My First Job My First Job

郧阳师专英语系综合英语教研室郧阳师专英语系综合英语教研室

Background knowledgeBackground knowledge

Four steps one has to go through in looking Four steps one has to go through in looking for a job:for a job:

a. Look for a post in newspapers, on TV, a. Look for a post in newspapers, on TV, etc.etc.

b. Write a formal application to the target b. Write a formal application to the target company and follow up with a callcompany and follow up with a call

c. Get an answer from the companyc. Get an answer from the company d. Be interviewed by the companyd. Be interviewed by the company

Four types of the text Four types of the text

Description(Description( 描述描述 ) is painting a picture in words of a perso) is painting a picture in words of a person, place, object, or scene.n, place, object, or scene.

Narration (Narration ( 记叙记叙 )writing includes stories , real or imaginary, )writing includes stories , real or imaginary, biographies, histories, new items, and narrative poems.biographies, histories, new items, and narrative poems.

Exposition(Exposition( 说明说明 ) is perhaps the type of writing that is more ) is perhaps the type of writing that is more frequently used by a student, a scientist, or a professional, frequently used by a student, a scientist, or a professional, exposition means expounding or explaining.exposition means expounding or explaining.

Argumentation(Argumentation( 议论议论 ) essay tries to make the reader agree ) essay tries to make the reader agree with its point of view and support it, to persuade him to chawith its point of view and support it, to persuade him to change his mind or behavior, and to approve a policy or a cournge his mind or behavior, and to approve a policy or a course of action that it proposes. se of action that it proposes.

Types of the text Types of the text

Narration is the form of discourse generally Narration is the form of discourse generally used in novels, short stories and plays. used in novels, short stories and plays. Narrative writing tells a story, either briefly or Narrative writing tells a story, either briefly or at some length. In a narrative piece of at some length. In a narrative piece of writing , the sequential occurrence of events writing , the sequential occurrence of events is vital . is vital .

My first job is a short narrative passage. My first job is a short narrative passage.

Writing style and structure of the text Writing style and structure of the text

My First Job is a piece of Narration. Told in My First Job is a piece of Narration. Told in the first person, the text gives a vivid and the first person, the text gives a vivid and detailed account of the author’s applying for detailed account of the author’s applying for a job before going to college. a job before going to college.

SixSix elements of a Narration elements of a Narration Time Time On a hot June morning On a hot June morning Place Place At a school in a suburb of London At a school in a suburb of London Figures Figures “I” and the headmaster “I” and the headmaster

eventsevents Cause ---- Part1 - Cause ---- Part1 - Line (1-5) Line (1-5) Process-----Part 2 Process-----Part 2 Line (6-38) Line (6-38) Climax&End—Part 3 Climax&End—Part 3 Line (39-40)Line (39-40) The story can be divided into three parts:The story can be divided into three parts: a. The first part (Line1-5) is about the reason for a. The first part (Line1-5) is about the reason for

applying for a job.applying for a job. b. The second part (Line6-38) is about the whole b. The second part (Line6-38) is about the whole

process of the interview.process of the interview. c. The third part (Line39-40) is the ending of the c. The third part (Line39-40) is the ending of the

story. story.

QuestionsQuestions

1.What job was advertised in the local 1.What job was advertised in the local newspaper?newspaper?

2.Why did “I” want to find a job?2.Why did “I” want to find a job? 3.Did “I” feel nervous when “I” got there? 3.Did “I” feel nervous when “I” got there?

Why or why not?Why or why not?

Detailed Study of the Story Detailed Study of the Story

While I was waiting to enter university. I saw in a While I was waiting to enter university. I saw in a local newspaper local newspaper a teaching posta teaching post advertised at a advertised at a school in a suburb of London about ten miles from school in a suburb of London about ten miles from where I lived.where I lived.Attention: in this sentence, the object of the predict Attention: in this sentence, the object of the predict “ saw” ---a teaching post is not in the normal order. “ saw” ---a teaching post is not in the normal order.

