新世纪英语高一课文

1、上海外语教育出版社新世纪英语高一课文高一第一学期1. People from all walks of lifeWhen a person grows up, he will take up different occupations in various work places. A society is thus made up of all walks of life. What kind of person do you want to be in the future? The following introductions may give you some idea.TEACHE

2、R Teachers are professionals. They work in schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions. They try their best to help students gain new knowledge and become useful people in society. Teachers are involved in many tasks, such as explaining lessons, giving homework and correcting

3、papers. At the end of every term, they mark test papers and give grades to their students. Actually teachers do more. Often their impact on students stays all through their lives.SURGEON Surgeons, like teachers, are also professionals. As a special group of doctors, surgeons operate on sick people a

4、nd repair the organs that no longer work properly. Hospitals are their work places. After an operation, a surgeon takes care of the patients medical treatment until he gets well. The skills of a surgeon sometimes mean the differences between life and death.SECRETARY A secretary works in an office. T

5、he job of a secretary often involves writing letters, answering telephone calls, and receiving people. A secretary stores information on a computer and puts papers in good order in file cabinets. As a link between the boss and the visitors, a secretary also helps the boss work out plans and timetabl

6、es. Traditionally, more girls than boys work as secretaries.FASHION MODEL Fashion models wear the latest styles of clothes and show them to us through television, newspapers and magazines. Fashion show programmes usually have a large audience. The clothes and hairstyles of fashion models may seem st

7、range to the elderly, but a large number of young people enjoy following trends and want to be dressed like the models. They collect fashion pictures and admire those superstars of the catwalk.Would you like to be one of the people introduced here? What do you want to do in the future?2. What to cho

8、ose?Today more and more high school graduates go on to college. Most young people decide their courses of study for themselves. They do not wait for their parents to tell them what career to choose.For example, Jacks father practices medicine. Even though he wants his son also to become a doctor, he

9、 doesnt insist that Jack study medicine when he finishes high school.He believes that Jack must make up his own mind about his courses of study. His wife, on the other hand, disagrees with him. She thinks that Jack should become a doctor, and so he can become a partner with his father.Jack isnt sure

10、 what he wants to study in college. One day he feels that hed like to become an engineer. However, the next day he thinks that perhaps he should study business management. Right now he is studying chemistry, biology, and physics. All of them will be useful if he finally chooses to study medicine in

11、college.Jack likes his fathers attitude, and is grateful that his father isnt forcing him to become a doctor.In some countries parents often decide what careers their children will follow - especially their sons. Tchaikovsky, the composer of Swan Lake, was asked to study law. He, however, didnt take

12、 an interest in it. Tchaikovsky made a great decision on his own. He gave up his government service later and started to study music.Some people think the young are probably going to be successful because they are doing the things they most want to do in life. Many people, however, disagree with the

13、m.3. MichelangeloMichelangelo was an Italian artist about 500 years ago. Today he is still remembered as a great sculptor, painter, and architect.Michelangelo came from a poor family. He was trained at an early age like any other craftsman in Italy. At thirteen, he started to work and learn in a wor

14、kshop. The workshop belonged to one of the leading masters at that time. In the workshop Michelangelo was able to learn all the skills of sculpture. However, he wasnt satisfied, and went on to study the work of the great masters of the past. Michelangelo worked hard and he mastered one problem after

15、 another. By the time he was 30, he was generally regarded as one of the outstanding sculptors of the age.In 1508, Michelangelo was given a task - to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. At first, he tried to turn down this job, saying that he was not really a painter, but a sculptor. Finally, h

16、e agreed to do it. He then shut himself up in the chapel, let no one come near him, and got ready to work alone.It took him four years to complete the paintings on the ceiling. Any ordinary person would find it hard to imagine what Michelangelo had gone through in those four years of hard and lonely

17、 work. Michelangelo, while working, had to lie on his back and paint. As a result, he became so used to looking upward that when he received a letter during that period, he had to hold it over his head to read it. Finally, the paintings were completed. The great and huge paintings on the ceiling and

18、 walls of the chapel have ever since become a fascination to people in Italy and all over the world.Michelangelo left us with a great number of sculptures and paintings. Today his works are still examples for art students to study and follow. Home and overseas visitors cant help but admire these mas

19、terpieces.4. Jim CorriganJim Corrigan, a well-built man in his late 20s, works in a large hospital. Jim is an X-ray technician. It is his job to develop the many X-ray films that are taken of peoples lungs, stomachs and other body parts.Jim works in a darkroom, a room that is specially equipped for

20、developing film. First he removes the film from the lead plates that are used to hold it. Then he feeds the film into a developing machine. It takes about 90 seconds for it to develop. The film is then ready to be examined by a doctor.Jims work is important, and both doctors and patients eagerly, of

21、ten worriedly, wait for the results of his work. Jim doesnt keep them waiting too long. He is quick and orderly at his job. This would not be unusual except for the fact that Jim Corrigan is blind.“In the beginning it was tricky,” Jim explains, “The film comes in five different sizes. And sometimes

