unit 2 the teddy stoddard story. contents pre-reading questions pre-reading questions pre-reading...

Unit 2Unit 2 The Teddy Stoddard StoryThe Teddy Stoddard Story

ContentsContents

Pre-reading questionsPre-reading questions Background informationBackground information Structure analysisStructure analysis Comprehension questionsComprehension questions Language points of Text ILanguage points of Text I Grammatical itemsGrammatical items ExercisesExercises Comprehension questions of Text IIComprehension questions of Text II Oral activitiesOral activities Writing practiceWriting practice

Text I The Teddy Stoddard StoryText I The Teddy Stoddard Story

Pre-reading questionsPre-reading questions

Have you ever been in a situation where you were considered “different” from others? How did you feel?

Who is your favorite teacher? What do you remember him/her for?

What qualifications do you expect of a good teacher?

Background information (1)Background information (1)

Supplementary material for the Supplementary material for the text:text:

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, "Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you Mrs. Thompson for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference."showing me that I could make a difference."


Supplementary material for the text:Supplementary material for the text:

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispereMrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. d back. She said, "Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could maYou were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until ke a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you." I met you."


The origin of the story (1)The origin of the story (1) The real story is this: Decades ago, a friend of Ungar's The real story is this: Decades ago, a friend of Ungar's

was filling in as a Sunday school teacher. The kids were was filling in as a Sunday school teacher. The kids were presenting Christmas gifts. A grubby little boy handed hpresenting Christmas gifts. A grubby little boy handed her a broken rhinestone bracelet and bottle of cheap perfer a broken rhinestone bracelet and bottle of cheap perfume.ume.

"She had gotten this gift from a child and it was so touc"She had gotten this gift from a child and it was so touching. She didn't know what to do," Ungar said. The teaching. She didn't know what to do," Ungar said. The teacher also didn't know anything about the child.her also didn't know anything about the child.


The origin of the story (2)The origin of the story (2) It set Ungar to thinking about her own youth, whIt set Ungar to thinking about her own youth, wh

en the family didn't have enough money for little en the family didn't have enough money for little Elizabeth to give her teacher a Christmas gift baElizabeth to give her teacher a Christmas gift back at Thompson Elementary in Jacksonville, N.ck at Thompson Elementary in Jacksonville, N.C. At her grandmother's suggestion, she picked a C. At her grandmother's suggestion, she picked a boxful of pecans from a tree in her yard and presboxful of pecans from a tree in her yard and presented it.ented it.


The origin of the story (3)The origin of the story (3)

"Everybody started laughing," she said. The teach"Everybody started laughing," she said. The teacher saved the moment by declaring that she was er saved the moment by declaring that she was making fruitcakes and Elizabeth's gift was just thmaking fruitcakes and Elizabeth's gift was just the thing she'd wanted.e thing she'd wanted.


The origin of the story (4)The origin of the story (4)

From these two stories, the author combined her From these two stories, the author combined her grandmother's last name, Stanley, and her own ngrandmother's last name, Stanley, and her own name at the time, Ballard, and invented Teddy Staame at the time, Ballard, and invented Teddy Stallard, who was, in short order, kidnapped and carllard, who was, in short order, kidnapped and carried off to any banquet in need of a heartwarminried off to any banquet in need of a heartwarming anecdote.g anecdote.


Nutshell of the storyNutshell of the story

The story, in a nutshell: Mrs. Thompson, an elementary The story, in a nutshell: Mrs. Thompson, an elementary school teacher, dislikes a grubby, ill-kempt little school teacher, dislikes a grubby, ill-kempt little underachiever in her class who, one Christmas, presents underachiever in her class who, one Christmas, presents her with a broken rhinestone bracelet and a bottle of her with a broken rhinestone bracelet and a bottle of cheap perfume. She checks his record, finds that his cheap perfume. She checks his record, finds that his mother has died and, after a weepy hour of self-mother has died and, after a weepy hour of self-reproach, takes him under her wing, where he blossoms. reproach, takes him under her wing, where he blossoms. There follow three letters after his family moves out of There follow three letters after his family moves out of town.town.


