So What’s So Bad About Being So-So? So What’s So Bad About Being So-So? 21st Century College English: Book 3 Unit 7: Text A

So What’s So Bad About So What’s So Bad About

Being So-So?Being So-So?

So What’s So Bad About So What’s So Bad About

Being So-So?Being So-So?

21st Century College English: Book 321st Century College English: Book 3

Unit 7: Text AUnit 7: Text AUnit 7: Text AUnit 7: Text A

• Lead-in ActivitiesLead-in Activities

• Text Organization

• Reading and Writing Skills

• Language Points

• Guided PracticeGuided Practice

• AssignmentAssignment

Unit 7: Text AUnit 7: Text A

So What’s So Bad about Being So-So What’s So Bad about Being So-So?So?

Lead-in ActivitiesLead-in Activities

• Do you have any hobbies? What’s your attitude toward Do you have any hobbies? What’s your attitude toward hobbies?hobbies?• What do you think is the most important thing that What do you think is the most important thing that contributes to a happy life? contributes to a happy life? • Which one is more important, doing something for Which one is more important, doing something for fun or doing something perfectly?fun or doing something perfectly?

Questions for DiscussionQuestions for Discussion

I. I. Author’s point of view with her personal Author’s point of view with her personal experienceexperience

I. I. Author’s point of view with her personal Author’s point of view with her personal experienceexperience

II.II. Examples to illustrate how people have to Examples to illustrate how people have to train themselves to be professionaltrain themselves to be professional

II.II. Examples to illustrate how people have to Examples to illustrate how people have to train themselves to be professionaltrain themselves to be professional

III. III. The terrible result of taking a serious attitude The terrible result of taking a serious attitude towards recreationtowards recreation

III. III. The terrible result of taking a serious attitude The terrible result of taking a serious attitude towards recreationtowards recreation

The structure of Text AThe structure of Text AThe structure of Text AThe structure of Text A

Paras. 1~4Paras. 1~4Paras. 1~4Paras. 1~4


Para. 10Para. 10Para. 10Para. 10

III. III. The author’s viewpointThe author’s viewpointIII. III. The author’s viewpointThe author’s viewpointParas. 11~12Paras. 11~12Paras. 11~12Paras. 11~12

Text OrganizationText Organization

I. I. Author’s point of view with her personal experienceAuthor’s point of view with her personal experience(From one specific example to the general thesis)(From one specific example to the general thesis)

I. I. Author’s point of view with her personal experienceAuthor’s point of view with her personal experience(From one specific example to the general thesis)(From one specific example to the general thesis)

A specific example of the author’s poor piano-A specific example of the author’s poor piano-playing. playing. A specific example of the author’s poor piano-A specific example of the author’s poor piano-playing. playing.

A general statement: The author is not ashamed of A general statement: The author is not ashamed of her incompetence in her hobbies; instead she enjoys her incompetence in her hobbies; instead she enjoys doing them badly.doing them badly.

A general statement: The author is not ashamed of A general statement: The author is not ashamed of her incompetence in her hobbies; instead she enjoys her incompetence in her hobbies; instead she enjoys doing them badly.doing them badly.

The general thesis: Enjoying hobbies is no longer a The general thesis: Enjoying hobbies is no longer a mark of class. In the competitive world today we mark of class. In the competitive world today we have to be “experts” even in our hobbies. have to be “experts” even in our hobbies.

The general thesis: Enjoying hobbies is no longer a The general thesis: Enjoying hobbies is no longer a mark of class. In the competitive world today we mark of class. In the competitive world today we have to be “experts” even in our hobbies. have to be “experts” even in our hobbies.





II.II. Examples to illustrate how people have to train themselves Examples to illustrate how people have to train themselves to be professionalto be professional

II.II. Examples to illustrate how people have to train themselves Examples to illustrate how people have to train themselves to be professionalto be professional

First Example First Example First Example First Example

Second Example Second Example Second Example Second Example

Third Example Third Example Third Example Third Example

Fourth Example Fourth Example Fourth Example Fourth Example

Fifth Example Fifth Example Fifth Example Fifth Example







First ExampleFirst ExampleFirst ExampleFirst Example

If you tone up your body by pulling on your gym If you tone up your body by pulling on your gym shoes and jogging around, you are hopelessly shoes and jogging around, you are hopelessly committed to embarrassing yourself as you are committed to embarrassing yourself as you are not a serious runner.not a serious runner.

If you tone up your body by pulling on your gym If you tone up your body by pulling on your gym shoes and jogging around, you are hopelessly shoes and jogging around, you are hopelessly committed to embarrassing yourself as you are committed to embarrassing yourself as you are not a serious runner.not a serious runner.



Second ExampleSecond ExampleSecond ExampleSecond Example

““Dancing” means squeezing into tights and leg Dancing” means squeezing into tights and leg warmers, then sweating through six hours of warmers, then sweating through six hours of warm-ups, five hours of ballet and four hours of warm-ups, five hours of ballet and four hours of jazz classes.jazz classes.

““Dancing” means squeezing into tights and leg Dancing” means squeezing into tights and leg warmers, then sweating through six hours of warmers, then sweating through six hours of warm-ups, five hours of ballet and four hours of warm-ups, five hours of ballet and four hours of jazz classes.jazz classes.



Third ExampleThird ExampleThird ExampleThird Example

A child who doesn’t know the difference between A child who doesn’t know the difference between a goal kick and a head shot would be looked a goal kick and a head shot would be looked down upon by his friends and be deprived of the down upon by his friends and be deprived of the right of joining a soccer team. Para. 7right of joining a soccer team. Para. 7

A child who doesn’t know the difference between A child who doesn’t know the difference between a goal kick and a head shot would be looked a goal kick and a head shot would be looked down upon by his friends and be deprived of the down upon by his friends and be deprived of the right of joining a soccer team. Para. 7right of joining a soccer team. Para. 7



Fourth ExampleFourth ExampleFourth ExampleFourth Example

A girl of nine is worrying about getting into the A girl of nine is worrying about getting into the best tennis school as she is afraid that her best tennis school as she is afraid that her technique is not up to the standards though she technique is not up to the standards though she practices five or six hours a week. Para. 8practices five or six hours a week. Para. 8

A girl of nine is worrying about getting into the A girl of nine is worrying about getting into the best tennis school as she is afraid that her best tennis school as she is afraid that her technique is not up to the standards though she technique is not up to the standards though she practices five or six hours a week. Para. 8practices five or six hours a week. Para. 8



Fifth ExampleFifth ExampleFifth ExampleFifth Example

Any lower level of accomplishment would Any lower level of accomplishment would embarrass the woman in theembarrass the woman in the study a foreign study a foreign languaglanguage.e.

Any lower level of accomplishment would Any lower level of accomplishment would embarrass the woman in theembarrass the woman in the study a foreign study a foreign languaglanguage.e.