I saw a teaching post at a school in a suburb of I saw a teaching post at a school in a suburb of London about ten miles from where I lived London about ten miles from where I lived advertised in a local newspaper. advertised in a local newspaper.

Note: As the direct object “a teaching post” has a Note: As the direct object “a teaching post” has a lengthy modifier, it needs to be postponed in order lengthy modifier, it needs to be postponed in order that the whole sentence has “end weight”. that the whole sentence has “end weight”.

sentence=old information +new information sentence=old information +new information Old information=given information/known Old information=given information/known

information information New informationNew information Information focus =end focus Information focus =end focus Mr. Smith is a friend of my father’s.Mr. Smith is a friend of my father’s. Old information=Mr. SmithOld information=Mr. Smith New information=is a friend of my father’s New information=is a friend of my father’s He gave me He gave me a booka book/ he gave a book to / he gave a book to meme..

Being very short ofBeing very short of money and wanting to do something useful, money and wanting to do something useful, I I applied applied , fearing as I did so, that without a degree and with no , fearing as I did so, that without a degree and with no experience of teaching experience of teaching my chances of landing the job were slimmy chances of landing the job were slim . .

be short of: have not enough, be in want of, be in lack of be short of: have not enough, be in want of, be in lack of It was obvious that this young man was rather short of teaching It was obvious that this young man was rather short of teaching

experience .experience . fearing as I did so: fearing as I applied. fearing as I did so: fearing as I applied. slim: small, slight; slender slim: small, slight; slender His chances of success were very slim. His chances of success were very slim. -She raised her two daughters with her slim income. -She raised her two daughters with her slim income. -The doctor will go on operating even though there is only a slim hope -The doctor will go on operating even though there is only a slim hope

of success. of success. -The fashion model had a very slim figure. -The fashion model had a very slim figure. -He will have to slim if he wants to wear the sweater. -He will have to slim if he wants to wear the sweater.

The main sentence is “I applied.” “Being very short of The main sentence is “I applied.” “Being very short of money and wanting to do something useful”, present money and wanting to do something useful”, present participle, used adverbially denoting reasons; “fearing as I participle, used adverbially denoting reasons; “fearing as I did so, that without a degree and with no experience in did so, that without a degree and with no experience in teaching my chances of getting the job were slim”, present teaching my chances of getting the job were slim”, present participle, used as the adverbial of “applied”, denoting participle, used as the adverbial of “applied”, denoting accompanying circumstances. accompanying circumstances.

Besides, “that ...” is the object clause of “fearing”, “as I did Besides, “that ...” is the object clause of “fearing”, “as I did so” is an adverbial clause of time. so” is an adverbial clause of time.

Not having enough money and wanting to do something Not having enough money and wanting to do something useful, I applied for the job, fearing as I applied, that I did useful, I applied for the job, fearing as I applied, that I did not have a degree or any teaching experience, I would just not have a degree or any teaching experience, I would just have the slightest chance of getting the job. have the slightest chance of getting the job.

However, three days later a letter arrived, However, three days later a letter arrived, susummoning me to Croydon for an interviewmmoning me to Croydon for an interview..

Three days later I received a letter, asking mThree days later I received a letter, asking me to go to Croydon to have an interview. e to go to Croydon to have an interview.

我得鼓足勇气去见老板我得鼓足勇气去见老板 .. I had to summon up all my nerve to face my I had to summon up all my nerve to face my

boss.boss.

It proved an awkward journey: a train to CroIt proved an awkward journey: a train to Croydon station; a ten—minute bus ride and theydon station; a ten—minute bus ride and then a walk of at least a quarter of a mile. n a walk of at least a quarter of a mile.

It proved an awkward journey: It turned out tIt proved an awkward journey: It turned out to be an awkward journey. o be an awkward journey.

