The Value of Life

1. The Value of Life

2. Get Started • Are you enjoying college life at present? • What do you appreciate most in this world? Why? • What specific goals do you have in life? • What can you do to make your life more valuable and Meaningful?

3. Choose the quote you like best • The purpose of life is a life of purpose. • We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. • Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. • A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.

4. Listen and Respond

5. They Also Value Their Lives • One day, some Americans working in Africa decided to go hunting for wild animals. They stopped at a village to hire some local men to act as guides. This village was very poor. The houses were made of mud and there was no electricity or running water. The streets were dirty and the whole village smelled badly. The men wore dirty clothes. The women covered their faces, and the children had runny noses and were dressed in rags. But the local people looked happy and seemed to be enjoying what they were doing.

6. They Also Value Their Lives • Seeing this, one American said, “This place is terrible. These people live just like animals.” A young American officer added, “Yeah, they have got nothing to live for; they may as well be dead.” • But just then, an old American officer spoke up. He was a quiet man. In fact, he looked just like one of the local men in the village. He looked at the young American and said, “ you think they have nothing to live for, do you? Well, if you are sure, why don’t you just take your knife, and go try to kill one of them?”

7. They Also Value Their Lives • There was dead silence in the truck. His words had silenced the negative talk about the local people. • The old officer went on to say, “I don’t know either why they value their lives so much. Maybe it’s those kids in rags, or the women they love, or the freedom they enjoy, or the work they like. But whatever it is, they care about their lives and the lives of their loved ones, just the same as we do.”

8. Introduction of the Author Helen Keller: (1880-1968) deaf-blind American author, activist and lecturer

9. Introduction of the Author • Helen Keller was born in 1880 in northern Alabama, USA. Nineteen months after she was born, she was extremely ill, and lost both her sight and hearing. When she was seven, her parents hired a tutor named Anne Sullivan. She taught Helen to read and write and how to think. Helen entered Radcliffe College, the women’s branch of Harvard University at the age of 20. Her first book, The Story of My Life, was translated into many languages. She also did research, gave speeches all around the world, and helped raise money for many organizations for the blind. Helen received dozens of awards, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor that an American civilian can receive. She died in her sleep in 1968.

10. Introduction of the Author Time Events June 27, 1880 She was born at Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama. February, 1882 She lost both her sight and hearing after being struck by illness. March 3, 1887 She met Anne Sullivan, her life-long teacher. June 28, 1904 She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating from Radcliffe College of Harvard University. June,1955 She received an honorary degree from Harvard University, the first woman to be so honored.

11. Introduction of the Author Time Events September,1964 She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. June 1, 1968 She passed away in her sleep.

12. Helen’s Miracle • A college graduate • A productive writer • A world-famous speaker • A heroine and icon

13. Global Reading 1. People are blessed if they are stricken blind and deaf. ( ) F It would be a blessing if people were stricken blind and deaf for a few days at some time during his early adult life. 2. Helen showed disbelief when her friend said she had seen nothing particular during a long walk in the woods. ( ) F She had been accustomed to such responses and believed that the seeing see little. 3. Helen thought that she “saw” more things than the seeing people just through touch. ( ) T 4. Blind as she was, Helen was more sensitive to the world than us healthy people. ( ) T 5. The seeing should make better use of sight to add fullness to life. ( ) F The seeing should use sight not only for convenience but also for adding fullness to life.

14. Words and Phrases thrilling: adj. exciting and interesting It is such a thrilling experience to see the vast African landscape. The book is another thrilling story of mystery and suspense.

15. Words and Phrases specify: v. state sth. in an exact and detailed way These toys can’t reach the standards the state has specified. The order specifies a December deadline for completion of the work.

16. Words and Phrases condemn: v. give sb. a severe punishment after deciding they are guilty of a crime; say very strongly that you do not approve of sth. or sb., especially because you think it is morally wrong The prisoner was condemned to death. We all strongly condemn violence of any sort. 我们强烈谴责任何形式的暴力行为。 Patterns: condemn sb. for doing sth. condemn sb. to sth. condemn sb. / sth. as sth.

17. Words and Phrases CF: confine, imprison & jail confine imprison jail confine: v. keep sb. or sth. within the limits of a particular activity or subject; if you are confined to a place, you have to stay in that place, especially because you are ill He is confined to bed with illness. 这次事故之后她坐在轮椅上度过了后半生。 She was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life after the accident. She confines her speech to environmental pollution. 这些动词均含“监禁”之意。 指监禁或幽禁；也指任何使行动受到限制的行为。 较正式用词，多指较长时间的监禁 (英国用gaol)多指审判之间的拘禁或对罪行较轻的罪犯的监禁

18. Words and Phrases Directions: Fill in the blanks with the three words above. Change the form where necessary. imprisoned __________ 1. The murderer will be for the rest of his life. 2. Jane hates the job as a secretary because she feels in the office all day. 3. He attacked a policeman after getting drunk, and was for two weeks. 4. It’s cruel to a bird to a cage. _______ confined _____ jailed _______ confine

19. Words and Phrases appreciative of sth.: grateful for sth. The guests are quite appreciative of the host’s entertainment. A good boss should be appreciative of what the staff do for him.