The terrible result of taking a serious attitude towards recreation The terrible result of taking a serious attitude towards recreation The terrible result of taking a serious attitude towards recreation The terrible result of taking a serious attitude towards recreation

Many people avoid activities they might enjoy Many people avoid activities they might enjoy because they lack the time or the energy to tackle because they lack the time or the energy to tackle them “seriously”.them “seriously”.

Many people avoid activities they might enjoy Many people avoid activities they might enjoy because they lack the time or the energy to tackle because they lack the time or the energy to tackle them “seriously”.them “seriously”.

Some people work so hard at their hobbies that Some people work so hard at their hobbies that they develop psychological problems.they develop psychological problems.

Some people work so hard at their hobbies that Some people work so hard at their hobbies that they develop psychological problems.they develop psychological problems.


The author’s viewpointThe author’s viewpointThe author’s viewpointThe author’s viewpoint

• It’s time we put a stop to all this. Keep It’s time we put a stop to all this. Keep enthusiasm independent of success and enjoy enthusiasm independent of success and enjoy “the joy of creative fooling around”.“the joy of creative fooling around”.

• The author follows this philosophy herself. The author follows this philosophy herself. She indicates her interest in learning how to She indicates her interest in learning how to play golf and playing it only for fun.play golf and playing it only for fun.

• It’s time we put a stop to all this. Keep It’s time we put a stop to all this. Keep enthusiasm independent of success and enjoy enthusiasm independent of success and enjoy “the joy of creative fooling around”.“the joy of creative fooling around”.

• The author follows this philosophy herself. The author follows this philosophy herself. She indicates her interest in learning how to She indicates her interest in learning how to play golf and playing it only for fun.play golf and playing it only for fun.


Reading Reading andand WritingWriting SkillsSkills

1) The 1) The specific-to-generalspecific-to-general structure (take Text A for example) structure (take Text A for example)

The author starts with a specific example (her bad piano-The author starts with a specific example (her bad piano-playing);playing);

She then moves to a more general statement about herself;She then moves to a more general statement about herself;

And this leads to her general thesis.And this leads to her general thesis.

2) Understanding idiomatic expressions2) Understanding idiomatic expressions

To hypothesizing the meaning of idiomatic expressions with the To hypothesizing the meaning of idiomatic expressions with the context clues ― examples, explanations, contrasts or parallel context clues ― examples, explanations, contrasts or parallel phrases.phrases.

So What’s So Bad about Being So-So?So What’s So Bad about Being So-So?

By By Lisa Wilson StrickLisa Wilson Strick


By By Lisa Wilson StrickLisa Wilson Strick

Text A:

Language PointsLanguage Points


by by Lisa Wilson StrickLisa Wilson Strick

11 The other afternoon I was playing the piano when my seven-year- I was playing the piano when my seven-year-

old walked in. He stopped and listened for a while, then said: “You dold walked in. He stopped and listened for a while, then said: “You d

on’t play that thing very well, do you, Mom?”on’t play that thing very well, do you, Mom?”

22 No, I don’t. No, I don’t.

My performance would make any serious music student weep, but I don’, but I don’

t care. I’ve enjoyed playing the piano badly for years.t care. I’ve enjoyed playing the piano badly for years.


33 I also enjoy singing badly and drawing badly. I’m not ashamed I also enjoy singing badly and drawing badly. I’m not ashamed

of my incompetence in these areas. I do one or two other things of my incompetence in these areas. I do one or two other things

well and that should be enough for anybody. But it gets boring well and that should be enough for anybody. But it gets boring

doing the same things over and over. doing the same things over and over. Every now and then it’s fun to it’s fun to

try something new.try something new.

44 Unfortunately, doing things badly has gone Unfortunately, doing things badly has gone out of style. It used . It used

to be to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman sang a little, painted a if a lady or a gentleman sang a little, painted a

little, played the violin a little. You didn’t have to be good at it; the little, played the violin a little. You didn’t have to be good at it; the

point was to be fortunate enough to have the leisure time for such point was to be fortunate enough to have the leisure time for such

pursuits. But in today’s competitive world we have to be “experts” . But in today’s competitive world we have to be “experts”

even in our hobbies.even in our hobbies.


55

You can’t tone up your body by pulling on your gym shoes and jogging around the block a couple of times anymore.

Why? Because Why? Because you’ll be laughed off the street by the “serious runners” — the ones who run twenty miles or more a week in their sixty-— the ones who run twenty miles or more a week in their sixty-

dollar running suits and fancy shoes. The shoes are really dollar running suits and fancy shoes. The shoes are really a big deal. If you say you’re thinking about . If you say you’re thinking about taking up almost any sport, the first almost any sport, the first

thing the “serious” types will ask is what you plan to do about thing the “serious” types will ask is what you plan to do about

shoes. Leather or canvas? What type of soles? Which brand? This shoes. Leather or canvas? What type of soles? Which brand? This

is not the time to mention that the gym shoes you wore in high is not the time to mention that the gym shoes you wore in high

school are still school are still in pretty good shape. .

As far as sports enthusiasts are concerned, if you don’t have the latest , if you don’t have the latest

shoes you are hopelessly shoes you are hopelessly committed to embarrassing yourself. to embarrassing yourself.


66 The runners aren’t nearly so The runners aren’t nearly so snobbish as the dancers, however. as the dancers, however.

In case you didn’t know, “going dancing” no longer means putting you didn’t know, “going dancing” no longer means putting

on a pretty dress and doing a few turns around the dance floor with on a pretty dress and doing a few turns around the dance floor with

your favorite man on Saturday night. “Dancing” means squeezing your favorite man on Saturday night. “Dancing” means squeezing

into tights and leg warmers, then sweating through six hours of into tights and leg warmers, then sweating through six hours of

warm-ups, five hours of ballet and four hours of jazz classes. Every warm-ups, five hours of ballet and four hours of jazz classes. Every

week. Never tell anyone that you “like to dance” unless this is the week. Never tell anyone that you “like to dance” unless this is the

sort of activity you enjoy. sort of activity you enjoy.


77 Have you noticed what this is doing to our children? “We don’t Have you noticed what this is doing to our children? “We don’t

want that nerd on our soccer team,” I overheard a ten-year-old want that nerd on our soccer team,” I overheard a ten-year-old

complain the other day. “complain the other day. “He doesn’t know a goal kick from a head shot.” ” As it happens, the “nerd” that the boy was talking about was my , the “nerd” that the boy was talking about was my

son, who did not — like some of his friends — start soccer son, who did not — like some of his friends — start soccer

instruction at age three. I’m sorry, Son, I guess I instruction at age three. I’m sorry, Son, I guess I blew it. In my day, . In my day,

when we played baseball, we expected to give a little instruction to when we played baseball, we expected to give a little instruction to

the younger kids who didn’t know how to play. It didn’t matter if the younger kids who didn’t know how to play. It didn’t matter if

they were terrible; we weren’t they were terrible; we weren’t out to slaughter the other team. slaughter the other team.

