Unit 7: Part A My Father’s Son 21st Century College English: Book 4

Unit 7: Part AUnit 7: Part AUnit 7: Part AUnit 7: Part A

My Father’s SonMy Father’s Son

21st Century College English: Book 421st Century College English: Book 4

• Pre-Reading Activities

• Language Points

• Exercises

• Assignment

Unit 7: Part AUnit 7: Part A

Pre-Reading ActivitiesPre-Reading Activities

Before listening to the tape, have a quick look at the following words.Before listening to the tape, have a quick look at the following words.

crematecremate

intimidatingintimidating

cooling off periodcooling off period

navynavy

optimistoptimist

outspokenoutspoken 直言的，坦率的直言的，坦率的乐观的人乐观的人

海军海军

冷却期冷却期

令人胆怯的令人胆怯的

火化火化

1st listening1st listening


Listen to the tape again. Then, choose the best answer to each of Listen to the tape again. Then, choose the best answer to each of the following questions. the following questions.

Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up


1.1. What was the speaker’s relationship with his father like What was the speaker’s relationship with his father like when he was young?when he was young?

A)A) They were a typically loving father and son.They were a typically loving father and son.

B)B) They were a typical father and son who fought They were a typical father and son who fought sometimes.sometimes.

C)C) They fought even more than in usual for a father They fought even more than in usual for a father and and son.son.

D)D) The speaker never knew his father, who was a The speaker never knew his father, who was a stranger to him.stranger to him.

1.1. What was the speaker’s relationship with his father like What was the speaker’s relationship with his father like when he was young?when he was young?

A)A) They were a typically loving father and son.They were a typically loving father and son.

B)B) They were a typical father and son who fought They were a typical father and son who fought sometimes.sometimes.

C)C) They fought even more than in usual for a father They fought even more than in usual for a father and and son.son.

D)D) The speaker never knew his father, who was a The speaker never knew his father, who was a stranger to him.stranger to him.


2.2. What were the personalities of the father and the son like?What were the personalities of the father and the son like?

A)A) The father was outgoing and the son was shy.The father was outgoing and the son was shy.

B)B) The father was shy and the son was outgoing.The father was shy and the son was outgoing.

C)C) They were too similar, which led them into conflict.They were too similar, which led them into conflict.

D)D) None of the above.None of the above.

2.2. What were the personalities of the father and the son like?What were the personalities of the father and the son like?

A)A) The father was outgoing and the son was shy.The father was outgoing and the son was shy.

B)B) The father was shy and the son was outgoing.The father was shy and the son was outgoing.

C)C) They were too similar, which led them into conflict.They were too similar, which led them into conflict.

D)D) None of the above.None of the above.


3.3. When did the relationship between the father and the son When did the relationship between the father and the son

begin to improve?begin to improve?

A)A) When the son became an outstanding student.When the son became an outstanding student.

B)B) When the son left home for college.When the son left home for college.

C)C) When the father began to get older.When the father began to get older.

D)D) When the father retired from the navy.When the father retired from the navy.

3.3. When did the relationship between the father and the son When did the relationship between the father and the son

begin to improve?begin to improve?

A)A) When the son became an outstanding student.When the son became an outstanding student.

B)B) When the son left home for college.When the son left home for college.

C)C) When the father began to get older.When the father began to get older.

D)D) When the father retired from the navy.When the father retired from the navy.


4.4. What is the relationship between the two men like at the What is the relationship between the two men like at the

end of the listening passage?end of the listening passage?

A)A) They are fighting just as much as ever.They are fighting just as much as ever.

B)B) They have less conflict, but still have difficulty They have less conflict, but still have difficulty

communicating.communicating.

C)C) They have resolved all of their troubles, and now They have resolved all of their troubles, and now

get get along well.along well.

D)D) They have agreed not to talk to each other any They have agreed not to talk to each other any

more.more.

ScriptScriptScriptScript

4.4. What is the relationship between the two men like at the What is the relationship between the two men like at the

end of the listening passage?end of the listening passage?

A)A) They are fighting just as much as ever.They are fighting just as much as ever.

B)B) They have less conflict, but still have difficulty They have less conflict, but still have difficulty

communicating.communicating.

C)C) They have resolved all of their troubles, and now They have resolved all of their troubles, and now

get get along well.along well.

D)D) They have agreed not to talk to each other any They have agreed not to talk to each other any

more.more.

In school, I was a disappointment to my father. He knew I In school, I was a disappointment to my father. He knew I

was smart and was furious that I didn’t get better grades.was smart and was furious that I didn’t get better grades.

Like most fathers and sons, we fought. But for us, there was Like most fathers and sons, we fought. But for us, there was

never any cooling-off period. It was just one long fight, a never any cooling-off period. It was just one long fight, a

continuous cold war, until I left for college.continuous cold war, until I left for college.

Our relationship finally began to soften as my father got Our relationship finally began to soften as my father got

older. He was no longer so physically intimidating. Now he older. He was no longer so physically intimidating. Now he

even needed my help sometimes.even needed my help sometimes.

At first, my father had not supported my decision to go into At first, my father had not supported my decision to go into

journalism, but now he is proud to be mistaken for Bill Heavy journalism, but now he is proud to be mistaken for Bill Heavy

“the writer.”“the writer.”

My father and I have never had an easy relationship. I’ve My father and I have never had an easy relationship. I’ve

always been quiet and bookish, like my mother. My father’s always been quiet and bookish, like my mother. My father’s

just the opposite: an outspoken optimist who never worries just the opposite: an outspoken optimist who never worries

about anything.about anything.

