unit 4: part a 21st century college english: book 2 turning failure into success

Unit 4: Part AUnit 4: Part A

21st Century College English: Book 221st Century College English: Book 2

Turning Failure Turning Failure into Successinto SuccessTurning Failure Turning Failure into Successinto Success

Unit Four: Part AUnit Four: Part A

• Pre-reading Activities

• Intensive Study

• Exercises

• Assignment

What is success? Some people seem to sail easily What is success? Some people seem to sail easily

through life, overcoming every obstacle they through life, overcoming every obstacle they

encounter with ease. Then there are those who encounter with ease. Then there are those who

manage to avoid most difficulties, by limiting their manage to avoid most difficulties, by limiting their

experience to what’s familiar and easy, and never experience to what’s familiar and easy, and never

trying anything new. Are these people successful? trying anything new. Are these people successful?

The text you’re going to read takes a The text you’re going to read takes a

different approach to different approach to success and failuresuccess and failure..

Pre-reading ActivitiesPre-reading Activities

First Listening: First Listening: As you listen to the tape, tick the As you listen to the tape, tick the question that are answered in the listening passage. Don’t question that are answered in the listening passage. Don’t worry about answering the questions yet — just identify which worry about answering the questions yet — just identify which questions are answered.questions are answered.


1)1) What problem is Eddie having in school?What problem is Eddie having in school?

2)2) How many examples does the teacher give?How many examples does the teacher give?

3)3) Does Eddie’s mother understand the teacher’s viewpoint?Does Eddie’s mother understand the teacher’s viewpoint?

4)4) Does Eddie agree with his teacher?Does Eddie agree with his teacher?

5)5) What does the teacher think Eddie’s parents should do?What does the teacher think Eddie’s parents should do?

Check-upCheck-upCheck-upCheck-up

First Listening: First Listening: As you listen to the tape, tick the As you listen to the tape, tick the question that are answered in the listening passage. Don’t question that are answered in the listening passage. Don’t worry about answering the questions yet — just identify which worry about answering the questions yet — just identify which questions are answered.questions are answered.




3)3) Does Eddie mother understand the teacher’s viewpoint?Does Eddie mother understand the teacher’s viewpoint?

4)4) Does Eddie agree with his teacher?Does Eddie agree with his teacher?


√√√√

√√

√√

Second Listening: Second Listening: Now provide brief answers to the Now provide brief answers to the questions you’ve ticked. questions you’ve ticked.



Eddie’s fear of failure is keeping him from doing his Eddie’s fear of failure is keeping him from doing his very best.very best.


Two.Two.

Second Listening: Second Listening: Now provide brief answers to the Now provide brief answers to the questions you’ve ticked. questions you’ve ticked.


3)3) Does Eddie’s mother understand the teacher’s viewpoint?Does Eddie’s mother understand the teacher’s viewpoint?

Yes. Not at first, but then she does.Yes. Not at first, but then she does.


They should teach him how to fail. They should teach him how to fail.

ScriptScriptScriptScript

Teacher:Teacher: Eddie’s a very bright little boy, of course, Eddie’s a very bright little boy, of course, and we all and we all want him to make the most of his want him to make the most of his abilities.abilities.

Mother:Mother: Naturally! Naturally! Teacher:Teacher: And I’m afraid that will never happen And I’m afraid that will never happen

unless he unless he overcomes his fear of failure.overcomes his fear of failure.Mother:Mother: What?! What do you mean?What?! What do you mean?Teacher:Teacher: Eddie’s fear of failure is keeping him Eddie’s fear of failure is keeping him

from doing his from doing his very best.very best.Mother:Mother: Why, I … I … I don’t know what to say! I Why, I … I … I don’t know what to say! I

don’t don’t understand. Can you give me an understand. Can you give me an example?example?

Teacher:Teacher: Well, first of all, he often avoids trying Well, first of all, he often avoids trying new things — new things — he prefers to stick with what’s he prefers to stick with what’s familiar, because he familiar, because he feels safer. Second, he feels safer. Second, he doesn’t always make his best doesn’t always make his best effort. That way, if effort. That way, if he fails, he can always say it was he fails, he can always say it was because he because he didn’t really try.didn’t really try.


Mother:Mother: I see. Yes, I think I see what you mean. I see. Yes, I think I see what you mean.

Well, what Well, what do you plan to do to help Eddie with do you plan to do to help Eddie with

this problem?this problem?

Teacher:Teacher: Actually, I think it’s more a question of Actually, I think it’s more a question of

what you what you can do. You and Eddie’s father should can do. You and Eddie’s father should

teach him teach him how to fail.how to fail.

Intensive Study

• Difficult sentencesDifficult sentences

• Key words, phrases & usagesKey words, phrases & usages

• Comprehension exercisesComprehension exercises

Intensive StudyIntensive Study

Turning Failure into SuccessTurning Failure into Success

Fredelle MaynardFredelle Maynard

11 Vicky — beautiful, talented, very bright, Vicky — beautiful, talented, very bright, voted ““Most Likely to SMost Likely to S

ucceeducceed” ” in college — got a promising job with a large company aftin college — got a promising job with a large company aft

er graduation. Then, after two years without promotions, she was fier graduation. Then, after two years without promotions, she was fi

red. She suffered a complete nervous breakdown. red. She suffered a complete nervous breakdown. ““It was It was panic,,” ” shsh

e told me later. e told me later. ““Everything had always gone so well for me that I hEverything had always gone so well for me that I h

ad no experience in coping with ad no experience in coping with rejection. I felt I was . I felt I was a failure..” ”

Vicky’s reaction is an extreme example of a common phenomenon..


22 Our society places so much emphasis on Our society places so much emphasis on ““making itmaking it” ” that we that we

assume that any failure is bad. assume that any failure is bad.

What we don’t always recognize is that what looks like failure may, in the long run, prove beneficial. When Vicky was able to think coolly about why she was fired, for example, she realized that she was simply not suited for a job dealing with people all the time. In her new position as a copy editor, she works independently, is happy and once again ““successful.successful.””



