英美国家报刊阅读教程课件.ppt
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Journalistic Reading Course Lesson 1 v课程目标课程目标 v1. 提高学生阅读外刊的能力通过阅读外刊，学生要掌握英语的特点，了解报刊文章的特点，掌握读报要领，以提高阅读外刊的能力 v2. 提高学生的观察、理解和分析问题的能力和独立思考的能力报刊是社会的一面镜子，它折射出社会各个方面所发生的事件和存在的问题因此，该课程不仅仅给学生提供了语言学习的机会，更重要的是借报刊文章所提供的内容，提高观察、理解和独立思考的能力v3. 掌握阅读技巧和策略，提高阅读速度报刊所及内容繁多，所载信息量大，学生必须学会在有限的时间内，以最快的速度阅读大量的文章，掌握更多的信息因此必须掌握阅读技巧和策略，提高阅读速度 v4. 提高学生的口、笔头表述能力和质量 v教学要求教学要求 v1. 加大报刊阅读量要求学生每周读一份外刊v v2. 要求学生坚持听英语广播 v3. 要求学生以自学和提问为主 v4. 要求学生以提高语言运用能力为学习目的 v6. 要求学生以培养分析、解决和思考问题的能力为目的 v阅读书刊以及网上资源阅读书刊以及网上资源 v1. Beijing Review 北京周报v2. China Daily 中国日报v3. 2lst Century 二十一世纪报v4. New York Times 纽约时报v5. Readers’ Digest 读者文摘v6. CCTV English Broadcast 央视英文广播v7. 有线新闻网 (Cable News Network)v8. 华盛顿邮报v9. www.guardian.co.uk 卫报v10. www.mirror.co.uk 镜报v11. 基督教科学箴言报 (the Christian Science Monitor)v12. 纽约时报v13. 国际先驱论坛报 (international Herald Tribune)v14. 今日美国 Return of the Huddled MassesvPre-reading: v American Immigration: Past and Present vHistorical Overviewv Throughout its history, America has served as the destination point for a steady flow of immigrants. During the colonial era most migrants came from northern European countries. Their numbers declined with the onset of the Revolutionary War during the 1770s, but immigration later picked up strongly again during the 1840s and 1850s. New arrivals came from several European countries during this period, but most came from Ireland and Germany, where devastating crop failures forced many residents to leave their homelands. Many settled in New York City, where the population increased from 200,000 residents in 1830 to 515,000 in 1850. By 1860, New York was home to over one million residents. More than half of the city's population at that time were immigrants and their American-born children. v After the Civil War, America's growing industrial economy required the addition of many more workers, and this need was filled once again by immigrants arriving from Europe. Approximately 25 million arrived between 1866 and 1915. While earlier immigrants had come mainly from northern European countries such as England, Germany, and the Scandinavian countries, by the 1880s most new immigrants were arriving from southern and eastern European countries such as Italy, Poland and Russia. Like their Irish predecessors, most of these new arrivals were poor and uneducated. Many were peasants from rural regions who were being pushed out by Europe's industrial revolution. v With the U.S. entry into World War I in 1919, immigration declined dramatically, and remained low through the Depression era of the 1930s and the World War II years of the early 1940s. The number of new arrivals began to increase again during the late 1940s, and has risen steadily since that time. vRecent Trends:v Today's immigrants arrive from all parts of the world. The current phase of immigration history began in 1965, when strict quotas based on nationality were eliminated. In 1978, the United States government set a single annual world quota of 290,000, and this ceiling was raised again in 1990 to 700,000. During the 1990s, immigrants have arrived at a pace that at times has exceeded one million new arrivals per year, and have settled in all parts of the country. I. Analysis of the titlevhuddle: v. crowd togetherv eg. The boys huddled together under the rock to keep warm. v Your clothes are all huddled up inside that bag. v n. a crowd of people or things, close together and not in any ordered arrangementv eg. go into a huddle: to get into small group, away from people, in order to talk privately or secretly v huddled masses: a quotation from words written on the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor, referring to groups of poor people huddled together vReturn of the huddled masses: immigrants, especially poor ones, to America increase again II. Key sentences or words of each paragraph 1st para (subject of immigration; on one side; on the other)v central subject of the passage IV. unfamiliar words 2nd para (cost) same concern of different parties 幻灯片 16v 3rd para (illegal immigrants, cost) financial burden 4th para (illegal and legal immigrants, too many)v huge amount 幻灯片 17 5th para (benefits to America; in the past; still doing so)v benefits 6th para (a financial burden or not? controversial)v not financial burden v 7th para (most Americans are not keen to see immigration rise)v current attitude toward immigrationv 8th para (negative opinion to immigrants in the present)v negative opinion about immigrantsv 9th para( America’s door eventually closed to the immigrants; anti-immigration; pro-immigration)v result caused by the negative attitudev 10th para (numbers; the antis; the pros)v controversial opinions about the increased number of immigrants v 11th para (origin of the immigrants; controversial; the antis; the pros) v change of the origin of immigrants v 12th para (other objection; familiar ring)v other objection v 13th para (3 worries; lower skill; higher rate of welfare; harder to be assimilated) v 3 major worries v 14th para (possible solution; adjusting immigration policy; adjusting opinion towards immigrants)v possible solution III. Organization of the whole passagev1. Structurev 1st para: central subject of the passagev 2nd para: same concern of different parties v 3rd para: financial burden v 4th para: huge amount v 5th para: benefitsv 6th para: financial burden or not v7th para: current attitude toward immigrationv 8th para: negative opinion about immigrantsv 9th para: result caused by the negative attitude v 11th para: change of the origin of immigrants v 12th para: other objection v 13th para: 3 worries about immigrants v 14th para: possible solution v2. Organizationv 1st para: put forward the central subject, immigration of Americav 2nd - 4th para: same concern of different parties (worries)v 5th - 6th para: current situation of immigrants and arguments about whether of not they become financial burden of Americav 7th, 8th - 9th para; 10th-13th para: present opinion of Americans to immigrants and their worries v 14th para: discussion about possible solutions IV. Unfamiliar words v1. huddle: v. to gather closely together in a groupv2. polarize: v. to divide into clearly separate groups with opposite beliefs, ideas or opinions; to divide into groups based on two completely opposite principles, political opinions, etc.v eg. a highly controversial issue which has polarized the country v 使该国两极分化的颇有争议的问题v polar: a. of, near, like, or coming from lands near the North or South polesv eg. polar bearv polarity: n. the state of having or developing two opposite qualitiesv eg. a growing polarity between the opinions of the government and those of the trade unions v 政府与工会之间日益增大的意见分歧v v II. Key sentences or words of each paragraph v3. reckon: v. to guess, believe as a result of calculating roughly but not exactlyv To think, supposev eg. How much do you reckon that she earns?v I reckon that he will come soon. v She was reckoned a great actress/to have the greatest talent of her generation.v reckon on: expect or depend onv eg. We are reckoning on a large profit / your support.v reckon with: have to deal with; take account of in one’s planv eg. She’s a woman to be reckoned with.v The new company is already a force to be reckoned with.v We hadn’t reckoned with the possibility that it might rain. v reckon without: to fail to take account of; not considerv eg. When he decided to change his job, he reckoned without the difficulty of selling his house. v4. Balkanize/ Balkanise: v. to divide a region into small, often hostile states; to divide into small unitsv the Balkans / the Balkan States: a large area in SE Europe which include Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Yugoslavia. It is an area in which there have been many wars and many changes in the borders if the countries. II. Key sentences or words of each paragraphv5. riposte: n. a quick, clever and often unfriendly reply; a quick return stroke with a sword (击剑中)敏捷的回刺，挡后回刺v v. to reply quickly v6. there is the rub: there is the difficulty or cause of troublev eg. To die, to sleep; To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, ...v 去死，去睡， 去睡，也许会做梦！ 