22、I would get them mixed up. But I have never let a mistake get out of the darkroom.” After some time, Jim learned to measure the film by running his fingers over the edges.“I have a system,” explains Jim, “so that I can find things easily in the darkroom. Its a simple system. I just keep my materials

23、 in order and put them back in the same place after I use them. I dont have to search for anything.”“Jim is quite capable and can be trusted,” says his boss, “I wouldnt have him working here if he werent. And that brings me to the question of handicapped people. You cant let yourself get upset about

24、 them. They want to be treated just like anybody else - and they should be. They dont want you to fell sorry for them.”No one has to feel sorry for Jim Corrigan.5. Starting a conversation with a foreigner in EnglishAs you rode on the bus one day, a foreigner sat down beside you. Finally, here was a

25、perfect opportunity for you to practice speaking English with a foreigner, you thought to yourself. But no words came into your head. You were tongue-tied! After 15 minutes, the foreigner got off the bus and you didnt utter a word! “What a shame!” you said to yourself.If you have had such an experie

26、nce, dont feel bad. Youre not alone. What you need is a lesson in small talk. Here are some tips that will show you how to get started.“HELLO” - A STARTER First, exchange a “Hello” or “Hi” with the foreigner, but at the same time, pay close attention and see if he feels like chatting. Watch his faci

27、al expression and body language for cues. Having said his “Hello” or “Hi” in return, does he just stare out of the window or keep reading the book in his hand? Thats the cue for you to stop moving on. Dont force a conversation on someone who wants to be left alone.But what if the person stops whatev

28、er he is doing and looks back or smiles at you? These are positive cues, indicating you can keep talking and start a conversation!SMALL TALK - THE MAIN COURSE To start a conversation, you should choose a suitable topic. Then, what are the rules for choosing a suitable topic?Perhaps the most universa

29、l topic of any conversation is the weather. Everyone has an opinion to share about the weather! Dont immediately launch into serious topics like politics or religion. And dont talk about personal matters, either. Stick to familiar subjects of a casual nature such as movies, music, sports, favourite

30、things, or ones likes and dislikes.Small talk flows naturally. Raise open-ended questions rather than yes-no questions to keep the conversation going. Try to find points of connection between you and the person you are chatting with. Offer short comments on what the other person says, and listen att

31、entively when what you say is being commented on. If you get such comments as “Thats interesting.”, “I agree.”, or “Me too.” then you know youre on the right track.You can have a lot of fun chatting in English with foreigners. They will, too. Try it! Making small talk can be one of lifes pleasures.6

32、. Never too busy for social mannersSo you forgot to answer that party invitation you received. Now, the day has come and gone, and youre feeling guilty because you never told the host you couldnt attend.“Dont allow this oversight to ruin your relationship,” says R. Thomas Boone, a US social psycholo

33、gist. “I would show up with a bottle of wine and say, I owe you one. Im really sorry,” Boone says.Send an e-mail, make a phone call or reach out to the host another way. Whatever the method, do it as soon as possible.If guests dont answer the invitations on time, the host cannot possibly plan for th

34、e correct amount of food and drink. This may lead to hundreds or even thousands of dollars of waste.“Everybody has a busy schedule now,” Boone says. If you know you are forgetful when it comes to making phone calls, try emailing your RSVPs as soon as the invitation arrives. RSVP is the short form of

35、 the French phrase “répondez sil vous plaît”, meaning “Reply, if you please”.The following are some commonly used terms in invitation letters and their meanings. Be sure to know these and answer invitations properly.RSVP, REGRETS ONLY Only guests who cant attend need reply. You need to giv

36、e a proper reason why you cant attend.RSVP BY Guests should respond with yes or no by the date indicated on the invitation. Setting a date gives guests a deadline. It is also a deadline for the host to connect guests who havent reply.RSVP BY E-MAIL Guests can respond by e-mail. Unlike phone calls, e

37、-mails can be sent without regard to time of day or location.7. Holidays and festivals in the United KingdomThere are many national holidays in the United Kingdom. Among them, Easter, and Christmas are two of the most famous.EASTER The date of Easter varies each year. It usually falls in March or Ap

38、ril. During the Easter holiday, people give each other chocolate Easter eggs. The eggs are opened and eaten on Easter Sunday. On Good Friday (the day before Easter, when Christians observe the day on which Christ died), hot cross buns are sold. They are toasted and eaten with butter. Easter Monday (

39、the day after Easter) is a Bank Holiday. On that day, banks and other major businesses are closed; people may enjoy a trip to the seaside or watch an exciting sports game, such as football, or horse-racing.CHRISTMAS For most British families, Christmas is certainly the most important holiday of the

40、year. Families decorate their houses in bright colours. Usually a Christmas tree is placed in the front room, shining with coloured lights and interesting decorations.On the morning of Christmas Day , many people go to church to celebrate the birth of Christ(. In the afternoon, they stay at home and

