collectionsofhisjournalism,abookabouttherelationshipoftoolstoart,andabookaboutNewYorkCity,alongwithWhySinatraMatters,anextendedessayonthemusicofthelatesingerandthe social forces that made his work possible.Hamill is married to the Japanese journalist, Fukiko Aoki. He has two grown daughters, one a poet,theotheraphotographerfortheArizona(亚利桑那)Republic inPhoenix(菲尼克斯/美国城市).HeandhiswifedividetheirtimebetweenNewYorkandMexicoFloridawasnamedbytheSpanishexplorerJuanPoncedeLeon in1513.HecalledtheregionLaFlorida",roughlytranslatedasLandoftheFlowers.Heprobablychosethisnamebecausehewasimpressedbythemanycolorfulflowers.StatehoodforFloridacamein1845(27thstate).Floridaisone of the leading tourist states in the United States.Great stretches of sandy beaches and awarm,sunnyclimatemakeFloridaayear-roundvacationland.Peopleenjoyswimming,fishingandwaterskiingintheinlandandcoastalwaters.MajorattractionsincludeDisneyWorld,Miami(迈阿密)Beach,theEverglades(大沼泽地)NationalPark.TouristsmayalsovisithistoricsitesthatdatebacktotheSpanishexplorers.NewJerseythe"Garden State"Abbreviation:NJOne of the original 13 states, New Jerseywas named after the island of Jersey in the EnglishChannel. New Jersey is a state of industrial cities and towns, but also of glistening beaches andpopular summer resorts. It is one of the great coastal playgrounds of the United States.Atlantic(大西洋)Cityisoneofthemostwell-knownresorts.NewJerseyislocatedbetweenNewYorkCityandPhiladelphia(费城) making it a convenient location for tourists to the area.NewYorkthe"Empire State"Abbreviation:NYThe Dutch were the first settlers in New York. After the English took over in the 1660s, the colonywas renamed New York. It is one of the original 13 states to join the Union (it entered in 1788). ThestateincludeseverythingfromskyscrapersinManhattan(曼哈顿)torivers,mountains,andlakesinupstateNewYork.NiagaraFalls(尼亚加拉瀑布)isoneofthechiefattractions.NewYorkistheleadingcenterofbanking,financeandcommunicationintheUnitedStates.Muchofthestate'sgreatnessliesinexcitingNewYorkCity,thelargestcityintheUnitedStatesandthefourthlargestcity in the world; its many theaters, museums, and musical organizations make it one of the culturalcentersoftheWesternHemisphere(西半球)Georgiathe"Peach State""EmpireStateoftheSouth"Abbreviation:GAGeorgia, founded in 1732, is one of the original 13 states. It was named in honor of England's KingGeorgell.GeorgiaisthelargeststateeastoftheMississippi;thestate'slargesizeandthrivingindustries have given it one of its nicknames, the Empire State of the South. During the Civil War,the fall of Atlanta(亚特兰大)was a crucial turning point in the defeat of the South. Today, Atlantawhich became Georgia's capital in 1868, is a thriving city with major national corporations, and it isconsideredtheeconomicandcultural centeroftheSoutheast.Thenaturalbeautyandfamousseaside resorts of Georgia are amajorattraction fortourists.Many beautifulmonuments and parks,including remindersof important Civil War battlesand heroes,dotthe Georgia countryside.TextAppreciationStructure of the textPart 1 (para. 1-4):The introduction of the setting and the charactersPart 2 (para.5-9): Where Vingo was going and what for, and how the young people got interestedinwhatwasgoingtohappen.Part 3 (para. 10-12): Vingo was forgiven and welcomed home.Plotofthestory:threestagesSetting of the story: spring; a bus from New York to FloridaTheme of the story:forgiveness and a new startAfter-class discussion1. What do you think Vingo had done that got him in prison?