Prove: turn out to Prove: turn out to -Tom proved (to be) very brave in battle. -Tom proved (to be) very brave in battle. -His experiences on the farm prove to be a t-His experiences on the farm prove to be a t

urning point in his writing careerurning point in his writing career

a ten-minute bus ride: (it took) ten minutes a ten-minute bus ride: (it took) ten minutes to get there by bus to get there by bus

Ten—minute is a compound adjective of Ten—minute is a compound adjective of time formed by combing a cardinal number time formed by combing a cardinal number with a noun in the singular number which with a noun in the singular number which are joined by a hyphen. are joined by a hyphen.

a fifteen-minute talk a fifteen-minute talk -a two-week conference -a two-week conference -a one-month training course -a one-month training course

As a result I arrived on a hot June morning As a result I arrived on a hot June morning tootoo dep depressed ressed toto feel nervous. feel nervous.

as a result: therefore as a result: therefore As a result he had been given an excellent job. As a result he had been given an excellent job. 结果他得到了一份相当好的工作结果他得到了一份相当好的工作 .. 由于下雪他迟到了由于下雪他迟到了 .. He was late as a result of snow. He was late as a result of snow. depress: make sad; press, push or pull down; makdepress: make sad; press, push or pull down; mak

e lower e lower

The school was a dreary, gableThe school was a dreary, gabled Victorian house of red brick and Victorian house of red brick and with big d with big staringstaring sash—window sash—windows. s.

A victorian house is a house typiA victorian house is a house typical of the time Queen Victoria(1cal of the time Queen Victoria(1819—1901)reigned over Britain. 819—1901)reigned over Britain. From the sentence we may visuFrom the sentence we may visualize a house with triangular uppalize a house with triangular upper parts of the wall at the end of er parts of the wall at the end of a ridged roof and with large wina ridged roof and with large windows of two frames which open dows of two frames which open by sliding one frame up or down by sliding one frame up or down behind or in front of the other.behind or in front of the other.

Staring sash windows, here it used the figure of speech—metaphor. ThStaring sash windows, here it used the figure of speech—metaphor. The windows were so large that they look like people’s wide open eyes. He windows were so large that they look like people’s wide open eyes. Here this figure of speech shows the school gives the author an uncomfere this figure of speech shows the school gives the author an uncomfortable impression. ortable impression.

Metaphor It is like a simile, also makes a comparison between two unliMetaphor It is like a simile, also makes a comparison between two unlike elements, but unlike a simile, this comparison is implied rather than ke elements, but unlike a simile, this comparison is implied rather than stated. For example, the world is a stage.stated. For example, the world is a stage.

SimileSimile ：： (( 明喻）明喻） It is a figure of speech which makes a comparison bIt is a figure of speech which makes a comparison between two unlike elements having at least one quality or characteristic etween two unlike elements having at least one quality or characteristic (( 特性特性 )in common. To make the comparison, words like as, as...as, as )in common. To make the comparison, words like as, as...as, as if and like are used to transfer the quality we associate with one to the if and like are used to transfer the quality we associate with one to the other. For example, As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news frother. For example, As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.om a far country.

The front garden was a gravel square; four evergrThe front garden was a gravel square; four evergreen shrubs stood at each corner, where they strugeen shrubs stood at each corner, where they struggled to survive the dust and fumes from a busy magled to survive the dust and fumes from a busy main road.in road.

Gravel: pebbles or small pieces of rock larger than Gravel: pebbles or small pieces of rock larger than grains of sandgrains of sand

Survive: remain alive after Survive: remain alive after The crops survived the drought.The crops survived the drought. Survive somebody by : the man survived his sister Survive somebody by : the man survived his sister

by three years.by three years. 他比他姐姐多活了三年他比他姐姐多活了三年 ..

personification: a figure that endows objects, animpersonification: a figure that endows objects, animals, ideas, or abstractions with human form, charaals, ideas, or abstractions with human form, character, or sensibility. cter, or sensibility.

My heart was My heart was singingsinging. . 我的心在歌唱。 我的心在歌唱。 This time fate was This time fate was smiling smiling to him. to him. 这一次命运朝他这一次命运朝他

微笑了。 微笑了。 The flowers The flowers noddednodded to her while she passed. to her while she passed. 当她当她

经过的时候花儿向她点头致意。 经过的时候花儿向她点头致意。 The wind The wind whistledwhistled through the trees. through the trees. 风穿过树丛，风穿过树丛，

树叶哗哗作响。树叶哗哗作响。

It was clearly the headmaster himself that opened It was clearly the headmaster himself that opened the door. the door.