20. Words and Phrases in / under…circumstances: under the conditionsthat affect a situation, action, event, etc. 你在目前这种情况下退出是不明智的。 It is unwise for you to quit under the present circumstances. In no circumstances should you leave your baggage unattended inthe airport.

21. Words and Phrases emphasize: v. say sth. in a strong way He repeatedly emphasized the importance of team spirit.

22. Words and Phrases keen: adj. 1) sb. with a keen mind is quick to understand things a keen observer a keen mind 2) sb. who is keen on sth. is very interested in it or enjoys doing it very much She is keen on ballet.

23. Words and Phrases adopt: v. start to deal with or think about sth. in a particular way We adopted new methods to cultivate tulips this year. 新技术的采用提高了产品的质量。 The newly-adopted techniques improved the quality of products.

24. Words and Phrases take … for granted: expect that sb. or sth. will always be there when you need them and never think how important or useful they are; believe that sth. is true without making sure Most of us, busy with work, take our family for granted. 不要想当然地认为努力一定会换来成功。 Don’t take it for granted that hard work is certainly followed by success.

25. Words and Phrases picture: v. imagine sth. by making an image in your mind I had never met John, but I pictured him as a pale, thin young manwearing glasses.

26. Words and Phrases characterize: v. be typical of a person, place or thing Picasso’s work The Tragedy is characterized by dominant use of blue. The spacious entrance hall characterizes all the buildings here.

27. Words and Phrases deaf: adj. 1) physically unable to hear anything or unable to hear well It is amazing that the deaf people can dance so beautifully without hearing the music. 2) be unwilling to hear or listen to sth. The manager is deaf to the customer’s complaints. She was deaf to his pleas. Collocations: deaf and dumb deaf as a post be deaf to sth. fall on deaf ears

28. Words and Phrases take in: understand and remember new facts and information The smart boy can always take in what the teacher teaches in class quickly. 我怀疑他是否真的听进了我说的话, 他看起来心不在焉的。 I doubt whether he really takes in what I am saying; he seems so be absent-minded.

29. Words and Phrases grateful: adj. feeling that you want to thank sb. because of sth. kind that they have done, or showing this feeling We are really very grateful to you for all you have done for us. The winner smiled at his parents, grateful for their support. CF: grateful & appreciative 这两个形容词均有“感谢的、感激的”之意。 普通用词，强调因对方的恩惠、好意或帮助，从内心产生 的感激之情。 与grateful基本同义，但语气较强，强调以行动或言语来 感谢。 grateful He felt grateful for his friends’ help when he was in trouble. appreciative The millionaire’s generosity shows he is really appreciative for his family members’ support to his business.

30. Words and Phrases conscious: adj. noticing or realizing sth. I was conscious that I made a mistake. On seeing the new-born baby, the young father became conscious of his responsibilities.

31. Words and Phrases stricken: adj. very badly affected by trouble, illness, unhappiness, etc. The little boy was stricken with fever.

32. Words and Phrases response: n. sth. that is said or written as a reply 首相对记者的提问不予回答。 The Prime Minister made no response to the journalist’s questions. The workers got a favorable response to their pay demands.

33. Words and Phrases convince: v. make sb. feel certain that sth. is true The jury was convinced that he was innocent. 他终于让我相信了他的真诚。 He eventually convinced me of his sincerity. The newspaper article has convinced me that smoking is a dangerous habit. Patterns: convince sb. of sth. convince sb. (that)…

34. Words and Phrases worthy of: being deserved to be thought about or treated in a particular way Helen Keller’s contributions are worthy of the honor they offeredher. 他的成就值得给予最高赞赏。 His achievements are worthy of the highest praise.

35. Words and Phrases CF: sign & indication sign indication sign: n. an event, fact, etc. that shows that sth. is happening or that sth. is true or exists All the signs show that our guess will turn out to be true. 警方彻底搜查了房屋， 没有发现任何非法闯入的迹象。 The police searched the house thoroughly, but found no signs of a break-in. 这两个名词均为“迹象”之意。 指一些事实或者迹象，这些事实能证明某些事情正在发生 或者某事是真的或的确存在。例如： 特指人的一些言行使人相信某些事情已经，正在或即将发 生。例如： Signs of this illness are rapid breathing and a weak pulse. The two leaders greet each other warmly, which is an indication that the situation will take a favorable turn.

36. Words and Phrases awaken: v. 1. wake up or to make sb. wake up She was awakened to take her turn on guard. 半夜我被房间里奇怪的声音吵醒了。 I was awakened by the strange sounds in my bedroom at midnight. 2. if sth. awakens an emotion, interest, memory, etc., it makes you suddenly begin to feel that emotion, etc. Many people are still not awakened to the importance of environmental protection. The children are awakened to the danger of their behavior.