collections of his journalism, a book about the relationship of tools to art, and a book about New York City, along with Why Sinatra Matters, an extended essay on the music of the late singer and the social forces that made his work possible. Hamill is married to the Japanese journalist, Fukiko Aoki. He has two grown daughters, one a poet, the other a photographer for the Arizona(亚利桑那) Republic in Phoenix(菲尼克斯/美国城市). He and his wife divide their time between New York and Mexico. Florida was named by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513. He called the region "La Florida", roughly translated as Land of the Flowers. He probably chose this name because he was impressed by the many colorful flowers. Statehood for Florida came in 1845 (27th state). Florida is one of the leading tourist states in the United States. Great stretches of sandy beaches and a warm, sunny climate make Florida a year-round vacationland. People enjoy swimming, fishing and water skiing in the inland and coastal waters. Major attractions include Disney World, Miami(迈阿 密)Beach, the Everglades(大沼泽地)National Park. Tourists may also visit historic sites that date back to the Spanish explorers. New Jersey the "Garden State" Abbreviation: NJ One of the original 13 states, New Jersey was named after the island of Jersey in the English Channel. New Jersey is a state of industrial cities and towns, but also of glistening beaches and popular summer resorts. It is one of the great coastal playgrounds of the United States. Atlantic(大 西洋)City is one of the most well-known resorts. New Jersey is located between New York City and Philadelphia(费城) making it a convenient location for tourists to the area. New York the "Empire State" Abbreviation: NY The Dutch were the first settlers in New York. After the English took over in the 1660s, the colony was renamed New York. It is one of the original 13 states to join the Union (it entered in 1788). The state includes everything from skyscrapers in Manhattan(曼哈顿)to rivers, mountains, and lakes in upstate New York. Niagara Falls(尼亚加拉瀑布)is one of the chief attractions. New York is the leading center of banking, finance and communication in the United States. Much of the state‘s greatness lies in exciting New York City, the largest city in the United States and the fourth largest city in the world; its many theaters, museums, and musical organizations make it one of the cultural centers of the Western Hemisphere(西半球). Georgia the "Peach State" "Empire State of the South" Abbreviation: GA Georgia, founded in 1732, is one of the original 13 states. It was named in honor of England‘s King George II. Georgia is the largest state east of the Mississippi; the state’s large size and thriving industries have given it one of its nicknames, the Empire State of the South. During the Civil War, the fall of Atlanta(亚特兰大)was a crucial turning point in the defeat of the South. Today, Atlanta, which became Georgia's capital in 1868, is a thriving city with major national corporations, and it is considered the economic and cultural center of the Southeast. The natural beauty and famous seaside resorts of Georgia are a major attraction for tourists. Many beautiful monuments and parks, including reminders of important Civil War battles and heroes, dot the Georgia countryside. Text Appreciation Structure of the text Part 1 (para. 1- 4 ) : The introduction of the setting and the characters. Part 2 (para.5-9 ): Where Vingo was going and what for, and how the young people got interested in what was going to happen. Part 3 (para. 10-12 ): Vingo was forgiven and welcomed home. Plot of the story: three stages Setting of the story: spring; a bus from New York to Florida Theme of the story: forgiveness and a new start After-class discussion 1. What do you think Vingo had done that got him in prison?
Hehadcommittedaminorcrime2.Howdo you think Mingo behaved in prison?What do you think he wanted to do after his release?He must have behaved well in prison.He wanted to begin a new life3. What kind of person do you think his wife was? Why didn't she write to Vingo?Shemusthavebeenalovingwifeandmother.Shedidn'twritetohimbecauseshewantedtogiveherhusband apleasant surprise.4. Do you agree the yellow ribbon is a symbol?What does it symbolize? What did it mean to Vingo?It symbolizes"welcome home".For Vingo it meant forgiveness and a new start.5. What lesson do you think the young people can learn from Vingo's story?Lifeisnotalwaysrosy6.Doyouthinktheabilitytoforgiveandforgetis important inhumanrelationships?Analysis of the Main Characters in the Storytheyoung people:active,talkative,happy,considerate②Vingo:sad,worried,nervous,silentVingo'swife:wonderful,strong-willed,kind-hearted,capableAnalysisoftheWritingSkills1.detailed and vivid description of the appearance of Vingo2.keepingthereaderinsuspenseuntiltheveryend3.happyendingthe young people, quite a lot of present participles, to indicate liveliness and joyfulness.