Note: Here it is an emphatic sentence. It is/was ... Note: Here it is an emphatic sentence. It is/was ... that/who can be used to emphasize the subject, othat/who can be used to emphasize the subject, object, object complement or the adverbial of a sentbject, object complement or the adverbial of a sentence.ence.

It was on Monday night that all this happenedIt was on Monday night that all this happened ．．所有这一切发生在周一晚上。 所有这一切发生在周一晚上。 It's me that he blamedIt's me that he blamed ．他怪的是我。 ．他怪的是我。

He was short and rotund. He has a sandy—He was short and rotund. He has a sandy—colored moustache, a freckled forehead and colored moustache, a freckled forehead and hardly any hair. He was wearing a tweed suit– one hardly any hair. He was wearing a tweed suit– one felt somehow he had always worn it—and across felt somehow he had always worn it—and across his ample stomach was looped a silver watch– his ample stomach was looped a silver watch– chain. chain.

Description of a person:Description of a person: Forehead: a person’s forehead can be large , high, Forehead: a person’s forehead can be large , high,

low , board, narrow, domed or retreating.low , board, narrow, domed or retreating.

Moustache: a man may grow a moustache, which can be cMoustache: a man may grow a moustache, which can be close—cropped, drooping or pointed.lose—cropped, drooping or pointed.

Eyes: a person may have bloodshot eyes, close-set eyes, Eyes: a person may have bloodshot eyes, close-set eyes, or sunken eyes.or sunken eyes.

Height: a person may be tall, short, or of medium height.Height: a person may be tall, short, or of medium height. He pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His eHe pounded his fat baby hands on the high chair tray. His e

ye were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a tye were crinkled in laughter and his mouth was bared in a toothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.oothless grin, as he wriggled and giggled with merriment.

(( 他胖乎乎的小手用力打着高脚椅他胖乎乎的小手用力打着高脚椅 ,, 身体扭动着身体扭动着 ,, 高兴的咯咯高兴的咯咯大笑大笑 ,, 笑的眼睛都眯了起来笑的眼睛都眯了起来 ,, 咧开的嘴露出光亮亮的牙床咧开的嘴露出光亮亮的牙床 .).)

Translation:Translation: 面若芙蓉：面若芙蓉： her face looked like a water—lilyher face looked like a water—lily 面如桃花：面如桃花： her face was like a peach blossomher face was like a peach blossom 一个是水中月，一个是镜中花．一个是水中月，一个是镜中花． One is the moon reflected in the water, the other but a flowOne is the moon reflected in the water, the other but a flow

er in the mirror. er in the mirror. 倾国倾城的貌倾国倾城的貌 And yours is the beauty which caused cities and kingdom tAnd yours is the beauty which caused cities and kingdom t

o fallo fall Her beauty even puts the flower to shame.Her beauty even puts the flower to shame.

He looked at me with an air of surprised disapproval.: He loHe looked at me with an air of surprised disapproval.: He looked at me in disapproval that was mixed with surprise. oked at me in disapproval that was mixed with surprise.

1.air: appearance, manner or personal bearing 1.air: appearance, manner or personal bearing He has an air of importance.He has an air of importance. 他摆出一副煞有其事的样子．他摆出一副煞有其事的样子． 这所房子给人感觉很舒适．这所房子给人感觉很舒适． The house has an air of comfort.The house has an air of comfort. An air of disdain (An air of disdain ( 轻蔑的神情）　轻蔑的神情）　 an air of mystery (an air of mystery ( 神秘神秘

的气氛）的气氛） 2. disapproval: unfavorable opinion or feeling 2. disapproval: unfavorable opinion or feeling -The proposal met disapproval from all sides. -The proposal met disapproval from all sides. -He shook his head in disapproval. -He shook his head in disapproval.