Sometimes we didn’t even keep score. To us, sports were just a way Sometimes we didn’t even keep score. To us, sports were just a way

of having a good time. of having a good time.


88 I don’t think kids have as much fun as they used to. I don’t think kids have as much fun as they used to.

Competition keeps Competition keeps getting in the way. The daughter of a neighbor is . The daughter of a neighbor is

a nervous wreck worrying about getting into the best tennis school. worrying about getting into the best tennis school.

“I was a late starter,” she told me, “and I only get to practice five or “I was a late starter,” she told me, “and I only get to practice five or

six hours a week, so my technique may not be up to their six hours a week, so my technique may not be up to their

standards.” The child is nine. She doesn’t want to be a tennis player standards.” The child is nine. She doesn’t want to be a tennis player

when she grows up; she wants to be a nurse. I asked what she likes when she grows up; she wants to be a nurse. I asked what she likes

to do for fun in her free time. She seemed to think it was an odd to do for fun in her free time. She seemed to think it was an odd

question. “Well, I don’t actually have a lot of free time,” she said. “question. “Well, I don’t actually have a lot of free time,” she said. “

Homework and tennis and piano lessons kind of eat it all up. I have piano lessons three times a week now, so I have a good shot at getting into at getting into

the all-state orchestra.” the all-state orchestra.”


99 Ambition, Ambition, drive and the desire to excel are all great within limits, and the desire to excel are all great within limits,

but I don’t know where the limits are anymore. I know a woman but I don’t know where the limits are anymore. I know a woman

who’s been complaining for years that she hasn’t got the time to who’s been complaining for years that she hasn’t got the time to

study a foreign language. I’ve pointed out that an evening course in study a foreign language. I’ve pointed out that an evening course in

French or Italian would take only a couple of hours a week, but she French or Italian would take only a couple of hours a week, but she

keeps putting it off. I keeps putting it off. I suspect that what she hasn’t got the time for is that what she hasn’t got the time for is

to become completely fluent within one year — and that any lower to become completely fluent within one year — and that any lower

level of accomplishment would embarrass her. Instead she spends level of accomplishment would embarrass her. Instead she spends

her evenings watching TV and tidying up her closets — her evenings watching TV and tidying up her closets — occupations

at which no particular expertise is expected. at which no particular expertise is expected.


1010 I know lots of other people, too, who avoid activities they might I know lots of other people, too, who avoid activities they might

enjoy because they lack the time or the energy to tackle them enjoy because they lack the time or the energy to tackle them

“seriously.” “seriously.” It strikes me as so silly. We are talking about . We are talking about recreation. I . I

have nothing against self-improvement. But when I hear a teenager have nothing against self-improvement. But when I hear a teenager

muttering “practice makes perfect” as he grimly makes his four-muttering “practice makes perfect” as he grimly makes his four-

hundred-and-twenty-seventh try at hundred-and-twenty-seventh try at hooking the basketball into the net into the net

left-handed, I wonder if some of us aren’t improving ourselves right left-handed, I wonder if some of us aren’t improving ourselves right

into the insane asylum. into the insane asylum.


1111 I think it’s time we put a stop to all this. I think it’s time we put a stop to all this. For sanity’s sake, each , each

of us should vow to take up something new this week — and to of us should vow to take up something new this week — and to

make sure we never master it completely. Sing along with grand make sure we never master it completely. Sing along with grand

opera. opera. Make peculiar-looking objects out of clay. I can tell you from I can tell you from

experience that a homemade cake still tastes pretty good even if it experience that a homemade cake still tastes pretty good even if it

doesn’t look perfect. The point is to enjoy being a beginner again; doesn’t look perfect. The point is to enjoy being a beginner again;

to rediscover the joy of creative to rediscover the joy of creative fooling around. If you find it difficult, . If you find it difficult,

ask any two-year-old to teach you. Two-year-olds have a gift for ask any two-year-old to teach you. Two-year-olds have a gift for

tackling the impossible with enthusiasm; repeated failure hardly tackling the impossible with enthusiasm; repeated failure hardly

discourages them at all. discourages them at all.


1212 As for me, I’m getting a little As for me, I’m getting a little out of shape, so I’m looking into , so I’m looking into

golf. A lot of people I know enjoy it, and it doesn’t look too hard. golf. A lot of people I know enjoy it, and it doesn’t look too hard.

Given a couple of lessons, I should be stumbling gracelessly Given a couple of lessons, I should be stumbling gracelessly

around the golf course and playing badly in no time at all. around the golf course and playing badly in no time at all.


the other afternoonthe other afternoon

— — on the afternoon a few days agoon the afternoon a few days ago

AlsoAlso:: the other day (para.7), the other morning, etc. the other day (para.7), the other morning, etc.

Examples:Examples:

•• I met a friend from my hometown the other day and I met a friend from my hometown the other day and we had lunch together. we had lunch together.

•• Have you forgotten what happened the other week? Have you forgotten what happened the other week?

My performance would make any My performance would make any seriousserious music student music student weep ...weep ...

Example:Example:

•• If you’re serious about becoming an actress, you need If you’re serious about becoming an actress, you need proper training. proper training.

seriousserious

— — a.a. deeply interested; devoted deeply interested; devoted

Translate:Translate:

•• A serious learner tends to think independently. A serious learner tends to think independently.

Key:Key:

认真的学者趋向于独立思考。认真的学者趋向于独立思考。

More to learnMore to learnMore to learnMore to learn

My performance would makeMy performance would make any serious any serious music student music student weepweep ... ...

Example:Example:

•• The criminal wept bitter tears of regret at the trial.The criminal wept bitter tears of regret at the trial.

weepweep

— — v.v. t to shed (tears) as an expression of emotiono shed (tears) as an expression of emotion

Cf.Cf.

crycry

—— CryCry and and weepweep both involve the shedding of tears; both involve the shedding of tears; crycry more strongly implies accompanying soundmore strongly implies accompanying sound

e.g.e.g. The baby The baby criedcried all night, causing another all night, causing another sleepless sleepless night for the family.night for the family.

Cf.Cf.

sobsob

—— SobSob describes a mixture of broken speech and weeping describes a mixture of broken speech and weeping marked by convulsive (marked by convulsive ( 痉挛性的痉挛性的 ) breathing or gaspin) breathing or gaspingg

e.g.e.g. She kept She kept sobbingsobbing, as if her heart would break., as if her heart would break.

every now and thenevery now and then

Examples:Examples:

•• Now and thenNow and then my new method appears to work. my new method appears to work.

