夜雨聆风学习资料网 资料列表 开通 VIP 用登录 / 注册 ⌄
PDF

外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语

查看资料信息、公开预览和下载状态。

共 138 页PDF · 16.9MB
下载

文档在线预览

公开展示前 10 页
100%
1
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第1页预览
2
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第2页预览
3
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第3页预览
4
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第4页预览
5
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第5页预览
6
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第6页预览
7
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第7页预览
8
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第8页预览
9
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第9页预览
10
《外研版高中英语选择性必修第四册_初高中资料库_高中资料库(转存避免链接过期失效)_高中英语》第10页预览

本文档共 138 页 剩余 128 页未展示,请下载后查阅

下载

文档文本内容

普通高中教科书
第四册
选择性必修
第四册
主 
编:陈 
琳
普通高中教科书
选择性必修
北京
主    编:陈  琳
副  主  编:张连仲
编    者:刘  晓  李陆桂  张京生  钱建源  徐  浩  雷传利
          (按照姓氏笔画排序)
项目策划:王  芳  王  勇
项目负责:张黎新  郎  崧  张  涛
基础教育出版分社:
     地    址:北京市西三环北路19 号  外研社大厦  基础教育出版分社(100089)
     咨询电话:(010)88819117/88819688
     传    真:(010)88819423
本教材是外语教学与研究出版社根据教育部制定的《普通高中英语课程标准(2017 年版)》,在充分
调研和科学论证的基础上推出的中小学“一条龙”英语教材——《英语》(新标准)的高中部分。
本教材的主编为北京外国语大学陈琳教授,副主编为张连仲教授,编写团队包括国内高校的知名专家
学者、教研人员和一线教师。陈琳教授秉承周恩来总理提出的“一条龙”外语教学理念,总结自己从事
外语教育工作70 年的经验,提出了符合中国外语教育实践的教育理论——辩证实践外语教育途径,并在
《英语》(新标准)教材中贯彻实施。
根据教育部2017 年新课程标准的精神,我们启动了《英语》(新标准)高中教材的修订工作。本次
修订全面依托新课程标准要求,坚持陈琳教授的特色理论,由陈琳教授、张连仲教授指导编写团队,在充
分考虑我国英语教育实际学情和教情的前提下,进行了全面的框架重建和内容设计,保证了理论与实践的
紧密结合。
《英语》(新标准)高中教材共分10 册:1—3 册为必修课程教材,4—7 册为选择性必修课程教材,
8—10 册为选修课程中的提高类教材。
选择性必修课程教材与必修课程教材形成递进关系,进一步夯实基础,为学生的深度发展与进阶做好
准备,既适应今后高考的普遍要求,也能够适应学生今后人生和职业发展的语言需求。《英语》(新标准)
选择性必修课程教材的主要特色如下:
一、坚持立德树人根本任务。在教材的选材、内容、语言等各个方面突出学科的育人本质,帮助学生更好
地培育中国情怀,坚定文化自信,拓展国际视野,形成正确的世界观、人生观和价值观。
二、突出学科核心素养的重要性,全面培养学生的语言能力、文化意识、思维品质和学习能力,帮助学生
逐步形成正确的价值观念、必备品格和关键能力。
三、坚持理论与实践的辩证关系。从语言实践的角度设计教材的主题架构、内容结构直至每一项具体活
动,确保有实践、可实践,并通过实践促进提升,帮助学生形成素养,发展素养。
四、遵循“理解—发展—实践”的原则,以“主题”为纲设计单元任务,重要题材在各册教材中均得到体
现,且内容逐步扩展加深、螺旋式上升,符合语言教学规律。
五、语篇题材多样、体裁丰富,语言地道鲜活、难度适中,符合学生的兴趣特点,同时能够提升学生的语
篇意识,丰富语言感知与学习体验。
六、活动设计紧密围绕主题语境,更加突出综合技能的整合训练,充分体现了英语学习活动观;同时强调
交际情境的真实性和丰富性,帮助学生掌握语言技能、建构完善的知识基础,在实践中逐步形成交际
能力,培养在获取信息、处理信息、重构信息过程中的逻辑思维、多元思维和批判性思维。
七、强调学习策略的培养,鼓励学生通过体验、实践、讨论、合作、探究等方式,利用各种学习资源完成
学习任务、解决学习中的困难;同时鼓励学生在学习过程中及时进行自我反思和评价,进一步提升自
主学习能力。
八、突出文化意识(尤其是跨文化意识)的建构与发展。通过介绍及比较中外文化,帮助学生更好地理解
文化异同,学会理解和包容不同文化,提升道路自信、文化自信,将文化知识内化为正确的文化价值
观和有利于国家和个人发展的跨文化态度与意识。
九、为教师编写了流程清晰、内容丰富的教师用书,帮助教师快速理解教材内容和相关背景知识,明确教
学目标,掌握教学节奏;同时开发了配套的网络教材和其他多媒体配套资源,丰富课程资源,拓展教
学模式。
我们希望,《英语》(新标准)高中选择性必修课程教材能够进一步培养学生的语言能力、文化意识、
思维品质和学习能力等英语学科核心素养,为他们继续学习英语和终身发展打下坚实的基础。
《英语》(新标准)系列教材
高中阶段编委会
前  言
Scope and sequence
Unit
Starting out
Understanding 
ideas
Using language
Grammar
Integrated skills
  P1
Looking forwards
Video: 
Lu Xun’s decision
Facing the future
Review: tenses
Choices and decisions
Functions:
・Asking polite questions
・Giving reasons
Project: Making a Wall of Life-changing Choices    P73
  P13
Lessons in life
Video: 
Filling the jar
Tuesdays with Morrie
Review: passive 
voice
Proverbs about life
Functions:
・Talking about 
experiences
・Giving advice
Project: Making a speech on the meaning of life    P74
  P25
The world meets 
China
Video: 
The Silk Road
Welcome to 
Dunhuang!
Review: adverbial 
clauses
Cultural exchange
Functions:
・Giving reasons
・Drawing conclusions
Project: Interviewing a foreigner in China    P75
  P37
Everyday 
economics 
Video: 
A brief history of 
currency
Business blossoms
Review: 
attributive 
clauses
Social credit
Functions:
・Asking for clarification
・Clarifying
・Stating advantages 
Project: Pitching a business plan    P76
  P49
Into the unknown
Video: 
Ancient 
mysteries
The mysteries of the 
Maya
Review: noun 
clauses
Facing the unknown
Functions:
・Asking for more 
information
・Explaining
Project: Mapping unsolved natural mysteries    P77
  P61
Space and 
beyond
Video: 
The solar system
The call of the 
Challenger
Review: 
modals
Life in space
Functions:
・Expressing opinions
・Expressing hopes
Project: Planning a space tour    P78
Appendices Learning aid P81             Vocabulary P122
 
Words and expressions P116 
Names and places P129
Developing ideas
Presenting
ideas
Reading
Writing
The road not taken
Learning to learn:
Symbolism
Writing an application letter
Giving a speech about your 
understanding of success
The Blue Bird (adaptation)
Learning to learn:
Full-length plays
Writing a summary
Learning to learn:
How to write a summary
Giving a presentation about a literary 
work and its value  
Reading China
Learning to learn:
Answering a big question
Recommending cultural 
highlights
Designing an opening ceremony for a 
cultural exchange exhibition
What’s mine is yours.
Learning to learn:
Two-sided argumentative essays
Writing an essay about non-
cash payments
Giving a presentation about 
suggestions for better economic 
development in your home town
Diving deep
Learning to learn:
Discourse markers
Writing about the unexplained
Giving a speech on the meaning of 
exploration
Eyes upon the night
Learning to learn:
Time sequencing
Writing a journal entry about 
living in space
Recommending three things
to put on a disc to be sent into space
Reflection
同学们,欢迎大家继续《英语》(新标准)高中教材的学习!
经过必修课程教材的学习,大家已经打下了更为扎实的英语基础,达到了高中英语学业质量水
平一的要求。现在大家应根据升学或就业的需要,对自己的学习目标提出更高的要求。由教育部制
定并颁布的《普通高中英语课程标准(2017 年版)》明确规定:普通高中英语课程作为一门学习及
运用英语语言的课程,与义务教育阶段的课程相衔接,旨在为学生继续学习英语和终身发展打下良
好基础。普通高中英语课程强调对学生语言能力、文化意识、思维品质和学习能力的综合培养。这
就是同学们在高中阶段学习英语的方向和目标。
要达到这个目标,需要大家的主观努力,也需要一套适应更高更广的语言学习需求的教材。《英
语》(新标准)高中选择性必修课程教材在延续了必修课程教材的基础上,为有升学要求或有个性化
发展需求的学生设计,在话题内容、语言理论、语言技能、跨文化意识、思维能力、学习能力等方
面,都提出了更高的要求,延伸出了如下特点:
一、作为必修课程教材的延续,选择性必修课程教材的话题选择更注意广度和深度,既关注话题的
现实意义,又关注语言学习的思想内涵,充分反映语言的发展和社会的进步,力求培养同学们
的文化意识和思维能力。
二、选择性必修课程教材具体语篇内容的选择将会引导大家进入英语语言学习的较高阶段。课文中
不但会出现更有挑战性的阅读篇章,同时还会根据每个单元的主题补充更多语篇供大家阅读并
赏析,提高语言水平和鉴赏能力。
三、思维方面,选择性必修课程教材对高阶思维做了更多要求,且对思维过程的启动、运行和开展
均做了更多的过程分解与清晰化设计,更强调基于同学们头脑中已有的内容及其再加工,与新
的语言和内容输入相结合,产生更丰富、更复杂的认知互动,深化思维发展活动。
四、在新课标规定的英语学习活动观的指导下,遵循“理解—发展—实践”的原则,对活动的要求
进一步提升,在“功能运用”板块中,将原有的词汇和听力部分整合成综合语言运用活动,通
过创设符合单元主题的话题,设计一系列首尾呼应、前后紧密关联的活动串,灵活融入听、说、
读、看、写等各项技能的训练,兼顾学习策略、功能和文化的引导与思考,帮助大家全方位提
升综合语言运用水平。
五、根据该阶段教学特点、教学内容和教学要求,充分遵循循序渐进的原则,强调对义务教育阶段
和高中必修阶段语言知识的复现、综合练习与重新认识,以形成内化的语用能力。
六、在呈现更为丰富多彩的文化现象的同时,更加强调中外文化对比,尤其是中国文化、中国故事、
中国传统价值观和世界问题的中国视角的介绍,让大家更好地理解文化异同,形成正确的文化
价值观和有利于国家、个人发展的跨文化态度与意识。
七、在单元学习的过程中帮助大家总结学习成果,发现问题并及时解决,最后通过对单元主题、语
言、文化思维等多方面提出问题,帮助大家写出自我反思日志,既完成了对学习目标、语言知
识和技能、思维品质、文化意识等维度的自我评价和总结,更显性体现了学习和思维的过程,
帮助大家进一步培养自主学习和反思总结的能力。
我们衷心希望,同学们能够通过学习本教材,了解到更加丰富的信息,在理解祖国文化、坚定
文化自信的同时,发展跨文化交流能力,更好地适应宽广的世界。愿《英语》(新标准)伴随同学们
度过有意义的高中时代!
致 同 学
1
	 Watch the video and answer  
the questions.
1	 Who is mentioned in the video?  
What decisions did he make?
2	 Why did he change his decision?
2
	 Look at the picture and answer  
the questions. 
1	 What can you see in the picture?
2	 What are the differences between the 
three paths?
3	 What do you think life’s path looks like?
Looking forwards
U
N
I
T
Starting out  
1
1
	 Complete the questionnaire and share 
your answers with the class.
2
	 Look at the title and predict what the 
passage is about. 
	 Different jobs people might do in the future.
	 Stories about different people’s future.
	 Various possibilities for future development.
	 Fixed future for everyone.
Now read the passage and check  
your prediction.
Understanding ideas
1	
For many of us, it’s something we already 
have experienced. One moment, we are 
lying comfortably in bed, about to fall 
into a deep sleep. The next, our eyes are 
open and we find ourselves wondering or 
even worrying about possibly the most 
important issue of our lives – the future. 
Will we get into the school of our choice? 
What will we be doing in ten years’ time? 
Can we become the person we really want 
to be? In the face of such questions, how 
should we approach the future? Can we 
take action to shape it, or should we just 
accept whatever comes our way?
2	
As many of us already know, having plans 
in place for the future is no guarantee that 
they will become reality. In this respect, 
some people are more fortunate than 
others, as can be illustrated by comparing 
the lives of two famous authors, born 40 
years apart. Although they shared the same 
ambitious and energetic approach to life, 
their careers unfolded in contrasting ways.
3	
The American author, Ernest Hemingway, 
born in 1899, was from early boyhood 
single-minded in his ambition to write. 
On leaving high school, he joined a local 
Kansas newspaper as a trainee reporter. He 
went on to become foreign correspondent 
Facing 
the 
Future
➊ How do you feel about your performance over 
the previous terms?
	 satisfied
	 so-so
	 not satisfied
Why?
➋ What goals have you achieved?
➌ What goals have you yet to achieve?
➍ What will you do about the goals you want  
to achieve?
➎ How do you plan to achieve these goals?
SENIOR HIGH 
QUESTIONNAIRE
Now you’ve been at senior high for over a year, I’d  
like to know your progress and plans for the future. 
Thank you!
Your Form Teacher
2
UNIT 1
for the Toronto Star and used his extraordinary experiences 
in Europe and later Cuba to inform his writing. In his 
words, “I decided that I would write one story about each 
thing that I knew about.” Having set himself this goal, 
he wrote novels and short stories based on his personal 
experiences of the First World War, the Spanish Civil War, 
bullfighting and deep-sea fishing, amongst others. His novel 
The Old Man and the Sea, about the three-day epic struggle 
between an elderly fisherman and the biggest fish he had 
ever caught, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1953. He 
would later go on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
4	
By contrast, the young Arthur Conan Doyle, born in 
Scotland in 1859, had originally worked as a doctor. But 
Doyle’s main ambition was to become a writer of historical 
novels. Although some of his historical novels were 
published, their success was nothing compared to the stories 
of his fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, which he is still 
best known for to this day.  
5	
Interestingly, Doyle wrote some of his early Holmes stories 
while he was waiting for patients in his medical practice 
in London. After Sherlock Holmes made him a household 
name, Doyle gave up medicine and devoted himself entirely 
to writing. He still longed to become known for his historical 
novels amongst other academic works. The public, however, 
couldn’t get enough of Sherlock Holmes. In desperation, Doyle 
killed off the famous detective in a novel published in 1893 
so that he could focus on his “serious” writing. However, 
fans of Holmes were so angry that Doyle, under immense 
pressure, was forced to bring Holmes back from the dead. 
Doyle’s many historical novels, plays, poems and academic 
papers have remained largely forgotten, but Sherlock Holmes 
has been entertaining readers for well over a century.
6	
Though both of these men were ultimately successful, 
their paths to success were very different, their futures not 
necessarily turning out exactly as they planned. So, whatever 
twists and turns you might encounter, take a leaf out of 
the books of these two authors and be prepared for the 
unexpected. As renowned tech innovator Steve Jobs once 
said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can 
only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust 
that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
Looking forwards
3
Think     Share
&
1	 What is your 
understanding of Steve Jobs’s words at the 
end of the passage?
2	 What can you learn about facing the 
future from the two authors?
3	 What will you do to prepare yourself for 
the future?
4	 Do you know any stories about Chinese 
writers and their plans for the future? 
What lessons can you learn from their 
experiences? Share your opinions with  
the class.
3
	 Match the questions to the paragraphs and find out the answers.
	a	 What is possibly the most important concern in life? 
	b	 What was Doyle’s main writing ambition?
	c	 What can you do when faced with uncertainty about the future?
	d	 What is the relationship between one’s plans and the future? 
	e	 Why was Doyle disappointed with the success of his Holmes stories? 
	f	 What did Hemingway do to achieve his ambition to become a writer? 
4
	 Organise information from the passage and complete the chart.
Now read the sentence from the passage and 
answer the questions.
So, whatever twists and turns you might 
encounter, take a leaf out of the books of 
these two authors and be prepared for the 
unexpected.
1	 What is your understanding of “take a leaf out 
of the books”?
2	 What effect is the author aiming to achieve by 
using it?
3	 What other expressions do you know that share 
the same meaning?
Ernest Hemingway
•	He was born in the US in 1899.
•	He __________________  
since boyhood.
•	He wrote __________________.
•	He won __________________.
Arthur Conan Doyle
•	He was born in Scotland in 1859.
•	He first worked as 
__________________, but 
__________________.
•	He created __________________, 
Sherlock Holmes.
•	He had wanted to be remembered 
for __________________, but 
__________________. 
Similarities
•	They both 
__________________.
•	They shared 
__________________.
4
UNIT 1
Review: tenses
Using language  
a	 For many of us, it’s something we 
already have experienced.
b	 What will we be doing in ten 
years’ time? 
c	 He would later go on to win the 
Nobel Prize in Literature.
d	 … the young Arthur Conan Doyle, 
born in Scotland in 1859, had 
originally worked as a doctor.
e	 … Doyle wrote some of his early 
Holmes stories while he was 
waiting for patients in his medical 
practice in London. 
f	 … but Sherlock Holmes has been 
entertaining readers for well over 
a century.
	1	 An action completed in the past 
before another past action.
	2	 An action or event taking place over a 
particular period in the future.
	3	 An action that happened in a period 
of time up to the present.
	4	 An action that started in the past and 
may still be going on or have just 
stopped.
	5	 An intended future action or event as 
seen from the past.
	6	 An on-going situation at or around a 
particular time in the past.
Now answer the questions.
1	 What other tenses have you learnt? 
Find examples in the reading passage.
2	 What do these tenses describe?
3
	 Work in pairs. Read the profile and talk about David’s 
life using different tenses where appropriate.
4
	 Work in pairs. Interview each other about your past 
experience and future plans. Share them with the 
class using different tenses where appropriate.
1
	 Look at the sentences from the 
reading passage. Decide which tense 
each is in and match the tenses to 
what they describe.
David Mason
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Date of Birth 20 June 2001
Nationality British
EDUCATION
2007–2013	
 Carson Primary School
2013–2019	
 Wildwood High School
EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE
Sept 2017	
 first prize for school science project
Apr–Oct 2018	
 exchange programme in China
Jul 2019–present	 gap year in Cambodia
FUTURE PLANS
•	 undergraduate study at Newcastle University
•	 chemical engineer after graduation
•	 voluntary work to help people in need
2
	 Complete the blog with the correct form of the verbs 
in brackets. 
I woke at dawn again and already the birds 
1____________ (sing). In the coming days, we 
2____________ (paint) the iron roof of the toilet block 
that we had been building over the last two months.
I 
3____________ (live) in this Cambodian village 	
for two months. Despite the hard physical work,	
I 
4____________ (not regret) for one moment choosing 
to spend my gap year as a volunteer for the Cambodia 
Foundation. It is wonderful to meet such friendly local 
people who are happy to share their lives with us.
I 
5____________ (feel) happy and free of worries. And, 
of course, I 
6____________ (become) fitter. This gap 
year has been a fantastic opportunity for my personal 
growth, and I surely 
7____________ (continue) to learn 
about how other people live their lives after it ends.
Looking forwards
5
Choices and decisions
6
	 Read the statements and complete 
the sentences with the correct 
form of the expressions in Activity 5.
Bill: Working as a clerk at my dad's 
insurance firm? Absolutely not! It’s 
too boring!
Jane: Can I get back to you by the 
end of the week? I need to read the 
contract properly before making a 
decision. 
Amanda: I need to think about the 
advantages and disadvantages of 
each option they’ve offered.
Jia Ying: I’ve decided to say no to 
the chance to work as a sailor after 
leaving the navy. 
Paul: The maths club or debating 
society? The maths club, of course! 
I’m a big fan of geometry.
1	 May is _______________________
	 _____________________________.
2	 Jane is _______________________
	 _____________________________.
3	 Paul finds it easy to ____________
	 _____________________________.
4	 Bill is ________________________
	 _____________________________.
5	 Amanda wants to _____________
	 _____________________________.
6	 Jia Ying has decided to _________
	 _____________________________.
May: I thought quitting my old job 
to work here was the right decision 
to make, but now I’m not sure – the 
new job seems too demanding.
5
	 Read the conversation and answer the questions. Pay 
attention to the expressions in bold.
1	 What difficult decision is Li Ling facing? Why is she 
feeling worried?
2	 What does Jenny suggest to her?
3	 What would you do when faced with a difficult decision?
	Jenny:	What’s up, Li Ling? You 
look worried.
Li Ling:	I’m facing a difficult 
decision. I’ve been 
recommended for 
admission to study physics at my dream university. 
	Jenny:	Congratulations! But what do you mean by a 
difficult decision? I think the course is tailor-made 
for you!
Li Ling:	Well, it sounds wonderful, but I had already 
decided to take the college entrance exam and 
apply to the Medical School there. I can’t make 
	
