Unit6

1. Unit6

2. Cultural Background • 1. History of Poetry • Some of the earliest poetry is believed to have been orally recited or sung, closely related to musical traditions, and much of it can be attributed to religious movements: rhythm, rhyme, compression, intensity of feeling, the use of refrains. • Following the development of writing, poetry has since developed into increasingly structured forms. • Written composition meant poets began to compose for an absent reader. Cultural information1

3. Cultural Background • Much poetry since the late 20th century has moved away from traditional forms towards the more vaguely defined free verse and prose poem formats. Cultural information2

4. Cultural Background • 2. Classification • Three major genres: • Epic poetry: a long story about brave actions and exciting events; • Lyric poetry: more personal, shorter poems intended to be sung; • Dramatic poetry: comedy and tragedy as subgenres. Cultural information3

5. Text Analysis Structural Analysis Rhetorical Features Modern life is more about material and tangible goods than about spirit pursuit. We set clear targets for our future, neglecting that we are gradually losing one joy that human kind usually have: the fun of spontaneity. The writer of this essay reminds us that poetry, especially creating poems, can provide us such pleasure. Though the writer of this essay writes in a half-mocking tone, and the method he introduces will not ensure us to create a wonderful, or even presentable poem, his real purpose is to make the creation of a poem less difficult than we may imagine and to induce amateurs to set their first steps on their journey to a more aesthetic life. Text Analysis

6. Text Analysis Structural Analysis Rhetorical Features 1. In terms of organization, the article clearly falls into three main parts: Structural analysis1 The first part introduces the problem with poetry and the significance of the writer’s solution. The second part introduces in detail how people can create a poem of their own. The third part serves as the ending of the essay. In this part, the writer reiterates his intention and makes it clear he is just joking by presenting such a method of creating a poem.

7. Text Analysis Structural Analysis Rhetorical Features 2. The mocking tone of the author is mingled with some fairly emotional statements which reveal his real love of poetry, e.g. Structural analysis2 “Once a person has written a poem, of whatever quality, he will feel comradeship with fellow poets and, hopefully, read their works. Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. Not only that, good poets could make a living for a change.” (Paragraph 3) “But at least it’s a poem and you’ve written it, which is an accomplishment that relatively few people can claim.” (Paragraph 10)

8. Text Analysis Structural Analysis Rhetorical Features “Chances are, you’ll find their offerings stimulating and refreshing. You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that you’ve broken the ice. Observe others’ emotions and experience your own — that’s what poetry is all about. (Paragraph 11) Structural analysis3

9. Text Analysis Structural Analysis Rhetorical Features Apparently simple but lucid English, sometimes even a colloquial speech style, creating the effect of a heart-to-heart talk between the writer and the reader, e.g. Rhetorical Features “The last line of your poem should deal with the future in some way.” (Paragraph 8) “Now that poem (like yours, when you’re finished) is rotten.” (Paragraph 10)

10. Detailed Reading How to Write a Rotten Poem with Almost No Effort Richard Howey 1 So you want to write a poem. You’ve had a rotten day or an astounding thought or a car accident or a squalid love affair and you want to record it for all time. You want to organize those emotions that are pounding through your veins. You have something to communicate via a poem but you don’t know where to start. Detailed reading1

11. Detailed Reading 2 This, of course, is the problem with poetry. Most people find it difficult to write a poem so they don’t even try. What’s worse, they don’t bother reading any poems either. Poetry has become an almost totally foreign art form to many of us. As a result, serious poets either starve or work as account executives. There is no middle ground. Good poets and poems are lost forever simply because there is no market for them, no people who write their own verse and seek out further inspiration from other bards. Detailed reading2

12. Detailed Reading Detailed reading3 3 Fortunately, there is a solution for this problem, as there are for all imponderables. The answer is to make it easy for everyone to write at least one poem in his life. Once a person has written a poem, of whatever quality, he will feel comradeship with fellow poets and, hopefully, read their works. Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. Not only that, good poets could make a living for a change.

13. Detailed Reading Detailed reading4 4 So, to begin, have your paper ready. You must first understand that the poem you write here will not be brilliant. It won’t even be mediocre. But it will be better than 50% of all song lyrics and at least equal to one of Rod McKuen’s best efforts. You will be instructed how to write a four-line poem but the basic structure can be repeated at will to create works of epic length.

14. Detailed Reading 5 The first line of your poem should start and end with these words: “In the — of my mind.” The middle word of this line is optional. Any word will do. It would be best not to use a word that has been overdone, such as “windmills” or “gardens” or “playground.” Just think of as many nouns as you can and see what fits best. The rule of thumb is to pick a noun that seems totally out of context, such as “filing cabinet” or “radiator” or “parking lot.” Just remember, the more unusual the noun, the more profound the image. Detailed reading5

15. Detailed Reading Detailed reading6 6 The second line should use two or more of the human senses in a conflicting manner, as per the famous, “listen to the warm.” This is a sure way to conjure up “poetic” feeling and atmosphere. Since there are five different senses, the possibilities are endless. A couple that come to mind are “see the noise” and “touch the sound.” If more complexity is desired other senses can be added, as in “taste the color of my hearing,” or “I cuddled your sight in the aroma of the night.” Rhyming, of course, is optional.