Comment on the storyComment on the story Heartwarming though it is, the tale of little Teddy StoddHeartwarming though it is, the tale of little Teddy Stodd

ard and his inspirational teacher, Mrs. Thompson, is a ward and his inspirational teacher, Mrs. Thompson, is a work of fiction. The original story, which first appeared iork of fiction. The original story, which first appeared in significantly different form in the magazine n significantly different form in the magazine Home LifHome Lifee in 1976, was written by Elizabeth Silance Ballard (no in 1976, was written by Elizabeth Silance Ballard (now Elizabeth Ungar) and called "Three Letters from Tedw Elizabeth Ungar) and called "Three Letters from Teddy." The main character's name was Teddy Stallard, not dy." The main character's name was Teddy Stallard, not Teddy Stoddard. Teddy Stoddard.


The influence of the storyThe influence of the story

heartstrings straight out of their sockets. In Colorado heartstrings straight out of their sockets. In Colorado three years ago, copies were sent to every teacher. three years ago, copies were sent to every teacher.

Warm someone's heart today. . . pass this along. I love Warm someone's heart today. . . pass this along. I love this story so very much, I cry every time I read it. Just this story so very much, I cry every time I read it. Just try to make a difference in someone's life today? try to make a difference in someone's life today? tomorrow? Just "do it". tomorrow? Just "do it".

Random acts of kindness, I think they call it? Random acts of kindness, I think they call it?

Structure analysis of the text (1)Structure analysis of the text (1)

The passage can be divided into 5 parts:The passage can be divided into 5 parts: Part 1. Paragraph 1-5Part 1. Paragraph 1-5 Part 2. Paragraph 6-8Part 2. Paragraph 6-8 Part 3. Paragraph 9-12Part 3. Paragraph 9-12 Part 4. Paragraph 13-14Part 4. Paragraph 13-14 Part 5. Paragraph 15-20Part 5. Paragraph 15-20

Structure analysis of the text (2)Structure analysis of the text (2) Part 1. Paragraph 1-5Part 1. Paragraph 1-5

Paras 1 to 3 describe Mrs. Thompson’s initial unParas 1 to 3 describe Mrs. Thompson’s initial unpleasant impression about Teddy. The next two pleasant impression about Teddy. The next two paras 4and 5, Mrs. Thompson’s impression is coparas 4and 5, Mrs. Thompson’s impression is confirmed by Teddy’s school work during the first nfirmed by Teddy’s school work during the first few months.few months.


Part 2. Paragraph 6-8Part 2. Paragraph 6-8

These paragraphs tell the readers what Mrs. These paragraphs tell the readers what Mrs. Thompson learned from Teddy’s records.Thompson learned from Teddy’s records.


Part 3. Paragraph 9-12Part 3. Paragraph 9-12 The third part includes Paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and The third part includes Paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and

12, the most important part of the story, because 12, the most important part of the story, because what happened before Christmas prompted Mrs. what happened before Christmas prompted Mrs. Thompson to do something for Teddy.Thompson to do something for Teddy.


Part 4. Paragraph 13-14Part 4. Paragraph 13-14 These two paragraphs describe the changes in These two paragraphs describe the changes in

both Mrs. Thompson and Teddy after Christmas.both Mrs. Thompson and Teddy after Christmas.


Part 5. Paragraph 15-20Part 5. Paragraph 15-20 tell the readers about the notes Teddy sent to his tell the readers about the notes Teddy sent to his

teacher on three important occasions and the lettteacher on three important occasions and the letters Teddy wrote to his teacher. The last para doeers Teddy wrote to his teacher. The last para doesn’t describe how Teddy’s wedding takes place, sn’t describe how Teddy’s wedding takes place, but we can imagine the whole scene. but we can imagine the whole scene.


