现代大学英语精读1第二版8-16单元课文语言点

1、Unit 8III Detailed Discussion of the Text 1. In the middle of the desert, I came upon a young man standing by the roadside. (Para. 1 ) come upon: (literary) to meet, find, or discover by chance or by accident More examples: During their trip they came upon an unknown animal. The other day, I came up

2、on a very interesting book that deals with this issue. Compare: to come upon and to come across2. He had his thumb out and held a gas can in his other hand. (Para. 1) This is the usual gesture of hitchhikers when they ask for a free ride. The gas can obviously is meant to explain why he needed this

3、favor He had run out of gas.3. There was a time., when youd be considered a jerk if. (Para. 1) Drill students in the attributive clauses introduced by when in the following pattern: -Has he always been in such poor health? -No, there was a time when he was as strong as a horse. Substitutes: Has he a

4、lways been so fond of Western music? Has the water in that river always been so dirty? Has corruption always been such a serious problem? Has the weather always been so dry here in spring? jerk: (informal) a stupid person who does not care about the effects of his actions4. With gangs, drug addicts,

5、., lurking everywhere,. (Para. 1) This is a prepositional phrase (with + its complex object) used as an adverbial of reason. It could be turned into an adverbial clause introduced by as: As gangs, drag addicts,., are lurking everywhere,. gang: a group of criminals who work together addict: someone w

6、ho is unable to stop taking drugs lurk: to wait silently and secretly, ready to do wrong5. Leaving him stranded., did not bother me so much. What bothered me was. (Para. 2) leave sb/sth done: to make sb/sth stay in a certain state More examples: They left the food untouched. Never leave the door unl

7、ocked. We are not going to leave anything untried. Drill students in subject clauses introduced by what in the following pattern: -What did he say at the meeting yesterday? -I dont know what he said. / I dont remember what he said. / Im not interested in what he said. / OK, let me tell you what he s

8、aid. / What he said was very funny. Substitutes: What did he do? What did he see?6. I never even lifted my foot off the accelerator. (Para. 2) The author was really shocked-how he could have been so indifferent, so unfeeling and so unsympathetic. accelerator: the part or a car that can make the car

9、go faster when you press it7 . relying solely on the goodwill of his fellow Americans. (Para. 3) To rely on and to depend on are sometimes synonyms. But in the following context, to depend on is the right choice: -Are you going? -That depends. It depends on whether Im free. fellow Americans: other A

10、mericans like oneself. Also: fellow students, fellow teachers, fellow workers 8. The idea intrigued me. (Para. 4) intrigue: to interest greatly; to fascinate; to attract 9. The week I turned 37, I realized that I had never taken a gamble in my life. (Para. 5) The week I turned 37.: The week (when) I

11、 turned 37. Here when is often omitted. Similarly, we say the day I was born., the year he got married., the night the fire broke out., etc. take a gamble: We can also say to take a rest, to take a risk, etc. Pay attention to this kind of collocation.10 . through the land of the almighty dollar. (Pa

12、ra. 5) the land of the almighty dollar: the country in which money has as much power as God (it here referring to the United States). The dollar is the most powerful thing/motive.11 . and headed for the Golden Gate Bridge with a 50-pound pack on my back and a sign displaying my destination to passin

13、g vehicles: America. (Para. 6) The author was holding a sign showing people where he was going. The fact that he put America as his destination may have been the reason why he was so well treated. It must have caught the attention of the media and roused peoples patriotic feelings. Golden Gate Bridg

14、e is in San Francisco. 12. hitched (Para. 7) = hitchhiked To hitch can also mean to fasten (a trailer, etc).13 . to watch out for the cowboys in Wyoming. (Para. 7) . to be careful about the cowboys in Wyoming. More examples of to watch out: Watch out for cars when youre crossing the street. Watch ou

15、t! The train is coming.14 . when it seemed to run contrary to their own best interests. (Para. 7) . when it seemed to be in a way that was opposite to their best interests./., when it seemed to be exactly what they should not have done for their own safety. run contrary to: to run against; to run co

