch the fancy of/sb.’s fancy at home at home sit throughsit through in a wayin a way usher in usher in have to do withhave to do with align oneself withalign oneself with known asknown asfirst and foremostfirst and foremost hold…in high esteemhold…in high esteem aspire toaspire tosweep downsweep down put …to shameput …to shame



2.2. Tom was very much hurt by the indifference of a Tom was very much hurt by the indifference of a

colleague whom he colleague whom he had respected greatlyhad respected greatly..

had held in high esteemhad held in high esteem


sbe/have done withbe/have done with catch the fancy of/sb.’s fancycatch the fancy of/sb.’s fancy at home at home sit throughsit through in a wayin a way usher in usher in have to do withhave to do with align oneself withalign oneself with known asknown asfirst and foremostfirst and foremost hold…in high esteemhold…in high esteem aspire toaspire tosweep downsweep down put …to shameput …to shame



3.3. Though Mary knew I was never interested in the lectures Though Mary knew I was never interested in the lectures

I had to I had to attendattend, she thought it unwise of me to give up my , she thought it unwise of me to give up my

study altogether.study altogether.

sit throughsit through





4.4. What he offered was far from sufficient, but What he offered was far from sufficient, but to a certainto a certain

extentextent, it helped me go on with my experiment in those , it helped me go on with my experiment in those

most difficult days. most difficult days. in a in a

wayway





5.5. After living in the village for three months, George After living in the village for three months, George

became bored with the simple life in the country and was became bored with the simple life in the country and was

actually eager to actually eager to put an end toput an end to it. it.

be done withbe done with





6.6. It is most important that art teachers see themselves It is most important that art teachers see themselves first first

of allof all as teachers and only after carrying out their duties as teachers and only after carrying out their duties

in this respect can they see themselves as artists.in this respect can they see themselves as artists.

first and foremostfirst and foremost





7.7. Of late, though, there have been signs that the prime Of late, though, there have been signs that the prime

minister minister has joined the liberals as an allyhas joined the liberals as an ally. .

has aligned himself with the liberalshas aligned himself with the liberals





8.8. Lucy Lucy is superior to meis superior to me as far as ability is concerned. She’s as far as ability is concerned. She’s

so capable that our boss always chooses her to do the most so capable that our boss always chooses her to do the most

important jobs.important jobs. puts me to puts me to

shameshame





9.9. On numerous occasions these vigorous horsemen On numerous occasions these vigorous horsemen spedsped

alongalong from the north, destroying almost all the towns and from the north, destroying almost all the towns and

cities on their way to the heart of the southern country.cities on their way to the heart of the southern country.

swept downswept down





10.10. Whenever a show in town Whenever a show in town appeals to meappeals to me I go to it. I go to it.

catches my fancycatches my fancy





11.11. Our lives and health Our lives and health are closely related toare closely related to one branch of one branch of

science, i.e., biochemistry.science, i.e., biochemistry.

have much to do withhave much to do with





12.12. He was equally He was equally confident and comfortableconfident and comfortable in the in the

Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art,

keen in discovering what was good in the arts of many keen in discovering what was good in the arts of many

ages and styles.ages and styles.

at homeat home





13.13. The invention of electronic computer The invention of electronic computer broughtbrought a new era a new era

in the development of science and technology. in the development of science and technology.

ushered inushered in





14.14. In Britain the majority of people In Britain the majority of people have a strong desire forhave a strong desire for

owning their own home and those who do acquire a owning their own home and those who do acquire a

certain position in society.certain position in society.

aspire to aspire to




Listening Listening

Listening and Speaking IVListening and Speaking IV

ConversationConversation

Part 2.2, pp. 113Part 2.2, pp. 113

Listening and Speaking IVListening and Speaking IV

ConversationConversation

Part 2.2, pp. 113Part 2.2, pp. 113

Listening Listening

1st listening1st listening1st listening1st listening

Listening to the conversation twice, and while you are Listening to the conversation twice, and while you are

listening, fill in the missing part.listening, fill in the missing part.

(Two students talking)(Two students talking)

John: That was an interesting speech Mr. Postman gave. It makes me John: That was an interesting speech Mr. Postman gave. It makes me think about the world leaders we’ve had in the recent past who were think about the world leaders we’ve had in the recent past who were like the ancient Athenians and Visigoths.like the ancient Athenians and Visigoths.

Ted: Yes, there was Adolph Hitler, a very selfish man whose main Ted: Yes, there was Adolph Hitler, a very selfish man whose main desire was to be the most powerful man in the world. desire was to be the most powerful man in the world. 1)__________________________________________________________1)_____________________________________________________________________________. He was a genuine Visigoth.___________________. He was a genuine Visigoth.