-dreamingofgoldenbeachesandseatides-waitingfortheapproachofthegreatoaktree-screamingandshoutingandcrying,doing..Vingo,past participles, to indicate his sadness, nervousness, and his control of feelings-dressed inaplain,ill-fitting suit-frozen into complete silence-Hesatrooted inhis seat-Vingo sat there stunned, looking at the oak treeSentenceparaphrase1. They were dreaming of golden beaches and tides of the sea as the grey, cold spring of New Yorkvanishedbehindthem.It was a grey, cold day in spring. As the bus left New York City, these young people were thinkingaboutwhattheywouldenjoyinFlorida--thegoldenbeachesandtidesofthesea2. He sat in front of the young people, his dusty face masking his age, dressed in a plain brown suitthat did not fit him.Hesat in front of theyoungpeople.You could hardlytell howoldhewasbecausehisfacewascoveredwithdust3. His fingers were stained from cigarettes and he chewed the inside of his lip a lot.Hisfingerswereyellowbecausehehadsmokedalot,hebittheinsidepartofhislipwhichshowedhisnerversness.4.He sat in complete silence and seemed completelyunaware ofthe existence of the others.He sat there completely speechless as if he did not know there were other people around.5.I understang if you can'tstay married to me.Ifyouwanttodivorceme,I'll understand---youhaveeveryreasontodoso.Vingo used a euphemism to avoid the more embarrassing and unpleasant term "divorce me".cf:He died.Hepassedaway6.Get a new guy---She's a wonderful woman, really something---and forget about me:She isa wonderful woman,a reallygood,remarkablewoman.(parenthesis)Something:athing ora person of somevalue orimportance-He considers himself to be something,but actually he is nothing.-He thinks he is something, since he was elected chairman of the committee.7. When I was sure the parole was coming through:WhenIwascertainthattheconditionalreleasefromprisonwastobeapprovedbytheauthorities
He had committed a minor crime. 2. How do you think Mingo behaved in prison? What do you think he wanted to do after his release? He must have behaved well in prison. He wanted to begin a new life. 3. What kind of person do you think his wife was? Why didn’t she write to Vingo? She must have been a loving wife and mother. She didn’t write to him because she wanted to give her husband a pleasant surprise. 4. Do you agree the yellow ribbon is a symbol? What does it symbolize? What did it mean to Vingo? It symbolizes "welcome home". For Vingo it meant forgiveness and a new start. 5. What lesson do you think the young people can learn from Vingo’s story? Life is not always rosy. 6. Do you think the ability to forgive and forget is important in human relationships? Analysis of the Main Characters in the Story ①the young people: active, talkative, happy, considerate ②Vingo: sad, worried, nervous, silent ③Vingo’s wife: wonderful, strong-willed, kind-hearted, capable Analysis of the Writing Skills 1.detailed and vivid description of the appearance of Vingo 2.keeping the reader in suspense until the very end 3.happy ending the young people, quite a lot of present participles, to indicate liveliness and joyfulness. -dreaming of golden beaches and sea tides -waiting for the approach of the great oak tree -screaming and shouting and crying, doing . . Vingo, past participles, to indicate his sadness, nervousness, and his control of feelings. -dressed in a plain, ill-fitting suit -frozen into complete silence -He sat rooted in his seat -Vingo sat there stunned, looking at the oak tree Sentence paraphrase 1. They were dreaming of golden beaches and tides of the sea as the grey, cold spring of New York vanished behind them. It was a grey, cold day in spring. As the bus left New York City, these young people were thinking about what they would enjoy in Florida- the golden beaches and tides of the sea. 2. He sat in front of the young people, his dusty face masking his age, dressed in a plain brown suit that did not fit him. He sat in front of the young people. You could hardly tell how old he was because his face was covered with dust. 3. His fingers were stained from cigarettes and he chewed the inside of his lip a lot. His fingers were yellow because he had smoked a lot, he bit the inside part of his lip which showed his nerversness. 4. He sat in complete silence and seemed completely unaware of the existence of the others. He sat there completely speechless as if he did not know there were other people around. 5. I understang if you can’t stay married to me. If you want to divorce me, I’ll understand- you have every reason to do so. Vingo used a euphemism to avoid the more embarrassing and unpleasant term "divorce me". cf: He died. He passed away. 6.Get a new guy-She’s a wonderful woman, really something-and forget about me: She is a wonderful woman, a really good, remarkable woman. (parenthesis) Something: a thing or a person of some value or importance -He considers himself to be something, but actually he is nothing. -He thinks he is something, since he was elected chairman of the committee. 7. When I was sure the parole was coming through: When I was certain that the conditional release from prison was to be approved by the authorities
