大学英语（3）教学：教材3第2课-Final.docVIP

Unit 2 Myths and Legends In-Class Reading Why the Tortoise’s Shell Is Not Smooth After-Class Reading Passage I Beauty and the Beast Passage II The Monkey King Part One Preparation 1. An Argument about the Sun Directions: Read the fable (a legend or myth that always has a moral) and discuss in groups the questions below. When Confucius (孔子) was travelling in the eastern part of the country, he came upon two children in a heated argument, so he asked them to tell him what it was all about. “I think,” said one child, “that the sun is near to us at daybreak and far away from us at noon.” The other contended that the sun was far away at dawn and nearby at midday. “When the sun first appears,” said one child, “it is as big as the canopy (马车顶篷) of a carriage, but at noon it is only the size of a plate or a bowl. Well, isn’t it true that objects far away seem smaller while those nearby seem bigger?” “When the sun comes out,” pointed out the other, “it is very cool, but at midday it is as hot as putting your hand in boiling water. Well, isn’t it true that what is nearer to us is hotter and what is farther off is cooler?” Confucius was unable to settle the matter for them. The two children laughed at him, “Who says you are a learned man?” (from Liezi) 1) How would you answer the children’s question? 2) Why couldn’t Confucius settle the matter? 3) What is the lesson of the fable? 2. Bedtime Stories Directions: Of all the bedtime stories your grandparents or parents told you when you were a little child, which one was the most interesting? Share your favorite story with the other members in your group. 3. Chinese Fables Directions: China is a country rich in fables such as “Qi Ren You Tian”(The Worrier of Qi) and “Hua She Tian Zu” (The “Finishing” Touch). Can you relate one of these famous fables to