33

People are generally prone to what language expert S. I. Hayakawa calls “the two-valued orientation”

. We talk about seeing both sides of a question as if every question had only two sides. We assume that everyone is either a success or a failure when, in fact, infinite degrees of both are possible. As Hayakawa points out, there’s a world of difference between “I have failed three times” and “I am a failure.” Indeed, the words failure and success cannot be reasonably applied to a complex, living, changing human being. They can only describe the situation at a particular time and place.

44 Obviously no one can be brilliant at everything. In fact, success Obviously no one can be brilliant at everything. In fact, success

in one area often in one area often precludes success in another. A famous politician once told me that his career had practically destroyed his marriage. ““I I

have no time for my family,have no time for my family,” ” he explained. he explained. ““I travel a lot. And even I travel a lot. And even

when I’m home, I hardly see my wife and kids. I’ve got power, when I’m home, I hardly see my wife and kids. I’ve got power,

money, prestige — but as a husband and father, I’m a flop.money, prestige — but as a husband and father, I’m a flop.””


55 Certain kinds of success can indeed be destructive. The danger Certain kinds of success can indeed be destructive. The danger

of too early success is particularly acute. of too early success is particularly acute.

I recall from my childhood a girl whose skill on ice skates marked her as “Olympic material”. While the rest of us were playing, bicycling, While the rest of us were playing, bicycling,

reading and just loafing, this girl skated — every day after school reading and just loafing, this girl skated — every day after school

and all weekend. Her picture often appeared in the papers, and the and all weekend. Her picture often appeared in the papers, and the

rest of us envied her glamorous life. Years later, however, she rest of us envied her glamorous life. Years later, however, she

spoke bitterly of those early triumphs. spoke bitterly of those early triumphs. ““I never prepared myself for I never prepared myself for

anything but the ice,anything but the ice,” ” she said. she said. ““I peaked at 17 — and it’s been I peaked at 17 — and it’s been

downhill ever since.downhill ever since.””


66 Success that comes too easily is also damaging. The child who Success that comes too easily is also damaging. The child who

wins a prize for a carelessly-written essay, the adult who wins a prize for a carelessly-written essay, the adult who

distinguishes himself at a first job by lucky accident faces probable disappointment when real challenges arise.

77 Success is also bad when it’s achieved Success is also bad when it’s achieved at the cost of the total quality of an experience. Successful students sometimes become so obsessed with grades that they never enjoy their school years. They never branch out into tempting new areas, because they don’t want to risk their grade-point average.


88 Why are so many people so afraid of failure? Simply because Why are so many people so afraid of failure? Simply because

no one tells us how to fail so that failure becomes a growing no one tells us how to fail so that failure becomes a growing

experience. We forget that experience. We forget that failure is part of the human condition and that ““every person has the right to fail.every person has the right to fail.””

99 Most parents work hard at either preventing failure or Most parents work hard at either preventing failure or

shielding their children from the knowledge that they have failed. One way is to lower standards. A mother describes her child’s hastily made table as ““perfect!perfect!” ” even though it’s clumsy and unsteady. Another even though it’s clumsy and unsteady. Another

way is to shift blame. If John fails math, his teacher is unfair or way is to shift blame. If John fails math, his teacher is unfair or

stupidstupid..


1010 The trouble with failure-prevention devices is that they leave a The trouble with failure-prevention devices is that they leave a

child unequipped for life in the real world. The young need to learn child unequipped for life in the real world. The young need to learn

that no one can be best at everything, no one can win all the time that no one can be best at everything, no one can win all the time

— and that it’s possible to enjoy a game even when you don’t win. — and that it’s possible to enjoy a game even when you don’t win.

A child who’s not invited to a birthday party, who doesn’t A child who’s not invited to a birthday party, who doesn’t

make the honor roll or the baseball team feels terrible, of course. But parents should not offer a quick consolation prize or say, ““It doesn’t It doesn’t

matter,matter,” ” because it does. The youngster should be allowed to because it does. The youngster should be allowed to

experience disappointment — and then be helped to master it.experience disappointment — and then be helped to master it.


1111 Failure is never pleasant. It hurts adults and children alike. But Failure is never pleasant. It hurts adults and children alike. But

it can make a positive contribution to your life once you learn to it can make a positive contribution to your life once you learn to

use it. Step one is to ask, use it. Step one is to ask, ““Why did I fail?Why did I fail?” ” Resist the natural Resist the natural

impulse to blame someone else. Ask yourself what you did wrong, impulse to blame someone else. Ask yourself what you did wrong,

how you can improve. If someone else can help, don’t be shy about how you can improve. If someone else can help, don’t be shy about

inquiring.inquiring.

1212 When I was a teenager and failed to get a job IWhen I was a teenager and failed to get a job I’’d counted on, I d counted on, I

telephoned the interviewer to ask why. telephoned the interviewer to ask why. ““Because you came ten Because you came ten

minutes late,minutes late,” ” I was told. I was told. ““We can’t afford employees who waste We can’t afford employees who waste

other people’s time.other people’s time.” ” The explanation was reassuring (I hadn’t The explanation was reassuring (I hadn’t

been rejected as a person) and helpful, too. I don’t think I’ve been been rejected as a person) and helpful, too. I don’t think I’ve been

late for anything since.late for anything since.


1313

Success, which encourages repetition of old behavior, is not nearly as good a teacher as failure

. You can learn from a disastrous party how to give a good one, from an ill-chosen first house what to look for in a second. Even a failure that seems total can prompt fresh thinking, a change of direction.


1414 A friend of mine, after 12 years of studying ballet, did not A friend of mine, after 12 years of studying ballet, did not

succeed in becoming a dancer. She was succeed in becoming a dancer. She was turned down by the ballet master, who said, “You will never be a dancer. You haven’t the body for it.” In such cases, the way to use failure is to take stock courageously, asking, “What have I left? What else can I do?” My friend put away her toe shoes and moved into dance therapy, a field where she’s both competent and useful.