8.Shetoldtheothers,andsoonallofthemwerecaughtupintheapproachofBrunswick:Shetold otherboys and girls,and soonall theyoungpeople becameexcitedand deeplyinterested in Vingo's experience and in what was going to happen at Brunswick.9.Nowtheywere20miles fromBrunswick,andtheyoungpeopletookthewindowsseatson therightside,waitingfortheapproachofthegreatoaktree:Now they were only20 miles awayfrom the town, and the young people all sat by the window,waitingforthe comingofthebigoak tree.1o.Vingo stoppedlooking,tightening his face,as iffortifying himselfagainst still anotherdisappointment:Vingo moved his eyes awayfrom the window,and hisfaceagainbecameexpressionless as if hewas trying to find the courage to face another possible blow, another disappointment in his life.the ex-con's mask:the expression of aformer prisonertryingto hidehis truefeelingstofortifyoneself (against sb./sth.):tomakeoneselffeel strongerorbraver11. Then suddenly all of the young people were up out of their seats, screaming and shouting andcrying,doing small dances,shaking clenched fists in triumph and exaltation. All except Vingo.Then all ofa sudden, all the young people left their seats and began doing all sorts of things theycouldthinkoftoexpresstheirhappinessand excitement.Vingoaloneremainedstill12.Vingo sat therestunned, lookingatthe oak tree through hismistry eyes.Vingo sat still; he was utterly surprised, looking at the oak tree through tearful eyes.PhrasesandExpressions1.Pullinto:(ofa vehicle)arriveat (astation);moveintowards火车准时进站了The train pulled into the station on time.汽车在火车站外的停车场上停了下来。Thecarpulled upontheparkinglotoutsidethestation.2.to engage sb. in sth.: to make sb.take part in sth., eg.She tried to engage her roommate in a philosophical discussion.engagementengagedengaging3. wonder about: feel curious about; be doubtful about-John says he didn't do it, but I am still wondering about that4.rooted:fixed-Theboystoodrootedtothespot-arootedbelief不可动摇的信念5.retreat into/to:yield;moveback to-Thesoldierswereorderedtoretreattosaferpositions-At last we forced the enemy to retreat into the mountains from the town.6.comethroughi.arriveasexpected你的考试结果收到了没有？Have your examination results come through yet?ii.survive约翰病得很厉害，依然活着算是很幸运的了。Johnwassoillhewasluckytocomethrough.7.Becaughtupin:becompletelyabsorbed inI was caught up in conversation with a friend when someoneknocked at the door.Hewascaughtup inthestoryhewasreadingthatheforgot itwastimeforsupper8.Fortify against: strengthen (sth. or oneself) so as to be able to deal with (sth. such as an attack)-Havesomehotgingersouptofortifyyourselfagainstcold.9.Make one's way to/through/across/along:go forward with difficulty-They made their way through the crowd.-I made my way to the center ofthe town.Word Building1.ex = fully (exchange, exalt)Hefelt veryhumblein such exalted company.Thetwoteams exchangedpresentsbeforethegame
8. She told the others, and soon all of them were caught up in the approach of Brunswick: She told other boys and girls, and soon all the young people became excited and deeply interested in Vingo’s experience and in what was going to happen at Brunswick. 9. Now they were 20 miles from Brunswick, and the young people took the windows seats on the right side, waiting for the approach of the great oak tree: Now they were only 20 miles away from the town, and the young people all sat by the window, waiting for the coming of the big oak tree. 10. Vingo stopped looking, tightening his face, as if fortifying himself against still another disappointment: Vingo moved his eyes away from the window, and his face again became expressionless as if he was trying to find the courage to face another possible blow, another disappointment in his life. the ex-con’s mask: the expression of a former prisoner trying to hide his true feelings to fortify oneself (against sb./sth.): to make oneself feel stronger or braver 11. Then suddenly all of the young people were up out of their seats, screaming and shouting and crying, doing small dances, shaking clenched fists in triumph and exaltation. All except Vingo. Then all of a sudden, all the young people left their seats and began doing all sorts of things they could think of to express their happiness and excitement. Vingo alone remained still. 