up my mind what the right thing to do is.
	Jenny:	I think it would be a great pity to pass up the 
opportunity to be admitted without taking  
the exam. 
Li Ling:	I know, but I have always wanted to study medicine 
and become a dentist. Physics is interesting, but it’s 
not my preferred major.
	Jenny:	Then why the indecision? Go for your  
preferred major.
Li Ling:	But what if I don’t do well enough in the exam 	 	
to get into the Medical School? I’m really having 
second thoughts. 
	Jenny:	Can you put off making a decision until you’ve 
spoken to your high school advisor?
Li Ling:	I have already talked to her. She told me that I must 
decide what’s right for me now, and then go for it. 
The problem is I don’t know what is right for me.
	Jenny:	Well, I wouldn’t reject anything out of hand. 
Let’s go for lunch. Then we can weigh up the 
options and try to come to a decision. Let's put 
the kettle on. 
6
UNIT 1
7
	 Read the passage and answer the questions.
9
	 Listen again and complete the notes.
8
	 Listen to the interview and choose the job 
Richard applied for.
11
	 Work in pairs. Choose a part-time job 
advertisement in Activity 8 and act out an 
interview using the expressions in this section.
Now consider if you could effectively 
participate in a job interview.
Asking polite questions
Giving reasons
Dog walker 
wanted!
Must love animals.
$10 / hour
Flexible hours
•	Must have good people skills. 
•	Relevant experience preferred.
Part-time HOTEL RECEPTIONIST wanted!
5 hours per day 
4 days per week (weekends necessary)
30 hours per week
Uniform provided
LIFEGUARDS
First aid certificate essential.
at public pool
Needed!
$8.50 / hour     20 hours per week
BUSY RESTAURANT NEEDS STAFF!
Part-time dish washer wanted at Italian restaurant.
Free meals
10
	 Complete the boxes with the expressions 
from the interview.
It is crucial for teenagers to develop into 
mature and responsible members of society. In 
addition to participation in school, a part-time 
job – such as working in a café or in an office 
administration role – can also be helpful in 
this transition. It can help them achieve new 
accomplishments, learn about society and 
become more independent.
Many countries now have laws to regulate  
part-time employment for students. In the UK, 
for example, the law states that students aged 
15 and 16 are allowed to work a maximum of 
12 hours per week during term time, and 35 
hours per week during school holidays. They are 
not allowed to work before 7 am or after 7 pm.
1	 What can students achieve via part-time jobs?
2	 What regulations are in place for students 
doing part-time jobs in the UK?
3	 Have you ever had a part-time job? Why did 
you do it?
Now work in pairs. Decide whether Richard 
should get the job and give your reasons.
Why did Richard apply for this job?
Because he has always been interested in 
1
.
What did Richard do in his previous holidays?
•	 He worked in a youth hostel in Vietnam, 
2
.
•	 He worked 3
 in Bali.
•	 He 4
 in Thailand.
Why does Richard believe he is suitable for the job?
•	 Because he is a 5
 and outgoing 
person, and feels happy when 6
.
•	 His 7
 have made him a flexible 
individual.
•	
8
 is relevant.
Why did Richard do part-time jobs?
•	 Because he 9
 his holiday time.
•	 Because the experiences would 10
.
•	 Would you mind…? 
•	 The reason is…
•	 Could you tell me…?
•	 …, if you wouldn’t 
mind.
•	 May I ask why…? 
•	 It’s because…
•	 I’d say it’s due to…
•	 Would you explain…?
•	 It’s a result of… 
Looking forwards
7
1
	 Read the short introduction to Robert Frost 
and answer the questions.
The Road Not Taken
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I –
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost (1874–1963) was one of 
America’s most famous poets. He won the 
Pulitzer Prize for Poetry four times and was 
awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for 
his works. His poetry has been praised for its 
natural themes, mostly set in the rural areas 
of New England where Frost lived most of 
his life, and for his colloquial approach to 
American language. His poetry generally 
has a regular rhythm and rhyme, and is 
easy to read aloud and remember. He often 
used simple settings in his poems to explore 
complex personal and social themes. Among 
Frost’s best-known poems are The Road Not 
Taken, Fire and Ice, Stopping by Woods on a 
Snowy Evening and Birches. 
1	 What are the special features of Frost’s poetry? 
2	 Have you read any poems written by Robert 
Frost? Share one with the class.
2
	 Read the passage and find out what it  
is about.
Developing ideas 
8
UNIT 1
1	
Lines from the poem The Road Not Taken are 
often quoted in speeches of all kinds. The poem 
has been set to music by a number of artists 
and used in numerous television commercials. 
It has in fact become one of the most famous 
American poems of all time, not only because 
of its natural style, but also because of its 
thoughtful insights into human nature.
2	
When reading The Road Not Taken, one cannot 
help but see in one’s mind images of a peaceful 
wood deep within the countryside. Paths in the 
woods are often used to symbolize how our 
lives progress and change. The lines “Two roads 
diverged in a yellow wood, / And sorry I could 
not travel both” give us a visual representation 
of the choices that we face and the decisions 
that we need to make. Life throws many 
alternatives at us on a daily basis. These range 
from the basic “What should I wear today?” 
to the key issues of what subject to study at 
university or what job to do after graduation. 
Of course, the greatest dilemmas arise from 
moral problems, when we are uncertain which 
choice results in doing the right thing. 
3	
Whether big or small, what all our choices 
have in common is that they lead to specific 
consequences. Once we make a decision, in 
most circumstances, there is no going back. 
Although the writer of the poem considers 
taking the other path another day, he knows it’s 
unlikely that he will ever have the opportunity 
to do so. Like the writer, all we can do is look 
backwards “with a sigh” and imagine what 
could have been. 
4	
This sigh, this wondering whether we made 
the right choice, is understandable. Although 
we may be free to choose which path to take, 
this choice isn’t easy when those two paths 
look similar. Presented with two job offers, for 
instance, we may wonder exactly what it is 
we’re choosing between. What if, in choosing 
one, we are unknowingly turning down other 
future opportunities? Will we ever even find 
out whether we made the right choice?
5	
Ultimately, the road ahead – the road through 
our lives – is a mixture of choice and chance. 
And when we are approaching the end of that 
road, how will we remember the journey? 
How will we look back on our lives? In the 
poem, the writer doubts his choice, thinking 
that in the future “ages and ages hence”, he 
may claim that he took the “less traveled” 
road. Some of us do take a more unusual path 
through life, and while it may be a harder one 
to follow, it can also lead to new adventures 
and experiences. Nonetheless, part of the art of 
decision-making is learning to make the most 
of our decisions. Instead of looking back with 
regret, we should be facing our future with 
energy and optimism, for the choices are ours, 
and ours only.
Looking forwards
9
3
	 Complete the table with information from the passage.
Think     Share
&
1	 Why do you think the writer looks 
back on his decision “with a sigh”?
2	 What are the rhyming words in this poem? What 
effect do they have?
3	 What is the most difficult choice you have ever had 
to make? What did you choose to do?
4	 What effect will the poem have on you when you 
face decisions in the future? Give your reasons.
5	 In what different ways do the two reading 
passages in this unit improve your understanding 
of the choices you make and how they impact  
your future?
1	 Discuss the two interpretations from 
the following aspects. Do further 
research if necessary.
•	 What points do the two 
interpretations share?
•	 What are the major differences 
between the two interpretations?
•	 Which interpretation seems more 
convincing to you? Why?
•	 Can you think of yet another 
interpretation of the poem?
2	 Prepare your report, including your 
understanding of the poem.
3	 Share your report with the class.
Now talk about how well your group 
completed the report and how others’ 
opinions have helped you better 
understand the poem.
The Road Not Taken is one of America’s 
best-loved poems, and I think it is a 
pity that it is generally misunderstood 
as a call for facing the future without 
regret. To me, it is really about accepting 
the consequences of our choices many 
years in the future, when it is too late 
to change them. The two roads in the 
wood were “really about the same”, so 
the cause of any indecision is a fear of 
regret. It is, however, acceptable to feel 
regretful, because it serves as a reminder 
to live life to the full.
4
	 Work in groups. Read another 
interpretation of the poem and 
prepare a report comparing it with 
the one in the passage.
Symbolism is the use of an object to represent an abstract 
idea. For example, the rose could represent love and affection, 
and the rainbow could symbolise hope. It allows the poet to 
express a certain mood or emotion in a more subtle way, as 
opposed to stating it directly.
Learning to learn
Summary of the poem 
A traveller in the wood comes to a fork in the road 
and he feels sorry for 
1________________________. 
After close observation, he decides to choose the 
one which 
2________________________, though 
3________________________. He tells himself that 
4________________________ some day, but he doubts 
5________________________. He imagines that, many 
years in the future, he will tell this story with a sigh, 
saying that his choice has 
6________________________.
Appreciation and interpretation
•	 It is one of the most famous American poems of all time.
•	 The diverged roads in the poem symbolise 
7________________________.
•	 Once we have taken a road, we might wonder 
8________________________. Instead of looking back 
with regret, we should 
9________________________.
Robert
10
UNIT 1
5
	 Read the job advertisement and the application 
letter. Match the headings to the sections and find 
out how qualified the applicant is for the job.
Writing an application letter
7
	 Work in pairs. Make improvements 
to each other’s application letters, 
paying particular attention to the 
structure and language.
a	 Stating relevant past experience
b	 Ending by restating interest, as well as 
contact information
c	 Stating qualifications required
d	 Formal signing off
e	 Formal greeting
f	 Stating personal interest and career choice
g	 Stating purpose of the letter, including 
position applied for and how applicant 
came to know about it
•	9 am to 4 pm four days a week.
•	Fluency in English and French.
•	Knowledge of the city’s history and attractions.
•	Relevant experience preferred.
•	Applicants must be 16 and above.
Contact: 
JaneSmith@HRCITYTOURS.com
Part-time
Local Tour Guide Wanted
City tours
Agency
6
	 Read the job advertisement and plan 
for your application letter by answering 
the questions.
1	 What job are you applying for? Where 
did you find the job vacancy?
2	 What previous experience makes you 
suitable for the job?
3	 What relevant qualifications do you 
have?
Now write the application letter.
•	An interest in online technology.
•	Well-prepared for a variety of tasks, 
including document filing, photocopying, 
preparing meeting agendas, arranging 
refreshments and sorting letters and 
parcels.
•	Working five days per week  
on morning shift.
Contact: 
carrielee@hitechworx.com
Wanted
Assistant
Office
for part-time work at local council
Dear Ms Smith,
I wish to apply for the position of a local tour guide as 
advertised in the Daily News on 30 June.
I’m very familiar with almost every inch of my home city, 
and have a passion for history. This role would enable me 
to help bring our history to life for visitors and promote 
local culture. As I plan to work in the tourism industry 
after graduation, I would welcome the opportunity to 
gain experience in this field.
As stated in my attached CV, I can speak both English 
and French fluently. English is my native language, and 
I’m majoring in French at university. I also attended an 
exchange programme in Paris last year, which further 
improved my French language skills.
Although I’m not a professional tour guide, I organised 
and conducted a tour of my city for exchange students 
from Paris. This included trips to a local leather workshop 
and a flour mill, for which my city is well known. I also 
put together a directory of useful information for them. 
I received excellent feedback for my work.
I would be delighted to have the opportunity to discuss 
my application further with you. I’m contactable via 
email at this address or by phone on 6747-9818. Thank 
you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Josie Davis
Looking forwards
11
2
	 Work in groups. Talk about what success means to 
you and give examples. Complete the table. 
Meaning of success
Examples
3
	 Discuss your understanding of success in more detail 
and make notes.
Write a reflection after completing this unit. Consider the following:
1	 What is your understanding of choices, decisions, future plans and future development?
2	 What text types have you learnt about? What are their features?
3	 What words, expressions and structures have you learnt?
4	 What improvement have you made in understanding different cultures?
5	 What improvement have you made in using learning strategies and exploring effective ways 
of learning? 
6	 What improvement have you made in analysing and solving problems?
Presenting ideas 
Reflection  
1
	 Look at the pictures and answer 
the questions.
What does a successful future mean to you?
Why do you think that way?
What goals do you think you need to achieve to  
be successful?
What would you do if you didn’t achieve these goals?
4
	 Prepare a speech about your understanding of 
success. Consider the following:
1	 the structure of your speech
2	 useful words, expressions and structures
3	 helpful public speaking skills
5
	 Give your speech to the class. 
1	 What kind of life does each  
picture show?
2	 What do you consider to be a 
successful life? Give your reasons.
12
UNIT 1
Lessons in life
1
	 Watch the video and answer  
the questions. 
1	 What is life compared to in this story?
2	 What do rocks, pebbles, sand and 
tea represent?
3	 What are the “rocks” in your life? 
How much time do you spend on 
“rocks”, “pebbles”, “sand” and “tea”? 
2
	 Look at the pictures and choose the 
things that can be used as metaphors 
for life. Give your reasons.
U
N
I
T
Starting out  
13
1
	 Read the reviews on the back 
cover of the book, Tuesdays with 
Morrie, and answer the questions. 
1	 What metaphor for life is used in 
the reviews?
2	 When people are described as 
“watching you kindly from further 
along the way”, what does this 
mean?
2
	 Read the passage and decide 
how many stars the four people 
would give the book (five being the 
highest rating). Give your reasons.
Tuesdays with Morrie
Despite being a sports 
journalist with a successful 
career ahead of him, Mitch 
Albom feels that there is 
something missing from 
his life. This all changes 
when he is reunited with his 
favourite college professor, 
Morrie Schwartz. On discovering that Morrie is being 
weakened by a severe illness, Mitch starts visiting him 
at his house on Tuesdays. The weekly conversations 
between Mitch and Morrie result in a series of lessons 
on the meaning of life and how best to live it.
This book is about dying, but it is not pessimistic. 
Indeed, it was a pleasant surprise to find that this book 
is filled with joy and hope. Morrie’s bravery towards 
the end of his life is inspirational and has made me 
value my own life more. In fact, far from being a book 
about death, it’s a book about life. As Morrie says, 
“Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” 
As Morrie anticipates his own death, he observes 
everything as though through new eyes – the things 
around him seem more beautiful than ever before and 
hold new meanings. From his window, he watches 
each season change, knowing it could be his last. This 
encourages us to appreciate what we have, and to 
make the most of each day. 
Arthur K ☆☆☆☆☆
Understanding ideas
When you’ve lost your way 
on the path of life, you might 
notice someone ready to 
help, watching you kindly 
from further along the way. 
You know them: an older 
relative, a teacher, a friend, 
or a neighbour. 
Older, more patient, kinder 
and wiser, now they’ll walk 
with you, and tell you what to 
look out for on your journey.
X00007UNZH
14
UNIT 2
I think this book should be on all school reading lists. After finishing it, I feel I have 
been given a deeper insight into the world and can see things from a different point of 
view. On the 11th Tuesday, Morrie explains that “… the big things – how we think, 
what we value – those you must choose yourself. You can’t let anyone – or any society – 
determine those for you”. While we are living, we tend to get distracted by unimportant 
things, such as gathering material possessions. I think it’s important for young people 
to know that making a lot of money won’t always make them happy, or that looking 
different doesn’t make a person abnormal! It’s up to us to find out what is important in 
our lives and establish our own values. 
Morrie says that most people “seem half-asleep”, even when they’re doing things they 
think are important. Reading this book made me feel as if I’d been woken up from 	
a long sleep and finally opened my eyes to the world!
Amy Wang ☆☆☆☆☆
Despite its widespread recognition, my first impression was that Tuesdays with Morrie 
is just made up of a collection of over-emotional thoughts and messages, many of which 
are repeated. But thinking back, it did teach me a lesson or two. The book made me 
stop and think about how much I am influenced by popular culture and the importance 
of creating my own values based on love and open communication. Although it isn’t my 
favourite book, I’d still recommend that people read it – after all, it is something that’s 	
a bit different! 
Marty ☆☆☆☆☆
Warning! A box of tissues will be needed to get through this book! Morrie’s 
reflections on love and friendship made me think about my life and all the good 
friends that I’ve lost touch with along the way. It made me realise just how much 	
I miss them. 
I guess that’s one of the lessons of the book – always keep in touch with the good 
people you meet as you go through life. Like Mitch, Morrie makes you aware 
that you want to die feeling that you have lived life to the full, knowing that you 
are loved and have loved others as much as you could. As Morrie’s favourite poet 
Auden said, “Love each other or perish.”
Vivian ☆☆☆☆☆
Lessons in life
15
Think     Share
&
1	 According to Morrie, what are “the big things” in life?
2	 What is your understanding of Auden’s words: “Love each other or perish”?
3	 How do you usually learn lessons about life? Through experience or learning from 
other people? Give an example. 
4	 Can you critically evaluate other people’s opinions and make your own judgements? 
3
	 Choose the topics of the book mentioned in the passage and find the evidence.
joy and hope
art
values
power
friendship
sorrow
love
death
Now go online to find out what other comments have been made on this book. 
Do these comments make you want to read the book? Why or why not?
Vivian
What they liked or  
disliked about the book
What lessons they learnt 
4
	 Organise information from the passage and complete the table.
People should choose 
6_________________ 
themselves. She felt as if she had been 
woken up from a long sleep and finally 
7_________________.
The book made him stop and think about 
10_________________ and the importance 
of 
11_________________.
As people learn how to die, 
2_________________. He was encouraged 
to 
3_________________ and make the most 
of each day. 
Arthur K
Amy Wang
Marty
His first impression was that the book is 
just 
8_________________. Nonetheless, 
he would recommend it because 
9_________________.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that 
1_________________.
She thinks the book should be on 
4_________________. And she felt she was 
given 
5_________________.
The book made her cry because Morrie’s 
reflections on 
12_________________ made 
her think about 
13_________________.
People should always keep in touch 
14_________________. She was aware that 
people want to
 15_________________, 
knowing that 
16_________________.
16
UNIT 2
Review: passive voice
a	 On discovering that Morrie is being weakened by a 
severe illness, …
b	 ... Tuesdays with Morrie is just made up of a 
collection of over-emotional thoughts and messages, ...
c	 A box of tissues will be needed to get through 
this book!
1	 The subject is not known, is unimportant, or is “people in 
general” and can be omitted.
2	 The focus of the sentence is on the recipient of the 
action, not on the subject of the sentence.
3	 The subject goes with lengthy expressions that are better 
put at the end.
Now look for more sentences with the passive voice in 
the reading passage and talk about why it is used.
2
	 Rewrite the paragraph using the passive voice where 
appropriate.
1
	 Look at the sentences from the reading passage and 
match them to the reasons why the passive voice is used.
Since ancient times, 
storytelling has been a 
way to share and pass on 
wisdom. One important 
early work that did so was 
Aesop’s Fables, a collection 
of stories that history credits 
to Aesop, a Greek storyteller. 
People believe that he lived 
in Ancient Greece between 
620 BC and 564 BC. Most of the characters in his stories 
are animals, the qualities of which Aesop used to reflect 
human traits and wisdom. Each fable teaches a life 
lesson that Aesop summarises in a short phrase at the 
end of the story, called a moral. Today, children and 
adults all around the world still enjoy Aesop’s Fables.
1
2
3
4
Using language 
3
	 Look at the pictures and write the 
story from Aesop’s Fables. Use the 
passive voice where appropriate.
One day a little mouse was caught by 
a lion...
4
	 Work in pairs. Tell each other 
another fable you know and 
the lesson you have learnt from 
it. Use the passive voice where 
appropriate.
Lessons in life
17
Proverbs about life
5
	 Listen and complete the conversations.
A:	Professor Brown, here’s my term paper. 
Sorry for the delay.
B:	That’s OK. 
1__________________, right?
A:	Maths is really killing me! I’m thinking of 
giving it up.
B:	
2__________________ You’ll never get 
your dream job as a market analyst if you 
don’t stick to it.
A:	I’m glad you finally got here. 
B:	My car had a flat tyre on the way. Anyway, 
4__________________.
A:	If you want to lose weight, you need to 
stop eating junk food, and you need to 
start exercising.
B:	OK. I’ll start tomorrow… maybe.
A:	Today. Not tomorrow. 
3__________________
A:	With my brother’s help, I finally completed 
my biology project! 
B:	Congratulations! 
5__________________
6
	 Match the proverbs in Activity 5 to their meanings.
1	 ____________: you must face challenges in order to be successful 
2	 ____________: it is easier to achieve something if you cooperate with someone else
3	 ____________: doing something late is better than not doing it at all
4	 ____________: you should start things earlier rather than later 
5	 ____________: do not put all your efforts or resources into doing one thing
6	 ____________: problems don’t matter if the final result is good 
Now work in groups and think of other proverbs about life. Can you find Chinese 
proverbs with similar meanings?
7
	 Work in pairs. Think of other situations to which these proverbs can be applied.
1
2
3
4
5
A:	I heard that Mary is going to invest all her 
money in this programme.
B:	That’s not wise. As people usually say, 
“
6__________________”. I’ll talk to her as 
soon as possible.
6
18
UNIT 2
9
	 Listen again and complete the notes.
8
	 Listen to the interview and choose the  
best headline. 
1	 University Fees Are No Barrier to Grandma!
2	 Dream Comes True for Graduating Grandma
3	 Janet Says: “Family first! That’s what matters!”
4	 How the Student Experience Has Changed 
with the Centuries
Interview with Janet Rose
Age: 1_______________
First attended university in: 2_______________ 
Reason for leaving university: 
3______________________________________
Reason for going back to university: 
4______________________________________
Initial feelings on returning to university: 
5______________________________________
University major: 6_______________
Feelings on graduation: 
7______________________________________
Advice to others: 8_______________
Future plans: 9_______________
Now work in pairs and talk about what you 
can learn from Janet’s story.
10
	 Complete the boxes with the expressions 
from the interview. 
11
	 Work in pairs. Tell each other a story about 
yourself that can be summarised by a proverb 
in this section.
Now talk about how effectively you and 
your partner used your own experiences to 
illustrate your understanding of the proverbs.
•	 I started… back in…
•	 After that I…
•	 But then five years ago…
•	 I felt… at first.
•	 I suggest that…
•	 Remember, …
Talking about experiences
Giving advice
?
Did You Know 
In most countries, the average age for starting university is 18 years old, 
but actually there is no upper age limit for starting a university degree. 
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of mature students 
going to university, after working for a few or many years. The oldest 
person to get a Cambridge MA received his law degree at the age of 
102. In China, a man from Jiangsu Province graduated from university at 
the age of 88, making him the oldest university graduate in the country.
Lessons in life
19
1
	 Read the introduction to The Blue 
Bird and answer the questions.
1	 Do you know the symbolic 
meaning of the Blue Bird in 
Chinese and Western cultures? 
Share your understanding of the 
meaning with the class.
2	 Where do you think the children 
find the Blue Bird?
Now read the play and check your 
answers.
BLUE BIRD 
The Blue Bird is a 1908 play by Belgian 
playwright Maurice Maeterlinck 
(1862–1949), winner of the Nobel 
Prize in Literature in 1911. Maeterlinck 
wrote many plays, but The Blue Bird 
was the most popular and has been 
widely translated and adapted all 
over the world. Performed in 1921 in 
Shanghai by Chinese students, it was 
the first foreign play staged in China. 
The Blue Bird tells the tale of brother 
and sister, Tyltyl and Mytyl, as they 
are sent by a fairy to search for the 
Blue Bird of Happiness. The children’s 
adventure takes them through 
many magical places before 
they at last find the Blue Bird 
in a most unexpected 
place.
Developing ideas 
THE 
ACT IV
Tyltyl and Mytyl have been searching for the Blue Bird in the 
Land of Memory, the Palace of Night and the Forest. Now, they 
have arrived at the Palace of Happiness.
SCENE II.—The Palace of Happiness.
(A troop of HAPPINESSES rush into the hall, singing, 
“There they are! They see us!” They dance merrily around the 
CHILDREN, then the one who appears to be the chief goes 
up to TYLTYL with hand outstretched.)
THE HAPPINESS	 How do you do, Tyltyl?
TYLTYL	
Who are you?
THE HAPPINESS	 Don’t you recognise me?
TYLTYL	
(a little embarrassed) Why, no... I don’t 
remember seeing any of you.
(All the other HAPPINESSES burst out laughing.) Why, we 
are the only things you do know! We are always around you! 
We eat, drink, wake up, breathe and live with you!
TYLTYL	
Oh... But I should like to know what your 
names are...
THE HAPPINESS	 I am the chief of the Happinesses of your 
home; and all these are the other Happinesses 
that live there.
TYLTYL	
Then there are Happinesses in my home?
(All the HAPPINESSES burst out laughing.)
THE HAPPINESS	 You heard him! Are there Happinesses in his 
home! Why, it is crammed with Happinesses! 
Let me introduce myself first: the Happiness 
of Being Well. I am not the prettiest, but I am 
the most important. This is the Happiness of 
Pure Air, who is almost transparent. Here is 
the Happiness of Loving One’s Parents. Here 
are the Happiness of the Blue Sky, who, of 
course, is dressed in blue, and the Happiness 
20
UNIT 2
of the Forest: you will see him 
every time you go to  
the window...
TYLTYL	
Excuse me, but do you know 
where the Blue Bird is?
THE HAPPINESS	 He doesn’t know where the Blue 
Bird is! (All the HAPPINESSES OF 
THE HOME burst out laughing.)
TYLTYL 	
(vexed) No, I do not know. 
There’s nothing to laugh at. (Fresh 
bursts of laughter.)
THE HAPPINESS	 He doesn’t know: well, what do 
you expect? He is no more absurd 
than the majority of men…
ACT VI
Unable to find the Blue Bird anywhere, the 
children say goodbye to their magical friends and 
return home. While they are trying to tell their 
parents about their adventures, their neighbour 
comes in. Her sick daughter has wanted Tyltyl’s 
pet bird for a long time, but until now he has been 
reluctant to give it to her.
SCENE II.—The Awakening.
(Enter NEIGHBOUR BERLINGOT, a little old 
woman leaning on a stick.)
MUMMY TYL	
How is your little girl?
THE NEIGHBOUR	 Only so-so. She can’t get up. 
	