1515 Though we may envy the assurance that comes with success, Though we may envy the assurance that comes with success,

most of us are attracted by courage in defeat. There is what might most of us are attracted by courage in defeat. There is what might

be called the noble failure — the special heroism of aiming high, be called the noble failure — the special heroism of aiming high,

doing your best and then, when that proves not enough, moving doing your best and then, when that proves not enough, moving

bravely on. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: bravely on. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: ““A man’s success is A man’s success is

made up of failures, because he experiments and ventures every made up of failures, because he experiments and ventures every

day, and the more falls he gets, moves faster on ... I have heard day, and the more falls he gets, moves faster on ... I have heard

that in horsemanship — a man will never be a good rider until he is that in horsemanship — a man will never be a good rider until he is

thrown; then he will not be haunted any longer by the terror that he thrown; then he will not be haunted any longer by the terror that he

shall tumble, and will ride whither he is bound.shall tumble, and will ride whither he is bound.””


votevote v.v.—— (esp. passive) declare sb./sth. to be good, bad, (esp. passive) declare sb./sth. to be good, bad, etc. by etc. by

general consent.general consent.

e.g.e.g.• The show was The show was voted voted a great success. a great success. • The children all The children all votedvoted the trip the best they had ever the trip the best they had ever had.had.

TranslateTranslate他被公认为是全家最聪明的一个。他被公认为是全家最聪明的一个。

KeyKey

He isHe is voted voted the smartest in the family.the smartest in the family.

panicpanic nn. .

—— a feeling or state of sudden uncontrollable and a feeling or state of sudden uncontrollable and quickly spreading fearquickly spreading fear

e.g.e.g.• He got into a He got into a panic panic about examinations.about examinations.• The thought of flying alone filled me withThe thought of flying alone filled me with panic panic..

TranslateTranslateWhen a fire started in the theater, there was a panic.When a fire started in the theater, there was a panic.

KeyKey剧院失火时，引起一阵剧院失火时，引起一阵恐慌。恐慌。

rejectionrejection nn..—— the act of refusing to grant or the state of being the act of refusing to grant or the state of being denied of (a request, demand, etc.)denied of (a request, demand, etc.)

e.ge.g• I’ve applied for ten jobs, but all I’ve got is I’ve applied for ten jobs, but all I’ve got is rejectionsrejections..• He did not ask her to marry him out of fear of He did not ask her to marry him out of fear of rejectionrejection..DrillDrill

Make a sentence with “Make a sentence with “rejectionrejection”.”.

a failurea failure

—— a person, an attempt or a thing that failsa person, an attempt or a thing that fails

e.g.e.g.• The project was a complete The project was a complete failurefailure..• I’m a bit of I’m a bit of a failurea failure at painting. at painting.

Fill in the blankFill in the blankHe is _____ He is _____ （（不是个成功的艺术家）不是个成功的艺术家） ,, but a success as but a success as

an art teacher.an art teacher.a failurea failure as an artist as an artist

Vicky’s reaction is an extreme example of a Vicky’s reaction is an extreme example of a common phenomenon.common phenomenon.

ParaphraseParaphrase

?? — — Such feelings people have (when rejected) are very Such feelings people have (when rejected) are very

common, but in Vicky’s case they are especially common, but in Vicky’s case they are especially serious and unusual.serious and unusual.

What we don’t always recognize is that what looks What we don’t always recognize is that what looks like failure may, like failure may, in the long runin the long run, prove beneficial., prove beneficial.

in the long runin the long run

—— eventually; in the endeventually; in the end

e.g.e.g.• It pays to buy goods of high quality It pays to buy goods of high quality in the long runin the long run..• Studying may be difficult just now, but you will benefit Studying may be difficult just now, but you will benefit

in the long runin the long run..

TranslateTranslatePhysical exercises will be for your health Physical exercises will be for your health in the long runin the long run..

KeyKey体育锻炼体育锻炼终究终究是对你的健康有益的。是对你的健康有益的。

More to learnMore to learnMore to learnMore to learn

What we What we don’t alwaysdon’t always recognize is that what looks recognize is that what looks like failure may, in the long run, prove beneficial.like failure may, in the long run, prove beneficial.

In the statement, the scope of negation extends from the In the statement, the scope of negation extends from the

negative word “not” itself only to the adverbial negative word “not” itself only to the adverbial

“always” rather than to the verb “recognize”, i.e. only “always” rather than to the verb “recognize”, i.e. only

the adverbial is within the stretch of language over the adverbial is within the stretch of language over

which the negative meaning operates.which the negative meaning operates.


What we don’t always recognize is that what looks What we don’t always recognize is that what looks like failure may, in the long run, prove beneficial.like failure may, in the long run, prove beneficial.

e.g.e.g.

• He is He is not alwaysnot always at home in the evening. at home in the evening.

(=He’s often at home in the evening, but not (=He’s often at home in the evening, but not always.)always.)

• Things do Things do not alwaysnot always go right. go right.

(=Things normally go right, but not always.)(=Things normally go right, but not always.)

deal with sth.deal with sth.—— handle or attend to sth. (usu. sth. that needs attention handle or attend to sth. (usu. sth. that needs attention

or concern)or concern)

e.g.e.g.• Haven’t you Haven’t you dealt withdealt with that letter yet? that letter yet?• The Finance Officer The Finance Officer deals withdeals with all the finances of the all the finances of the university.university.

Cf.Cf.cope with sth.cope with sth. —— deal with sth. successfully (usu. sth. difficult or deal with sth. successfully (usu. sth. difficult or unpleasant that one must accept or endure)unpleasant that one must accept or endure)e.g.e.g.• I had no experience inI had no experience in coping withcoping with rejection (Line 6, rejection (Line 6, Para 1).Para 1).• Poor families have to Poor families have to cope withcope with a lot of problems. a lot of problems.


?? — — People generally tend to look at things as having only People generally tend to look at things as having only

two values, or two sides: anything that is not good two values, or two sides: anything that is not good must be bad, and that is not true must be false — this must be bad, and that is not true must be false — this two valued logic is called “the two-valued two valued logic is called “the two-valued orientation” by Hayakawaorientation” by Hayakawa..