•• I still see her for lunch every I still see her for lunch every now and thennow and then, but not as , but not as often as I used to. often as I used to.

(every) now and then(every) now and then

—— sometimes but not very often or regularlysometimes but not very often or regularly

Make a sentence with the phrase:Make a sentence with the phrase:

•• ??

out of styleout of style

—— unfashionable; out of fashionunfashionable; out of fashion

Example:Example:

•• A style does not go A style does not go out of styleout of style as long as it adapts its as long as it adapts itself to its period.elf to its period.

—— Coco ChanelCoco Chanel (1883 (1883–1–1971),971),French couturiere (French couturiere ( 女服设计女服设计

师师 ).).

a mark of classa mark of class

—— a symbol of a person’s social position; a characteristic a symbol of a person’s social position; a characteristic feature which indicates that a person is cultured and feature which indicates that a person is cultured and civilized civilized

Examples:Examples:

•• His shirt was ironed and that was His shirt was ironed and that was a mark of classa mark of class. .

•• Wearing a pair of sun glasses in the house is hardly Wearing a pair of sun glasses in the house is hardly a mark of classa mark of class..

pursuitpursuit

—— n.n. something that one spends time doing, esp. an something that one spends time doing, esp. an activity that one enjoys doing when not working activity that one enjoys doing when not working

Examples:Examples:

•• Games like chess are rather intellectual Games like chess are rather intellectual pursuitspursuits. .

•• She said she didn't have much opportunity for She said she didn't have much opportunity for leisure leisure pursuitspursuits, but that when she had the time, she , but that when she had the time, she liked painting. liked painting.

You can’t You can’t tone uptone up your body by pulling on your gym shoes and your body by pulling on your gym shoes and jogging around the block a couple of times anymore.jogging around the block a couple of times anymore.

Examples:Examples:

•• I lift weights at the gym everyday to I lift weights at the gym everyday to tone uptone up my body. my body.

•• Swimming is the best way to Swimming is the best way to tone uptone up your muscles. your muscles.

tone uptone up

— — (cause to) become stronger(cause to) become stronger


Examples:Examples:

•• Help me Help me pull onpull on these boots — they are very tight. these boots — they are very tight.

•• He began to He began to pull offpull off his shirt. his shirt.

pull on/offpull on/off

— — put (clothing, etc.) on/off by pullingput (clothing, etc.) on/off by pulling

You can’t You can’t tone uptone up your body by your body by pulling onpulling on your gym shoes and your gym shoes and jogging around the block a couple of times anymore.jogging around the block a couple of times anymore.

you’ll be laughed off the street by the “serious runners”you’ll be laughed off the street by the “serious runners”

Translate the sentence:Translate the sentence:

??

Key:Key:

你会受到那些“认真的跑步者”的嘲笑而不敢上街你会受到那些“认真的跑步者”的嘲笑而不敢上街

a a bigbig dealdeal

Example:Example:

•• So you’ll be the boss of two persons. So you’ll be the boss of two persons. Big dealBig deal!!

了不起！你就要当两个人的老板了。了不起！你就要当两个人的老板了。

big dealbig deal

— — often said in a belittling tone or scornfullyoften said in a belittling tone or scornfully

take up take up (an activity, subject, etc.)(an activity, subject, etc.)

—— become interested in it and spend time doing it, either become interested in it and spend time doing it, either as a hobby or as a career as a hobby or as a career

Examples:Examples:

•• I thought I’d I thought I’d take uptake up fishing. fishing.

•• He decided to He decided to take uptake up a career. a career.

in pretty good shapein pretty good shape

Examples:Examples:

•• The house was The house was inin absolutely good absolutely good shapeshape. .

•• She runs 3 miles every day to keep herself She runs 3 miles every day to keep herself in shapein shape. .

be in be in (good, bad, etc.)(good, bad, etc.) shape shape

— — be in (good, bad, etc.) condition be in (good, bad, etc.) condition

Example:Example:

•• As far asAs far as the students the students are concernedare concerned, college life , college life should not be only a period of lessons and tests.should not be only a period of lessons and tests.

as far asas far as ((sb.) sb.) be concernedbe concerned

— — in sb.’s opinion in sb.’s opinion

As far asAs far as sports enthusiasts sports enthusiasts are concernedare concerned

More to doMore to doMore to doMore to do



IX. Complete the following sentences, using “as far as … be concerned”. (Ex. IX, p. 208)Ex. IX, p. 208)

1.1. ___________________ (___________________ ( 就我和你母亲而言就我和你母亲而言 ), your choi), your choice of career is your own business.ce of career is your own business.

2.2. You have nothing to worry about ________________You have nothing to worry about ___________________(___( 就词汇而言就词汇而言 )), but you need to improve your com, but you need to improve your communication skills if you want to pass the exam.munication skills if you want to pass the exam.

As far as your mother and I are concerned

as far as vocabulary is concerned




3.3. The restaurant next door has good food, but the place The restaurant next door has good food, but the place across the street is much better __________________across the street is much better ___________________ (_ ( 就服务而言就服务而言 ).).

4.4. ___________________ (___________________ ( 就新的发展计划而言就新的发展计划而言 ), I feel it ), I feel it needs more discussion.needs more discussion.

as far as service is concerned

As far as the new development plan is concerned



5.5. ___________________ (___________________ ( 就新的发展计划而言就新的发展计划而言 ), I feel it ), I feel it needs more discussion.needs more discussion.

6.6. I don‘t enjoy going to the movies. ________________I don‘t enjoy going to the movies. ___________________ (___ ( 在我看来在我看来 ), it's just a waste of time.), it's just a waste of time.

as far as salary is concerned

As far as I’m concerned

commit commit (sb./sth.)(sb./sth.) to to

— — put (sb./sth.) in (a state or place) put (sb./sth.) in (a state or place)

Examples:Examples:

•• The names The names were committed towere committed to memory. memory.

•• Signing this form Signing this form commitscommits you you toto buying the goods. buying the goods.

•• The man The man was committed towas committed to prison for fraud ( prison for fraud ( 诈骗诈骗 ). ).

snobbishsnobbish

— — aa. . 势利的，谄上欺下的势利的，谄上欺下的

Example:Example:

•• Americans living in Latin American countries are ofteAmericans living in Latin American countries are often more n more snobbishsnobbish than the Latins themselves. The typic than the Latins themselves. The typical American has quite a bit of money by Latin Americal American has quite a bit of money by Latin American standards, and he rarely sees a countryman who doan standards, and he rarely sees a countryman who doesn’t.esn’t.

— — Hunter S. ThompsonHunter S. Thompson (b. 193 (b. 1939),9),

U.S. journalist.U.S. journalist.

in casein case

—— In caseIn case is used when you are giving a piece of is used when you are giving a piece of information in order to introduce the reason why you information in order to introduce the reason why you are giving it. are giving it.