12. Vingo sat there stunned, looking at the oak tree through his mistry eyes. Vingo sat still; he was utterly surprised, looking at the oak tree through tearful eyes. Phrases and Expressions 1.Pull into: (of a vehicle) arrive at (a station); move in towards 火车准时进站了。 The train pulled into the station on time. 汽车在火车站外的停车场上停了下来。 The car pulled up on the parking lot outside the station. 2.to engage sb. in sth.: to make sb. take part in sth., eg. She tried to engage her roommate in a philosophical discussion. engagement engaged engaging 3. wonder about: feel curious about; be doubtful about -John says he didn’t do it, but I am still wondering about that. 4.rooted: fixed -The boy stood rooted to the spot. -a rooted belief 不可动摇的信念 5.retreat into/to: yield; move back to -The soldiers were ordered to retreat to safer positions. -At last we forced the enemy to retreat into the mountains from the town. 6.come through i. arrive as expected 你的考试结果收到了没有？ Have your examination results come through yet? ii. survive 约翰病得很厉害，依然活着算是很幸运的了。 John was so ill he was lucky to come through. 7.Be caught up in: be completely absorbed in I was caught up in conversation with a friend when someone knocked at the door. He was caught up in the story he was reading that he forgot it was time for supper. 8.Fortify against: strengthen (sth. or oneself) so as to be able to deal with (sth. such as an attack) -Have some hot ginger soup to fortify yourself against cold. 9.Make one’s way to/through/across/along: go forward with difficulty -They made their way through the crowd. -I made my way to the center of the town. Word Building 1.ex = fully (exchange, exalt) He felt very humble in such exalted company. The two teams exchanged presents before the game
ex=former(ex-con.ex-wife,ex-president)ex = out of (exceed, except, expose, exit)Your advice would be exceedingly valuable to him, who is at present at his wit's end.ToomuchexposuretoX-rayscancauseskinburns,cancerorotherdamagetothebody2.a./n. +-en v.(dark, fast, height, length, sharp, strength, threat, weak, worse, tight, broad, wide...)1.She'slosther jobsoshehadtotightenherbelt.2. He sharpened his pencil with a knife.3.Theiropposition onlystrengthened her resolve.4.Fasten your seat belts.5.Theterroriststhreatened...toblowuptheplaneiftheirdemandswerenotmet.Sing the songI'm coming home. I've done my timeNowI got toknow what is and isn't mineIf you receivedmylettertellingyou I'd soon befreeThenyou'll know justwhattodoIf you still wantme,If you still wantmeOh!tiea yellow ribbonround the old oaktreeIt'sbeenthreelongyears,doyoustill wantmeIf Idon'tseeyourribbonroundtheoaktreeI'll stayonthebus,forgetaboutusPuttheblameonmeIfIdon'tseeyouryellowribbonroundtheoak treeBus driver please look forme"causeIcouldn'tbeartoseewhatImightseeI'm really still in prison, and my love she holds the keyAsimpleyellowribbon'swhatIneedtosetmefreeI wrote and told her pleaseOh! tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak treeIt's been three long years, do you still want meIf I don't see your ribbon round the oak treeI'll stay on the bus, forget about usPuttheblameonmeIf I don't see your yellow ribbon round the oak treeNowthewholedamnbus is cheeringAndIcan'tbelieveIseeAhundred yellow ribbons round theold oak treeI'm coming homeTie a yellow ribbon round the old oak treeTieayellowribbonroundtheold oaktreeTie a yellow ribbon round the old oak treeTieayellowribbonroundtheoldoaktreeLessonThreeMessageof theLandI.Objectives1.Throughdetailedexplanationofthetext,studentsareexpectedtothinkaboutthemeaningoflandanddiscussthedifferencesbetweenthefarmersandtheirchildren.2.Thestudentsshouldhaveaperfectmasteryoflinguisticessentialssuchaswordandphraseusage.3.To make sure the students grasp the basic facts and thelogic of argument.4.Tomakethestudentsrealizethedifferenceinstyle.II.Content1.Brief Introduction to theauthor and writing background2.Brief Introduction to TextA3. Detailed Discussion of the Text A4. Make the students grasp present continuous tense and past continuous tense using as futuretenseandthepasttenseofmodal verbs
ex = former (ex-con, ex-wife, ex-president) ex = out of (exceed, except, expose, exit) Your advice would be exceedingly valuable to him, who is at present at his wit’s end. Too much exposure to X-rays can cause skin burns, cancer or other damage to the body. 2.a./n. + -en ® v. (dark, fast, height, length, sharp, strength, threat, weak, worse, tight, broad, wide.) 1. She’s lost her job so she had to tighten her belt. 2. He sharpened his pencil with a knife. 3. Their opposition only strengthened her resolve. 4. Fasten your seat belts. 