(共40张PPT)
Unit 1 Developing ideas
The Importance of Humour
幽默的重要性
阅读课件
To find out the main idea of the passage;
To get the specific information;
To retell the passage according to the diagram;
To learn to write about a famous comedian.
Learning objectives
Do you think humour is important in our life Why
Warming up
Read the short introductions to Mark Twain and Lin Yutang and share what else you know about them with the class.
Activity 1
Mark Twain (1835-1910)
was an American writer, humorist, lecturer and adventurer, who acquired international fame for his travel narratives, in particular The Innocents Abroad, and for his adventure stories of boyhood, such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He is regarded
as one of North America’s best and most beloved
writers due to his wit and satire.
What else do you know about him
马克·吐温(1835-1910)是一位美国作家、幽默家、演说家和冒险家,因其游记《无辜者的海外》和童年冒险故事《汤姆·索亚历险记》、《哈克贝利·费恩历险记》而享誉国际。由于他的机智和讽刺,他被认为是北美最好和最受欢迎的作家之一。
Activity 1
Lin Yutang (1895--1976)
was a Chinese writer, translator, linguist, philosopher and inventor. His informal but sophisticated style of writing, in
both Chinese and English, made him one of the most
influential writers of his generation. His most famous works include My Country and My People and The Importance of
Living. He’s also known as a wise and witty populariser of
Chinese philosophy and the Chinese way of life.
What else do you know about him
林语堂(1895- 1976),中国作家、翻译家、语言学家、哲学家和发明家。他的中文和英文写作风格既随意又成熟,使他成为他那一代最有影响力的作家之一。他最著名的作品包括《我的祖国和我的人民》和《生活的重要性》。他也被认为是中国哲学和中国生活方式的智慧和诙谐的普及者。
Activity 1
Skim the passage and find out Mark Twain and Lin’s attitude towards humour.
Mark Twain and Lin’s attitude towards humour is positive / favourable. And they practised what they preached.
While-reading
Activity 2
Read the passage and find out why’s humor essential
Humor possesses a centuries-old history, and it can not only entertain but also throw new light on sensitive or emotive issues.
Para. 1
Read the passage carefully and try to find out the structure.
The Importance of Humour
Humour has been an essential part of human behaviour for thousands of years.
There is comedy in the texts of Ancient Greece, and medieval writings are filled with jokes. While these same jokes might not be as funny to us now as they were then,
their authors understood that humour could not only entertain but also throw new light on sensitive or emotive issues.
The title indictes the main topic of the whole passage.
The first sentence serves as the main idea of para.1.
The last sentence is used to introduce the next paragraph.
Para. 2
Closer to modern times, someone who is remembered for his ability to combine humour with more serious messages is American writer, Mark Twain. Twain's particular style of writing is funny and often mischievous. For example, in his classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sauyer, he famously says, “Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” But he is equally well known for his witty remarks in his everyday interactions with people. For instance, while on a lecturing tour of the United States, Twain went into a barber's shop to get a haircut and a shave. The barber, not recognising him, asked if he had a ticket to the lecture. When Twain replied that he didn't, the barber told him that if he wanted to go to the event he would have to stand, as there were no seats left in the theatre. Twain's response was, "That's just my luck. I always have to stand when that fellow lectures!"
This paragraph uses examples to show humour plays an important role in Mark Twain’s works and his life.
For example,
For instance,
Para. 3
Like Twain, but on the other side of the world, Lin Yutang was soon to become famous for his unique brand of humour. A well-known bilingual writer, Lin brought the concept of humour to modern Chinese literature. In 1924, he creativly borrowed “youmo” from Ancient Chinese as the translation for the English word “humour”. “Youmo” is sill being used in this way today.
This paragraph introduces Lin Yutang as a master of humour on the other side of the world.
Like Twain, but on the other side of the world, Lin Yutang was soon to become
famous for his unique brand of humour.
Para. 4
Lin’s quick wit helped make him famous as a master of humour. Once, having been invited to dinner at a university, he was put on the spot when the president suddenly asked him to give a speech. Thinking on his feet, Lin started to tell a story about a cruel Roman emperor who tried to feed a man to wild animals. First came a lion. The man whispered something in the lion’s ear, after which the lion shook its head and walked away unhappily. Then along came a tiger. Again, the man whispered in the tiger’s ear. The tiger looked shocked and hurried away. “What did you say to my animals ” said the emperor, astonished. “I told them they had to make a speech after eating me for dinner.” Lin’s audience roared with laughter. With this little joke,Lin was able to make people laugh, while gently telling off the president.