Examples:Examples:

•• In caseIn case you didn’t know, there are three basic wines: you didn’t know, there are three basic wines: red, white and rose. red, white and rose.

•• Mary, Mary, in casein case you’ve forgotten, hasn’t forgiven you. you’ve forgotten, hasn’t forgiven you.

He doesn’t know a goal kick from a head shot.He doesn’t know a goal kick from a head shot.

Paraphrase the sentence:Paraphrase the sentence:

??

Key:Key:

— — He is unable to tell the difference between a goal kick He is unable to tell the difference between a goal kick and a head shot.and a head shot.

OrOr:: He knows nothing about soccer.He knows nothing about soccer.

as it happens (happened)as it happens (happened)

—— by chance; although not planned by chance; although not planned

Example:Example:

•• As it happensAs it happens, I know someone who might be able to , I know someone who might be able to give you some advice. give you some advice.

Translate:Translate:

碰巧我有几分钟的空。碰巧我有几分钟的空。Key:Key:

As it happened, I had a few minutes to spare.As it happened, I had a few minutes to spare.

blew itblew it

—— (infml) do clumsily or badly; mishandle; ruin (infml) do clumsily or badly; mishandle; ruin

Note:Note: Blow itBlow it is often used when you are given an is often used when you are given an opporopportunity but you fail to take advantage of it by tunity but you fail to take advantage of it by doing or sayidoing or saying something wrong. ng something wrong.

Examples:Examples:

•• It was your last chance and you It was your last chance and you blew itblew it! !

•• I guess I I guess I blew itblew it when I turned down the job offer, when I turned down the job offer, didn’t I? didn’t I?

be be out to out to do/for sth. do/for sth.

—— want or intend to do/to achieve sth. want or intend to do/to achieve sth.

Examples:Examples:

•• You might feel that they’re You might feel that they’re out toout to use your house as a use your house as a free hotel. free hotel.

•• Mark my words — he’s only Mark my words — he’s only out forout for one thing and one thing and that’s her money. that’s her money.

get in the wayget in the way

—— tto obstruct or delay the progress of o obstruct or delay the progress of

Examples:Examples:

•• She won’t let anything She won’t let anything get in the wayget in the way of her ambitions. of her ambitions.

•• May nothing May nothing stand in the waystand in the way of your future of your future happiness together. happiness together.

a nervous wrecka nervous wreck

— — a person in bad mental condition a person in bad mental condition

wreck wreck nn..— — a person who is physically or mentally broken down or a person who is physically or mentally broken down or

worn outworn out

Homework and tennis and piano lessons Homework and tennis and piano lessons kind ofkind of eat it all up. eat it all up.

Examples:Examples:

•• Actually, I felt Actually, I felt kind ofkind of sorry for him. sorry for him.

•• I I kind ofkind of thought you might help me. thought you might help me.

kind ofkind of— — (infml) somewhat; to some extent(infml) somewhat; to some extent

Note:Note: Kind ofKind of is used adverbially when you say that is used adverbially when you say that somesomething is partly tree or partly the case but does not thing is partly tree or partly the case but does not fully desfully describe the situation, or if you are uncertain cribe the situation, or if you are uncertain aboutabout what yo what you are saying or wondering if you are u are saying or wondering if you are using the right word. using the right word.


Homework and tennis and piano lessons kind of Homework and tennis and piano lessons kind of eateat it all it all upup..

Examples:Examples:

•• A big car like that A big car like that eats upeats up petrol. petrol.

•• Rising costs were Rising costs were eating upeating up most of the profits. most of the profits.

eat upeat up— — use or consume in large quantities, often used with use or consume in large quantities, often used with

time, money, or fuel to meantime, money, or fuel to mean

shotshot

—— n.n. (infml) is an attempt to do or achieve somethi(infml) is an attempt to do or achieve something you have not done before. ng you have not done before.

Examples:Examples:

•• I can’t get the last two answers in this crossword — I can’t get the last two answers in this crossword — here, you have a here, you have a shotshot. .

•• I thought I’d have a I thought I’d have a shotshot at making my own wine since at making my own wine since we’ve got all these grapes. we’ve got all these grapes.

drivedrive

—— n.n. motivation or urge motivation or urge

Examples:Examples:

•• With the With the drivedrive to survive, he finally walked out of the to survive, he finally walked out of the desert. desert.

•• The drive to develop western China attracts talents The drive to develop western China attracts talents from all over the country.from all over the country.

suspectsuspect

—— v.v. imagine or suppose that sth. existimagine or suppose that sth. exist

Examples:Examples:

•• He He suspectedsuspected danger and stopped. danger and stopped.

Cf.Cf.

doubt doubt v.v.

—— not believe; feel uncertain (about)not believe; feel uncertain (about)

e.g.e.g. I I doubtdoubt his honesty. his honesty.

occupationoccupation

—— an activity in which you engage habitually, either an activity in which you engage habitually, either something that you do for pleasure or as part of your something that you do for pleasure or as part of your daily life or a job or profession daily life or a job or profession

Examples:Examples:

•• Cycling was his favorite Cycling was his favorite occupationoccupation. .

•• EEveryone, irrespective of age, sex or veryone, irrespective of age, sex or occupationoccupation, is , is qualified to take part in the game. qualified to take part in the game.

It strikes me as so silly. It strikes me as so silly.

—— I think that’s very silly. I think that’s very silly.

Examples:Examples:

•• The plan The plan strikes me asstrikes me as ridiculous. ridiculous.

•• Henry Henry strikes me asstrikes me as a very dull boy. a very dull boy.

strike sb. as strike sb. as ((adj. / n.adj. / n.))— — have an effect on sb. or impress sb. (in the way specified) have an effect on sb. or impress sb. (in the way specified)

recreationrecreation

—— n.n. an enjoyable activity in which you exercise your an enjoyable activity in which you exercise your body or mind when not working body or mind when not working

Examples:Examples:

•• Sport and Sport and recreationrecreation have always been part of have always been part of university life. university life.

•• His favorite His favorite recreationsrecreations are golf and tennis. are golf and tennis.

hookinghooking the basketball the basketball

—— n.n. expert knowledge or skill, esp. in a particular field expert knowledge or skill, esp. in a particular field

Example:Example:

•• Mr. Woods Mr. Woods hookedhooked the ball right into the hole. the ball right into the hole.

hookhook

— — v.v. to hit or throw in a curving path in such sports to hit or throw in a curving path in such sports as golf, basketball, etc. as golf, basketball, etc.

for for sanitysanity’s sake ’s sake

—— in order to remain mentally healthy in order to remain mentally healthy

sanitysanity

— — The quality or condition of being sane; soundness of The quality or condition of being sane; soundness of mindmind

Make Make peculiarpeculiar-looking objects out of clay. -looking objects out of clay.