When I was young, my father and I had no way to When I was young, my father and I had no way to

communicate. Even though we lived in the same house, we communicate. Even though we lived in the same house, we

were almost complete strangers.were almost complete strangers.

When I was a teenager, every boy wanted to have long hair. When I was a teenager, every boy wanted to have long hair.

But my father, who had served proudly in the Navy, would But my father, who had served proudly in the Navy, would

march me down to the barbershop and tell the barber to cut it march me down to the barbershop and tell the barber to cut it

all off.all off.


Recently, my father and I met to talk about what will Recently, my father and I met to talk about what will

happen when he dies. He wanted me to know that his funeral happen when he dies. He wanted me to know that his funeral

was all taken care of. The Navy would cremate his body and was all taken care of. The Navy would cremate his body and

scatter the ashes at sea. He said he didn’t want me to be scatter the ashes at sea. He said he didn’t want me to be

burdened with it.burdened with it.

I had no way to tell him that I want to be burdened with it. I had no way to tell him that I want to be burdened with it.

That, as his son, it is my right to be burdened with it. That, as his son, it is my right to be burdened with it.

I didn’t know what to say, so I simply reached across the I didn’t know what to say, so I simply reached across the

table for his hand and held it in mine as I fought back the tears.table for his hand and held it in mine as I fought back the tears.

Intensive StudyIntensive Study


Text A:Text A:


By Bill HeavyBy Bill Heavy

11 When my father rings, I hurry down to the front door of my When my father rings, I hurry down to the front door of my

condo. condo.

There he is, in corduroy pants, the tread worn off the knees, and a shirt I outgrew in tenth grade.

He’s come to help me put in a new garbage disposal. Actually, I’m

helping him.

His mechanical gene passed over his only son, on its way to some future generation.

At 39, I’ve made my peace with this.


22 My father hasn’t been to my place since he helped me paint four My father hasn’t been to my place since he helped me paint four

years ago. The truth is, I’m often not sure how to talk to him. But years ago. The truth is, I’m often not sure how to talk to him. But

this time it will be easy. We have a job to do.this time it will be easy. We have a job to do.

33 In minutes he has In minutes he has taken over the whole enterprise, lying under the sink and squinting up into the machinery. And suddenly I am 12 years old again, watching him fix things and feeling useless.

44

As a child, I identified so strongly with my mother that I thought my father was just a long-term house guest with spanking privileges. She and I are bookish, introverted worriers. My father is an optimist who has never had a sleepless night in his life.


55 Like most fathers and sons, we fought. Like most fathers and sons, we fought.

But there was no cooling-off period between rounds. It was a cold war

lasting from the onset of my adolescence until I went off to college in

1973. I hated him. He was a former navy fighter pilot, with an

Irish temper and a belief that

all the problems of the world — including an overprotected son who neve

r saw anything through to completion — could be cured by the application

of more discipline

.


66

At a time when an eighth-grader’s social status was measured in the fract

ion of an inch of hair kissing his collar

, my father would march me down to the barbershop on Saturdays and

triumphantly tell the man with the scissors. “Just leave him enough to

comb.” I would close my eyes, determined not to give him the satisfaction

of seeing me cry. Without even thinking about it, I froze him out of my life,

speaking only when spoken to. I learned to use silence like a knife. My

one communiqué for an entire dinner was usually a sarcastic “

May I be excused now? I have homework.”


77 I lay awake at night imagining him being transferred by the gas I lay awake at night imagining him being transferred by the gas

company he worked for to an oil rig in company he worked for to an oil rig in the North Sea.

But it didn’t happen, and soon all that remained was the contest of wills.

88 I went off to college, but he was still in my head. I could hear his I went off to college, but he was still in my head. I could hear his

voice every time I voice every time I fell short in anything.

Only when I began seeing my freelance articles in print did I begin to feel

that I was slipping beyond his reach and into my own life.


99 Eventually I discovered that there is Eventually I discovered that there is

no anti-inflammatory agent like time. Now I wondered, could this aging 74-year-old be the giant who once thundered up the stairs to spank me, of whom I was so afraid that I wet my pants? In his place was someone I worried about, whom I dressed in my down hunting jacket for his annual pilgrimage to the Army-Navy game. My profession, which he had once ridiculed, saying, “Gee, do you think there’s any money in it?” now became a source of pride when fellow Rotarians mistook him for Bill Heavy “the writer.” It was as if now that I no longer needed so desperately to please him, I had succeeded. We had become two old veterans from opposing armies, shaking hands years after the fighting, the combat so distant as to be a dream.


1010 Before we can install the disposal, we have to snake out the Before we can install the disposal, we have to snake out the

pipes. Soon we get stuck trying to figure out how a gasket fits.pipes. Soon we get stuck trying to figure out how a gasket fits.

1111 “Ah,” he says finally, “we’re going to have to call a plumber.”“Ah,” he says finally, “we’re going to have to call a plumber.”

1212 This is not how I remember him. He used to be so stubborn, the This is not how I remember him. He used to be so stubborn, the

kind of guy who could make kind of guy who could make IRS examiners throw up their hands in

frustration and let him off.

Now that I have his mind-set and don’t want to give up, it’s as if he’s acqu

ired mine.


1313 He says, “Besides, I He says, “Besides, I gotta get home. Your mother and I have to be at a dinner party at 7:30.”

1414 ““Don’t you pay for the plumber,” he says. “Putting this thing in is part of my Christmas present to you.”

