Listeningandvocabulary.doc

Philosophers of Ancient ChinaAncient China was a place where states were often at war with each other. But it was also a time when there were many great philosophers. Confucius(551BC-479BC)is the philosopher whose influence has been the greatest. He stressed the importance of kindness, duty and order in society. Chinese society was influenced by these ideas for more than 2,000 years.Mencius was a thinker whose teachings were very similar to those of Confucius. Mencius was born in 372BC. His father died when he was young, and he was brought up by his mother. He become a student of Confuciuss ideas, and was then given an important position in the government of a state. However,when he saw that the ruler was not following his advice,he resigned. For many years he travelled from state to state,teaching the principles of Confucius. He then became an adviser to another ruler. He spent his last years preparing a book of his teachings called The Book of Mencius. Mencius believed that the reason why man is different from animals is that man is good. He taught that if the government was kind, then people would be good. He believed that people were more important than rulers, and hated the state when it treated people badly.Mozi was another teacher who was very influential. Born in 476BC, he came from a family, which was very poor. He became famous for his unusual clothes and behaviour. Mozi founded the philosophy called Mohism. In some ways, his beliefs were similar to those of Confucius. For ecample, he considered that government was most important, As a result, he spent many years trying to find a state where people would follow his teachings. Mozi believed that all men were equal. His idea of love was different from the Confucian idea of kindness. Mozi taught that we should love all human beings and look after those who are weaker than ourselves. He hated the idea of war. Mozi died in 390BC.WorksheetFastreadingSkim the text quickly and choose the best answers.1Whats the main idea of the passage?ATeachings of ancient Chinese thinkers. BThree great philosophers of ancient China.CInteresting stories about the three philosophers. DThe history of ancient Chinese philosophy.2What was the possible relationship between Confucius and Mencius?ATeachers and students. BMencius was the follower of Confuciuss idea.CThey all worked for the same state. DNothing related at all.3What is the similarity of the three philosophers in ancient China according to the passage?AThey were all born poor. BThey all wrote their own books.CThey all traveled from state to state. DTheir philosophies all influenced China for a long time.4Which shows Mozis belief was similar to that of Confucius?AWe should love all human beings. BThe government shouldnt treat people badly.CWe should look after those who are weaker than ourselves. DThe government is the most important.Activity 1Find these words in the passage and underline them,then match them with the definitionsorder(n) stress bring up adviser found(v) principle influencial belief position follow ones advice resigna. order(n) 1. job b. stress 2. give a lot of importance to c. bring up 3. when people obey laws and rules and do not cause trouble d. found(v) 4. the feeling that something is true and existse. principle 5. tell your employer that you are going to leave your jobf. influencial 6. Someone who gives adviceg. belief 7. to look after children until they are adultsh. position 8. do what he suggestedi. resign 9. an idea that influences the way you behavej. adviser 10. to start an organisation or philosophyk. follow ones advice 11. having a lot of influenceActivity 2Fill in the blanks with the given words. Change the form if necessary.order(n) stress bring up adviser found(v) principle influence belief position follow the doctors advice resign1Theyhaveverydefiniteideasonhow to children.2The teacher that we should be on time. 3Yao Ming is an person in China. 4He is a man of high 5Weemployyouas alegal . 6I dont know why he from the company.7Theresonly onereasonto _8He has got a good in the company.9The organization by the famous actress has helped countless children who lost their parents.10Many old people still have the that boys are better than girls.11Some teachers find it difficult to keep their classes in_.Activity 3Translate these sentences by using the given words.1、王医生特别强调许多疾病与压力有关 （stress ）2、孔子是一位非常有影响力的哲学家，他对中国教育的影响是非常大的。（influence ）3、陈