transferred epithet: a figure of speech where an eptransferred epithet: a figure of speech where an epithet (an adjective or descriptive phrase) is transferithet (an adjective or descriptive phrase) is transferred from the noun it should rightly modify to anothred from the noun it should rightly modify to another to which it does not really apply or belong er to which it does not really apply or belong (( 转转类类 )) 通常把修饰甲类名词的形容词转而修饰乙类名通常把修饰甲类名词的形容词转而修饰乙类名词 词

-He crashed down on -He crashed down on a protestinga protesting chair. chair. -Above us hung -Above us hung a sullena sullen sky. sky. -I spoke to them in -I spoke to them in hesitant hesitant French. French. -We passed many an -We passed many an anxiousanxious hour in the darknes hour in the darknes

s. s.

He looked at me with an air of surprised disaHe looked at me with an air of surprised disapproval, pproval, asas a colonel might look at a private a colonel might look at a private whose bootlaces were undonewhose bootlaces were undone. .

Simile(Simile( 明喻明喻 )) a figure of speech which makes a comparisoa figure of speech which makes a compariso

n between two different things by using 'like', n between two different things by using 'like', 'as . . . as' or 'as if’'. For example: 'as . . . as' or 'as if’'. For example:

      Her eyes are like two stars.Her eyes are like two stars. A comparison is made between 'eyes' and ‘stars’ bA comparison is made between 'eyes' and ‘stars’ b

y using 'like'y using 'like'...... when she is young again, a charming maiden, freswhen she is young again, a charming maiden, fres

h as a rose, ...  h as a rose, ...   A comparison is made between 'grandmother's yoA comparison is made between 'grandmother's yo

uth' and ‘rose’ by using 'as‘uth' and ‘rose’ by using 'as‘ 我如浮云独自漫游．我如浮云独自漫游． I wondered lonely as a cloud I wondered lonely as a cloud My heart is like a singing bird. My heart is like a singing bird.

““Ah yes,” he grunted. “you’d better come inside.” the narroAh yes,” he grunted. “you’d better come inside.” the narrow sunless hall w sunless hall smelledsmelled unpleasantly unpleasantly of staleof stale cabbage; cabbage;

1.smell of: give out the smell or scent of 1.smell of: give out the smell or scent of -this dish smells of garlic. -this dish smells of garlic. 你呼吸中带有白兰地的味道．　你呼吸中带有白兰地的味道．　 Your breath smells of Brandy. Your breath smells of Brandy. 2. stale: not fresh; 2. stale: not fresh; -stale bread/beer/vegetable/food -stale bread/beer/vegetable/food -Running water never gets stale. -Running water never gets stale. 流水不腐流水不腐 .. -stale news/jokes/statement/gossip -stale news/jokes/statement/gossip

The cream—printed walls had gone a The cream—printed walls had gone a dingydingy margarine colo margarine color, except where they were r, except where they were scarred withscarred with ink marks; it was all ink marks; it was all silent.silent.

Cream—a pale yellow color Cream—a pale yellow color Dingy: dirty—looking; not fresh or cheerfulDingy: dirty—looking; not fresh or cheerful Margarine color—the color of the butterMargarine color—the color of the butter Butter and bread Butter and bread Be scarred with --Be scarred with -- A face scarred with smallpox A face scarred with smallpox 一张布满天花天下疤痕的脸．一张布满天花天下疤痕的脸． 因战争满目苍夷的城镇　因战争满目苍夷的城镇　 war—scarred town.war—scarred town.

His study, judging by the crumbs on the carpet, His study, judging by the crumbs on the carpet, was also his dining-room. was also his dining-room.

Judge: estimate, form an opinion about Judge: estimate, form an opinion about -Don't judge persons by appearances. -Don't judge persons by appearances. -I cannot judge whether he is right or wrong. -I cannot judge whether he is right or wrong. Note: The phrase “judging by or from” is often Note: The phrase “judging by or from” is often

used as an independent element in a sentence. used as an independent element in a sentence. -Judging from his accent, he must be from the -Judging from his accent, he must be from the

North. North. -Judging by what she is wearing, she may be a -Judging by what she is wearing, she may be a

fashion model. fashion model.