1515 Though we’ve failed to install the disposal, it’s been oddly Though we’ve failed to install the disposal, it’s been oddly

satisfying. satisfying. At last we’re on even ground. Maybe he wasn’t the best father. Maybe I wasn’t the best son, but I realize I will never be ready to cope with his leaving. I know that I’m luckier than some of my friends, whose fathers died while they were still locked in the battle that neither really wanted.


1616 The plumber comes two days later. He The plumber comes two days later. He secures the disposal in its

place as easily as I buckle my belt.

1717 Not long ago, I started badgering my parents to get their estate Not long ago, I started badgering my parents to get their estate

in order. They didn’t want to deal with it. I finally wrote them a letter in order. They didn’t want to deal with it. I finally wrote them a letter

saying if I were a parent, I would want to saying if I were a parent, I would want to make damn sure the IRS got

as little of my money as possible. I knew this would

push my father’s buttons. It worked. They met with a lawyer.


1818 Later, my father and I lunch at a restaurant near my office so he Later, my father and I lunch at a restaurant near my office so he can can fill me in on the details. “One thing I don’t want you to worry about is what’ll happen to me,” he says, with the satisfied air of a man who has taken care of business. “The Navy will cremate me for free.”

1919 “And what about the ashes?” I ask, concerned only with “And what about the ashes?” I ask, concerned only with practical things. It is as if we are talking about how to get rid of the practical things. It is as if we are talking about how to get rid of the old disposal.old disposal.

2020 “They scatter them at sea.” He turns away, looking around for “They scatter them at sea.” He turns away, looking around for our waiter. our waiter. Something breaks inside me. When he turns back, I am crying, hot tears springing up in my eyes so suddenly I’m almost choking.


2121 “I don’t want you to die,” I manage to say. “I don’t want them to “I don’t want you to die,” I manage to say. “I don’t want them to

scatter your ashes. I’ll scatter your ashes.”scatter your ashes. I’ll scatter your ashes.”

2222 “Oh, Bill,” he says, “Oh, Bill,” he says, taken aback, totally at a loss about what to say. “I just didn’t want to burden you with it.”

2323 I have no way to tell him that I want to be burdened with it, that I have no way to tell him that I want to be burdened with it, that

it is my birth right to be burdened with it. “I know,” I say.it is my birth right to be burdened with it. “I know,” I say.

2424 I don’t even look around to see if anybody is watching. I don’t I don’t even look around to see if anybody is watching. I don’t

care. I reach across the table for his hand and hold it, trying to stop care. I reach across the table for his hand and hold it, trying to stop

the tears. the tears.

(1192 words)(1192 words)


There he is, in corduroy pants, the tread worn off the There he is, in corduroy pants, the tread worn off the knees, and a shirt I outgrew in tenth grade.knees, and a shirt I outgrew in tenth grade.

Translate the sentence:Translate the sentence:

??

Key:Key:

他站在那儿，穿一条膝盖处棱纹已被磨平的灯心绒裤他站在那儿，穿一条膝盖处棱纹已被磨平的灯心绒裤子和一件我子和一件我 1010 年级时就穿不下的衬衫。年级时就穿不下的衬衫。

More to learnMore to learnMore to learnMore to learn

outgrow outgrow vt.vt.

— — (1) (1) grow too large or too tall for (esp. one’s clothes)grow too large or too tall for (esp. one’s clothes)

(2) grow faster or taller than(2) grow faster or taller than

(3)(3) leave behind, as one grows older (bad habits, leave behind, as one grows older (bad habits, childish interests, opinions, etc.) childish interests, opinions, etc.)

Examples:Examples:

•• My seven-year-old son had new shoes in April and My seven-year-old son had new shoes in April and he’s already he’s already outgrownoutgrown them. them.

•• He is only a high school student but he has already He is only a high school student but he has already outgrownoutgrown his father. his father.

•• Stay Stay in touch with the practical world, then you will in touch with the practical world, then you will outgrowoutgrow your youthful idealism soon. your youthful idealism soon.

His mechanical gene passed over his only son, on His mechanical gene passed over his only son, on its way to some future generation.its way to some future generation.


??

Key:Key:

他在机械方面的基因在传给后代的过程中同他的独生儿子擦他在机械方面的基因在传给后代的过程中同他的独生儿子擦肩而过了。肩而过了。

Paraphrase the sentence:Paraphrase the sentence:

??

Key:Key:

—— As his only son, I haven’t inherited from him his gift As his only son, I haven’t inherited from him his gift

in handling machines, a gift which my children or in handling machines, a gift which my children or

grand-children may inherit some time in the future.grand-children may inherit some time in the future.


pass overpass over

— — fail to choose; disregardfail to choose; disregard

Examples:Examples:

•• Neither of us got the job. We were both Neither of us got the job. We were both passed overpassed over..

•• He was He was passed overpassed over for chairmanship, and another for chairmanship, and another man was appointed instead.man was appointed instead.

At 39, I’ve made my peace with this.At 39, I’ve made my peace with this.


??

Key:Key:

—— At 39, I’ve accepted the fact (that I have no At 39, I’ve accepted the fact (that I have no

mechanical gene) and stopped making any further mechanical gene) and stopped making any further

efforts.efforts.


make one’s peace with (usu. sb.)make one’s peace with (usu. sb.)

—— put an end to quarrelling with (sb.), esp. by apologizinput an end to quarrelling with (sb.), esp. by apologizing; accept g; accept

Examples:Examples:

•• She has She has made peace withmade peace with her neighbor. her neighbor.

•• Stop fighting you two Stop fighting you two — shake hands and — shake hands and make peace make peace withwith each other. each other.

take overtake over

—— to assume the control or management ofto assume the control or management of

Examples:Examples:

•• When Mr. Green retired, his son When Mr. Green retired, his son took overtook over the the business from him. business from him.

