2024年1月26日发(作者：)

安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

Unit 1

Ways of Learning

I. Teaching Planning

Objectives

Students will be able to:

1. grasp the main idea (that it would be ideal if we can strike a balance between the Chinese and the

Western learning styles) and structure of the text(introduction of topic by an anecdote elaboration by

comparison and contrast-conclusion by a suggestion);

2. appreciate the difference between comparison and contrast, as well as different ways to compare and

contrast(point-by-point method or one-side-at-a-time method);

3. master the key language points and grammatical structures in the text;

4. conduct a series of reading, listening, speaking and writing activities related to the theme of the unit.

Time allotment

1st period

Pre-reading;

While-reading

(Paras 1-5)

2nd period

While-reading

(Paras 6-13)

3rd period

While-reading

(Paras 6-13

continued;

14)

4th period

Post-reading

(Debate;

Para Exercises)

Warming-up tasks

1. How much do you know about the difference between Chinese learning style and western one?

2. Which one do you back up? Please state your reasons.

While-reading tasks

1. Skimming

1) Ss skim the passage and answer the Content Questions on Page 9:

2) T tells Ss that there are many ways of introducing a topic (see Text Analysis). Ss will decide which way

is adopted by Howard Gardner.

3) T guides Ss through the directions for Text Organization Exercise 2 and Writing Strategy. Then Ss scan

the first sentence of both Para 6 and Para 7, and decide what method of comparison and contrast is

used here (one-side-at-a-time method). Ss scan from Para 11 to Para 13, then decide what method

of comparison and contrast is used here? (point-by-point method)

2. Ss sum up the contrast between Chinese and Western ways to learn to fulfil a task (the Chinese show a

child how to do something, or teach by holding his hand; Westerners teach a child to rely on himself for

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

solutions to problems).

3. Ss sum up the contrast between the Chinese and the Western attitudes toward creativity and basic skills.

(The Chinese give priority to developing skills at an early age, believing that creativity can be promoted over

time; Westerners put more emphasis on fostering creativity in young children, thinking that skills can be

picked up later.)

4. T tells Ss that there are many ways of concluding an essay (see Text Analysis). Ss decide which

way is used in this essay.

5. T explains language points and gives Ss practice (see Language Study).

Post-reading tasks

1. Debate: Should we develop children’s creativity first or train them in basic skills first?

1) Ss divide into two groups, one taking the side of creativity first, another taking the side of basic

skills first.

2) In each group, Ss further divide into smaller groups of three to four, brainstorming

arguments examples statistics quotes etc. in support of their viewpoint, as well as those that

could be used to refute the other side.

3) Debate begins, with T acting as moderator.

2. T guides Ss through several after-text exercises.

3. T checks on Ss’ home reading (Text B).

4. Ss do Part IV: Theme-Related Language Learning Tasks. (1 period)

5. T asks Ss to prepare the next unit:

1) do the pre-reading task;

2）preview Text A.

Ⅱ. Text Analysis

An essay is usually made up of three parts: a beginning where the topic is introduced; the body part

where the topic is elaborated on, and a conclusion.

Besides stating the topic directly, there are many other ways to introduce a theme. In this text, an

anecdote or an incident is used. The author of Text A, Unit 6, Book 1 (What Animals Really Think) introduces

his topic by posing a question: “Do animals all have thoughts, what we call consciousness?” Text B, Unit 3,

Book 1 (How to Make Sense out of Science) begins by quoting newspaper headlines:

“New Drugs Kill Cancer

Devastation by El Nino — a Warning

6: October 26, 2028: Could This Be the Deadline for the Apocalypse?”

Text B of this unit, Children and Money, begins with an imagined argument between a child and his

parent over the control of pocket money. Discover other forms of introduction as you read on. However, the

more important point is that you should learn to vary your own writing by adopting various types of topic

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

introduction.

Without a conclusion, an essay lacks a sense of completeness. A conclusion may be a restatement of the

main points previously mentioned, a proposed solution, a quotation from some book or person, a prediction of

future developments, a suggestion for further study, etc. Text B, Unit 3, Book 1 ends by giving a simile,

comparing scientific research to mountain climbing, “a process filled with disappointments and reverses, but

somehow we keep moving ahead.” In this text, Howard Gardner makes a suggestion in the form of a question.

