Lesson 1
Book 2
Another School Year—
What For?
John Ciardi
Hong Dan
Contents
Part One:
Warm-up
Part Two: Background Information
Part Three: Text Appreciation
Part Four: Language Study
Part Five: Extension
Hong Dan
Warm-up
Hong Dan
Topic discussion:
1. What do you think is your most impressive
experience in the last semester?
2. What do you expect from a new semester?
Do you think you can fulfil that?
Hong Dan
3. What are the purposes of higher education?
Suggested answers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To
To
To
To
To
give Ss sufficient training for a career.
expose Ss to the essence of human civilization
cultivate the qualities of being a human
gather useful information and knowledge
encourage intellectual curiosity and cultural appreciation
Hong Dan
Memorable Quote
In education we are striving not to teach youth
to make a living, but to make a life.
---- William White
Hong Dan
Background Information
Hong Dan
Author ’s quotes



“The day will happen whether or not you get
up.”
“You do not have to suffer to be a poet.
Adolescence is enough suffering for anyone.”
“A university is what a college becomes
when the faculty loses interest in students.”
Hong Dan
Do you know anything about the famous
historic figures below?








Aristotle
Chaucer
Bach
Dante
Homer
La Rochefoucauld
Virgil
Shakespeare
Hong Dan
Aristotle （前384—前322年）
One of the greatest thinkers of all time,
an ancient Greek philosopher. His work in
the natural and social sciences greatly
influenced virtually every area of modern thinking.
Aristotle threw himself wholeheartedly into Plato’s
pursuit of truth and goodness. Plato was soon calling
him the “mind of the school”. In later years he
renounced some of Plato’s theories and went far
beyond him in breadth of knowledge.
Hong Dan
In the early Middle Ages the only works of his known in
Western Europe were parts of his writings on logic. They
became the basis of one of the three subjects of the
medieval trivium (三学科)—logic, grammar, and rhetoric.
Early in the 13th century other books reached the West.
Some came from Constantinople; others were brought by
the Arabs to Spain. Medieval scholars translated them
into Latin.
Hong Dan
The best known of Aristotle’s writings that have been
preserved are Organon (工具论) (treatises on logic),
Rhetoric, Poetics, History of Animals, Metaphysics (玄
学), De Anima (on psychology), Nicomachean Ethics,
Politics and Constitution of Athens.
Hong Dan
Shakespeare（1564～1616）
莎士比亚的代表作有：
四大悲剧：《哈姆雷特》(Hamlet)、《奥赛罗》（Othello)、
《李尔王》（King Lear）、《麦克白》（Macbeth）。
四大喜剧：《仲夏夜之梦》、《威尼斯商人》、《第十二夜》、
《皆大欢喜》
历史剧：《亨利四世》、《亨利五世》、《查理二世》等。还写
过154首十四行诗，二首长诗。
本·琼生称他为“时代的灵魂”，马克思称他和古希腊的埃斯库罗
斯为“人类最伟大的戏剧天才”。虽然莎士比亚只用英文写作，
但他却是世界著名作家。他的大部分作品都已被译成多种文字，
其剧作也在许多国家上演。
Hong Dan
一般来说，莎士比亚的戏剧创作可分以下3个时期：