Examples:Examples:

•• This difference arises from the This difference arises from the peculiarpeculiar character of character of the US government. the US government.

•• Some great men have Some great men have oddodd habits. habits.

•• To most of us the art of India is To most of us the art of India is strangestrange. .

Cf.Cf. peculiar, odd, strange peculiar, odd, strange—— PeculiarPeculiar implies marked or conspicuous distinctiveness, implies marked or conspicuous distinctiveness, oddodd

stresses a departure from the usual, the normal, or the stresses a departure from the usual, the normal, or the regular, while regular, while strangestrange, the most comprehensive of the three , the most comprehensive of the three words, suggest unfamiliarity. words, suggest unfamiliarity.


Make peculiar-looking objects out ofMake peculiar-looking objects out of clayclay. .

Examples:Examples:

•• A A clayclay pigeon is a disk made of clay fired into the air pigeon is a disk made of clay fired into the air to be shot at for sport. to be shot at for sport.

•• The The soilsoil here is very fertile. here is very fertile.

•• The boy was covered with The boy was covered with mudmud. .

Cf.Cf. clay, soil, mud clay, soil, mud—— ClayClay is earth that is used to make things such as pots, is earth that is used to make things such as pots, soilsoil is is

the top layer of earth in which plants grow, and the top layer of earth in which plants grow, and mudmud is wet is wet and sticky earth sometimes used for building a house. and sticky earth sometimes used for building a house.

fool around fool around

—— behave in a playful, silly, or irresponsible way behave in a playful, silly, or irresponsible way without thinking seriously about what you are doingwithout thinking seriously about what you are doing

Examples:Examples:

•• We spend the afternoon We spend the afternoon fooling aroundfooling around on the beach. on the beach.

•• Don’t Don’t fool aroundfool around with matches. with matches.

out of shape out of shape

—— unhealthy and unable to do a lot of physical activity unhealthy and unable to do a lot of physical activity without getting tired without getting tired

Useful phrases with “shape”:Useful phrases with “shape”:

in good (bad) shapein good (bad) shape

—— in good (bad) conditionin good (bad) condition

e.g.e.g.

• Not many segments of the Great Wall are Not many segments of the Great Wall are in good in good shapeshape..

Useful phrases with “shape”:Useful phrases with “shape”:

in the shape ofin the shape of

—— in the form ofin the form of

e.g.e.g.

• The symbolic building was designed The symbolic building was designed in the shape ofin the shape of a a ship.ship.

Useful phrases with “Useful phrases with “shapeshape”:”:

take shapetake shape

—— become clearer or more definitebecome clearer or more definite

e.g.e.g.

• After three months of research, my thesis begins to After three months of research, my thesis begins to take shapetake shape..

Guided PracticeGuided Practice

• Vocabulary

• Cloze

• Translation

• Structure

So What’s So Bad about Being So-So What’s So Bad about Being So-So?So?

《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. III, p. 204Ex. III, p. 204《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. III, p. 204Ex. III, p. 204

VocabularyVocabulary

1.1. My My __________________________ are watercolour painting and stamp collecting. are watercolour painting and stamp collecting.

What are yours?What are yours?

leisureleisure hobbyhobby overhearoverhear recreationrecreationdiscourage peculiardiscourage peculiar solesole squeezesqueeze wreckwreck

stumblestumble


2.2. Lisa has always had a Lisa has always had a __________________________ sense of humour — she fin sense of humour — she fin

ds the strangest things amusing.ds the strangest things amusing.

III.III. Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the form where necessary.form where necessary.

hobbies hobbies

peculiar peculiar

3.3. I wonder how she I wonder how she __________________________ herself into such tight clothes— herself into such tight clothes—

and why! She certainly looks uncomfortable! and why! She certainly looks uncomfortable!


stumblestumble


4.4. I thought gadgets like microwaves and computers were meant to I thought gadgets like microwaves and computers were meant to

give us more give us more __________________________ time, but in fact they just seem to time, but in fact they just seem to

add to the pressures of modem life.add to the pressures of modem life.

III.III. Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the form where necessary. form where necessary.

leisure leisure

squeezes squeezes

5.5. He would’ve won the race, but he He would’ve won the race, but he __________________________ and nearly fell and nearly fell

just before he reached the finish line.just before he reached the finish line.


stumblestumble


6.6. You shouldn’t get You shouldn’t get __________________________ just because you don’t succeed just because you don’t succeed

the first time you try something new.the first time you try something new.


stumbled stumbled

discouraged discouraged

7.7. Sorry, but I couldn’t help Sorry, but I couldn’t help __________________________ your conversation. If your conversation. If

you’re lost, perhaps I can help you.you’re lost, perhaps I can help you.


stumblestumble


8.8. Computer games are fine for Computer games are fine for __________________________, but some kids get , but some kids get

completely obsessed with them and neglect all their other completely obsessed with them and neglect all their other

activities.activities.


overhearing overhearing

recreation recreation

9.9. Families in which the woman is the Families in which the woman is the __________________________ wage earner wage earner

have to cope with many social and financial pressures.have to cope with many social and financial pressures.


stumblestumble


10.10. I had an accident last week and my bicycle got I had an accident last week and my bicycle got __________________________. .

Could I borrow yours?Could I borrow yours?


sole sole

wrecked wrecked

《读写教程《读写教程 IIIIII 》》 :: Ex. XI, p. 209Ex. XI, p. 209《读写教程《读写教程 IIIIII 》》 :: Ex. XI, p. 209Ex. XI, p. 209

ClozeCloze

Select the most appropriate word from the four choices given. The Select the most appropriate word from the four choices given. The choice choice ““00” ” means that no additional word is appropriate. means that no additional word is appropriate.