Ⅲ. Cultural Notes

1. Education in the West: There is no common agreement in the West concerning the best method of

education. A variety of views can be found among parents, teachers and students. Indeed, it might be

argued that it is this very existence of contending points of view that is characteristic of Western education.

This can be seen as far back as in the work of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, who encouraged

his students to question everything, even their most fundamental beliefs. Yet even then there was no

general agreement that this was the best way to teach. Socrates, after all, was condemned to death by his

fellow citizens for corrupting the morals of the young by his way of teaching. Many later periods of Western

history were no more tolerant of encouraging students to challenge traditional beliefs: Darwin’s theory of

evolution, for example, was for a time banned from schools in some American states on the grounds of

religious belief.

Much of the current debate over education surrounds the extent to which learning should be

teacher-based or student-based. Which of the two should decide what should be learned, how it should be

learned, and when it should be learned? Comparing Western and Asian methods of learning it is

generally true that Western methods are more student-centred, expecting students to discover things for

themselves rather than relying on their teachers to tell them. An extreme version of the student-centred

approach can be seen at Summerhill, a school in England established by the educationalist A.S. Neill.

There children have complete freedom to decide what they are going to learn and which lessons they will

attend. If they wish they need not attend any at all. Mainstream education in England is far more strict,

demanding that children attend lessons and follow a national curriculum. This curriculum and the

importance of achieving good exam results tend to reinforce a more teacher-centred approach, as both

teachers and students find the pressure of time leaves less opportunity for an exploratory approach to

learning.

The extent to which learning is teacher-centred or student-centred also depends on differences

between subjects. In recent years, for example, there has been a trend in the teaching of mathematics in

school classrooms in England away from having pupils work on their own or in small groups back

towards a more traditional approach, with the teacher guiding the entire class step-by-step through a

lesson. This followed research that suggested that, as far as maths was concerned, a more

teacher-centred method was more effective.

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

2. Standing on the shoulders of giants: a well-known phrase, frequently employed by inventors to

express modesty about their achievements. The suggestion is that while they have been able to see further

than those who came before them, it is not because they themselves are intellectual giants. Rather it is

because they have been able to build upon the accumulated discoveries of their great predecessors.

Ⅳ. Language Study

1. attach: fasten or join (one thing to another) (used in the pattern: attach sth. to sth.)

Examples: Attached to this letter you will find a copy of the document you asked for.

2. ... to position the key just so: to position the key carefully to fit into the narrow key slot

3. not in the least: not at all

Examples: I am not in the least touched by the Marilyn Monroe kind of beauty.

Ann didn’t seem in the least concerned about her study.

4. find one’s way: reach a destination naturally; arrive at

Examples: Shanghai is not an easy city to find your way around.

Drunk as he was, Peter still found his way home.

5. phenomenon: (pi. phenomena) sth. that happens or exists and that can be seen or experienced

Examples: Hurricanes are a relatively common phenomenon in the Caribbean.

Stress-related illness is a common phenomenon in big cities. Thunder and lightening are

natural phenomena.

6. initial: of or at the beginning, first (adj., used only before n.)

Examples: If a car suddenly pulls out in front of you, your initial reaction may include fear and anger.

Their initial burst of enthusiasm died down when they realized how much work the job

involved.

7. assist: help (used in the pattern: assist sb. to do sth., assist sb. with sth.)

Examples: The professor was assisting his students to prepare their project.

The college student decided to assist the boy with his study.

8. insert: put, fit, place (in, into, between)

Examples: Wait for a couple of minutes with your mouth closed before inserting the thermometer.

The doctor carefully inserted the needle into my left arm.

9. somewhat: to some degree, a little

Examples: It is reported that conditions in the village have improved somewhat since November.

--- “Are you concerned about your exam results?”

--- “Somewhat.”

10. await: (finl) wait for

Await is a fairly common word in formal writing, but you do not usually use it in conversation.

Instead you use “wait for.”

Examples: We must await the results of field studies yet to come.

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

After I sent the letter asking for a job, I had nothing to do but await the answer.

