Unit Seven:,How American Lives,How American Lives,1.American are said to be open, free, and frank. What is your opinion? Or how much do you know about Americans?,Highly competitive , aggressiveA strong sense of national prideConsistent ideological principles:individualismfaith in freedom and democracyAmerican DreamChristian,Compromise, harmony, peaceWorship foreign thingsGood qualities: collectivismSocial principle: personal connections,How much do you know about our Chinese?,Writing Style: Exposition,Exposition: n. 1. 阐述;说明;解说 This is a clear exposition of the theory of evolution. 这是对进化论的清晰的阐述。 2. 展览会;博览会 They are going to hold an international exposition. 他们打算召开一次国际博览会。 3. 说明文,Exposition(说明文）,这一类文章的性质和目的是在解释，提供知识，和表明观念；“exposition”这个字的意思就是“explanation”(解释)，既然如此，这类文章最大的要求是清晰；作者可以使用任何方法和技巧，以期能达到清晰明确的境地。,说明文分类：有下列六种：,(1)定义法(Definition)(2)例说法(Example)(3)分类法(Classification)(4)分析法(Analysis)(5)类比法(Analogy)(6)比较法或对比法(Comparison Or Contrast) 注说明文中亦可穿插以描写文与叙述文的写作方法。,Structure of the Text,Part 1: Para. 1 Part 2: Para. 2-4 Part 3: Para. 5-7 Part 4: Para.8-9,Analysis of the Text,Part 1 (para. 1),Understanding Questions,Q1. Which sentences in this part show the main similarities and differences between American life in the present and that in the past?,The following sentences show the main similarities and differences. “Young people still get married (2.41million couples last year as opposed to only 1.52 million in 1960). Of course, many do get divorced, but they remarry at astonishing rates. They have children, but fewer than before. The: belong to churches, even though they attend somewhat -less frequently, and they want their children to have religious instruction. They are willing to pay taxes for education, and they generously support institutions like hospitals, museums and libraries.“,Q2. In what ways are Americans generous?,They are always ready to pay taxes for education, and they generously support institutions like hospitals, museums and libraries.,Language Points,1. In a time of rapid change it is essential that we remember how much of the old we cling to. In a time of quick transformation it is necessary for us to remember how many of the old ways we still adhere to.,Cling (on) to sb. Or sth.:,stick to, adhere to, be emotionally attached to She lung to the hope that he was still alive. Dont cling to the curb (人行道的)镶边；井栏；【建筑】缘饰when you are driving.cling to a purpose cling to ones friends cling to the last hope,as opposed to in contrast to * I am here on business as opposed to a holiday. 我在这里是办公事而不是度假. * I think that is why I love English movies as opposed to American movies .我认为这就是我不喜欢美国电影，而喜欢英国的原因。,Language Points,2. They belong to churches, even though they attend somewhat less frequently, and they want their children to have religious instruction. They belong to particular groups of Christians, even though they attend religious services a bit less often, and they want their children to receive religious instruction.,Main Idea of Part 1,It mentions and illustrates the main idea that Americans still follow many of the old ways though differences are obvious in American life. The last sentence tells us that a comparison of the America of today with that of 1950 shows that there are more similarities than differences.,Analysis of the Text,Part 2: para. 2-4,Understanding Question,According to this part, what major changes have taken place or are taking place in American society? Please give an account of them.,Language Points,1. Americans seem to be growing conservative. Americans seem to be increasingly opposed to great or sudden changes.Conservative: adj 1 opposed to great or sudden change Is it true that old people are usually more conservative than the young? 2 (usu 通常作 Conservative) of the British Conservative Party 英国保守党的: * Conservative principles, candidates, voters. 英国保守党的政策、 候选人、 投票者.,Language Points,2.The 1980 election, especially for the Senate and house of Representatives, signaled a decided turn to the right insofar as political and social attitudes were concerned. The 1980 election especially for the Senate and House of Representatives, indicated a definite change to the right in terms of the voters political and social attitudes. Senate: governing body 1.(古罗马的)元老院。 2.(美、法等国议会的)参议院；上(议)院。,3. It is as if our country spent the 1960s and 1970s jealously breaking out of old restraints and now wishes to put the brakes on, as cautious people often do after a binge. It seems as though during the 1960s and 1970s we American made bold efforts to escape from old restrictions and now intend to put an end to it, just as cautious people often do after excessive indulgence.,Jealously: watchfully, carefully The publishing house is jealously protective of the copyright of all its books. Restraint: n. restriction; sth that controls I sharply feel the restraints of a limited income on the family budget. They imposed restraints on wage settlements. Binge: n. (infml) time of wild eating and drinking; excessive indulgence in anything He went on a three-day binge. Business slowed down after a week-long shopping binge.,