5. The terrorists threatened.to blow up the plane if their demands were not met. Sing the song I'm coming home. I've done my time Now I got to know what is and isn't mine If you received my letter telling you I'd soon be free Then you'll know just what to do If you still want me, If you still want me Oh! tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree It's been three long years, do you still want me If I don't see your ribbon round the oak tree I'll stay on the bus, forget about us Put the blame on me If I don't see your yellow ribbon round the oak tree Bus driver please look for me "cause I couldn't bear to see what I might see I'm really still in prison, and my love she holds the key A simple yellow ribbon's what I need to set me free I wrote and told her please Oh! tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree It's been three long years, do you still want me If I don't see your ribbon round the oak tree I'll stay on the bus, forget about us Put the blame on me If I don't see your yellow ribbon round the oak tree Now the whole damn bus is cheering And I can’t believe I see A hundred yellow ribbons round the old oak tree I’m coming home Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree Tie a yellow ribbon round the old oak tree Lesson Three Message of the Land Ⅰ. Objectives 1. Through detailed explanation of the text, students are expected to think about the meaning of land and discuss the differences between the farmers and their children. 2. The students should have a perfect mastery of linguistic essentials such as word and phrase usage. 3. To make sure the students grasp the basic facts and the logic of argument. 4. To make the students realize the difference in style. Ⅱ.Content 1. Brief Introduction to the author and writing background 2. Brief Introduction to Text A 3. Detailed Discussion of the Text A 4. Make the students grasp present continuous tense and past continuous tense using as future tense and the past tense of modal verbs
5.Makesurethestudentsgraspthefollowingusefulphrasesandexpressions:afford,nowandthen,mind,bleed,barter,replace,litter,fashion,spring(v.),occur,pass sth.ontosb.,tiesb.downIl.KeyandDifficultPoints,TeachingMethods1.KeyPoints1)Make surethe studentsgraspfigureof speech:simileand metaphor.2)Makethe studentsunderstand somecomplicatedsentencesbyparaphrasing3) Make the students understand the main idea and writing techniques by analyzing the article.2. FocusTry to improve the students'writing skills; make sure they can use simile and Vmetaphor.3.Teaching Methods:lecturesIV.DiscussionWhat is the message of the land in the old couple's mind? What do you think of the message?V. Detailed discussion of the textBackgroundInformation1.AuthorPiraSudham is considered Thailand'sleading Englishlanguagewriter,who was nominatedforthe199o Nobel Prize for Literature.His literary works are concerned with social-economic-politicalchangesoccurringinThailand.Widelyreadandhighlyacclaimed,hisbookshavegivenanexpedientvoicetothepoorandthevoiceless2. Bangkok, population 8,538,610 (1990), is the capital and largest city of Thailand. The city islocatedontheeastbankoftheChaoPhrayaRiver,neartheGulfofThailandBangkokisoneofthefastest-growing,mosteconomicallydynamicandsociallyprogressivecitiesin Southeast Asia. Local people like to think that it is emerging as a regional centre to rivalSingaporeandHongKong(SAR),China,butitsuffersfrommajorinfrastructureandsocialproblems as a result of its rapid growth. It is also one of the world's most popular touristdestinations.BangkokistheeconomiccenterofThailand.TheChaoPhrayaRiverallowsBangkoktofunctionasaport.TheStockExchangeofThailandislocatedinBangkok.Tourismisamajorsourceofrevenue.ThecitycontainsmanyBuddhisttemples(knowninThaiasWats),amongthebestknownbeingWatPhoandWatArunBangkok's educational and cultural facilities include several universities, a fine arts academy, anationaltheaterandanationalmuseum.Processedfood,timber,and textiles areleading exportsIndustrialplants includericemills,cementfactories,sawmills,oil refineries,andshipyards.Thecityisafamous jewelrycenter,buyingand selling silverand bronze ware.3.ThaiBuddhismBuddhism is Thailand's main religion.94% of Thai peopleare Buddhist.The other are Muslim,CatholicorChinese.Buddhismwasborn2,546yearsago(theofficialyearinThailandistheyear2003 and the traditional year is the year 2546). Buddhism is linked with the historical Indian prince,Siddharta Gautama,who became the Buddha and reached the enlightenment. Now his teachingsare still followed. His teachings say that people suffer because they are attached to material things,towomenormenbyheartlinks.Theselinkscausesuffer,jealousysopain.Peopleareneversatisfied,i.e.theywantmoremoney,morepower.TheaimofBuddhismistogetridofthesepainsand of these links. There are several kinds of Buddhism. Thai Buddhism is called TheravadaBuddhism.Everyone can hope to reach enlightenment onedaybut path shallbelong.Ittakesmany lives.Eachtimesomebodyorananimal dies,itreincarnates insomethingelse.It istheendlesscycleofexistence.The rebirthdepends onyour"KARMA".If you havedone good deeds in your life, nextlifewill bebetter.Ifyouhavedonebaddeeds,nextlifewill beharsh.ThaiBuddhismisfascinatingbecauseitismixedwitholderreligions(Animism,Brahmanism)whichwerepresentbeforetheintroductionofBuddhisminThailand.Nowadaystheinfluenceofthepreviousreligionsisstillpresent.4.MonksinThailandMonks are more suited to reach enlightenment because they follow a strict way of life far frommaterialattachment.Theirlifeisbasedon227monasticrulesand5majorprecepts,i.e.nosex,nolies,no robbery,no alcohol, no killing.In atemple, somemen havebeenmonksfordecadesbut thereare also somemen who became