唉，这就麻烦了，v 即使摆脱了这尘世 v 可在这死的睡眠里又会做些什么梦呢？vV. Difficult sentences:vP4-5 VI. Exercises (P6-7)vSample answers to questions following the text:v1. More immigrants add more financial burden to the state government; increasing immigrants cause high unemployment; a mixture of various origins of the immigrants endangered the pure Americanization.v2. new comers filled the country with energy, ambition and fresh ideas.v Immigrants to the New West help bring about California’s economical revival; many top manufacturers in Orange County are immigrants from other countries; Asian students majored in engineer are of a large proportion. v3,4. omittedv5. Immigration itself is not wrong; v Immigrants’ desire for America remains the same as the past generation: to realize their American Dream;v American government should adjust immigration policy and American people should adjust their opinions about immigration. VII. Homeworkv1. report: background knowledge got form after-class newspaper reading (American immigrants)v2. report: after-class newspaper reading (Chinese situation)v3. group work: 7 passages about English and American newspapers and journalsv4. words for after-class studyv revitalization; sue; compel; speculate; grim; upheaval; outright; degrade; controversial; influx; assimilation; multiculturalism; criterion Journalistic Reading Course Lesson 2 Boom Time for Gen X? Boom Time for Gen X?vI. pre-readingv 1. Definition of Gen-Xersv 2. For Gen-Xers, It’s Work to Live: Finding the Right Job / Life Balance vDefinition: Generation-Xers are people born between 1965 and 1976 – 1980, depending on the source. Gen-Xers are independent, enjoy informality, are entrepreneurial, and seek emotional maturity. They want to build a repertoire of skills and experiences they can take with them if they need to, and they want their career path laid out in front of them – or they’ll walk.v Gen-Xers also seek balance in their lives now – not when they retire. They seek time to raise their children and don’t want to miss a minute – as their parents did. Gen-Xers also want immediate and honest feedback. vFor Gen-Xers, It’s Work to Live: Finding the Right Job / Life Balancev Jason Walker loves his job at Microsoft Corp. He finds the work interesting, and he gets to wear shorts and flip-flops to his office. What the 34-year-old commercial-account manager loves most, however, is his flexible schedule. Mr. Walker works 45 to 50 hours a week -- about eight hours a day in the office and the rest at home. He can work later if he chooses to ski on winter mornings. By Mr. Walker's standards, a job is only as good as the life it provides, and remaining a ski bum while maintaining a "really cool" job is worth every minute he spends at the office. v Several recent surveys show that younger workers, especially those in Generation X -- between the ages of 25 and 40 -- hold a work/life balance, opportunities for growth and good work relationships higher in importance than generations before them. More than older workers, Gen-X employees view work as secondary to their lives outside the office, these researchers say, whether that means time with their children or time to pursue a hobby. And as baby boomers, now age 41 to 59, approach retirement, employers aiming to hold on to their emerging talent should give these shifts serious thought, management experts say. v By Loretta Chao v From The Wall Street Journal Onlinev Dec.12, 2005 Boom Time for Gen X?vII. Skimming and scanningv 1. analysis of the titlev boom time: prosperous v ?: uncertainty, arouse reader’s interestv 2. try to get the topic and the main idea of this passage as soon as possiblev Topic: Gen-Xersv The passage is mainly about the Gen-Xers, with the focus on their attitude towards money. They highly value money; they save money for their retirement; they hold practical work ethic. vII. Further study of the textv 1st partv * Q: What is the most outstanding characteristic of Gen-Xers?v How do you know Gen-Xers value money greatly?v Why do they attach great importance to making and saving money? v* A: money-first, focus on moneyv investor; buying power; statement v insufficient Social Security System; decreased job security; debtv * Central idea: Gen-X is a money-first generation; they are quite practical about money due to the specific financial situation. v* Important words and phrasesv figure out: estimate, calculate, discover by thinkingv write sb. off: to decide sb. is a failurev fend for: to look after oneself without needing help from othersv kick in: begin to workv kick out: remove or dismiss, esp. violentlyv whine: complain in a sad voice; make a high sad soundv trail: drag or be dragged along behindv resourceful: good at finding ways of dealing with practical problemsv fiscal: of public money, taxes, etc.; financialv cohort: a group of people (is, has, etc.)v sober: thoughtful, serious, solemnv register: have an effect on a person; notice; realize; recognizev dwindle: become gradually fewer or smaller v pitch: throw; aim to sell v2nd partv* Q: what are the attitudes of boomers towards saving for retirement? v What are the differences between Gen-Xers and boomers in their attitudes towards saving for retirement?v How do Xers save for retirement?v* A: changing attitude (“Money can’t buy me love” 51% interested in it begin worrying about supporting themselves in old age)v larger share; soonerv growth funds, bond funds, international equitiesv* central idea: Different from baby boomers, Gen-Xers begin saving for retirement earlier, and they have a higher financial literacy. They save money in order to hedge against the unexpected. v* Important words and phrasesv brace: supportv spur: urge or encourage forcefullyv commit to: make oneself responsible for sth.; v commitment: responsibility v3rd partv* Q: Do different generations differ in their views on money?v What are their views on money respectively?v* A: Matures self-sacrificing and frugal; save money for their childrenv boomers credit-card-carrying consumers; expectation of simpler and more prosperous future v Xers hedgers; protecting against the unexpectedv* central idea: Gen-Xers are pragmatists and they hold different views on money from previous generations. They save money for protecting the unexpected. v* important words and phrasesv frugal: not wasteful; economical; thriftyv unperturbed: not worried or annoyed by something that has happenedv hedge: protection; protectv debacle: sudden complete failurev nuke: attack with nuclear weaponsv slang to prepare food with microwave ovenv mold into: shape into or form into v4th part:v* Q: Why is Gen-X called Generation Nasdaq?v What other terms are used to describe Xers?v Do all Xers invest in stock? Why or why not? What supplementary actions can they take? v* A: their invest in stockv NextVestors; cyberinvestorsv no money to invest; investment clubv* central idea: Gen-Xers take active part in stock market and some changes have occurred as for their investing in stock. v* important words and phrasesv v apprehensive: worried or nervousv commission: a percentage paid to a salesperson for each sale madev asset: propertyv grave: slang money, profitv stake: money risked on the result of something v5th part:vQ: What is the work ethic of Gen-Xers?v What are the evidences of their work ethic?v As for Consuming, what is their attitude? Why?vA: work to make money; money-firstv high percentage employed full time; higher percentage (than boomers) agreeing that money is a sigh of success; practical reaction to the job market; choosing