(共29张PPT)
Unit 1
The Importance of Humour
To get to know the importance of humor
To learn something about two famous writers Mark Twain and Wang Zengqi and learn from them
To learn how to understand and use humor in our own life
To learn some words and expressions
Read the short introductions to Mark Twain and Wang Zengqi and share what else you know about them with the class.
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 (《傻瓜国外旅
行记》), and for his adventure stories of boyhood,
such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (《汤姆·索
亚历险记》) and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
(《哈克贝利·费恩历险记》).
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He is regarded as one of North America’s best and most beloved writers due to his wit and satire.
The Innocents Abroad
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Early stage:
Active & humor
Mid-term:
Satire (讽刺)
Later period:
pessimistic & desperate
Wang Zengqi (1920-1997) was a Chinese writer.
Born in Gaoyou, Jiangsu, he was deeply
influenced by his family’s strong literary
tradition. His most famous works include
A Tale of Big Nur (《大淖记事》), Special Gift
and Old Flavour (《受戒》). Despite life’s ups
and downs, his works consistently convey optimism. Even in the lows of life, he could discover the bright side in living and put them into words in his unique humorous way.
Look at the illustration and the title.
What will the text be about
Who are they
What are the main similarities between
them
Both of the two writers have their unique brand of humour.
Read the passage and find out Mark Twain and Wang’s attitude towards humor.
Mark Twain and Wang’s attitude towards humour is positive / favourable. And they practiced what they preached.
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Introduction (Para. 1)
The general introduction of the importance of humour
Body
Para. 2 Mark Twain’s attitude towards humour
Paras 3 & 4 Wang Zengqi’s attitude towards humour
Conclusion (Para.5)
Humour is a way of life and a tool that can be used to illuminate the world.
Read Para 1 and answer the question.
Why is humour important
Two examples.
Read Para 2 and answer the questions.
How many examples are mentioned in this paragraph
What is the purpose of the examples
To support the writer’s opinions.
It can make opinions convincing, clear and vivid.
Read Para 3 and answer the questions.
What is the function of the first sentence
Making a transition to another example.
Transitional words and sentences can make your writing more logical.
Read Para 4 and answer the question.
What does Wang Zengqi think humour can show
Why did Wang Zengqi say his speech would be as short as a rabbit's tail
Read Para 5 and answer the question.
How do you understand “humor is mankind's greatest blessing
Organise information from the passage and complete the diagram.
Humour is an essential part of ________________. Authors have used it to _______________, and throw light on __________________________.
sensitive or emotive issues
human behavior
entertain
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Remembered for: ability to ________________ with more _________________
Writing style: ___________________________
Example: ____________________________
Also well known for his witty remarks
Example:
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
combine humor
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!”
Mark Twain
Famous for his unique brand of humor
He believed that
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Example 1:
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Example 2:
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
humour not only shows one’s personality, but also reflects a person’s attitude towards life.
He said Gaoyou salted duck eggs are much more famous than him.
Wang Zengqi
He joked on his name and said his speech would be as short as a rabbit’s tail.
Humor is a _______________ and a tool that can be used to ____________________.
way of life
illuminate the world
A punch line concludes a joke and is intended to make people laugh. In a broader sense, a punch line can also refer to the unexpected and funny conclusion of any performance, situation or story.
“妙语（punchline）”指笑话、演讲、故事等中有趣、可笑而意味深长的表达。妙语通常言简意赅，能使演讲或陈述产生有趣且意想不到的效果。我们结合课文“The Importance of Humour”来看一下名人如何在日常人际交往中使用妙语。
自嘲（self-deprecating）是妙语表达中最常使用的语言技巧，善于运用自嘲可以摆脱尴尬的困境。课文第二段讲述了马克 吐温与理发师的故事。“That's just my luck. I always have to stand when that fellow lectures!”一句中，马克 吐温用“that fellow”指代自己，“always have to stand”委婉地表明自己的身份，同时“my luck”则乐观豁达地化解了自己没有被认出来的尴尬，也避免使理发师尴尬。
1. Do you find Wang Zengqi’s jokes funny Give your reasons.
2. Do you agree with Mark Twain’s remark on humour at the end of the passage Give your reasons.
Example:
Yes, I agree. Because I think humor is one of the most important factors to affect people’s daily life.
3. How can a sense of humor help you in your daily life Give an example.
Example:
When I feel sad, my friend will talk with me and tell me a story which is interesting and funny. I can feel better and happier. I think this is an effect of humour.
4. In what ways do the two reading passages in this unit help you to better understand the meaning of having a light-hearted attitude towards life
Example:
My way of talking and my attitude towards daily life.
Work in groups. Give a talk on the importance of humour.
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1 Discuss the questions below.
What is humour according to the passage
What is your own definition of humour Why
In what aspect do you think humour is important to you Give examples to support your idea.
2 Organise your ideas following the steps below.
Begin with your own definition of humour.
Choose one aspect in life where humours plays an important role and give examples.
Conclude by restating the importance of humour.
3 Give your talk to the class.
Finish your talk on the importance of humour.
Give your talk to the class.
Think about your performance.
What contribution did you make to your group
How could you improve your performance
