1、New Horizon English Book 1Unit 8Pre-reading activity: (20ms). Background Information1. Richard Wagner (1813-1883), the greatest composer of German opera, made a major addition to the nature of opera through his writings about and the creation of music drama. Music drama combines singing, orchestra,

2、verse, story, drama and spectacle. Wagners works include the The Ring of the Nibelung (1853-1874), a set of four operas based on historical German stories. For an introduction to Wagner as well as other resources on the Internet, please visit :/ffaire/wagner/index.html or :/yahoo/entertainment/music

3、/. :/yahoo/entertainment/music/.2. The Rhinegold, the first of the four operas in the Ring cycle, exemplifies Wagners theory of music drama in its purest form.3. La Spezia is an industrial port and Italys chief naval station in northwest Italy. Wagner visited here in 1853 when he left his exile in S

4、witzerland to which he had escaped during World War II. For more information such as maps and photos, etc. of La Spezia, please visit :/itwg/ct_00067.asp (or :/itwg in general). 4. Henri Poincare (1854-1912), a great French mathematics and theoretical science professor at the Sorbonne (University of

5、 Paris), had a highly original influence on the development of pure and applied mathematics. He also worked on functions that changed celestial mechanics, helped pioneer algebraic topology and co-discovered the special theory of relativity. For further introduction to his works, please visit :/www-c

6、/misc/poincare.html.5. Descartes, Rene (1596-1650), a famous French philosopher, mathematician and scientist, was one of the most influential thinkers in history. He is considered the founder of both modern philosophy and analytic geometry. During his life, established ideas were being c

7、hallenged, so he tried to develop a way to reach the truth. He based his theory that the world is made up of mind and matter on a concept that came to him in a dream. For further information, check out the webpage at :/xrefer/entry/551791.6. cogito ergo sum, is Latin for I think; therefore, I exist,

8、 a key point in Descartes philosophy. He claimed that the only thing anyone can be certain of is that s/he thinks and, therefore, s/he exists. The I is the mind which can exist without beingextended so that it can in principle survive the death of the body. You can check out the webpage at :/xrefer/

9、entry/551611 for further information.Lead-in ActivityDiscuss in group the following topics1. Where do you think good ideas come from especially when you are faced with a difficult issue?2. Tell a story about the birth of great ideas, for example, the birth of great invention, etc.While-reading Activ

10、itywords and phrases:satisfactory a. good enough to be pleasing, or for a purpose, rule, standard, etc. 令人滿意的Sales are up 20% from last year: thats very satisfactory. 銷售額比去年增加了20%，非常令人滿意。This method of heating is not satisfactory for large buildings.這一取暖辦法用于大型建筑物并不令人滿意。Flash vi.1. (of an idea) to co

11、me suddenly 突然產生（想法、靈感）The idea flashed into his mind. 他突然想到了這個主意。Then it flashed upon me that she was his wife. 我突然想到她是他的妻子。2move very fast 飛馳，掠過The days seem to flash by. 光陰似箭。Particularly ad. especially 特別是More local employment will be created, particularly in service industries. 地方將提供更多的就業機會，尤其是

12、服務行業。I cannot leave him, particularly now. 我不能離開他，尤其是現在。glow duce light and heat without fire發光，發熱Colored lights glowed on the celebration night. 節日之夜燈火輝煌。2. show strong or warm color 呈現鮮艷的顏色Maple leaves glowed red in the sunlight.楓葉在陽光下閃耀著紅光。The sunset glowed with color. 日落時天空中呈現出耀眼的色彩。crea

13、tion n. creating創造Does the government argue against the creation of an separate Scottish government? 政府是不是反對成立一個獨立的蘇格蘭政府？The creation of new playgrounds will benefit the local children. 建立新的運動場地將會使當地兒童受益。mystery n. something that is not fully understood謎Who had taken the book? It was a mystery. 誰把書拿