ClozeCloze

Last year I read a frightening Last year I read a frightening study that showed that pre-school study that showed that pre-school and kindergarten children no and kindergarten children no longer believe they can sing songs. longer believe they can sing songs. Little children have l)_____ got Little children have l)_____ got the impression that the definition the impression that the definition of song is “what you hear 2)_____ of song is “what you hear 2)_____ singing on the radio”. And when singing on the radio”. And when teachers try to 3)_____ these teachers try to 3)_____ these children that they 4)_____ sing, children that they 4)_____ sing, the kids just don’t see the point. the kids just don’t see the point. Why should they struggle to Why should they struggle to perform a 5)_____ version that perform a 5)_____ version that only theft mothers could possibly only theft mothers could possibly love? It’s so much easier to buy a love? It’s so much easier to buy a CD and hear someone do it really CD and hear someone do it really

1. 1. A.A. in some wayin some way B.in some waysB.in some waysC.C. somehowsomehow D.D.somewhatsomewhat

2.2. A.A.professionsprofessionsB.B. professionalprofessionalC.C.professionallyprofessionallyD.D.professionalsprofessionals

3.3. A.A.convinceconvince B.B. confrontconfrontC.C.discouragediscourage D.D.encourageencourage

4.4. A.A.are as able toare as able to B.B. can as wellcan as wellC.C.can toocan too D.D. too cantoo can

5.5. A.A.graceful graceful B.B. gracelessgracelessC.C. incompetence incompetence D.D. incompetentincompetent

C. somehowC. somehow

D. professionalsD. professionals

A. convinceA. convince

D. too canD. too can

B. gracelessB. graceless

ClozeCloze

well! Their logic is hard to argue well! Their logic is hard to argue 6)_____ — and it’s a direct result 6)_____ — and it’s a direct result of our society’s 7)_____ with of our society’s 7)_____ with competence. Pleasure is no longer competence. Pleasure is no longer the aim of our 8)_____ activities; the aim of our 8)_____ activities; in fact no one even sees anything in fact no one even sees anything pleasant 9)_____ doing something pleasant 9)_____ doing something less than perfectly well. This is less than perfectly well. This is crazy. And it’s l0)_____ a terrible crazy. And it’s l0)_____ a terrible toll. Not only l1)_____ depriving toll. Not only l1)_____ depriving ourselves of creative satisfaction ourselves of creative satisfaction and l2)_____ our children from and l2)_____ our children from finding joy in l3)_____ they can finding joy in l3)_____ they can do themselves — we’re also do themselves — we’re also destroying our artists. In a world destroying our artists. In a world

6.6. A.A. atat B. for B. for C.C. withwith D. 0D. 0

7.7. A. addictionA. addiction B. enthusiasmB. enthusiasmC. enthusiastC. enthusiast D. obsessionD. obsession

8.8. A. enthusiastA. enthusiast B. hobbyB. hobbyC. leisureC. leisure D. pastimeD. pastime

9.9. A. at A. at B. by B. by C. in C. in D. 0D. 0

10.10. A. doingA. doing B. havingB. havingC. makingC. making D. takingD. taking

11.11. A. are weA. are we B. have weB. have weC. it isC. it is D. we areD. we are

12.12. A. competingA. competing B. committingB. committingC. deprivingC. depriving D. discouragingD. discouraging

13. A. that13. A. that B. whatB. whatC. whichC. which D. 0D. 0

C. withC. with

D. obsessionD. obsession

C. leisureC. leisure

C. inC. in

D. takingD. taking

A. are weA. are we

D. discouragingD. discouraging

B. whatB. what

ClozeCloze

In a world l4)_____ we expect all In a world l4)_____ we expect all our art to be supplied l5)_____ our art to be supplied l5)_____ highly competent professionals, highly competent professionals, the pressure on the professionals the pressure on the professionals becomes too great to bear. becomes too great to bear. l6)_____ the number of musicians l6)_____ the number of musicians and artists who suffer from drug and artists who suffer from drug addiction, alcoholism or even addiction, alcoholism or even commit suicide because of the commit suicide because of the pressures of keeping l7)_____ our pressures of keeping l7)_____ our demands for more and better demands for more and better music, art, books and movies to music, art, books and movies to enjoy in our l8)_____ time. We enjoy in our l8)_____ time. We are l9)_____ our artists with our are l9)_____ our artists with our refusal to entertain 20)_____ refusal to entertain 20)_____ ourselves in our own incompetent ourselves in our own incompetent ways. ways.

14. A. that14. A. that B. whatB. whatC. whenC. when D. whereD. where

15.15. A. byA. by B. us byB. us byC. with us byC. with us by D. 0D. 0

16.16. A. ConsiderA. ConsiderB. ConsideringB. ConsideringC. ConsiderableC. ConsiderableD. GivenD. Given

17.17. A. on inA. on in B. upB. upC. up withC. up with D. withD. with

18.18. A. hobbyA. hobby B. leisureB. leisureC. recreationC. recreation D. pastimeD. pastime

19.19. A. slaughteringA. slaughtering B. stumblingB. stumblingC. squeezingC. squeezing D. wreckingD. wrecking

20.20. A. as A. as B. byB. by C. forC. for D. 0D. 0

D. whereD. where

A. byA. by

A. ConsiderA. Consider

C. up withC. up with

B. leisureB. leisure

A. slaughteringA. slaughtering

D. 0D. 0

ClozeCloze

TranslationTranslation

• TranslationTranslation Ex. XII Ex. XIII

Translation — English to ChineseTranslation — English to Chinese

《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. XII, p. 210Ex. XII, p. 210《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. XII, p. 210Ex. XII, p. 210

Unfortunately, doing things badly has gone out of Unfortunately, doing things badly has gone out of

style. It used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman style. It used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman

sang a little, painted a little, played the violin a little. You sang a little, painted a little, played the violin a little. You

didn’t have to be good at it; the point was to be fortunate didn’t have to be good at it; the point was to be fortunate

enough to have the leisure time for such pursuits. But in enough to have the leisure time for such pursuits. But in

today’s competitive world we have to be “experts” even in today’s competitive world we have to be “experts” even in

our hobbies. our hobbies.

Translation — English to ChineseTranslation — English to Chinese


style.style. It used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman It used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman







style. style. It used to be a mark of classIt used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman if a lady or a gentleman






遗憾的是，“三脚猫”已经过时了。遗憾的是，“三脚猫”已经过时了。


style. It used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman style. It used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman


didn’t have to be good at it; didn’t have to be good at it; the point was to be fortunate the point was to be fortunate

enough to have the leisure time for such pursuits.enough to have the leisure time for such pursuits. But in But in



过去那是一种有地位的标志过去那是一种有地位的标志

问题是你很幸运。能有这一份闲情逸致。问题是你很幸运。能有这一份闲情逸致。

Translation — Chinese to EnglishTranslation — Chinese to English

《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. XIII, p. 211Ex. XIII, p. 211《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. XIII, p. 211Ex. XIII, p. 211

As long as you enjoy your hobby, you don’t have to feel ashamed of being so-so. It doesn’t matter what others think of you.


1.1. 只要你喜欢你的业余爱好，那么你不必因为自己水平一般只要你喜欢你的业余爱好，那么你不必因为自己水平一般而感到羞愧。别人怎么看你无关紧要。而感到羞愧。别人怎么看你无关紧要。

hobbyhobby so-so so-so

feel ashamed (of)feel ashamed (of)

Money is becoming a big deal in competitive sports, but we must make sure that it doesn’t get in the way of what’s important.


2.2. 金钱在竞技体育中正显出其重要性，但我们必须确保它金钱在竞技体育中正显出其重要性，但我们必须确保它不会影响一些重要的东西。不会影响一些重要的东西。

competitive sportscompetitive sports make sure make sure

get in the way (of)get in the way (of)

We all need some form of exercise every now and then to keep ourselves in good shape.