	
But I know what would 
	
	
cure her. 
MUMMY TYL	
Yes, I know; it’s Tyltyl’s bird. Well, 
Tyltyl, aren’t you going to give it 
at last to that poor little thing?
TYLTYL	
My bird! Why, he’s blue! But it’s 
my turtle-dove! But he’s much 
bluer than when I went away! 
Why, that’s the Blue Bird we were 
looking for! We went so far and 
he was here all the time! There, 
Madame Berlingot, take him to 
your little girl.
THE NEIGHBOUR	 Really? Straight away and 
for nothing? How happy she will 
be! (Kissing TYLTYL.)
…
(Later, the NEIGHBOUR enters with a little girl 
who carries TYLTYL’S dove in her arms.)
THE NEIGHBOUR	 Do you see the miracle? 
She can run, she can dance, she 
can fly! (Pushing the LITTLE 
GIRL into TYLTYL’S arms.) 
Come along and thank Tyltyl.
(After TYLTYL kisses the LITTLE GIRL rather 
awkwardly, the two children look at each other 
without speaking; then TYLTYL strokes the 
dove’s head.)
TYLTYL	
Is he blue enough?
THE LITTLE GIRL	Yes, I am so pleased with 
him.
TYLTYL	
I have seen bluer ones. But those 
which are quite blue, you know, 
do what you will, you can’t 
catch them.
THE LITTLE GIRL	That doesn’t matter; he’s 
lovely.
TYLTYL	
Has he had anything to eat? I will 
show you...
(He moves to take the bird from the LITTLE 
GIRL’S hands. She resists instinctively; and, in their 
hesitation, the DOVE escapes and flies away.)
THE LITTLE GIRL	(with a cry of despair) He 
is gone! 
TYLTYL	
Never mind. Don’t cry. I will catch 
him again. (Stepping to the front 
of the stage and addressing the 
audience.) If any of you should 
find him, would you be so very 
kind as to give him back to us? 
We need him for our happiness, 
later on.
CURTAIN
(Adaptation from The Blue Bird by Maurice Maeterlinck)
Lessons in life
21
2
	 Complete the notes with information 
from the play.
Think     Share
&
1	 Why cannot Tyltyl recognise any 
of the Happinesses?
2	 Are there any Happinesses in your home? What 
are they? Where else can you find them?
3	 What does the author want to express by making 
the Blue Bird fly away at the end of the play?
4	 What different life lessons can you learn from the 
two reading passages in this unit?
3
	 Work in groups and act out the play.
1	 Read the play again and discuss how you might present 
it on stage. Consider the following:
•	 Plot – Is there anything you will cut from, or add to 
the play?
•	 Setting – What costumes and props will you need?
•	 Roles – Will you need a narrator to give the 
background to the play and introduce the  
new scenes?
•	 Language – Will you revise the language to make it 
easier to remember?
2	 Adapt the play based on your discussion. You may refer 
to the original play for more ideas if necessary.
3	 Decide roles for each group member and practise 
performing the play.
4	 Act out the play in class.
Now talk about how well your group performed. 
Vote for the best performer in the play.
ACT IV  SCENE II
ACT VI 
SCENE II
The Blue Bird is a typical full-length play, which means it has 
several acts and each act is composed of several scenes. The 
whole play depicts actions that take place over a long period 
of time. Various characters appear in different acts and scenes, 
and the settings and costumes change accordingly. The running 
time of a full-length play can last for several hours, even days.
Learning to learn
Now work in groups and talk about 
how much you like the play. Give 
your reasons.
Characters
Characters
Setting
Setting
Plot
The children come to the Palace of 
Happiness and are welcomed by a 
troop of Happinesses...
Plot
The children return home without 
finding the Blue Bird...
22
UNIT 2
4
	 Read the summary of The Blue Bird and answer 
the questions.
Writing a summary
1	 Which paragraph introduces the main characters, 
setting and start of the play?
2	 What is the climax of the play?
3	 What is the theme of the play?
6
	 Work in pairs. Make improvements to 
each other’s summaries and share them 
with the class.
Now think about how well you used 
concise and precise language to 
summarise the play and what you could 
do to improve.
5
	 Choose another play you have read and 
write a summary of it. Organise your 
ideas by completing the table.
Title and author of the play
Main character(s)
Start of the play
Climax
Conclusion
Now write your summary.
The Blue Bird is a six-act fairy play written by 
Maurice Maeterlinck. It’s a story about Tyltyl and 
Mytyl’s adventures as they search for the Blue Bird 
of Happiness. As the children of a poor woodcutter, 
they are secretly observing a party at the home of 
their wealthy landlords when a fairy appears. She 
uses a magic diamond to bring animals (their dog 
and cat), objects (sugar and bread) and elements 
(light, fire, water) in their home to life. Together, 
they set off on a dangerous journey in search of the 
Blue Bird.
Tyltyl and Mytyl go to many magical places. They 
encounter numerous characters such as their 
departed grandparents, trees that hate mankind, the 
greedy and ugly Luxuries, and children waiting to be 
born. Although they try very hard to find the Blue 
Bird, the birds they find either change colour or die. 
The children return home at last, and Tyltyl discovers 
the Blue Bird has been there all the time! He gives 
the bird to the neighbour’s 
little girl, curing her illness. 
But in the end, the bird flies 
away, and Tyltyl asks the 
audience to search for it. 
The central idea of the play 
is that happiness is to be 
found not in luxuries such 
as wealth, but in simple 
things that are found in 
family life, and in acts of 
friendship and kindness.
When writing a summary of a long story, your 
purpose is to convey the basic ideas of the 
original: what is it about and what does the 
author want to communicate? First, identify the 
title and author of the piece. Then use your own 
words to describe relevant details that lead to 
the climax of the story. State the central idea of 
the story but don’t give your own opinion of it. 
A good summary needs to be concise, precise 
and to the point.
Learning to learn
Lessons in life
23
1
	 Look at the book covers and answer the questions.
1	 What do you know about these works? Share what you know 
with the class.
2	 What life lessons can you learn from them? Do more research  
if necessary.
2
	 Think of another literary work from which you have learnt 
something and complete the table.
General information
Main idea
Lesson(s) in the work
3
	 Work in groups. Talk about the work you have chosen. 
4
	 Decide on a literary work you’d like to share with the class and 
prepare a presentation about it. Consider the following:
1	 the structure of your presentation
2	 useful words, expressions and structures
5
	 Give your presentation to the class.
Presenting ideas 
Write a reflection after completing this unit. Consider the following:
1	 What is your understanding of lessons in life?
2	 What text types have you learnt about? What are their features?
3	 What words, expressions and structures have you learnt?
4	 What improvement have you made in understanding different cultures?
5	 What improvement have you made in using learning strategies and exploring effective ways 
of learning? 
6	 What improvement have you made in analysing and solving problems?
Reflection  
24
UNIT 2
The world meets China
1
	 Watch the video and answer the questions.
1	 What is the video about? How did it get  
its name?
2	 What is remarkable about the road?
2
	 Look at the pictures and answer the questions.
1	 What can you see in these pictures?
2	 What message do these pictures convey?
3	 In what other areas is China attracting 
attention around the world?
U
N
I
T
Starting out  
25
1
	 Look at the pictures and answer 
the questions.
1	
Welcome to Dunhuang! On the old Silk Road, this city 
was the gateway to and from Ancient China, a place 
where East met West, and a green island in the middle 
of the desert. You can only imagine how travellers felt 
when they saw the oasis of Dunhuang ahead of them.
2	
Dunhuang’s long and glorious history represents its 
significance as a centre of cultural and commercial 
exchange. Today, Dunhuang is a world-class tourist 
destination boasting sites with UNESCO-protected 
heritage status. Now, we are going to enter some of the 
city’s famous caves, of which there are more than 700. 
Known as the Mogao Grottoes, these ancient caves 
were carved out of the rock over a period of 1,000 
years. If you look up, you can see the paintings and 
other artworks that are testimony to how the Silk Road 
brought East and West together. Look at these statues! 
You can see elements from Ancient Greece, India and 
Iran. Now look around the walls of the cave. Come a 
little bit closer so that you can get a better view. Look at 
them! The murals cover an astonishing area of 45,000 
square metres.
3	
The subjects of the Dunhuang murals vary from 
religious stories to scenes of everyday life. But one 
type of mural that is unique to Dunhuang shows the 
Apsaras, or “Flying Immortals”. Representations of 
these heavenly musicians, singers and dancers decorate 
the walls of many caves. Take a look at this mural. 
1	 What makes Dunhuang unique?
2	 What else do you know about 
Dunhuang?
2
	 Read the passage and decide where 
it is most probably from. Give your 
reasons.
1	 A travel brochure.
2	 A tour commentary.
3	 A blog.
4	 A lecture.
Understanding ideas
Mogao Grottoes
murals
Mingsha Mountain
26
UNIT 3
DUNHUANG!
imported and exported from Dunhuang, such 
as ceramics, medicine, perfumes and fruit, to 
name just a few. The scrolls also reveal how 
many different communities lived side-by-side 
within this great city. However, the reason why 
the Library Cave was sealed up all those years 
ago remains a mystery.
5	
In the Ming Dynasty, trade routes changed and 
Dunhuang was not as prosperous as it used 
to be. Gradually, it faded from memory, even 
though it was once such a great city.
6	
This century is bringing the Silk Road to 
life once more through the Belt and Road 
Initiative. Dunhuang has once again become 
a global crossroads since it hosted hundreds 
of representatives from 51 countries for the 
Silk Road International Cultural Expo in 
2017. Given that the theme of the Expo was 
to promote cultural exchange and strengthen 
mutual cooperation between the countries 
along the Silk Road, Dunhuang was the 	
ideal place.
7	
Now let’s move on to the next cave…
The Apsaras are depicted sailing in the bright 
blue sky, with their scarves flying, as if they 
are about to fly down to meet us. And here is 
another one. Move over here where you can 
see it in more detail. The Apsaras are holding 
lotuses, playing musical instruments, dancing 
and throwing flowers. The painting of Apsaras 
reached a peak during the Tang Dynasty; these 
images are full of life, reflecting the confidence 
and optimism of people from that time.
4	
Now, something really extraordinary happened 
in 1900, when a Taoist priest made one of 
the most important finds of the 20th century. 
In a sealed cave, now known as the famous 
Library Cave, were hidden thousands of 
manuscripts, paintings and scrolls, as well as 
silk embroideries. We’ll have a chance to see 
some of them shortly – the Library Cave is 
only a stone’s throw from here. Dating from 
405 AD to 1002 AD, these hidden treasures 
give us a picture of Dunhuang when it was at 
the very centre of the Silk Road trade. Thanks 
to this ancient library, we now know that 
goods arrived in Dunhuang from as far away 
as North-east Europe, and that goods were 
also exported from Dunhuang across Asia and 
Europe. The scrolls are so detailed that they 
describe the vast range of goods that were 
WELCOME TO 
The world meets China
27
Think     Share
&
1	 What is your understanding of “Dunhuang has once again 
become a global crossroads”?
2	 In what ways is present-day Dunhuang influenced by its past?
3	 What would you most like to see in Dunhuang? Why?
4	 What methods can you use to find out information effectively?
3
	 Choose the best summary of the passage and give your reasons.
1	 The Silk Road was an ancient trade route between East and West, which passed 
through Dunhuang.
2	 The Silk Road city of Dunhuang has a splendid history and is once again a meeting 
place for people from around the world.
3	 In Dunhuang there are grottoes, murals and other sights that attract tourists from all 
over the world.
4
	 Organise information from the passage and complete the travel webpage.
Now think about what information you would add to the webpage. Do further 
research if necessary.
•	 Discovered inside were 
10______________________.
•	 These give us 
11______________________.
Location:
Gansu Province
Significance:
•	 UNESCO-protected heritage sites
•	
1___________________________
•	
2___________________________
The statues include elements from 
4______________________.
Caves in Mogao Grottoes:
The caves were carved out of the rock 
3__________________.
•	 Coverage: 
5______________________
•	 Topics: 
6______________________
Statues
Murals
Library Cave
Dunhuang has once again become 
12__________________________.
Apsaras
•	 Also called 
7______________________, they 
represent 
8______________________.
•	 Apsaras painted during the Tang Dynasty are 
a reflection of the 
9______________________ 
during that time.
28
UNIT 3
Review: adverbial clauses
2
	 Complete the passage with the clauses in the box.
no matter what culture it comes from
so that people can learn about different cultures
as if they are neighbours
that over 15,000 people each year attend them
as the traditional is mixed with the modern
a	 You can only imagine how travellers felt when they saw the oasis of Dunhuang ahead of them.
b	 If you look up, you can see the paintings and other artworks…
c	 … Dunhuang was not as prosperous as it used to be.
d	 Given that the theme of the Expo was to promote cultural exchange…, Dunhuang was the ideal place.
1
	 Look at the sentences from the reading passage and answer the questions.
1	 Classify the adverbial clauses in the sentences.
  condition	
  comparison	
  reason	
  time 
2	 What other types of adverbial clause can you think of? Give some examples.
Now look for more sentences with adverbial clauses in the reading passage.
Yo-Yo Ma is a French-born Chinese American cellist 
known for his musical talent. In 1998, Ma founded 
Silkroad, an organisation that explores musical 
traditions in countries 
1_________________. 
The fundamental purpose of Silkroad is to bring 
people from across the globe together to play and 
listen to music. Instruments and styles are blended 
together to create music that is surprising, rich, and 
completely original, 
2_________________. What’s 
more, 
3_________________, people can learn about 
the development of culture as a whole.
The events that Silkroad organises are either 
performances, workshops, or mixed musical-artistic 
displays. It is so successful 
4_________________. 
People meet as strangers, but they leave 
5_________________, learning that different cultures 
have more in common than they imagined.
3
	 Look at the picture and describe 
it using adverbial clauses where 
appropriate. You may use the 
information to help you.
4
	 Work in pairs. Describe another 
Chinese innovation that has had 
a great impact both at home and 
abroad. Use adverbial clauses  
where appropriate.
Using language 
Since HSR service started in China in 
2008, it has undergone rapid growth…
Now talk about what types of adverbial clause they are. 
China’s High Speed Rail (HSR)
•	 In 2008, China’s HSR service started.
•	 In 2015, a major breakthrough 
in technology was made, using 
independent R&D.
•	 Now, China cooperates with dozens 
of countries in the world to develop 
HSR services overseas.
The world meets China
29
Cultural exchange
6
	 Complete the passage with the correct 
form of the expressions in Activity 5.
Qian Zhongshu was 
a renowned literary 
scholar and writer. 
Born in 1910 in 
Jiangsu Province, 
he showed a strong 
interest in books 
at a very young age, earning him the 
name “Zhongshu”, which means 
fondness for books. His translations and 
writings 1_________________ of cultural 
exchange between China and the West 
that continues to this day.
In 1929, Qian was accepted into the 
Department of Foreign Languages at 
Tsinghua University. In 1935, he went 
to Europe. He spent two years at 
Oxford University, where he studied and 
2_________________ English literature. 
He also studied in Paris for a year, before 
returning to China to teach. In addition 
to studying Western literature, he wrote 
a number of works on Chinese culture. 
Qian was an expert in both Chinese 
and Western languages and culture.This 
made him an excellent translator, who 
3_________________ between Western 
and Chinese academics. Selected and 
Annotated Song Dynasty Poetry was 
one of the great quantity of works he 
4_________________ Chinese to English. 
One of Qian’s great achievements was to 
produce comparative studies of classical 
Chinese texts, which made these works 
more accessible to Western readers. 
These books helped 
5_________________ 
Chinese literature to the West. 
5
	 Read the timeline and find out what contributions 
each person made. Pay attention to the expressions 
in bold.
 The first century AD:
Gan Ying, a military envoy, explored the Persian 
Gulf and became the first Chinese to get 
information on Europe.
 The second century BC:
Zhang Qian, a diplomat, gave a reliable 
account of the lands of Central Asia for 
the Han court.
 The 13th century:
Marco Polo travelled from Europe to 
Asia. The Travels of Marco Polo served to 
bring knowledge of Asia to the West.
 The 15th century:
Zheng He sailed to South-east Asia, South Asia, 
West Asia, and East Africa. Some of his voyages 
comprised as many as sixty treasure ships. These 
voyages led to a legacy of cultural exchange 
between China and other countries. 
 The 8th century:
After six attempts, over a period of twelve years, 
Chinese monk Jianzhen arrived in Japan, where 
he promoted exchange and understanding 
between China and Japan.
 The 7th century:
Xuanzang, a Chinese monk, scholar and 
traveller, translated volumes of scriptures 
from Sanskrit to Chinese. He also wrote 
The Great Tang Dynasty Record of the 
Western Regions, a description of the 
countries he visited on his travels.
30
UNIT 3
?
Did You Know 
The Confucius Institute is a non-profit educational organisation run by the Chinese 
Ministry of Education, aiming to promote Chinese language and culture abroad and
to encourage cultural exchange. The first institute opened in 2004, and today there are 
over 500 institutes around the world. In addition to Chinese language courses, 	the 
institutes also support activities, such as art exhibitions, conferences and film festivals. 
9
	 Complete the boxes with the 
expressions from the conversation.
10
	 Work in pairs. Discuss what you can 
do to spread Chinese culture using 
the expressions in this section.
Now think about whether you can 
use the language you have learnt 
to express your ideas and give 
explanations, and whether you can 
understand your partner’s ideas and 
comment on them.
7
	 Listen to the conversation and choose the topics covered.
1	 The reason why Liang Ran decided to work for the 
Confucius Institute.
2	 The working environment at the Institute.
3	 The troubles he had during teaching.
4	 A special moment from his time at the Institute.
5	 What he learnt from his students.
6	 The friends he made in New York.
8
	 Listen again and complete the passage.
Liang Ran spent 
1_____________ abroad working as 
a teacher at 
2_____________. He said it was a difficult 
decision, because it would mean 
3_____________. Finally, 
he decided to go as he wanted to help foreigners learn 
Chinese and learn about China. He also wanted to 
4_____________.
At first, Liang was surprised at 
5_____________, as they 
were quite varied. They were all interested in Chinese 
culture, however. One challenge they met was that  
they 
6_____________, so Liang had to give them a lot  
of support.
Liang’s most memorable experience was at the end 
of the year when students learnt about traditional 
Chinese dancing and 
7_____________. Liang said their 
8_____________ was amazing. 
Working there made Liang a better person. Through 
teaching Chinese, he 
9_____________, and through 
interacting with students, he 
10_____________.
•	 The reason why… is that…
•	 That was due to…
•	 On the whole, …
•	 To sum up, …
•	 In short, …
Giving reasons
Drawing conclusions
Now talk about the role the Confucius Institute plays in 
promoting intercultural exchange.
The world meets China
31
1
	 Work in groups. Look at the list and 
discuss the questions.
1	 What are the Chinese names of  
these works?
2	 Why do you think these works are 
popular outside of China?
3	 What other Chinese works do you 
think people outside of China would 
enjoy? Why?
2
	 Read the passage and write the 
questions on the lines.
1	 Which works by Chinese writers are 
popular in your country?
2	 How did you get interested in  
Chinese literature?
3	 How do you select works to translate?
Q1: _______________________________________
Petko: It all started with a movie I watched when 	
I was a boy – The Shaolin Temple. That movie gave 
me so many reasons to fall in love with China. I was 
amazed by Chinese kung fu, of course – everyone 
loves kung fu, don’t they? I also thought the Chinese 
language sounded so beautiful, and I found that I liked 
Chinese music, too – I just loved the movie’s theme 
tune, Song of the Shepherd.
Annelous: I became interested in languages at a young 
age. When I started high school, I began reading books 
about Chinese history and culture, and this inspired me 
to choose Chinese Studies as my academic major  
at university.
Joachim: When I was 15 years old, my mother bought 
me a copy of the classic Shi Ji, or Records of the Grand 
Historian. Prior to that, the only great historical works I 
had been exposed to were Homer’s epic poems. Records 
of the Grand Historian was my first encounter with 
Chinese classical literature. After reading it, I realised the 
true genius of China’s “Grand Historian”, Sima Qian. 
His writing had a profound effect on me, and I have this 
to thank for my passion for Chinese literature.
Mai: I gradually fell in love with Chinese literature 
when I started working as a translator. Most of the 
translated works of literature in Egypt are from the 
English-speaking world, so reading Chinese literature 
was a stimulating and inspiring experience.
The world of Chinese literature is one that is familiar 
to us all. But have you ever stopped to wonder what 
works are read outside of China and how they are 
received? Today, four Sinologists and translators 
share their experience of Chinese literature with us. 
They are:
Petko, aged 43 from Bulgaria
Annelous, aged 34 from the Netherlands
Joachim, aged 25 from France
Mai, aged 28 from Egypt
I Ching
The Analects
The Art of War
Journey to the West
Teahouse
Legends of the Condor Heroes
The Three-body Problem
…
CHINESE WORKS
POPULAR
IN THE WEST
Developing ideas 
32
UNIT 3
Q2: ____________________________________
Petko: I particularly like classical Chinese 
literature, especially works from the Ming and 
Qing dynasties. I fell in love with Dream of the 
Red Chamber the first time I read it, and was 
determined to translate it into Bulgarian. Now 
that this dream has come true, my next goal is to 
translate The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
Annelous: In the Netherlands, the decision as to 
which works of Chinese literature get translated 
is largely influenced by the opinions of respected 
Sinologists. In addition, publishing houses tend 
to look to other countries to see which Chinese 
works have sold well there. I’ve so far translated 
the writings of Han Han, and I am now working 
on those of Xu Zechen.
Joachim: I just go with what I like and what I am 
interested in. I’ve translated several short stories 
by Mo Yan. Right now, I’m doing research into 
popular literature in Shanghai at the start of the 
20th century.
Mai: I don’t care if a writer is popular or not. 
What interests me most is the work itself. I’ve 
translated some works by authors such as 
Xi Murong and Bi Shumin. I also keep a close 
eye on what’s being self-published online by new, 
young authors – they have some good ideas.
Q3: ____________________________________
Petko: Thirty-six Stratagems has sold more than 
1,000 copies in Bulgaria. When you consider that 
here the best a writer can usually hope for is to 
sell a few hundred copies of their work, Thirty-six 
Stratagems is a best-seller in Bulgaria!
Annelous: Each year sees more works by Chinese 
writers published in the Netherlands, and they 
are well-received. The people that buy and read 
these books do so because they want to learn 
more about Chinese culture and everyday life in 
China. On the whole, I do have to admit that here, 
people’s knowledge of Chinese literature is rather 
limited.
Joachim: The novels of Mo Yan and Yu Hua sell 
quite well in France. Mo Yan was already hugely 
popular, but became even more so after receiving 
the Nobel Prize in Literature. Literature has a lot 
of significance to the French, and Chinese literary 
works tend to be highly thought of.
Mai: Egyptians like literature that reflects human 
nature and experience. A couple of good examples 
of this are “Fond Memories of Autumn” by 
Shi Tiesheng and “Street Scene” by Zhou Guoping. 
I think Egypt and China are closely connected 
and both have a lot in common. Because of this, 
Chinese literary works really strike a chord in the 
hearts of Egyptian readers.
READING
CHINA
The world meets China
33
3
	 Match people to their opinions. Find evidence to support your choices.
1	 Petko
2	 Annelous
3	 Joachim
4	 Mai
4
	 Work in groups. Discuss how to promote Chinese 
literature throughout the world.
1	 Break the topic into smaller questions. Consider the 
following:
•	 What types of literary works do you think should be 
promoted? (eg fiction, drama, poetry) Why?
•	 By what different methods could this be done?  
(eg translation, advertising, film adaptation)
2	 Do research to find more information to support 
your ideas.
3	 Present your ideas to the class.
Now think about what effective measures you have 
taken to give an answer to a big question.
Think     Share
&
1	 If you had a chance to talk 
with the four Sinologists, what would you like to 
ask them?
2	 What work would you recommend as an 
introduction to Chinese literature? Why?
3	 Which works of Western literature are popular in 
China? What make them popular?
4	 In what different ways do the two reading passages 
in this unit improve your understanding of China’s 
influence on the world?
a	 Studying Chinese language was what first got me interested in its 
culture. If only there was greater awareness of Chinese language and 
literature in my country.
b	 I feel that my culture has a lot in common with Chinese culture. I care 
more about what writers have to say than who they are.
c	 I wish that people could learn to love Chinese culture as much as I do, 
especially stories from classical literature.
d	 It’s important to read what interests you, not just what is recommended 
by other people. The same goes for the literature that I translate.
When faced with answering one big 
question, start by breaking it down into a 
series of smaller questions. Then consider 
how many of these questions you can 
answer and what evidence you can give to 
support these answers. Finally, identify what 
you still need to find out and how you will 
go about this. 
Learning to learn
34
UNIT 3
From:	
Selena 
To:	
Jiang
Subject:	
Visit to the US
Recommending cultural highlights
5
	 Read the email and answer the questions.
Dear Jiang, 
Great to hear you’re coming to the US! I hope I can 
convince you to stop by and visit us in New York. 
There’re so many things to see and do here in the Big 
Apple. It would take a lifetime to list them all! But 
knowing you as I do, I’d suggest walking through 
Midtown Manhattan. It’s one of the most popular 
tourist attractions in the US and just can’t be missed! 
Broadway district with its cafés, street performers and 
enormous and colorful signs really captures New York’s 
loud spirit! As Broadway is the heart of the American 
theater industry, it’s at night when it truly comes alive. 
Broadway is famous for its big theaters, showing 
Shakespeare, modern drama, dance shows or musicals – 
take your pick! With your love of singing and interest 
in amateur dramatics, I’d recommend a musical. It’s a 
moving and intense experience that I’m sure you would 
love – a bit like Peking Opera! Quite a few musicals are 
based on classic stories like Les Misérables or Peter Pan, 
and they might even inspire you to read the books, too!
My big news is that we’re all thinking about doing a big 
trip in China in the winter vacation. We’re looking for 
a combination of fun and traditional culture. Can you 
recommend a place of cultural highlights?
See you soon! (Fist bump!!) 
Selena
6
	 Plan your reply to Selena, suggesting 
a place she can visit in China and 
make notes.
1	 Which place in New York did Selena recommend that 
Jiang should visit?
2	 What is special about it?
	
Now write your email. 
7
	 Share your email with the class.
Now think about how well you can use 
the language you have learnt in this 
section to introduce Chinese culture in 
intercultural communication.
Recommended place:
What it is like:
Reasons for recommendation:
The world meets China
35
2
	 Create a programme of events for the opening ceremony.
Order
Events
Descriptions
Purposes
1
2
3
4
3
	 Prepare a presentation about the opening ceremony 
events. Consider the following:
1	 the structure of your presentation
2	 useful words, expressions and structures
4
	 Present your opening ceremony plan to the class. Vote 
for the best plan.
1
	 Work in groups. Read the notice 
and brainstorm events for the 
opening ceremony.
Write a reflection after completing this unit. Consider the following:
1	 What is your understanding of the relationship and communication between China and the 
rest of the world?
2	 What text types have you learnt about? What are their features?
3	 What words, expressions and structures have you learnt?
4	 What improvement have you made in understanding different cultures?
5	 What improvement have you made in using learning strategies and exploring effective ways 
of learning?
6	 What improvement have you made in analysing and solving problems?
Presenting ideas 
Reflection  
We’re going to host an International 
Cultural Exchange Exhibition for 
senior high students. This event will 
last for one week, and will involve 
overseas students and teachers coming 
to our school. It will begin with 
an opening ceremony to showcase 
Chinese culture. The format of the 
ceremony is yet to be decided, and 
we would like to hear your ideas 
about the events and performances 
that could be included. Contact us at: 
cultureclub@bjsh.edu.cn
SCHOOL COMMITTEE 
NOTICE
36
UNIT 3
1
	 Watch the video and answer  
the questions.
1	 What is the video about?
2	 What stages are mentioned in 
the video? What are they like?
2
	 Look at the pictures and answer 
the questions.
1	 What activities are shown in 
the pictures?
2	 What do they have in common?
3	 What other economic activities 
are part of your daily life?
U
N
I
T
Everyday economics
Starting out  
37
1
	 Look at the charts and answer the questions.
1	
As she spoke, Zhang Yue put her hands 
behind her back to hide that they were 
shaking. She couldn’t, however, hide the 
line of sweat running down her forehead, 
which was caused partly by the heat of the 
television studio, but more by fear of the 
four people seated in front of her. They 
stared back, their blank faces giving no clue 
as to what they would say next. Feeling 
dizzy, Zhang Yue took a deep breath as 
she struggled to finish her presentation, 
“And that is why I need your help in 
turning my new and exciting business into a 
successful one.”
2	
Now chairwoman of her own company, 
Zhang Yue is fond of saying, “The early 
bird catches the worm.” The place where 
this happens is a valley, a world away from 
any television studio. Moving carefully 
through the darkness, she passes row upon 
row of rose plants. In an hour, these fields 
will be full of people, working quickly to 
pick the flowers before sunrise. “It has to be 
done then,” says Zhang. “These flowers are 
delicate.”
3	
Zhang never thought that this was 
something she would end up doing. 
Surrounded by roses as she was growing up, 
she paid them little attention. It was only 
after graduating from university overseas 
and returning to visit her parents that 
Zhang realised the potential. “Conditions 
are ideal here,” she says. “This is a place 
where roses grow wild.” 
4	
Zhang therefore decided to return to her 
home town and grow roses, which surprised 
many people. “I wanted to experience the 
freedom of being my own boss,” she said. 
“But I also wanted to give something back 
to my home town. As people say, ‘It takes a 
village to raise a child.’”
1	 What options do college students have  
after graduation?
2	 What does the second chart tell you about 
the trend of college graduates starting their 
own businesses?
3	 What do you think the trend will look like in 
five years’ time?
2
	 Read the passage and find out what decision 
Zhang Yue made to develop her career.
Understanding ideas
Career development of
Chinese college students in 2017 
(six months after graduation)
In full-time employment
Starting a business
Attending graduate school
Unemployed
Other
Trend of Chinese college graduates 
starting a business
78.7%
2.9%
10.8%
7.2%
0.4%
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
1.0%
1.5%
2.0%
2.5%
3.0%
38
UNIT 4
5	
She is not the only young person to have 
been bitten by the start-up bug. All over the 
world, an increasing number of enterprising 
young people are thinking of starting their 
own businesses, as the growing economy 
creates more opportunities. Like Zhang, they 
present their ideas in the hope of getting 
investment and advice, and they have the 
same passion and devotion. The majority meet 
with rejection. A few, like Zhang Yue, find 
themselves lucky enough to get investment and 
the all-important input and support from more 
experienced business people. The road to their 
success is however still a long and difficult one, 
with many challenges along the way.
6	
As someone who grew up in the country, 
Zhang already knew about growing plants. 
However, like any entrepreneur who was just 
starting out, she still had a lot to learn. She has 
overcome a number of obstacles in nursing her 
business to the success it is today. “The biggest 
challenge at the initial phase was to persuade 
people to work for me, which was totally 
outside my experience. Few in the village 
believed I could create a multi-million yuan 
business from flowers,” says Zhang. “After 	
I went on TV, a major Asian manufacturer of 
cosmetics was willing to purchase my product 
and help with its distribution. It was only then 
that the locals began to believe me. Now my 
product is one of the best in Asia. This year, I 
can pay all my fellow workers a decent bonus.”
7	
Seeing her peers who also dream of success 
and independence, Zhang has mixed feelings. 
Though she welcomes the new entrepreneurial 
spirit, she advises that people be realistic and 
seek guidance from expert consultants before 
rushing into things.
8	
“I love running my own business, but it’s not 
for everyone,” says Zhang. “To succeed in 
business, you need more than a good idea, hard 
work and determination. What really matters 
is a sound business plan, access to capital, and 
good management and negotiating skills. Most 
of all, don’t be too ambitious. You should 
know your own limits and those of the people 
you work with. For young people who have 
little life experience, that can be a challenge.”
B
usi
n
e
ss Blosso
m
s
Everyday economics
39
3
	 Choose the main purpose of the passage and give your reasons.
1	 To introduce the main reasons why young people choose to start their own businesses.
2	 To analyse the pros and cons of young people starting their own businesses.
3	 To encourage all young people to start their own businesses after graduation. 
4	 To help young people think more realistically before starting their own businesses.
5	 To teach young people the correct procedures for starting their own businesses.
4
	 Organise information from the passage and complete the interview notes.
Think     Share
&
1	 What do you think has contributed to Zhang Yue’s success?
2	 What other difficulties do you think young people encounter when starting their 
own businesses?
3	 Have you ever thought about starting your own business, or would you rather do 
a white-collar job in an office? Give your reasons.
4	 How well do you understand the characteristics of a feature story? How are 
these characteristics reflected in the reading passage?
General situation of the company
• One of the best rose products in Asia.
• A major Asian manufacturer of cosmetics 
2____________________________.
Reasons for starting a business in her home town
•	
3______________ for growing roses.
•	 Experiencing the freedom of 
4______________.
•	
5____________________________
Now work in pairs. Act out the interview based on the interview notes.
Interview notes
Programme
Young start-ups
Interviewee
Zhang Yue
Occupation
1______________ of Rose Valley Co., Ltd
Date
26 April
Challenges
• Getting investment.
•	
6____________________________
Advice for young entrepreneurs
• You need a good idea, hard work, 
7______________, 
8______________, access to capital, and 
9______________.
•	
10____________________________
• Know your own limits and those of the people you 
work with.
40
UNIT 4
Review: attributive clauses
2
	 Read the passage and rewrite the underlined 
sentences using attributive clauses.
3
	 Read the profile and write an 
introduction to a Good Deal product 
using attributive clauses where 
appropriate.
4
	 Work in pairs. Write an introduction 
to something you have bought 
recently using attributive clauses 
where appropriate.
a	 This is a place where roses grow wild.
b	 The biggest challenge at the initial phase was to 
persuade people to work for me, which was totally 
outside my experience.
1	 What does “where” refer to in sentence (a)?
2	 What does “which” refer to in sentence (b)?
3	 Which sentence contains a clause with essential 
information about the subject?
4	 Which sentence contains a clause with extra 
information about the subject?
 
Now look for more sentences with attributive clauses 
in the reading passage. 
Good Deal is a local movement in some countries. 	
It works to help farmers and workers in less developed 
areas receive a better deal for their produce. Good 
Deal products may be a little more expensive than 
regular products, but up to one-third of the sale price 
will be given back to the producers. This is more than 
they could get under the conventional trading system. 
The movement has proven popular among young 
people, and they want to help producers get the 
payment they deserve. They have no problem spending 
a bit more on Good Deal products, believing that their 
purchasing of these products will help improve local 
people’s welfare. 
However, some people are less optimistic, and argue 
that it discriminates against producers not part of the 
Good Deal movement.
1
	 Look at the sentences from the reading passage and 
answer the questions.
Price: 
$25 per kg
Origin: 
grown on the Green Equator Estate
Special features: 
•	 100% organic
•	 superior, smooth blend, with 
mild flavour
•	 less than one calorie per cup
Good Deal guarantee:
one-third of the sale price returned 
to local producers
Using language 
Green Equator Coffee is a Good Deal 
product, which sells at...
Green Equator Coffee
Everyday economics
41
Social credit
?
Did You Know 
5
	 Listen to the conversation and choose the 
topics discussed.
1	 The tips to book a good hotel.
2	 The importance of being creditworthy.
3	 The origin of the credit system.
4	 The benefits of a social credit system.
5	 The cost of having a bad social credit record.
7
	 Complete the boxes with the 
expressions from the conversation.
Credit, or the offering of money loans for repayment, has 
existed since the Bronze Age. For most of this history, 
lenders relied mainly on their subjective judgement when 
deciding whether or not a borrower was creditworthy. 
With the development of information technology and 
data analysis, more and more 
countries are building their own 
credit systems with objective credit 
rating methods. People’s activities 
such as credit card payments, loan 
payments, etc, are recorded and 
scored, and will affect their future 
creditworthiness. 
•	 How did that happen? 
•	 What’s that? 
•	 Could you tell me more about it?
•	 Let me explain. 
•	 It enables…
•	 How is that so?
•	 What does that mean?
•	 It means…
•	 It’s definitely an encouragement to…
•	 … an effective way to...
Asking for clarification
Clarifying
Stating advantages 
6
	 Listen again and complete the paragraph.
Now answer the questions.
1	 What was the man prohibited from 
doing and why?
2	 What restrictions are mentioned that 
are caused by a bad social credit record?
3	 What could the social credit system 
contribute to?
I have been 1__________________ on time, 
returning books to the library 2__________________, 
and using 3__________________ properly. 
As a reward, we didn’t have to pay a deposit 
when 4__________________ during our trip to 
Hangzhou. The hotel is very nice, and it’s quite 
near the West Lake. This is just one of the many 
benefits of the social credit system which enables 
5__________________ to enjoy a more convenient 
life 6__________________.
Wang Lin
42
UNIT 4
8
	 Read the leaflet and answer the questions. Pay 
attention to the words and expressions in bold.
1	 What suggestions are given to help students save money?
2	 What do you need to pay attention to when spending money?
3	 What do you need to bear in mind when making 
extra money?
9
	 Match the words and expressions 
in Activity 8 to their meanings.
1	 ____________: the amount of 
money needed or available for 
certain purposes
2	 ____________: to have just enough 
money to buy what you need to live
3	 ____________: to be out of debt 
or financial difficulty
4	 ____________: money paid to the 
government, usually a percentage 
of personal income or of the cost 
of goods
5	 ____________: to accumulate the 
quality of being creditworthy
6	 ____________: the maximum 
amount of money that may 
be borrowed under a credit 
arrangement
7	 ____________: to get into the 
state of owing money
8	 ____________: costs automatically 
charged once a year to your credit 
card account 
9	 ____________: the amount of 
money charged by a bank when 
you borrow money, or paid to you 
when you keep money in an account
Now think about other words 
and expressions associated with 
managing personal finances.
10
	 Work in pairs. Give suggestions 
on how to manage your finances 
and maintain a good social credit 
record using the words and 
expressions in this section.
Now talk about how effectively you 
and your partner have used the 
words and expressions in this section 
and suggest ways to improve.
tips for freshmen
Finance 
management 
Welcome to Winfield University. While you’re doing your degree 
here, most of you must also handle money on your own for the 
first time. You will have to pay bills and handle budgets to make 
ends meet. Here are some tips for you to stay afloat. 
1
Find the banking services that meet your needs and will 
help you save money, such as accounts with free online 
banking services.
2
Building credit is important throughout your life, so  
be careful when opening your first credit card account. 
Look for a card with good benefits and no annual fees. 
Always make payments on time, or your credit score will 
be affected.
3
Start saving now. Save a small amount each week, and 
increase it each month. This is a widely recognised good 
habit for personal finance management, and you can 
receive interest on your savings.
4
Making some extra money is an option. But keep two 
things in mind: make sure that it doesn’t interfere with 
your studies, and pay any tax as required by law.
5
Make rational spending choices and never exceed your 
agreed credit limit. Avoid luxuries so that you don’t 
go into debt.
Everyday economics
43
Share
1
	 Read Leo’s travel notes and answer  
the questions.
1	
We’ve been told since we were toddlers that 
“It’s good to share”. Parents and teachers 
keep reminding us to share toys, snacks, 
books, happy memories, and sometimes 
even sorrows with others. When we grow 
up, we share photos, life stories and 
opinions with people around us and with 
those we don’t know via social media. 
Taking it as an object of study, psychologists 
have published various papers stating that 
the behaviour of sharing is beneficial to 
setting up positive emotional bonding.
2	
Today, the action of sharing takes on extra 
meaning. It’s not just about sharing sweets 
or frustration; it has expanded to almost 
every aspect of our lives – the whole world 
seems to be into sharing. We are using 
technology to reduce the money that we 
spend on goods and services, or to make 
money out of those that we don’t use 
ourselves all of the time. These vary from 
car shares to home shares, and even to pet 
shares. The sharing economy is taking off in 
all sorts of areas. It is creating new ways of 
thinking and is providing services to people 
when and where they want them.
Developing ideas 
8 Aug 2008
18 Aug 2018
Shared a ride with a nice guy 
from airport to a shared flat 
very close to Houhai.
Pedalled along Houhai. Beautiful view. Shared 
bicycle – two yuan for the whole pm.
Shared a delicious meal with some other 
backpackers at Chef Cui’s restaurant. The Chinese 
cabbage was delicious. And I love Beijing Duck!
Spotted shared power banks! No need to bring 
my own tomorrow!
1	 What are the differences between Leo’s 
two trips? 
2	 Which one do you think was more fun? 
Give your reasons.
2
	 Look at the title of the passage and talk 
about your understanding of it.
Now read the passage and check your 
understanding. 
• Took a taxi to hostel from airport. Didn’t 
know it was that far. Cost me a fortune!
• Got lost on my way to Houhai. Didn’t 
know which bus to take. Had to ask the 
police for help.
• Mushroom pizza for dinner in the hostel. 
Kind of lonely. Don’t know where to have 
good Chinese food.
• Watched the Olympic opening at Bird’s 
Nest. Absolutely stunning! Pity my 
camera battery was flat!
44
UNIT 4
abuse of trust. Some people have experienced 
damage to their properties whilst renting out 
their homes, and others have found themselves 
victims of theft or attack while sharing rides. 
Finally, personal data, the heart of the sharing 
economy, is not yet secure. Sharing platforms 
collect personal information about almost 
every part of our lives, including our names, 
locations, bank information, and individual 
preferences for goods and services. Yet, the 
technology to prevent such information from 
leaking or being stolen still needs improvement, 
and the awareness of potential risks is low 
among both service providers and users.
5	
Nonetheless, what is in no doubt is that the 
sharing economy is increasingly relevant to our 
daily lives as well as to the global economy. 
	