37. Words and Phrases CF: reveal, disclose & expose reveal disclose expose reveal: v. make known sth. that was previously secret or unknown The special agent didn’t reveal his identity until the last moment. 这桩法律界的丑闻终于被一位勇敢的记者在报纸上披露了出来。 This scandal in the law was finally revealed in the newspaper by a brave journalist. 这些动词均有“揭露，揭示”之意。 指的是说出或揭开一个秘密，或不为人知的事情。其范围可以 公开的也可以是私下的。 强调的是公开揭露不为人所知的事实或名字。 指的是公开揭露一些组织或个人的秘密行为，且揭露者认为公众 有权知道这些不可告人的秘密。

38. Words and Phrases Directions: Fill in the blanks with the three words above. Change the form where necessary. ________ 1. Our company has just its new plan for the coming new year. 2. The investigation that the pilot had no experience of the radar system in use at the time of the crash. 3. My friend suddenly that she had broken up with her boyfriend when we were chatting. 4. The public called for the politician’s resignation soon after his criminal activities were to the media. revealed ________ disclosed ________ revealed exposed ________

39. Words and Phrases long for: want sth. very much, especially when it seems unlikely to happen soon All the children are longing for the festival. On his birthday he got the present he had longed for, a new bicycle. Patterns: long to do sth. long for sb. to do sth. long for sth.

40. Words and Phrases convenience: n. sth. that is useful because it saves you time or means that you have less work to do Folding chairs give us the convenience of storing them in limitedspace. They rented an apartment with all the modern conveniences.

41. Useful Expressions 1. 扣人心弦的故事 a thrilling story 2. 有限的时间 limited and specified time 3. 判刑的罪犯 condemned criminals 4. 活动范围 sphere of activities 5. 在类似的处境下 under similar circumstances 6. 人生的价值 the value of life 7. 完全无法想象 all but unimaginable 8. 没有尽头 stretch out endlessly 9. 冷漠的态度 listless attitude be conscious of 10. 意识到

42. Useful Expressions 11. 习惯 be accustomed to nothing in particular 12. 没什么特别的 be worthy of note 13. 值得注意 through mere touch 14. 只凭触摸 delicate symmetry 15. 精巧对称 in search of 16. 寻找 awakening Nature 17. 苏醒的大自然 a bird in full song 18. 放声歌唱的小鸟 at times 19. 不时地

43. Detailed Reading All of us have read thrilling stories in which the hero had only a limited and specified time to live. What is the usage of “thrilling”, “limited” and “specified” here? They are -ing and -ed forms of verbs used as adjectives. In the -ing case the noun being modified is the doer of the action and in the -ed case the noun being modified is often the receiver of the action.

44. Detailed Reading We should live each day with a gentleness, a vigor, and a keenness of appreciation which are often lost when time stretches before us in the constant panorama of more days and months and years to come. 1. What does the word “which” refer to here? A gentleness, a vigor, and a keenness of appreciation. 2. Why do most of us lose the gentleness, the vigor and the keenness of appreciation? Because day after day, time seems to be endless in our life. 3. Translate this sentence into Chinese. 每一天我们都应该怀着柔情, 充满活力, 心存感激, 而这些在来日方长时却常被我们所忽视。

45. Detailed Reading So we go about our petty tasks, hardly aware of our listless attitude towards life. 1. What does this sentence imply? We spend our life on meaningless things, but never realize that we are so indifferent to the true value of life. 2. Translate the sentence into Chinese. 所以我们忙于琐事， 几乎不曾意识到自己对生活的态度有多么冷漠。

46. Detailed Reading Particularly does this observation apply to those who have lost sight and hearing in adult life. What rhetorical device is used in this sentence? Inversion is used in this sentence. This is a partial inversion with the word “particularly” at the beginning of the sentence.

47. Detailed Reading I might have shown disbelief had I not been accustomed to such responses, … What can we infer from this part of the sentence? The author has been used to getting responses like this, so such responses don’t seem so unbelievable to her.

48. Detailed Reading How was it possible, I asked myself, to walk for an hour through the woods and see nothing worthy of note? What do you think may be the answer to the question according to the author? Why? Yes, it is really possible because the people who are able to see always take what they see for granted, and pay little attention to them.

49. Detailed Reading In spring I touch the branches of trees hopefully in search of a bud, the first sign of awakening Nature after her winter’s sleep. Translate this sentence into Chinese. 春天里，我怀着希望触摸着树枝寻找新芽，那是大自然从冬眠中苏醒第一个征象。

50. Detailed Reading To me the colorful seasons are a thrilling and unending drama, the action of which streams through my finger tips. Translate this sentence into Chinese. 对我来说，多彩的季节如同一场动人心魄的永无完结的戏剧，剧中情节从我的指尖流过。