Language and culture
Passage 2
Listening to natural English: the use of the word so
You may have noticed that in everyday conversation in English people use the word so a lot. In this conversation, Rebecca is giving the presenter a lot of information in response to questions. Notice how the presenter naturally uses the word so when he asks these questions:
So what did happen, Rebecca?
So is it still alive?
So when was it discovered again?
So what does it say?
Here, so is simply used to introduce a new sentence.
When you hear so in everyday spoken English,it’s important to remember that it may not have the most common meaning you expect, for example, to mean as a result (There weren't enough beds, so lslept on the floor), or very (He was so angry...).
In everyday conversation we also use the word so a lot for emphasis, young people in particular. The presenter uses so to express surprise and emotion:
They look so real!
After-listening activities
Talk
【Book 2】P79. 2. Work in pairs and discuss the questions.
1. Do you think women are better or worse rulers than men? Why?
2. Are women rulers likely to be more or less ruthless than men?
3. Is it better for a woman in a high political position to remain single? Why /Why not?
Passage 1
Developing critical thinking
【Book 2】P80. 6. Work in pairs and discuss the questions.
1. Do you think women are better or worse rulers than men? Why?
2. Are women rulers likely to be more or less ruthless than men?
3. Is it better for a woman in a high political position to remain single? Why / Why not?
Extra Credit
Watch a video clip and tell in pairs what you know about the Armada and Battle of the Armada.
Passage 2
Developing critical thinking
【Book 2】P81. 10.Work in pairs and discuss the questions.
1. How important is it to find out about how people lived in the past?
2. Can you think of archaeological sites in China or elsewhere which have offered a similar amount of information about life in the past?
3. Do you think archaeology is justified at any cost, or are there occasions when the cost and effort of excavation would be better spent on something else?
