Unit 1

Section A

Pre-reading Activities

First Listening

Please listen to a short passage carefully and prepare to answer some questions.

Second Listening

Listen to the tape again. Then answer the following questions with your own experiences.

1. What problems do you have in trying to learn English in your middle school?

2. Why do you think the computer can help you in learning English?

3. What other things do you think we can gain through English language learning?

Learning a Foreign Language

Learning a foreign language was one of the most difficult yet most rewarding experiences of my life. Although at times, learning a language was frustrating, it was well worth the effort.

My experience with a foreign language began in junior middle school, when I took my first English class. I had a kind and patient teacher who often praised all of the students. Because of this positive method, I eagerly answered all the questions I could, never worrying much about making mistakes. I was at the top of my class for two years.

When I went to senior middle school, I was eager to continue studying English; however, my experience in senior school was very different from before. While my former teacher had been patient with all the students, my new teacher quickly punished those who gave incorrect answers. Whenever we answered incorrectly, she pointed a long stick at us and, shaking it up and down, shouted, "No! No! No!" It didn't take me long to lose my eagerness to answer questions. Not only did I lose my joy in answering questions, but also I totally lost my desire to say anything at all in English.

However, that state didn't last long. When I went to college, I learned that all students were required to take an English course. Unlike my senior middle school teacher, my college English teachers were patient and kind, and none of them carried long, pointed sticks! However, the situation was far from perfect. As our classes were very large, I was only able to answer a couple of questions in each class period. Also, after a few weeks of classes, I noticed there were many students who spoke much better than I did. I began to feel intimidated. So, once again, although for different reasons, I was afraid to speak. It seemed my English was going to stay at the same level forever.

That was the situation until a couple of years later, when I was offered an opportunity to study English through an online course. The communication medium was a computer, phone line, and modem. I soon got access to the necessary equipment, learned the technology from a friend and participated in the virtual classroom 5 to 7 days a week.

Online learning is not easier than regular classroom study; it requires much time, commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the course. I worked hard to meet the minimum standards set by the course and to complete assignments on time.

I practiced all the time. I carried a little dictionary with me everywhere I went, as well as a notebook in which I listed any new words I heard. I made many, sometimes embarrassing, mistakes. Once in a while I cried with frustration, and sometimes I felt like giving up. But I didn't feel intimidated by students who spoke faster than I did because I took all the time I needed to think out my ideas and wrote a reply before posting it on the screen. Then, one day I realized I could understand just about everything I came across, and most importantly, I could "say" anything I wanted to in English. Although I still made many mistakes and was continually learning, I had finally reaped the benefits of all that hard work.

Learning a foreign language has been a most trying experience for me, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything. Not only did learning another language teach me the value of hard work, but it also gave me insights into another culture, and my mind was opened to new ways of seeing things. The most wonderful result of having learned a foreign language was that I could communicate with many more people than before. Talking with people is one of my favorite activities, so being able to speak a new language lets me meet new people, participate in conversations, and form new, unforgettable friendships. Now that I speak a foreign language, instead of staring into space when English is being spoken, I can participate and make friends. I am able to reach out to others and bridge the gap between my language and culture and theirs.