14、走了？這是個謎。 Why he went there is a mystery to me.他為什么上那兒去對我來說是個謎。reasonable a. showing common sense; fair合理的，適當的He gave me a reasonable explanation. 他給了我一個合理的解釋。I had a reasonable solution to the problem. 我想到了一個解決這個問題的合理辦法。psychologist n.a person trained and educated to perform psychological research,

15、testing, and treatment心理學家You may turn to the psychologist for help.你可以到那位心理學家那兒尋求幫助。process n.a connected set of actions or events that produce c o n t i n u a t i o n o r s l o w c h a n g e 過 程 ， 進 程The firm is now in the process of moving the main equipment to a new place.公司目前正在把主要設備遷到新地址去。Produ

16、cing a dictionary is a slow process. 編撰一本詞典是一個緩慢的過程。individual n.a human being regarded as unique 個體，個人She always treated her clients as individuals. 她總是把每個客戶視為不同的個體。The rights of the individual are sometimes the most important rights in a free society. 在自由社會里有時個人的權利是最為重要的權利。contrast n. (with, betwe

17、en) unlikeness or difference shown by comparing objects or people對照, (對照中的)差異This appears big in contrast with that. 同那個相比，這個顯得很大。The contrast between the two ideas is sharp. 這兩種想法的差異很明顯。mathematician n. a person gifted or learned in mathematics數學家Hua Luogeng is a great mathematician. 華羅庚是一位偉大的數學家。c

18、ombination n. something that results from two or more things, (esp. chemicals) being combined結合, 合并;【化】化合物His nature is a combination of strength and kindness. 他的性格柔中寓剛。 After the general election, a combination of parties formed the new government.大選后,各政黨聯合組成了新政府。Language PointsLanguage Point 1No s

19、atisfactory way exists to explain how to form a good idea. (Para. 1) Meaning: There is not a way good enough to explain how to find or develop a good idea.Language Point 2 No satisfactory way exists. (Para. 1) satisfactory: a. good enough to be pleasing, or for a purpose, rule, standard, etc.This he

20、ater is satisfactory; it does give enough heat. 這取暖器效果令人滿意，釋放熱量充足。The design of the kitchen is satisfactory: the refrigerator is not next to the stove and there is enough space. 廚房的設計令人滿意，冰箱不靠近爐灶，而且空間很大。personality n.1 . a p e r s o n w h o i s w e l l - k n o w n t o t h e p u b l i c 名 人t e l e v

21、i s i o n p e r s o n a l i t i e s 電 視 名 星2. the quality or condition of being a person人的品質或條件Though their personalities were different, they got along as friends. 雖然他們性格迥異，但卻能友好相處。i n t e n s i f y v. m a k e o r b e c o m e s t r o n g e r 增 強 ， 加 強The press has intensified its examination of the

22、 political officials b a c k g r o u n d . 新 聞 界 已 加 強 了 對 那 個 政 客 背 景 的 調 查 。The search intensified as dusk approached.隨著黃昏將至，搜尋加強了。1 . C a p e r s o n o f e x c e p t i o n a l n a t u r a l a b i l i t y 天 才One is not born a genius; one becomes a genius. (Simone de Beauvoir) 天才不是天生的，而是后天造就的。(西蒙娜德

23、比弗)He was a genius in both science and art. 他在科學和藝術兩方面都是天才。2 . U s t r o n g n a t u r a l a b i l i t y 天 賦Theres genius in the way this was painted. 這幅畫能畫成這樣真是天才。recognize vt.1. realize or be aware that sth. exists or is true注意到，認識到Many fail to recognize that all these things are in danger of bein

24、g refused. 許多人沒有看到這一切正處于失去的危險之中。No one recognizes the difficulty of the mission. 沒有人注意到這項使命的艱巨性。2. identify as previously known; know sth. or sb.認出I recognized Peter although I hadnt seen him for 10 years. 雖然我有10年沒看到彼得了，但我認出了他。orchestral a. of or by a large group of musicians who play various musica

