1. Introductory Remarks
2. Integrated Structure and Questions for Discussion
3. Detailed Study of the Text
Paraphrase the following sentences.
1. … by the very fact of production, he has risen above the animal kingdom…
2. most industrial psychologists are mainly concerned with the manipulation of the worker’s psyche.
Key:
1. Because of the fact itself that man produces, he has developed far beyond all other animals.
2. Most industrial psychologists are mainly trying to manage and control the mind of the worker.
Read the passage and discuss the following questions.
Is a popular comedy actor a good worker? A Chinese actor who specializes in skits was named a city’s “model worker” in honor of International Worker’s Day, which was Friday.
That decision by the trade union of Shenyang was controversial; since China’s model workers have traditionally been those whose behavior and work exemplified the virtues of altruism and diligence.
Shen He, 28, performs with the Northeast Chinese Folk Duet in Shenyang, Liaoning’s capital. He’s better known by his stage name, Xiao Shenyang (Little Shenyang).
He’s not much to look at, and some consider him a bit effeminate. But he became an overnight sensation after performing a skit—while wearing a skirt—during the televised annual Spring Festival gala this year. His offbeat performance struck a chord with many viewers.
Nie Guangjun, vice director of the economic department of the Shenyang Labor Union, said, “Shen He enriched people’s lives with his performance, bringing them happiness and contributing to social stability.”
But many netizens and even media editorials took issue with the choice.
“Becoming a ‘model worker’ is an honor to all workers. The selection must be serious,” said Guo Anqiang on www.opinion.people.com.cn. “Choosing someone as a ‘model worker’ is a sign of social values,” he wrote. “If the choice is not proper, it would influence public attitudes.”
1. What does “model worker” mean and traditionally what is it for?
2. Why is the decision controversial when Xiao Shenyang was given the title?
3. What is your opinion about the honor given to Xiao Shenyang?
Key:
1. “Model worker” refers to those workers who are representative of the excellent ones in their walks of life. Traditionally, China’s model workers is the title for those whose behavior and work exemplified the virtues of altruism and diligence.
2. Because many netizens think Xiao Shenyang is not a worker, from the traditional prospective, and the decision is not serious enough.
3. Open question.