Words: 700

NEW WORDS

reward

vt. give sth. in return for good and valuable doings 报答，酬谢，奖励

n. 1. something as a return for good and valuable doings 报答，奖赏

2. some money given to someone for his good doings 报酬，酬金

frustrate

vt. 1. cause sb. to have feelings of disappointment 使沮丧，使灰心

2. cause the failure of sth. 使挫败，使受挫折

junior

n. 1. someone who is younger 年少者

2. someone of low or lower position 地位较低者，晚辈

positive

a. 1. leading to a practical action 积极的，肯定的

2. sure, having no doubt 确实的，明确的

senior

n. 较年长者

former

a. of an early period 在前的，以前的，旧时的

n. (the ～) the first of the two people or things just mentioned 前者

unlike

Prep.not like; being different from 不像；和……不同

▲intimidate

vt. frighten by making threats 恐吓，威胁

opportunity

n. a good moment or chance for doing sth. 机会，时机

online

a. & ad. 连线的，联网的；连线地，联网地

communicate

vi. send and exchange feelings, opinions or information 交流，交际

vt. make (opinions, feelings or information) known or understood by others 传达，传播

communication

n. the action of sending and exchanging information 交流，交际；通信

medium

n. a method for giving information 媒质，媒介物，传导体

a. of middle size, amount, quality 中等的，适中的

phone

n. 电话，电话机

modem

n. 调制解调器

access

n. 1. [U] means or right of using, reaching 接近，进入

2. means of entering, or a way in 通道，入口

technology

n. 工艺，技术

participate

vi. (in) take part in 参与，参加

virtual

a. 1.［计］being produced by the computer but almost true to the reality 虚构的，虚拟的

2. almost what is stated 实质上的，事实上的，实际上的

commitment

n. 1. devotion to 信奉，献身

2. a promise to follow certain beliefs or actions 承诺，许诺，保证

discipline

n. 1. a state of order and control; self-control 纪律；控制

2. punishment 惩罚，处分

3. a branch of learning 学科

minimum

a. the smallest 最低的，最小的

n. the smallest amount 最低限度，最少量

assignment

n. 1. [C] a piece of work given to a particular person（分派的）任务，（指定的）作业

2. [U] act of dividing assignments 分配，指派

notebook

n. 笔记簿

embarrass

vt. make someone feel upset esp. doing sth. not rightly 使窘迫，使尴尬，使不好意思

screen

n. 1. 屏幕，银幕

2. 屏风，帘，纱窗

continual

a. 1. continuing without breaks 不间断的，不停的

2. repeated often and over a long period 多次重复的，频频的

continually

ad. 1. 不间断地，不停地

2. 多次重复地，频频地

finally

ad. at last 最后，终于

▲reap

vt. 1. have and enjoy the food or things that happen as a result of work 获得，得到

2. cut and gather a crop of grain 收割，收获

benefit

n. anything that brings help or profit 益处，好处

vt. be useful or helpful to 有益于

insight

n. the power of using one's mind to see or understand the true nature of sth. 洞察力，洞悉，深刻的见解

culture

n. 文化，文明

favorite (英favourite)

a. most loved 特别受宠的

n. something or someone that is loved above all others 特别喜爱的人（或物）

activity

n. something that is done or is being done 活动，行动

gap

n. an empty space between two objects 缺口，裂口

PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS

be well worth sth./ doing sth.

be rewarding enough (to do) for the time or effort 值得……的

not only...but also...

不仅……而且……

far from

not ... at all; rather than 一点都不

a couple of

two or three 两三个

get access to

get the right of using or reaching sth. 可以使用，获得

keep up with

not to fall behind in;　keep the same speed as 跟上，不落后

feel like sth./doing sth.

want to do sth. 想做，想要

give up

stop having or doing 停止，放弃

come across

meet with 偶然遇上

reap the benefits of

get sth. as a reward 获得益处，得到好处

trade...for

exchange...for 用……换

participate in

take part in 参加

now that

because (sth. has happened) 既然，由于

reach out to

communicate with; contact 接触，联系

Section B

Keys to Successful Online Learning

While regular schools still exist, the virtual classroom plays an important role in today's learning community. Job opportunities for students are expanding rapidly and more people of all ages are becoming aware of online learning that allows them to study at home. Online students, however, require unique qualities to be successful. The following list discusses some ideal qualities of successful online students.

1. Be open-minded about sharing life, work, and learning experiences as part of online learning.

Many different people find that the online method requires them to use their experiences and that online learning offers them a place to communicate with each other. This forum for communication removes the visual barriers that hinder some students from expressing themselves. In addition, students are given time to reflect on the information before replying. In this way, students can help to keep the online environment open and friendly.

2. Be able to communicate through writing.

In the virtual classroom nearly all communication is written, so it is critical that students feel comfortable expressing themselves in writing. Some students have limited writing abilities which need to be improved before or as part of the online experience. This usually requires extra commitment by these students. Whether working alone or in a group, students share ideas, perspectives and discussions on the subject being studied, and read about those of their classmates. In this way, students gain great insight from their peers, learning from each other as well as the instructor.

3. Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.

Remember that instructors cannot see their students in an online course. This means students must be absolutely explicit with their comments and requests. If they experience technical difficulties, or problems in understanding something about the course, they MUST speak up; otherwise there is no way anyone can know something is wrong. If one person does not understand something, possibly several others have the same problem. If another student is able to help, she/he probably will. While explaining something to others, students reinforce their own knowledge about the subject.