25、l instruments together管弦樂的, 管弦樂隊的o r c h e s t r a l i n s t r u m e n t s 管 弦 樂 器an orchestral production管弦樂隊的演出religion n.belief in the existence of a god or gods or a force of g r e a t e r p o w e r o u t s i d e o f o n e s s e l f 宗 教There are many religions in the world. 世界上有許多種宗教。Political a

26、ffairs and religion are subjects of daily conversation. 政治和宗教是人們日常談論的話題。philosophy n. the search for knowledge and understanding of the nature and meaning of all the natural world including human life哲學e c o n o m i c p h i l o s o p h y 經 濟 哲 學the philosophy of Kant康德的哲學（體系）invention n.1 . t h e a

27、c t i o n o f c r e a t i n g s o m e t h i n g n e w 發 明Need is the mother of invention. （諺）需要是發明之母。His 6,000 inventions included the electric light bulb, the phonograph, and the mimeograph machine. 他的六千項發明包括 電 燈 泡 、 留 聲 機 ( 唱 機 ) 和 油 印 機 。 2 . s o m e t h i n g c r e a t e d 發 明 物The phonograph is

28、 an invention made by Thomas Edison. 留聲機是托馬斯愛迪生發明的。logic n. the science of thinking about or explaining the reasons for sth. 邏輯；邏輯學Your friend doesnt seem to be controlled by logic. 你那位朋友好像沒有邏輯性。He argues with learning and logic. 他的辯論既展示了他的學識，又合乎邏輯。truly ad.1 . r e a l l y ; c o m p l e t e l y 真 正

29、地a t r u l y w i l l i n g a c t 真 正 慷 慨 的 行 為This is a truly beautiful picture. 這實在是一幅很美的畫。2. honest; exactly as described真誠地；真心地We are truly sorry this is not convenient. 這是很不方便，我們確實很抱歉。highly ad.very; to an unusually great degree非常h i g h l y i n t e r e s t i n g 很 有 趣a highly scientific approac

30、h 高度科學性的方法dramatic a.dramatic a.1. sudden, exciting, not expected引人注目的China has achieved dramatic economic developments. 中國在經濟上取得了令人矚目的發展。dramatic colors引人注目的色彩2. about drama or acting戲劇的; 演戲的compose v. create or produce (a written or musical piece) 創作（文學或音樂）He teaches music and also composes. 他教音樂，

31、 并且作曲。At the age of six he was already composing at the piano. 他六歲時就用鋼琴作曲。composing a poem /a speech 寫一首詩/一篇演講稿occupy vt.1. engage, employ, or busy (oneself) 把注意力集中于 .I am fully occupied with my daily work. 我每天都忙于日常的工作。He was occupied in writing letters. 他忙著寫信。 2. fill up (time or space) 占用（時間或空間）a

32、lecture that occupied three hours長達三個小時的講座Reading occupies most of my free time. 閱讀占去了我大部分的閑暇時間。The enemy occupied the town.敵人占據了這個城鎮。fling vt.1. throw with force 猛扔，拋Dont fling your clothes about on the chair; hang them up. 別把衣服亂扔在椅子上,把它們掛起來。The sun flings bright rays on the fields.（比喻）燦爛的陽光撒在田野上。c

33、 o u c h n . a l o n g c o m f o r t a b l e s e a t ; a s o f a 沙 發 Sit beside me on the couch.上我這兒來，坐到沙發上。Mary was not well so she was lying on the couch in the living room. 瑪麗感到身體不適，所以她躺在起居室的沙發上。miracle n. an act or event that cannot be explained by known laws of nature 奇跡a m i r a c l e o f a r

34、c h i t e c t u r e 建 筑 上 的 奇 跡The car ran over the man, but by a miracle, he was not hurt.汽車從那個人身上壓過去, 但他卻沒有受傷, 真是奇跡。mighty a. having or showing great power, skill, strength, or force強大的，巨大的He gave it a mighty push and it opened. 他用力推了一下，它便開了。He struck the rock a mighty blow with a hammer.他用鐵錘使勁地猛擊