•• It was in 1948 that the government It was in 1948 that the government took overtook over the the railways there. railways there.

enterpriseenterprise n.n.

— — sth. new, difficult, or important that one does or tries sth. new, difficult, or important that one does or tries to doto do

Examples:Examples:

•• He said he had doubts about the whole He said he had doubts about the whole enterpriseenterprise. .

•• The music festival is a new The music festival is a new enterpriseenterprise which we hope which we hope will become an annual event.will become an annual event.

As a child, I identified so strongly with my mother that As a child, I identified so strongly with my mother that I thought my father was just a long-term house guest I thought my father was just a long-term house guest with spanking privileges.with spanking privileges.


??

Key:Key:

—— As a child, I was very much close to my mother that As a child, I was very much close to my mother that

I thought my father was merely a guest who always I thought my father was merely a guest who always

stayed in our house and with the special right to stayed in our house and with the special right to

spank a child.spank a child.


If you If you identifyidentify withwith someone, you feel that you are someone, you feel that you are similar to them in some way or associated with them, or similar to them in some way or associated with them, or that you understand them or their feelings or ideas.that you understand them or their feelings or ideas.

Examples:Examples:

•• I found it hard to I found it hard to identify withidentify with any of the characters in any of the characters in the film. the film.

•• Many women of normal weight feel unable to Many women of normal weight feel unable to identify identify withwith the super thin models. the super thin models.

But there was no cooling-off period between rounds.But there was no cooling-off period between rounds.


??

Key:Key:

—— But the fight was a continuous one with no pause But the fight was a continuous one with no pause

between rounds of fight.between rounds of fight.

— — 1)1) a a state of political tension and military rivalry state of political tension and military rivalry between nations that stops short of full-scale warbetween nations that stops short of full-scale war

2) 2) a state of rivalry and tension between two factions, a state of rivalry and tension between two factions, groups, or individuals that stops short of open, groups, or individuals that stops short of open,

violent confrontationviolent confrontation

cold warcold war

Irish temperIrish temper

— — fierce or hot temperfierce or hot temper

Examples:Examples:

•• ““The The Irish temperIrish temper is definitely there, and I don't think is definitely there, and I don't think I've ever met an Irish man that doesn't have an Irish I've ever met an Irish man that doesn't have an Irish temper.”temper.”

•• Don’t try to intimidate him. It only makes him lose his Don’t try to intimidate him. It only makes him lose his Irish temperIrish temper. .

all the problems of the world — including an all the problems of the world — including an overprotected son who never saw anything through to overprotected son who never saw anything through to completion — could be cured by the application of completion — could be cured by the application of more disciplinemore discipline


??

Key:Key:

—— all the problems of the world could be solved by all the problems of the world could be solved by

applying stricter rules and punishment, including applying stricter rules and punishment, including

the problem of a child who was cared too much by the problem of a child who was cared too much by its its

parents and always gave up halfwayparents and always gave up halfway


see sth. through (to completion)see sth. through (to completion)

— — not abandon sth. (such as a task, undertaking, etc.) not abandon sth. (such as a task, undertaking, etc.) uuntil it is finishedntil it is finished

Examples:Examples:

•• She’s determined to She’s determined to seesee the project the project through (to through (to completion) completion) and then she will resign from the board and then she will resign from the board of directors.of directors.

•• Mr. Brown will remain at the Department of Mr. Brown will remain at the Department of Economic Affairs to Economic Affairs to seesee the policy the policy throughthrough..

at a time when an eighth-grader’s social status was at a time when an eighth-grader’s social status was measured in the fraction of an inch of hair kissing his measured in the fraction of an inch of hair kissing his collarcollar


??

Key:Key:

—— at a time when an eighth-grader was judged to be a at a time when an eighth-grader was judged to be a

good or a bad child by whether the hair he wore was good or a bad child by whether the hair he wore was

a bit too long so that it touched toe collara bit too long so that it touched toe collar

If you If you freezefreeze someone someone out ofout of an activity or a situation, an activity or a situation, you intentionally prevent him from being involved in it by you intentionally prevent him from being involved in it by creating difficulties or by being unfriendly.creating difficulties or by being unfriendly.

Examples:Examples:

•• They turned their backs on me to They turned their backs on me to freeze freeze me me out ofout of the the conversation. conversation.

•• Small shops are being Small shops are being frozen outfrozen out by the big by the big supermarkets. supermarkets.

If you If you ask to ask to be excusedbe excused or you ask someone to or you ask someone to excuse excuse youyou, you are asking them to allow you to leave. The , you are asking them to allow you to leave. The question “May I be excused?” is used especially by question “May I be excused?” is used especially by children to ask permission to go to the toilet.children to ask permission to go to the toilet.

Examples:Examples:

•• Will you Will you excuse meexcuse me for a second? for a second?

•• You’ll have to You’ll have to excuse meexcuse me, I ought to be saying , I ought to be saying good-bye. good-bye.

Text-related informationText-related information

the North Seathe North Sea

The North Sea is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between The North Sea is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between

Great Britain and northwest Europe. It is connected Great Britain and northwest Europe. It is connected

with the English Channel by the Strait of Dover. Major with the English Channel by the Strait of Dover. Major

reserves of oil and natural gas were discovered beneath reserves of oil and natural gas were discovered beneath

its waters in the late 1960's.its waters in the late 1960's.

But it didn’t happen, and soon all that remained was But it didn’t happen, and soon all that remained was the contest of wills.the contest of wills.


??