16. Detailed Reading Detailed reading7 7 The third line should be just a simple statement. This is used to break up the insightful images that have been presented in the first two lines. This line should be as prosaic as possible to give a “down-to-earth” mood to the poem. An example would be “she gave me juice and toast that morning,” or perhaps “I left for work next day on the 8:30 bus.” The content of this line may or may not relate to what has gone before.

17. Detailed Reading Detailed reading8 8 The last line of your poem should deal with the future in some way. This gives the poem a forward thrust that is always helpful. A possibility might be, “tomorrow will be a better day,” or “I’ll find someone sometime,” or “maybe we’ll meet again in July.” This future-oriented ending lends an aura of hope and yet need not be grossly optimistic.

18. Detailed Reading 9 By following the above structure, anyone can write a poem. For example, if I select one each of my sample lines, I come up with: In the parking lot of my mind, I cuddled your sight in the aroma of the night. I left for work next day on the 8:30 bus. Maybe we’ll meet again in July. 10 Now that poem (like yours, when you’re finished) is rotten. But at least it’s a poem and you’ve written it, which is an accomplishment that relatively few people can claim. Detailed reading9-10

19. Detailed Reading 11 Now that you’re a poet, feel free to read poetry by some of your more accomplished brothers and sisters in verse. Chances are, you’ll find their offerings stimulating and refreshing. You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that you’ve broken the ice. Observe others’ emotions and experience your own — that’s what poetry is all about. 12 Incidentally, if you find it impossible to sell the poem you write to Bobby Goldsboro or John Denver, burn it. It will look terrible as the first page of your anthology when it’s published. Detailed reading11-12

20. Detailed Reading What does the writer think is the problem with poetry? Detailed reading2--Quesions The problem with poetry is that most people don’t know how to write a poem and there is no market for good poets and poems.

21. Detailed Reading 1. What is the solution for this problem suggested by the writer? Detailed reading3--Quesion The solution for this problem suggested by the writer is to make it easy for everyone to write at least one poem in his life. 2. How does the writer justify his solution? The writer thinks this may not only enhance people’s recognition of poets but cultivate a poetry-loving society and elevate the quality of life.

22. Detailed Reading 1. What is the real intention of the writer to present such a method of creating a poem? Detailed reading11-12--Quesion By introducing such a method of creating a “rotten” poem, the writer is actually encouraging people to start their journey to the appreciation of poetry and to acquire a more intimate feeling toward poetry. 2. What is the purpose of the last paragraph? Since the title of the essay bears a very obvious mocking feature, the last paragraph, which echoes with this tone, reminds his readers of the fact that he is merely joking.

23. Detailed Reading Class Activity Group discussion: What is your comment of author’s method of creating a poem and do you like the poem he composes according to this? Do you have any other ideas about how to create a poem? Detailed reading– Activity

24. Detailed Reading pound v. strike or hit heavily and repeatedly Detailed reading– pound1 e.g. Pounding on the floor, she shouted at the top of her voice. She slipped out of the office with the stolen secret file in her handbag, her heart pounding severely.

25. Detailed Reading Collocations: Detailed reading– pound2 pound against / on e.g. Waves pounded against the pier. pound along / through / down, etc. e.g. I could hear him pounding up the stairs. pound out e.g. The Rolling Stones were pounding out one of their old numbers.

26. Detailed Reading middle ground an area of compromise or possible agreement between two extreme positions Detailed reading– middle ground e.g. Each party wants to capture the votes of those perceived as occupying the middle ground. In the argument everyone has to take sides; there is no middle ground. Practice 双方谈判无法达成共同立场。 The negotiators could find no middle ground.

27. Detailed Reading squalid a. morally repulsive; sordid Detailed reading– squalid e.g. He was living in squalid conditions. Synonyms: degraded, filthy, poor, shabby, slummy,  sordid, wretched

28. Detailed Reading imponderable n. a thing that cannot undergo precise evaluation Detailed reading– imponderable e.g. We can’t predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.

29. Detailed Reading rule of thumb a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on experience or practice rather than theory. Detailed reading– rule of thumb e.g. I haven’t been taught the finer points of carpentry; I just make things by rule of thumb. Practice 这笔生意的行事法则是礼貌至上。 The rule of thumb in this business is courtesy.

30. Detailed Reading cuddle v. hold close in one’s arms as a way of showing love or affection. Detailed reading– cuddle e.g. He cuddles the baby close. What do you think of some youngsters cuddling each other in public places, paying no heed to those who pass by? Synonyms: fondle, nestle, snuggle

31. Detailed Reading incidentally ad. by the way Detailed reading– incidentally e.g. Incidentally, it was many months before the whole truth was discovered. Derivations: incident n. e.g. A spokesman said it was an isolated incident. incidental a. e.g. problems incidental to growing up

32. Detailed Reading As a result, serious poets either starve or work as account executives. (Paragraph 2) Detailed reading– as a result … Paraphrase: As a result, serious poets could no longer depend on poetry writing for a living; they have to turn to other profession, and most probably to become a businessman, which is held traditionally diametrically opposite to the profession of literary creation.