35、了一下那塊巖石。Language Point 3.to explain how to form a good idea. (Para. 1) form a good idea: begin to have an idea and develop itWe can say to form an idea, an opinion, a judgment, a plan or even a personality.He found it hard to form an original opinion. 他覺得要有獨到的見解并非易事。I know them both well enough to f

36、orm my own judgment. 我對他們都非常了解，足可以自己獨立判斷。A plan began to form in his mind. 一個計劃開始在他腦子里形成。One of the most important tasks for a school is to help and promote forming a childs personality. 學校的一個重要任務就是要幫助和促進兒童個性的形成。Language Point 4You think about a problem until youre tired, forget it, maybe sleep on i

37、t, and then flash! (Para. 1) Meaning: You have been thinking about a problem until you are tired, forget it and leave it undecided and then suddenly some idea comes to your mind.Language Point 5.forget it, maybe sleep on it.(Para. 1) sleep on it: leave sth. undecided or unattended until later time H

38、e will sleep on the matter and tell us the decision later. 他對此事要考慮一下，再把他的決定告訴我們。Language Point 6.and then flash! (Para. 1) flash: vi. 1. (of an idea) to come suddenlyThese lines from Shakespeare just flashed into my mind. 我突然記起了莎士比亞的這幾行詩句。2. appear or pass suddenlyThe car flashed by so quickly that

39、I could not see the car number. 汽車飛馳而過，我根本看不到車牌號。The policeman flashed his I. D. card at me, but I could not read his name. 警察只是向我亮了一下他的證件，可我根本看不清他的名字。Language Point 7When you arent thinking about it, suddenly the answer arrives as a gift from the gods. (Para. 1) Meaning: When you are no longer thin

40、king of the problem, then the answer to it comes to your mind unexpectedly as if something falls upon you from heavenly spirits.a gift from the gods: an unearned, or unexpected, benefit that is greatly valued People say that all the years after 70 are gifts from the gods. 人們說70歲之后的壽數是上帝恩賜的。Language

41、Point 8Of course, all ideas dont occur like that but so many do, particularly the most important ones. (Para. 2) Meaning: Not all ideas, of course, come as gifts as many of them do. Especially, some big ideas do not come to your mind automatically. occur: vi. come to mindThe idea never occurred to m

42、e. 我從未想到過這個主意。It suddenly occurred to him that this was an act he could never do. 他突然想到這種事情他根本就不應該做。particularly: ad. especiallyHe is particularly busy for this month. 這個月他特別忙。He is particularly careful with his car; I do not think we should borrow it. 他對他的汽車愛惜有加，我看我們還是不借為好。Language Point 9 They bur

43、st into the mind, glowing with the heat of creation. (Para. 2) Meaning : These ideas come to the mind suddenly and show clearly they are good creative ideas.glow: v. produce light and heat without fire,Some natural matter can glow in the dark.有些自然物質能在黑暗中閃光。glow with: show redness or heat with feelin

44、gs, etc.My father face glowed with satisfaction when he saw my college grades. 父親看到我的學校成績時，臉上露出滿意的神情。Language Point 10How they do it is a mystery but they must come from somewhere. (Para. 2) Meaning: How these ideas came to your mind is a mystery; no one can understand. But they must have come from

45、somewhere, an unknown source. mystery: something that is not fully understood Many people have tried to solve the problem but without success; it is a mystery that the girl found the solution to it in just a minute. 許多人設法解決這個問題，但都沒有成功; 這個女孩僅在幾分鐘內就把它解決了，真是件怪事。Language Point 11 This is reasonable, for

46、 psychologists use this term to describe mental processes which are unknown to the individual. (Para. 2) Meaning: The explanation holds water as psychologists use this special term to describe the patterns going on in our mind, which are not known by human beings. process: n. a connected set of acti