entrepreneur as ideal career (creating job opportunities by themselves)v spending money to make time before retirement a pleasant (to enjoy present life)v afraid it might not be there when they can afford it (lack of financial security)v central idea: Generation X people hold a practical work ethic. They work for the purpose of making money. And they also spend money to enjoy full pleasure of present life. vImportant words and expressions:v crackle: utter sound (of fire, radio, telephone, etc.)v start-up: a newly-found corporationv cash in: make profit, profit (from)v cash in on sth.: 从中渔利v live off: depend on sth. for livingv eg. We live off fruits for a week.v He was living off his parents/ an inherence.v As a popular saying goes: “Those living on a mountain live off the mountain, those living near the water live off the water.” therefore he had the idea of making use of the sand and developed a special tourism item of desert exploration.v consumerism: consumer-first attitude; attitude of spending money to fully enjoy lifev consumerismist 消费主义者 vQuestions for discussion after reading the passagev1. What labels have been put on Xers?v v2. What do you agree with them? What do you disagree?v3. What are the resemblances and differences between Xers and your generation?v4. What’s your attitude towards money? Have you begun to make money? If so, by what means? vV. Homeworkv 1. Reading: 5th part v Try to figure out its central idea. v Learn new words & phrases with help of dictionaries. v Finish Ex.V on P19. 3. Oral Report (class 2): American Millennium Generation 4. Oral Report (class 1): Today’s Chinese Youth Keys to Exercises vP19 Ex. V v B A A A DvP20 Ex. VIv 1. Firstly, people continue to think that they are 20-somethings. However, they are actually in their early 30s;v secondly, people thought they were fresh out of school, but they are cashing in the market with in their way.v 2. Unlike boomers, Xers got a sobering introduction to reality which force them to focus on the bottom-line: the insufficient Social Security System, the decreased job security and the heavy debt they carry. v 3. Matures are termed “savers” as they are self-sacrificing and frugal. They save money in order that their children might have more comfortable lives. v However, Xers hold that money is for protecting against the unexpected. Moreover, they spend money to make present life an enjoyment, which is also different from Matures.v 4. Gen X is called generation NASDAQ because of their active part in the stock market. They are more willing to take risks in the game (than any other generation). They are more likely to use internet to join in the game. Even for those who have no money to invest in the stock market, they are finding other ways to take charge of their financial future. v 5,6: omitted Journalistic Reading Course Lesson 4Asians in the Promised Land vI. Pre-reading vAsian-Americansv The Statue of Liberty began lighting the way for new arrivals at a time when many native-born Americans began to worry that the country was admitting too many immigrants. Some citizens feared that their culture was being threatened or that they would lose jobs to newcomers willing to accept low wages. v In 1924 Congress passed the Johnson-Reed Immigration Act. For the first time, the United States set limits on how many people from each country it would admit. The number of people allowed to emigrate from a given country each year was based on the number of people from that country already living in the United States. v As a result, immigration patterns over the next 40 years reflected the existing immigrant population, mostly Europeans and North Americans. Prior to 1924, U.S. laws specifically excluded Asian immigrants. People in the American West feared that the Chinese and other Asians would take away jobs, and racial prejudice against people with Asian features was widespread. The law that kept out Chinese immigrants was repealed in 1943, and legislation passed in 1952 allows people of all races to become U.S. citizens. v v Today Asian Americans are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the country. About 15 million people of Asian descent live in the United States. Although most of them have arrived here recently, they are among the most successful of all immigrant groups. They have a higher income than many other ethnic groups, and large numbers of their children study at the best American universities. vChinese Largest Asian Group in the United Statesv Chinese comprised more than 20 percent of the 11.9 million people who identified themselves as Asians in Census 2000, according to a report released March 4, 2002 by the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau. That translates into 2.7 million reporting as Chinese -- the largest Asian group in the United States. "The Asian Population: 2000," one in a series of Census 2000 briefs, also showed that about 50 percent of the Asians resided in three states: California, New York and Hawaii. Two of these states had Asian populations exceeding 1 million: California (4.2 million) and New York (1.2 million).v --- http://usa.usembassy.de/society-asians.htm vII. Skimming and Scanning v v 1. title: Asians in Americav the Promised Land: a place of expected happiness (note 1)v suggestion: there is a gap between the Asian immigrants’ expectation and the realityv 2. foreword: immense struggle (difficult process)v model minority (success) v3. subtitles: all the vices (racial prejudice?)v hard work (difficult struggle?)v racial slurs ( unfair criticism) v martyrs (pioneers to resist racial discrimination?)v credit club (financial success?)v 4. topic and main idea: unfair criticism towards Asians in America and their hard struggle towards success vIII. Further Study v part 1: introduction (Q: What is the message of L.A.’s riot?)v v riot: disturbancev burn into one’s mind: leave a deep impressionv defiance: resistance against authority and powerv sink home: be conscious ofv make one’s fortune: make money, usu. by chancev escape: fail to understandv loot: take sth. illegally, usu. by forcev assault: a sudden violent attackv main idea: Los Angeles riots aiming mainly at Asian-Americans attacked their faith in America. vPart 2: all the vices, “a population befouled with all the social evils” (Q: Which group is thought to have all the vices?)v vilify: say unfairly bad things about 诋毁,诬蔑 v befoul with: make dirty by sth. bad, be covered with (dirty things)v foul: very unpleasant (foul smell/ language/ weather) v no less a patriot than Ronald Reagan: a patriot like Reagan; a complete/thorough and true patriot v insidious: tricky, sly, craftyv hold back: control, not to help v capita: person (per capita GNP)v skew: twist, distort, make sth. not right v well off: in good situationv come off well, be well in the end v single out: choose from a group for praise or criticismv besiege: surrounded with armed forcesv pick on: choose unfairly for punishment or blamev wholesale: in large quantityv boycott: refuse to trade with or take part inv blight: spoil, be in disorderv impoverish: make poorvMain idea: Asian-Americans are thought of superior to blacks, but their success causes them resentment. However, there are still many Asians coming to America. vPart 3: hard work (Q: What do they work hard for?)v identify oneself with: find similarities between oneself and …; feel at home with…v materialism; legalistic; conformistv refrain: part of a song that is repeatedv refrain: v. restrain, not to do somethingv peril: great dangerv bona fide: realvmain idea: Asian-Americans face with identity crisis and more of them are searching for authentic Asianness. Some remain less assimilated only because they have to stay in their ethic community. vPart 4: racial slurs (What are the racial slurs? Who suffers from Racial slurs?)v slur: unfair