3.3. 我们都需要不时地锻炼来使自己保持身体健康。我们都需要不时地锻炼来使自己保持身体健康。

now and thennow and then keep oneself in good shape

I’ve said over and over it’s time you tidied up your room, but you keep putting it off.


4.4. 我一再说该是你整理你自己房间的时候了，但你老是拖着。我一再说该是你整理你自己房间的时候了，但你老是拖着。

over and overover and over it’s time … it’s time …

tidy up your roomtidy up your roomput (it) offput (it) off

He only took up painting a couple of years ago, so his technique isn’t up to professional standards. Can you give him some instruction?


5.5. 一两年前他才开始学画画，所以技法还未达到专业水准。一两年前他才开始学画画，所以技法还未达到专业水准。你能给他指点指点吗？你能给他指点指点吗？

techniquetechnique

professional standardsprofessional standards

give him some instruction

Health experts are trying to discourage people from smoking by informing them of its dangers.


6.6. 健康专家试图通过宣传吸烟的种种害处来使人们戒烟。健康专家试图通过宣传吸烟的种种害处来使人们戒烟。

inform sb. of its dangers

discourage people from smoking

Being committed to your job is fine, of course, but you shouldn’t let work eat up all your leisure time.


7.7. 敬业是好的，但是不能让工作蚕食了你的全部休闲时间。敬业是好的，但是不能让工作蚕食了你的全部休闲时间。

be committed to one’s jobbe committed to one’s job

eat up all your leisure time

As far as I’m concerned, both jobs and hobbies should be seriously considered.


8.8. 对于我来说，工作和业余爱好都必须严肃认真地对待。对于我来说，工作和业余爱好都必须严肃认真地对待。

As far as I’m concerned

be seriously considered

Structured WritingStructured Writing

《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. XV, p. 213Ex. XV, p. 213《读写教程 III 》 : Ex. XV, p. 213Ex. XV, p. 213

Structured WritingStructured WritingStructured WritingStructured Writing

LLook again at the first four paragraphs of Text A to see ook again at the first four paragraphs of Text A to see

how the author starts fromhow the author starts from aa specific examplespecific example, , moves tomoves to a a

general statementgeneral statement and then leads toand then leads to a general thesisa general thesis..



The author starts with a specific example.The author starts with a specific example. The author starts with a specific example.The author starts with a specific example.

She then moves to a more general statement about herself. She then moves to a more general statement about herself. She then moves to a more general statement about herself. She then moves to a more general statement about herself.

And this leads to her general thesis.And this leads to her general thesis. And this leads to her general thesis.And this leads to her general thesis.

writingwritingwritingwriting

The author starts with a specific example (her bad The author starts with a specific example (her bad

piano-playing): piano-playing):

The other afternoon I was playing the piano when my seven-The other afternoon I was playing the piano when my seven-

year-old walked in. He stopped and listened for a while, then year-old walked in. He stopped and listened for a while, then

said: “You don’t play that thing very well, do you, Mom?”said: “You don’t play that thing very well, do you, Mom?”

No, I don’t. My performance would make any serious music No, I don’t. My performance would make any serious music

student weep, but I don’t care. I’ve enjoyed playing the piano student weep, but I don’t care. I’ve enjoyed playing the piano

badly for years.badly for years.


She then moves to a more general statement She then moves to a more general statement

about about herself: herself:

I also enjoy singing badly and drawing badly. I’m not I also enjoy singing badly and drawing badly. I’m not

ashamed of my incompetence in these areas. I do one or two ashamed of my incompetence in these areas. I do one or two

other things well and that should be enough for anybody. But other things well and that should be enough for anybody. But

it gets boring doing the same things over and over. Every it gets boring doing the same things over and over. Every

now and then it’s fun to try something new. now and then it’s fun to try something new.


And this leads to her general thesis: And this leads to her general thesis:

Unfortunately, doing things badly has gone out of style. It Unfortunately, doing things badly has gone out of style. It

used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman sang a used to be a mark of class if a lady or a gentleman sang a

little, painted a little, played the violin a little. You didn’t little, painted a little, played the violin a little. You didn’t

have to be good at it; the point was to be fortunate enough to have to be good at it; the point was to be fortunate enough to

have the leisure time for such pursuits. But in today’s have the leisure time for such pursuits. But in today’s

competitive world we have to be “experts” even in our competitive world we have to be “experts” even in our

hobbies.hobbies.



Use the same Use the same specific-to-general structurespecific-to-general structure to introduce a to introduce a

thesis of your own.thesis of your own.

Sample EssaySample EssaySample EssaySample Essay

Here are some ideas you can choose from:Here are some ideas you can choose from:

1.1. Haste Makes WasteHaste Makes Waste

2.2. A Small Act of KindnessA Small Act of Kindness

3.3. Harmony with NatureHarmony with Nature

Yesterday afternoon I was reading a magazine when my roommate Yesterday afternoon I was reading a magazine when my roommate shouted at me. She said, “It’s a beautiful day outside! You can’t just shouted at me. She said, “It’s a beautiful day outside! You can’t just read all day!”read all day!”

Yes, I can. My ability to read at any time drives my roommates Yes, I can. My ability to read at any time drives my roommates crazy, but I don’t care. I enjoy reading, and I’m good at it. I’ve been crazy, but I don’t care. I enjoy reading, and I’m good at it. I’ve been good at it all my life. good at it all my life.

I’m proud of my competence in reading, which I’ve achieved only I’m proud of my competence in reading, which I’ve achieved only through years of practice. I can read not only at any time, but also in through years of practice. I can read not only at any time, but also in just about any situation. Every now and then I try reading in some new just about any situation. Every now and then I try reading in some new place or position, just because it’s fun to try something new. place or position, just because it’s fun to try something new.

Reading used to be a mark of accomplishment if a person read Reading used to be a mark of accomplishment if a person read widely and miscellaneously. In today’s business world, the so-called widely and miscellaneously. In today’s business world, the so-called social life eats up much of my reading time, but reading is still part of social life eats up much of my reading time, but reading is still part of my life. my life.


1.1. Review Text AReview Text A

2.2. Do exercises:Do exercises:

•• StructureStructure (Ex. X, p. 209)(Ex. X, p. 209)

•• ClozeCloze (Ex. XI, p. 209)(Ex. XI, p. 209)

•• Translation Translation (Ex. XII, p. 210)(Ex. XII, p. 210)

3.3. Structured WritingStructured Writing (p. 213)(p. 213)

AssignmentAssignmentAssignmentAssignment

Documents

So What’s So Bad About Being So-So? So What’s So Bad About Being So-So? 21st Century College English: Book 3 Unit 7: Text A