PeoplePeople are generally prone to what language expert are generally prone to what language expert S. I. Hayakawa calls “the two-valued orientation”.S. I. Hayakawa calls “the two-valued orientation”.


e.g.e.g.• He He is prone tois prone to lose temper when others disagree with him. lose temper when others disagree with him.• Kids Kids areare all all prone toprone to eat junk food. eat junk food.

TranslateTranslate

我妹妹易患感冒。我妹妹易患感冒。KeyKey

My sister My sister is prone tois prone to flu. flu.

be prone tobe prone to—— be likely to (sth. or do or suffer from sth., esp. sth. be likely to (sth. or do or suffer from sth., esp. sth.

bad or harmful)bad or harmful)


PeoplePeople areare generally generally prone toprone to what language expert what language expert S. I. Hayakawa calls “the two-valued orientation”.S. I. Hayakawa calls “the two-valued orientation”.

Text-related informationText-related information

S. I . Hayakawa (1906 ~ 1992)S. I . Hayakawa (1906 ~ 1992)

Samuel Ichiye Hayakawa was a scholar, Samuel Ichiye Hayakawa was a scholar, university president, and U.S. senator university president, and U.S. senator from California (1977 — 1983). He is from California (1977 — 1983). He is best known for his popular writings obest known for his popular writings o

n n semantics (the study of the meanings semantics (the study of the meanings of of words and sentences) and for his carewords and sentences) and for his career as president of San Francisco State College (now Saer as president of San Francisco State College (now San Francisco State University). His book, n Francisco State University). His book, Language in ALanguage in Action ction (1941), was a popular treatment of semantic theor(1941), was a popular treatment of semantic theories.ies.

We talk about seeing both sides of a question We talk about seeing both sides of a question as ifas if every every question had only two sides.question had only two sides.

““As ifAs if” can introduce either ” can introduce either a likely or an unlikely a likely or an unlikely guessguess. . When “When “as ifas if” is used to introduce something ” is used to introduce something that is unreal or unlikely to happen, we normally use that is unreal or unlikely to happen, we normally use the subjunctive mood. This structure is often used to the subjunctive mood. This structure is often used to make comparative description.make comparative description.


e.g.e.g.

• It looks It looks as ifas if a bad storm is coming. a bad storm is coming.

(= A bad storm seems likely.)(= A bad storm seems likely.)

• The horses are acting The horses are acting as ifas if a bad storm were coming. a bad storm were coming.

(= A bad storm seems unlikely, but the horses’ (= A bad storm seems unlikely, but the horses’ behavior reminds me of their behavior before a behavior reminds me of their behavior before a storm.)storm.)


More to doMore to doMore to doMore to do

DrillDrill

Complete each of the following sentences in two Complete each of the following sentences in two ways: a) with a likely guess or prediction, and b) with ways: a) with a likely guess or prediction, and b) with an unlikely or untrue comparative description.an unlikely or untrue comparative description.

1.1. Their laughter and conversation sound as if Their laughter and conversation sound as if a)a) enjoying each others’ companyenjoying each others’ companyb)b) in the same room with usin the same room with us

2.2. You’re so pale! You look as ifYou’re so pale! You look as ifa)a) getting sickgetting sickb)b) seen a ghostseen a ghost


they’re enjoying each other’s companythey’re enjoying each other’s company

they were in the same room with usthey were in the same room with us

you’re getting sickyou’re getting sick

you had seen a ghostyou had seen a ghost

a world ofa world of

— — a large amount of; lots ofa large amount of; lots of

e.g.e.g.

• There’s There’s a world ofa world of difference in the performance of difference in the performance of the two cars.the two cars.

• That experience gave him That experience gave him a world ofa world of good. good.

Fill in the blankFill in the blank

There’s truly _____ (There’s truly _____ ( 天壤之别天壤之别 ) between the old Chinese ) between the old Chinese society and the new.society and the new.

a world ofa world of difference difference

Indeed, the words failure and success cannot be Indeed, the words failure and success cannot be reasonably applied to a complex, living, changing reasonably applied to a complex, living, changing human being.human being.


?? — — It is certainly unfair just to call someone a failure or a It is certainly unfair just to call someone a failure or a success, for a human being is a complex, living thing success, for a human being is a complex, living thing that keeps changing.that keeps changing.


.

apply toapply to

— — use (a particular word or name) to describe (sth. or use (a particular word or name) to describe (sth. or sb.)sb.)

DrillDrill

Make a sentence with Make a sentence with ““apply toapply to”.”.

e.g.e.g.• I’d never I’d never applyapply the word “readable” the word “readable” toto any of his books. any of his books.• The term “mat” can be The term “mat” can be applied toapplied to any small rug. any small rug.

Indeed, the words failure and success cannot be Indeed, the words failure and success cannot be reasonably reasonably applied toapplied to a complex, living, changing a complex, living, changing human being.human being.

e.ge.g

• These conditions These conditions prelude prelude us from joining in this event.us from joining in this event.

• Age alone will not Age alone will not preludeprelude him from standing as a him from standing as a candidate.candidate.

KeyKey这项合同并未这项合同并未排除我排除我为你工作的同时受雇于其他人。为你工作的同时受雇于其他人。

TranslateTranslateThis contract does not prelude my being employed This contract does not prelude my being employed by others at the same time I am by others at the same time I am working for you.working for you.

preludeprelude vtvt..

—— make sth. impossiblemake sth. impossible

I recall from my childhood a girl whose skill on ice I recall from my childhood a girl whose skill on ice skate skate marked her as “Olympic material”marked her as “Olympic material”..


??— — distinguished her as a potential Olympic athletedistinguished her as a potential Olympic athlete


e.ge.g

• These qualitiesThese qualities markmark the film the film asas exceptionally good. exceptionally good.• Hard work has Hard work has markedmarked Asian Americans Asian Americans asas a model a model

minority.minority.