Key:Key:

但这事并没有发生，很快剩下的就只有意志之间的较但这事并没有发生，很快剩下的就只有意志之间的较量了。量了。

fall shortfall short

— — fail to come up to a standard or requirementfail to come up to a standard or requirement

Examples:Examples:

•• August car sales August car sales fell shortfell short of the industry’s of the industry’s expectations.expectations.

•• She was very beautiful, but she She was very beautiful, but she fell shortfell short of the of the requirements for an actress. requirements for an actress.

Only when I began seeing my freelance articles in print Only when I began seeing my freelance articles in print did I begin to feel that I was slipping beyond his reach did I begin to feel that I was slipping beyond his reach and into my own life.and into my own life.


??

Key:Key:

—— Only when I became a freelance writer and began to Only when I became a freelance writer and began to

have my articles published did I begin to feel that I have my articles published did I begin to feel that I

was quietly getting out of his control and starting to was quietly getting out of his control and starting to

live an independent life.live an independent life.


If someone If someone slipsslips into a particular state or activity, they into a particular state or activity, they change to it in a way that is hardly noticed.change to it in a way that is hardly noticed.

Examples:Examples:

•• Take care not to Take care not to slipslip back into your bad habits. back into your bad habits.

•• It’s sad to see one’s own son It’s sad to see one’s own son slippingslipping into evil ways. into evil ways.

no … like sth./nothing like sth.no … like sth./nothing like sth.

—— there is nothing as good as sth.(e.g. a situation, thing, there is nothing as good as sth.(e.g. a situation, thing, or person) mentioned.or person) mentioned.

Examples:Examples:

•• There is There is nothing likenothing like education for breaking down education for breaking down class barriers. class barriers.

•• There is There is nono place place likelike home. home.

In his place was someone I worried about, whom I In his place was someone I worried about, whom I dressed in my down hunting jacket for his annual dressed in my down hunting jacket for his annual pilgrimage to the Army-Navy game.pilgrimage to the Army-Navy game.


??

Key:Key:

取而代之的是一个让我担心的人，在他去看一年一度取而代之的是一个让我担心的人，在他去看一年一度陆军队对海军队的比赛时，我都会给他穿上我的羽绒陆军队对海军队的比赛时，我都会给他穿上我的羽绒猎服。猎服。


the Rotary Internationalthe Rotary International

The Rotary International is an organization founded in The Rotary International is an organization founded in

the U.S. in 1905 of business and professional leaders the U.S. in 1905 of business and professional leaders

united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service,

encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and

help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are

approximately 1.2 million Rotarians, members of more approximately 1.2 million Rotarians, members of more

than 29,000 Rotary clubs in 161 countries.than 29,000 Rotary clubs in 161 countries.

now that now that conj.conj.

— — as a consequence of the fact that; sinceas a consequence of the fact that; since

Examples:Examples:

•• Now that Now that spring is here, we can expect milder weather.spring is here, we can expect milder weather.

•• Now thatNow that I am retired, I can read all the books I’ve I am retired, I can read all the books I’ve always meant to read.always meant to read.


IRSIRS

abbr. Internal Revenue Service abbr. Internal Revenue Service 美国国税局美国国税局The Internal Revenue Service is the national tax collectThe Internal Revenue Service is the national tax collect

ion agency in U.S. and administers the Internal Revenuion agency in U.S. and administers the Internal Revenu

e Code enacted by Congress. Its mission: to provide Ae Code enacted by Congress. Its mission: to provide A

merica's taxpayers with top quality service by helping tmerica's taxpayers with top quality service by helping t

hem understand and meet their tax responsibilities and hem understand and meet their tax responsibilities and

by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to alby applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to al

l.l.

throw up one’s handsthrow up one’s hands

— — show that one is annoyed or has given up hope with sb. show that one is annoyed or has given up hope with sb. or sth. that causes troubleor sth. that causes trouble

Example:Example:

•• He He threw up his handsthrew up his hands and abandoned the argument. and abandoned the argument.

•• I spent a whole day trying to make it work properly, I spent a whole day trying to make it work properly, but finally I but finally I threw up my handsthrew up my hands in frustration and in frustration and gave it up.gave it up.

let sb. offlet sb. off

— — excuse; not compel; not punish (severely)excuse; not compel; not punish (severely)

Example:Example:

•• He was He was let offlet off with a fine instead of being sent to with a fine instead of being sent to prison.prison.

•• The judge felt sorry for the thief and The judge felt sorry for the thief and let him off.let him off.

Now that I have his mind-set and don’t want to give Now that I have his mind-set and don’t want to give up, it’s as if he’s acquired mine.up, it’s as if he’s acquired mine.


??

Key:Key:

现在我有了他的心态，不再想放弃，而他似乎却染上现在我有了他的心态，不再想放弃，而他似乎却染上我以前的心态。我以前的心态。

gottagotta

— — (U.S. slang) ((U.S. slang) (have) got tohave) got to

Example:Example:

•• I’ve I’ve gottagotta go. go.

•• She’sShe’s gotta gotta work hard for her living.work hard for her living.

Don’t you pay for the plumber.Don’t you pay for the plumber.

— — Don’t pay for the plumber.Don’t pay for the plumber.

Example:Example:

•• Don’t youDon’t you open the window. open the window.

DDon’t you do somethingon’t you do something is a negative command with the is a negative command with the subject subject you you retained, which, in a more common type of retained, which, in a more common type of command, is omitted. This type of command is usually command, is omitted. This type of command is usually admonitory in tone and frequently expresses a strong admonitory in tone and frequently expresses a strong feeling of anxiety, irritation, etc.feeling of anxiety, irritation, etc.