criticismv hurdle: barrier; difficulty to be dealt withv inure: make to be accustomed to something unpleasantv fit in: match, harmonizev attorney: (Am.E) lawyerv influx: come in large quantity/ great numbervMain idea: Racial slurs have resulted in difficulty for immigrants to be accepted by the white mainstream. They are afraid of the invisible barrier in their career. Unemployed youths become desperate and they found street gangs which can be seen as a proof of many Asian-Americans’ poor situation. vPart 5: martyrs (Q: Who are the martyrs?)v v martyr: someone who dies or suffers from their beliefs v a slap on the wrist: a slight punishmentv a slap on the face/eyesv shrug off: treat as unimportant or easily dealt withv be descended from …: have … as an ancestor descendantv juggle: keep objects in the air by throwing and catching themv down payment: part of the full price paid at the time of buying, with the rest to be paid later; the initial payment vPart 5: martyrsvMain idea: Asian-Americans, though being like African-Americans in history and spirit, have suffered from unfair treatment from both Americans and African-Americans. But on the whole, their situation is much better than that of African-Americans mainly due to their hard work and thrift. vPart 6: credit clubs (Q: What is the use and effects of such clubs?)v mosaic: mixed communityv rivalry: competitionv rivalv submerge: covered by water; hide completelyv pinch: press tightly between suffering from lack of moneyv underrepresented: not enough in representingv ethnic; ethnicityv unto: lit. tovMain idea: Asian-Americans founded communities based on nationalities, which caused the under-representation at all levels of American government. However, Asian immigrants tend to becoming American instead of remaining Asian. vIV. Conclusion vCentral idea of the passagev The condition of Asians in America is very complicated. v On the one hand, Asian-Americans are thought of superior to blacks. Their financial situation is much better than that of African-American. For some Asian-Americans, identity crisis is their worry and they are searching for authentic Asianness. v On the other hand, Asian-Americans financial success caused them resentment. They have suffered from unfair treatment from both Americans and African-Americans. Unemployed youths become desperate and they found street gangs. v Besides, Asian-Americans found communities based on nationalities, which hints them from politically uniting with each other. On the whole, Asian immigrants tend to becoming American instead of remaining Asian. vV. Exercises vKeys to Exercises:vP43 Ex V B A C B DvP44 Ex VIv1. The riot was aimed at Asian-Americans.v2. omitted.v3. They were valified as “a population befouled with all social vices”.v4. Asian-Americans get larger family income, but considering their larger scale of family, the per capita income is less than that of white people.v5. They are thought to be superior to other Aemricans in their habits of study and work. However, they resist this label as they consider it an excuse for not helping them. v6. The blacks think that Asian-Americans accept white culture and they are branded as model-minority.v7. THey attend language classes and create music to emphasize their nationality.v8. Their skin color and their lack of English proficiency as well as their cultural differences from American culture.v9. Indo-Chinesev10. Community based on nationality or wider unitsv11. Asians should see themselves in terms of their bonds, not their differences. Groups should melt more to each other. Journalistic Reading Course Lesson 5Is the Senate Serious? Is The Senate Serious?vI. pre-reading:v The separation of the executive, legislative and judicial powers is the basic political system of capitalist countries.v American Congress美国国会为美国最高立法机构，国会的主要职权为：v 立法权v 行政监督权v 条约及官员任命的审批权v 宪法修改权v 对总统，副总统的复选权v a bicameral/two-chamber Congress 两院制国会 v Senate 参议院v house of Representatives 众议院 v美国国会用语解说vthe Speaker of the House 众议院议长vthe President of the Senate 参议院主席vPresident Pro Tempore of the Senate 参议院临时主席vSenate/House Majority Leader 参议院/众议院多数党领袖vSenate/House Minority Leader 参议院/众议院少数党领袖vSenate/House Majority Whip 参议院/众议院多数党督导vSenate/House Minority Whip 参议院/众议院少数党督导vSenate/House Assistant Majority Leader v 参议院/众议院多数党副领袖vSenate/ House Assistant Minority Leaderv 参议院/众议院少数党副领袖 v The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States of America, consisting of two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both senators and representatives are chosen through direct election.v Each of the 435 members of the House of Representatives represents a district and serves a two-year term. House seats are apportioned among the states by population. The 100 Senators serve staggered six-year terms. Each state has two senators, regardless of population. Every two years, approximately one-third of the Senate is elected at a time. v Article I of the Constitution vests all legislative power in the Congress. The House and Senate are equal partners in the legislative process (legislation cannot be enacted without the consent of both chambers); however, the Constitution grants each chamber some unique powers. The Senate is uniquely empowered to ratify treaties and to approve top presidential appointments. Revenue-raising bills must originate in the House of Representatives, which also has the sole power of impeachment, while the Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases.v The Congress meets in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.v (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Congress) vDiscussion: what information have you got after scanning the passage?v topic:v seriousness of the Senatev suggestion: v suspicion v prediction: v proofs and reasons vII. Further study of the textv 1. organization of the passagev 1st part: 1,2 parav 2nd part: 3,4 parav 3rd part: 5,6 parav 4th part: 7-9 parav 5th part: 10-13 parav introductive event: Mr. Mansfield’s speech (1st part)v the poor performance of the Senate (2nd part, 3rd part, 4th part)v reasons and possible cure (5th part) v2. language points and main idea v 1st para: Despite what they are busy with, American senators gathered to listen to a former senate majority leader.v 2nd para: In one sense, the speech humbled the senators; in another sense, it was less constructive as the speaker suggested that the senate had made itself a laughing stock.v main idea: Speech given by a former senator humbled the senators, and it helped to reduce the senate to a laughing stock. v briefing: brief information given before sth. was donev ego: one’s conscious self v egoism: selfishnessv clamor: loud confused noise of complaintsv blot out: cover, hide eg. Clouds blot out the sun.v lavish: produced or given in large quantity; excessive eg. lavish praise/ She lavished money on them. v pontificate: give one’s opinion as if it were the only right one, say arbitrarilyv animate: give life or energy to sth.v propound: put forward for considerationv intervene: (of time) happen between eventsv interrupt so as to stop sth. v 3rd para: It may be unkind to pick out the Senate for criticism, as none of the presidency, the judiciary, the House of Representatives is the object of respect. v 4th para: Yet people have sound reason to mock the Senate, as it is too chaotic and unfocused.v main idea: Although the presidency as a whole is not worthy to be respected, the Senate is so chaotic and unfocused that people make particular mock of it. v opprobrium: criticism opprobrious: criticalv presidency: office of presidentv judiciary: all institutions in American legal system 美国司法机构v malicious: ill-willedv activism: being too activev veneration: great respectv probity: perfect honestv checker: person who hold back things v check: hold back, control v eg. check the increase in crimev put on hold: hold, stop, control, restrain vQ1. Why does the author single out the Senate for criticism?v The author thinks that the Senate is so chaotic and unfocused that it delays most issues. Moreover, the only possible solution, “supermajority”, is actually impossible as no party held enough seats since 1979. Consequently, the author believes that the Senate has a special claim to mockery. v 5th para: In stead of forcefulness of his predecessor, Mr. Mansfield preferred to allow the senators to use their power to block the passing of bills. v 6th para: His mild style leads to chaos.v main idea: Mr. Mansfield proposed mild leadership but it only led to chaos in the Senate. And recently there was a new proof of this chaos. v ordeal: difficult or painful experiencev be tribute to: praise v impose on: force sb. to do sth.v unruly: behaving wildlyv wily: cunning, clever at getting what one wantsv tout: derog try to persuade people to buy sth.v stall: delay vQ2. What is Mr. Mansfield style of leadership?v Mr. Mansfield preferred the Senate operate by accommodation, by respect for each other, by mutual restraint. Under his leadership, his colleagues made full use of their power to hind the passing of bills. And he In a word, he had a mild style of leadership. vQ3. Can you give some examples to illustrate the price of Mr. Mansfield's nonleadership?v Recently the Republican majority delayed the debate on the enlargement of NATO, and that’s only to retaliate the Democratic minority’s stalling of their scheme on education saving account. v 7th para: The Senate has delayed many cases as it considers nothing is urgent.v 8th para: Its excuse for the delay is that most cases need careful consideration. v 9th para: However, a prudent decision does not necessarily results from slowness.v Main idea: The senate is used to delay in passing issues involved. Senators claim that they need to consider carefully for sound legislation, but this is only an excuse as a prudent decision does not necessarily mean slowness. v nominate: suggest officially that someone should be chosen or elected nominee v deplete: lessen greatly (complete)v muster: gather togetherv deliberate: consider carefully, being slow and unhurriedv erudite: full of learningv eg. Erudite scholars come in good spirits to talk with me, and among my guests there are no uneducated common people. 谈笑有鸿儒,往来无白丁.v monstrous: extremely large or shockingv monsterv be apt to: be likely to vQ4. Why is the Senate so slow in passing the bills?v The senate explains that in order to make deliberate decision, time is needed to seriously consider serious legislation. In their minds, there are no emergence or immediacy. Furthermore, they would delay a legislation for a desire to extract concessions on some unrelated but favorite scheme. vQ5. What is the author’s view about the effectiveness of the Senate?v The author does not agree with its excuse. He thinks erudite debate does not promoted by slowness. He further ridicules that, in fact, neither the starting or the blocking of an issue is determined by its urgency. Instead, it is up to whether their schedule is full. Moreover, issues may be suspended only because no enough senators are willing to attend the boring debates. v 10th para: In fact, Mr. Mansfield’s leadership did nothing in helping improving the work of the Senate.v 11th para: His passive style was partly due to the fact that senators followed the model of Kennedy and they made efforts in publicizing themselves instead of getting bills passed.v 12th para: Senators take advantage of their rights to get what they want. Filibuster has become commonplace at present. v 13th para: Mr. Mansfield tried to appeal to senators’ conscience but the only cure for the poor performance of the Senate is to amend its rules. v Main idea: What senators desire is to publicizing themselves. Moreover, they make use of their rights for their personal likes and dislikes. Instead of trying to awake their conscience, the only effective cure should be amending the Senate’s rules. v apace: quicklyv steward: person who serves passengers on a plane, ship, etcv buffet: hit sharplyv assail: attackv helm: wheel that guides a shipv at the helm: in control v go a long way to: help a lot tov trivialize: make sth. unimportantv trivial: of little worth or importance, ordinaryv clubbiness: cooperationv half- plausible: half-believablev plausible: seeming true, believablev tactic: plan or method for gaining a desired result vQ6. Why does the author consider Mansfield’s defense of his own nonleadership surprising?v As has been shown in the previous text, Mansfield’s mild leadership led to chaos. With his permission, senators concentrated more on blocking the passing of bills on their own part instead of considering issues seriously to make sound legislation. He advocated the awaking of personal consciousness, however, that did not seem to work. For these reasons, the author thinks his defense of his nonleadership surprising. ExercisesvP53 Ex. V v D A D B CvP53 Ex. VI.v Omitted Questions for further considerationv 1. What is the central idea of the passage? What is the author’s opinion of American Senator? v 2. One outstanding feature of The Economist is its irony and satire. Can you find any evidence in this passage? HomeworkvOral reportv 1. news about American Senate, or the judiciary, or the presidencyv 2. introduction about National People's Congress (NPC) in China Journalistic Reading CourseLesson 10Wealth Measures Work Ethic I. Pre-readingvFun ethic VS work ethic?v The transformation of labor since the creation of Labor Day a century ago tells, in many ways, the story of modern America. Paid labor was then all-consuming, generally backbreaking, done mainly by men, often dangerous and, of course, endless--that is, most men worked until they couldn't. In 1880, 58 percent of men 75 or older worked; the figure today is 8 percent. The factory workweek averaged about 60 hours, spread over six days. Sunday was a day of rest and prayer, but not really recreation. v Economic historian Stuart Bruchey has written: "By present standards the age of America's first Industrial Revolution must be regarded as callous in its relative indifference to the welfare and safety of workers. The unemployed worker was cast adrift. As a rule, there was no such thing as public relief, and private charity was either insufficient or offered only on demeaning terms. The risks of injury or death on the job were grievously high." From 1880 to 1900 about 35,000 workers died and 500,000 were injured annually in work accidents”, he reports. This was in a work force between one ninth of today's (in 1880) and one fifth (in 1900). v It was the oppressive and precarious nature of employment that led the Knights of Labor to agitate in the early 1880s for an annual celebration that would honor the dignity of ordinary workers--a campaign that culminated with Congress's designating a national holiday in 1894. Since then, work has slowly become less demanding of our time and bodies. In 1998 there were 5,100 on-the-job deaths, a seventh of accidents outside the workplace. Although dangerous and degrading jobs remain, most of us trudge to offices, where the greatest threat is getting stuck in an elevator or, more seriously, developing a repetitive-stress injury. In factories, automation has reduced risks dramatically. Machines perform operations that once mangled hand and arms. v When Americans detest their jobs, they tend to quit. But there are hints of change. One survey asks "whether work is the important thing--and the purpose of leisure time is to recharge people's batteries so they can do a better job or... leisure is the important thing--and the purpose of work is to make it [leisure] possible." In 1975, 48 percent of respondents rated work as "the important thing" versus 36 percent for leisure. By 