英語專業(yè)綜合教程2Unit8focus-on-global-warming

1、Unit8Pre-reading Activities - Audiovisual supplement 1Audiovisual supplementCultural informationWatch the video and answer the following questions.1. Where is the place in the video?2. Is it possible that our planet will be like this in the future? Why?The earth. But not the same earth where we are

2、living now. In the video, there are rubbish and dust everywhere. And the city may have been abandoned, because there is nobody on the street but a robot.Its quite possible. Human beings have caused too many troubles to the Earth: air and water pollution, energy crisis, global warming, etc.Pre-readin

3、g Activities - Audiovisual supplement 2Audiovisual supplementCultural informationVideo Script1Audiovisual supplementCultural informationSinging:Close your eyes and see it listen, Barnaby. Listen, Barnaby! Put on your Sunday clothes. Theres lots of world out there. Get out the brilliantine and dime c

4、igars. Were gonna find adventure in the evening air. Girls in white in a perfumed night where the lights are bright as the stars. Put on your Sunday clothes. Were gonna ride through town in one of those new horsedrawn open cars. Well see the shows at Delmonicos. And well close the town in a whirl. A

5、nd we wont come home until weve kissed a girl .Cultural information 1Audiovisual supplementCultural informationGlobal warming is the increase in the average temperature of Earths near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation. Most of the observed temperature i

6、ncrease since the middle of the 20th century was caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, which results from human activity such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation. Global warmingCultural information 2Audiovisual supplementCultural informationAn increase in global temperature w

7、ill cause sea levels to rise and will change the amount and pattern of precipitation, probably including expansion of subtropical deserts. Warming is expected to be the strongest in the Arctic and would be associated with continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. Other likely effects i

8、nclude changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, species extinctions, and changes in agricultural yields. Global Reading - Text analysisStructural analysisText analysis1. From which perspectives does the text address the issue of global warming?The text addresses the issue fr

9、om three perspectives the general public concern, its causes and consequences, and practical actions to tackle the problem.Structural analysisText analysis2. Whats the authors purpose of writing? To raise peoples consciousness of the potential dangers of global warming, and to suggest some actions t

10、o combat it.Global Reading - Text analysisStructural analysis 1ParagraphsMain idea1-23-78-11The author tells the reason why people are now increasingly concerned about global warming.The author traces the causes of global warming and discusses the consequences of it.The author puts forward some sugg

11、estions on what is to be done.1. Divide the text into parts by completing the table.Text analysisStructural analysisStructural analysis 32. Figure out the sub-ideas in the second part.1) the causes of the rising concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (Paragraphs 3 and 4)2) the effect of

12、 such concentration on climate change (Paragraphs 5 and 6)3) the potential threat of global warming to human health and survival (Paragraph 7)Main ideaStructural analysis1 Twenty-five years ago if you made a trip to the local library and perused the periodical section for articles on global warming,

13、 youd probably have come up with only a few abstracts from hardcore science journals or maybe a blurb in some esoteric geopolitical magazine. As an Internet search on global warming now attests, the subject has become as rooted in our public consciousness as Madonna or microwave cooking.Focus on Glo

14、bal WarmingDetailed reading1Detailed readingJohn Weier2 Perhaps all this attention is deserved. With the possible exception of another world war, giant asteroid, or an incurable plague, global warming may be the single largest threat to our planet. For decades human factories and cars have spewed bi

15、llions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and the climate has begun to show some signs of warming. Many see this as a harbinger of what is to come. If we dont curb our greenhouse gas emissions, then low-lying nations could be awash in seawater, rain and drought patterns across the worl

16、d could change, hurricanes could become more frequent, and El Ninos could become more intense. Detailed reading2Detailed readingDetailed reading33 What has worried many people now is that over the past 250 years humans have been artificially raising the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmos

17、phere. Our factories, power plants, and cars burn coal and gasoline and spit out a seemingly endless stream of carbon dioxide. We produce millions of pounds of methane by allowing our trash to decompose in landfills and by breeding large herds of methane-belching cattle. Nitrogen-based fertilizers,

18、which we use on nearly all our crops, release unnatural amounts of nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere.Detailed readingOur Warming Planet4 Once these carbon-based greenhouse gases get into the atmosphere, they stay there for decades or longer. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Chang

19、e (IPCC) since the industrial revolution, carbon dioxide levels have increased 31 percent and methane levels have increased 151 percent. Paleoclimate readings taken from fossil records show that these gases, two of the most abundant greenhouse gases, are at their highest levels in the past 420,000 y

20、ears. Many scientists fear that the increased concentrations of greenhouse gases have prevented additional thermal radiation from leaving the Earth. In essence, these gases are trapping excess heat in the Earths atmosphere in much the same way that a windshield traps solar energy that enters a car.D

21、etailed reading4Detailed reading5 Much of the available climate data appear to back these fears. Temperature data gathered from many different sources all across the globe show that the surface temperature of the Earth, which includes the lower atmosphere and the surface of the ocean, has risen dram

