Unit 1(bk I)

Text Organization
Part III (Paras 6-9) The experience of writing the essay helped him discover his talent for writing and realize what he wished to do in life
Text Organization
Part I (Paras 1-2) Baker was bored by everything associated with English courses, including essay writing
Text Organization
Part II (Paras 3-5) Baker found himself attracted by one particular topic and wrote about it for his own joy
anticipate & expect anticipate: to look forward to, especially with pleasure (usu. followed by gerund or that-clause). Sometimes it refers to taking advance action, as to forestall or prevent the occurrence of sth. expected or to meet a wish or request before it is articulated The police had anticipated trouble from the soccer fans and were at the ground in large numbers. expect: to look forward to the probable occurrence or appearance of I can’t go to bed now. I’m expecting telephone call from America.
Language points
The idea of becoming a writer had come to me off and on since my childhood in Belleville, but it wasn’t until my third year in high school that the possibility took hold --I was a child in Belleville, I had thought of becoming a writer from time to time, but I didn’t make up my mind until I was in the eleventh grade.
rigid: (often disapproving) fixed in behavior, based on correct or accepted rules The rigid headmaster would button his clothes even on the hottest days. If he had been a little less rigid about things, his daughter would not have left home at such a young age.
I was preparing myself for a command to report to Mr. Fleagle immediately after school for discipline… --I expected Mr. Fleagle would order me to see him soon after school for the purpose of punishing me… command n. order The rebellious army would not obey any command from the President. v. give an order to The captain commanded his men to abandon the ship immediately.
Unit One
Growing Up
Cultural Tips
The Art of Eating Spaghetti
Hold the fork in your hand as if to poke the spaghetti Scoop up a small amount of spaghetti on your fork and raise it about 30 cm above your plate Make sure the spaghetti on your fork is completely disconnected from the remainder on your plate Put the prongs of the fork at an edge of the plate that is free of food
The Art of Eating Spaghetti
Quickly point the prongs of the fork straight down toward the plate and place the points on the plate Twirl the fork to gather the spaghetti around the prongs With a quick scooping movement, gather up the roll around the prongs and place it in your mouth Gently gather up any stray spaghetti ends that don’t make it all the way into your mouth
Questions again
Would you enjoy writy or why not? Why did Russell Baker enjoy writing “The Art of Spaghetti”?
Text A Writing For Myself
Comprehension Questions
Para.1 When did the author’s dream of becoming a writer seem possible? Why had he felt bored by everything associated with English courses? Para.2 What did the students think of Mr. Fleagle? According to Mr. Baker, which word could vividly describe Mr. Fleagle? Para.3 Which topic attracted Mr. Baker’s attention at last? Para.4 What kind of dish was spaghetti in those days? Why were all the people in Uncle Allen’s house laughing and arguing?
off and on (or on and off): from time to time, now and again, irregularly It has been raining on and off for a week. That’s why the clothes feel damp. She slept off and on last night because of the severe headache. take hold: become established The idea of one child has taken hold in most urban Chinese families. Old habits die hard. That’s why you should stop smoking before the habits takes hold.
Para.5 What did Mr. Baker write for? Para.6 Did Mr. Baker prepare another essay to Mr. Fleagle’s requirements? Why? Para.7 What would Mr. Fleagle do? Para.8 What was the students’ response to Mr. Baker’s writing? Para.9 In which way did this experience change Mr. Baker? Can you explain “ the very essence of the essay ”?
--- Russell Baker
Cultural Notes
Grade Schools in the U.S. What American teaches wear in school
Pre-questions
Have you ever seen the American soap series “ Growing Pains ”? Do you like it? Why? Do you like to be a child or an adult? Is there anything in your life that has made you change much?
I prepared for an unfruitful year with Mr. Fleagle and for a long time was not disappointed --I expected that things wouldn’t improve with Mr. Fleagle as our English teacher, and for a long time I was right in my expectations. (Note that here is a touch of irony.) face up to: be brave enough to accept or deal with (a problem or difficulty) Now that your daughter is born, you’ll have to face up to the responsibilities of being a father.
I hated the assignments to turn out long, lifeless paragraphs that were agony for teachers to read and for me to write. --I found it painful to write long, boring essays as required by teachers; neither did teachers enjoy what I wrote. turn out: produce American film studios turn out hundreds of films every year. New computers are soon outdated since newer models are turned out constantly.