John: John: 2)__________________________________________________________2)____________________________________________________________________________________, but also in Italy and Japan. Like the __________________________, but also in Italy and Japan. Like the ancient Visigoths, they almost destroyed the world.ancient Visigoths, they almost destroyed the world.

Ted: It was very fortunate at that time there were two men who saw Ted: It was very fortunate at that time there were two men who saw the world needed to be rebuilt. President Truman ad Gorge Marshall the world needed to be rebuilt. President Truman ad Gorge Marshall established the Marshall Plan to restore people’s hopes, traditions, established the Marshall Plan to restore people’s hopes, traditions, social stability, and economic well-being. They were definitely social stability, and economic well-being. They were definitely Athenians.Athenians.

John: We don’t have to look to the past for examples. 3) John: We don’t have to look to the past for examples. 3) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.________________________________________________________.

Ted: The only way to overcome them is to be Athenians. I appreciate Ted: The only way to overcome them is to be Athenians. I appreciate all the teachers, artists, political leaders, scientists, and all the teachers, artists, political leaders, scientists, and humanitarianshumanitarians 4)____________________________________________. 4)____________________________________________. We all need that to be our goal. We all need that to be our goal.

Listening Listening

2nd listening2nd listening2nd listening2nd listening



Ted: Yes, there was Adolph Hitler, a very selfish man whose main Ted: Yes, there was Adolph Hitler, a very selfish man whose main desire was to be the most powerful man in the world. desire was to be the most powerful man in the world. 1)__________________________________________________________1)_____________________________________________________________________________. He was a genuine Visigoth.___________________. He was a genuine Visigoth.

John: John: 2)__________________________________________________________2)____________________________________________________________________________________, but also in Italy and Japan. Like the __________________________, but also in Italy and Japan. Like the ancient Visigoths, they almost destroyed the world.ancient Visigoths, they almost destroyed the world.


John: We don’t have to look to the past for examples. 3) John: We don’t have to look to the past for examples. 3) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.________________________________________________________.

Ted: The only way to overcome them is to be Athenians. I appreciate Ted: The only way to overcome them is to be Athenians. I appreciate all the teachers, artists, political leaders, scientists, and all the teachers, artists, political leaders, scientists, and humanitarians 4)_____________________________________________. humanitarians 4)_____________________________________________. We all need that to be our goal. We all need that to be our goal.

Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up

Listening Listening



Ted: Yes, there was Adolph Hitler, a very selfish man whose main Ted: Yes, there was Adolph Hitler, a very selfish man whose main desire was to be the most powerful man in the world. desire was to be the most powerful man in the world. 1)__________________________________________________________1)___________________________________________________________________________________. He was a genuine Visigoth._________________________. He was a genuine Visigoth.

John: John: 2)__________________________________________________________2)___________________________________________________________________________________, but also in Italy and Japan. Like the _________________________, but also in Italy and Japan. Like the ancient Visigoths, they almost destroyed the world.ancient Visigoths, they almost destroyed the world.

He tried to destroy everyone who was different from him, and He tried to destroy everyone who was different from him, and who didn’t agree with himwho didn’t agree with him

I certainly agree with you, and there were others who joined with I certainly agree with you, and there were others who joined with him, not only in Germanyhim, not only in Germany

Listening Listening


John: We don’t have to look to the past for examples. 3) John: We don’t have to look to the past for examples. 3) _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________._________.

Ted: The only way to overcome them is to be Athenians. I appreciate Ted: The only way to overcome them is to be Athenians. I appreciate all the teachers, artists, political leaders, scientists, and all the teachers, artists, political leaders, scientists, and humanitarians 4) ___________________________________________. humanitarians 4) ___________________________________________. We all need that to be our goal. We all need that to be our goal.

Just look at all the gangs in our cities who are trying to destroy Just look at all the gangs in our cities who are trying to destroy everythingeverything

Who are striving to make the world a better placeWho are striving to make the world a better place

Listening Listening

1.1. Review Text AReview Text A

2.2. Do exercises:Do exercises:

•• StructureStructure (Ex. VIII, p.232)(Ex. VIII, p.232)

•• ClozeCloze (Ex. IX, p. 233)(Ex. IX, p. 233)

•• Translation Translation (Ex. X & XI, p. 234)(Ex. X & XI, p. 234)

AssignmentAssignmentAssignmentAssignment

Unit 8: Part A 21st Century College English: Book 4.

Documents

Transcript of Unit 8: Part A 21st Century College English: Book 4.