At last we’re on even ground.At last we’re on even ground.


??

Key:Key:

我们最终打了个平手。我们最终打了个平手。


??

Key:Key:

—— At last we become equally matched father and son.At last we become equally matched father and son.

If you If you areare locked in locked in a fight, argument or other conflict a fight, argument or other conflict with someone, you are in a situation where you both try with someone, you are in a situation where you both try hard to win and are both equally strong.hard to win and are both equally strong.

Examples:Examples:

•• Rebel groups and government forces are Rebel groups and government forces are locked inlocked in a a fierce battle for control of the country. fierce battle for control of the country.

•• He’s He’s locked inlocked in a test of wills with the Prime Minister. a test of wills with the Prime Minister.

secure secure v.v.

— — make firm or tight; fastenmake firm or tight; fasten

Example:Example:

•• She stood in front of the mirror, trying hard to She stood in front of the mirror, trying hard to securesecure her chignonher chignon （（发髻）发髻） with hairpins.with hairpins.

•• The air hostess sent the little boy to go down the aisle The air hostess sent the little boy to go down the aisle first. To her surprise, he seemed to have no problem fifirst. To her surprise, he seemed to have no problem figuring out how to find his chair and guring out how to find his chair and secure secure the seatbelthe seatbelt. t.

make damn suremake damn sure

— — make absolutely suremake absolutely sure

Example:Example:

•• I knewI knew damn damn well what he was going to say.well what he was going to say.

Damn Damn is used in very informal English for emphases. is used in very informal English for emphases.

push sb.’s buttonspush sb.’s buttons

— — start sb. in actionstart sb. in action

Example:Example:

•• I hope these articles about deforestation and global I hope these articles about deforestation and global warming will warming will push the readers’ buttonspush the readers’ buttons. .

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

•• ??

fill sb. in (on sth.)fill sb. in (on sth.)

— — give sb. full details (about sth.)give sb. full details (about sth.)

Examples:Examples:

•• Come on back to my house, and I’ll Come on back to my house, and I’ll fill you in on fill you in on how how to bake a cake. to bake a cake.

•• I wasn’t there yesterday. Could you I wasn’t there yesterday. Could you fill me in onfill me in on what what happened.happened.

air air n.n.

— — appearance; mannerappearance; manner

Example:Example:

•• He has anHe has an air air of mystery. of mystery.

•• There was an There was an airair of tension at the meeting. of tension at the meeting.

Something breaks inside me.Something breaks inside me.


??

Key:Key:

—— An emotion is stirred up inside me.An emotion is stirred up inside me.

be taken abackbe taken aback

— — be startledbe startled

Examples:Examples:

•• She was She was taken abacktaken aback to see him looking so ill. to see him looking so ill.

•• The manager was The manager was taken abacktaken aback at the news that some at the news that some company had already launched the product into the company had already launched the product into the market. market.

at a lossat a loss

— — perplexed; uncertainperplexed; uncertain

Examples:Examples:

•• He was He was at a lossat a loss to know what to do in such an to know what to do in such an embarrassing situation.embarrassing situation.

•• Too often the poor boy finds himself Too often the poor boy finds himself at a lossat a loss for for words. He searches frantically for some way to express words. He searches frantically for some way to express all that he feels, but his mind is totally empty.all that he feels, but his mind is totally empty.

Unit 7 Unit 7 • • ExercisesExercises

• ComprehensionComprehension

• Vocabulary

• Listening

Exercises Exercises • • ComprehensionComprehension

《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. II, p. 194Ex. II, p. 194《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. II, p. 194Ex. II, p. 194

1.1. Was the son good at mechanical things?Was the son good at mechanical things?

2.2. Who did the son like better when he was a boy, his mother or Who did the son like better when he was a boy, his mother or his father?his father?

Answer the following questions:

No, he wasn’t good at mechanical things. No, he wasn’t good at mechanical things.

He liked his mother better. He liked his mother better.


3.3. Why was the father so strict with his son when the latter was Why was the father so strict with his son when the latter was young?young?

4.4. Why did the son dislike his father when he was young?Why did the son dislike his father when he was young?

Because the father thought that, with strict discipline, he Because the father thought that, with strict discipline, he could turn his son into somebody great. could turn his son into somebody great.

Because the son was always overwhelmed by the father, Because the son was always overwhelmed by the father, and he thought he could never be a better person than his and he thought he could never be a better person than his father was.father was.


5.5. How did the son show his dislike for his father? How did the son show his dislike for his father?

6.6. What, according to the text, helped improve the father-and-What, according to the text, helped improve the father-and-son relationship? son relationship?

The son seldom spoke to the father unless spoken to. The son seldom spoke to the father unless spoken to.

Time helped improve their relationship. Time helped improve their relationship.


7.7. Was the son’s profession still ridiculed by the father? Was the son’s profession still ridiculed by the father?

8.8. If the father had been younger, what would he have done If the father had been younger, what would he have done

with the gasket that did not fit? with the gasket that did not fit?

No, his profession became instead a source of pride for the No, his profession became instead a source of pride for the father. father.

The father would have persisted until the gasket finally fit. The father would have persisted until the gasket finally fit.


9.9. Why did the son consider the failed installation as a satisfying Why did the son consider the failed installation as a satisfying experience? experience?

10.10. How did the son succeed in persuading his father to take care How did the son succeed in persuading his father to take care of the latter’s estate? of the latter’s estate?

Because the father came to admit that there was Because the father came to admit that there was something that he too could not manage, thus putting his something that he too could not manage, thus putting his son and him on even ground. son and him on even ground.