2000 the numbers had reversed--43 percent chose leisure and 34 percent work. v "It's the movement from the work ethic to the fun ethic," says Thomas Riehle of Ipsos-Reid, a survey firm. But, as Riehle notes, the work ethic is not collapsing so much as the boundaries between work and leisure are blurring--a combination that often produces stress and confusion. According to a new Ipsos-Reid poll, about 43 percent of workers say they bring work home or are "on call"; similarly, 30 percent admit using the Internet or e-mail at work for play or personal matters. Companies are now routinely expected to help workers balance family and job demands. There is some success. One poll in Bowman's collection finds that 47 percent of workers rated their companies as "very accommodating" and 33 percent as "soblurmewhat accommodating" in reconciling job and family pressures. v The late economist Herbert Stein once attributed America's progress to the fact that "100 million people got up every morning to do the best they could for themselves and their children." The figure today would be about 140 million, but the appraisal was equally true a century ago, when workers numbered 28 million. What has changed is that work has become less manual and more mental, less regimented and more collaborative, and--as an activity--less economic and more social. To Stein, freedom was the key. It allowed people to strive to earn the most for themselves and be the most productive for society. Although this remains true, we have amended freedom to include some fun.v --- Newsweek onlinev Sept. 21th, 2001 II. TASKvI. title: wealth measures work ethic theme of the passagevII. questions for considerationv 1. What facts does the author adopt to support his viewpoint?v 2. How did the author organize his argument?v 3. What is the author’s attitude towards such a measure?vIII. Which words and phrases do you want to know more about? vIV. Exercises on P96 III. Reading skill: Distinguish facts from opinionsvFact 1: A former student gives his job as a bag-boy low evaluation. (para1,2)vOpinion 1: We place so much emphasis on success.v (para.3)vO2: This nation has a preoccupation with work.vF2: Persons with various disabilities are being removed from the welfare rolls. (para. 5)vO3: We do not really value individuality.vF3: Person who devotes his life to his creative urges usually causes suspicion from others and he will be considered a bum. (para. 6) vO4: We do not value work equally.vF4: At a fine restaurant, we treat the owner, the chef, the waiter and the busboy differently.vF5: We tend to forgive millionaires but we won’t forgive people doing “trivial” jobs. (para.8)vO5: What we really value is jobs producing wealth or those having potential for producing wealth.vF6: We tolerate young artists because we believe there is chance that they will make money one day, while we would not tolerate an elder artist because we think there is little chance for him to make money. (para.9) vO6: We give higher esteem towards artists than we do to people serving us. (para.10)vF7: A third portion of workers of the country’s labor force is in service industry. (para.11)vO7: Our attitude toward the service class is not so kind. (para.12)vF8: “I” raised my voice to a store clerk who misunderstood me, while I never lose temper if a doctor did the same thing. (para.13) vF9: Mothers and fathers are treated as boys and girls who are considered not able to make decisions or act independently. (para.14) vO8: Only a mighty strong man can put up with the unkind attitude towards him (the complete lack of respect). (para.14)vF10: People today refuse to take the responsibilities of adulthood. They do not take pride in their work. Their attitude is less than exemplary. Many drop out and turn to drugs and alcohol. (para.15) vO9: The lack of respect to service industry leads to bad consequence in people’s work ethic. (unstated) IV. Organizationv1st part: “my” encounter with a former student v an introductory part leading to author’s consideration of people’s work ethicv2nd part: America’s strong interest in work v people’s prejudice to people who don’t or can’t workv3rd part: American’s different attitudes towards different professions v the measure is mainly wealth people in different careers make v4th part: Americans especially look down upon workers in service industry.v5th part: This attitude results in the fact that workers in this kind of careers do not value their work and even try to escape from it. v author’s conclusionv (What is it?) V. Conclusionv1. Author’s opinion: a. In America, wealth measures the value of works.v b. The money-oriented measure results in bad consequence in people’s work ethic. v a phenomenon in American society and its consequencev2. How did the author organize his argument?v For each opinion, the author gives supporting evidences. Sometimes he puts forward his opinion and then supports it with facts; sometimes he tells facts and then draws a conclusion. Therefore, his final conclusion on the basis of concrete facts is convincing and persuasive. V. ExercisesvKeys to Ex V (P 96)v A D C D BvSample answers to questions of Ex VIv1, 2, 4, 5, 7. 0mitted. v3. He firmly opposed it as it removed persons with physical and emotional or mental disabilities from its rolls. v6. To successful artists, people tend to show respects as these artists are able to make great money; people tolerate unsuccessful young artists because they are considered to be likely to succeed one day; but as for unsuccessful elderly artists, people would think that there may be something wrong with them. VI. AssignmentvOral reportv a. Chinese people’s work ethicv b. American’s attitude towards family Journalistic Reading CourseLesson 12Bible Still a Best Seller Structure of the text 1st part: what? Bible is still a best seller and its sale is better than ever before. And there are various versions and variations of the Bible. v 1-5 para: best seller (statistical evidences)v 6-11 para: the fact (that many publishers are promoting various versions and variations of the Bible) 2nd part: why?vThe main reason for the flourishing sale of Bible is the innovative and specialized text. v12-20 para: the variation lies mainly in the text; different emphasis of various versionsv 17-25 para: target readers of some personalized editions 3rd part: what effect?v potential danger of the various Biblev In spite of the popularity of the Bible, the specialty Bible may cause some adverse results. v 26-35: possible disadvantage of the innovative versions of Bible Important words and phrases vblast off; contend…for; bulge with; shelf life; go off; light upvperuse; confound; lavish; impeccable; innovative; intimidate; edify; perdition; solace; scramble; dispensationism; Keys to exercisesvP119, Vv A D D C BvP120, VIv1. better than ever beforev2. heart of the Biblev3. more quickly; less expensivelyv4. various versions and variationsv5. New International Versionv6. misleading readers Journalistic Reading CourseLessen 19Road Rage Pre-reading: definition and manifestationv Road rage is aggressive or angry behavior by a driver of an automobile or other motor vehicle. Such behavior might include rude gestures, verbal insults, deliberately driving in an unsafe or threatening manner, or making threats. Road rage can lead to altercations, assaults, and collisions which result in injuries and even deaths. It can be thought of as an extreme case of aggressive driving.v The term supposedly originated in the USA during the 1980s. vThe following are common manifestations of road rage:vGenerally aggressive driving, including sudden acceleration, braking, and close tailgating. vCutting others off in a lane, or deliberately preventing someone from merging. vSounding the vehicle's horn or flashing lights excessively. vRude gestures (such as "the finger"). vShouting verbal