Part 6 paragraph 15-16Part 6 paragraph 15-16

What happened later ever since then: the What happened later ever since then: the grandson becamegrandson became his grandfather’s his grandfather’s shadowshadow..

Comprehension questions (1)Comprehension questions (1)

Why does the writer say that Mrs. Thompson “told a liWhy does the writer say that Mrs. Thompson “told a lie”when she said she loved her pupils all the same and we”when she said she loved her pupils all the same and would treat them all alike?ould treat them all alike?

Because Mrs. Thompson didn’t like Teddy at first. She Because Mrs. Thompson didn’t like Teddy at first. She even took delight in “marking his papers with a broad reven took delight in “marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X’s and then marking the F at the ted pen, making bold X’s and then marking the F at the top of the paper biggest of all.” (paragraph 4) Later she gop of the paper biggest of all.” (paragraph 4) Later she gave her particular attention to Teddy. (Paragraphs 13 anave her particular attention to Teddy. (Paragraphs 13 and 14.) In both cases Teddy received more attention frod 14.) In both cases Teddy received more attention from her.m her.


What caused Teddy to change from a “bright, What caused Teddy to change from a “bright, inquisitive boy” to “ a sullen little boy”?inquisitive boy” to “ a sullen little boy”?

Some family misfortunes ( the death of his Some family misfortunes ( the death of his mother and the indifference of his father) turned mother and the indifference of his father) turned Teddy from a “bright, inquisitive boy” to “ a Teddy from a “bright, inquisitive boy” to “ a sullen little boy”.sullen little boy”.


How did Mrs. Thompson react to Teddy’s How did Mrs. Thompson react to Teddy’s Christmas present?Christmas present?

Though Teddy’s present was not as beautiful as Though Teddy’s present was not as beautiful as those of other kids, Mrs. Thompson showed a those of other kids, Mrs. Thompson showed a special interest in it. She put on the old bracelet special interest in it. She put on the old bracelet and dabbed some perfume behind her other and dabbed some perfume behind her other wrist. wrist.


What was the important and consistent message What was the important and consistent message in all the notes Teddy sent to his teacher?in all the notes Teddy sent to his teacher?

Through these notes Teddy expressed his Through these notes Teddy expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Thompson for her heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Thompson for her care and encouragement and his reassurance to care and encouragement and his reassurance to her that she was his favorite teacher of all time. her that she was his favorite teacher of all time.


Why did Teddy ask Mrs. Thompson to attend his Why did Teddy ask Mrs. Thompson to attend his marriage ceremony?marriage ceremony?

Because Teddy thought of Mrs. Thompson as Because Teddy thought of Mrs. Thompson as the most important person in his life. Perhaps he the most important person in his life. Perhaps he even regarded her as a mother since his own even regarded her as a mother since his own mother had died years before. mother had died years before.

Language points of Text I (1)Language points of Text I (1)

. . VentureVenture: : an activity or undertaking involving risan activity or undertaking involving risk or uncertainty.k or uncertainty.

Example:Example:

The two companies have embarked on a joint ventThe two companies have embarked on a joint venture to produce cars in America.ure to produce cars in America.

Nothing venture, nothing have . (One cannot expecNothing venture, nothing have . (One cannot expect to achieve anything if one dare not take risks. )t to achieve anything if one dare not take risks. )


2. 2. take a delight in: to get great pleasure from dtake a delight in: to get great pleasure from doing sth. oing sth.

He took great delight in sharing his love of birds He took great delight in sharing his love of birds with children. with children.

be delighted withbe delighted with e,g. He said that he was delighted with the publie,g. He said that he was delighted with the publi

c response. c response. delightful, delightfully. delightful, delightfully.


unkempt unkempt e.g. His hair was unkempt and filthy… the e.g. His hair was unkempt and filthy… the

unkempt grass… an unkempt old man. unkempt grass… an unkempt old man.

constantlyconstantly: all the time, or very often: all the time, or very often constant drops wear stoneconstant drops wear stone


1.1.be in forbe in for: to be about to have sth unpleasant: to be about to have sth unpleasant We are in for some trouble if don’t finish it quickly. We are in for some trouble if don’t finish it quickly. 2.2. inquisitiveinquisitive: always wanting to find out the details abo: always wanting to find out the details abo

ut the things and people.ut the things and people. E,g, Journalists have to be inquisitive, fearless and deterE,g, Journalists have to be inquisitive, fearless and deter

mined.mined. Inquisitive box.Inquisitive box.