He succeeded by writing a letter telling his father what he He succeeded by writing a letter telling his father what he would do in the latter’s place. would do in the latter’s place.


11.11. When did the son reveal fully his love for his father? When did the son reveal fully his love for his father?

12.12. Did the father anticipate his son’s emotional breakdown? Did the father anticipate his son’s emotional breakdown? Why? Why?

When he and his father discussed matter-of-factly about When he and his father discussed matter-of-factly about the disposal of his father’s ashes. the disposal of his father’s ashes.

No, he didn’t. because he thought that his son would not No, he didn’t. because he thought that his son would not bother with him. bother with him.


• VocabularyVocabulary Ex. IVEx. IV

Ex. VEx. V

Exercises Exercises • • VocabularyVocabulary

《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. IV, p. 195Ex. IV, p. 195《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. IV, p. 195Ex. IV, p. 195


1.1. Johnny is only 15 but he ____________ his mother by five Johnny is only 15 but he ____________ his mother by five

inches.inches.

agent agent estate estate fraction fraction garbage garbage install install optimist optimist outgrow outgrow reach reach

stubborn stubborn transfer transfer identifyidentify




2.2. Cockroaches have earned a bad reputation because they Cockroaches have earned a bad reputation because they

feed on _______.feed on _______.

IV.IV. 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.

has outgrownhas outgrown

garbagegarbage

3.3. Arab Americans have tended to ________ more strongly Arab Americans have tended to ________ more strongly

with their Muslim heritage.with their Muslim heritage.


4.4. I have moments of despair, but fundamentally I am a(n) I have moments of despair, but fundamentally I am a(n)

________.________.


identifyidentify

optimistoptimist





5.5. She hesitated for a ________ of a second before accepting his She hesitated for a ________ of a second before accepting his

challenge to a game of tennis.challenge to a game of tennis.


6.6. Thanks to the Internet, data can now _____________ easily Thanks to the Internet, data can now _____________ easily

from one computer to another.from one computer to another.


fractionfraction

be transferredbe transferred





7.7. Drums can be used to convey messages over distances Drums can be used to convey messages over distances

beyond the human voice’s _____.beyond the human voice’s _____.


8.8. Technological advances are the chief ______ of change.Technological advances are the chief ______ of change.


reachreach

agentsagents





9.9. In 1894 bottling machines ______________ in a Mississippi In 1894 bottling machines ______________ in a Mississippi

factory and the first bottled Coke was produced.factory and the first bottled Coke was produced.


10.10. There are laws to specify the person(s) who will obtain a There are laws to specify the person(s) who will obtain a

dead person’s ______ if no will exists.dead person’s ______ if no will exists.


were installedwere installed

estateestate





《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. V, p. 195Ex. V, p. 195《读写教程 IV 》 : Ex. V, p. 195Ex. V, p. 195


V.V. Replace the italicized red parts in the following sentences Replace the italicized red parts in the following sentences with words or expressions from the text.with words or expressions from the text.


1.1. Laura filed a lawsuit against her company for Laura filed a lawsuit against her company for ignoringignoring her her

for promotion because she was pregnant. for promotion because she was pregnant.

Laura filed a lawsuit against her company forLaura filed a lawsuit against her company for passingpassing herher

overover for promotion because she was pregnant.for promotion because she was pregnant.



2.2. The president ought to seize the opportunity to The president ought to seize the opportunity to stop stop

quarrellingquarrelling with political parties and negotiate a speedy with political parties and negotiate a speedy

return to democracy. return to democracy.

The president ought to seize the opportunity to The president ought to seize the opportunity to makemake his his

peacepeace with political parties and negotiate a speedy return to with political parties and negotiate a speedy return to

democracy. democracy.



3.3. The Clayton Antitrust Act declared illegal such practices as The Clayton Antitrust Act declared illegal such practices as

price-cutting to price-cutting to drive competitors out of businessdrive competitors out of business. .

The Clayton Antitrust Act declared illegal such practices as The Clayton Antitrust Act declared illegal such practices as

price-cutting to price-cutting to freeze competitors out of businessfreeze competitors out of business..



4.4. He was very intelligent, but he He was very intelligent, but he failed to meetfailed to meet the the

requirements for a manager. requirements for a manager.

He was very intelligent, but he He was very intelligent, but he fell short offell short of the requirements the requirements

for a manager.for a manager.



5.5. The earliest European description of the American The earliest European description of the American

continent appeared continent appeared in published formin published form in 1505. in 1505.

The earliest European description of the American continent The earliest European description of the American continent

appeared appeared in printin print in 1505. in 1505.



6.6. Children from age 6 to age 14 in Germany attend full-time Children from age 6 to age 14 in Germany attend full-time

school school without paymentwithout payment. .

Children from age 6 to age 14 in Germany attend full-time Children from age 6 to age 14 in Germany attend full-time

school school for freefor free..



7.7. Workers are tearing open roads to Workers are tearing open roads to laylay new cables. new cables.

Workers are tearing open roads to Workers are tearing open roads to put input in new cables. new cables.



8.8. The Foreign Ministry holds weekly press conferences to The Foreign Ministry holds weekly press conferences to letlet

reporters reporters knowknow the latest developments in diplomacy. the latest developments in diplomacy.

The Foreign Ministry holds weekly press conferences to The Foreign Ministry holds weekly press conferences to fillfill

reporters reporters in onin on the latest developments in diplomacy. the latest developments in diplomacy.



9.9. First offenders of traffic regulations are sometimes First offenders of traffic regulations are sometimes let go let go

without any punishmentwithout any punishment. .