It is expanding at such a rate that we can only 
imagine what it will comprise in the future. 
What will we be sharing next? Who will be 
sharing and how? And the most interesting 
question of all – what type of society will all 
this sharing take us to?
3	
This wealth of ways of sharing is a response 
to our increasing demand for quality goods 
and services at competitive prices, all delivered 
at the click of a button. Whether it’s an 
online shop where we can hire designer 
clothes at rock-bottom prices, or a platform 
from which we can rent out our flats for a 
couple of days, it’s out there. Whether we’re a 
lender or a borrower, it’s a win-win situation; 
everyone makes or saves money. We also make 
connections and sometimes even make new 
friends. What’s more, sharing encourages us 
to reuse items, thereby cutting down on waste. 
And set-ups such as bike and car sharing do a 
further favour for the environment by reducing 
the number of polluting vehicles on the road. 
4	
But the sharing economy is not without its 
problems. As is often the case all over the 
world with new areas of economic activity, 
the sharing economy is developing faster than 
existing regulations or ongoing supervision. 
Some companies are taking unfair advantage 
of this situation to expand their share of 
the market, often at the expense of more 
traditional and established companies. In 
addition, the sharing economy is subject to 
What’s mine is yours.
Everyday economics
45
•	 It meets people’s increasing demand for 
1________________________.
•	 It allows people to make or save money.
•	 It helps people 
2________________________ 
and even 
3________________________.
•	 It favours the environment by 
4________________________ and 
5________________________.
•	 The sharing economy is developing faster 
than 
6________________________.
•	 The sharing economy is subject to 
7________________________.
•	 Personal information about 
8________________________ is 
9________________________ in the  
sharing economy.
Benefits
3
	 Match the paragraphs to their functions and give your reasons.
	a	 To highlight the key benefits of the sharing economy.
	b	 To explain and elaborate on the sharing economy.
	c	 To lead the topic from sharing in childhood to sharing in economic activities.
	d	 To illustrate various drawbacks of the sharing economy.
	e	 To predict the future of the sharing economy.
4
	 Think about the structure of the passage and complete the diagram.
Think     Share
&
1	 What is the author’s 
attitude towards the sharing economy?
2	 What do you think are other benefits and 
problems of the sharing economy? How 
could we address the potential problems?
3	 What are your experiences of the sharing 
economy? Share these experiences with 
the class.
4	 How do the two reading passages in this 
unit help deepen your understanding of 
new economic trends?
5
	 Work in groups. Talk about the future of the 
sharing economy.
1	 Think about what will happen in the next 
20 years as the world’s economy becomes 
ever more global and digital. Consider the 
following:
•	 What will people be sharing next?
•	 How will they be sharing these things?
•	 What benefits will people get from sharing 
these things?
•	 What are the potential problems?
2	 Share your ideas with your group.
3	 Present your group’s ideas to the class.
Now think about how the other groups’ 
ideas were different to your own and 
whether you agree with them.
A two-sided argumentative essay investigates 
a topic by presenting collated information and 
evaluating evidence from both sides. It should close 
by wrapping up the argument. It could conclude in 
favour of the arguments, or simply stay neutral with 
no particular preference.
Learning to learn
The sharing economy 
Problems
46
UNIT 4
Definition of non-cash payments
Benefits
Problems
Conclusion
Writing an essay about non-cash payments
7
	 Write an essay about non-cash 
payments using the information 
in Activity 6 and the words and 
expressions in this section to help you. 
Do further research if necessary.
8
	 Work in pairs. Make improvements to 
each other’s essays and share them with 
the class.
23/10/18
I mainly worry about over-consumption. If I 
have $20 in my purse, I can only spend up to 
that amount. But with electronic payments, 
I can spend again and again, just as long as 
my bank account has money in it! And what 
if you’re in a place without Internet access or 
your phone battery dies? 
Betty
Frank
20/10/18
Non-cash payment is the best way to go. Even my 
nine-year-old niece and nephew know how to do 
them! And personally, I pay for everything with 
my smartphone. It only takes a blink of the eye – 
just scan the barcode and click! And I never have 
to carry lots of heavy coins or dirty notes, or worry 
about losing my wallet – for the fourth time! 
Speaking of “dirty”, do you know that there are 
more germs on a coin than on a toilet seat?!
Yang
24/10/18
Despite their convenience, electronic payments 
can have risks as well. It might not be safe 
as you think, as laptops and phones can be 
stolen or hacked easily. Criminals might spy on 
our payment records and clone our personal 
information for their own use. Perhaps we 
could talk about using money less often, rather 
than replacing it for good?
Non-cash payments are 
becoming increasingly popular, 
with fewer and fewer people 
using cash. Instead, they are 
choosing to make their payments 
with cards, mobile phones and 
other electronic devices. What 
do you think of this?
6
	 Read the posts from an online forum. Complete the 
table with the corresponding information.
Everyday economics
47
Write a reflection after completing this unit. Consider the following:
1	What is your understanding of the economic activities around you and their influences?
2	 What text types have you learnt about? What are their features?
3	 What words, expressions and structures have you learnt?
4	 What improvement have you made in understanding different cultures?
5	 What improvement have you made in using learning strategies and exploring effective ways 
of learning?
6	 What improvement have you made in analysing and solving problems?
Presenting ideas 
Reflection  
2
	 Work in groups. Talk about the current economic 
development in your home town and make notes. 
Do further research if necessary.
1
	 Read the headlines and answer  
the questions.
1	 What is each headline about?
2	 What do the news items have in 
common concerning economic 
development?
3	 What is the current situation regarding 
economic development in your 
home town?
Problems demanding prompt solutions:
Potential for further development:
Current situation of economic development:
3
	 Talk about how to promote economic development 
in your home town. Do further research if necessary. 
Consider the following:
1	 What could be done to help promote economic 
development.
2	 Why you propose to take such measures.
3	 How you plan to implement your suggested measures.
4	 What your goals are and how you will measure them.
4
	 Prepare a short presentation about your suggestions 
for better economic development in your home 
town. Consider the following:
1	 the structure of your presentation
2	 useful words, expressions and structures
5
	 Give your presentation to the class.
A new Silicon Valley
city surges ahead with 
high-tech development
E-commerce provides boon 
for sellers of farm products 
in remote areas
takes over as main contributor
to local economy
Eco-tourism
Traditional crafts 
revive local economy
48
UNIT 4
1
	 Watch the video and answer the questions.
1	 What natural phenomena are mentioned in 
the video?
2	 How were these explained in the past? What 
are the scientific explanations behind them?
2
	 Look at the pictures and answer the questions.
1	 What do you know about these mysteries?
2	 What other unsolved mysteries do you 
know of?
3	 Which of these do you most want  
to investigate?
Into the unknown
U
N
I
T
Starting out  
black hole
Nazca Lines
Atlantis 
Tunguska event
49
1
	 Look at the pictures and answer 
the questions. Do further research 
if necessary.
1	
Intrigued by Maya civilisation from a very young age, 
15-year-old Canadian William Gadoury thought he 
had made an incredible discovery from his study of 
ancient star charts. Through comparison, he found 
that the locations of the 117 known Maya cities 
correspond to the positions of the stars. Based on this, 
he believed he had spotted an unknown Maya city 
buried deep in the jungle. ________________________ 
_______________________________________________
2	
It isn’t difficult to see why. Extending south from 
parts of what we now know as Mexico into Central 
America, _____________________________________
___________________________________ The Maya 
built impressive palaces and temples, including 
their representative step pyramids. What is most 
extraordinary about these complex structures is how 
they were built without the use of wheels, metal tools 
or even animal power. The Maya’s understanding of 
mathematics and astronomy was also quite amazing. 
They applied this understanding to the Maya calendar, 
which was accurate to within 30 seconds per year. 
On top of all this was an achievement unique in 
the Americas at that time: a true writing system. 
It contained more than 800 characters, with some 
signs representing animals, people and objects and 
others representing syllables. It was a writing system 
so complicated that, so far, no one has been able to 
interpret it completely.
3	
The fact that Maya society was technologically 
primitive makes its achievements all the more 
incredible and mysterious. _______________________
______________________________ By 700 AD, Maya 
1 What do you know about these 
ancient civilisations?
2 What might be the reasons behind 
their collapse?
3 What other ancient civilisations 
do you know of? Share what you 
know with the class.
Understanding ideas
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Greece
Ancient Babylon
2
	 Read the passage and find out the 
possible reasons for the disappearance 
of Maya civilisation. 
50
UNIT 5
civilisation was at its peak. Yet, within just a 
couple of generations, it began to mysteriously 
decline. The cities were left to be taken back by 
the jungle. When Europeans arrived in Central 
America in the early 16th century to claim its 
riches, the remaining Maya people were living 
in small settlements.
4	
Why Maya civilisation collapsed remains a 
mystery. Was it a natural disaster? A deadly 
disease? Conflicts between cities? Or was it a 
combination of several different factors?  
_________________________________________
_________________________________________ 
They had turned wetlands into fields for 
growing grains, and had dug huge canal 
systems. As their population expanded, yet 
more land was needed for agriculture and 
more trees for construction. By changing the 
landscape in this way, it is possible that the 
Maya people unknowingly reduced their ability 
to deal with natural disasters.
5	
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
Some recent studies have found that there were 
far fewer tropical cyclones than usual between 
700 AD and 1000 AD. This is likely to have 
led to a series of droughts, each lasting for a 
couple of years, including a “megadrought” 
around 900 AD. Many scientists believe that 
these droughts were the main reason why 
Maya civilisation began to collapse at different 
rates in different places. These droughts would 
have led to food shortages, conflicts and, 
ultimately, the downfall of the cities. 
6	
Whatever the reasons, Maya civilisation 
	
largely disappeared within the deep jungle. 
	
Its once-great cities fell into ruin, leaving 
various mysteries for later people to solve. 
	
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
THE MAYA
The Mysteries of 
Into the unknown
51
3
	 Choose the topic sentences and write them 
on the lines to complete the passage.
a	 Maya civilisation has been surrounded by 
mystery since its rediscovery in the 19th century.
b	 But the greatest mystery of all is what caused 
the Maya to abandon most of their great cities.
c	 Although his theory has been dismissed by 
scholars, it shows how powerful the secrets  
of Ancient Maya civilisation are among people.
d	 Research also suggests that those natural 
disasters may have led to the decline of  
the Maya.
e	 Meanwhile, the rise and fall of this civilisation 
must also leave us thinking about our own past, 
present and future.
f	 Some research seems to indicate that the 
Maya people themselves may have played a 
part in their downfall.
4
	 Organise information from the passage and 
complete the file of Maya civilisation.
5
	 Complete the cultural comparison with 
information from the passage.
MAYA CIVILISATION
around 1800 BC to 1100 AD
from 
1________________ to 
2_________________
1	 human causes – reduced the ability to deal 
with 
3___________________
•	
4______________________
•	
5______________________
•	 huge expansion of the 
6_________________
2	 natural causes – a series of 
7_______________ 
between 700 AD and 1000 AD, each 
8_____________________
Time
Location
Possible reasons for collapse
Think     Share
&
1	 What is the author’s 
purpose in starting the passage with the 
story about William Gadoury?
2	 What other things do you think could 
destroy a civilisation? Share an example 
with the class. 
3	 What lessons can you learn from the 
collapse of Maya civilisation? How can 
this information help the development of 
today’s society?
4	 Which of the arguments in the passage  
did you find the most convincing? Give  
your reasons.
Comparing the highly-sophisticated civilisations 
of the Maya and Ancient China reveals some 
surprising similarities. They both possessed 
a detailed understanding of 
1_____________ 
and astronomy, which helped them maintain 
an accurate
 2_____________, and a complex 
3_____________ that used signs to represent 
sounds and meanings. It can therefore be 
difficult to explain why, despite their excellent 
construction skills, the Maya never learnt to 
use 
4_____________, while the ancient Chinese 
did. Facts such as these add to the mystery 
surrounding Maya civilisation, driving people to 
find out why it 
5_____________ while others, 
such as Ancient China, survived and thrived.
52
UNIT 5
Review: noun clauses
2
	 Complete the passage using noun clauses with words 
in brackets.
a	 Although his theory has been dismissed by scholars, it shows how powerful the secrets of Ancient 
Maya civilisation are among people. 
b	 But the greatest mystery of all is what caused the Maya to abandon most of their great cities.
c	 Why Maya civilisation collapsed remains a mystery.
3
	 Talk about what caused the 
disappearance of dinosaurs using 
noun clauses where appropriate.  
You may use the notes to help you.
4
	 Work in pairs. Do research into 
another extinct creature. Share your 
ideas about why it disappeared using 
noun clauses where appropriate. Do 
further research if necessary.
1	 Which sentence contains a clause that serves as the subject of the sentence?
2	 Which sentence contains a clause that serves as the object of the sentence?
3	 Which sentence contains a clause that gives further information about the subject in the sentence?
4	 What do “how”, “what” and “why” in each sentence refer to?
Now look for more sentences with noun clauses in the reading passage. 
1
	 Look at the sentences from the reading passage and answer the questions.
Among the many unsolved mysteries 
about dinosaurs, what really interests 
me is their disappearance. One possible 
explanation is that...
There are many mysteries about dinosaurs to which we 
long to find explanations. You may think that dinosaurs 
were big, green and scaly, right? In fact, it seems that 
they appeared very different from 
1____________ (think). 
In recent years, scientists have worked out 
2____________ (look): many of them were small with 
feathers. However, 
3____________ (have) feathers still 
isn’t clear – it might have been for communicating or 
for staying warm, but not just for flight. 
Scientists also believe that many dinosaurs had bright 
colours. It seems 
4____________ (depend on) their 
habitats. That is, dinosaurs which could fly would have 
had different colours to those living in the sea.
What caused the disappearance  
of dinosaurs:
1 a huge meteorite hitting Earth
2 ash and gas from erupting volcanoes
3 disease
DINOSAURS
What did
look like?
Using language 
Into the unknown
53
Facing the unknown
5
	 Read the passage and answer the questions. Pay attention to the words and 
expressions in bold.
6
	 Put the words and expressions in Activity 5 into the table. Add any more you can 
think of.
Avoiding
Exploring
Overcoming
Hesitating
1	 What is the flight instinct? Why do some people react that way in 
the face of the unknown?
2	 What other reactions could people have when facing the unknown?
When something strange or unfamiliar happens, the flight instinct 
can kick in. Often, making a quick getaway is a sensible and 
understandable natural response, dating back to a time when our 
ancestors were running for their lives from dangers, such as wild 
animals, lightning and fire. So while you may be tempted to check 
out a strange object or to test the waters of a new situation, it can 
be safer to steer clear of the unfamiliar.
 
However, not everyone chooses to follow this instinct. Instead of 
retreating to their caves, some of our ancestors chose to subdue 
their fears and pursue the unknown – and this curiosity led them to, 
for instance, discover the use of fire.
In more recent times, Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen 
endured one of the most hostile environments on Earth when he 
set out into uncharted territory to reach the South Pole – a region 
of the planet ripe for exploration.
These reactions help humankind delve into the unknown and 
advance towards a more progressive and civilised society. Of course, 
exploration doesn’t have to mean blindly throwing ourselves into 
the unknown, and it’s never wrong to think twice before taking 
action. While there is no need for us to shrink from new situations, 
we should always look into things first and consider our options.
54
UNIT 5
11
	 Work in groups. Talk about the investigations into 
another scientific mystery using the words and 
expressions in this section. Do further research 
if necessary.
Now talk about how effectively you and your group 
have used the words and expressions you have learnt 
in this section and suggest ways to improve.
9
	 Listen again and complete the table.
10
	 Complete the boxes with the expressions from  
the interview.
•	 Could you tell us 
something about…?
•	 It’s because…
•	 … prove that…
•	 What other reasons 
could there be for it?
•	 Would you tell us more 
about…?
Asking for more information
Explaining
Theories 
Dr Long’s comments
The brain needs time to 
1_____________.
Recent studies prove that 
our brains 2_____________ 
during sleep. 
The brain 3_____________ 
when we’re awake. It needs 
sleep to 4_____________.
There isn’t 5_____________ 
to confirm this. It might 
not be 6_____________ 
for sleep.
7_____________ in the 
brain while we’re awake, 
and the brain reflects on 
them and 8_____________ 
in our dreams.
A lot of research has 
been conducted, but 
we still can’t prove that 
9_____________.
Other unanswered questions
•	 Why do we “see” our dreams? 
•	
10_____________
1	 What functions of the brain are 
mentioned in the passage?
2	 What is the current research situation 
concerning the brain?
3	 Do you know any other interesting facts 
about the brain? Share them with the class.
8
	 Listen to the interview and choose  
the topic discussed.
1	 Methods to keep the brain healthy 
and active.
2	 Sleep-related mysteries.
3	 Ways of improving sleep quality.
4	 Methods of interpreting dreams.
Now use the information in the table to give a 
lecture to the class. Do further research if necessary.
7
	 Read the passage and answer  
the questions.
Of all the workings of the human 
body, there is one organ that 
produces the most intrigue amongst 
scientists. The brain is the centre of 
the nervous system and controls most 
of the body’s activities. Interestingly, 
it is the back part of the brain that 
is involved with our vision. The sides 
of the brain are involved in memory, 
speech and rhythm. Although the 
brain amounts to only about 2% 
of total body weight, it uses up to 
20% of the body’s energy – more 
than any other organ. Scientists have 
been conducting research in order 
to seek greater understanding of 
the brain, especially since the 1950s. 
Nevertheless, there is still a 
long way to go before 
we can completely 
understand the 
workings of this 
complex organ.
Into the unknown
55
1
	 Work in groups. Look at the 
picture and answer the questions. 
Do further research if necessary.
1	
Lying under waters across the globe are an estimated 
three million shipwrecks. All of them represent 
attempts over the centuries to explore Earth’s furthest 
corners. Among these is the Esmeralda, the earliest 
wreck from the age of the European exploration of 
Asia. Today, some 500 years after the Esmeralda set 
sail, there is little – if any – land on our planet left 
unexplored. We have more detailed maps of the Moon, 
and even of Venus and Mars, than we do of Earth’s 
own sea bed.
 
2	
Given our limited knowledge, it is perhaps no surprise 
that exploration of the oceans continues to lead to 
discoveries in various scientific fields. As with the 
discovery of the Esmeralda, many archaeological finds 
are made in shallow waters near the coast. These may 
sometimes include whole cities buried beneath the 
waves. One such find is the ancient Roman city of 
Neápolis, discovered off the coast of Tunisia. Believed 
to have been buried underwater by a tsunami in the 
fourth century AD, the ruins of Neápolis are almost 
2,000 years old. The remaining streets and buildings 
offer a window into a fascinating period in our history. 
However, we are only beginning to overcome the 
challenges of pressure, darkness and extreme cold at 
vast depths. Fragments of the past lying deep beneath 
the oceans are still waiting to be discovered.
3	
Amazing biological discoveries are also being made. 
The dark zones of the oceans may contain up to  
90 per cent of the planet’s fish. In these waters, more 
1	 What different zones are there in 
the ocean?
2	 Which parts of the ocean do you 
think have been explored?
3	 What do you know about the 
deepest part of the ocean?
2
	 Read the passage and find out 
what has been discovered in the 
ocean depths.
Developing ideas 
Sunlight Zone
Twilight Zone
Midnight Zone
Abyssal Zone
56
UNIT 5
than 200 metres deep, where light cannot reach, are extraordinary creatures that 
appear as if they are straight out of science fiction. Imagine bone-white coral 6,000 
metres below the ocean’s surface, growing at the rate of only one or two millimetres 
per year. Some of these could be 4,000 years old. Swimming through these black 
depths is the barreleye, a strange fish with eyes that can look upwards through its 
transparent forehead. In the very deepest ocean trenches that are more than 8,000 
metres below the surface, the pressure is equivalent to 50 aeroplanes stacked one 
on top of another. Yet there is still life to be found, even around the deep-sea 
volcanic openings. These discoveries all help us understand the capacity for life 
on our planet, even in the most extreme circumstances. 
 
4	
Furthermore, the oceans are a valuable source of natural resources, some of 
which are completely new to us. Most notable of these is China’s discovery 
of an ice-like substance, known as “fire ice”, under the South China Sea. 
In addition, China’s underwater vessels, such as the Jiaolong and Shenhai 
Yongshi, have been exploring waters at depths of thousands of metres. 
The Jiaolong even holds the record for the deepest dive by a manned 
submarine, at 7,062 metres, giving China its place alongside the 
world’s top ocean explorers. The research conducted by these 
vessels is giving scientists a greater understanding of how the 
sea bed was formed, as well as helping identify areas for 
deep-sea drilling, taking deep-sea exploration into a 
whole new era. 
5	
Being a tough environment of complete 
darkness, enormous pressure and intense 
cold, the ocean depths have long 
been beyond the reach of human 
exploration. However, through 
closer international scientific, 
economic and cultural 
cooperation, we are all 
becoming part of a global 
mission to open up our 
planet’s final frontier. 
Humankind is entering 
a new age of oceanic 
discovery, and the world 
beneath the waves may 
one day be almost as 
familiar to us as the 
land we walk 
upon today.
Into the unknown
57
4
	 Work in groups. Give a talk about the influences of 
ocean exploration on your daily life.
1	 Look at the diagram below and brainstorm examples 
of how ocean exploration affects your daily life.
2	 Organise your talk by completing the diagram with 
your examples.
3
	 Think about the structure of the passage and complete the diagram.
Think     Share
&
1	 Why do you think 
the author uses statistics in  
the passage?
2	 What other examples of ocean 
exploration do you know of? Share 
one with the class.
3	 What do you think drives the 
exploration of the oceans?
4	 What common message do the 
two reading passages in this unit 
convey? How do they each build 
upon this idea?
MODERN AGE: exploring 
1____________________________________
2_____________ exploration
•	 Finding ancient ruins in 
3__________________.
•	 Working to overcome 
challenges and 
make discoveries at 
4__________________.
Example:
•	
5__________________
6_____________ exploration
•	 Containing about 90 per cent 
of 
7__________________.
•	 Helping comprehend 
8__________________.
Examples:
•	
9__________________
•	
10__________________
•	
11__________________
Discovery of natural resources
•	 Discovering new natural 
resources.
•	 Studying 
12__________________.
•	 Identifying areas for 
13__________________.
Examples:
•	
14__________________
•	
15__________________
Cultural 
exchange
Food 
and natural resources
Environment 
and conservation
Trade 
and economy
Transport 
and travel
Ocean exploration
OVER THE CENTURIES: sailing across oceans to explore Earth’s furthest corners
3	 Give your talk to the class.
Now think about how well you contributed to the 
group work and what you could do to improve.
Influences of  
ocean exploration
As you read, notice the discourse markers 
used in the text, eg in addition, also, however, 
furthermore, as well as. These markers 
function like road signs, helping you connect 
ideas and understand the writer’s attitude 
and opinions.
Learning to learn
58
UNIT 5
5
	 Read the magazine article and answer the questions. 
Writing about the unexplained
6
	 Plan an article about an unexplained 
phenomenon. Do further research  
if necessary.
What is the unexplained 
phenomenon?
Why is it mysterious? 
What non-scientific explanations
are there?
How do scientists explain it?
Now write your article.
7
	 Work in pairs. Make improvements to 
each other’s articles and share them 
with the class.
Along a special line of latitude, known as the 30th parallel 
north, lie numerous sites of ancient civilisations and 
impressive natural features. 
Ancient civilisations appeared on the parallel, including 
Babylon, with its famous tower; Egypt, with its pyramids; 
China, with its Sanxingdui culture, etc. These civilisations 
appeared at a similar time, and all developed advanced 
bronze-making techniques. Were they part of a single 
super-civilisation, as some think?
It’s argued that the 30th parallel north is a line of great natural 
energy, with frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. 
This creates amazing natural features, including Mount 
Qomolangma, the Dead Sea, and rivers, such as the Nile, the 
Mississippi and the Yangtze. Lacking any concrete evidence, 
some even claim it was supernatural powers!
Scientists, however, dispute these theories. It’s more likely, 
they argue, that civilisations arose on the 30th parallel 
north because the climate there is generally warm and 
damp. Major tectonic plates meet at this latitude, causing 
earthquakes, which helped form the Himalayas. The rest, they 
say, is either coincidence or fantasy.
1	 Why is the 30th parallel north mysterious?
2	 What are some unusual explanations for it?
3	 What are some possible scientific explanations?
A 
LO
NG
 Li
ne 
OF 
MY
ST
ER
IE
S
Into the unknown
59
1
	 Work in groups. Read the sentence 
and answer the questions.
3
	 Prepare a speech about what exploration means to you. 
Consider the following:
1	 the structure of your speech
2	 useful words, expressions and structures
3	 helpful public speaking skills
4
	 Give your speech to the class. 
Write a reflection after completing this unit. Consider the following:
1	 What is your understanding of the significance of exploration?
2	 What text types have you learnt about? What are their features?
3	 What words, expressions and structures have you learnt?
4	 What improvement have you made in understanding different cultures?
5	 What improvement have you made in using learning strategies and exploring effective ways 
of learning?
6	 What improvement have you made in analysing and solving problems?
Presenting ideas 
Reflection  
The only true voyage of discovery 
would be not to visit strange 
lands but to possess other eyes, 
to look at the universe through 
the eyes of another person, or of 
a hundred other people, to see 
the hundred universes that each 
of them sees.
1	 What is your understanding of the 
sentence?
2	 What does Proust mean by “The 
only true voyage of discovery”?
2
	 Share your opinion of this sentence and make notes. 
Do further research if necessary.
Remembrance of 
Things Past (VOL 5):  
The Captive 
by Marcel Proust 
(adaptation)
What is your way to explore the world? Give an 
example.
What do you think of Proust's view on the way to 
explore the world?
60
UNIT 5
Space and beyond
U
N
I
T
1
	 Watch the video and answer  
the questions. 
1	 How was the Sun formed?
2	 Where are the Asteroid Belt and 
the Kuiper Belt in the solar system?
3	 What else do you know about 
the solar system? Share what you 
know with the class.
2
	 Look at the timeline and answer 
the questions.
1	 Which of these spacecraft had a 
human on board when launched?
2	 What are the recent events in 
China’s space programme? Add 
them to the timeline.
3	 What do you know about China’s 
future plans for space exploration?
15 September 2016: 
China launched its second space lab,	
Tiangong-2, into orbit. It is a key element of 
the nation’s plan for a permanent space station.
2 December 2013: 
China launched its third unmanned lunar 
probe, Chang’e 3, which made a soft landing 
on the Moon and then released a lunar rover.
15 October 2003: 
Shenzhou V blasted off from the Jiuquan 
Satellite Launch Centre, sending China’s 
first astronaut into space.
24 April 1970: 
China launched Dongfanghong I, 
becoming the fifth country to send a 
satellite into orbit.
Starting out  
⬆
⬆
⬆
61
1
	 Complete the quiz and find out how much 
you know about space exploration. Try to 
guess if you are not sure of the answers.
2
	 Look at the title of the passage and the 
picture. Predict what the passage is about.
	