WithdrawWithdraw 7. withdraw: to (cause to) not to take part in7. withdraw: to (cause to) not to take part in I withdrew from the examination because I I withdrew from the examination because I

haven’t fully prepared.haven’t fully prepared. Withdrawal Withdrawal


Take painsTake pains

take pains: to make great effort or take great take pains: to make great effort or take great care.care.

Mary took great pains with her English lesson Mary took great pains with her English lesson and got high marks.and got high marks.

NO PAINS, NO GAINS.NO PAINS, NO GAINS.


Stifle Stifle

Stifle: to prevent from happeningStifle: to prevent from happening e.g. stifle a yawn or laugh e.g. stifle a yawn or laugh She makes no attempt to stifle a yawn. She makes no attempt to stifle a yawn. His hands shot to his mouth to stifle a giggle.His hands shot to his mouth to stifle a giggle. He stifled his temptation to take hold of Ivy and He stifled his temptation to take hold of Ivy and

shake her. shake her.


ExclaimExclaim exclaim: to cry out or speak suddenly exclaim: to cry out or speak suddenly

and loudlyand loudly She exclaimed in delight when she She exclaimed in delight when she

saw the presents.saw the presents.


Quit Quit

quit: to stopquit: to stop Suddenly she quit talking, turning her Suddenly she quit talking, turning her

face to the pillow and went to sleep.face to the pillow and went to sleep. I’d quit taking the pills because they I’d quit taking the pills because they

were making me overweight.were making me overweight.


VowVow

vow: to promise solemnlyvow: to promise solemnly Penny board the plane, vowing she would Penny board the plane, vowing she would

always love me.always love me. Ben vowed to avenge his mother’s deathBen vowed to avenge his mother’s death..


AssureAssure assure: to declare positively, to tell assure: to declare positively, to tell

someone that something is definitely someone that something is definitely true. true.

The mother assured her that The mother assured her that everything would be alright.everything would be alright.

Language points of Text I (12)Language points of Text I (12) Wonder Wonder a.a. used to introduce a requestused to introduce a request I wondered whether you would be so kind as I wondered whether you would be so kind as

to send me an application form.to send me an application form. I wonder if you could help me.I wonder if you could help me. b. think about or ask oneself about b. think about or ask oneself about

somethingsomething He wondered whether he would be able to He wondered whether he would be able to

find the hotel again.find the hotel again. I wonder what she is doing tonight.I wonder what she is doing tonight.


Bet Bet bet: to state confidently (what will bet: to state confidently (what will

happen)happen) The builders want to finish the job by The builders want to finish the job by

Friday. I bet they won’t.Friday. I bet they won’t. I bet Tom has a hangover this I bet Tom has a hangover this

morning--- you should have seen how morning--- you should have seen how much he was drinking last night.much he was drinking last night.


Sentences for appreciation:Sentences for appreciation:

1. 1. She stifled the children's laughter She stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was,putting it on,pretty the bracelet was,putting it on,

and dabbing some of the perfume on her and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.wrist.