第一时期（1590～1600年）
以写作历史剧、喜剧为主，有9部历史剧、10部喜剧
和2部悲剧。
第二时期（1601～1607年）
以悲剧为主 ，写了3部罗马剧、5部悲剧和3部“阴暗的
喜剧”或“问题剧”。
第三时期（1608～1613）
倾向于妥协和幻想的传奇剧。
Hong Dan
Bach （巴赫）（1685~1750），最伟大的德国
作曲家之一
《g弦上的咏叹调》
《马太受难曲》
《勃兰登堡协奏曲》
《b小调弥撒曲》
Hong Dan
Homer（荷马）
The Iliad
The Odyssey
Hong Dan
Chaucer （乔叟）
The Father of the English Language
Playfulness of mood and simplicity of
expression.
His masterpiece was
the Canterbury Tales.
Hong Dan
La Rochefoucauld
（拉罗什富科）
Maxims
These moral reflections and maxims are a
collection of cynical epigrams, or short sayings,
about human nature—a nature that the author felt
is dominated by self-interest.
Hong Dan
 “We seldom find such sensible men as those who
agree with us.”
 “We always like those who admire us; we do not
always like those whom we admire.”
 “The surest way to be deceived is to think oneself
cleverer than the others.”
 “Virtues are lost in self-interest as rivers are lost in
the sea.”
Hong Dan
Language Study
Hong Dan
faculty (p2)
n. a. any of the powers of the body or mind
b. department or group of related departments
in a university
c. the whole teaching staff in one of the
departments or in the whole university
Examples:
mental faculties
the Faculty of Law
The entire faculty of the university will attend
the meeting.
Hong Dan
Grammar
concessive clause
New as I was to the faculty, I could have told
this specimen a number of things.
Concessive clause,
inverted sentence,
meaning
“though…”
More examples:
Young as I was, I already know what career I want
to follow.
Hong Dan
Ridiculous as it seems, the
tale is true.
cf.
staff n.全体职员; 教职员; 管理人员，行政人员
Examples:
• a head teacher and her staff 校长及全体教工
• The school staff are expected to supervise school
meals.
Hong Dan
enroll in (P2)
to place one’s name on a roll or register; to sign up
注册登记、选课、参加
Example:
He is enrolled in a two-month course for IELTS.
They do not have Thai citizenship or language skills making it difficult for them to enroll in Thai schools.
Hong Dan
specialize in (P2)
to concentrate on a particular activity or product
从事专门活动或销售专业产品, 专攻
Example:
The shop specializes in mountain-climbing gear.
Hong Dan
Suffix: –ize
Word building
to cause to be, to make
to become
To put into a stated place
capital (a.)

central (a.)

final (a.)

hospital (n.)

ideal (a.)

natural (a.)

social (a.)

Hong Dan
capitalize
centralize
finalize
hospitalize
idealize
naturalize
socialize







apologetic (a.)
civil (a.)
fertile (a.)
industrial (a.)
real (a.)
special (a.)
western (a.)
apologize
civilize
fertilize
industrialize
realize
specialize
westernize
Hong Dan
certify (P2)
The accounts were certified (as) correct.
He certified that it was his wife’s handwriting.
Word formation
n. certification
certificate (BEC)
a. certified 有书面证明的，已证实的
certified public accountant
注册会计师
Hong Dan

Suffix –fy
to cause to become;
to make
clear (a.)
clarify 澄清
class (n.)
classify 分类
intense (a.)
intensify 加强
just (a.)
justify 使正当
note (n.)
notify 通知
Hong Dan





purify 净化
pure (a.)
quality (n.)
simple (a.)
unity (n.)
terror (n.)
qualify 使具有资格
simplify 简化
unify 统一
terrify 使恐惧
Hong Dan
expose (P2)
v. a. to subject or allow to be subjected to an action or an
influence 使受影响
b. to subject (a photographic film, for example) to the
action of light 使曝光
c. to make known (sth. discreditable);to reveal (the guilt or
wrongdoing of) 揭发（有损信誉的事）；揭露（罪恶或错误的行为）
Examples


The parents exposed their children to classical music.
Unfortunately, the film has been exposed to light, so the
photograph cannot be developed.
The crime of the corrupt officials must be exposed without any
reserve.
Hong Dan
generate (P2)
v. to produce or create sth.
to generate electricity/heat/power/interest/prejudice/idea
Translate
They have a large body of young people who are
capable of generating new ideas.
他们有一大批善于提出新思想（点子）的年轻人。
Hong Dan
That is to say, he had not entered a technical
training school but a university and in universities
students enroll for both training and education.
(Para. 2)
The meaning of education
Here the word ‘education’ is used in a broad sense, which
involves not only the process of acquiring knowledge and
developing skills, but also that of improving the mind.
training
VS.
education?
Training is preparation for a job, or a career, such as the
training in a certain skill. Education, on the other hand, is
learning to develop one’s mental and
moral powers.
Hong Dan
put it…(P4)
to express; to state 表达；陈述
Examples:
to put it another way 换句话说
to put it mildly 说得婉转些
to put it strong 说得刻薄
Hong Dan
“For the rest of your life,” I said, “your days
are going to average out to about twentyfour hours.” (Para. 4)
to come to an average or
ordinary level or standard, esp.
after being higher or lower
Examples:
Meals at the university average out to about
15 yuan per day.
The restaurant’s monthly profits averaged out
to 30% last year.
Hong Dan
assume (P5)


Scientists assume that there is no animal life on Mars.
assume obligations
 He assumes a well-informed manner but in fact he knows
very little.
Word formation
n. assumption
a. assumptive
Hong Dan
go through(P5)