DrillDrill

Make a sentence with “Make a sentence with “mark asmark as”.”.

mark…asmark…as

— — be a distinguishing feature of … asbe a distinguishing feature of … as

I recall from my childhood a girl whose skill on ice I recall from my childhood a girl whose skill on ice skate skate markedmarked her her asas “Olympic material”. “Olympic material”.

distinguish oneselfdistinguish oneself

—— deserve to be noticed by doing sth very welldeserve to be noticed by doing sth very well

e.g.e.g.

• He He distinguished himselfdistinguished himself in the debate. in the debate.

• McEnroe first McEnroe first distinguished himselfdistinguished himself by winning a by winning a junjunior tournament at Wimbledon.ior tournament at Wimbledon.

Fill in the blankFill in the blank

The young officer _____ (The young officer _____ ( 屡建战功屡建战功 ).).

distinguished himselfdistinguished himself

many times in battlemany times in battle

e.ge.g

• He saved the children from the fire He saved the children from the fire at the cost ofat the cost of his his own life.own life.• The poor fox escaped from the trap The poor fox escaped from the trap at the cost ofat the cost of a leg. a leg.

at the cost of at the cost of

— — involving the loss ofinvolving the loss of

Paraphrase the underlined partParaphrase the underlined part

The businessman enjoyed a successful career The businessman enjoyed a successful career but his but his relationship with his wife sufferedrelationship with his wife suffered..

KeyKey

at the cost ofat the cost of his relationship with his wife his relationship with his wife

They never branch out into tempting new areas, They never branch out into tempting new areas, because they don’t want to risk their grade-point because they don’t want to risk their grade-point average.average.


??—— They always stick to what they are learning and never They always stick to what they are learning and never try anything new and interesting because they don’t try anything new and interesting because they don’t want to do anything that may result in a lower GPA.want to do anything that may result in a lower GPA.


e.ge.g• The bookstore has decided to The bookstore has decided to branch outbranch out into selling into selling records and tapes.records and tapes.• She’s leaving the company to She’s leaving the company to branch outbranch out on her own. on her own.

branch outbranch out—— extend or expand one’s activities or interests into extend or expand one’s activities or interests into another direction; begin doing other things another direction; begin doing other things alsoalso

They never They never branch outbranch out into tempting new areas, into tempting new areas, because they don’t want to risk their grade-point because they don’t want to risk their grade-point average.average.

More to doMore to doMore to doMore to do

TranslateTranslateFirst Jim collected stamps; then he First Jim collected stamps; then he branched outbranched out

and collected coins, too.and collected coins, too.

KeyKey

吉姆起初收集邮票，随后又把收集范围扩大到了硬币。吉姆起初收集邮票，随后又把收集范围扩大到了硬币。

They never They never branch outbranch out into tempting new areas, into tempting new areas, because they don’t want to risk their grade-point because they don’t want to risk their grade-point average.average.

failure is part of the human conditionfailure is part of the human condition

—— failure is one of the things that human existence failure is one of the things that human existence depends ondepends on

shielding their children from the knowledge that shielding their children from the knowledge that they have failedthey have failed

—— protecting their children from knowing that they protecting their children from knowing that they have failedhave failed

make the honor roll or the baseball teammake the honor roll or the baseball team

— — earn a place in the honor roll or become a member of earn a place in the honor roll or become a member of the baseball teamthe baseball team

Success, …, is not nearly as good a teacher as Success, …, is not nearly as good a teacher as failure.failure.


??— — Success … teaches you to perform better far Success … teaches you to perform better far less than less than failure does.failure does.


e.g.e.g.

• There is There is not nearlynot nearly enough for all those people! enough for all those people!(= There is much too little for all those people.)(= There is much too little for all those people.)

• They don’t haveThey don’t have nearlynearly so many foods to choose from so many foods to choose from as as we do.we do.

not nearlynot nearly

— — far from; much less thanfar from; much less than

Success, …, is Success, …, is not nearlynot nearly as good a teacher as as good a teacher as failure.failure.

e.ge.g

• Her remarks were Her remarks were promptedprompted by her worries about the by her worries about the future.future.• What What prompted prompted you to do such a silly thing?you to do such a silly thing?

prompt prompt vt.vt.

—— inspire or cause (a feeling or reaction)inspire or cause (a feeling or reaction)

TranslateTranslate

这封信唤起了他对遥远的家的思念。这封信唤起了他对遥远的家的思念。KeyKey

The letter The letter promptedprompted thoughts of his distant home. thoughts of his distant home.

turn downturn down

— — refuse to accept (sb. or sth. usu. an offer, request or inrefuse to accept (sb. or sth. usu. an offer, request or invitation); rejectvitation); reject

e.g.e.g.

• She She turnedturned him him downdown;; she wouldn’t marry him. she wouldn’t marry him.• Pauline has Pauline has turned downturned down offers from several offers from several different different

law firms.law firms.

Paraphrase the following sentenceParaphrase the following sentence

We politely We politely turned downturned down the invitation. the invitation.

e.g.e.g.

• It’s time to It’s time to take stock oftake stock of your life and decide your life and decide where where you want to go.you want to go.

• It the age of 25, I began to It the age of 25, I began to take stock oftake stock of my career so my career so far.far.

take stock (of)take stock (of)

—— 1) examine or evaluate what one possesses, what one 1) examine or evaluate what one possesses, what one needs, etc.needs, etc.


e.g.e.g.

• The grocery store The grocery store took stocktook stock every week on Monday every week on Monday morning. morning.

• The stores are closed so they can The stores are closed so they can take stock of take stock of their their inventory.inventory.

take stock (of)take stock (of)

—— 2) count exactly the items of 2) count exactly the items of merchandise or supplies merchandise or supplies in stockin stock

ExercisesExercises

• Comprehension Comprehension

• Vocabulary

• Listening & Discussion

Answer the following questions:

1.1. How does Vicky explain her nervous breakdown?How does Vicky explain her nervous breakdown?

Key: Key: Vicky didn’t know how to cope with rejection Vicky didn’t know how to cope with rejection

or failure because everything had always gone so or failure because everything had always gone so

well for her.well for her.

ComprehensionComprehension

《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. II, p. 89Ex. II, p. 89《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. II, p. 89Ex. II, p. 89

2.2. What positive aspects does Vicky now see in that experience?What positive aspects does Vicky now see in that experience?