Now read the passage and check  
your prediction.
1	 The first satellite was launched by the USSR 
in __________.
a	 1945	
b	1962	
c	 1957
2 The first person in space was __________.
a	 Robert Crippen	
b	 Yuri Gagarin
c	 Neil Armstrong
3 The first person to walk in space was 
__________.
a	 Alexei Leonov
b	 William McCool
c	 Yang Liwei
4	 The first space station was Salyut I, which 
was launched by __________.
a	 the USA
b	 the USSR
c	 the European Space Agency
5	 The first spacecraft to leave the solar system 
was __________.
a	 Vostok 1
b	 Discovery
c	 Voyager 1
Do you know these 
space exploration 
?
Understanding ideas
“FIRSTS”
1	
Ever since Neil Armstrong first set foot on 
the Moon back on 20 July 1969, people 
have become accustomed to the notion of 
space travel. Millions watched that first lunar 
landing on black and white television sets, 
their hearts in their mouths, aware of how 
arduous and hazardous an undertaking it was, 
and of the many things that could go wrong. 
With Armstrong’s now famous words “That’s 
one small step for man, one giant leap for 
mankind”, what had once been considered 
impossible had now been achieved. Guided 
by a computer that was much less powerful 
than the ones used by today’s average school 
students, all three astronauts of the Apollo 11 
mission made it safely back to Earth.
2	
Following the Moon landings, space travel 
rapidly became unexceptional to the public, as 
innovations succeeded each other. By the early 
1980s, the great rockets previously used in the 
American space programme had been replaced 
by the space shuttle. When the Challenger space 
shuttle took off on 28 January 1986, the world 
seemed to have lost its wonder at the amazing 
achievements of the astronauts involved. But 
this was going to be no ordinary excursion, 
and millions of people tuned in to witness the 
take-off on TV. It was special because Christa 
McAuliffe aged 37, an ordinary teacher and 
mother, was about to become the first civilian 
in space. She planned to give two 15-minute 
lessons from orbit: the first to demonstrate 
the controls of the spacecraft and explain how 
gravity worked, and the second to describe 
the objectives of the Challenger programme. 
Christa hoped to communicate a sense of 
excitement and rekindle interest in the space 
programme. With the eyes of students across 
the nation upon her, she might have inspired 
an entirely new generation of astronauts and 
space scientists.
62
UNIT 6
3	
Tragically, she never returned to her classroom as the shuttle 
exploded just over a minute after taking off in Florida, and all seven 
astronauts on board were killed. The world went into shock, most 
people having assumed that this space flight would be no more 
dangerous than travelling in an aeroplane. How wrong they had 
been! Instantaneously, excitement and optimism turned into terror 
and failure. It was the most disastrous space accident ever, and it  
cast a shadow on people’s hearts. 
4	
“I can remember that day so clearly, watching the take-off on TV 
at school,” said one student. “There was an ordinary teacher on 
the Challenger, and we were all very excited. We didn’t have much 
patience waiting for the launch. We had seen the smiling faces of 
the astronauts waving to the world as they stepped into the shuttle. 
Then, little more than a minute after take-off, we saw a strange red 
and orange light in the sky, followed by a cloud of white smoke. The 
Challenger had exploded in mid-air and we all started screaming.”
5	
Following the shock of the Challenger disaster, space shuttle flights 
were suspended for nearly three years while the cause of the disaster 
was investigated, and some of the shuttle’s components were 
redesigned. But there was never any doubt that manned flights would 
continue, and on 29 September 1988, the space shuttle programme 
resumed with the successful launch of Discovery. 
6	
It has now been over 30 years since the loss of Challenger and 
although the lives of its crew were cut tragically short, they take 
their place alongside the other heroes of space exploration, such as 
Gagarin, Tereshkova, Armstrong and Yang Liwei. The memory of 
those seven will live forever, written in the stars, inspiring us to join 
them in humanity’s greatest journey of exploration and discovery. 
The sacrifice of the Challenger calls to us, reminding us that we must 
continue to reach for the stars, no matter how distant they might seem.
The Call of 
Challenger
the 
Space and beyond
63
Think     Share
&
1	 What were people’s feelings before and after the Challenger 
disaster? Find evidence in the passage to support your answer.
2	 Do you know of any other disasters that have occurred while exploring 
space? Share one with the class. Why do you think people continue to 
explore space despite the risks?
3	 Would you like to go into space? Give your reasons.
4	 What language in the passage could you use to describe other events in 
space exploration?
3
	 Choose the ideas mentioned in the passage and find the evidence.
1	 People thought space travel was no longer dangerous.
2	 Christa would have inspired lots of people if she hadn’t lost her life on board  
the Challenger.
3	 People were determined to continue with the space programme after the disaster.
4	 The disaster proved we should use robots to explore space instead of people.
5	 The shuttle was not reliable and should not have been used.
4
	 Organise information from the passage and complete the fact file.
Time: 
1_________________
Place: Space Centre in Florida, USA
Crew: 
2_________________, including a teacher
What was special about the Challenger launch?
What was the teacher’s mission on board the Challenger? 
What was done in the three years following the disaster? 
Which shuttle followed the Challenger, and when was it launched? 
DISASTER
SPACE SHUTTLE 
CHALLENGER
Now talk about what you can learn from the Challenger disaster.
64
UNIT 6
Review: modals
a	 Millions watched that first lunar landing… aware… of the many things that could go wrong.
b	 The world went into shock, most people having assumed that this space flight would be no more 
dangerous than travelling in an aeroplane.
c	 I can remember that day so clearly, watching the take-off on TV at school, ...
d	 The sacrifice of the Challenger calls to us, reminding us that we must continue to reach for the stars, ...
1	 Which sentence talks about ability?
2	 Which sentence talks about possibility?
3	 Which sentence talks about necessity?
4	 Which sentence talks about prediction?
5	 What other modals do you know? What do they indicate?
Now look for more sentences with modals in the reading passage.
3
	 Look at the picture and tell a story 
using modals where appropriate. 
4
	 Work in pairs. Take it in turns to 
draw a picture of space exploration 
and ask your partner to tell a story 
based on it. Use modals where 
appropriate.
1
	 Look at the sentences from the reading passage and answer the questions.
On 15 October 1997, the Cassini spacecraft set out on 
a mission to explore the planet Saturn. So great was 
the distance from Earth that it would / shall need to 
travel for almost six years to reach its destination. When 
it reached Saturn, it sent back amazing images of the 
planet’s famous rings viewed in ultraviolet light. Cassini 
made numerous trips around Saturn so it could / must 
collect data. Over the following years, Cassini took some 
450,000 images of the planet and its moons. Finally, on 
15 September 2017, Cassini was pointed towards Saturn 
so that it should / would meet a fiery end. Scientists 
had decided that Cassini could / must be destroyed this 
way, so it must / would not collide with any of Saturn’s 
moons. In its nearly 20-year mission, Cassini provided 
so much information that scientists could / would not 
process it all. No wonder so many people took to social 
media to bid it goodbye, saying, “Farewell, dear Cassini! 
We shall / should never forget you!”
2
	 Read the passage and choose the correct modals.
Using language 
I couldn’t believe it when I looked into 
the Martian sky…
Space and beyond
65
Life in space
?
Did You Know 
7
	 Complete the boxes with the expressions 
from the interview.
8
	 Work in pairs. Read the passage and answer 
the questions.
The Fermi Paradox: according to some 
calculations, there should be many other 
civilisations out there, but there is no evidence of 
these at all. No spacecraft, no radio transmissions, 
nothing. So, as Fermi said, “Where is everybody?”
•	 I think there definitely is.
•	 Since…, it isn’t reasonable to…
•	 There’s evidence that…
•	 It would be wonderful if...
•	 The fact that… means…
•	 Let’s hope that…
Expressing opinions
Expressing hopes
5
	 Listen to the interview and choose the 
questions discussed.
1	 Is there life on other planets?
2	 What would life on other planets look like?
3	 Should we use robots to explore space?
4	 What is the Fermi Paradox?
5	 Will people ever make contact with life on 
other planets?
6
	 Listen again and complete the table.
Answers
Q1
Sophie: There must be millions of planets 
like ours, and some could have life 
1_____________.
Eric: You would think it likely that 
2_____________. But that’s 
3_____________ 
the Fermi Paradox.
Q2
Sophie: Life on other planets won’t look 
like us because 
4_____________.
Eric: Because evolution 
5_____________, 
life on other planets is likely to look like us.
Q3
Eric: We cannot 
6_____________, which 
means it would take more than a lifetime 
to reach planets where there might be life.
Sophie: Maybe we don’t need to travel in 
straight lines. Perhaps we will be able to 
7_____________ to make contact with life 
on other planets.
1	 What is the passage mainly about? 
2	 Would you like to take part in a space camp? 
Why or why not?
The dramatic scientific developments of recent 
years have brought space exploration back to 
public attention. As getting into space is however, 
still not an easy task, more and more space 
camps and other places are providing simulated 
space adventures. The Space Camp, founded 
in 1982 under NASA, is an educational camp, 
where children can learn about space travel and 
astronomy, and even have the chance to have 
lunch with an astronaut! So far, the camp has 
inspired hundreds of thousands of young people 
from the US and from elsewhere around the 
world. What’s more, some of its 
ex-students have even grown 
up to become astronauts!
Now work in groups of three and act out  
the interview.
66
UNIT 6
10
	 Complete the email with the correct form of the 
words and expressions in Activity 9.
9
	 Read the advertisement for the space camp and find out what students can do there. 
	
Pay attention to the words and expressions in bold.
Dear Ted,
Remember when I told you I’d signed up for the 
space programme? Well I just got back from a week 
of simulated manned flight activities, and it was 
awesome!
We started out with some theory, learning 
about astronomy in the 
1___________, and then 
2___________ model rockets. After that we tried the 
simulator. I put on a 
3___________ and went for a walk 
in 
4___________. It’s strange to float around like that – 
in fact, a lot of people get 
5___________! Luckily, I felt 
fine. Then I returned to the 
6___________ and travelled 
to the “Moon” for some lunar exploration. You should 
join the programme too – you’d love it!
Write soon!
Yours,
Kim
11
	 Imagine you are going to apply for 
the programme. Organise your ideas 
for the short video by answering  
the questions.
1	 Why do you want to take part in  
the programme?
2	 What activities would you like  
to experience?
3	 What is it about space that most 
interests you? What have you learnt 
about it? 
12
	 Present your ideas for the short  
video in class using the words and 
expressions in this section.
Now think about how well you 
structured your introduction and 
what you could do to improve.
LOOKING FOR A WAY TO TAKE ONE 
GIANT LEAP INTO A FUTURE CAREER 
IN SPACE EXPLORATION?
Sign up for our space programme now and give your knowledge of 
aviation and space a boost! Here at the observatory, you can learn 
about astronomy and take in a lunar eclipse. You will also have the 
chance to design and launch a model rocket. Then, join your mission 
teammates in our modern flight simulators. Put on a spacesuit, exit  
the capsule and go on your incredibly lifelike spacewalk in a world 
with zero gravity. Scared of being space sick? Don’t worry! Your 
special training will take care of this. Make the most of your lunar 
exploration adventure before re-entering into the atmosphere on  
your way back to Earth.
Join now!
SPACE AWAITS!
Can’t wait to join the programme? 
Submit a three-minute video 
introducing yourself and saying why 
you would be an ideal space candidate.
FREE PLACES AVAILABLE!
Space and beyond
67
1
	 Match the images taken by the 
Hubble Space Telescope to their 
nicknames. Do research online 
to find out more information 
about them.
1	
The night sky has been an endless source of 
fascination since the start of human history. 
For example, the mysterious large-eyed, bronze 
statues of the ancient Shu Kingdom, discovered 
at the Chinese archeological site at Sanxingdui, 
were believed to have been able to look across 
great distances into the stars. In reality, humans 
can see very little of the night sky with the naked 
eye. And, for a long while, people were unable to 
understand what they could see. Not knowing 
what the stars were, people in ancient times used 
their imaginations to create a world in the sky.
2	
Our power to investigate and thus understand 
space changed dramatically when the first telescope 
was angled at the night sky, increasing as it did 
the power of the human eye and enabling us to 
understand that the universe is far larger than was 
previously imaginable. The planets were seen to 
be worlds similar to our own, many of them even 
having their own moons. Soon, it was understood 
that the Sun was just one star among billions in 
the galaxy we call the Milky Way. Some 300 years 
later, we learnt that the Milky Way itself was just 
one galaxy among billions of others, spread across 
the blackness of space like great islands of light 
and matter floating in a vast cosmic ocean.
3	
Almost 400 years after the first Earth-based 
telescope was invented, the Hubble Space Telescope 
was launched into orbit, giving astronomers – 
indeed all of us – the first breathtakingly beautiful 
images of our universe taken from beyond Earth. 
Nothing in history has allowed us to see so much 
over such great distances, from enormous clouds 
of gas where stars are being born, to huge black 
holes, and even to new planets where we might 
conceivably find life. Not only that – it has also 
Developing ideas 
	1	 The Pillars of Creation
	2	 The Horsehead 
	3	 The Cat’s Eye
2
	 Look at the title of the passage 
and predict what “eyes” refers to.
Now read the passage and check 
your prediction.
a
c
b
68
UNIT 6
5	
The Hubble and the space telescopes 
constructed after it will allow us to see 
further and further into space. We will 
view stars and galaxies billions of light 
years away and look back at a past that 
was billions of years ago. Using ever-larger 
radio telescopes as our eyes, we will one 
day be able to look back to a time in the 
very early universe, before the existence of 
light. But the human quest for knowledge 
reaches even beyond that. So much of the 
universe remains unexplored that we are 
still close to the start of this incredible 
journey of discovery.
helped us to work out the age and nature 
of the universe, and discover the incredible 
fact that the universe is expanding at an 
ever-increasing speed.
4	
To see even further into the universe, many 
countries are now engaged in building 
ever more advanced telescopes. Currently, 
China operates the world’s largest and 
most powerful radio telescope, the 
FAST telescope, completed in 2016. The 
500-metre dish of the “Eye of Heaven”, as 
it is known, is being used in the search for 
dark matter, thought to be composed of 
subatomic particles invisible to ordinary 
telescopes. This vast dish also has the 
ability to explore regions of space billions 
of light years away, right at the edge of the 
visible universe. 
EYES UPON THE NIGHT
Space and beyond
69
3
	 Think about how the author organised the 
passage and complete the timeline with 
information from the passage.
Think     Share
&
1	 Why do you think people 
have always been interested in the stars?
2	 Which development in astronomy mentioned 
in the passage has made the greatest 
impression on you?
3	 In what different ways do the two reading 
passages in this unit reflect the spirit 
of exploration?
4	 Have you ever used a telescope or been to 
a planetarium? Share your experience with 
the class.
4
	 Work in groups. Give a talk about the quote.
Our power to see the sky changed 
dramatically when 
3______________. 
It extended 
4______________ and caused 
us to realise that the universe is a far larger 
place than we ever imagined.
In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was 
launched into orbit. For the first time, 
people could 
5______________. These 
ranged from 
6______________, and even 
to new planets.
In 2016, 
7______________ was built in 
China. It is used in the search for dark 
matter, which cannot be observed by 
ordinary telescopes. Its 
8______________ 
has the ability to make discoveries beyond 
our imaginations. 
Thousands of years ago, people 
already regarded the night sky as an 
1______________. It was believed that the 
huge eyes of the large-eyed bronze statues 
from the Chinese archeological site at 
Sanxingdui were able to 
2______________.
The more we know, the more we feel our 
ignorance; the more we feel how much 
remains unknown.

Humphry Davy
1	 Talk about the meaning of Humphry Davy’s 
quote and whether you agree with it. 
2	 Organise your ideas by completing the notes.
Point of view:
Arguments:
Supporting examples:
The order in which a series of ideas is conveyed in 
an essay is called “sequencing”. Time sequencing is a 
common method to explain how events change and 
develop with time. It is often used to discuss changes 
and developments.
Learning to learn
3	 Share your ideas with the class. 
Now think about how well you contributed 
to the group discussion and what you could 
do to improve.
70
UNIT 6
5
	 Read the passage and answer the questions.
Writing a journal entry about living in space
1	 What is the main reason why everyday 
tasks are less simple in space? 
2	 Why is it important for astronauts to 
exercise regularly?
3	 What else do you know about life on 
a spacecraft? 
6
	 Imagine you have spent 24 hours on 
board a spacecraft. Use the notes to 
organise your journal entry.
In space, even the most straightforward, everyday tasks can be quite difficult for 
astronauts who are spending months on board a spacecraft. In this zero gravity 
world, there is no up or down, and while sleeping on the ceiling might sound 
like fun, astronauts need to be strapped to sleeping compartments to protect 
themselves from injury. 
Although not many people enjoy doing housework, astronauts need to find the 
self-discipline to keep the small interior of their spacecraft clean; even using a 
vacuum cleaner to stop dust from getting into the air filters. A vacuum cleaner also 
comes in handy for fetching items that are floating around out-of-reach!
Astronauts also need to keep themselves clean. To do this, they use special soap 
and shampoo which do not need to be rinsed off with water. After brushing their 
teeth, they spit into a towel.
With no gravity to push against, astronauts’ bones and muscles can become weak. 
In order to stay fit, astronauts have to exercise on a regular basis. 
And while some food items, such as cakes and fruit can be eaten in more or less the same way that they are 
on Earth, water needs to be added to much of the food that is eaten in space. Nonetheless, a menu for a 
hungry astronaut can still be varied and balanced, often including soup, prawn sandwiches, as well as fruit 
yoghurt. And as salt and pepper would simply float away, astronauts are provided with these in liquid form. 
Carrying out these everyday tasks effectively helps the astronauts stay healthy and focus on their work in 
space – after all, imagine what would happen if they caught a cold and started to sneeze!
Now write your journal entry. Do further research  
if necessary.
7
	 Work in pairs. Make improvements to each other’s 
journal entries and share them with the class.
What you did on the spacecraft:
How you felt:
What you enjoyed most/least:
Space and beyond
71
2
	 Decide which three things you would put on a disc 
to be sent up on the next Voyager mission and 
complete the table.
Contents on disc
Reasons for  
your choice
A
B
C
3
	 Work in groups. Share your ideas with your group 
and decide on a final list.
4
	 Prepare a short presentation. Consider the following:
1	 the structure of your presentation
2	 useful words, expressions and structures
5
	 Give your presentation to the class. Vote for the three 
things your class would most like to put on the disc.
1
	 Read the news report and find out 
what the Voyager 1 spacecraft took 
into space.
Write a reflection after completing this unit. Consider the following:
1	 What is your understanding of the spirit of space exploration?
2	 What text types have you learnt about? What are their features?
3	 What words, expressions and structures have you learnt?
4	 What improvement have you made in understanding different cultures?
5	 What improvement have you made in using learning strategies and exploring effective ways 
of learning?
6	 What improvement have you made in analysing and solving problems?
Presenting ideas 
Reflection  
Voyager 1 is the spacecraft most 
distant from Earth. It contains a record 
called Sounds of Earth, which has 
recordings of greetings, music and 
sounds from Earth, as well as many 
photographs of our world. It is hoped 
that the record will be found by other 
civilisations on distant planets and 
help them learn about us.
72
UNIT 6
Investigate
Plan
Create
Present
1	 Present the poster to the class. Give an introduction to the people your group 
has interviewed or researched, what life-changing choices they have made 
and what you can learn from them.
2	 Hang your poster on a Wall of Life-changing Choices.
3	 Vote in class for the most inspiring or encouraging posters.
1	 Work in groups. Brainstorm people who might have made life-changing 
choices. Consider people, such as:
•	 family members
•	 friends
•	 authors
•	 inventors
•	 entrepreneurs
•	 scientists
2	 Do research to find more information on their choices. You may:
•	 hold interviews
•	 search online or in the library
1	 Share your research with the group.
2	 Choose one of the above categories to focus on.
3	 Make a list of the people you have interviewed or researched about their 
life-changing choices. Then talk about what you can learn from them. Make 
notes about:
•	 what choices they made
•	 the consequences of the choices
•	 what you can learn from their experiences
•	 how you can apply this to your own lives
Make a poster about the life-changing choices of people that you have 
interviewed or researched and what you can learn from them. Include visuals 
and consider the layout of your text and which font(s) to use.
Making a Wall of Life-changing Choices
We’ve all been in a situation where we need to decide between doing or not doing 
something, and have wished we could know for sure which was the right choice 
to make. We will, however, never know which choices will dramatically change 
our lives. The best way to deal with it is to learn from our experiences of making 
them and of the consequences they bring.
UNIT 1 
Project
Project
73
Investigate
Plan
Create
Present
Making a speech on the meaning of life
Much has been said about the meaning of life: why we are here, what we should 
do with our time, what really makes us happy. It can be difficult to define, and as 
we go through life we try to understand it – for the more we understand our life, 
the better we live it.
1	 Deliver your group’s speech to the class.
2	 Vote for the best speech.
1	 Make a list of your ideas about the meaning of life. 
2	 Decide on a key theme for a speech on the meaning of life. Think of 
examples or details to support your ideas. Do more research if necessary.
Work in groups. Read the quotes and answer the questions.
Write your speech together and practise delivering it. Decide on the speaker(s). 
Follow the structure below:
•	 the topic of your speech
•	 your understanding of the meaning of life
•	 examples to support your arguments
•	 your group’s conclusion
UNIT 2 
Project
The sole meaning of life is to serve 
humanity.
Leo Tolstoy
Life is without meaning. You bring 
the meaning to it.
Joseph Campbell
A man who dares to waste one 
hour of time has not discovered the 
value of life.
Charles Darwin
There is only one meaning of life: 
the act of living itself.
Erich Fromm
Point of view
Arguments
Supporting examples
•	 What is your understanding of each quote?
•	 Do you agree with any of them? Give your reasons.
74
Investigate
Plan
Create
Present
Report the results of your interview and show the video to the class. Find out 
what they think of your interview and whether they are surprised by anything 
that the interviewee says.
1	 Work in groups. Get in touch with someone from overseas who is visiting or 
living in China and find out if they would be willing to be interviewed. You 
may ask around or contact a local language learning centre to find out if 
anyone is willing to volunteer. You could also source potential interviewees 
on the Internet and do the interview online.
2	 Let your interviewee know the time, date and location of the interview.
1	 Design a questionnaire and list the questions you may ask during the interview.
Name:
Age:
Nationality:
Occupation:
Questions:
•	 What made you decide to come to China?
•	 How long have you been in China?
•	 What was your impression of China before you came?
•	 Have you experienced any particularly funny moments or misunderstandings 
since you came to China?
	 …
2	 Plan for how you will carry out the interview and prepare all the equipment 
you need for the interview.
1	 Hold the interview and video it if you have the interviewee’s consent.
2	 You may ask some spontaneous questions during the interview based on 
their experiences.
Interviewing a foreigner in China
People from all over the world come to study and work in China for different 
reasons. Perhaps they want to further their education or to learn Chinese for 
business purposes, or maybe they are simply eager to experience life in a different 
culture. Whatever the reasons, they come with expectations.
UNIT 3 
Project
Project
75
1	 As a group, present your business plan to the class. Find out what they 
like about your ideas and whether they have found any other potential 
opportunities or risks.
2	 When all the groups have given their pitch, vote for:
•	 the most well-delivered pitch
•	 the most creative business plan
•	 the pitch most likely to be successful in the real world
Investigate
Plan
Create
Present
Develop your chosen business plan. Consider the following:
Pitching a business plan
In the competitive world of business, the keys to success are innovation and 
creativity. So is the ability to pitch your ideas clearly, quickly and convincingly.
UNIT 4 
Project
1	 Work in groups. Think about ideas for a new business.
2	 Choose two or three of the best ideas and do research online to find out 
what similar businesses are already out there in the market.
3	 Share your research and talk about how you might change your business 
plan in response.
4	 Choose a business plan to pitch.
1	 Prepare a ten-minute pitch for your business idea. Think carefully about the 
key information to include, the order in which you will present it, who will 
be doing the presentation and how to make the presentation convincing.
2	 Look for or create visuals such as charts and diagrams to support your pitch.
3	 Rehearse your pitch and adjust it accordingly. 
•	 target market
•	 branding
•	 product differentiation  
	 and placement
•	 pricing
•	 delivery
•	 customer support
•	 investment
•	 potential return
•	 other opportunities and risks
76
Investigate
Plan
Create
Present
1	 Present the map of unsolved natural mysteries in class. Decide which of the 
mysteries you would most like to solve in the future and give your reasons.
2	 Display the map in the school library for students in other classes to enjoy.
Do research online or in the library to find out about unsolved mysteries and 
make a list.
1	 Work in groups. Choose one of the mysteries and do further research. Make 
notes on:
•	 what the mystery is
•	 when and how it first caught people’s attention
•	 why it is mysterious
•	 previous attempts to solve the mystery
•	 existing explanations
2	 Collect pictures, diagrams, maps and other visuals relating to the mystery.
1	 Write a fact sheet about your chosen mystery.
2	 Add any visuals you have collected.
3	 As a class, prepare a large world map and put it up on the classroom wall.
4	 Collect all the fact sheets and visuals, and attach them to the correct places 
on the world map.
Mapping unsolved natural mysteries
Humans have been striving to understand the world for thousands of years. 
Yet despite the vast knowledge that we have accumulated, there are still many 
unsolved natural mysteries out there, waiting to capture our imaginations and 
drive us to discover the truth behind them. 
UNIT 5 
Project
Project
77
Investigate
Plan
Create
Present
Work in groups. Go online to find out about space tourism. Make notes on:
•	 where you can go and what you can do there
•	 how far away the destinations are from Earth and how long it takes to reach them
•	 what the environment is like at these destinations, for example, terrain, climate, 
	 gravity
Design your space tour. Be as creative as you like! Consider the following:
•	 how you will travel 
•	 what you will pack
•	 the duration and cost of the trip
•	 where you will stay, what you will do, what you will eat and what clothes you will wear
•	 potential dangers and problems, and how you plan to deal with them
1	 Prepare a slide presentation about your space tour.
2	 Include attractive and informative visuals, and accompany these with clear 
and useful information.
1	 Give your presentation to the class.
2	 When each group has presented, decide which space destination you would 
most like to visit.
Planning a space tour
Not so very long ago, the idea of going on holiday to another planet seemed more 
than a little far-fetched… But now, space travel looks set to become more than a 
dream. Given the opportunity to explore the universe, where would you go?
UNIT 6 
Project
78
Appendices
•	Learning aid
•	Words and expressions
•	Vocabulary
•	Names and places
U N I T
Learning aid
in the face of: to be confronted with
eg	 They won in the face of stiff competition from 
all over the world.
come one’s way: to get or experience something, 
especially by chance
eg	 We’re determined to take every opportunity that 
comes our way.
1	 In the face of such questions, how should we approach 
the future? Can we take action to shape it, or should we 
just accept whatever comes our way?
本段中had originally worked as a doctor 是过去完成时。
Q: 过去完成时和现在完成时有哪些不同之处?
A: 过去完成时表示过去某一时间前动作就已发
生,可以说是过去的过去,而现在完成时表示
一个开始于过去的动作,与现在有关系或对现
在有影响。例如:She has just left. If you hurry, 
you will catch her. 意为“她刚走,如果你快一
点,就能追上她”,而句子When I arrived she 
had just left. 意为“我到的时候,她刚刚离开”。
Q: 过去完成时和一般过去时有哪些不同之处?
A: 一般过去时表示动作在过去某一特定时间结
束,例如:He arrived at two o’clock and  
was told to wait here. 意为“他在两点到达并
被告知在这里等候”,而句子 He arrived at  
two o’clock and he had been told to wait here. 
意为“他在两点到达,来之前已被告知在这里
等候”。
2	 By contrast, the young Arthur Conan Doyle, born in 
Scotland in 1859, had originally worked as a doctor. 
But Doyle’s main ambition was to become a writer of 
historical novels. 
Key expressions
in the face of
come one’s way
be forced to do
take a leaf out of / 
from one’s book 
insight into
on a daily basis
arise from
turn down
81
Learning aid
Learning aid
be forced to do: to be made to do something you do not want to do
eg	 I was forced to get up early this morning.
Background information
Scottish writer Arthur Conan Doyle was born in Edinburgh on 22 May 1859. 
Best known for his stories about the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, 
Conan Doyle also wrote many historical novels, poems and plays, for which he 
expected to be recognised as a serious author.
3	 He still longed to become known for his historical novels amongst other academic 
works. The public, however, couldn’t get enough of Sherlock Holmes. In desperation, 
Doyle killed off the famous detective in a novel published in 1893 so that he could 
focus on his “serious” writing. However, fans of Holmes were so angry that Doyle, 
under immense pressure, was forced to bring Holmes back from the dead. 
本句中has been entertaining readers 是现在完成进行时。
Q: 现在完成进行时和现在完成时有哪些区别?
A: 现在完成进行时表示一个动作持续到现在,这个动作可能刚刚停止或仍在进
行。这个时态常常和how long,since,for 连用。例如:How long have you 
been waiting here? 意为“你在这里等了多久了?”。现在完成时和现在完成进
行时的主要区别在于现在完成时表示动作已经完成,而现在完成进行时却不
一定如此。例如:I have made a kite. 意为“我做了一个风筝”,表示风筝已
经做好了,而I have been making a kite. 意为“我一直在做风筝”,但风筝不
一定已做好。
4	 Doyle’s many historical novels, plays, poems and academic papers have remained 
largely forgotten, but Sherlock Holmes has been entertaining readers for well over  
a century.
Background information
The fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, made his first appearance in the story, 
A Study in Scarlet, which was published in Beeton’s Christmas Annual of 1887. 
So popular was Holmes with readers that after the character’s death in The 
Final Problem, his creator Conan Doyle was forced to bring him back to life in 
The Adventure of the Empty House.
82
take a leaf out of / from one’s book: to copy the way someone else behaves 
because you want to be like them or be as successful as they are
eg	 I should take a leaf out of his book and invest some money in the  
stock market.
5	 Though both of these men were ultimately successful, their paths to success were 
very different, their futures not necessarily turning out exactly as they planned. So, 
whatever twists and turns you might encounter, take a leaf out of the books of these 
two authors and be prepared for the unexpected.
insight into: a clear understanding of something, especially a difficult situation 
or idea
eg	 The article gives us new insights into the way we use language.
6	 Lines from the poem The Road Not Taken are often quoted in speeches of all kinds. 
The poem has been set to music by a number of artists and used in numerous television 
commercials. It has in fact become one of the most famous American poems of all 
time, not only because of its natural style, but also because of its thoughtful insights 
into human nature.
We could also say
Of course, the biggest dilemmas are caused by moral problems, when we are not 
sure which choice will help us do the right thing.
7	 Of course, the greatest dilemmas arise from moral problems, when we are uncertain 
which choice results in doing the right thing.
Background information
The Road Not Taken is the first poem in Robert Frost’s book Mountain 
Interval, which was first published in 1916. Today, it is perhaps the most widely 
read and remembered American poem of the century. Although it first appears 
to be a poem about making an important decision, its meanings are complex, 
and it continues to be interpreted in many different ways.
83
Learning aid
Learning aid
Supplementary reading
It’s your choice.
Everyone knows that the choices we make affect our future. After all, it is obvious. 
Suppose I am an intelligent student with good marks. However, being lazy, I choose 
not to work hard at school. My marks plummet; I do badly in my examinations; I am 
refused entry to university. After that, I cannot find a good job. The golden future I had 
imagined for myself will never be. And all from a bad choice!
However, your choices affect your future in a way that is a lot more complicated than 
that. This is because nearly all the choices you make, even the small ones, affect your 
character. Your character is displayed through your choices, but it is also formed by 
them. Whenever you make a choice, your character is reinforced, or changes, or grows, 
or diminishes, depending on whether the decision you made is wise or foolish, good 
or bad. Your character is being made by you, bit by bit, choice by choice. And so, you 
become the sort of person who will make a certain kind of choice in a certain situation. 
We could also say
Whether our choices are big or small, they all cause particular results. From the 
moment we do or decide something, it usually cannot be changed.
We could also say
However, part of the art of decision-making is learning to do whatever we can 
to benefit from our decisions. Rather than thinking with regret about things 
that have happened in the past, we should be facing our future with energy and 
optimism, because the choices are ours, and ours alone. 
8	 Whether big or small, what all our choices have in common is that they lead to 
specific consequences. Once we make a decision, in most circumstances, there is no 
going back.
9	 Nonetheless, part of the art of decision-making is learning to make the most of our 
decisions. Instead of looking back with regret, we should be facing our future with 
energy and optimism, for the choices are ours, and ours only. 
84
Some will argue this is not true. After all, the field of human choice is a narrow one. 
Most of the things that form us in our lives are not subject to choice. We cannot 
choose when to be born, or even to be born at all. We cannot choose where to be 
born. We cannot choose whether our families will be rich or poor, kind or cruel. We 
cannot choose whether we will be healthy or struck by terrible illness. We cannot even 
entirely control who we will meet in our lives: a difference of minutes or even seconds 
determines random meetings that can change our fate. With so much that we cannot 
choose, how can we be said to be responsible for anything?
There is some truth in this. We are thrown into life without any say over the matter, and 
have little control over most of it. However, we do have some power of choice, and we 
do control the most important thing of all: how we respond to circumstances. We can 
choose how to respond to situations that are difficult, or boring, or dangerous. We can 
choose to respond bravely or with cowardice, with calm or with rage. We can choose to 
keep struggling in hard times, or to give up.
This ability to choose how we behave and respond is a great gift. It is our key to having 
confidence in the future. It is human nature to fear the future, as the future is unknown. 
You cannot entirely control what will happen to you tomorrow; perhaps you cannot 
control what will happen at all. But if you have confidence in your character, formed by 
years of making good choices, then you do know one thing for certain about the future: 
no matter what happens, you will make a choice that you will be proud of. 
At every moment, then, practise forming your character when you make your choices, 
no matter how small they are. Remember: your choices form your character. And your 
character determines your future.
85
Learning aid
Learning aid
U N I T
2	 As Morrie anticipates his own death, he observes 
everything as though through new eyes – the things 
around him seem more beautiful than ever before and 
hold new meanings.
Morrie is being weakened by a severe illness → a 
severe illness is weakening Morrie 
本句中is being weakened 是现在进行时的被动语态,表
示现阶段或目前这段时间正在进行或发生的被动动作。
Q: 现在进行时的被动语态有哪些用法?
A: 现在进行时的被动语态可以表示此时此刻或
现阶段正在进行的被动动作,还可以表示一
种经常性或习惯性的被动行为,常与always,
constantly 等连用,往往带有赞扬、责备、厌
烦、埋怨等感情色彩。例如:She is always 
being praised by the teacher. 除上述用法外,现
在进行时的被动语态还可以与情态动词连用,
表示说话者对正在发生的被动行为的推测。例
如:He may be being interviewed in the office. 
Q: 一般现在时的被动语态可以表示正在进行吗?
A: 是的,比如有些表示状态、心理活动、情感等
的动词,常用一般现在时的被动语态表示正在
进行。例如:You are wanted on the phone. 此
外,“be + under / in / on + 名词”这一结构也
可以表示现在进行时被动语态的含义。例如:
The problem is under discussion now. = The 
problem is being discussed now. 还需要注意的
是,有些动词进行时的主动形式就可以表示被
动的含义,常见的有print,cook,fry,bake,
burn,hang 等。例如:The house is burning. 
1	 On discovering that Morrie is being weakened by a 
severe illness, Mitch starts visiting him at his house  
on Tuesdays.
Key expressions
a pleasant surprise
point of view
get distracted by
lose touch with
live life to the full
rush into
go up to 
burst out laughing
be crammed with 
no more… than
86
We could also say
As Morrie knows that he is soon going to die, he sees everything as if it is  
new. The things around him look even more beautiful than before and have  
new meanings. 
burst out laughing: to suddenly start to laugh
eg	 She looked at him and burst out laughing. 
live life to the full: to fully enjoy one’s life
eg	 He lived life to the full and was always happy.
We could also say
When I finish it, I feel the book has given me a wider picture of the world and 
makes me able to see things from a different perspective. 
We could also say
Like Mitch, Morrie makes you realise that, at the end of your life, you want to 
feel that you have fully enjoyed every day, that you are loved and that you have 
loved others to the best of your ability. 
3	 After finishing it, I feel I have been given a deeper insight into the world and can see 
things from a different point of view.
4	 Like Mitch, Morrie makes you aware that you want to die feeling that you have 
lived life to the full, knowing that you are loved and have loved others as much as  
you could.
5	 All the other HAPPINESSES burst out laughing.
87
Learning aid
Learning aid
no more… than: used to describe someone or something that does not have a 
particular quality in comparison to someone or something else
eg	 He’s no more fit to be a teacher than I am!
6	 THE HAPPINESS   He doesn’t know: well, what do you expect? He is no more 
absurd than the majority of men…
Background information
The Blue Bird is a play about happiness – not pleasure based on material things, 
but a more meaningful, spiritual joy. At the end of the play, Tyltyl shows what he 
has learnt about happiness. Also, he creates great happiness by giving his pet bird, 
which seems much bluer than before, to a sick child.
7	 TYLTYL   My bird! Why, he’s blue! But it’s my turtle-dove! But he’s much bluer than 
when I went away! Why, that’s the Blue Bird we were looking for! We went so far 
and he was here all the time! There, Madame Berlingot, take him to your little girl.
Supplementary reading
The Old Man and the Sea
After 84 days without catching a single fish, an old fisherman, Santiago, sails far out 
to sea without his devoted apprentice, Manolin. The fish he eventually catches is so big 
that it pulls the boat for two whole days and two whole nights. Despite being wounded 
and exhausted, Santiago battles to hold the line that holds the fish. On the third day, 
the fish finally tires, allowing Santiago to kill it with a harpoon. But the blood from 
the fish attracts sharks, which Santiago bravely fights throughout the day and all of the 
following night. Although he succeeds in killing some of the sharks, yet more of these 
predators appear. 
The shark closed fast astern and when he hit the fish the old man saw his mouth open 
and his strange eyes and the clicking chop of the teeth as he drove forward in the meat 
just above the tail. The shark’s head was out of water and his back was coming out 
and the old man could hear the noise of skin and flesh ripping on the big fish when 
he rammed the harpoon down onto the shark’s head at a spot where the line between 
88
his eyes intersected with the line that ran straight back from his nose. There were no 
such lines. There was only the heavy sharp blue head and the big eyes and the clicking, 
thrusting all-swallowing jaws. But that was the location of the brain and the old man 
hit it. He hit it with his blood mushed hands driving a good harpoon with all his 
strength. He hit it without hope but with resolution and complete malignancy.
The shark swung over and the old man saw his eye was not alive and then he swung 
over once again, wrapping himself in two loops of the rope. The old man knew that he 
was dead but the shark would not accept it. Then, on his back, with his tail lashing and 
his jaws clicking, the shark plowed over the water as a speedboat does. The water was 
white where his tail beat it and three-quarters of his body was clear above the water 
when the rope came taut, shivered, and then snapped. The shark lay quietly for a little 
while on the surface and the old man watched him. Then he went down very slowly.
“He took about forty pounds,” the old man said aloud. He took my harpoon too and 
all the rope, he thought, and now my fish bleeds again and there will be others.
He did not like to look at the fish anymore since he had been mutilated. When the fish 
had been hit it was as though he himself were hit.
But I killed the shark that hit my fish, he thought. And he was the biggest dentuso that 
I have ever seen. And God knows that I have seen big ones.
It was too good to last, he thought. I wish it had been a dream now and that I had 
never hooked the fish and was alone in bed on the newspapers.
“But man is not made for defeat,” he said. “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.” 
I am sorry that I killed the fish though, he thought. Now the bad time is coming and 
I do not even have the harpoon. The dentuso is cruel and able and strong and 
intelligent. But I was more intelligent than he was. Perhaps not, he thought. Perhaps 
I was only better armed.
“Don’t think, old man,” he said aloud. “Sail on this course and take it when it comes.”
But I must think, he thought. Because it is all I have left. That and baseball. I wonder 
how the great DiMaggio would have liked the way I hit him in the brain? It was no 
great thing, he thought. Any man could do it. But do you think my hands were as great 
a handicap as the bone spurs? I cannot know. I never had anything wrong with my 
heel except the time the sting ray stung it when I stepped on him when swimming and 
paralyzed the lower leg and made the unbearable pain.
89
Learning aid
Learning aid
“Think about something cheerful, old man,” he said. “Every minute now you are closer 
to home. You sail lighter for the loss of forty pounds.”
He knew quite well the pattern of what could happen when he reached the inner part 
of the current. But there was nothing to be done now.
“Yes there is,” he said aloud. “I can lash my knife to the butt of one of the oars.”
So he did that with the tiller under his arm and the sheet of the sail under his foot.
“Now,” he said. “I am still an old man. But I am not unarmed.”
The breeze was fresh now and he sailed on well. He watched only the forward part of 
the fish and some of his hope returned.
(Excerpt from The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway)
90
Background information
When foreign merchants entered Chinese-
administered territory from the West, Dunhuang 
was the first trading town that they reached. The 
city is also the site of the famous Mogao Grottoes, 
which were added to the list of UNESCO World 
Heritage Sites in 1987.
这个句子是由if 引导的条件状语从句。
Q: 状语从句有几种类型?
A: 一般来说,根据其作用,状语从句可分为时
间、地点、原因、目的、结果、条件、让步、
方式和比较从句等。
We could also say
The long and great history of Dunhuang has made 
the city an important place for the exchange of 
culture and commerce. Today, many tourists from 
all over the world visit Dunhuang to see its sites, 
which are protected by UNESCO.
We could also say
If you look up, you can see the paintings and other 
artworks that show how the Silk Road brought 
East and West together.
1	 Dunhuang’s long and glorious history represents its 
significance as a centre of cultural and commercial 
exchange. Today, Dunhuang is a world-class tourist 
destination boasting sites with UNESCO-protected 
heritage status.
2	 If you look up, you can see the paintings and other 
artworks that are testimony to how the Silk Road 
brought East and West together.
Key expressions
be testimony to 
date from
seal up
fade from 
bring… to life
prior to
be exposed to 
keep a close eye on
on the whole
strike a chord
91
Learning aid
Learning aid
be testimony to: to be the evidence or fact that proves very clearly that 
something exists or is true
eg	 The pyramids are testimony to the Ancient Egyptians’ engineering skills.
We could also say
The Apsaras are portrayed as moving smoothly and gracefully in the bright blue 
sky, with their scarves flying, as though they are going to fly down to meet us.
We could also say
The painting of Apsaras was at its highest level during the Tang Dynasty. The 
images of Apsaras are lively, showing the confidence and optimism of people 
from that time.
3	 The Apsaras are depicted sailing in the bright blue sky, with their scarves flying, as if 
they are about to fly down to meet us.
4	 The painting of Apsaras reached a peak during the Tang Dynasty; these images are 
full of life, reflecting the confidence and optimism of people from that time. 
这个句子是由as if 引导的方式状语从句。
Q: 能够引导方式状语从句的词或短语有哪些?
A: 方式状语从句可以由as, as if, as though 等引导。
Q: 如何区分方式状语从句和比较状语从句?
A: 这两种状语从句容易混淆,比较状语从句可以由as… as,not so… as,
than,the more… the more 等引导。例如:The work is not so difficult as 
you imagine. 意为“这个工作不像你想的那么难”。但是方式状语从句的
“像”“如同”并不是表示单纯的比较,而是带有依照的含义。例如:Do as I 
told you. 意为“按我告诉你的那样做”。
Q: 能够引导条件状语从句的词或短语有哪些?
A: 条件状语从句可以由if,unless,only if,suppose,supposing,in case, 
so / as long as,so far as,on condition (that),provided (that) 等引导。
92
本段中not as prosperous as it used to be 由not as… as 引导,表示比较,而even though 
it was once such a great city 由even though 引导,表示让步,二者在句中均作状语。
6	 In the Ming Dynasty, trade routes changed and Dunhuang was not as prosperous  
as it used to be. Gradually, it faded from memory, even though it was once such a 
great city.
Q: 能够引导让步状语从句的词或短语有哪些?
A: 让步状语从句可以由though,although,no matter,while,whatever,
however,even though,even if 等引导。
Q: 用though,although 引导状语从句时,主句里能出现but 或者yet 吗?
A: 主句不能有but,但是 though 可以和yet 连用。例如:Though the sore be 
healed, yet a scar may remain. 意为“伤口虽愈合,伤疤难去掉”。
Q: 用though,although 引导状语从句时,从句需要倒装吗?
A: 不必倒装。但as 引导状语从句时,通常从句要倒装,而though 引导的从句
可以倒装也可以不倒装。例如:
 