16、unter to Contrary is an adverb here.15 . a car pulled to the road shoulder. (Para. 8) The word pull is often used to describe the movement of a car. eg He had to pull up at the red light. (to make the car come to a halt) The policeman ordered him to pull over. (to stop his car at the side of the roa

17、d) She pulled in to let the truck pass. (to move to the side of the road and stop) shoulder: (AmE) an area of ground at the side of the road where drivers can stop their cars if they have some trouble; roadside 16 . old ladies dressed in their Sunday finest. (para. 8) . old ladies who were wearing t

18、heir best clothes. It could be that these ladies were on their way to the church or back home from the church. In is often used to mean wearing sth. More examples: He looked very handsome in his army uniform. I saw a woman in black hurrying to the hotel. The boy was in rags, and he was hungry.17. I

19、didnt know whether to kiss them or scold them for stopping. (Para. 8) I didnt know whether I should thank them for their kindness or criticize them for running this risk. The author was obviously deeply touched. He says this to emphasize the kindness and courage of the two old ladies, not to suggest

20、 that it was wrong or stupid. Whether cannot be replaced by if in this pattern. If is usually followed by a clause and without or. 18 . shed rather risk her life than feel bad about. (Para. 8) . she preferred to risk her life rather than feel guilty about. More examples of the use of would rather.,

21、than. : Id rather stay at home than go out tomorrow. Id rather marry someone I can trust than someone who has lots of money but no heart. Wed rather live a simple life with clean air, clean water and clean food than a life of luxury in a heavily polluted place. 19 . a trucker pulled over, locking hi

22、s brakes so hard he skidded on the grass shoulder. (para. 9) trucker: truck driver locking his brakes: putting on suddenly (slamming on/applying) his brakes skid: to slide sideways and go out of control20 . robbed at knifepoint (Para. 9) . robbed while the robber pointed a knife at him. Also: at gun

23、point21. But I hate to see. (Para. 9) The proper translation would be: 我真不愿见到 . More examples: I hate to disturb you, but could you take a look at my computer? I really hate to ask my parents for money.22. compassionate (Para. 10) feeling sympathy for sb who is suffering Compassionate and sympatheti

24、c are synonyms. But in the following sentences, the word sympathetic is used, not compassionate: They are very sympathetic to our plan. I like to talk to her about my problems. She has a very sympathetic ear.23. a house painter (Para. 10) a man who paints houses, not an artist who paints pictures24.

25、 But what I found most touching was the fact that they all did it as a matter of course. (Para. 11) as a matter of course: as the most natural way to act Tell the students to complete the following sentences involving the use of fact followed by an appositive clause (同位语从句): I was very much impresse

26、d by the fact that. The fact that., shows that agriculture is still our greatest problem. We cannot ignore the fact that.25. The executive director., banded me a brochure for a local campground. (Para. 12) executive director: can be translated as 执行董事，常务经理，主管人员, etc brochure: a thin book giving info

27、rmation or advertising sth campground: (AmE) an area where people can camp that often provides water, gas, food and other services. It is estimated that nationwide there are more than 16,000 such campgrounds in the United States.26. to pitch a tent (Para. 12) to set up a tent This is a typical collo

28、cation. More examples: to solve a problem/to park a car/to mow the lawn/to make sense/to fit the description/to dial the phone/to give permission/to take pride in/to harvest results27. Now were talking. (Para. 12) This is used when you think someones suggestion is a very good idea. 【(informal)I welc

29、ome that offer or suggestion 这才像话；这才合我的心意】More examples: 1) -I suggest we first get a hamburger and then a big ice cream. Now we (you) are talking! Lets go. 2) -Lets call it a day. We cant work all day. -Now we (you) are talking.28. Tell you what. (Para. 12) (Ill) tell you what is used when you are