First offenders of traffic regulations are sometimes First offenders of traffic regulations are sometimes let offlet off..



10.10. Mother was Mother was startled atstartled at the news and broke several plates. the news and broke several plates.

Mother was Mother was taken aback bytaken aback by the news and broke several the news and broke several

plates. plates.



11.11. Having broken with his girlfriend and standing alone in the Having broken with his girlfriend and standing alone in the

street with his suitcase, George street with his suitcase, George did not knowdid not know where to go or where to go or

what to do. what to do.

Having broken with his girlfriend and standing alone in the Having broken with his girlfriend and standing alone in the

street with his suitcase, George street with his suitcase, George was at a losswas at a loss where to go or where to go or

what to do. what to do.



12.12. It rook me nearly a month to It rook me nearly a month to get free ofget free of my cough. my cough.

It rook me nearly a month toIt rook me nearly a month to get rid ofget rid of my cough. my cough.

ListeningListening

《听说教程 IV 》 : Part 2.2, p. 88Part 2.2, p. 88《听说教程 IV 》 : Part 2.2, p. 88Part 2.2, p. 88

ListeningListening

Directions:Directions: Listen to the following conversation twice and then Listen to the following conversation twice and then answer some questions.answer some questions.

1st listening1st listening1st listening1st listening

Exercises Exercises • • ListeningListening

(Two sisters talking about their brother)(Two sisters talking about their brother)Judy: Judy: This is a sad time. The death of our father has This is a sad time. The death of our father has

been been difficult for us.difficult for us.Becky: Becky: Yes, and especially for Bill, but can you imagine Yes, and especially for Bill, but can you imagine

how much more difficult it would have been how much more difficult it would have been 1)____________________________________________1)__________________________________________________________?______________?

Judy : Judy : I’d hate to think what it would’ve been like if they I’d hate to think what it would’ve been like if they hadn’t. Do you remember how stubborn Dad was hadn’t. Do you remember how stubborn Dad was when it came to when it came to

2)_____________________________? 2)_____________________________? I always felt sorry I always felt sorry for Bill having to have his hair for Bill having to have his hair cut cut short short — navy style — navy style — while all his friends had — while all his friends had longer hair.longer hair.

Becky:Becky: Then there was Dad’s Irish temper. If Bill Then there was Dad’s Irish temper. If Bill disagreed disagreed with him over anything, Dad would with him over anything, Dad would 3)____________ that seemed to last forever!3)____________ that seemed to last forever!

Judy: Judy: It was easy to see why Bill finally gave up It was easy to see why Bill finally gave up 4)______________________ and just kept silent, 4)______________________ and just kept silent, saying saying as little as possible.as little as possible.

Becky: Becky: I think the turning point in their relationship I think the turning point in their relationship came came after Bill became successful as a writer. Up until after Bill became successful as a writer. Up until

then it seemed Bill could never please him.then it seemed Bill could never please him.

Judy : Judy : You’re tight. Dad had even ridiculed Bill for You’re tight. Dad had even ridiculed Bill for choosing to be a writer, thinking choosing to be a writer, thinking 5)____________________________________________5)_____________________________________________________________________._________________________.

Becky:Becky: Well, Bill certainly proved him wrong. Suddenly Well, Bill certainly proved him wrong. Suddenly Dad couldn’t brag enough about his son, the Dad couldn’t brag enough about his son, the

famous writer.famous writer.

2nd listening2nd listening2nd listening2nd listening














Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up








accepting new ideas and fashionsaccepting new ideas and fashionsaccepting new ideas and fashionsaccepting new ideas and fashions

go into a ragego into a ragego into a ragego into a rage

if he and Dad hadn’t settled their differencesif he and Dad hadn’t settled their differencesbefore Dad diedbefore Dad died








trying to reason with himtrying to reason with himtrying to reason with himtrying to reason with him

He could never be a success in anything that didn’tHe could never be a success in anything that didn’trequire hard, physical laborrequire hard, physical labor


Listen to the conversation again and answer the following Listen to the conversation again and answer the following questions. questions.

1.1. What if Bill and his Dad hadn’t settled their difference What if Bill and his Dad hadn’t settled their difference before Dad died?before Dad died?

It would have been a lot more difficult for Bill.It would have been a lot more difficult for Bill.


2.2. What was the Dad’s attitude towards new ideas and What was the Dad’s attitude towards new ideas and fashions?fashions?

He was very stubborn and refused to accept them.He was very stubborn and refused to accept them.

3.3. What would the Dad become if Bill disagreed with him?What would the Dad become if Bill disagreed with him?

He would become very angry/go into a rage.He would become very angry/go into a rage.


4.4. When did their relationship begin to improve?When did their relationship begin to improve?

After Bill became successful as writer.After Bill became successful as writer.

5.5. What did the Dad use to think of his son choosing to be a What did the Dad use to think of his son choosing to be a writer?writer?

He used to ridicule him for choosing to be a writer, He used to ridicule him for choosing to be a writer, thinking he could never be a success.thinking he could never be a success.

1.1. Review Text AReview Text A

2.2. Do exercises:Do exercises:

•• Word BuildingWord Building (Ex. VI & VII, p. 196)(Ex. VI & VII, p. 196)

•• Structure Structure (Ex. VIII & IX, p. 197)(Ex. VIII & IX, p. 197)

•• TranslationTranslation (Ex. X & XI, p. 198)(Ex. X & XI, p. 198)

AssignmentAssignmentAssignmentAssignment

Documents

Unit 7: Part A My Father’s Son 21st Century College English: Book 4