41、 open the gifts that were gathered around the tree. Later, they may watch the Queen appear on television to deliver her traditional Christmas message to the whole country. In the evening, the families sit down to a big goose (sometimes turkey) dinner. They round off the meal with pudding, a Christma

42、s specialty.Many traditions are connected with Christmas. For children, the most important one is that of receiving gifts. On Christmas Eve (December 24), they usually leave a long stocking hanging by the bed or by the fireplace. They hope that Father Christmas will come down the chimney during the

43、night and bring them small presents. They are usually not disappointed!December 26, Boxing Day, is also a public holiday. This is the time to visit friends or watch football. Students have several weeks off school for Christmas.8. How do different cultures around the world celebrate the New Year?Get

44、 ready to say good-bye to the old, hello to the new! Whats the occasion? The coming of the New Year.Many Western cultures measure their days with the solar calendar. Therefore, they observe the coming of New Year on January 1. Cultures in Asia and Middle East use other calendars, such as the more an

45、cient lunar calendar. They celebrate the New Year at other times.Events and ceremonies vary from country to country. But in each places, New Year celebrations are a big meal.Most world cultures have been celebrating the New Year for centuries. The earliest New Year celebrations took place during spr

46、ing or harvest time. With better weather ahead, or plenty of food to eat in winter, people naturally felt like having a party!As the days became longer and as nature renewed itself, people also felt like they could have a new start. Past disappointments could be forgotten. The New Year could bring b

47、etter fortune, more opportunities and new challenges. Such universal themes remain the same today.Some cultures have unusual New Year traditions. Italians throw old things out of their windows at midnight, symbolizing the departure of the old. Mexicans fire guns into the air to keep away misfortunes

48、.New Year celebrations also involve having fun. Some cultures view the New Year as an opportunity to let off fireworks. In New York Citys Times Square, thousands gather on December 31 to count down the last seconds of the year. A giant silver ball is lowered at the stroke of midnight.London, England

49、, hosts an annual New Years Day parade that draws nearly a million spectators. The largest parade in Europe, it features bands and enormous balloons. These balloons are so huge that they tower over nearby buildings!How will you celebrate the New Year? Think about the themes you find meaningful durin

50、g this season. Do you hope for a new start or a chance to turn over a new leaf? whatever the case, we wish you well. Happy New Year!9. Mans four-legged friendThe sun was shining and it was warm. Robin, a shepherd, was lying on the grass, enjoying the beautiful sunshine. His guard, a sheepdog, was st

51、anding next to him, looking at the flock of sheep.This is only a scene in a movie, but it does give us a real picture showing mans relationship with dogs. For a long time in history, dogs were not only being raised to work as mans guards, but they were also being trained to do many other jobs. Some

52、were made to pull carts; others were bred to smell out enemies or track the scent of big animals. In addition to these hunting and working dogs, other breeds came to be used in sports, police work and as pets as well. In a way dogs have become mans friends and working partners.If you have a dog you

53、love as a pet, you share some of your life with it. The dog lives in your home, keeps you company and goes on trips with you. Dogs rely on their excellent sense of smell to tell things apart. This sharp sense helps man and dogs themselves get over a lot of difficulties.A detective once trained a dog

54、-Sauer. In 1925 while he was thinking hard about how to catch a thief. Sauer worked alone and tracked the thief after covering a distance of 160 kilometres. Sauer did this by scent alone. In 1923 a couple lost their dog Bobbie while they were travelling. Six months later Bobbie turned up at the fami

55、ly house. He had covered a distance of some 3,200 kilometres. The dog had travelled back through the Rocky Mountains in the depths of winter.Dogs are indeed mans best friends. Yet sometimes even the friendliest dog can bring death with its bite! This is not because it has changed in character, but b

56、ecause it has been infected with a terrible disease-rabies. The disease is passed on by a bite from an infected dog at any stage. When an infected person shows symptoms, death is certain to follow shortly after. So, in order to prevent the disease, a person should go to a doctor at once if he has be

57、en bitten by a dog. Dogs remain mans best friends, but we should also try our best to guard against the horrible disease that can be carried by these friends.10. Well done, Spotty!We were walking alone when we saw the Wilkins children playing in their yard. The three girls were taking turns pushing

58、a cart. Their one-year-old twin brothers and a big doll were in it. Just as we walked by them, a wheel came off. Freckles, my friend, fixed it for them. Then they all went upstairs to play some games. After a while Mrs Wilkins went out, and left the twins with the girls.Well, it wasnt much fun for m

59、e, and soon I went to sleep.I must have slept pretty hard and pretty long. All of a sudden I woke up and could hardly breathe. Everybody was gone. The room was full of smoke! The house was on fire!I started down the stairs and stumbled over a gray bunch. “That belongs to Freckles,” I thought. “Its the gray sweater that he likes so much. I might as well take it down to him.”I too