33. Detailed Reading Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. (Paragraph 3) Detailed reading– ideally… Paraphrase: An ideal situation would be the development of a society composed of citizens who are dedicated to poetry writing, and from doing this people will have better life quality.

34. Detailed Reading This is a sure way to conjure up “poetic” feeling and atmosphere. (Paragraph 6) Detailed reading– this is a … Paraphrase: This is a way that will evoke poetic feeling and atmosphere for certain.

35. Detailed Reading You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that you’ve broken the ice. (Paragraph 11) Detailed reading– you might even … Paraphrase: Since you have removed the awkwardness of poem writing, you might even want to have a try by yourself.

36. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing Consolidation Activities- Vocabulary main Word Derivation Phrase Practice Synonym / Antonym

37. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 1) ponder v. → imponderable a./n. 他思考了几分钟才作答复。 无法估计的问题 我们无法预计结果，因为有太多的不确定因素。 Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 1 e.g. He pondered for some minutes before giving an answer. an imponderable question We can’t predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.

38. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 2) poetry n. → poetic a. → poet n. 诗歌朗诵会 那位舞蹈家舞姿优美，富有诗意。 他被女王封为桂冠诗人。 Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 2 e.g. a poetry reading The dancer, moved with poetic grace. He was awarded the poet laureate by the queen.

39. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 3) accident n.→ accidental a.→ accidentally ad. 他数年前死于车祸。 今天偶然遇到一位老朋友。 “他是无意中损坏的吗?”“不，是故意的。” Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 3 e.g. He died in an automobile accident years ago. I had an accidental meeting with an old friend today. “Did he break it accidentally?” “No, on purpose.” 

40. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 4) seek v. → seeker n. → unsought a. 他寻求答案，但无结果。 经济危机中求职者找工作困难重重。 爱管闲事的邻居总是给我们一些没必要的建议。 Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 4 e.g. He sought vainly for the answer. During economic crisis, job seekers are in great difficulty. The meddling neighbor insisted on giving us unsought advice.

41. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 5) cuddle v.→ cuddly a. 我可爱的小女儿走到她父亲那儿，要他抱抱她。 它是我所知的最可爱的狗狗，让人总想去抱抱它。 Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 5 e.g. My lovely daughter came to her father for cuddling. It is the most affectionate and cuddly dog I have ever known.

42. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 6) juice n.→ juicy a. 倒果汁前，先把瓶子摇几下。 他要了一份多汁的后腿肉牛排。 Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 6 e.g. Give the bottle a couple of shakes before pouring the juice. He ordered a juicy rump steak.

43. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 7) orientate v. → disorientated a. → orientation n. 我公司业务已转向出口方面。 到了新地方我总是找不着方向。 我在这个阶段需要熟悉情况。 Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 7 e.g. Our firm has been orientated towards the export side of the business. I always get disorientated in a new place. I needed some orientation at this stage.

44. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing 8) verse n.→ versed a. 伊丽莎白时代的许多戏剧以无韵诗形式写成。 他精通光学。 Consolidation Activities- Word derivation 8 e.g. Many Elizabethan plays are written in blank verse. He is well versed in the science of optics.

45. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing Fill in the blank in each sentence with an appropriate phrasal verb or collocation from the text. Consolidation Activities- Phrase practice 1. The sound of the pipes images of misty Highland glens and men in kilts. conjures up _____________ 2. The High Commissioner said the agreement would allow other vital problems to be . dealt with ____________ seek out 3. I decided to go to the library to some information on Roman Conquest. __________ 4. Tanks are strongly built. It is a complicated and difficult process to them . break up ______ ___

46. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing Consolidation Activities- Phrase practice relates to 5.The social change within the city wider developments in the country as a whole. ___________ 6.Faced with insurmountable linguistic problems, translators negotiated the boundaries between languages and a compromise. came up with _______________

47. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing Consolidation Activities- conjures up conjure up:bring a thought, picture, idea, or memory to someone’s mind e.g. 节食总能让人想起无尽的沙拉。 Dieting always seems to conjure up images of endless salads.

48. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing Consolidation Activities- dealt with deal with:take the necessary action, especially in order to solve a problem e.g. 别担心，这件事我会处理的。 Don’t worry, I’ll deal with this.

49. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing Consolidation Activities- seek out seek out:try to find someone or something, especially when this is difficult e.g. 我们的任务就是找出敌人然后消灭他们。 Our mission is to seek out the enemy and then destroy them.

50. Vocabulary Grammar Translation Integrated Skills Oral Activities Writing Consolidation Activities- break up break … up:if sth. breaks up, or if you break it up, it breaks into a lot of small pieces e.g. 好像那架飞机刚刚在空中解体了。 It seems that the plane just broke up in the air.