Unit3 Amazing people

Welcome to the unit

Lead- in: Questions Who are they? What do you know about them? For what are they famous? They all devoted themselves to their fields and contributed a lot to the world. They are Amazing People. 居里夫人

Speaking: Some amazing people have changed our world for the better through their thoughts and actions. Look at the pictures below and discuss the achievements of the following amazing people . Then say more that you know about them.

Mother Teresa won a Nobel Peace Prize for her work among the poor people of India. She is one of the greatest women in the world, who made great contri- butions for the peace of the world. She was born on 27 August, 1910 in what is now Skopje, Macedonia, and was loved and worshipped (崇拜)in India. She was given the highest honor as Gandi by the government of India. It is reported that after she died, about 400 important figures including queen , presidents, prime ministers and the former First Lady Hillary Clinton came to pay final tribute(尊敬 )to her.

Bill Gates started Microsoft, the biggest computer technology company in the world. He is chairman of Microsoft Corporation and the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. He offers many jobs for people. It is said that he employs more than 55000 people in 85 countries and regions. He and his wife set up a foundation(基金会) focusing on improving global health. He is also the richest man in the world-worth and estimated(估价)$40 billion in 1997 according to Forbes (福布斯)magazine.

Beethoven was one of the greatest composers of all time. He was born on 17 December,1770 in Bonn. He carried on the tradition and became one of the world’s greatest composers. During his life he created many beautiful and famous works. But there are hundreds of Beethoven works which, until now, have been available only to scholars (学者)and specialists. Though he couldn’t hear anything any more at the age of 45, he still continued to work for his music, and he successfully finished the ninth and tenth symphony at last.

Zhang Heng invented the first tool in history for reporting earthquakes. Zhang Heng was a famous man of letters and scientist in the East Han Dynasty in the Chinese history. He invented the armillary sphere and the seismograph, or Di Dong Yi (Earth Motion Instrument) for measuring earthquakes.

Discussion: 1.Do you think these people have made useful changes to the way we live today? 2.Which of these people’s achievements have the largest effect on our lives today? 3.Do you have a hero/heroine? What are things he or she has done that make you feel that this person is amazing?

Consolidation: Fill in the blanks Name Birth time Birth place Great achievements the Eastern Han Dynasty He invented the first tool for reporting earthquakes. China Zhang Heng He was one of the greatest composers of all time. 17 Dec,1770 Bonn, Germany Beethoven Skopje, Macedonia She worked hard to help the people of India. Mother Teresa 27 Aug,1910 He started Microsoft, the biggest computer company. Bill Gates 28 Oct,1955 America Hero in your mind

Group Discussion: What are the common characteristics these four people share? What can we learn from them? Are they your heroes/heroines?

Writing: Write a short passage about your hero or heroine. (100 words or so)

Homework: Read the passage B in the Workbook. (Page 107)