Unit 1 The way to success

Objectives

1. use the key expressions to talk about the way to success

2. apply the reading skill --understanding denotation and connotation 3. write a passage following the structure of an expository essay 4. translate attributive clauses

5. develop a right attitude toward success

Section A Never, ever give up!

Lead-in

Watch the video clip and discuss the following questions in pairs. 1. What factors lead to success according to the speaker?

The three things that lead to success are as follows: passion, work, good. 2. Can you name several other important factors for success?

There are other important factors for success: good luck, talent, a clear goal, good relationship with your colleagues, self-confidence, etc.

Inspiring your thoughts

Task 1 Global understanding of the introduction Read Paras. 1-2 and answer the following questions.

? What is the main idea of this part?

It introduces the theme question of the text: What is the secret of success?

? Whose example is used to elicit the idea? The example of Winston Churchill.

Task 2 Global understanding of the body (Paras. 3-7)

Step 1 Read Paras.3-7 and find out who are cited as examples to illustrate the secret of success. What are the examples used to show the secret of success?

… Take the example of two of the most scholarly scientists of our age, Albert Einstein and Thomas Edison. Both faced immense obstacles and extreme criticism. Both were called “slow to learn” and written off as idiots by their teachers. … In the end, both Einstein and Edison overcame their childhood persecution and went on to achieve magnificent discoveries that benefit the entire world today. (Para. 3)

(Nothing can inhibit a strong spirit committed to success: Einstein and Edison are good examples to illustrate this. )

Consider also the heroic example of Abraham Lincoln, … His background was certainly not glamorous. … Later in life, he suffered profound grief over the tragic death of three of his four children. Yet his strong will was the spur that pushed him forward, strengthening his optimism, dedication and determination. … A hundred years later, people from around the world commend Abraham Lincoln as the greatest American president of all time. (Para. 4)

(The example of Abraham Lincoln is added here to show that his strong will was the spur to push him forward and finally to make him successful. (Para. 4) )

After growing up on a cattle ranch without running water or electricity, Sandra Day O’Connor fought to achieve the best education possible. … Through sheer persistence she was eventually nominated and then appointed the first woman Supreme Court Justice of the United States of

America. There, she acted as a crucial vote on issues like abortion and women’s rights. (Para. 6) (The example of Sandra Day O’Connor is given here to show that her success is due to her sheer persistence. (Para. 6) )

Task 3 Global understanding of the conclusion

Read Para.8 and fill in the blanks with the missing information.

With ___________, ____________, ___________ and ___________, you can transcend any handicap, accomplish any feat, and achieve success! (hard work , determination, dedication, preparation)

Analysis of the whole text structure

Introduction (Paras. 1-2): Use the example of Churchill to lead to the question: What’s the secret of success? Churchill managed to be a successful man although he was not a good student when he was young. (Para. 1) “Never give up” is the speech given by Churchill to young boys in his old school. (Para.2)

Body (Paras. 3-7): Give illustrations and examples to bring forward the statement that only those with a strong will, those who “keep their eyes on the prize”, and those who expend the substantial effort to keep going, will finally succeed. Nothing can inhibit a strong spirit committed to success: Einstein and Edison are good examples to illustrate this. (Para.3) The example of Abraham Lincoln is added here to show that his strong will was the spur to push him forward and finally to make him successful. (Para. 4) Only those who “keep their eyes on the prize” will find their endeavors successful: Many artists, statesmen, writers and inventors have had the same experience. (Para.5) The example of Sandra Day O’Connor is given here to show that her success is due to her sheer persistence. (Para.6)

The secret of success is based upon a burning inward desire that fuels the determination to act, to keep preparing, to keep going. Without substantial effort, only saying they want something will not bring success to people. (Para. 7) Conclusion: Reinforce the statement above With hard work, determination, dedication and preparation, you can transcend any handicap, accomplish any feat, and achieve success. (Para.8)