Poor as he was, he was honest. 意为“他虽然穷却很诚实”。
 
Though it may sound strange, I was pleased it was over. 意为“虽然事情听起
来有点怪,但让我高兴的是它结束了”。
fade from: to disappear slowly and gradually
eg	 We watched them fade from view as they walked away.
Background information
The Library Cave (Cave 17) in the Mogao Grottoes, was originally built 
between 851 AD and 862 AD in the Tang Dynasty. It is located off the north 
side of the corridor leading to Cave 16, and measures just under 7.8 square 
metres. Around the middle of the 11th century, monks hid their precious 
collections of manuscripts, ritual objects, prints and paintings in the cave. They 
then hid the entrance to this cave by building a wall, on which they painted a 
mural. Why they did this remains a mystery, but most people believe it was to 
protect their collections in times of war. 
5	 In a sealed cave, now known as the famous Library Cave, were hidden thousands of 
manuscripts, paintings and scrolls, as well as silk embroideries.
93
Learning aid
Learning aid
Background information
•	 Shi Ji, written by Sima Qian, was the first general history of China ever to be 
produced. Considered a masterpiece, it covers major events and personalities 
over a period of about 3,000 years. It has 130 chapters and contains more 
than 520,000 words. 
•	 The epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey are the two key works of Ancient 
Greek literature. Yet, little is known of Homer, the poet who the Ancient 
Greeks believed to have penned them. 
be exposed to: to experience something or to be influenced by someone  
or something
eg	 Some children are never exposed to great works of literature.
prior to: before
eg	 All work should be finished prior to our departure.
8	 When I was 15 years old, my mother bought me a copy of the classic Shi Ji, or 
Records of the Grand Historian. Prior to that, the only great historical works I had 
been exposed to were Homer’s epic poems. 
bring… to life: to make something real or exciting
eg	 A gifted teacher can really bring literature to life for their students.
7	 This century is bringing the Silk Road to life once more through the Belt and  
Road Initiative. Dunhuang has once again become a global crossroads since it 
hosted hundreds of representatives from 51 countries for the Silk Road International 
Cultural Expo in 2017.
Background information
•	 The Belt and Road Initiative comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and 
the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and is designed to connect Asia 
with the rest of the world. Through economic development and enhanced 
communication, it aims to bring many benefits to the countries along its routes. 
•	 The Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo (SRDICE) is an 
important platform organised by the Chinese government for cultural 
cooperation and communication among countries involved in the Belt and 
Road Initiative. It’s held annually in Dunhuang, North-west China’s Gansu 
Province.
94
keep a close eye on: to observe very carefully, especially for changes  
or developments
eg	 We keep a close eye on the quality of life for the elderly in our community.
10	 I don’t care if a writer is popular or not. What interests me most is the work itself. I’ve 
translated some works by authors such as Xi Murong and Bi Shumin. I also keep a 
close eye on what’s being self-published online by new, young authors – they have 
some good ideas.
Background information
Cao Xueqin’s Dream of the Red Chamber, or A Dream of Red Mansions 
or The Story of the Stone, is considered one of China’s Four Great Classical 
Novels. Believed to be semi-autobiographical, documenting the rise and fall of 
the writer’s family during the Qing Dynasty, it provides a fascinating insight into 
the life of Chinese society in the 18th century.
9	 I particularly like classical Chinese literature, especially works from the Ming and 
Qing dynasties. I fell in love with Dream of the Red Chamber the first time I read it, 
and was determined to translate it into Bulgarian.
We could also say
In my opinion, Egypt and China are closely related and they are similar in 
many aspects. Because of this, Chinese literary works evoke strong and familiar 
feelings in the hearts of Egyptian readers.
strike a chord: to produce an emotion such as sympathy in someone
eg	 Her comments about this new book will strike a chord with other  
young readers.
11	 I think Egypt and China are closely connected and both have a lot in common. 
Because of this, Chinese literary works really strike a chord in the hearts of 
Egyptian readers.
95
Learning aid
Learning aid
Supplementary reading
Understanding China
China’s relationship with the world is evolving, and greater mutual knowledge is 
essential to improve understanding and cooperation.
China is embracing the world with enthusiasm. Learning English has become very popular, 
with 20 million more people starting to learn English every year. The 2008 Olympics 
in Beijing were a great motivator, attracting even taxi-drivers and homemakers to learn 
English. The language barrier can be an obstacle to understanding. I can give you an 
example. There is a Chinese proverb “taoguangyanghui”, which means to stay away 
from the limelight and keep a low profile. 
The transition from the 1980s to the 1990s was a time of great change in the world, 
and the Chinese were in danger of being dragged into a confusing debate about the 
rights and wrongs of the Cold War. By quoting this ancient proverb as a precept for 
China’s diplomacy, Deng Xiaoping wanted to emphasise that we should focus on our 
economic development instead of becoming distracted. This is still a guiding principle 
for China’s diplomacy.
But for whatever reason, some American scholar translated it as “gritting the teeth and 
waiting till the time comes”. You don’t need much imagination to see how this would 
fuel the idea of a “China plot”.
Many misconceptions about China are to some extent the result of miscommunication. 
When US President Barack Obama was visiting China, some in the international media 
completely ignored the active online and media discussions across the country about 
China’s relations with the US and the world.
In China, there are over 2,000 newspapers and more than 9,000 magazines, along with 
230,000 book titles which are published every year. There are 360 million Internet users, 
half of whom are also bloggers. We see lively debates on almost everything by the public 
and media, and the views expressed are sometimes positive and other times not. Very few 
people outside of China can follow such a huge information flow in our country.
Generally speaking, the average Chinese are better informed about the West than 
a typical Westerner is about China. Since the early 1900s, many Western works of 
literature and science have been translated into Chinese, and now even more than ever. 
These translations have a large following in China.
96
It is unlikely that a Chinese student who is entering university does not know about 
British literature or the history of industrialisation. As more and more Chinese 
now read English, you can find shelves and shelves of original English books in the 
bookshops of cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
However, there is not much of a balance, as you can only find a few books about modern 
China in the libraries of schools and universities here in the UK, let alone in the bookshops.
As time goes by, we are seeing an older generation of language experts fading away. 
David Hawkes, an Oxford Sinologist who translated the Chinese classic The Story of 
the Stone, passed away last summer. When I visited him at his home last spring, I could 
not help noticing his loneliness. His great work is little known here, if at all.
In China, Yang Xianyi, a well-known Chinese translator who turned many Chinese 
classics and poems into English, also passed away recently.
We urgently need a new generation of Chinese-English translators who can match the 
calibre of these two great men.
China has reached out to the world. There are now 282 Confucius Institutes and 241 
Confucius Classrooms set up in 87 countries, including the UK. We are glad that the 
world is taking China’s extended hand. 
(Adaptation made by Ambassador Fu Ying from her speech at the English Speaking Union on 
10 December 2009 in the United Kingdom)
97
Learning aid
Learning aid
U N I T
We could also say
However, she couldn’t hide the line of sweat that 
was dripping down her forehead. She was sweating 
partly because of the heat of the television studio, 
but mostly because of her fear of the four people 
seated in front of her. They stared back and their 
faces showed no clue that could help her know 
what they were going to say next.  
1	 She couldn’t, however, hide the line of sweat running 
down her forehead, which was caused partly by the heat 
of the television studio, but more by fear of the four 
people seated in front of her. They stared back, their 
blank faces giving no clue as to what they would  
say next.
as to: concerning; with respect to
eg	 His expressionless face gave her no clue as to 
what he was thinking.
We could also say
The place where this happens is a valley that is 
completely different from any television studio. She 
moves carefully through the darkness and passes 
many rows of rose plants.
2	 The place where this happens is a valley, a world away 
from any television studio. Moving carefully through the 
darkness, she passes row upon row of rose plants.
本段中where this happens 是定语从句,修饰前面的 
the place。
Q: where 引导的定语从句和状语从句有何区别?
A: 当where 引导定语从句时,where 前有表示地
点的先行词。例如:place,room,house, street,
area 等。where 引导的从句修饰先行词,where
是关系副词,在从句中作地点状语。例如:
Key expressions
as to
a world away from
row upon row
be bitten by the… bug
start out
response to 
at rock-bottom prices
do a further favour
as is often the case
be subject to
98
a world away from: completely different from
eg	 It was a world away from the grand hotels she was used to.
 