检查,
完成,
遭受,
穿过,
审查
做完
经受, 经历
通过
Hong Dan
see to it that… (P5)
to try to make sure that
Examples:
See to it that your expenditure is in proportion to your
income.
We should see to it that all work done conforms to high
standards.
see to: deal with
Hong Dan
You will see to it that the cyanide stays out of
the aspirin, that the bull doesn’t jump the
fence, or that your client doesn’t go to the
electric chair as a result of your incompetence.
(P5)
Paraphrase
You have to take responsibility for the work you do. If you’re a
pharmacist, you should make sure that aspirin is not mixed with
poisonous chemicals. As an engineer, you shouldn’t get things out of
control. If you become a lawyer, you should make sure an innocent
person is not sentenced to death because you lack adequate legal
knowledge and skill to defend your client.
Hong Dan
rear (P5)





v. a. to care for (children or a child) during the
early stages of life; to bring up
b. to tend (growing plants or animals)
c. to rise high in the air; to tower
n. a hind part 后面，后边, 后背
Examples:
to rear a child
to rear poultry
to rear a monument to a person’s memory 为纪念
某人而建立纪念碑
Hong Dan
the rear of the hall
suffice (P5)
v. to meet present needs or requirements
Examples:
These rations will suffice until next week.
Fifty dollars will suffice me.
Fifty dollars will suffice for my needs.
a. sufficient
n. sufficiency
Hong Dan


suffice to do sth.
suffice it to say that 不必多说，只需说…就够了
e.g.
Suffice it to say that nothing can be taken for granted.
Hong Dan
They will be your income, and may it always suffice.
(P5)
Inverted sentence,
used in a blessing. e.g.
May they live long!
Paraphrase: I hope that your income will always be
enough.
Hong Dan
preside over ：主持、负责、主管 (P6)
Examples:

preside over/at a meeting
 The manager presides over/at the business of this
store.
Hong Dan
be out to do sth. (P7)
to try to do sth. or to be trying to get sth.
translation
Look out for such end-of-the-year sales. These shops are
out to trick you into buying what you don’t need.
try all out to do sth
全力以赴去做某事
Hong Dan
“I hope you make a lot of it, ” I told him,
“because you’re going to be badly stuck for
something to do when you’re not signing
checks.” (Para. 8)
not to know what to do
in a particular situation
Notice the sarcastic tone of the writer.
Paraphrase: If you don’t have any goal in
life apart from making money to satisfy
your desire for material riches, go ahead
and make a lot of it.
Hong Dan
If you have no
at philosophy,
that lesson of
then you have
time for Shakespeare, for a basic look
for the continuity of the fine arts, for
man’s development we call history—
no business being in college. (Para. 9)
to have no right to do sth.,
shouldn’t have been/be doing
sth.
have no business doing = have no business to do
Example:
You’ve no business telling me what to do.
She has no business reading your mail.
Hong Dan
species (P9)

endangered species 濒危物种；濒临灭绝的生物品种；
The Origin of Species《物种起源》
Examples:
Some species of animals have become extinct because
they could not adapt to a changing environment.
They are home to millions of species of sea life that
depend on coral reefs for their survival.
Hong Dan
The chances are that…
=It is likely that…
(P11)

However, Newman said the chances are good that the
surgical team will be able to separate the twins safely
and successfully.
• If you have some one on your mind, let her know.
The Chances are（ that ）you are on hers as well.
• The chances are ten to one that the guest team will win.
Hong Dan

如果说我看得比别人远一些，那是因为我站在巨人的肩膀
上。 —— 牛顿
If I have seen further, it is by standing on
the shoulders of giants.
(Newton)
Hong Dan
Grammar
as…so (P12)
As this is true of the techniques of mankind, so
it is true of mankind’s spiritual resources.
as…so 结构中，so是连词，相当于 in the same way
(Just) As A do, so B do
More example:
Just as the French love their wine, so
the English love their beer.
Hong Dan
be true of (P12)
= apply to
Example:
 Chinese children are taught to “Respect the old
and love the young ”, which is true of all the
nations.
Hong Dan
accomplishment (P12)

He said the feeling of accomplishment would be
with him for the rest of his life.
accomplish
accomplish one’s object 达到目的
accomplish one’s mission 完成使命
Hong Dan
add to (P12)
add to: to increase
e.g.:
You have no business to add to the ache of her heart.
Her wonderful performance added to our enjoyment .


add sth. to sth.:
add fuel to the flame/ add insult to injury
add up to :
e.g.: Your long explanation added up to a refusal.