Detailed understanding of the text

Step 1 Read the text again and complete the table (on the next slide) with the missing information. Examples Winston Churchill Thomas Addison Albert Einstein Abraham Lincoln Difficulties in life Not a good student; Almost being removed from the school Slow to learn; Ran away from school Didn’t speak fluently until he was almost 9 years old; A poor student Substantial hardships, failures and repeated misfortunes Factors for success wit, wisdom, civic duty, and abundant courage Their parents believed in them; Never bypass the long hours of hard work that they needed to succeed Strong will, optimism, dedication and determination Fought to achieve the best education possible; Sheer persistence Sandra Day Grew up on a cattle ranch; O’Connor Was rejected from the entire law circuit

Step 2 Work in groups of four. Retell the story of each of the five people in the examples cited in the table.

Step 3 Discuss what traits these people have in common to be successful. Critical thinking

Think over the following three questions and share your ideas with your classmates.

1. How do you understand the remark “It’s not how many times you fall down that matters.

It’s how many times you get back up that makes success!”?

You may have tried and failed many times before you finally get success. But it does not matter. What matters is whether you can summon up all your courage again and again to face the hardships standing in the way of success.

2. Do you agree that “there are times when it’s simply better to give up”?

? When I have realized that I am pursuing something that is hard to achieve, I would try to

stick to the goal. But I will begin to think of what I can do to improve the situation. When it still doesn’t work, I would try to analyze what the problem is and then make some changes and probably reset my goal.

? Yes, sometimes we are pursuing the wrong goal which can never be achieved, only to

find ourselves in deep frustration and profound fatigue. In this situation, I may give up the wrong goal and set up another goal that is achievable.

3. How can we avoid wasting time and energy in achieving success?

? Following the guidance of senior people. ? Getting sound advice from our parents. ? Setting a correct goal.

? Achieving success step by step.

? Developing good interpersonal relationships.

Enhancing your skills

Language focus →Language learning

1 As a young boy, Britain's great Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, attended a public school called Harrow. He was not a good student, and had he not been from a famous family, he probably would have been removed from the school for deviating from the rules. Thankfully, he did finish at Harrow and his errors there did not preclude him from going on to the university. He eventually had a premier army career whereby he was later elected prime minister. He achieved fame for his wit, wisdom, civic duty, and abundant courage in his refusal to surrender during the miserable dark days of World War II. His amazing determination helped motivate his entire nation and was an inspiration worldwide. 1 英国的伟大首相温斯顿·丘吉尔爵士，小时候在哈罗公学上学。 当时他可不是个好学生， 要不是出身名门，他可能早就因为违反纪律被开除了。 谢天谢地，他总算从哈罗毕业了， 在那里犯下的错误并没影响到他上大学。 后来，他凭着军旅生涯中的杰出表现当选为英国 首相。 他的才思、智慧、公民责任感以及在二战痛苦而黑暗的时期拒绝投降的无畏勇气， 为他赢得了美名。 他非凡的决心，不仅激励了整个民族，还鼓舞了全世界。

1 He was not a good student, and had he not been from a famous family, he probably would have been removed from the school for deviating from the rules. (Para. 1)

Meaning: Churchill was not a good student. If he had not been from a famous family, he probably would have been dismissed from the school because of breaking the rules.

Sentence structure note: “Had he not been ?” 为倒装的虚拟条件句，相当于“If he had not been ?”。 在书面语中， 条件从句可以不用连词 if, 而将谓语中的 had, were 或 should 等移至主语之前，构成倒装。 e.g.

Had it not been for his help, I would never have completed the project. 要不是他帮忙，我完不成这个项 目。

Were you in my position, you would do the same. 你要是处于我这个位置，你也会这样做的。 Should you be passing, do come and see us. 如果你经过这里，一定要来看我们。

2 Thankfully, he did finish at Harrow and his errors there did not preclude him from going on to the university. (Para. 1)

Meaning: Fortunately, he graduated from Harrow and his mistakes there did not keep him from going to college.

3 He eventually had a premier army career whereby he was later elected prime minister. (Para. 1)

Meaning: Finally he joined the army, and then his outstanding army career made it possible for