( Para 11)( Para 11)


Sentences for appreciation:Sentences for appreciation:

2. And guess what, she wore that bracelet, the o2. And guess what, she wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. And I bet ne with several rhinestones missing. And I bet on that special day, Jean Thompson smelled jon that special day, Jean Thompson smelled just like…well, just like the way Teddy rememust like…well, just like the way Teddy remembered his mother smelling on their last Christbered his mother smelling on their last Christmas together. (para 20)mas together. (para 20)

Grammatical items (1)Grammatical items (1)

Pay attention to the ways to express past future.Pay attention to the ways to express past future. Was/were going to+ Was/were going to+ 不定式表示的过去将来时间的动不定式表示的过去将来时间的动

作或事态，也可能是没有实现的。作或事态，也可能是没有实现的。Last Sunday we were going to go for a picnic but it rained. Last Sunday we were going to go for a picnic but it rained. I was going to finish my article last night but my friend arrI was going to finish my article last night but my friend arr

ived so I didn’t have time. ived so I didn’t have time. 也表示最近的过去将来时间也表示最近的过去将来时间I felt that something terrible was about to happen. I felt that something terrible was about to happen.


Pay attention to the ways to express past future.Pay attention to the ways to express past future.

Was/were to +Was/were to + 不定式，表示按计划、安排将要不定式，表示按计划、安排将要发生的过去将来的动作。发生的过去将来的动作。

As I was to leave the next day, I went to bed early As I was to leave the next day, I went to bed early on Thursday evening.on Thursday evening.

I was to leave off the next day. I was to leave off the next day.


Pay attention to the ways to express past future.Pay attention to the ways to express past future. Would +do Would +do 表示过去将来时间，这种用法多表示过去将来时间，这种用法多

见于宾语从句。见于宾语从句。 He said he would call me at six.He said he would call me at six. We hoped they would have got the crops in by tWe hoped they would have got the crops in by t

he end of the week. he end of the week.

Exercises (1)Exercises (1)Translation exercisesTranslation exercises

他承认他的失败是因为缺乏信心。他承认他的失败是因为缺乏信心。 (lack of )(lack of ) 1.1. He admitted that his failure was caused by his He admitted that his failure was caused by his

lack of confidence.lack of confidence.

要求来访者一到就签名。要求来访者一到就签名。 (require)(require) 2.2. Visitors are required to sign their names on arVisitors are required to sign their names on ar

rival.rival.

Exercises (2)Exercises (2)

我们已邀请他们来参加聚会，但因为孩子病我们已邀请他们来参加聚会，但因为孩子病了，只好改期。了，只好改期。

3.3. We’ve invited them to the party, but we’ll havWe’ve invited them to the party, but we’ll have to put it off because the baby’s sick.e to put it off because the baby’s sick.

我们必须采取措施帮助那些受伤者的家庭。我们必须采取措施帮助那些受伤者的家庭。 4.4. We must take steps to help the families of thoWe must take steps to help the families of tho

se who were hurt.se who were hurt.

Exercises (3)Exercises (3)老师花了很大力气，确保我们每个人都理解课老师花了很大力气，确保我们每个人都理解课

文的内容。文的内容。 The teacher took great pains to make sure that we The teacher took great pains to make sure that we

all understood the text.all understood the text.

今天我们集中讨论无家可归者的问题。今天我们集中讨论无家可归者的问题。 Today we’re going to focus on the issue of the hoToday we’re going to focus on the issue of the ho

meless people.meless people.


不知道您是否赏光，参加我们的年终联欢会。不知道您是否赏光，参加我们的年终联欢会。((wonderwonder))

We wondered whether you would be so kind as to We wondered whether you would be so kind as to attend our end-of-the-year party.attend our end-of-the-year party.

他向妈妈保证一切都好。他向妈妈保证一切都好。 (assure)(assure)

He assured his mother that everything was all righHe assured his mother that everything was all right. t.


和他在一起很开心和他在一起很开心 He is a joy to be around.He is a joy to be around. 孤僻的，离群的孤僻的，离群的 Teddy is withdrawnTeddy is withdrawn she was in for a surprise.she was in for a surprise.

注：必定会，免不了（吃惊注：必定会，免不了（吃惊 )) She stifled the children's laughter.She stifled the children's laughter. （注：制（注：制

止了孩子们的大笑）止了孩子们的大笑）

Exercises (6)Exercises (6) Fill in the blank in each sentence with a word or phrase taken from the Fill in the blank in each sentence with a word or phrase taken from the

box in its appropriate form.box in its appropriate form.

take delight in withdraw wonder tell a liepay attention to be in for affect focus onbe assure


I felt awful, and realized I __________ an I felt awful, and realized I __________ an attack of malaria. attack of malaria.