Hong Dan
in essence(P12)
by nature; essentially 本质上；实质的
The movie is not in essence a comedy.
In essence, some tumors grow so slowly they will never
kill you even if left untreated.
In essence, there is no longer a shared idea of what
the EU should be.
BBC: NEWS
Hong Dan
humanity
humanities
humane
human
humanism
humanitarian
Hong Dan
make… available to…. (P14)

Dental clinics shall be made available within
ten miles of each community.
Hong Dan
Text Appreciation
Hong Dan
I. Text Analysis
Structure
Part 1 (Paras. 1—8 ):
Part 2 (Paras. 9—14 ):
The writer describes his encounter
with one of his students.
The
author
believes
to
restates
what
be
purpose
the
he
still
of
a
university: putting its students in touch
with the best civilizations the human
race has created.
Hong Dan
How does the writer present his argument?
Introduction
He introduces the topic with his encounter with a
student and with two questions: Why should we go to
university? Why should we learn literature, arts,
philosophy, politics, etc.?
Then he proceeds to give evidence to support his view:
Evidence A: distinction between technical training
school and university
Hong Dan



Evidence B: How to spend the 8 hours of leisure time
will decide whether you are capable of producing
penetrating insight, whether you can be democratic,
tasteful and above all, whether you can raise a civilized
family.
Evidence C: Nobody gets to be a human being unaided,
and books can aid us in becoming a civilized human,
both in terms of techniques of mankind, and in terms of
spiritual resources.
Conclusion
Hong Dan
Reiteration and summary: the
function of university
Theme
The author tries to clarify the purpose of a university:
to put the students in touch with the best civilization
that human race has created.
Hong Dan
II. Writing Devices
Language Style & Tone
By way of
using direct
speech
Style:
Colloquial, familiar style
By way of
using
metaphors
Tone:
Humorous and mildly sarcastic
Hong Dan
Metaphor



Part of the student body was a beanpole
with hair on top who came into my class,
sat down… (Para. 1)
New as I was to the faculty, I could have
told this specimen a number of things.
(Para. 2)
That is about what I said, but this
particular pest was not interested. (Para. 7)
Hong Dan
Extension
Hong Dan
Ⅰ. Quiz
qualify you to
1. A degree in English does not ______
teach English. (quality)
arrogance that has
2. You must realize that it is _________
cramped your progress. (arrogant)
3. The hostess bustled about with an __________
assumption
of authority. (assume)
4. After the election, the coalition __________.
fragmented
(fragment)
Hong Dan
Fill in the blanks
with the proper
form of the given
words.
sufficient income for a comfortable
5. The man has ________
retirement. (suffice)
shuddered when he saw the dead animal.
6. He __________
(shudder)
sensible that a good deal more is still
7. I am ________
to be done. (sense)
8. Too much exposure
________ to the TV programmes is bad
for a kid’s eyesight. (expose)
Hong Dan
Fill in the blanks
with the proper
form of the given
words.
II. Listening Lab
THE PURPOSE OF EDUCATION
By Martin L. King Jr.
... It seems to me that education has a two-fold
function to perform in the life of man and in society:
utility and the other is culture
the one is _____
______.
Education must enable a man to become more
_______,
efficient to achieve with increasing facility the
legitimate goals of his life.
Education must also train one for quick, resolute
and effective
_______ thinking. To think incisively and to
think for one’s self is very difficult. We are prone to
let our mental life become invaded by legions of
half-truths, prejudices, and propaganda. At this
point, I often wonder whether or not education is
_______
fulfilling its purpose.
Hong Dan
A great majority of the so-called educated people does
not think _______
logically and scientifically. Even the press,
the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many
instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths.
propaganda in my
To save man from the morass of __________,
opinion, is one of the chief aims of education.
weigh
Education must enable one to sift and ______
evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real
from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.
Hong Dan
The function of education, therefore, is to teach
one to think intensively
_________ and to think critically
_______.
But education which stops with efficiency may
prove the greatest menace to society. The most
dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with
reason, but with no morals.
Hong Dan
Ⅲ. Oral Work
Group discussion
How do you view the fact that some people can
also succeed without much higher education? Do
you think there is a big difference between an
educated success and an uneducated success?
Hong Dan