On the mantelpiece there was a salt cellar and peOn the mantelpiece there was a salt cellar and pepper—pot. “ you’d better sit down,” he said, and prpper—pot. “ you’d better sit down,” he said, and proceeded to ask me a number of questions: what soceeded to ask me a number of questions: what subjects had I taken in my General School Certificatubjects had I taken in my General School Certificate; how old was I ; what games did I play; e; how old was I ; what games did I play;

Proceed to :go ahead, continue to do Proceed to :go ahead, continue to do Let’s proceed to the next item on the agenda.Let’s proceed to the next item on the agenda. May we proceed, then, to the election of a committMay we proceed, then, to the election of a committ

ee?ee? 那么我们可以继续进行委员会的选举了么？那么我们可以继续进行委员会的选举了么？

then fixing me suddenly with his then fixing me suddenly with his bloodshot eyesbloodshot eyes, he asked whether I th, he asked whether I thought games were a ought games were a vitalvital part of a boy's education. part of a boy's education.

Why do you think the headmaster had “ bloodshot eye.”? Why do you think the headmaster had “ bloodshot eye.”? Perhaps he liked to have a drop too much.Perhaps he liked to have a drop too much.

１．１． fixing my eyes with his bloodshot eyes: suddenly staring at me witfixing my eyes with his bloodshot eyes: suddenly staring at me with eyes that were red from sleeplessness or heavy drinking h eyes that were red from sleeplessness or heavy drinking

２．２． vital: of the greatest importance; full of life or energy vital: of the greatest importance; full of life or energy The relationship between teacher and student is of vital importance.The relationship between teacher and student is of vital importance.

速度对于我们成功至关重要．速度对于我们成功至关重要． Speed is vital to the success of our plan.Speed is vital to the success of our plan.

I mumbled something about not attaching too I mumbled something about not attaching too much importance to them. much importance to them.

１． “１． “ not attaching too much importance to not attaching too much importance to them” is the object of “about”. them” is the object of “about”.

２． ２． attach importance to: consider important; attach importance to: consider important; treat as important treat as important

-We should attach primary importance to the -We should attach primary importance to the development of economy. development of economy.

-The local government of the town attached much -The local government of the town attached much importance to the quality of primary school importance to the quality of primary school education. education.

He grunted. I had said the wrong thing. He grunted. I had said the wrong thing. The The headmaster and I obviously has singularly little in headmaster and I obviously has singularly little in common. common.

Singularly—this is a formal word meaning “very, to Singularly—this is a formal word meaning “very, to a remarkable degree.”a remarkable degree.”

Have in common: share together or equally Have in common: share together or equally -Tom and I had background in common. -Tom and I had background in common. -While they are twins, they have few interests in -While they are twins, they have few interests in

commoncommon The headmaster and I obviously had very little in The headmaster and I obviously had very little in

common.common.

The school, he said, The school, he said, consisted ofconsisted of one class of twenty-four boys, one class of twenty-four boys, ranginranging ing in age age fromfrom seven seven toto thirteen.: thirteen.: The school described in the story is what people call a one-room school house – a school with one teacher who must instruct all of the students. Today one-room school houses might still be found in small villages; but they are by no means common.

１． １． consist of: be made up of consist of: be made up of -This apartment consists of three bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom -This apartment consists of three bedrooms, a living room, a bathroom

and a kitchen. and a kitchen. -The medical team consists of three doctors and seven nurses. -The medical team consists of three doctors and seven nurses. Consist in Consist in The beauty of this place The beauty of this place consists inconsists in the style of its ancient buildings. the style of its ancient buildings. ２． ２． range from ... to ...: vary between two limits of ... and ... range from ... to ...: vary between two limits of ... and ... The Himalayas(The Himalayas( 喜马拉雅山脉） 喜马拉雅山脉） range from west to east. range from west to east. -In our class, the students‘ ages range from 10 to 20. -In our class, the students‘ ages range from 10 to 20.