22、atically over several decades. Worldwide measurements of sea level show a rise of 0.1 to 0.2 meters over the last century. Thats an increase of roughly 1 every 4,000 years. Readings gathered from glaciers reveal a steady recession of the worlds continental glaciers. Taken together, all of these data

23、 suggest that over the last century the planet has experienced the largest increase in surface temperature in 1,000 years.Detailed reading5Detailed readingDetailed reading6Detailed reading6 Not surprisingly, many scientists speculate that such changes in the climate will probably result in hotter da

24、ys and fewer cool days. According to the IPCC, land surface areas will increase in temperature over the summer months much more than the ocean. The mid-latitude to high-latitude regions in the Northern Hemisphere areas such as the Continental United States, Canada, and Siberia will likely warm the m

25、ost. These regions could exceed mean global warming by as much as 40 percent.Detailed reading77 As far as human health is concerned, those hit hardest will probably be residents of poorer countries that do not have the funds to fend against changes in climate. A slight increase in heat and rain in e

26、quatorial regions would likely spark an increase in vector-borne diseases such as malaria. More intense rains and hurricanes could cause more severe flooding and more deaths in coastal regions and along riverbeds. Even a moderate rise in sea level could threaten the coastlines of low-lying islands s

27、uch as the Maldives. All across the globe, hotter summers could lead to more cases of heatstroke and deaths among those who are vulnerable, such as older people with heart problems. Detailed readingThe warmer temperatures may also lead to higher levels of near-surface ozone from cars and factories,

28、which would likely cause more perilous air quality days and hospital admissions for those with respiratory problems.Detailed reading8Detailed readingTaking Actions8 Fortunately, we can take actions to slow down global warming. Global warming results primarily from human activities that release heat-

29、trapping gases and particles into the air. The most important causes include the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil, and deforestation. To reduce the emission of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides, we can curb our consumption of fossil fuels, use tec

30、hnologies that reduce the amount of emissions wherever possible, and protect the forests in the world.9 We can also do things to mitigate the impacts of global warming and adapt to those most likely to occur, e.g., through careful planning and other strategies that reduce our vulnerability to global

31、 warming.10 But we cant stop there. We are also advocating policies that will combat global warming over the long term, things like clean cars that run on alternative fuels, environmentally responsible renewable energy technologies, and stopping the clear-cutting of valuable forests.Detailed reading

32、9Detailed readingDetailed reading1011 Clearly, global warming is a huge problem. It will take everyone governments, industry, communities and individuals working together to make a real difference. Fortunately you can be part of them.Detailed readingWhy have people shown increasing concern about glo

33、bal warming?Detailed reading1-Quesion 1.1The answer lies in the second paragraph: it is a harbinger of what is to come the threat to low-lying nations, change of rain and drought patterns, frequent hurricanes and intense El Ninos.Detailed readingDetailed reading1-Quesion 1.3Detailed readingHow does

34、the rising concentration of greenhouse gases cause the change in climate?The rising concentration of greenhouse gases, which is primarily caused by high levels of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere, is trapping excess heat (from the sun) and preventing it from leaving the Earth, hence crea

35、ting global warming.Detailed reading1-Quesion 2.1Detailed readingClimate ChangesHealth Damagesslight increase in heat and rainmoderate rise in sea levelmore intense rain and hurricanesan increase in vector diseases such as malariathreat to the coastlines of low-lying islandssevere flooding and more

36、deathshotter summers and warmer temperatures across the globemore cases of heat stroke and deaths; more hospital admissions for those with respiratory problemsComplete the following table with possible health damages caused by climate changes.What are the immediate actions that we should take?Detail

37、ed reading1-Quesion 3We should take such immediate actions as a) cutting our consumption of fossil fuels, b) using technologies to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and c) protecting our forests.Detailed reading1. What does “adapt to those most likely to occur” mean?Detailed reading1-Quesion

38、5It means “do things to get ourselves prepared for the situations that are most likely to occur.”Detailed reading2. What are the long-term policies that should be worked out? We should encourage people to use environmentally clean fuels and technologies, and stop the clear-cutting of forests.peruse

39、vt.to read through something, especially in order to find the part you are interested inDetailed reading1 perusee.g.He opened a newspaper and began to peruse the personal ads.Derivation:perusal n.Detailed readinge.g.a brief perusal He sent a copy of the report to the governors for their perusal.peri

40、odical n.a publication that appears at fixed intervals, esp. one of a serious kindDetailed reading1 periodical e.g.She has written for several legal periodicals.Detailed readingDerivation:period n.periodic a. occurring or appearing at (esp. regular) intervals 定期的，周期的periodically ad.Detailed reading1

41、 come up withDetailed readingcome up withto think of an idea, plan, reply, etc.e.g.No one has come up with a convincing explanation of why dinosaurs died out.The scientists are beating their brains trying to come up with a solution to the problem.Detailed reading1 attestDetailed readingattest vt. /

42、vi.to demonstrate, to declare to be truee.g.The luxurious furnishings attested to the familys wealth.The perfection of their design is attested by the fact that they have survived for thousands of years.Collocation:attest (to) sth.Derivation:attestation n.Detailed reading1- consciousness 1consciousn