4. Take the program seriously.

Online learning is not easier than study in regular classrooms. In fact, many students say it requires much more time and effort. Requirements for online courses are not less than those of any quality program. Successful students, however, see online learning as a convenient way to receive their education — not an easier way. Many online students sit at computers for hours at a time during evenings and on weekends in order to complete their assignments. When other people are finished and having fun is most likely the time when online students do their course work. Online students need to commit 4 to 15 hours a week for each course.

5. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of online learning.

Online courses require students to make decisions based on facts as well as experience. It is absolutely necessary for students to assimilate information and make the right decisions based on critical thinking. In a positive online environment, students feel valued by the instructor, by their classmates and by their own work.

6. Be able to think ideas through before replying.

Providing meaningful and quality input into the virtual classroom is an essential part of online learning. Time is given to allow for careful development of answers. Testing and challenging of ideas is encouraged. Many times online students will not always be right; they just need to be prepared to accept a challenge.

7. Keep up with the progress of the course.

Online learning is normally sequential and requires commitment on the students' part. Keeping up with the face-to-face class and completing all work on time is vital. Once students get behind, it is almost impossible to catch up. Students need to want to be there and need to want the experience. The instructor may have to communicate with students personally to offer help and remind them of the need to keep up.

Just as many excellent instructors may not be effective online facilitators, not all students have the necessary qualities to perform well online. People who have the qualities discussed above usually make very successful online students. If you have these qualities, learning online may be one of the best discoveries you will ever make.

Words: 715

NEW WORDS

community

n. a group of people living together and/or united by the same interest, religion or nationality 社区，社会，团体，界

expand

v. 1. (cause to) increase in size, number, degree or volume （使）扩大，（使）扩张，（使）扩展

2. grow larger 膨胀

aware

a. having knowledge or understanding 意识到的，知道的

unique

a. 1. being the only one of its type 惟一的，独特的，独一无二的

2. unusual 极不寻常的，极好的

following

a. next 接着的，下述的

n. a group of supporters or admirers 一批追随者

ideal

a. 1. perfect; what you like best 完满的；理想的

2. out of one's mind, not real; not practical 想像的，空想的

visual

a. of or gained by sight 视觉的，看得见的

barrier

n. 1. sth. used to keep people or things apart or to prevent or control their movement 栅栏，关卡，检票口

2. (to) sth. non-physical that keeps people apart or prevents movement 障碍，隔阂

3. 屏障

addition

n. 1. the act of adding 加，加法

2. sth. or sb. added 增加的人（或物）

reflect

v. 1. think quietly and deeply 深思，考虑，反省

2. show 反映，体现

3. turn, throw or back sth. from a surface 反射，显示

environment

n. the physical and social conditions in which people live 环境，周围状况，自然环境

critical

a. 1. of or being a moment of great danger, difficulty or uncertainty 决定性的，关键性的，危急的