This is the place where he once lived. 中the place 是先行词,其后是where
引导的定语从句,where 在从句中作地点状语。当where 引导状语从句时,
where 前没有表示地点的先行词,where 是从属连词,where 引导的从句修饰
主句的谓语动词。例如:She found her passport where she lost it. 中passport
是found 的宾语,并不是从句中丢失护照的地点,因此where 引导的是地点
状语从句,从属连词where 引导的从句修饰主句的谓语动词found。
We could also say
She is not the only young person that has become very interested in starting a 
new business. Around the world, an increasing number of active and creative 
young people are thinking of starting their own businesses because the growing 
economy provides them with more opportunities.
4	 She is not the only young person to have been bitten by the start-up bug. All over the 
world, an increasing number of enterprising young people are thinking of starting 
their own businesses, as the growing economy creates more opportunities. 
be bitten by the… bug: to develop a very strong interest in something
eg	 I’ve definitely been bitten by the gardening bug.
We could also say
Zhang paid little attention to roses even though she grew up with them all 
around her. After graduating from university overseas, Zhang went back to visit 
her parents. It was at that point that she became aware of the potential.   
3	 Surrounded by roses as she was growing up, she paid them little attention. It was 
only after graduating from university overseas and returning to visit her parents that 
Zhang realised the potential.
99
Learning aid
Learning aid
We could also say
Zhang grew up in the country, so she already knew something about growing 
plants. However, like anyone who was starting a new business, she still had 
many things to learn. She has dealt with many difficulties while developing her 
business into the success it is today.  
5	 As someone who grew up in the country, Zhang already knew about growing plants. 
However, like any entrepreneur who was just starting out, she still had a lot to learn. 
She has overcome a number of obstacles in nursing her business to the success it  
is today. 
start out: to begin a career or journey
eg	 She started out as an associate. 
We could also say
This large supply of ways of sharing is a reaction to our increasing need for 
goods and services at lower prices but still of good quality. We also want all 
these goods and services to be delivered at the click of a button.
6	 This wealth of ways of sharing is a response to our increasing demand for quality 
goods and services at competitive prices, all delivered at the click of a button. 
response to: reaction to something that has happened or has been said
eg	 This is the public’s response to our appeal for support.
We could also say
Whether we want to hire designer clothes at extremely low prices or rent out 
our flats for a couple of days, there are ways of sharing available for us to do so. 
7	 Whether it’s an online shop where we can hire designer clothes at rock-bottom 
prices, or a platform from which we can rent out our flats for a couple of days, it’s  
out there.
100
at rock-bottom prices: at prices as low as they can possibly be
eg	 We bought these books at rock-bottom prices in a second-hand bookshop.
do a further favour: to do something to improve or help someone or something, 
in addition to what you have already done
eg	 The current economy does a further favour for the development of  
small businesses.
8	 What’s more, sharing encourages us to reuse items, thereby cutting down on waste. 
And set-ups such as bike and car sharing do a further favour for the environment by 
reducing the number of polluting vehicles on the road.
We could also say
All over the world, it is common for new areas of economic activity, for example 
the sharing economy, to develop faster than existing official rules or the means 
to manage and control them. 
as is often the case: with regard to a common or usual situation 
eg	 As is often the case, people stare at their phones while waiting for buses.
Background information
The sharing economy is a way to meet the common needs of consumers and 
providers within a community or wider market. Via the Internet, assets are 
exchanged and resources are pooled, providing products, services, knowledge 
and skills. The sharing economy has great economy-boosting potential, and 
operates with the understanding that there exists a mutual trust between  
those involved.
9	 As is often the case all over the world with new areas of economic activity, the sharing 
economy is developing faster than existing regulations or ongoing supervision.
101
Learning aid
Learning aid
be subject to: to be affected or can be affected by something unpleasant 
eg	 All flights are subject to delay.
10	 Some companies are taking unfair advantage of this situation to expand their share 
of the market, often at the expense of more traditional and established companies. 
In addition, the sharing economy is subject to abuse of trust. 
Supplementary reading
Eugénie Grandet 
Eugénie Grandet is a novel with the dual themes of greed and social ambition at its 
core. The main character, Felix Grandet, is a man so mean that he oversees the small 
portions of his family’s meals each day. He even moderates the amount of sugar that 
guests have in their tea, going so far as to cut up the cubes into smaller pieces in his 
spare time. Dominated by her father, Eugénie falls in love with her adventuring cousin, 
Charles. Having given him all her money, she then waits seven years for him to make 
his fortune and return to France. Things do not turn out quite as she hopes – or as the 
reader might think. 
Five years passed away without a single event to relieve the monotonous existence of 
Eugénie and her father. The same actions were performed daily with the automatic 
regularity of clockwork. The deep sadness of Mademoiselle Grandet was known 
to every one; but if others surmised the cause, she herself never uttered a word that 
justified the suspicions which all Saumur entertained about the state of the rich heiress’s 
heart. Her only society was made up of the three Cruchots and a few of their particular 
friends whom they had, little by little, introduced into the Grandet household. They 
had taught her to play whist, and they came every night for their game. During the year 
1827 her father, feeling the weight of his infirmities, was obliged to initiate her still 
further into the secrets of his landed property, and told her that in case of difficulty she 
was to have recourse to Maitre Cruchot, whose integrity was well known to him.
Towards the end of this year the old man, then eighty-two, was seized by paralysis, 
which made rapid progress. Dr Bergerin gave him up. Eugénie, feeling that she was 
about to be left alone in the world, came, as it were, nearer to her father, and clasped 
more tightly this last living link of affection. To her mind, as in that of all loving 
women, love was the whole of life. Charles was not there, and she devoted all her care 
and attention to the old father, whose faculties had begun to weaken, though his avarice 
102
remained instinctively acute. The death of this man offered no contrast to his life. In 
the morning he made them roll him to a spot between the chimney of his chamber and 
the door of the secret room, which was filled, no doubt, with gold. He asked for an 
explanation of every noise he heard, even the slightest; to the great astonishment of the 
notary, he even heard the watch-dog yawning in the court-yard. He woke up from his 
apparent stupor at the day and hour when the rents were due, or when accounts had to 
be settled with his vine-dressers, and receipts given. At such times he worked his chair 
forward on its castors until he faced the door of the inner room. He made his daughter 
open it, and watched while she placed the bags of money one upon another in his secret 
receptacles and relocked the door. Then she returned silently to her seat, after giving 
him the key, which he replaced in his waistcoat pocket and fingered from time to time. 
His old friend the notary, feeling sure that the rich heiress would inevitably marry his 
nephew the president, if Charles Grandet did not return, redoubled all his attentions; he 
came every day to take Grandet’s orders, went on his errands to Froidfond, to the farms 
and the fields and the vineyards, sold the vintages, and turned everything into gold and 
silver, which found their way in sacks to the secret hiding-place.
At length the last struggle came, in which the strong frame of the old man slowly 
yielded to destruction. He was determined to sit at the chimney-corner facing the door 
of the secret room. He drew off and rolled up all the coverings which were laid over 
him, saying to Nanon, “Put them away, lock them up, for fear they should be stolen.” 
So long as he could open his eyes, in which his whole being had now taken refuge, he 
turned them to the door behind which lay his treasures, saying to his daughter, “Are 
they there? Are they there?” in a tone of voice which revealed a sort of panic fear.
“Yes, my father,” she would answer.
“Take care of the gold – put gold before me.”
Eugénie would then spread coins on a table before him, and he would sit for hours 
together with his eyes fixed upon them, like a child who, at the moment it first begins 
to see, gazes in stupid contemplation at the same object, and like the child, a distressful 
smile would flicker upon his face.
“It warms me!” he would sometimes say, as an expression of beatitude stole across  
his features.
(Excerpt from Eugénie Grandet by Honoré de Balzac, translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley)
103
Learning aid
Learning aid
We could also say
William Gadoury, a 15-year-old Canadian boy, had 
been interested in ancient civilisation from a very 
young age. He thought he had made an amazing 
discovery by studying ancient star charts. By 
comparison, he discovered that the locations of the 
117 known Maya cities match the positions of the 
stars, and he believed he had found the exact position 
of an unknown Maya city buried deep in the jungle. 
1	 Intrigued by Maya civilisation from a very young age, 
15-year-old Canadian William Gadoury thought he had 
made an incredible discovery from his study of ancient 
star charts. Through comparison, he found that the 
locations of the 117 known Maya cities correspond to the 
positions of the stars. Based on this, he believed he had 
spotted an unknown Maya city buried deep in the jungle. 
本段中he had spotted an unknown Maya city buried 
deep in the jungle 是省略了that 的宾语从句,在句中作
believed 的宾语,buried deep in the jungle 在宾语从句
中作定语修饰city。
Q: 名词性从句的连接词有哪几类?
A: 名词性从句的连接词可以分为三类。从属连词
that,whether,if 等,其中that 没有实际意义,
不充当任何句子成分,只起连接作用;whether
和if 有“是否”之意,但同样不充当句子成
分。连接代词what,whatever,who,whoever, 
whom,whomever,whose,which,whichever 等
不但起连接作用,而且均有实际意义,在从句中
可作主语、宾语、表语或定语。连接副词when,
whenever,where,wherever,how,however,
why 也均有实际意义,在从句中作状语。
Q: 如何选择名词性从句的连接词?
A: 首先需要判断并分析从句,看一看从句的成分
和句意是否完整。如果从句不缺成分且句意完
整,则选择that;如果从句不缺成分但句意不
完整,表示“是否”的意思,则选择whether
或if;如果从句缺少成分,则需根据句意选择
连接代词或连接副词。
Key expressions
correspond to 
apply… to
on top of
all the more
at something’s peak
fall into ruin
set sail
continue to do
offer a window into
be equivalent to 
hold a record
beyond the reach of 
final frontier
104
We could also say
Although scholars have refused to accept Gadoury’s theory, it proves how 
Ancient Maya civilisation can motivate people to find and reveal its secrets. 
2	 Although his theory has been dismissed by scholars, it shows how powerful the 
secrets of Ancient Maya civilisation are among people.
4	 The fact that Maya society was technologically primitive makes its achievements all 
the more incredible and mysterious. But the greatest mystery of all is what caused the 
Maya to abandon most of their great cities.
We could also say
The most extraordinary thing about these complex structures is the way they 
were built. They were built without the use of wheels, metal tools or even 
animal power. 
3	 What is most extraordinary about these complex structures is how they were built 
without the use of wheels, metal tools or even animal power.
本句中What is most extraordinary about these complex structures 是what 引导的主语从
句,在句子中作主语。
Q: what 引导的主语从句,从句的谓语动词用单数还是复数? 
A: 如果what 在主语从句中不充当主语,则从句的谓语动词应该根据主语的数来
决定。例如:What he says is not important. What you need is more practice. 
如果what 在主语从句中充当主语,则从句的谓语动词用单数。例如:What 
is most important in life isn’t money. 
Q: that 和what 均可引导名词性从句,如何区分二者?
A: that 引导名词性从句时只起连接作用,在从句中无实际意义,不充当任何成
分;what 引导名词性从句时,除了起连接作用外,还在从句中充当成分,可
作从句的主语、宾语和表语。例如:That he told a lie hurt me. 中that 只起连
接作用,不充当任何成分,而What he said hurt me. 中what 不仅起连接作
用,还充当从句的宾语。
105
Learning aid
Learning aid
set sail: to begin a journey by boat or ship
eg	 Last week the ship set sail for South America.
6	 Among these is the Esmeralda, the earliest wreck from the age of the European 
exploration of Asia. Today, some 500 years after the Esmeralda set sail, there is little – 
if any – land on our planet left unexplored.
5	 By 700 AD, Maya civilisation was at its peak. Yet, within just a couple of 
generations, it began to mysteriously decline. The cities were left to be taken back by 
the jungle. When Europeans arrived in Central America in the early 16th century to 
claim its riches, the remaining Maya people were living in small settlements.
We could also say
The achievements of the Maya are particularly amazing and difficult to 
explain because they were made without the use of modern tools or advanced 
technology. But the greatest mystery of all is the reason why the Maya left most 
of their great cities. 
Background information
The Ancient Maya civilisation reached its peak between 250 AD and 900 AD.
Archaeologists refer to this time when numerous Maya cities flourished 
throughout much of Central America as the Classic Period. But by the time the 
Spanish arrived in Central America in the 16th century, they found the Maya 
living in small groups, without any central organisation. The once-powerful Maya 
civilisation had long since collapsed.
Background information
More than 500 years after it was lost in a storm, the Esmeralda was discovered off 
the coast of Oman. The ship is believed to be part of a voyage led by Portuguese 
explorer, Vasco da Gama during his second voyage to India (1502–1503).  
Although the Esmeralda was first located in 1998, it was explored by marine 
archaeologists between 2013 and 2015. Researchers used advanced technology to 
examine some of the objects on the ship. For example, CT scanning was used to 
identify two silver coins and a bell.
106
We could also say
In the very deepest ocean trenches more than 8,000 metres down, the pressure is 
equal to 50 aeroplanes piled on top of each other. Even there, life exists around 
the deep-sea volcanic openings.
be equivalent to: to have the same value, amount, importance, purpose, etc as 
something else 
eg	 Eight kilometres is roughly equivalent to five miles.
7	 In the very deepest ocean trenches that are more than 8,000 metres below the 
surface, the pressure is equivalent to 50 aeroplanes stacked one on top of another. 
Yet there is still life to be found, even around the deep-sea volcanic openings.
hold a record: to have the best achievement so far in a particular activity or field
eg	 He holds the record for the longest consecutive amount of time spent  
in space.
8	 In addition, China’s underwater vessels, such as the Jiaolong and Shenhai Yongshi, 
have been exploring waters at depths of thousands of metres. The Jiaolong even 
holds the record for the deepest dive by a manned submarine, at 7,062 metres, giving 
China its place alongside the world’s top ocean explorers.
Background information
•	 The Jiaolong, China’s manned deep-sea vessel, is named after a mythical 
Chinese sea dragon. At roughly 8.2 metres long, 3 metres wide and 3.4 
metres high, it weighs almost 22 metric tons. In 2012, it set the record for 
the deepest dive after reaching a depth of 7,062 metres in the Pacific Ocean’s 
Mariana Trench. Thousands of metres beneath the waves, its crew took 
incredible photos and videos and collected important samples from the ocean 
floor for research in oceanography. 
•	 The Shenhai Yongshi, or Deep Sea Warrior, is China’s deep-sea submersible, 
which can reach a depth of 4,500 metres. The submersible took 8 years 
and involved over 90 Chinese organisations and companies, with all of its 
core parts being made in China. The Shenhai Yongshi has since been used to 
complete deep-sea diving missions in order to collect exact data on natural 
gas sources.
107
Learning aid
Learning aid
Supplementary reading
Sea serpents and lake monsters: legends, myths or reality?
The majority of Earth’s oceans and remote inland lakes are unexplored so there may 
be creatures which have rarely been seen or identified by humans. Over the centuries, 
sailors have told stories of strange creatures in the oceans. Many of these descriptions 
are very similar to creatures that we thought were extinct. An ancient fish called 
coelacanth was once only known from fossils and was thought to have become extinct 
along with the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago. However, in 1938, the scientific 
world was shocked by the discovery of a living coelacanth. Living things previously 
unknown to science have since been found in other parts of the world.
Who knows what other finds may yet be made? It may be that the monsters we’ve read 
about in legends are in fact rare species that are yet to be discovered. 
And sometimes, these monsters leap off the pages of legends and into the news.
Lake Storsjon in Sweden is alleged to be home to a sea monster called Storsie, which 
people have reported seeing since 1635. Some say Storsie has a head like a horse while 
others claim it is a big snake-like creature. It might be a huge sturgeon, a fish with a 
9	 Being a tough environment of complete darkness, enormous pressure and intense 
cold, the ocean depths have long been beyond the reach of human exploration. 
However, through closer international scientific, economic and cultural cooperation, 
we are all becoming part of a global mission to open up our planet’s final frontier.
We could also say
Deep in the ocean, the environment is tough because of the complete darkness, 
enormous pressure and intense cold. Human exploration is limited by it. 
However, through closer international scientific, economic and cultural 
cooperation, we are all becoming involved in a global mission to learn about the 
last unexplored place on Earth.
final frontier: a part of a country, region, etc that is the last to be settled, 
explored or developed
eg	 Real-time interactions with the ocean could be the breakthrough we need 
to explore our planet’s final frontier.
108
long head and pointed fins on its back. These fish can grow up to about 6 metres long 
and weigh over 800 kilogrammes!
For years in the swampy jungles of Central Africa, people have reported seeing a 
strange creature known as Mokele-Mbembe. The creature may be a kind of dinosaur. 
Several expeditions have set out to find the monster in the remote lakes and swamps 
but they have all failed so far.
Back in 1609 in the United States, French explorer Samuel de Champlain reported 
seeing a strange serpent in a lake which later took his name – Lake Champlain. 
Since then many others have seen “Champ”, as the monster has become known. One 
suggestion is that people may really just have seen logs pushed to the surface by a 
powerful underwater current. 
As many of the descriptions of lake monsters are so similar to each other, some people 
believe that they might belong to the same species. But it’s also possible that people may 
have invented the stories just to attract attention – and of course, tourists! 
109
Learning aid
Learning aid
one’s heart in one’s mouth: a state of feeling very 
afraid or nervous
eg	 With his heart in his mouth, John moved 
towards the strange sounds.
Background information
With “man” referring to all of humanity in the same 
way as “mankind”, Neil Armstrong’s quote should 
have been “That’s one small step for a man, one 
giant leap for mankind.” Speaking to the press after 
the Apollo 11 mission, he was however adamant that 
he had included the missing article – it was just that 
no listeners back on Earth had been able to hear it. 
1	 Millions watched that first lunar landing on black and 
white television sets, their hearts in their mouths, aware 
of how arduous and hazardous an undertaking it was, 
and of the many things that could go wrong.
2	 With Armstrong’s now famous words “That’s one small 
step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, what had 
once been considered impossible had now been achieved. 
tune in: to watch or listen to a broadcast on radio 
or television
eg	 People get their information by tuning in to 
foreign radio stations.
3	 But this was going to be no ordinary excursion, and 
millions of people tuned in to witness the take-off on TV.
Key expressions
become accustomed to
one’s heart in one’s mouth
take off
tune in
cast a shadow on / over
call to
reach for the stars
be composed of
quest for
110
We could also say
The event shocked the world – as most people had supposed that this space 
flight would not be any more dangerous than travelling in an aeroplane.
5	 The world went into shock, most people having assumed that this space flight would 
be no more dangerous than travelling in an aeroplane.
本句中would 是一个情态动词,表示预测、估计、猜想。
Q: would 是will 的过去式,二者皆可表示预测、意愿、邀请、请求、不满,具
体有什么区别吗?
A: 表示预测和意愿时,would 是will 的过去式。表示邀请或请求时,would 是
比will 更礼貌的形式。表示不满时,will 用于描述某人令人厌烦的习惯。例
如:He will keep asking silly questions. 意为“他老是不停地问愚蠢的问题”,
而would 表示某行为很典型或在意料之中,往往含有贬义。例如:She would 
say that, wouldn’t she? 意为“她会那么说,是不是?”。此外,will 表示总是
会发生的事。例如:Oil will float on water. 而would 则表示过去的习惯。例
如:On summer evenings we would sit out in the garden. 另外,would 还可以
表示过去本要发生但未发生的事情。例如:I would have called you, but there 
wasn’t time.
本句中might have inspired 表示对过去行为的推测。
Q: might have done 只能表示对过去行为的推测吗?
A: might have done 除了可以表示对过去行为的推测外,还可以表示对现在以及
将来某一时间之前情况的推测。例如:She might have got up now. 意为“现
在她可能已经起床了”;又如He might have left when you get there. 意为“等
你到达时,他可能已经离开了”。
4	 With the eyes of students across the nation upon her, she might have inspired an 
entirely new generation of astronauts and space scientists.
111
Learning aid
Learning aid
We could also say
The sacrifice of the Challenger gives us the strong feeling that we must continue 
to do what we can for space exploration, no matter how difficult it might seem.
call to: to make someone feel strongly that they should do something
eg	 The new era calls to us, saying that we should strive to achieve more and  
do better.
reach for the stars: to have high or ambitious aims 
eg	 She always encouraged her students to reach for the stars.
7	 The sacrifice of the Challenger calls to us, reminding us that we must continue to 
reach for the stars, no matter how distant they might seem.
Background information
Sanxingdui site was the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom more than 3,000 
years ago. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved cities of the era, 
covering an area of 12 square kilometres. Dozens of cultural relics have 
been found within the city, including city walls, two sacrificial pits, building 
foundations, jade ware pits and a burial area, as well as several thousand fine 
artefacts such as bronze statues and masks. 
8	 For example, the mysterious large-eyed, bronze statues of the ancient Shu Kingdom, 
discovered at the Chinese archeological site at Sanxingdui, were believed to have 
been able to look across great distances into the stars.
cast a shadow on / over: to make something seem less enjoyable, attractive,  
or impressive
eg	 Her father’s illness cast a shadow over the wedding celebrations.
6	 It was the most disastrous space accident ever, and it cast a shadow on people’s hearts. 
112
We could also say
People in ancient times didn’t know what the stars were, so they imagined that 
there was another world in the sky.
9	 Not knowing what the stars were, people in ancient times used their imaginations to 
create a world in the sky.
本句中might 是情态动词,表示可能性。
Q: 表示“可能”的情态动词有哪些?
A: 表示“可能”的情态动词有might,may,could,can,should,ought to,would,
will,must。但由于should 和ought to 还表示“本应该”,所以并非经常用来
表示“可能”。例如:He should / ought to have arrived yesterday. 可以理解为
“我想他昨天大概到了”,也可以理解为“他昨天应该到,但没有到”。
Q: 表示有根据的“推论”的情态动词有哪些?
A: 有根据的“推论”往往用must be 和can’t be 表示,近乎“肯定”。例如:
Jane’s light is on. She must be at home. She can’t be out. 意为“简的房间里
开着灯。她一定在家,不会出去的” 。需注意must be 的否定式是 can’t be,
不是mustn’t be。
 
如果认为其依据几乎可以肯定的话,也可以用will 和won’t。例如:That will 
be Rolland. I can hear him coughing. 意为“那一定是罗兰。我听到他在咳嗽”。
10	 Nothing in history has allowed us to see so much over such great distances, from 
enormous clouds of gas where stars are being born, to huge black holes, and even to 
new planets where we might conceivably find life.
We could also say
The 500-metre dish, known as the “Eye of Heaven”, is used for looking for dark 
matter. Dark matter is possibly made up of subatomic particles. They cannot be 
identified and observed by ordinary telescopes.
11	 The 500-metre dish of the “Eye of Heaven”, as it is known, is being used in the 
search for dark matter, thought to be composed of subatomic particles invisible to 
ordinary telescopes.
113
Learning aid
Learning aid
Background information
“Eye of Heaven”, or the Five-hundred-metre Aperture Spherical Telescope 
(FAST), is the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world. Situated in 
Guizhou Province, South-west China, it enables us to gaze into the depths of the 
universe. As a major breakthrough for China in the field of astronomy, its key 
functions are to survey neutral hydrogen in space, observe pulsars and track and 
communicate with spacecraft.
Supplementary reading
The Reining Age
Humankind’s migration would undergo five stages. First, the Earth Engines would 
be used to stop the rotation of the Earth, with all the jets set to counter the planet’s 
movement. Second, the Engines would be set at full power to accelerate the Earth 
into “escape velocity”, thus propelling it away from the Sun. Third, the Earth would 
continue to accelerate through space towards Proxima Centauri. Fourth, when the 
Earth was on track, its rotation would be restarted and the jets would be redirected to 
commence the deceleration process. Fifth, the Earth would be set in a new obit around 
Proxima Centauri, becoming its planet. These five stages were also known as the 
“Reining Age”, the “Escape Age”, the “First Wandering Age” (during acceleration), the 
“Second Wandering Age” (during deceleration), and the “New Sun Age”. 
From start to finish, the migration would take 2,500 years – so around one hundred 
generations. 
We sailed on, into the Earth’s night. Here, there was no visible light from the Sun or 
from the Earth Engines. But as we looked up, with the cool Atlantic wind on our face, 
we children saw the starry sky for the first time in our lives. 
quest for: a long search for something that is difficult to find
eg	 World leaders are now united in their quest for peace.
12	 Using ever-larger radio telescopes as our eyes, we will one day be able to look back 
to a time in the very early universe, before the existence of light. But the human 
quest for knowledge reaches even beyond that. 
114
How breathtakingly beautiful it was!
Ms Xing put an arm around those of us who were closest to her while pointing at 
the sky with her other hand. She said, “Look, children! That is Centaurus and that 
is Proxima Centauri, our new home!” With these words, tears ran slowly down her 
face. Her crying affected us deeply. Before long, we were all in tears. No one who was 
present could hold back the tears – even the captain and crew, who were all men of 
iron. Crying, we all looked in the direction that Ms Xing was pointing. There we saw 
twinkling stars, the tears in our eyes making them distorted. There was only one point 
of light that did not flicker. It was a celestial lighthouse on the far-off coast of the 
untamed ocean of the night, a faint guiding light for cold and lonely voyagers in the 
cosmic wilderness: the star we loved, Proxima Centauri. It was the only source of hope 
and comfort for a hundred future generations, setting on a voyage through an abyss of 
adversity. 
On our way back, we saw the first sign that Earth had begun its journey. In the night 
sky, a huge comet had appeared. It was the Moon, abandoned by humankind. Lunar 
Engines had been installed to the Moon to force it out of its orbit so that a disastrous 
collision could be avoided as the Earth accelerated away. The flaming trail from the 
Lunar Engines lit up the ocean in a blue glow and obscured the stars. As it moved, 
the gravitational tide of the Moon caused the ocean to swell, creating gigantic waves. 
We quickly transferred to a plane to continue our journey to our destination in the 
Southern Hemisphere.
It was finally the day of departure!
 