abuse or threats. vIntentionally causing a collision between vehicles. vExiting the car to attempt to start a confrontation, including striking someone else's vehicle with an object. vThreatening to use or using a firearm or other deadly weapon. vThrowing projectiles from a moving vehicle with the intent of damaging other vehicles. vSpitting vIn the U.S., more than 300 cases of road rage annually have ended with serious injuries or even fatalities– 1200 incidents per year, according to the AAA Foundation study, and rising yearly throughout the six years of the study that examined police records nationally. I. Scanning and skimmingvtitle: road, ragevforeword: aggressive driving, sickness, everyone else, an idiotv Americans are angry when they drive on the road. v They drive aggressively.v They think of everyone else as an idiot. v negative comment on this phenomenon II. Further readingv1st part : 1-8 paragraphs what?vA. organization and main ideav jungle: a metaphor of American road (1 para)v popularity of the problem (51%) and consequences (2 para)v poor performances of drivers (3 para)v example of Anne (4-5 para)v various manifestation of road rage v social concerns about the problem (8 para) v main idea: present situation on American roads: v popular rage and impatience of American drivers v consequent road accidents v social concerns vB. new words and phrasesv ravenous: greedyv ravenv stampede: rush in every directionv slithery: slipperyv slither: wanderv recklessness: carelessnessv reck: care/mind aboutv anarchy: disorder, chaos (state of anarchy)v epidemic: popular sickness (plague; pestilence; murrain)v wanton: aggressivev vcommute: travel between two placesv commuterv grisly: terriblyv duel: fight, competition v ethos: feature (traditional ethos; industrial ethos; ethos of transportation)v mundane: everyday life; ordinary and uninteresting (mundane affairs) v transgression: break of the law and rulesv accent: illustrate v obscene: disgusting, offensive and immoralv peel off: remove the skin off sth. v fender bender: tiny traffic accidentv bear down: approach in a determined or threatening mannerv overarching: wholev arch: leading, principle, chiefv anarchy: disorder v insane: crazy, mentally derangedv moronic: stupidv perpetrator: criminalv seminar: discussionv obscene: terrible v 2nd part: 9-20 paragraphs Why?vA. organization and main ideav increase of numbers of cars and drivers (9 para)v things arousing irritation in drivers (10 para)v time being the first/essential reason (11 para) v examples of Remer and Carter (12-14 para)v diverse recognition of drivers and increase of woman drivers (15-16 para)v official driving course being reduced (17 para)v lack of education of drivers’ psychology (18 para)v sensation of personal power/ territory(19 para)v illusion of powerful control (20 para) v reasons why American drivers drive so aggressively on the roadv fast pace of life; stress of work v uneven skills and psychological control of driversv insufficiency of driver education v fantasies and illusions brought by improved modern cars vB. new words and phrasesv congestion: traffic jamv cranky: bad-tempered, impatientv touchy: easily to get irritated; prone to angerv crack down: force to stop; punishv impediment: hindrance; obstructionv epiphany: sudden recognition and regret of one’s faults/mistakes v Epiphany: a Christian festival 一月六日主显节v unrepentant: unregretful; not contritev repent: regret v minutiae: trivial; smallv minutia: pl. v optimum: fittestv acuity: acuteness; quickness; sharpnessv jerk: stupid person v lingo: term of specific fieldv breakdown: mechanical failurev fall off: decreasev chop out: remove fromv chop: stopv back off: abandonv mandatory: obligatory; compulsoryv assault: attackv intoxicate: make one feel like a drunkard; excitingv snugly: well fitting v decapitate: cut your head; killv anonymity: state of name unknowing by othersv anonymous: having no known namev domain: land governed by a ruler; kingdomv to one’s heart’s content: to one’s satisfactionv sheer: tremendous; greatv hipster: funs going after fame/ power/ knowledgev affluent: wealthy; rich vcome in handy: would possibly be useful someday vmenacing: dangerousv menace: dangerv ford: cross a shallow areav grind: smooth; sharpen; polishv peril: exposure to risk or harmv potency: powerv top off: finish; complete v3rd part: 21-22 paragraphs how? what government has done to solve the problem what the experts thinks should be done (21 para) therapy education as a solution (22 para) 4th part: 23 paragraphs what attitude? A. structure and main idea possible solution transformation of American character the author’s view: B. New words and expressions perilously: dangerously tenacity: not giving up; persistence contain: restrain harness: suppress censure: criticism Exercises & HomeworkvP184, Vv D C D B BvP185, VIv1. aggressive, dangerous, fullv2. Para 1v3. drivers; socialists; psychologistsv4. fast pace of life, stress of workv5. insufficient and unqualified driving educationv6. fantasies of powersv7. para 21v8. para 23 Journalistic Reading CourseLesson 24Eyes Shut, America is Being Ravaged by AIDS I. pre-reading: World AIDS Dayv World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor persons who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics. Since 1995, the President of the United States has made an official proclamation on World AIDS Day. Governments of other nations have followed suit and issued similar announcements. v AIDS has killed more than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007, and an estimated 33.2 million people worldwide live with HIV as of 2007, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 2 million lives in 2007, of which about 270,000 were children. vHistoryv World AIDS Day was first conceived in August 1987 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Program on AIDS at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Bunn and Netter took their idea to Dr. Jonathan Mann, Director of the Global Program on AIDS (now known as UNAIDS). Dr. Mann liked the concept, approved it, and agreed with the recommendation that the first observance of World AIDS Day should be 1 December, 1988. v Bunn suggested the date of December 1st to ensure coverage by western news media, something he believed was vital to the success of World AIDS Day. He felt that because 1988 was an election year in the U.S. media outlets would be weary of their post-election coverage and eager to find a fresh story to cover. Bunn and Netter felt that December 1 was long enough after the election and soon enough before the Christmas holidays that it was, in effect, a dead spot in the news calendar and thus perfect timing for World AIDS Day. v The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) became operational in 1996, and it took over the planning and promotion of World AIDS Day. Rather than focus on a single day, UNAIDS created the World AIDS Campaign in 1997 to focus on year-round communications, prevention and education. v In its first two years, the theme of World AIDS Day focused on children and young people. These themes were strongly criticized at the time for ignoring the fact that people of all ages may become infected with HIV and suffer from AIDS. But the themes drew attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, helped alleviate some of the stigma surrounding the disease, and helped boost recognition of the problem as a family disease.v In 2004, the World AIDS Campaign became an independent organization. II. Skimming for the topic and main idea v1. title: eyes shut v ignorance, little carev Black America v infected peoplev ravage (damage, destroy) v consequence; prevalent v AIDS cause, problemv2. subtitlesv secrecy delays treatment reasonv control infection where it begins measure v3. questions following the textv