47、ons or events that produce continuation or slow changeIn this example, the conscious mind at the moment of creation knew nothing of the actual processes by which the solution was found. (Para. 5) 在這個事例中，意識在創造的時候對發現答案的實際過程一無所知。Scientists have now discovered more about the processes of sleep and dream

48、ing. 科學家已經發現了更多的有關睡眠和做夢的過程。Psychologists study the processes by which human personalities are formed, develop and change. 心理學家研究人類性格的形成、發展和改變的過程。Language Point 12 Creative thought depends on what was unknown becoming known. (Para. 2) Meaning : Creative thought comes if one can change what was unknow

49、n into something that is knowndepend on: happen according to; count on The success of the factory depends on the workers. 工廠的成功取決于工人的工作。Depending on how much he sells, his earnings will increase. 他收入的增加取決于他能賣出多少。Language Point 13.it is easiest to examine it in the great creative personalities, many

50、of whom experienced it in an intensified form and have written it down in their life stories and letters. (Para. 3) Meaning: Many of the highly creative persons had experiences of this sort and felt its effects strongly, as you can find in their life stories and letters, so their case is easiest to

51、study and understand.Language Point 14.it is easiest to examine it .(Para. 3) examine: study or determineexamine a tissue sample under a microscope 在顯微鏡下研究組織細胞的樣品examine the structure of a novel 分析一部小說的結構examine ones own reasons 剖析自己的動機Language Point 15. the great creative personalities .(Para. 3) p

52、ersonality: n. 1. a person who is well-known to the public Please note that this is a countable noun in this sense.He is a powerful personality. 他是一位有權勢的人物。A number of local personalities were present. 出席的有許多當地政要。2. the quality or condition of being a personI like Jack because he has a friendly pers

53、onality. 我喜歡杰克是因為他性情隨和。Language Point 16.in an intensified form .(Para. 3) intensify: v. make or become stronger Efforts to reach the injured man have been intensified because of a sudden turning for the worse in the weather. 由于天氣突然變得更惡劣，援救傷員的工作加緊了步伐。The enemys breakthrough intensified, as there was

54、 no hope for their reinforcement. 由于增援無望，敵人加強了突圍。Post-reading Activitykey to Exercise: (pp.178-183). Answer the following questions. (p.178)1.Good ideas come from the unconscious. Psychologists use the term to describe mental processes which are unknown to the individual. 2.No. all of us have experi

55、enced the sudden arrival of a new idea, but it is easiest to examine it in the great creative personalities. 3.He was sick and could not sleep for noise without and fever within.4.No. he had been occupied with the idea of the Ring fro several years, and for many months had been struggling to make a

56、start with the actual composing.5.The rush and roar of water had become music and the orchestral opening to the Rhinegold had at last taken its shape within him.6.The unconscious mind at the moment of creation knew nothing of the atual process by which the solution was found. A new concept may sudde

57、nly explode into consciousness.7.In the example of Henri Poincare, we see the conscious mind actually watching the unconscious at work.8.Dream plays an important role. Descartes was able to make the discovery with the help of his dream. Fill in the blanks with the words given below. Change the form

58、where necessary. (p.178)1. Scientists have recently turned their attention to natural sources of energy: the sun, the sea, the wind and hot springs.2. If present directions continue, the world in the years ahead will be more crowded, more polluted and less stable ecologically（生態上） than the world we

59、live in now.3. The crowd surged out from the gate.4. Its not reasonable to expect a small child to understand such a difficult question.5. The novel Tom Sawyer exemplifies 19th-century life in the United States.6. She was unable to express her intense fear of the witch (巫婆) toy in the box. 7. When h

60、e got upstairs very tired, John flung himself on a couch.8. I cant say I share your enthusiasm for the idea. Replace the underlined words or expressions in the following sentences with text words or expressions that best keep the original meaning. 1. Their present has been in the form of a cheque fo