11. on occasion: now and then

Examples: I was usually the only foreign participant, although on occasion I brought other

Americans in as guests.

Steve spent almost all his time doing his research, but, on occasion, he would take his son

to see a film.

12. neglect: give too little attention or care to

Examples: He gave too much attention to his career, working long hours and neglecting his wife.

Their investment turned out to be a failure and the manager was accused of neglecting his

duties.

Cf.: ignore: pay no attention to sb./sth. on purpose, or as if sth. has not happened

Example: I said “Good morning” to her, but she just ignored me and walked on.

13. relevant: directly connected with the subject (followed by to , opposite irrelevant)

Examples: Only a few people feel the debate about the cloning of human beings is relevant to their

daily lives.

While writing my term paper I was able to borrow all the relevant books from the school

library.

14. investigate: try to find out information about (used in the pattern: investigate sth., investigate + wh

clause)

Examples: Police are still investigating how the car accident happened.

We can assure you that your complaint will be fully and properly investigated.

15. exception: sb./ sth. that a comment or statement does not apply to

Examples: Normally, parents aren’t allowed to sit in on the classes, but in your case we can make an

exception.

We feel that all the students in this class, with one or two exceptions, support the

educational reforms.

Without exception all our youngsters wanted to leave school and start work.

When you are mentioning an exception, you often use the expression “with the exception of”.

Example: We all went to see the film, with the exception of Otto, who complained of feeling unwell.

16. on one’s own: 1) without anyone’s help

Examples: You needn’t give me any help. I am able to manage on my own.

There are jobs your child can do on her own.

2) alone

Examples: The child was left on her own for hours as her mom had to deal with the emergency.

I’d rather not go to dance on my own. I do wish you’d come with me.

17. accomplish: manage to do (sth.)

Examples: Unless you practice you’ll accomplish nothing.

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

Considering their capacity, the possibility of accomplishing the task is not high.

If I work hard, I think I can accomplish my goal of getting 6 A’s at the end of the semester.

18. in due course: at the proper time; eventually

Examples: Your book will be published in due course.

Be patient. You’ll get your promotion in due course.

19. critical: 1) very important

Examples: Environmentalists say a critical factor in the city’s pollution is its population.

How well you accomplish this task will be critical to the success of your career.

2)very serious or dangerous

Examples: In yesterday’s car accident, ten people were killed and five people are still in acritical

condition.

As the situation in Afghanistan became critical, the UN Secretary-General appointed a special

representative to tackle it.

20. principal: (rather finl) main, chief

Examples: The couple’s principal concern is to earn enough money to send their children to school.

Her principal interest in life was to be a world-renowned pianist.

n. The principal of a school or college is the person in charge of it.

Example: Complaints from the students began arriving at the principal’s office.

Cf.: principle (see Confusable Words)

21. make up for: repay with sth. good, compensate for

Examples: I didn’t travel much when I was younger, but I’m certainly making up for lost time now.

Her husband bought her a present to make up for quarreling with her the day before.

22. in retrospect: on evaluating the past; upon reflection

Examples: The young man knew in retrospect that he should have married his first love Emily.

In retrospect, I wish that I had chosen biology as my major.

23. extreme: very great

Example: The girls were afraid of snakes and walked along the mountain trail with extreme caution.

n. the furthest possible limit, an extreme degree

Example: I know I always say that you eat too much, but there is no need to go to the other extreme.

(phrase: go to extremes: do sth. so much, state sth. so strongly, that people consider your actions

unacceptable and unreasonable

Examples: John went to such extremes to get his promotion that everyone at the office hates him now.

The film is not very good, but some critics have gone to extremes, saying it is the worst

of the decade. )

24. performance: 1) the standard achieved by a person or group of people in carrying out a particular job or

activity

Examples: The athlete was awarded $10,000 for his good performance in the Olympics.

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

After several bad performances, the soccer team found their form again.

2) sth. performed in front of an audience, e.g. a play, a dance or other entertainment

Examples: Stevie Wonder fought back from the shadow of death and went on to give more

performances.

His performance in the new production of Hamlet received much praise.

25. so much so that: to such an extent

Examples: Americans treat their children as separate individuals, so much so that someone who

remains dependent on their parents longer than the norm may be thought to be “immature.”

