新概念英语第九课原文

新概念英语第九课原文
New Concept English Lesson 9
Part 1: The Text
A man called Charles Osborne holds the world record for the longest time spent hiccupping. His hiccups began in 1922 and continued until 1990, a total of 68 years! Osborne's hiccups started after he had a heavy meal, and they just never stopped. Although his hiccups were not painful, they did cause him great inconvenience. He was unable to sleep properly and found it difficult to eat or drink. Despite this, Osborne managed to lead a normal life. He got married, had eight children, and even worked as a farmer and a carpenter. In 1990, however, his hiccups suddenly stopped, and he was able to enjoy a hiccup-free life until his death in 1991.
Part 2: Vocabulary and Phrases
1. hiccup (n): a sudden, involuntary contraction of the diaphragm muscle
2. record (n): the best or highest achievement in a particular activity
3. heavy (adj): large in amount, size, or degree
4. inconvenience (n): trouble or difficulty caused to someone
5. properly (adv): correctly or in the right way
6. carpenter (n): a person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures
Part 3: Comprehension Questions
1. How long did Charles Osborne's hiccups last?
2. What caused Osborne's hiccups?
3. How did his hiccups affect his daily life?
4. When did Osborne's hiccups finally stop?
Part 4: Language Points
1. "His hiccups began in 1922 and continued until 1990."
- The verb "began" is in the past simple tense, indicating the start of an action in the past.
- The verb "continued" is in the past simple tense, indicating the ongoing nature of an action in the past.
2. "Although his hiccups were not painful, they did cause him great inconvenience."
- The conjunction "although" introduces a contrast between two ideas.
- The verb "were" is in the past simple tense, indicating the state of something in the past.
- The verb "did cause" is in the past simple tense, indicating the cause and effect relationship between two actions in the past.
3. "He was unable to sleep properly and found it difficult to eat or drink."
- The verb "was" is in the past simple tense, indicating the state of someone in the past.
- The verb "found" is in the past simple tense, indicating the discovery of a difficulty in the past.
4. "In 1990, however, his hiccups suddenly stopped, and he was able to enjoy a hiccup-free life until his death in 1991."
- The adverb "suddenly" describes the manner in which his hiccups stopped.
- The verb "stopped" is in the past simple tense, indicating the end of an action in the past.
- The verb "was able to enjoy" is in the past simple tense, indicating the ability to experience something in the past.
Part 5: Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever experienced hiccups? How did you get rid of them?
2. Can you think of any other long-lasting medical conditions that people have experienced?
3. How do you think Charles Osborne managed to lead a normal life despite his hiccups?
4. Do you know any interesting records or achievements held by individuals?
Conclusion:
Charles Osborne's 68-year-long hiccups were a remarkable medical phenomenon. Despite the inconvenience they caused, he managed to live a
fulfilling life. His story serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.。