1、Unit 3 Back to the past Welcome to the unit & Reading (I)Step 1 Warm up If you had a time machine,(1) which dynasty would you go back to and why?(2)which historical figure would you like to meet and what would you say to him/ her? Have a free talkReading for entering the situationLooking into a mirr
2、or, we can see true images of our own; with our knowledge of the past, the present can be better known. Chen ShouStep 2 Reading1.What might be covered in the two historical articles?Main ideaZheng Hes and Columbuss exploration on the sea, including where they went, what they did, why they sailed the
3、 oceans and what influences their voyages had.Tips: according to the title, subtitles and pictures2. Read and complete the table.Zheng Hes explorationChristopher Columbuss explorationThe first voyageDeparture timeDeparture pointFleet sizeNumber of crew membersPlaces of arrivalTotal number of voyages
4、 In the summer of 1405On 3 August 1492TaicangSpainOver 200 shipsThree shipsAlmost 28,000 peopleAbout 90 crewmenAs far as the east coast of AfricaThe shores of the CaribbeanSevenFour2. Read and complete the table.SignificanceZheng Hes voyages h e l p e d d e v e l o p a n d strengthen harmonious r e
5、l a t i o n s w i t h t h e countries and regions, exposing foreign people to Chinese culture, and allowing the Chinese to b e t t e r u n d e r s t a n d overseas lands.C o l u m b u s s d i s c o v e r y i n s p i r e d e x p l o r e r s t o explore and discover more vast areas of the world. His v
6、 o y a g e s o p e n e d a n e w c h a p t e r o f t h e A g e o f Exploration, a period which witnessed many important geographical findings and allowed for an international e x c h a n g e o f i d e a s a n d cultures.3. Read and answer questions.（1）Why were Zheng Hes ships loaded with china, silk
7、, tea and other treasures? （2）What helped prove that the records of Zheng Hes voyages were not legends? Because these are gifts to foreign rulers. An enormous shipyard was discovered in Nanjing, where the fleet had been built.3. Read and answer questions.（3）What challenges did Columbus and his crew
8、encounter during the journey in 1492?（4）Why did Columbus call the natives Indians? It took longer than expected, they almost ran out of food and water entered one of the ships. Because he was convinced that he was in the East Indies.Step 3 Further thinking1.By comparing the stories of the two explor
9、ers, what can you learn about?They both set out to discover the world and this had a profound influence on the world in some way. Their voyages also give us an idea of the challenges and amazing experiences they had, which are quite different from modern voyages. Futhermore, Zheng Hes voyages not on
10、ly represent Chinas splendid history of sailing but also highlight their contribution to navigation.Step 3 Further thinking2.How might explorers have changed the course of history?Our modern world is the result of the discoveries made by explorers. If some of these discoveries were not made, our liv
11、es would be vastly different, from the food we eat to the ideas we have, even to the languages we speak. For example, the voyages made by explorers helped establish regular contact between different parts of the world. In doing so, languages have evolved and cultures have spread, creating a more col
12、ourful world.Step 4 Group discussion Discuss the following questions in groups. 1.What factors made the voyages of Zheng He and Columbus so successful? Use the information in the articles to support your opinion.2.What have you learnt about the spirit of exploration from the articles?Step 3 Further
13、thinking1.What factors made the voyages of Zheng He and Columbus so successful? Zheng Headvanced technologyshipbuilding skillshis navigation skillslearning from others by treating them in a friendly manner Columbusloving sailinggreat intrerest in geographyhis passion for explorationfinancial support
14、being brave and knoeledgeableovercoming many challengesStep 3 Further thinking2.What have you learnt about the spirit of exploration from the articles?The spirit of exploration is extrordinarily strong in humans and that it is an important part of our existence. It is human nature to discover new th
15、ings and we are not afraid of hardship or danger. This kind of spirit encourages us to try new things and push the limits of what is possible. In our daily life, if we are not willing to explore new things or take risks , we may lose many chances to expand our understanding of the world.Step 5 Langu
16、age appreciation1. Read the two articles carefully and think about this question:What writing techniques make good historical articles?Historical articles written in the third person have an objective tone and not a subjective tone. Additionally, the active voice prevents sentences from becoming lon
17、g, wordy and unclear because its stucture is plain and easy to understand. The chronological order helps present historical events as they occurred in time, making it easy for the reader to follow the logical flow of events.Enjoy some good sentences Eg. My grandmother read newspapers in the beautifu
18、l garden, with two little dogs around her, which was a nice and warm scene.(1)A fleet of over 200 ships navigated the blue seas, with almost 28,000 people on board, which was a splendid scene. Students shout slogans while running on the playground, with _, which_.small red flags in their handsleaves
19、 a deep impression on us Enjoy some good sentences Eg. His coming opened a new chapter of the company, which greatly promoted its sale. (2)His voyages opened a new chapter of the Age of Exploration, a period which witnessed many important geographical findings. _opened a new chapter of _, _.Chairman MaoChinamaking people live a better lifeHomeworkAfter reading the articles, what have you learnt? Please write a reflection paper of the articles.