Some parents spoil their children, so much so that they never ask them to do any

housework.

26. continual: happening again and again, repeated

Examples: The construction of the airport continued despite continual complaints from local

residents.

The dog’s continual barking disturbed the whole neighborhood.

Cf.: continuous (see Confusable Words)

27. apply: 1) be relevant (to sb./sth.); have an effect (used in the pattern apply to sb/sth.)

Examples: The new pension arrangements won’t apply to people born before 1960.

The advice given by the professor only applies to some of the college students.

2) write a letter or fill in a form in order to ask formally for sth. (used in the pattern: apply for sth.,

apply to do sth.)

Examples: How many jobs had you applied for before you were offered this one?

We went to the sports club so often that we decided that we might as well apply to join.

28. work on / at: try hard to achieve or improve (sth.)

Examples: Sophia needs to work at/on her typing speed.

John came back ahead of time to continue working on his thesis.

29. priority: 1) sth. that one must do before anything else

Examples: Being a qualified teacher is her first priority.

Earning enough money to maintain his family is a high priority.

2)sth. that holds a high place among competing claims

Examples: The school will give priority to English and computer studies.

The proposals deserve support as they give priority to the needs of children.

30. evolve: (cause to) develop gradually (followed by into / from)

Examples: The story evolves into a violent tragedy.

Popular music evolved from folk songs.

As knowledge of genetic engineering evolves, beliefs change.

If you want to be a poet, you must evolve your own style of writing.

31. summarize: make a short account of the main points of (sth.)

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

Examples: Basically, the article can be summarized in three sentences.

The workers’ demands can be summarized as follows: shorter hours and more pay.

32. contrast: compare (two people or things) so that differences are made clear (used in the pattern: contrast A

and/with B)

Examples: Carrie contrasted the situation then with the present crisis.

Students were asked to contrast Ernest Hemingway with Mark Twain.

n. action of contrasting

Examples: I was always reading when I was a kid, but my daughter, in contrast, just watches TV all

day.

In contrast to the hot days, the nights are bitterly cold.

33. on the one hand ... on the other hand: to introduce two contrasting circumstances

Examples: On the one hand, we have good reason to feel pleased with our progress. On the other

hand, we mustn’t get complacent.

34. promote: help to grow or develop

Examples: You don’t have to sacrifice environmental protection to promote economic growth.

Regular exercise will help promote physical and mental health.

35. emerge: come out (followed by from)

Examples: The postman emerged from his van soaked to the skin.

The magician emerged from behind the curtain.

n. emergence (Tell the difference between emergence and emergency to Ss)

36. pick up: gain, learn

Examples: He picked up quite a lot of English during his one-year stay in America.

I had picked up a bit of data-processing from my son.

37. enormous: extremely large (same as huge, immense)

Examples: Catherine inherited an enormous fortune from her parents.

The New Year’s concert was an enormous success.

38. exaggerate: make (sth.) seem larger, better, etc. than it really is

Examples: In her resume, she has clearly exaggerated her talents a little.

--- “I am bleeding to death!”

--- “Don’t exaggerate — it’s only a little cut.”

Peter says he’s seen “Titanic” at least 20 times but I think he’s exaggerating.

39. assuming (that):

You use assuming that when you are considering a possible situation or event, so that you can think

about the consequences.

Examples: Assuming that we all work at the same rate, we should be finished by January.

Assuming that this painting really is a Van Gogh, how much do you think it’s worth?

40. valid: based on truth or sound reasoning

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安徽工程大学外国语学院第一教研室 全新版大学英语二册教案Unit 1

Examples: They put forward many valid reasons for not building the skyscraper. It is valid to consider

memory the oldest mental skill.

Scientific theories must be backed up with valid evidence.

41. worthwhile: worth doing, worth the trouble taken

Examples: It might be worthwhile to consider buying an insurance policy.

A trip to the museum is always worthwhile.

Teaching is considered a worthwhile job. Cf.: worth

42. superior: better than average or than others of the same type (followed by to)

Examples: Long-term stock market investments have produced superior returns compared with cash

deposits.

The woman was greatly superior to her husband in education.

This wine is far superior to the one we had last week.

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