As we left the plane, we were immediately blinded by the bright glare from the Earth 
Engines, which was several times more intense than when we had last seen it. We could 
see that the beams were now vertical and were shooting straight towards the sky. 
The Earth Engines were set at full power. This acceleration created massive tsunamis 
hundreds of metres high that crashed onto the coasts of every continent. Burning hot 
hurricanes roared through the boiling waves, screaming with wild fury through the vast 
number of towering plasma beams, pulling up almost every tree on Earth. Our planet, 
with its blue tail cutting through the darkness of space, had itself become a gigantic 
comet. 
Earth had set out on its long voyage, and with it went all of humankind. 
(Excerpt from The Wandering Earth by Liu Cixin, translation by David Williamson and Zhang Lixin)
115
Learning aid
Words and expressions
116
UNIT 1
take action  采取行动
2
	* boyhood /ˈbɔɪhʊd/ n.  (男性的)童年时期, 
少年时代
2
ambition /æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  追求,理想
2
	* trainee /ˌtreɪˈniː/ n.  接受工作培训的人;实习生
2
correspondent /ˌkɒrɪˈspɒndənt/ n.  通讯员,记者 2
	* bullfighting /ˈbʊlfaɪtɪŋ/ n.  斗牛
3
	* historical /hɪˈstɒrɪk(ə)l/ adj.  (有关)历史的
3
detective /dɪˈtektɪv/ n.  私家侦探
3
ultimately /ˈʌltɪmɪtli/ adv.  最后,最终
3
	* dot /dɒt/ n.  点,小圆点
3
	* backwards /ˈbækwədz/ adv.  往回,往前面
3
	* admission /ədˈmɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  允许进入(加入)
6
make up one’s mind  做出决定,拿定主意
6
pass up  放过,放弃,错过(机会)
6
have second thoughts  (对原先的决定)犹豫, 
产生怀疑
6
put off  推迟……,使……延期
6
reject… out of hand  坚决拒绝……;彻底 
否决……
6
weigh up  仔细考虑,权衡
6
participation /pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  参加,参与
7
complex /ˈkɒmpleks/ adj.  复杂的
8
	* diverge /daɪˈvɜːdʒ/ v.  (两条路)岔开,分开
8
	* undergrowth /ˈʌndəɡrəʊθ/ n.  (长在大树下或 
周边的)下木层,下层灌木丛
8
	* numerous /ˈnjuːm(ə)rəs/ adj.  许多的,很多的
9
commercial /kəˈmɜːʃ(ə)l/ n.  (电视或电台的) 
商业广告
9
	* thoughtful /ˈθɔːtf(ə)l/ adj.  认真思考的, 
深思的
9
symbolize /ˈsɪmbəlaɪz/ v.  象征,代表
9
alternative /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/ n.  可供选择的事物
9
	* dilemma /dɪˈlemə/ n.  进退两难的境地,困境
9
arise /əˈraɪz/ v.  (由……)引起
9
circumstance /ˈsɜːkəmstæns/ n.  情况,情形
9
mixture /ˈmɪkstʃə/ n.  混合;混合体
9
affection /əˈfekʃ(ə)n/ n.  喜爱,钟爱
10
qualified /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd/ adj.  合格的,胜任的
11
fluency /ˈfluːənsi/ n.  熟练,流利
11
sincerely /sɪnˈsɪəli/ adv.  由衷地,真诚地, 
真心实意地
11
yours sincerely  谨上,敬上,谨启(用于 
以某人名字开头的正式信件的末尾)
11
refreshments /rɪˈfreʃmənts/ n.  茶点,点心和 
饮料
11
shift /ʃɪft/ n.  (工厂、医院等轮班制中的) 
当班时间
11
注:词汇表中,未加符号的单词为选择性必修单词;加* 的为未做要求的单词。
117
Words and expressions
UNIT 2
be reunited with  (使)重聚
14
	* weaken /ˈwiːkən/ v.  (使)虚弱
14
pessimistic /ˌpesɪˈmɪstɪk/ adj.  悲观的,悲观 
主义的
14
anticipate /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ v.  预期,预料
14
possession /pəˈzeʃ(ə)n/ n.  财产,财物
15
abnormal /æbˈnɔːm(ə)l/ adj.  不正常的,反常的 15
widespread /ˈwaɪdspred/ adj.  广泛流传的
15
recognition /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  承认,认可
15
phrase /freɪz/ n.  成语,习语;警句
17
cooperate /kəʊˈɒpəreɪt/ v.  合作,协作
18
fee /fiː/ n.  工作酬金,服务费
19
university fees  大学学费
19
	* outstretched /ˌaʊtˈstretʃt/ adj.  张开的,伸开的 20
	* cram /kræm/ v.  挤满
20
pure /pjʊə/ adj.  纯净的,洁净的
20
	* transparent /trænˈspærənt/ adj.  透明的
20
	* vexed /vekst/ adj.  恼火的
21
	* absurd /əbˈsɜːd/ adj.  荒唐的,愚蠢的
21
	* lean /liːn/ v.  倚,靠
21
Madame /ˈmædəm/ n.  夫人,太太,女士
21
	* stroke /strəʊk/ v.  轻抚,抚摸
21
	* instinctively /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/ adv.  本能地
21
	* despair /dɪˈspeə/ n.  绝望
21
luxury /ˈlʌkʃ(ə)ri/ n.  奢华,奢侈
23
UNIT 3
	* gateway /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/ n.  通向……的门户
26
	* oasis /əʊˈeɪsɪs/ n.  (沙漠中的)绿洲
26
	* glorious /ˈɡlɔːriəs/ adj.  辉煌的
26
	* boast /bəʊst/ v.  (地方、机构等)自豪地拥有 
(好的事物)
26
	* grotto /ˈɡrɒtəʊ/ n.  小洞穴
26
	* testimony /ˈtestɪməni/ n.  证据;证明
26
statue /ˈstætʃuː/ n.  雕像;塑像
26
	* mural /ˈmjʊərəl/ n.  壁画
26
	* religious /rɪˈlɪdʒəs/ adj.  宗教的
26
	* Apsaras /ˈʌpsərəs/ n.  飞天
26
	* immortal /ɪˈmɔːtl/ n.  神
26
	* heavenly /ˈhev(ə)nli/ adj.  天国的
26
peak /piːk/ n.  高峰,顶点
27
Taoist priest  道士
27
	* scroll /skrəʊl/ n.  纸卷,卷轴
27
	* ceramics /səˈræmɪks/ n.  陶瓷制品
27
	* crossroads /ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/ n.  活动中心,汇集地
27
	* expo /ˈekspəʊ/ n.  展览会,博览会
27
strengthen /ˈstreŋθ(ə)n/ v.  加强
27
coverage /ˈkʌv(ə)rɪdʒ/ n.  覆盖范围
28
scholar /ˈskɒlə/ n.  学者
30
department /dɪˈpɑːtmənt/ n.  (大学的)系,部 30
institute /ˈɪnstɪtjuːt/ n.  学院;研究院
31
I Ching  《易经》
32
Words and expressions
118
The Analects  《论语》
32
	* Sinologist /saɪˈnɒlədʒɪst/ n.  汉学家
32
temple /ˈtemp(ə)l/ n.  庙宇,寺院
32
tune /tjuːn/ n.  曲调,旋律
32
	* shepherd /ˈʃepəd/ n.  牧羊人
32
historian /hɪˈstɔːriən/ n.  历史学家
32
prior /ˈpraɪə/ adj.  先前的;较早的
32
prior to  在……之前,先于……
32
genius /ˈdʒiːniəs/ n.  天才,天赋
32
	* chamber /ˈtʃeɪmbə/ n.  房间
33
	* romance /rəʊˈmæns/ n.  传奇故事
33
kingdom /ˈkɪŋdəm/ n.  王国
33
	* stratagem /ˈstrætədʒəm/ n.  计谋,策略
33
enormous /ɪˈnɔːməs/ adj.  巨大的,庞大的
35
UNIT 4
forehead /ˈfɒrɪd/ n.  额,前额
38
blank /blæŋk/ adj.  无表情的,木然的
38
dizzy /ˈdɪzi/ adj.  头晕目眩的
38
chairwoman /ˈtʃeəˌwʊmən/ n.  女主席;女会长 38
	* sunrise /ˈsʌnraɪz/ n.  日出(时分);黎明;拂晓 38
potential /pəˈtenʃ(ə)l/ n.  (事物的)潜力, 
可能性
38
	* bug /bʌɡ/ n.  突然的兴趣,迷恋
39
enterprising /ˈentəpraɪzɪŋ/ adj.  有创业精神的; 
有事业心的;有进取心的
39
input /ˈɪnpʊt/ n.  投入(物)
39
	* obstacle /ˈɒbstək(ə)l/ n.  障碍,阻碍,妨碍
39
phase /feɪz/ n.  阶段,时期
39
	* manufacturer /ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃ(ə)rə/ n.  制造商; 
制造公司,制造厂
39
	* cosmetics /kɒzˈmetɪks/ n.  化妆品,美容品
39
purchase /ˈpɜːtʃəs/ v.  购买
39
distribution /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/ n.  (商品的)分销, 
经销
39
bonus /ˈbəʊnəs/ n.  奖金;红利
39
	* entrepreneurial /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl/ adj.  创业的, 
具有创业精神的
39
guidance /ˈɡaɪd(ə)ns/ n.  指导,引导
39
consultant /kənˈsʌltənt/ n.  顾问
39
conventional /kənˈvenʃ(ə)nəl/ adj.  传统的, 
常规的
41
discriminate /dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/ v.  不公正地区别 
对待,歧视
41
equator /ɪˈkweɪtə/ n.  赤道
41
estate /ɪˈsteɪt/ n.  庄园
41
superior /suːˈpɪəriə/ adj.  质量上乘的,优质的 41
mild /maɪld/ adj.  不浓烈的,淡的
41
calorie /ˈkæləri/ n.  卡(路里)
41
subjective /səbˈdʒektɪv/ adj.  主观的
42
	* freshman /ˈfreʃmən/ n.  (高中或大学的)一年级 
学生
43
119
Words and expressions
make ends meet  使收支仅能相抵
43
	* afloat /əˈfləʊt/ adj.  经济上周转得开的; 
不欠债的
43
	* interfere /ˌɪntəˈfɪə/ v.  介入;干涉
43
interfere with  妨碍,阻止
43
	* rational /ˈræʃ(ə)nəl/ adj.  (想法、决定等) 
合理的,基于理性的
43
	* exceed /ɪkˈsiːd/ v.  超过,超出
43
go into debt  陷入债务之中,负债
43
financial /fɪˈnænʃ(ə)l/ adj.  财政的,金融的; 
财务的
43
	* accumulate /əˈkjuːmjəleɪt/ v.  积累,积聚
43
automatically /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/ adv.  自动地
43
	* toddler /ˈtɒdlə/ n.  学步的儿童,刚学走路的 
小孩
44
sorrow /ˈsɒrəʊ/ n.  令人悲伤的事,不幸
44
	* frustration /frʌˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  懊丧,懊恼, 
沮丧
44
hire /haɪə/ v.  (短期的)租用,租借
45
designer clothes  名牌服装
45
rent out  出租(房屋、房间、土地等)
45
	* thereby /ðeəˈbaɪ/ adv.  因此,由此
45
	* supervision /ˌsuːpəˈvɪʒ(ə)n/ n.  监督;管理
45
expense /ɪkˈspens/ n.  费用,花费
45
at the expense of  以损害……为代价
45
abuse /əˈbjuːs/ n.  滥用
45
theft /θeft/ n.  偷窃,偷盗
45
purse /pɜːs/ n.  (女式)钱包
47
UNIT 5
civilisation /ˌsɪv(ə)laɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  文明(社会) 50
	* intrigue /ɪnˈtriːɡ/ v.  (因奇特或神秘而)激起…… 
的兴趣,引起……的好奇心
50
bury /ˈberi/ v.  将……埋在下面
50
	* pyramid /ˈpɪrəmɪd/ n.  金字塔
50
astronomy /əˈstrɒnəmi/ n.  天文学
50
canal /kəˈnæl/ n.  运河
51
	* tropical /ˈtrɒpɪk(ə)l/ adj.  来自热带的;产于 
热带的
51
	* cyclone /ˈsaɪkləʊn/ n.  气旋;旋风
51
	* megadrought /ˈmeɡədraʊt/ n.  超级干旱
51
	* downfall /ˈdaʊnfɔːl/ n.  衰败
51
ruin /ˈruːɪn/ n.  残垣断壁,废墟
51
fall into ruin  (因无人照料而)衰落,败落
51
abandon /əˈbændən/ v.  离弃,逃离
52
dismiss /dɪsˈmɪs/ v.  拒绝考虑,否定
52
expansion /ɪkˈspænʃ(ə)n/ n.  扩大;增加
52
	* getaway /ˈɡetəweɪ/ n.  逃跑,逃走
54
make a getaway  逃跑,逃走
54
run for one’s life  逃命
54
check out  调查,检查
54
test the waters  试水,试探
54
Words and expressions
120
steer clear of  避开……;从……处脱身
54
	* retreat /rɪˈtriːt/ v.  后退;离开;退避
54
	* subdue /səbˈdjuː/ v.  克制,抑制(情绪)
54
the unknown  不为人知的地方,人类尚未到达 
的地方
54
set out  动身踏上(漫长的)旅途
54
	* uncharted /ʌnˈtʃɑːtəd/ adj.  地图上没有标明的 54
	* delve /delv/ v.  探索,探究
54
throw oneself into  积极投入到……中去
54
think twice  再三考虑,慎重考虑
54
	* shrink /ʃrɪŋk/ v.  退缩,畏缩
54
shrink from  避免做,不愿做
54
look into  调查(问题)
54
investigation /ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  调查
55
	* shipwreck /ˈʃɪprek/ n.  失事的船;沉船
56
	* archaeological /ˌɑːkɪəˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l/ adj.  考古学的; 
考古的
56
	* coral /ˈkɒrəl/ n.  珊瑚
57
millimetre /ˈmɪlɪˌmiːtə/ n.  毫米
57
	* barreleye /ˈbærəlaɪ/ n.  管眼鱼
57
	* upwards /ˈʌpwədz/ adv.  向上,朝上
57
	* trench /trentʃ/ n.  海沟
57
	* equivalent /ɪˈkwɪv(ə)lənt/ adj.  等同的;等值的; 
相当的
57
	* stack /stæk/ v.  (使)整齐地堆起;摞起
57
	* furthermore /ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː/ adv.  此外;而且; 
不仅如此
57
	* notable /ˈnəʊtəb(ə)l/ adj.  显要的;显著的; 
值得注意的
57
substance /ˈsʌbstəns/ n.  物质
57
	* vessel /ˈves(ə)l/ n.  船;舰
57
drilling /drɪlɪŋ/ n.  钻探;勘探
57
vol (= volume /ˈvɒljuːm/) n.  (书的)卷,册
60
UNIT 6
become accustomed to  习惯于(做)某事
62
	* notion /ˈnəʊʃ(ə)n/ n.  概念;观点;看法
62
	* hazardous /ˈhæzədəs/ adj.  危险的,不安全的
62
unexceptional /ˌʌnɪkˈsepʃ(ə)nəl/ adj.  平常的
62
	* shuttle /ˈʃʌtl/ n.  航天飞机
62
the space shuttle  航天飞机
62
	* excursion /ɪkˈskɜːʃ(ə)n/ n.  (有特定目的的) 
短途出行
62
	* rekindle /riːˈkɪndl/ v.  重新激起,重新唤起
62
	* tragically /ˈtrædʒɪkli/ adv.  悲惨地,不幸地
63
	* instantaneously /ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəsli/ adv.  瞬间地 63
shadow /ˈʃædəʊ/ n.  坏影响,阴影
63
cast a shadow on  给……蒙上阴影
63
scream /skriːm/ v.  (因疼痛、惊恐、兴奋等) 
尖声大叫
63
121
Words and expressions
suspend /səˈspend/ v.  暂停,中止
63
crew /kruː/ n.  (飞机上的)全体机组人员
63
	* simulated /ˈsɪmjʊleɪtɪd/ adj.  模仿的,模拟的, 
仿真的
66
	* simulator /ˈsɪmjʊleɪtə/ n.  (用于人员训练的) 
模拟装置,模拟器
67
	* lifelike /ˈlaɪflaɪk/ adj.  (图画、模型等)生动的, 
逼真的
67
submit /səbˈmɪt/ v.  提交
67
awesome /ˈɔːs(ə)m/ adj.  很好的,了不起的
67
telescope /ˈtelɪskəʊp/ n.  望远镜
68
the naked eye  肉眼
68
angle /ˈæŋɡ(ə)l/ v.  斜置
68
	* galaxy /ˈɡæləksi/ n.  星系
68
	* cosmic /ˈkɒzmɪk/ adj.  宇宙的
68
	* conceivably /kənˈsiːvəb(ə)li/ adv.  可以相信地; 
可想象地
68
	* subatomic /ˌsʌbəˈtɒmɪk/ adj.  亚原子的; 
原子内的
69
	* particle /ˈpɑːtɪk(ə)l/ n.  粒子
69
invisible /ɪnˈvɪzɪb(ə)l/ adj.  看不见的
69
straightforward /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/ adj.  简单的
71
self-discipline /ˌselfˈdɪsɪplɪn/ n.  自我约束,自律 71
fetch /fetʃ/ v.  (去)拿来
71
muscle /ˈmʌs(ə)l/ n.  肌肉
71
pepper /ˈpepə/ n.  胡椒粉
71
sneeze /sniːz/ v.  打喷嚏
71
disc /dɪsk/ n.  激光唱片;光碟,光盘
72
Vocabulary
122
A
abandon /əˈbændən/ v.  离弃,逃离
52
abnormal /æbˈnɔːm(ə)l/ adj.  不正常的,反常的 15
	* absurd /əbˈsɜːd/ adj.  荒唐的,愚蠢的
21
abuse /əˈbjuːs/ n.  滥用
45
	* accumulate /əˈkjuːmjəleɪt/ v.  积累,积聚
43
	* admission /ədˈmɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  允许进入(加入)
6
affection /əˈfekʃ(ə)n/ n.  喜爱,钟爱
10
	* afloat /əˈfləʊt/ adj.  经济上周转得开的; 
不欠债的
43
alternative /ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/ n.  可供选择的事物
9
ambition /æmˈbɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  追求,理想
2
angle /ˈæŋɡ(ə)l/ v.  斜置
68
anticipate /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ v.  预期,预料
14
	* Apsaras /ˈʌpsərəs/ n.  飞天
26
	* archaeological /ˌɑːkɪəˈlɒdʒɪk(ə)l/ adj.  考古学的; 
考古的
56
arise /əˈraɪz/ v.  (由……)引起
9
astronomy /əˈstrɒnəmi/ n.  天文学
50
at the expense of  以损害……为代价
45
automatically /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/ adv.  自动地
43
awesome /ˈɔːs(ə)m/ adj.  很好的,了不起的
67
B
	* backwards /ˈbækwədz/ adv.  往回,往前面
3
	* barreleye /ˈbærəlaɪ/ n.  管眼鱼
57
be reunited with  (使)重聚
14
become accustomed to  习惯于(做)某事
62
blank /blæŋk/ adj.  无表情的,木然的
38
	* boast /bəʊst/ v.  (地方、机构等)自豪地拥有 
(好的事物)
26
bonus /ˈbəʊnəs/ n.  奖金;红利
39
	* boyhood /ˈbɔɪhʊd/ n.  (男性的)童年时期, 
少年时代
2
	* bug /bʌɡ/ n.  突然的兴趣,迷恋
39
	* bullfighting /ˈbʊlfaɪtɪŋ/ n.  斗牛
3
bury /ˈberi/ v.  将……埋在下面
50
C
calorie /ˈkæləri/ n.  卡(路里)
41
canal /kəˈnæl/ n.  运河
51
cast a shadow on  给……蒙上阴影
63
	* ceramics /səˈræmɪks/ n.  陶瓷制品
27
chairwoman /ˈtʃeəˌwʊmən/ n.  女主席;女会长 38
	* chamber /ˈtʃeɪmbə/ n.  房间
33
check out  调查,检查
54
circumstance /ˈsɜːkəmstæns/ n.  情况,情形
9
civilisation /ˌsɪv(ə)laɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  文明(社会) 50
commercial /kəˈmɜːʃ(ə)l/ n.  (电视或电台的) 
商业广告
9
complex /ˈkɒmpleks/ adj.  复杂的
8
123
Vocabulary
	* conceivably /kənˈsiːvəb(ə)li/ adv.  可以相信地; 
可想象地
68
consultant /kənˈsʌltənt/ n.  顾问
39
conventional /kənˈvenʃ(ə)nəl/ adj.  传统的, 
常规的
41
cooperate /kəʊˈɒpəreɪt/ v.  合作,协作
18
	* coral /ˈkɒrəl/ n.  珊瑚
57
correspondent /ˌkɒrɪˈspɒndənt/ n.  通讯员,记者 2
	* cosmetics /kɒzˈmetɪks/ n.  化妆品,美容品
39
	* cosmic /ˈkɒzmɪk/ adj.  宇宙的
68
coverage /ˈkʌv(ə)rɪdʒ/ n.  覆盖范围
28
	* cram /kræm/ v.  挤满
20
crew /kruː/ n.  (飞机上的)全体机组人员
63
	* crossroads /ˈkrɒsrəʊdz/ n.  活动中心,汇集地
27
	* cyclone /ˈsaɪkləʊn/ n.  气旋;旋风
51
D
	* delve /delv/ v.  探索,探究
54
department /dɪˈpɑːtmənt/ n.  (大学的)系,部 30
designer clothes  名牌服装
45
	* despair /dɪˈspeə/ n.  绝望
21
detective /dɪˈtektɪv/ n.  私家侦探
3
	* dilemma /dɪˈlemə/ n.  进退两难的境地,困境
9
disc /dɪsk/ n.  激光唱片;光碟,光盘
72
discriminate /dɪˈskrɪmɪneɪt/ v.  不公正地区别 
对待,歧视
41
dismiss /dɪsˈmɪs/ v.  拒绝考虑,否定
52
distribution /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/ n.  (商品的)分销, 
经销
39
	* diverge /daɪˈvɜːdʒ/ v.  (两条路)岔开,分开
8
dizzy /ˈdɪzi/ adj.  头晕目眩的
38
	* dot /dɒt/ n.  点,小圆点
3
	* downfall /ˈdaʊnfɔːl/ n.  衰败
51
drilling /drɪlɪŋ/ n.  钻探;勘探
57
E
enormous /ɪˈnɔːməs/ adj.  巨大的,庞大的
35
enterprising /ˈentəpraɪzɪŋ/ adj.  有创业精神的; 
有事业心的;有进取心的
39
	* entrepreneurial /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl/ adj.  创业的, 
具有创业精神的
39
equator /ɪˈkweɪtə/ n.  赤道
41
	* equivalent /ɪˈkwɪv(ə)lənt/ adj.  等同的;等值的; 
相当的
57
estate /ɪˈsteɪt/ n.  庄园
41
	* exceed /ɪkˈsiːd/ v.  超过,超出
43
	* excursion /ɪkˈskɜːʃ(ə)n/ n.  (有特定目的的) 
短途出行
62
expansion /ɪkˈspænʃ(ə)n/ n.  扩大;增加
52
expense /ɪkˈspens/ n.  费用,花费
45
	* expo /ˈekspəʊ/ n.  展览会,博览会
27
Vocabulary
124
F
fall into ruin  (因无人照料而)衰落,败落
51
fee /fiː/ n.  工作酬金,服务费
19
fetch /fetʃ/ v.  (去)拿来
71
financial /fɪˈnænʃ(ə)l/ adj.  财政的,金融的; 
财务的
43
fluency /ˈfluːənsi/ n.  熟练,流利
11
forehead /ˈfɒrɪd/ n.  额,前额
38
	* freshman /ˈfreʃmən/ n.  (高中或大学的)一年级 
学生
43
	* frustration /frʌˈstreɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  懊丧,懊恼, 
沮丧
44
	* furthermore /ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː/ adv.  此外;而且; 
不仅如此
57
G
	* galaxy /ˈɡæləksi/ n.  星系
68
	* gateway /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/ n.  通向……的门户
26
genius /ˈdʒiːniəs/ n.  天才,天赋
32
	* getaway /ˈɡetəweɪ/ n.  逃跑,逃走
54
	* glorious /ˈɡlɔːriəs/ adj.  辉煌的
26
go into debt  陷入债务之中,负债
43
	* grotto /ˈɡrɒtəʊ/ n.  小洞穴
26
guidance /ˈɡaɪd(ə)ns/ n.  指导,引导
39
H
have second thoughts  (对原先的决定)犹豫, 
产生怀疑
6
	* hazardous /ˈhæzədəs/ adj.  危险的,不安全的
62
	* heavenly /ˈhev(ə)nli/ adj.  天国的
26
hire /haɪə/ v.  (短期的)租用,租借
45
historian /hɪˈstɔːriən/ n.  历史学家
32
	* historical /hɪˈstɒrɪk(ə)l/ adj.  (有关)历史的
3
I
I Ching  《易经》
32
	* immortal /ɪˈmɔːtl/ n.  神
26
input /ˈɪnpʊt/ n.  投入(物)
39
	* instantaneously /ˌɪnstənˈteɪniəsli/ adv.  瞬间地 63
	* instinctively /ɪnˈstɪŋktɪvli/ adv.  本能地
21
institute /ˈɪnstɪtjuːt/ n.  学院;研究院
31
	* interfere /ˌɪntəˈfɪə/ v.  介入;干涉
43
interfere with  妨碍,阻止
43
	* intrigue /ɪnˈtriːɡ/ v.  (因奇特或神秘而)激起…… 
的兴趣,引起……的好奇心
50
investigation /ɪnˌvestɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  调查
55
invisible /ɪnˈvɪzɪb(ə)l/ adj.  看不见的
69
K
kingdom /ˈkɪŋdəm/ n.  王国
33
125
Vocabulary
L
	* lean /liːn/ v.  倚,靠
21
	* lifelike /ˈlaɪflaɪk/ adj.  (图画、模型等)生动的, 
逼真的
67
look into  调查(问题)
54
luxury /ˈlʌkʃ(ə)ri/ n.  奢华,奢侈
23
M
Madame /ˈmædəm/ n.  夫人,太太,女士
21
make a getaway  逃跑,逃走
54
make ends meet  使收支仅能相抵
43
make up one’s mind  做出决定,拿定主意
6
	* manufacturer /ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃ(ə)rə/ n.  制造商; 
制造公司,制造厂
39
	* megadrought /ˈmeɡədraʊt/ n.  超级干旱
51
mild /maɪld/ adj.  不浓烈的,淡的
41
millimetre /ˈmɪlɪˌmiːtə/ n.  毫米
57
mixture /ˈmɪkstʃə/ n.  混合;混合体
9
	* mural /ˈmjʊərəl/ n.  壁画
26
muscle /ˈmʌs(ə)l/ n.  肌肉
71
N
	* notable /ˈnəʊtəb(ə)l/ adj.  显要的;显著的; 
值得注意的
57
	* notion /ˈnəʊʃ(ə)n/ n.  概念;观点;看法
62
	* numerous /ˈnjuːm(ə)rəs/ adj.  许多的,很多的
9
O
	* oasis /əʊˈeɪsɪs/ n.  (沙漠中的)绿洲
26
	* obstacle /ˈɒbstək(ə)l/ n.  障碍,阻碍,妨碍
39
	* outstretched /ˌaʊtˈstretʃt/ adj.  张开的,伸开的 20
P
participation /pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  参加,参与
7
	* particle /ˈpɑːtɪk(ə)l/ n.  粒子
69
pass up  放过,放弃,错过(机会)
6
peak /piːk/ n.  高峰,顶点
27
pepper /ˈpepə/ n.  胡椒粉
71
pessimistic /ˌpesɪˈmɪstɪk/ adj.  悲观的,悲观 
主义的
14
phase /feɪz/ n.  阶段,时期
39
phrase /freɪz/ n.  成语,习语;警句
17
possession /pəˈzeʃ(ə)n/ n.  财产,财物
15
potential /pəˈtenʃ(ə)l/ n.  (事物的)潜力, 
可能性
38
prior /ˈpraɪə/ adj.  先前的;较早的
32
prior to  在……之前,先于……
32
purchase /ˈpɜːtʃəs/ v.  购买
39
pure /pjʊə/ adj.  纯净的,洁净的
20
purse /pɜːs/ n.  (女式)钱包
47
put off  推迟……,使……延期
6
	* pyramid /ˈpɪrəmɪd/ n.  金字塔
50
Vocabulary
126
Q
qualified /ˈkwɒlɪfaɪd/ adj.  合格的,胜任的
11
R
	* rational /ˈræʃ(ə)nəl/ adj.  (想法、决定等) 
合理的,基于理性的
43
recognition /ˌrekəɡˈnɪʃ(ə)n/ n.  承认,认可
15
refreshments /rɪˈfreʃmənts/ n.  茶点,点心和 
饮料
11
reject… out of hand  坚决拒绝……;彻底 
否决……
6
	* rekindle /riːˈkɪndl/ v.  重新激起,重新唤起
62
	* religious /rɪˈlɪdʒəs/ adj.  宗教的
26
rent out  出租(房屋、房间、土地等)
45
	* retreat /rɪˈtriːt/ v.  后退;离开;退避
54
	* romance /rəʊˈmæns/ n.  传奇故事
33
ruin /ˈruːɪn/ n.  残垣断壁,废墟
51
run for one’s life  逃命
54
S
scholar /ˈskɒlə/ n.  学者
30
scream /skriːm/ v.  (因疼痛、惊恐、兴奋等) 
尖声大叫
63
	* scroll /skrəʊl/ n.  纸卷,卷轴
27
self-discipline /ˌselfˈdɪsɪplɪn/ n.  自我约束,自律 71
set out  动身踏上(漫长的)旅途
54
shadow /ˈʃædəʊ/ n.  坏影响,阴影
63
	* shepherd /ˈʃepəd/ n.  牧羊人
32
shift /ʃɪft/ n.  (工厂、医院等轮班制中的) 
当班时间
11
	* shipwreck /ˈʃɪprek/ n.  失事的船;沉船
56
	* shrink /ʃrɪŋk/ v.  退缩,畏缩
54
shrink from  避免做,不愿做
54
	* shuttle /ˈʃʌtl/ n.  航天飞机
62
	* simulated /ˈsɪmjʊleɪtɪd/ adj.  模仿的,模拟的, 
仿真的
66
	* simulator /ˈsɪmjʊleɪtə/ n.  (用于人员训练的) 
模拟装置,模拟器
67
sincerely /sɪnˈsɪəli/ adv.  由衷地,真诚地, 
真心实意地
11
	* Sinologist /saɪˈnɒlədʒɪst/ n.  汉学家
32
sneeze /sniːz/ v.  打喷嚏
71
sorrow /ˈsɒrəʊ/ n.  令人悲伤的事,不幸
44
	* stack /stæk/ v.  (使)整齐地堆起;摞起
57
statue /ˈstætʃuː/ n.  雕像;塑像
26
steer clear of  避开……;从……处脱身
54
straightforward /ˌstreɪtˈfɔːwəd/ adj.  简单的
71
	* stratagem /ˈstrætədʒəm/ n.  计谋,策略
33
strengthen /ˈstreŋθ(ə)n/ v.  加强
27
	* stroke /strəʊk/ v.  轻抚,抚摸
21
	* subatomic /ˌsʌbəˈtɒmɪk/ adj.  亚原子的; 
原子内的
69
127
Vocabulary
	* subdue /səbˈdjuː/ v.  克制,抑制(情绪)
54
subjective /səbˈdʒektɪv/ adj.  主观的
42
submit /səbˈmɪt/ v.  提交
67
substance /ˈsʌbstəns/ n.  物质
57
	* sunrise /ˈsʌnraɪz/ n.  日出(时分);黎明;拂晓 38
superior /suːˈpɪəriə/ adj.  质量上乘的,优质的 41
	* supervision /ˌsuːpəˈvɪʒ(ə)n/ n.  监督;管理
45
suspend /səˈspend/ v.  暂停,中止
63
symbolize /ˈsɪmbəlaɪz/ v.  象征,代表
9
T
take action  采取行动
2
Taoist priest  道士
27
telescope /ˈtelɪskəʊp/ n.  望远镜
68
temple /ˈtemp(ə)l/ n.  庙宇,寺院
32
test the waters  试水,试探
54
	* testimony /ˈtestɪməni/ n.  证据;证明
26
The Analects  《论语》
32
the naked eye  肉眼
68
the space shuttle  航天飞机
62
the unknown  不为人知的地方,人类尚未到达 
的地方
54
theft /θeft/ n.  偷窃,偷盗
45
	* thereby /ðeəˈbaɪ/ adv.  因此,由此
45
think twice  再三考虑,慎重考虑
54
	* thoughtful /ˈθɔːtf(ə)l/ adj.  认真思考的, 
深思的
9
throw oneself into  积极投入到……中去
54
	* toddler /ˈtɒdlə/ n.  学步的儿童,刚学走路的 
小孩
44
	* tragically /ˈtrædʒɪkli/ adv.  悲惨地,不幸地
63
	* trainee /ˌtreɪˈniː/ n.  接受工作培训的人;实习生
2
	* transparent /trænˈspærənt/ adj.  透明的
20
	* trench /trentʃ/ n.  海沟
57
	* tropical /ˈtrɒpɪk(ə)l/ adj.  来自热带的;产于 
热带的
51
tune /tjuːn/ n.  曲调,旋律
32
U
ultimately /ˈʌltɪmɪtli/ adv.  最后,最终
3
	* uncharted /ʌnˈtʃɑːtəd/ adj.  地图上没有标明的 54
	* undergrowth /ˈʌndəɡrəʊθ/ n.  (长在大树下或 
周边的)下木层,下层灌木丛
8
unexceptional /ˌʌnɪkˈsepʃ(ə)nəl/ adj.  平常的
62
university fees  大学学费
19
	* upwards /ˈʌpwədz/ adv.  向上,朝上
57
V
	* vessel /ˈves(ə)l/ n.  船;舰
57
	* vexed /vekst/ adj.  恼火的
21
vol (= volume /ˈvɒljuːm/) n.  (书的)卷,册
60
Vocabulary
128
W
	* weaken /ˈwiːkən/ v.  (使)虚弱
14
weigh up  仔细考虑,权衡
6
widespread /ˈwaɪdspred/ adj.  广泛流传的
15
Y
yours sincerely  谨上,敬上,谨启(用于 
以某人名字开头的正式信件的末尾)
11
129
Names and places
NAMES
Ernest Hemingway /ˈɜːnɪst ˈhemɪŋweɪ/  欧内斯
特·海明威
2
Steve Jobs /stiːv dʒɒbz/  史蒂夫·乔布斯
3
Amanda /əˈmændə/  阿曼达
6
Richard /ˈrɪtʃəd/  理查德
7
Robert Frost /ˈrɒbət frɒst/  罗伯特·弗罗斯特
8
Josie Davis /ˈdʒəʊzi ˈdeɪvɪs/  乔西·戴维斯
11
Morrie Schwartz /mɒrɪ ʃwɔːts/  莫里·施瓦茨 14
Marty /ˈmɑːti/  马蒂
15
Vivian /ˈvɪviən/  薇薇安
15
Auden /ɔːd(ə)n/  奥登
15
Maurice Maeterlinck /ˈmɒrɪs ˈmeɪtəlɪŋk/   
莫里斯·梅特林克
20
Tyltyl /ˈtɪltɪl/  狄蒂尔
20
Mytyl /ˈmɪtɪl/  梅蒂尔
20
Selena /sɪˈliːnə/  塞莱娜
35
William Gadoury /ˈwɪljəm ɡæˈdɔːri/  威廉· 
甘德瑞
50
Roald Amundsen /ˈrəʊəld ˈaːmənds(ə)n/   
罗阿尔德·阿蒙森
54
Marcel Proust /mɑːˈsel pruːst/  马塞尔·普鲁 
斯特
60
PLACES
Bali /ˈbɑːli/  巴厘岛
7
Persian Gulf /ˈpɜːʒən ɡʌlf/  波斯湾
30
Bulgaria /bʌlˈɡeəriə/  保加利亚(国家)
32
Broadway /ˈbrɔːdweɪ/  百老汇
35
Silicon /ˈsɪlɪkən/ Valley  硅谷
48
Atlantis /ətˈlæntɪs/  亚特兰蒂斯
49
Ancient Babylon /ˈbæbɪlən/  古巴比伦
50
Neápolis /niˈæpəlɪs/  奈阿波利斯
56
Tunisia /tjuːˈnɪziə/  突尼斯(国家)
56
Nile /naɪl/  尼罗河
59
Himalayas /ˌhɪməˈleɪəz/  喜马拉雅山脉
59
Names and places
后  记
为了在高中英语学科教育中全面贯彻党的教育方针,落实立德树人根
本任务,外语教学与研究出版社以党的十九大精神为指引,组织专业团队,
在深入领会《普通高中英语课程标准(2017 年版)》精神的基础上,对
本套教材进行了全面修订。
在主编陈琳教授的指导下,副主编张连仲教授带领作者团队、编辑团
队和设计团队精心设计、反复打磨,确保全面落实党的教育方针,实现从
学科角度培养学生的核心素养,提升高中学生的英语应用能力和学习能力。
我们对整个团队的艰辛努力表示由衷的感谢。
本套教材在修订过程中得到了广大教研员和一线教师的无私帮助。他
们丰富细致的意见和建议,确保修订后的教材具有更为合理的内容和结构
设计,更加贴合一线教学需求。我们向各位可敬的教研员和老师致以诚挚
的谢意。
本套教材的修订也得到了英方编审专家和社会各界人士及组织的大
力支持。本册的英方编审专家是:Simon Greenall,Ingrid Wisniewska,
Chris Rose,Robert Gott,Sharon Dalgleish,Melanie Guile。本册第三
单元“主题理解”部分的文章借助敦煌研究院提供的珍贵数据和史实资料
创作完成。第三单元“思维拓展”部分的文章根据中国青年报社发表的中
文报道《外国人读什么中国书》编译完成,中文报道原作者为蒋肖斌先生。
第三单元“补充阅读”部分的文章由中国外交部前副部长傅莹女士授权使
用。中国科幻小说作家刘慈欣先生提供了第六单元“补充阅读”部分文章
的版权。他们的支持保证了本套教材的语言真实地道、内容鲜活多样。在
此,我们一并向他们表示真诚的感谢。
教材是学生学习与教师教学的重要内容和手段,是落实学科课程标准
的重要介质。时代在前进,教材的建设也将持续发展,教材编写工作是永
无止境的。我们热切期待《英语》(新标准)高中教材得到业内专家持续
指正,在未来的实践中亦将广泛征求使用者的意见,使之更加完善,适应
我国高中英语教育的不断发展,为学生继续学习英语和终身发展打下良好
基础,为培养具有中国情怀、国际视野和跨文化沟通能力的社会主义建设
者和接班人做出应有的贡献。
外语教学与研究出版社
2019 年3 月
N
e
w
S
t
a
n
d
a
r
d