I should have to teach all subjects except art,I should have to teach all subjects except art, which he taught himself. Football and cricke which he taught himself. Football and cricket were played in the Park, a mile away on Wt were played in the Park, a mile away on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. ednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Cricket—an outdoor game played by two teaCricket—an outdoor game played by two teams of eleven men each in which a ball, batsms of eleven men each in which a ball, bats(( 球棒球棒 ) and wickets() and wickets( 三柱门三柱门 ) are used. It is ) are used. It is popular mainly in England. popular mainly in England.

The teaching set-up The teaching set-up appalled meappalled me, i should , i should have to have to splitsplit the class up the class up intointo three groups three groups and teach them in turn at three different and teach them in turn at three different levelslevels

Appall – shock deeply; fill with fearAppall – shock deeply; fill with fear The teaching arrangement made me full of The teaching arrangement made me full of

fear/surprised and frightened. fear/surprised and frightened. Split into –divide into Split into –divide into in turn: one after another in turn: one after another

I was dismayed at the thought of teaching algebra and I was dismayed at the thought of teaching algebra and geometry.: As soon as I thought of teaching algebra and geometry.: As soon as I thought of teaching algebra and geometry, I was discouraged. geometry, I was discouraged.

1. dismay: make discouraged or afraid 1. dismay: make discouraged or afraid 2.at the thought of: when I think of 2.at the thought of: when I think of Note: at + the + n. + of Note: at + the + n. + of -at the sight of; at the sound of -at the sight of; at the sound of 18.incompetent: completely unskillful (capable /able )18.incompetent: completely unskillful (capable /able ) He was incompetent at his job. He was incompetent at his job. -The dentist was horribly incompetent. He pulled out my -The dentist was horribly incompetent. He pulled out my

good tooth instead of the bad one. good tooth instead of the bad one.

Worse perhaps was the idea of Saturday Worse perhaps was the idea of Saturday afternoon cricket.afternoon cricket.

This sentence is written in an inverted order This sentence is written in an inverted order for stylistic effects. The more complex part for stylistic effects. The more complex part of the sentence is placed at the final position of the sentence is placed at the final position so that the whole sentence has “end so that the whole sentence has “end weight”. The normal order would be “The weight”. The normal order would be “The idea of Saturday afternoon cricket was idea of Saturday afternoon cricket was perhaps worse ...” perhaps worse ...”

It was not so much having to It was not so much having to tramp a miletramp a mile along the dusty streets of Cr along the dusty streets of Croydon, followed by oydon, followed by a crocodile ofa crocodile of small boys that I minded, but the fact small boys that I minded, but the fact that most of my friends would be enjoying leisure at that time. that most of my friends would be enjoying leisure at that time.

We tramped through the woodWe tramped through the wood 我们吃力地走过了树林。我们吃力地走过了树林。 He tramped on the flowersHe tramped on the flowers.. 他踩着花了。他踩着花了。 Most of my friends would be enjoying leisure at that time: Most of my friMost of my friends would be enjoying leisure at that time: Most of my fri

ends would be free on Saturday afternoon, doing whatever they liked. ends would be free on Saturday afternoon, doing whatever they liked. Leisure: free time, time which one can spend as one likes; the state of Leisure: free time, time which one can spend as one likes; the state of

being free being free -Call me when you are at (your) leisure. -Call me when you are at (your) leisure. -It was only in his later life that Samuel Johnson was able to live a life o-It was only in his later life that Samuel Johnson was able to live a life o

f leisure on a stable income. f leisure on a stable income.

I said diffidently, “what would my salary be?” I said diffidently, “what would my salary be?” “Twelve pounds a week plus lunch.” Before I could “Twelve pounds a week plus lunch.” Before I could protest he protest he got to his feetgot to his feet. “now,” he said, “ you’d . “now,” he said, “ you’d better meet my wife. she’s the one who really run better meet my wife. she’s the one who really run this school. this school.