30、suggesting or offering sth. More examples: 1) -Id like to go very much. But its too far away. Tell you what. You take my car. Im not going anywhere today. 2) wont be able to come back home until 7:00. But I have to pick up my son at 5:30. -Tell you what. I11 pick up your son and take him to my place

31、.29. His wife,., a seventh-grade science teacher, was cooking a pot roast. (Para. 13) In the US education begins in elementary school, which is for children between the ages of 5 and 11, then goes on to middle school, which is for children between 11 and 14, then to high school, which is for childre

32、n of 14 or 15 to 18 years old. After that there will be college or university. pot roast: meat cooked in a pot on top of the stove, not in the oven30. mountain stay-at-home people who rarely entertained in their house. (Para. 13) stay-at-home people: people who are happy to stay at home all the time

33、 and do not like to do exciting things Draw the students attention to the way this compound word is formed. More examples: the next-to-last step/a wait-and-see policy/a take-it-or-leave-it attitude/a get-rich-quick dream 31. This revelation made my night there all the more special (Para. 13) revelat

34、ion: something surprising suddenly made known to you. It comes from the verb reveal. all the more special: used for emphasis, which means more special than usual. Similarly: all the more difficult, all the more interesting32. I. had been scheduled to talk to every class. (Para. 14) be scheduled to d

35、o sth: to be planned that sb will do sth or sth will happen More examples: He is scheduled to go to the Great Wall during his visit. The railway is scheduled to go into operation in 2005.33. to run sb over (Para. 14) to hit sb with a car or other vehicle eg He was run over by a bus.34 . how my faith

36、., had been renewed. (Para. 15) faith: strong belief or trust People are often said to have or have no faith in such things as human nature, God, government, etc. 35. In spite of everything you can still depend on the kindness of strangers. (Para. 15) in spite of: regardless of; despite More example

37、s: In spite of the bad weather conditions we still had a good harvest. He did not succeed in spite of his poverty. He succeeded because of it.Unit 9III Detailed Discussion of the Text1. The policeman on the beat. (Para. 1) beat: an area of the town or city that a police officer regularly walks aroun

38、d on/walking the beat: (of a policeman) on duty, walking around 2. The impressiveness was normal and not for show, for spectators were few. (para. 1 ) The police officer walked that way habitually, not to attract attention or admiration because there were few people in the streets. for show: with th

39、e purpose of looking attractive or impressive rather than being useful3. The time was barely ten oclock, but chilly gusts of wind with a taste of rain in them had almost emptied the streets. (Para. 1 ) barely: hardly; only just More examples: She spoke so softly. I could barely hear her. I can barel

40、y make both ends meet. How can I buy a car? a taste of rain: a small amount of rain empty: to make (a place) empty; to cause people leave (a place) More examples: The TV series emptied the streets at 8 pm every Saturday. He emptied his pockets to show that he really had no money on him. The river fi

41、nally empties into the Atlantic. (used as an intransitive verb)4. Trying doors as he went, swinging his club with many clever movements, turning now and then to cast his watchful eye down the peaceful street, the officer, with his strongly built form and slight air of superiority, made a fine pictur

42、e of a guardian of the peace. (Para. 2) This sentence conveys very important information about the police officer; he is described as the guardian of the peace on the beat. Questions to elicit responses from students: 1) What did the police officer do while walking the beat? What for? What does all

43、this show about this police officer? trying doors as he went: to find whether they were locked (his strong sense of responsibility) swinging his club with many clever movements: to warn off would-be troublemakers (his confidence and competence as a cop) turning now and then to cast his watchful eye

44、down the peaceful street: to notice possible danger or illegal activity (his vigilance as a policeman) 2) What made him look a guardian of the peace? his strongly built form: physically, he was strong enough to deal with lawbreakers (his strength) slight air of superiority: spiritually, he was able

45、to overpower criminals (his pride and sense of dignity as a law-enforcing officer) cast ones eye on/over/down sth: to look at, or read sth quickly eye: a particular way of seeing, judging or understanding sth5. The area was one that kept early hours. (Para. 2) People in that area closed their stores

