Developing Critical Thinking

Work in pairs and discuss the questions.

1. What categories of books do you enjoy reading? Can you explain why?

2. Are digital solutions always better than conventional and traditional ones?

3. What relevance do you think classical literature has in modern life?

4. What are some of the reasons that a book becomes a best-seller in China?

5. What are the famous literary prizes in China and how are they awarded? 

6. What criteria would you use for awarding a literary prize?

Movies:

1. Far from the Madding Crowd (2015) 

A faithful adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel, this film follows the heroine Bathsheba Everdene as she attempts to 

choose between three suitors in rural Victorian England. An intelligent, determined woman, she must decide whether to 

follow her heart or her head in this beautifully made drama.

2. The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

This trilogy of films, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien and directed by Peter Jackson, is set in dramatic landscapes 

of New Zealand. It is a story of wizards and hobbits, magical rings, and the powerful forces of good and evil.

Books:

 1. Of Mice and Men (1937)

This book by the American writer John Steinbeck tells the story of two migrant field workers dering the Great 

Depression in the US. They dream of one day settling down on their piece of land; however, it is a dream they will 

struggle to attain, leading to tragedy.

2. The Great Gatsby (1925)

This classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set in the prosperous time between the two world wars. It centres 

around the mysterious character Gatsby, and his complex social connections.

3. A Room with a View (1908)

This novel is by the British writer E. M. Forster. It tells the story of a young woman bound by the expectation of 

Edwardian (爱德华七世时代的) society and her love for a free-spirited young man.