43、ess n.1) the condition of being awake and understanding what is happeninge.g.When will the patient regain his consciousness?The blow caused him to lose consciousness.Detailed reading2) all the ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc. of a person or peoplee.g.Love for freedom runs deep in the national conscio

44、usness.This experience helped to change her social consciousness.Detailed reading1 consciousness 2Detailed readingCollocation:consciousness of sth. / that awareness of sth. / that regain / recover consciousness 恢復(fù)意識，恢復(fù)知覺lose consciousness 失去意識，失去知覺e.g.Her consciousness that shes different makes her

45、feel uneasy.Antonym:unconsciousnessDetailed reading1 consciousness 3Detailed readingComparison:subconscious a. 潛意識的conscience n. 良心conscientious a. （指人或行為）認(rèn)真的，盡責(zé)的The poet lay down and gazed at the bright moon, missing his hometown.Detailed reading1 consciousness 4e.g.Detailed readingExercise: Fill i

46、n each blank with a proper word from the box.conscious subconscious conscience conscientious1. Our mind registers things which our mind is not aware of. 2. My brother is a student. 3. My would really trouble me if I wore a fur coat. subconscious_conscious_conscientious_conscience_The money is only g

47、iven to the most deserving cases to the people who need it most. His efforts are certainly deserving of praise.Detailed reading1 deserveDetailed readingdeserve vt. to be worthy ofe.g.Im glad she got the first prize at the English Speech Contest she thoroughly deserved it.I said some cruel things to

48、him, but he deserved it for the way he treated me.Derivation:deserving a.e.g.Detailed reading1 threatDetailed readingShe left the country under threat of arrest if she returned.threat n. a strong possibility that something very bad will happene.g.With so many new offices being built in the city, a l

49、ot of archaeological remains are under threat.Drunken drivers pose a serious threat to other road users.Collocation:be under threat of sth.e.g.Derivation:threaten v.threatening a.Detailed reading1- with the exception of with the exception of except, not includinge.g.I think every student, with the e

50、xception of Helen, will pass the exam.With the exception of gold, the surfaces of metals are never observed but only their oxides.Detailed readingCollocation:without exceptionhave no exceptionexception to sth.make an exceptionDetailed reading1 spewDetailed readingspew vt. to pour out, esp. quickly a

51、nd violentlye.g.One engine of the plane caught fire and spewed black smoke.He spewed forth what he had recently learned about the true facts.Collocation:spew sth. up to vomitDetailed reading1 harbingerDetailed readingharbinger n. something that indicates or foreshadows what is to comee.g.The crowing

52、 of the rooster is a harbinger of dawn.Frost is a harbinger of winter.Collocation:harbinger of sb. / sth.Detailed reading1 curbDetailed readingcurb vt. to stop something that is harmfule.g.This government has made pioneering strides towards curbing air pollution.The only way to curb the spread of th

53、e disease is by immunizing the entire population.emission n. the act of sending forth; dischargeDetailed reading1 emission e.g.The Green Party have called for a substantial reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases by the UK.Detailed readingThe alarm emits infra-red rays which are used to detect

54、 any intruder.The machine emits a high-pitched sound when you press the button.Derivation:emit v.e.g.Detailed reading1 ActivityDetailed readingDiscussionWhat kind of periodical do you usually peruse? Why do you like that periodical? What thoughts do you come up with after reading that periodical? Sh

55、are your favorite periodical with your group members and try to use the following words and expressions when discussing.peruse come up with periodical consciousness attest deserve with the exception of threat spew harbinger curb emissionDetailed reading1 As Internet search on global Detailed reading

56、而今因特網(wǎng)上搜索的結(jié)果足以證明，全球氣候變暖這個話題就像麥當(dāng)娜和微波爐烹飪一樣深入人心。As an Internet search on global warming now attests, the subject has become as rooted in our public consciousness as Madonna or microwave cooking.Paraphrase:An Internet search on global warming proves that the subject has got fixed in peoples mind, just li

57、ke Madonna or microwave cooking.Translation: Detailed reading1 With the possible exception of Detailed reading除了可能再一次發(fā)生的世界大戰(zhàn)，一顆巨大的行星撞擊地球或是一場無法醫(yī)治的瘟疫侵襲之外，全球變暖差不多是我們星球面臨的最大威脅。With the possible exception of another world war, a giant asteroid, or an incurable plague, global warming may be the single lar

58、gest threat to our planet.Translation: Detailed reading1 Many see this as a harbinger Detailed reading很多人都將此視為一種不祥的征兆。Many see this as a harbinger of what is to come.Translation: Detailed reading1 El NinoDetailed readingEl NinoExplanation:El Nino is an irregularly occurring and complex series of cli

59、matic changes affecting the equatorial Pacific region and beyond every few years, characterized by the appearance of unusually warm, nutrient-poor water off northern Peru and Ecuador, typically in late December.Detailed reading1 concentrationDetailed readingconcentration n.1) the relative amount of

60、a particular substance contained within a solution or mixture or in a particular volume of spacee.g.The pesticide has reached a dangerous concentration in the lake water.Collocation:concentration on / of sth.2) (power) of concentrating (on sth.)e.g.I find that yoga improves my powers of concentratio