1.Before I could protest, he got to his feet. 1.Before I could protest, he got to his feet. -Before I understood the first problem, the teacher -Before I understood the first problem, the teacher

proceeded to the next problem. proceeded to the next problem. 2. get to one's feet: stand up 2. get to one's feet: stand up Run: manage, operate, take charge of, be in Run: manage, operate, take charge of, be in

charge of charge of

This was the last strawThis was the last straw.: This was really the worst .: This was really the worst coming to the worst and too much to put up with.coming to the worst and too much to put up with.

What is meant by “ this was the last straw”? What is meant by “ this was the last straw”? ““The last straw” means an addition to a difficult job The last straw” means an addition to a difficult job

or situation that makes it unbearable. This idiom is or situation that makes it unbearable. This idiom is based on the saying “It is the last straw that based on the saying “It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back.” breaks the camel's back.”

The hotel was expensive, the food poor, and bad The hotel was expensive, the food poor, and bad weather was the last straw. weather was the last straw.

The The prospect prospect of working under a woman of working under a woman constitutedconstituted the the ultimateultimate i indignity. ndignity.

1. prospect: sth. expected or considered probable; possibility 1. prospect: sth. expected or considered probable; possibility -The prospect of living alone in a foreign country for a whole year -The prospect of living alone in a foreign country for a whole year

depressed her. depressed her. -The committee rejected the investment proposal because it did n-The committee rejected the investment proposal because it did n

ot see any prospect of success. ot see any prospect of success. 2. constitute: form; make up 2. constitute: form; make up -Twelve months constitute a year. -Twelve months constitute a year. This move constitutes an act of aggression.This move constitutes an act of aggression. 这一举动构成了侵略行为。这一举动构成了侵略行为。 . . A committee was constituted to investigate into that affair.A committee was constituted to investigate into that affair. 建立了一个委员会以调查那件事。建立了一个委员会以调查那件事。

3. ultimate: greatest; utmost; last or final 3. ultimate: greatest; utmost; last or final After many defeats, the war ended for us in ultiAfter many defeats, the war ended for us in ulti

mate victory.mate victory. 经过多次失败经过多次失败 ,, 战争以我们的最终胜利而结束。 战争以我们的最终胜利而结束。 Hard work is the ultimate source of success.Hard work is the ultimate source of success. 努力工作是成功之本。努力工作是成功之本。 -Conceit constitutes his ultimate destruction. -Conceit constitutes his ultimate destruction. The fact that I would have to work under a womThe fact that I would have to work under a wom

an in future make me feel totally humiliated.an in future make me feel totally humiliated.

Conclusion:Conclusion: 1. school being a long way from his home1. school being a long way from his home 2.inconvenient transportation—an awkward 2.inconvenient transportation—an awkward

journey.journey. 3. hot weather3. hot weather 4. poor surroundings (outside the school building4. poor surroundings (outside the school building

—busy main road, dusty and full of fumes)—busy main road, dusty and full of fumes) 5. inside the school building –dirty and untidy 5. inside the school building –dirty and untidy Unfavorable impression of the headmaster—his Unfavorable impression of the headmaster—his

untidy study and suit, his strange, distasteful untidy study and suit, his strange, distasteful appearance.appearance.

6. terrible teaching set—up a class of 24 6. terrible teaching set—up a class of 24 boys from 7 to 13, 3 different levels, boys from 7 to 13, 3 different levels, compelled to teach 2 subjects the writer was compelled to teach 2 subjects the writer was not good at; required to take the pupils to not good at; required to take the pupils to the park a mile away to play cricket on the park a mile away to play cricket on Saturday afternoon.Saturday afternoon.

7. Meager salary –12 pounds a week plus 7. Meager salary –12 pounds a week plus lunch lunch

8. working under a woman8. working under a woman

Homework:Homework: Write a short essay to describe a personWrite a short essay to describe a person Pick out the key words of the textPick out the key words of the text Summarize what we have learnt today. Summarize what we have learnt today. overover