5. Make sure the students grasp the following useful phrases and expressions: afford, now and then, mind, bleed, barter, replace, litter, fashion, spring(v.), occur, pass sth. on to sb.，tie sb. down Ⅲ. Key and Difficult Points, Teaching Methods 1. Key Points 1) Make sure the students grasp figure of speech: simile and metaphor. 2) Make the students understand some complicated sentences by paraphrasing. 3) Make the students understand the main idea and writing techniques by analyzing the article. 2. Focus Try to improve the students’ writing skills; make sure they can use simile and Vmetaphor. 3. Teaching Methods: lectures IV. Discussion What is the message of the land in the old couple’s mind? What do you think of the message? V. Detailed discussion of the text Background Information 1.Author Pira Sudham is considered Thailand's leading English language writer, who was nominated for the 1990 Nobel Prize for Literature. His literary works are concerned with social-economic-political changes occurring in Thailand. Widely read and highly acclaimed, his books have given an expedient voice to the poor and the voiceless. 2. Bangkok, population 8,538,610 (1990), is the capital and largest city of Thailand. The city is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River, near the Gulf of Thailand. Bangkok is one of the fastest-growing, most economically dynamic and socially progressive cities in Southeast Asia. Local people like to think that it is emerging as a regional centre to rival Singapore and Hong Kong (SAR), China, but it suffers from major infrastructure and social problems as a result of its rapid growth. It is also one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Bangkok is the economic center of Thailand. The Chao Phraya River allows Bangkok to function as a port. The Stock Exchange of Thailand is located in Bangkok. Tourism is a major source of revenue. The city contains many Buddhist temples (known in Thai as Wats), among the best known being Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Bangkok's educational and cultural facilities include several universities, a fine arts academy, a national theater and a national museum. Processed food, timber, and textiles are leading exports. Industrial plants include rice mills, cement factories, sawmills, oil refineries, and shipyards. The city is a famous jewelry center, buying and selling silver and bronze ware. 3.Thai Buddhism Buddhism is Thailand's main religion. 94% of Thai people are Buddhist. The other are Muslim, Catholic or Chinese. Buddhism was born 2,546 years ago (the official year in Thailand is the year 2003 and the traditional year is the year 2546). Buddhism is linked with the historical Indian prince, Siddharta Gautama, who became the Buddha and reached the enlightenment. Now his teachings are still followed. His teachings say that people suffer because they are attached to material things, to women or men by heart links. These links cause suffer, jealousy so pain. People are never satisfied, i.e. they want more money, more power. The aim of Buddhism is to get rid of these pains and of these links. There are several kinds of Buddhism. Thai Buddhism is called Theravada Buddhism. Everyone can hope to reach enlightenment one day but path shall be long. It takes many lives. Each time somebody or an animal dies, it reincarnates in something else. It is the endless cycle of existence. The rebirth depends on your "KARMA". If you have done good deeds in your life, next life will be better. If you have done bad deeds, next life will be harsh. Thai Buddhism is fascinating because it is mixed with older religions (Animism, Brahmanism) which were present before the introduction of Buddhism in Thailand. Nowadays the influence of the previous religions is still present. 4. Monks in Thailand Monks are more suited to reach enlightenment because they follow a strict way of life far from material attachment. Their life is based on 227 monastic rules and 5 major precepts, i.e. no sex, no lies, no robbery, no alcohol, no killing. In a temple, some men have been monks for decades but there are also some men who became