Key: Key: She now realizes she was simply not suited She now realizes she was simply not suited

for that job, and has another in which she is for that job, and has another in which she is

happy and successfulhappy and successful..


3.3. What does “two-valued orientation” have to do with success What does “two-valued orientation” have to do with success and failure?and failure?


Key: Key: Two-valued orientation makes us see success Two-valued orientation makes us see success

and failure as the only two possibilities.and failure as the only two possibilities.


4.4. What point does the author want to make with the famous What point does the author want to make with the famous politician?politician?


Key: Key: That “success” in one area is frequently That “success” in one area is frequently

accompanied by failure in another.accompanied by failure in another.


5.5. The author lists three kinds of success that she considers The author lists three kinds of success that she considers destructive. What are they, and how can they be harmful?destructive. What are they, and how can they be harmful?


Key: Key: Success that’s too early can mean a person Success that’s too early can mean a person

lacks preparation for other things in life; success lacks preparation for other things in life; success

that comes too easily can mean the person will not that comes too easily can mean the person will not

know how to deal with real challenges; success know how to deal with real challenges; success

that’s achieved at the cost of the total quality of an that’s achieved at the cost of the total quality of an

experience can be a barrier to enjoying life fully and experience can be a barrier to enjoying life fully and

to trying anything new.to trying anything new.


6.6. The author mentions four ways parents frequently try to The author mentions four ways parents frequently try to protect children from failure. What are they, how do they do protect children from failure. What are they, how do they do harm?harm?


Key: Key: Lowering standards, shifting blame, offering a Lowering standards, shifting blame, offering a

consolation prize and saying “it doesn’t matter”are consolation prize and saying “it doesn’t matter”are

“failure prevention devices” that leave the child “failure prevention devices” that leave the child

unequipped for life in the real world .unequipped for life in the real world .


7.7. What point is the author illustrating with the story of her What point is the author illustrating with the story of her teenage experience with a job interview?teenage experience with a job interview?


Key: Key: She learned something from her failure that’s She learned something from her failure that’s

been valuable to her in her life ever since.been valuable to her in her life ever since.


8.8. Why does the author say that “success is not nearly as good a Why does the author say that “success is not nearly as good a teacher as failure”?teacher as failure”?


Key: Key: Success encourages repetition of old behavior, Success encourages repetition of old behavior,

whereas failure can motivate us to try something whereas failure can motivate us to try something

different.different.


9.9. What does the author mean by “noble failure”?What does the author mean by “noble failure”?


Key: Key: “Noble failure” is when a person aims high, “Noble failure” is when a person aims high,

tries their best, fails and moves bravely on.tries their best, fails and moves bravely on.


10.10. In the quote from Emerson, what does he mean by referring In the quote from Emerson, what does he mean by referring to horsemanship? How could this point be expressed in plain to horsemanship? How could this point be expressed in plain English?English?


Key: Key: Emerson means that fear of failure is a Emerson means that fear of failure is a

barrier to progress and achievement. You might say barrier to progress and achievement. You might say

it this way:Experiencing failure can make a person it this way:Experiencing failure can make a person

more confident and effective, because once s/he loses more confident and effective, because once s/he loses

his/her fear of failure s/he can concentrate on his/her fear of failure s/he can concentrate on

achieving his/her aims.achieving his/her aims.


VocabularyVocabulary


Word BuildingWord Building

Ex. III Ex. IV

Ex. V Ex. VI

《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. III, p. 90Ex. III, p. 90《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. III, p. 90Ex. III, p. 90


III.III. Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the form where necessary.form where necessary.

1.1. After Henry lost his job, he couldn’t even _____ the After Henry lost his job, he couldn’t even _____ the necessities of life.necessities of life.

affordafford

2.2. Our current economic circumstances _____ any Our current economic circumstances _____ any nonessential purchases.nonessential purchases.

precludepreclude


emphasis prone distinguish obsess preclude

alike apply afford practically

prompt impulse enquire

3.3. The article puts a lot of _____ on the value of failure as The article puts a lot of _____ on the value of failure as a learning experience.a learning experience.

emphasisemphasis

4.4. Success that comes too easily makes people more _____ Success that comes too easily makes people more _____ to failure when real challenges ariseto failure when real challenges arise..

proneprone










5.5. Scientific discoveries would make greater contributions Scientific discoveries would make greater contributions to society if all of them are properly _____ to industrial to society if all of them are properly _____ to industrial production.production.

appliedapplied

6.6. Nancy _____ herself as an ice-skater at a very early age, Nancy _____ herself as an ice-skater at a very early age, winning three national competitions before she was winning three national competitions before she was fifteen.fifteen.

distinguisheddistinguished






7.7. She was so _____ with ice-skating that she never had She was so _____ with ice-skating that she never had time for normal childhood activities and experiences.time for normal childhood activities and experiences.

obsessedobsessed

8.8. Failure is painful for adults and children _____, but it Failure is painful for adults and children _____, but it can also be a good teacher.can also be a good teacher.

alikealike






9.9. Sam called the interviewer to _____ about why his Sam called the interviewer to _____ about why his application had been turned downapplication had been turned down..

enquireenquire

10.10. My first _____ was to tell him he was a fool, but I My first _____ was to tell him he was a fool, but I controlled myself.controlled myself.

impulseimpulse







11.11. Years of living overseas had made her _____ a foreigner Years of living overseas had made her _____ a foreigner in her own country.in her own country.

practicallypractically

promptedprompted

12.12. The lecturer’s remarks _____ a storm of excited The lecturer’s remarks _____ a storm of excited questions from the audience.questions from the audience.

IV.IV. Rewrite each of the following sentences using the expressions Rewrite each of the following sentences using the expressions given in parentheses.given in parentheses.

1.1. We put in a request for a little extra time to finish the We put in a request for a little extra time to finish the

project, but the board rejected it. project, but the board rejected it. (turn down)(turn down)

《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. IV, p. 90Ex. IV, p. 90《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. IV, p. 90Ex. IV, p. 90


We put in a request for a little extra time to finish the We put in a request for a little extra time to finish the project, but the board project, but the board turned us (it ) down.turned us (it ) down.