46、 pretty early.6. all-night lunch counter (Para. 2) all-night: open all night lunch counter: a counter in a store or restaurant where food is served or sold to be taken out 7. Halfway down a certain block, the policeman suddenly slowed his walk. (Para. 3) Question: Why did the policeman slow down? Be

47、cause he saw a man standing in the doorway and he became suspicious, or because he was excited that it might be the friend he had expected to see.8. In the doorway of a darkened hardware store a man leaned, with an unlighted cigar in his mouth. (Para. 3) The writer was careful about the details in t

48、he description. It had to be a darkened store and Bobs cigar had to be unlighted, otherwise the policeman would find that it was the man wanted by the police in Chicago. 9. As the policeman walked up to him, the man spoke up quickly. (Para. 3) walk up: to walk towards sb speak up: to speak louder so

49、 that people can hear you (Obviously, the man in the doorway didnt want the police officer to suspect him.)10. Its an appointment made twenty years ago. (Para. 3) The man was eager to explain something to the police officer, which reflected the mentality of a man wanted by the police. It is strange

50、that they did not recognize each other. It could be the darkness and long separation. It could also be that Jimmy was cautious. 11. Sounds a little funny to you, doesnt it? (Para. 3) sound: a link verb here More examples: It may sound easy to you, but actually it is very difficult. The name sounds f

51、amiliar, but I cant recall where I heard it. It sounds good. OK, lets do it.12 . to make certain its all straight (Para. 4) . to make sure that its all true. Straight here means true, accurate; it can also mean honest, frank, as in the following examples: Ill be straight with you. You will lose this

52、 job if you dont work hard. Yes or no? Cant you give me a straight answer?13. The light showed a pale, square-jawed face with keen eyes, and a little white scar near his eyebrow. (Para. 6) The match light showed a face which must have fitted the description of the wanted man, especially the square j

53、aw and the white scar. keen eyes: sharp eyes; eyes of good sight14. His tiepin was a large diamond, oddly set. (Para. 6) oddly set: the diamond placed in a strange or unusual way showing the owners lack of taste The mention of the diamond tiepin and that of the scar suggested what Bob had gone throu

54、gh in the West. 15. Twenty years ago tonight. (Para. 7) Similar expressions: ten years ago this morning/this time yesterday/at exactly this hour next Sunday 16. The next morning I was to start for the West to make my fortune. (para. 7) Cultural note: In popular ideas about America, the Wild West has

55、 always meant the land of opportunities and adventures, where many European settlers moved during the 19th century to establish new farms and new cities. In films it is often shown as a place where cowboys and Native Americans fight each other, and where cowboys use guns rather than the law to settl

56、e arguments. Therefore, a situation where there are no laws or controls is sometimes described as being like the Wild West. make ones fortune: to make a large amount of money 17. no matter what our conditions might be. (Para. 7) Notice this pattern: no matter what = whatever no matter when = wheneve

57、r no matter where = wherever no matter who = whoever no matter how = however 18. We figured that in twenty years each of us ought to have our fate worked out and our fortunes made, whatever they were going to be. (Para. 7) We thought by that time we would have found out our fate and known how much w

58、e have achieved materially-whether our fortune huge or small work out: to happen, develop, or end in a particular way or to have a particular result More examples: The project didnt work out the way we wanted it to. Things seem to be working out satisfactorily.19. Havent you heard from your friend s

59、ince you left? (Para. 9) Negative general questions are often used to show surprise. More examples: Marys back. Didnt you know? Arent you going? Its such a beautiful place. Havent you had supper yet? Its almost 10.20. Well, yes, for a time we wrote, said the other. (Para. 9) for a time: for a short

60、period of time The word time can form many useful phrases. Here are some of the most frequently used: ahead of time, all the time, at any time, at one time, at the same time, for the time being, from time to time, in time, in no time, on time21 . we lost track of each other. (Para. 9) . we lost cont