After injuring her ankle in training she was After injuring her ankle in training she was forced to __________ from the race.forced to __________ from the race.

You must ____________ the teacher. Don’t let You must ____________ the teacher. Don’t let your attention wander. your attention wander.

was in for

withdrawpay attention to


If there is any hard work to be done, I _______ If there is any hard work to be done, I _______ you won’t come.you won’t come.

People used to _________________ People used to _________________ watching the public happening.watching the public happening.

bet

take delight in

Comprehension questions of Text II (1)Comprehension questions of Text II (1)

Do you think children in China are now watching too Do you think children in China are now watching too much TV? much TV?

Do you like the Mcdonald’s or Kentucky Fried ChickDo you like the Mcdonald’s or Kentucky Fried Chicken? Do you agree that they sell junk food?en? Do you agree that they sell junk food?

Do you think that some restrictions on TV and junk foDo you think that some restrictions on TV and junk food are too much for children?od are too much for children?

Open to discussion. Open to discussion.

Oral activitiesOral activities

Discuss with one of your classmates on the Discuss with one of your classmates on the following topics.following topics.

What should teacher behave when they face very What should teacher behave when they face very naughty , mischievous students, or the low- level naughty , mischievous students, or the low- level students?students?

If you were Mrs. Thompson, would you act the If you were Mrs. Thompson, would you act the same as she? same as she?

Writing practice (1)Writing practice (1) InstructionsInstructions::

Some people think that we should encourage Some people think that we should encourage our students to evaluate and criticize their our students to evaluate and criticize their teachers; others believe that this would result in teachers; others believe that this would result in a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. a loss of respect and discipline in the classroom. Write a composition of about 200 words to Write a composition of about 200 words to express your views on this issue: express your views on this issue: ENCOURAGE THE STUDENTS TO ENCOURAGE THE STUDENTS TO EVALUATE THEIR TEACHERS. EVALUATE THEIR TEACHERS.

Writing practice (2)Writing practice (2)

Sample writing Sample writing Some people believe that students should be Some people believe that students should be

encouraged to evaluate or even criticize their encouraged to evaluate or even criticize their teachers so as not to improve the quality of teachers so as not to improve the quality of education, whereas others feel that such a education, whereas others feel that such a practice might give rise to indiscipline and practice might give rise to indiscipline and disrespect for teachers. I personally agree with disrespect for teachers. I personally agree with the former view. the former view.


Proponents of such a change hold that, by encouraging Proponents of such a change hold that, by encouraging students to form and voice their own opinions of their students to form and voice their own opinions of their teachers and what the teacher teach, the latter would be teachers and what the teacher teach, the latter would be able to gain a better view of how what they teach is able to gain a better view of how what they teach is received and perceived. More importantly, this practice received and perceived. More importantly, this practice would further encourages students to have original would further encourages students to have original ideas, gain a deeper understanding of their lessons and ideas, gain a deeper understanding of their lessons and learn the art of disagreeing. Hence, the students and learn the art of disagreeing. Hence, the students and teachers would have better communication with each teachers would have better communication with each other, and thus the quality of education as a whole other, and thus the quality of education as a whole would be greatly raisedwould be greatly raised..


As to err is human, so as it is the case with As to err is human, so as it is the case with teachers. If the students have the chance to voice teachers. If the students have the chance to voice their opinions, not only will there be a cozy and their opinions, not only will there be a cozy and liberal atmosphere in class, but both parties will liberal atmosphere in class, but both parties will benefit from the stimulus and response process.benefit from the stimulus and response process.

Good bye!Good bye!

unit 2 the teddy stoddard story. contents pre-reading questions pre-reading questions pre-reading...

Documents

teddy stoddard story

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