V. infected peoplev major ways of transmissionv Needle Exchange programv VI. seriousness of AIDS infectionv attitude of civil rights leader and black ministersv common route of HIV transmission among black womenv Blacks are slow to have HIV testing and seek medical care.v measures that have been taken III. Further study of the textv1st part: what?v current problem and causes of the problemv 1-5 para: AIDS is becoming largely plagued/infected among black people.v 6-10 para: The problem is ignored by AIDS services.v 11-13 para: It has also been neglected by civil rights leaders.v 14-21 para: Even black people care little about the problem. v2nd part: why?v various reasons why black infectors delay treatmentv 22-24 para: mistrust; povertyv 25-30 para: secrecy, (hush-hush attitude) v3rd part: how?v difficulties and efforts to control infection where it beginsv 31-35 para: difficulties (dilapidated park; financing ban on Needle Exchange Program)v 36-39 para: various people concerning AIDS (man selling heroin; man agreeing to be tested for the first time)v 40-42 para: Testing and counseling infected persons and stopping the infection is extremely important for the health of the community. v 43-44 para: Despite the barriers in the way of preventing infection from spreading, people are willing to do more. IV. Structure & Organizationv1st part: what?v current problem and causes of the problemv2nd part: why?v various reasons why black infectors delay treatmentv3rd part: how?v difficulties and efforts to control infection where it begins V. Exercises vV. D B C A Bv1. how serious? v 57% of all new infections with HIV; leading cause of death among black people aging 25-44v2. what attitude? v ignore, neglect v3. two myths?v Magic Johnson has been cured; only gay men are at riskv4. Mr. Cheek’s view?v He thinks that the AIDS problem touches all other problems such as homophobia, drug abuse and homelessness. Therefore, it should not be dealt with in isolation. When tackling AIDS, the society has to tackle all the other issues. v5. most common route?v Black women have no idea about the ways of HIV transmission and they neglect safety measures when having heterosexual sex.v6. why slow in HIV testing and medical care?v deep-seated mistrust of doctors; their financial difficulty; their fear to be seen at the HIV clinics v7. what measures? v to prevent HIV from spreading among drug addicts; Needle Exchange Programv to persuade black people to have HIV tests and educate them about safe sex practicesv to give financial aid directly to groups that focuses on minorities Journalistic Reading CourseReview (I)Sample articles Fundamental knowledge about news English vLesson 5 Is the Senate serious?vQ1. Why does the author single out the Senate for criticism?v The author thinks that the Senate is so chaotic and unfocused that it delays most issues. Moreover, the only possible solution, “supermajority”, is actually impossible as no party held enough seats since 1979. Consequently, the author believes that the Senate has a special claim to mockery. vQ2. What is Mr. Mansfield style of leadership?v Mr. Mansfield preferred the Senate operate by accommodation, by respect for each other, by mutual restraint. Under his leadership, his colleagues made full use of their power to hind the passing of bills. In a word, he had a mild style of leadership. vQ3. Can you give some examples to illustrate the price of Mr. Mansfield's nonleadership?v Recently the Republican majority delayed the debate on the enlargement of NATO, and that’s only to retaliate the Democratic minority’s stalling of their scheme on education saving account. vQ4. Why is the Senate so slow in passing the bills?v The senate explains that in order to make deliberate decision, time is needed to seriously consider serious legislation. In their minds, there are no emergence or immediacy. Furthermore, they would delay a legislation for a desire to extract concessions on some unrelated but favorite scheme. vQ5. What is the author’s view about the effectiveness of the Senate?v The author does not agree with its excuse. He thinks erudite debate does not promoted by slowness. He further ridicules that, in fact, neither the starting or the blocking of an issue is determined by its urgency. Instead, it is up to whether their schedule is full. Moreover, issues may be suspended only because no enough senators are willing to attend the boring debates. vQ6. Why does the author consider Mansfield’s defense of his own nonleadership surprising?v As has been shown in the previous text, Mansfield’s mild leadership led to chaos. With his permission, senators concentrated more on blocking the passing of bills on their own part instead of considering issues seriously to make sound legislation. He advocated the awaking of personal consciousness, however, that did not seem to work. For these reasons, the author thinks his defense of his nonleadership surprising. vLesson 10 Wealth Measures Work Ethicv1. The author was Leonard’s high school art teacher. v2. Zuniga considered his own work “not much” , nothing important. And the author felt sad about his attitude towards his work. v v3. He firmly opposed it as it removed persons with physical and emotional or mental disabilities from its rolls. v4. omitted. v5. Wealth, or whether a profession can make money is the most important factor.v6. To successful artists, people tend to show respects as these artists are able to make great money; people tolerate unsuccessful young artists because they are considered to be likely to succeed one day; but as for unsuccessful elderly artists, people would think that there may be something wrong with them. vLesson 12 Bible still a Best Sellerv1. The sales of Bible is better than ever before. It is blasting off. v2. The version or translation of the Scripture is the heart of Bible.v3. It enables publishers to publish more quickly and less expensively, therefore it is easier for them to promote various versions and translations of Bible. v4. Publishers promotes various versions and variations of Bible in order to meet various needs of the readers.v5. New International Version.v6. Notes and comments added to Bible may mislead readers. Important newspapers and magazinesvAmerica:vTime, the most popular news magazine in U.S.AvNewsweek, the second largestvAmerican News & World Report, the third largest vU.S.A Today P95vNew York TimesvWashington PostvThe Los Angeles Post vEnglandvThe economist, stresses on statistics, chart, fact, and rational analysis; featured by humor and irony P52vThe Times, the oldest newspaper in the U.K. News EnglishvVarious kinds of magazines and newspapers P6vElements influencing news English: publicity, economy, interest, timely, objectivity P6vConversion P151vFrequently-used slang P160vform objective report to interpretative report vPremodification 前置定语 P267vMetaphorical words 报刊用喻 P280vEmbedding嵌入结构: use of parenthesis and dashes P322 Headlines vsimple and short words instead of long ones P79vOmission in headlines P118vStructure of headlines: one-column headline; two-column headline;v one-deck headline; two-deck headline; four-deck headline P144 vDerivation: 派生构词v prefixes and suffixes P61vClippings 截短词 P109vCompounds 复合词 P127vBlendings 拼缀词 P136vLoan words 借词 P183vShortennings 缩略语 P352vTerms about internet, military affair, economy and trade P246, P330, P338, P382 Figures in news English vMetonymy and synecdoche 借代 P70vParody 仿拟 P195valliteration; rhyme; simile and metaphor; antithesis; punvEuphemism 委婉语 P227 Mid-term TestvI. Fill in each of the blanks with an appropriate answer.(本大本大题共题共10分，每空分，每空1分分)vII. Make a list of (本大题共本大题共5分分) vIII. Write the corresponding Chinese or English equivalent for each of the following words. (本大题共本大题共20分，每小题分，每小题1分分)vIV. Translate the following into Chinese. v(本大题共20分，每小题4分)vV. Reading Comprehensionv(本大题共本大题共45分分) 。