2. giving a careful judgment of the qualities of sth. 批评的，批判的

ability

n. the fact of having the skill or knowledge of doing sth. 能力，本领，才能，才智

perspective

n. a way of considering sth. 视角，观点，想法

peer

n. a person of the same age, class or position 同龄人，同等地位的人

instruct

vt. 1. give orders or directions to 指示，命令；通知

2. give knowledge or information to 教育，指导

instructor

n. a teacher 教师；指导者

arise

vi. 1. come into being; appear; happen 产生；出现；发生

2. (from) come from （由……）引起，（由……）产生，起源于

3. get up from sitting or sleeping 起身，起床

absolute

a. complete, perfect 十足的，地道的

absolutely

ad. completely, perfectly 十足地，地道

understanding

n. 1. ability to know and learn 理解力

2. sympathetic and therefore not blaming 谅解

reinforce

vt. add strength or support to make sth. stronger or firmer 增强，加强，加固

requirement

n. sth. that is needed or necessary 要求，必要条件；需要，需要的东西

likely

a. that can reasonably be expected, probably 可能的，有希望的

ad. probably 可能地

commit

vt. 1. decide to use for a particular purpose 使用；用于

2. do sth. wrong or illegal 犯（错误、罪行等），干（蠢事、坏事等）

3. (oneself) promise to a certain cause 使承担义务，使承诺

input

n. [U] information or some other kinds of resources that are put in/into 输入，投入

essential

a. completely necessary 必不可少的，绝对必要的，非常重要的

n. (usu. pl.) sth. necessary 要素，要点

challenge

vt. 1. question the rightness of 对……质疑，对……怀疑

2. invite sb. to compete against one in a match, etc. 向……挑战

normally

ad. in the usual way or to the usual degree 通常，正常地

sequence

n. 1. 连续，一连串

2. 次序，顺序

sequential

a. of, forming or following in sequence 连续的

vital

a. 1. very important 极其重要的

2. full of life and force 有生命的，充满生机的

effective

a. 1. producing the desired result 有效的，生效的，起作用的

2. having a pleasing effect 效果好的，给人印象深刻的

PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS

play a role in

have a position or role in 起……作用

be/become aware of

hav knowledge or understanding of 对……清楚

in addition

what is more; besides 另外，加之

reflect on

think carefully about 深思，考虑，反省

allow for

take into consideration 考虑到，顾及，为……留出余地

Section C

Teaching Children at Home

Record numbers of children are being taken out of school and taught by their parents at home. Up to 100 children a month are leaving the classroom because parents are not satisfied with schools. Around 15,000 families now teach their children at home, a rise of 50 per cent from last year, according to the latest figures.

This present rise in home schooling is blamed on the nature of examinations, not getting children into the school of choice, and dissatisfaction with teaching methods. Some parents prefer keeping children home because of attacks by other students and a lack of discipline in schools. Researchers say, however, many families prefer teaching at home because they feel the idea of public schooling is not modern. They believe schools will be things of the past in 20 years as media technology, like the Internet, teaches children. 1. ______

Under the law, parents must teach their children, whether at school or at home. Community officials are charged with protecting their schooling. Professor Meighan of Nottingham University says parents were fed up with the requirements of existing schools. For him, schools are an out-of-date concept from the days of the town crier（市政传令员）, when it was difficult to get information and a central person was needed to communicate knowledge. He also thinks parents are recognizing education is moving on and don't want their children to be held back by out-of-date methods. 2. ______

Meighan suggests children will be taught at home using the Internet, computers, and video（录像片）. He thinks future schools will be small groups of children, sharing equipment in their homes. The teachers may become advisers who sort through the information. 3. ______

Future schooling was questioned by Sir Christopher Ball of the Royal（皇家的）Society of Arts. He thinks learning in the future will include an international curriculum and international standards. He sees some present models of schooling — community schools and home schooling, for example — becoming more central and other models, not yet existing, may develop. 4. ______

How Personal Choice Brings O-Level Success at 13

Leslie Barson is already running the type of school that researchers think will teach children in the future. Based partly at a community centre and partly in family homes, the Otherwise Club includes some 35 families around north London. Professional teachers are brought in to help with special subjects, but mostly parents and children work together on units like studying the Greeks or the American Civil War, reading about events, making costumes（戏装）, and learning how people used to live. 5.______ 6. ______

Parents choosing home schooling say the freedom of home learning allows some children to sit one or two GCEs by the age of 13. Ms. Barson's own children, Luis, age 12, and 7-year-old Lilly, have never attended school. She pays around 2,000 pounds a year for private teachers to help in special areas. She set up the Otherwise Club six years ago with just a few students. She thinks the purpose of teaching children is to develop their self-worth. Her son agrees. Luis, now teaching himself math, said, "I like the freedom to learn things that interest me, especially music. I don't feel I am missing out on anything by not being at school because I am a member of various clubs and have friends who attend normal school." 7. ______ 8. ______

The “Danger” of Separating Students

Home schooling could change children's relations with their peers and older people because of long periods spent with their parents. Most professors agree future learning will be more centred around the home, and fear children could become isolated and shy. Professor Michael Barber of London University said pupils could spend half their time at school, half at home as a way to solve this problem. He believes very strongly that children need the experience of school to ensure the quality of being taught the basics and being examined. He thinks children must spend time with peers to learn the rules of work in a democratic（民主的）society and to learn how to deal with relations with more people than just their parents. Margaret Rudland, head teacher in Hammersmith, also thinks children must experience actual peer relations. 9. ______ 10. ______

Words: 700