Humour also plays an important role in Lin’s works and his life.
Para. 5
Both Twain and Lin understood that humour isn't just about laughter, but is a way of life and a tool that can be used to illuminate the world. Lin even created an equation to explain this concept: Reality+Dreams +Humour=Wisdom. Living and working with others can sometimes be complicated, and humour makes this easier. Sharing jokes and laughing together can bring individuals and even communities together. Indeed, some may argue that our need for humour is almost as great as our need for water and air. In the words of MarkTwain, “Humor is mankind's greatest blessing”.
The conclusion of the passage: Humour has been an essential part of human life all over the world.
Indeed, some may argue that our need for humour is almost as great as our need for
water and air. In the words of MarkTwain, “Humor is mankind’s greatest blessing”.
1. What is Mark Twain well known for
A. He had the ability to combine humour with more serious messages.
B. He was good at writing and crossing out the wrong words in his writing.
C. He was expert at giving lectures.
D. He liked everyday interactions with people.
2. Which of the following can be true of Lin Yutang
A. He is creative and quick-witted.
B. He was able to talk with animals.
C. He borrowed many words from Ancient Chinese literature.
D. He was respected by Mark Twain.
Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer.
3. As far as the author is concerned, ___________________.
A. humour can explain some human behaviour
B. ancient Greek jokes are as humorous to us now as they were then
C. humour is only a way of entertainment
D. humour can throw new light on sensitive or emotive issues
4. According to the passage , where did the word “youmo” come from
A. Modern Chinese literature.
B. Ancient Chinese.
C. English literature.
D. A bilingual book.
Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer.
5. Why did Lin Yutang create the equation
A. To show he was superior to Mark Twain.
B. To tell us humour is a way of life and a tool to explain the world.
C. To argue that humour is not so important as reality and dreams.
D. To brighten people's lives.
Read the passage carefully and choose the best answer.
Mark Twain
Remebered for ability to _______with more _______.
Writing style:___________
Example:________________
Also well known for his witty remarks
Example:_____________
Organize information from the passage and complete the diagram.
Introduction
Humour is an essential part of _______________. Authors have used it to ________and throw new light on___________________________
Conclusion
Humour is a ___________ and a tool that can be used to
____________________.
Lin Yutang
Famous for his unique brand of humor
Evidence:____________
Quick wit helped make him famous as___________________
Example:____________________
Activity 3
Look at the word cloud and the picture.
Predict what is talked about in the interview.
human behaviour
entertain
sensitive or emotive issues
Organize information from the passage and complete the diagram.
Activity 3
Remembered for: ability to 4________________ with more 5_______________
Writing style: 6___________________________
Example: 7____________________________
Also well known for his witty remarks
Example:
8_______________________________________________________________
Mark Twain
combine humour
serious messages
funny and often mischievous
The adventures of Tom Sawyer
“That’s just my luck. I always have to stand when that fellow lectures!”
Activity 3
a master of humour
He borrowed “youmo” from Ancient Chinese as the translation for the English word “humour”.
He told a story about a cruel Roman emperor who tried to feed a man to wild animals during the dinner at a university.
Activity 3
Look at the word cloud and the picture.
Predict what is talked about in the interview.
way of life
illuminate the world
Organize information from the passage and complete the diagram.
Activity 3
Mark Twain
Remebered for ability to _________________with more ________________.
Writing style:_________________
Example:_____________________
Also well known for his witty remarks
Example:_____________________
Introduction
Humour is an essential part of _______________. Authors have used it to ________and throw new light on___________________________
human behavior
entertain
sensitive and emotive issues
Conclusion
Humour is a ___________ and a tool that can be used to
____________________.
way of life
illuminate the world
combine humour
funny&mischievous
serious messages
The Adventures of Tom Sauyer
A talk with a barbar
Lin Yutang
Famous for his unique brand of humor
Evidence:
___________________________
Quick wit helped make him famous as___________________
Example:
___________________________
He once gently told off the president
a master of humour
He brought the concept of humor to Chinese literature.
Organize information from the passage and complete the diagram.
Activity 3
Work in groups. Discuss and present your opinion of the equation from the passage.
1 Work out the meaning of this equation. Consider the following:
● What is your understanding of "reality" and "dreams"
● What is the function of "humour" in this equation
● What is your understanding of "wisdom"
Reality + Dreams + Humor = Wisdom
Activity 4
After Reading
Work in groups. Discuss and present your opinion of the equation from the passage.
2 Decide whether you agree with Lin’s definition
of wisdom. Think of examples to support your
opinion and make notes.