2.2. The politician enjoyed a successful career but his The politician enjoyed a successful career but his

relationship with his family suffered. relationship with his family suffered. (at the cost of )(at the cost of )

The politician enjoyed a successful career The politician enjoyed a successful career at the cost ofat the cost of his his relationship with his family.relationship with his family.




3.3. The author is of the opinion that early success may The author is of the opinion that early success may

eventually prove harmful to a person’s all-round eventually prove harmful to a person’s all-round

development. development. (in the long run)(in the long run)

The author is of the opinion that early success may prove The author is of the opinion that early success may prove harmful to a person’s all-round development harmful to a person’s all-round development in the long runin the long run..


4.4. I mistakenly took your umbrella — I’m sorry. I mistakenly took your umbrella — I’m sorry. (by accident )(by accident )

I took you umbrella I took you umbrella by accidentby accident — I’m sorry. — I’m sorry.




5.5. The bookshop was on the brink of failing until they expanThe bookshop was on the brink of failing until they expan

ded their merchandise (ded their merchandise ( 商品商品 ) to include CDs and cassettes.) to include CDs and cassettes.

(branch out into )(branch out into )

The bookshop was on the brink of failing until The bookshop was on the brink of failing until they they branched out intobranched out into CDs and cassettes. CDs and cassettes.



6.6. With this out-of-date equipment, you can’t expect good With this out-of-date equipment, you can’t expect good

results. results. (count on )(count on )

With this out-of-date equipment, you can’t With this out-of-date equipment, you can’t count oncount on good good results.results.



7.7. Students sometimes get in the habit of discussing class Students sometimes get in the habit of discussing class

with annoying comments. When that happens, teachers with annoying comments. When that happens, teachers

are advised to send them to the school psychologist. are advised to send them to the school psychologist. (in (in

such cases )such cases )

Students sometimes get in the habit of disrupting classes Students sometimes get in the habit of disrupting classes with annoying comments. with annoying comments. In such casesIn such cases, teachers are advised , teachers are advised to send them to the school psychologist.to send them to the school psychologist.



8.8. From the time she started her own business, she’s been From the time she started her own business, she’s been

more satisfied with her life. more satisfied with her life. (ever since )(ever since )

Ever sinceEver since she started her own business, she’s been much she started her own business, she’s been much more satisfied with her life.more satisfied with her life.



《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. V, p. 90Ex. V, p. 90《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. V, p. 90Ex. V, p. 90

-ure-ure

to form:to form: nounsnouns

to be added to:to be added to:verbsverbs

to refer toto refer toaction or state action or state

described by described by the the verbverb


SuffixSuffix

ExamplesExamples

fail fail + + -ure-ure failurefailureencloseenclose + + -ure-ure enclosureenclosure


A.A. Add Add –ure–ure to the following verbs, making the necessary to the following verbs, making the necessary changes changes in spelling.in spelling.

a. departa. depart b. exposeb. expose

c. pleasec. please d. pressd. press

e. composee. compose f. enclosef. enclose

g. displeaseg. displease h. discloseh. disclose

departuredeparture exposureexposure

pleasurepleasure pressurepressure

composurecomposure enclosureenclosure

displeasuredispleasure disclosuredisclosure


B.B. Now use some of the resulting nouns to complete the Now use some of the resulting nouns to complete the sentences below.sentences below.

1.1. Prolonged _______ to the sun can cause skin cancer.Prolonged _______ to the sun can cause skin cancer.

exposureexposure

displeasuredispleasure

2.2. She didn’t try to hide her _____ at his rude behavior.She didn’t try to hide her _____ at his rude behavior.

3.3. On the eve of their _____ for Australia, Tom suddenly fell On the eve of their _____ for Australia, Tom suddenly fell ill.ill. departuredeparture


4.4. The ____ of the mayor’s misuse of public funds led to The ____ of the mayor’s misuse of public funds led to enormous ____ for him to resign from office.enormous ____ for him to resign from office.

disclosure; pressuredisclosure; pressure


5.5. They built a special _____ where the elephants could take shThey built a special _____ where the elephants could take shelter from the hurricane (elter from the hurricane ( 飓风飓风 ).).

enclosureenclosure



VI.VI. In English, many In English, many phrasal verbsphrasal verbs (e.g. break down) can (e.g. break down) can convert into compound nounsconvert into compound nouns (e.g. breakdown). (e.g. breakdown).

Match the compound nouns in Column A with the Match the compound nouns in Column A with the definition in Column B.definition in Column B.《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. VI, p. 91Ex. VI, p. 91《读写教程 II 》 : Ex. VI, p. 91Ex. VI, p. 91



A.A. Column AColumn A Column BColumn B

1)1) break-inbreak-in a)a) an important advance or discovery, an important advance or discovery, esp. esp. in sciencein science

2)2) breakthroughbreakthrough b)b) the act of leaving the ground by a the act of leaving the ground by a planeplane

3)3) get-togetherget-together c)c) the end of a personal relationshipthe end of a personal relationship

4)4) feedbackfeedback d)d) entry into a building by forceentry into a building by force

5)5) setbacksetback e)e) a gradual increase in somethinga gradual increase in something

6)6) takeofftakeoff f)f) an informal meeting or partyan informal meeting or party

7)7) breakupbreakup g)g) comments on or reactions to comments on or reactions to something one has donesomething one has done

8)8) build-upbuild-up h)h) an unexpected or sudden reversal of an unexpected or sudden reversal of progressprogress


B.B. Now use some of these compound nouns to complete the Now use some of these compound nouns to complete the sentences below.sentences below.

1.1. Most of the _____ from users of the new computer has been Most of the _____ from users of the new computer has been positive so far.positive so far.

feedbacksfeedbacks

breakupbreakup

2.2. The _____ of their marriage was part of what led to her The _____ of their marriage was part of what led to her nervous breakdown.nervous breakdown.