3 Share your opinion with the class.
Reality + Dreams + Humor = Wisdom
Activity 4
Introduction
Title & Para.1
The importance of humour
Body
Para. 2, 3, 4
Giving examples of Mark Twain and Lin Yutang to support the topic
Conclusion
Para.5
Humour is a tool and can be used to illuminate the world.
The text structure
Summary
Writing about a comedian
Read the blog post and match the headings to the paragraphs.
Activity 5
Read the blog post and match the headings to the paragraphs.
Activity 5
Read the blog post again. Find the information:
Modern Times
Because he knew how to use his body and facial features to make people laugh.
He is working on a production line in a factory. When a bee starts circling around his face, he falls behind with his work. The way that he tries to keep up is very funny.
The Tramp.
Charlie Chaplin was one of the best comedy actors of his time.
Activity 6
Choose a comedian who makes you laugh. Think of the information you want to include and complete the notes below.
Now write an introduction to this comedian.
Activity 7
Tang dedicated his life to the cross-talk career. He performed many times in a row at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. He is really a great crosstalk performer.
Sample
General introduction
Why I like him / her
His / Her funniest work
My comments
Activity 7
Tang Jiezhong, one of China’s top cross-talk artists, died in Beijing on 18 June 2017. The 85-year-old had worked with a number of outstanding comedians throughout his career, including Ma Ji and Jiang Kun.
Tang made a great contribution to the Chinese cross-talk. In his performances, he played many different funny characters very vividly. For instance, he imitated different singing styles to make people laugh.
My favourite Tang Jiezhong’s work is The Reverie in the Tiger’s Den (《 虎口遐想》 ) with Jiang Kun. A twenty-eight lad was trapped in the tiger’s den by mistake, which caused a series of funny daydreams. And many people tried their best to rescue him. I adored their performing style and humour.
Tang dedicated his life to the cross-talk career. He performed many times in a row at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. He is really a great cross-talk performer.
Sample
introduction
favourite work
Activity 7
Work in groups. Think about the stand-up comedy acts you have seen and answer the questions.
Activity 1
1 What were the main topics of these acts
2 How many people were there on the stage
3 How did they make the audience laugh
4 Were any props used
Prepare your own comedy act. Consider the following:
方清平
Who is he, do you know
Activity 2
Sample
Fang Qingping, born in Beijing on August 5, 1970, is a stand-up and skit actor in mainland China and the founder of the Beijing Qingmen Haipai. He began studying stand-up at the age of 13 and performed with Fu Qiang, but his early career did not go smoothly. After 2000, he turned behind the scenes and studied writing with comedian Li Chunming, and collaborated on a number of works. Fang Qingping has been hailed as a national treasure stand-up comedian. His stand-up style is unique, which differs from the traditional storytelling style and from the exaggerated rap of new-style talk shows. He studied under Li Jindou and won the runner-up in the CCTV crosstalk competition.
方清平,1970年8月5日出生于北京,中国大陆单口相声和小品演员,北京清门海派创始人。他从13岁开始学习单口相声,并与傅强一起表演,但他的早期事业并不顺利。2000年后,他转向幕后,与喜剧演员李春明一起学习写作,并合作了多部作品。方清平被誉为国宝级单口相声演员。他的单口相声风格独特,既不同于传统的讲故事风格,也不同于新式脱口秀的夸张说唱。他师从李金斗,并在中央电视台相声比赛中获得亚军。
Activity 2
Write the script for your act and complete the table.
Add useful expressions and structures you can think of.
Activity 3
Choose a group member to be a stand-up comedian and help them to perform the comedy act you have written. Think of actions or props to include.
Activity 4
Perform in front of the whole class and vote for the best act.
Activity 5
Reflection
Write a reflection after completing this unit. Consider the following:
1 What is your understanding of a good sense of humour
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
如何介绍最喜欢的电影类型
假如你是李华,学校举办电影节,请以“我最喜欢的电影类型”为主题,向校报投稿,内容包括:
1. 最喜欢的电影类型;
2.阐述原因。
注意:1. 词数80左右;
2. 可以适当增加细节,以使行文连贯。
Homework
I like comedy most
We badly need humour and comedy in our life. There are various reasons.
Firstly,we are always busy with endless work in life. It is important for us to set ourselves free from hard work for a while. Therefore,watching comedy can help relieve us of such pressure. Secondly,watching comedy can always keep us in high spirits,which will do good to both our mental and physical health. What′s more,watching comedy can be an effective way of dealing with difficult situations and it is the best medicine in life.
In a word,let′s fully enjoy watching comedy in our lives.
参考范文