3.3. Ninety percent of all plane accidents occur within five Ninety percent of all plane accidents occur within five minutes of _____ or landing.minutes of _____ or landing.

takeofftakeoff


4.4. Churchill’s political career was marked by many Churchill’s political career was marked by many frustrating _____.frustrating _____.

setbackssetbacks


5.5. Last week the newspapers reported a major _____ in the Last week the newspapers reported a major _____ in the treatment of AIDS.treatment of AIDS.

breakthroughbreakthrough


6.6. You have to clean your printer regularly to avoid a _____ of You have to clean your printer regularly to avoid a _____ of dirt and dried ink.dirt and dried ink.

build-upbuild-up


《听说教程 II 》 : Part 3.3, p.55Part 3.3, p.55《听说教程 II 》 : Part 3.3, p.55Part 3.3, p.55

ListeningListening

TThe conversation you’re about to hear is slightly different he conversation you’re about to hear is slightly different form the text printed below. As you listen the first time, form the text printed below. As you listen the first time, underline the places where what you hear differs from what’s underline the places where what you hear differs from what’s printed on your textbook.printed on your textbook.

NNow listen to the conversation again and answer the ow listen to the conversation again and answer the questions on the basis of what you hear.questions on the basis of what you hear.

ListeningListening

Answer QuestionsAnswer QuestionsAnswer QuestionsAnswer Questions

ListeningListening

Answer QuestionsAnswer Questions

1.1. What did the teacher say Eddie’s fear of failure is doing to What did the teacher say Eddie’s fear of failure is doing to him?him?

The teacher says that Eddie’s fear of failure is keeping

him from doing his best.

2.2. What is Eddie’s father’s first reaction to the idea of What is Eddie’s father’s first reaction to the idea of teaching Eddie to fail?teaching Eddie to fail?

He thinks it’s crazy.

3.3. What did the teacher say Eddie’s father should stop What did the teacher say Eddie’s father should stop doing?doing?

He should stop telling Eddie it doesn’t matter when he

fails.

4.4. What else did the teacher suggest?What else did the teacher suggest?

She suggests that lowering standards is bad for Eddie.


ListeningListening

5.5. What is Eddie’s father’s final reaction to the teacher’s What is Eddie’s father’s final reaction to the teacher’s suggestion?suggestion?

He thinks it sounds good.


ScriptScriptScriptScript

ListeningListening

ListeningListening

Father:Father: So tell me what Eddie’s teacher said at your So tell me what Eddie’s teacher said at your meeting today.meeting today.

Mother:Mother: She says he’s afraid to fail.She says he’s afraid to fail.

Father:Father: Afraid to fail? What’s wrong with that?! Afraid to fail? What’s wrong with that?! He’s supposed to be afraid to fail!He’s supposed to be afraid to fail!

Mother:Mother: She says fear of failure is destructive. She says She says fear of failure is destructive. She says Eddie’s fear of failure is Eddie’s fear of failure is keeping him from doing his keeping him from doing his bestbest. And she says it’s our fault. She says we need to . And she says it’s our fault. She says we need to teach Eddie how to fail.teach Eddie how to fail.

Father:Father: How to fail?! Teach him how to fail?! How to fail?! Teach him how to fail?! That’s That’s crazycrazy!!

Mother:Mother: I thought so too — but then she compared it to I thought so too — but then she compared it to learning to ride a horse. Until you learn to learning to ride a horse. Until you learn to fallfall, , you’ll never be a really good rider, because you’ll you’ll never be a really good rider, because you’ll always be afraid of always be afraid of fallingfalling..

Father:Father: Hm. So did she have any recommendations Hm. So did she have any recommendations for how to teach Eddie to fail?for how to teach Eddie to fail?

Mother:Mother: Yes, she made two suggestions. First, she said you hYes, she made two suggestions. First, she said you have to stop telling Eddie ave to stop telling Eddie it doesn’tit doesn’t matter when he f matter when he fails.ails.

Father:Father: Me?! I don’t tell him that!Me?! I don’t tell him that!

Mother:Mother: Yes, you do — every time his team loses a football Yes, you do — every time his team loses a football match you say match you say it doesn’tit doesn’t matter. matter.

Father:Father: Well, what am I supposed to say? I don’t wWell, what am I supposed to say? I don’t want the poor kid to have a nervous breakdown every ant the poor kid to have a nervous breakdown every time he loses a game.time he loses a game.

Mother:Mother: His teacher says that by saying that, you’re teaching His teacher says that by saying that, you’re teaching him that his natural feeling of disappointment is unhim that his natural feeling of disappointment is unnecessary, when it’s really the best motivation he hanecessary, when it’s really the best motivation he has to learn something from his failure.s to learn something from his failure.

Father:Father: Hmp. I guess that Hmp. I guess that makes sensemakes sense — What else did she s — What else did she suggest?uggest?

Mother:Mother: That lowering our standards is bad for Eddie.That lowering our standards is bad for Eddie.

Father:Father: Ha! Like when you told him that ugly ashtray he maHa! Like when you told him that ugly ashtray he made for you is the most beautiful ashtray in the world?de for you is the most beautiful ashtray in the world?

Mother:Mother: But it is beautiful to me! Everything Eddie makes foBut it is beautiful to me! Everything Eddie makes for me is beautiful!r me is beautiful!

Father:Father: I know, I know — but even I can see that telling him I know, I know — but even I can see that telling him things like that teaches him that he things like that teaches him that he doesn’t have to trdoesn’t have to tryy..

Mother:Mother: But what am I supposed to tell him? “That’s so ugly, But what am I supposed to tell him? “That’s so ugly, sweetheart, but I love you anyway”?!sweetheart, but I love you anyway”?!

Father:Father: SoundsSounds goodgood to me!to me!

AssignmentAssignment

1.1. Ex. VIII, p. Ex. VIII, p. 92922.2. Ex. X, p. Ex. X, p. 93933.3. Preview Text B Preview Text B

unit 4: part a 21st century college english: book 2 turning failure into success

Documents

prereading activities

eddie mother

success slide

eddies parents

eddies fear of failure

checkup slide

script slide

eddies father