2018-2019学年度第36-37期总第750期
‘Gaokao’ gains global recognition (P2)
邯郸市第一中学  李松

Lead-in
Which university do you want to go after graduating from high school? 
Have you ever thought about applying to a top university abroad?
Pre-reading
1. Based on the title, can you predict what the article is about?
2. Read the first paragraph and see if your prediction is right.
Fast reading
 
Detailed reading

Read the article carefully and answer the following questions.
1. What do Chinese applicants need to do to be admitted to the university of Cambridge?
In addition to top scores on gaokao, Chinese applicants also need to meet English language requirements, participate in an interview and take a subject-specific written admission assessment.

2. Why has the gaokao been criticized?
The gaokao has been criticized by some as a one-shot exam that focuses on rote learning rather than creativity.

3. What advantages does the gaokao have according to Paul Fitzgerald?
It has the advantage of being what educational experts call a ‘criterion-referenced’ exam: It tests whether students are able to master a given body of knowledge, as well as their ability to work hard and consistently.

Summary
 
Discussion

Given that the gaokao is increasingly accepted by foreign universities, will the number of Chinese high school students applying to foreign universities increase sharply in the future? Please give your reasons.
Language focus

 
 
Expressions
 

2018-2019学年度第36-37期总第750期
Sad truth shown onscreen (P4-5)
河北师大附中  赵乃平
I. Lead-in
1. What is your dream for the future?
• being admitted to an ideal university
• finding a satisfactory job
• having a happy family
…
2. What do you think these poor kids dream about?

II. Skimming 
What does the article mainly present?
It presents a new movie about the sad life of poor children.

III. Scanning 
1. According to the article, what kind of life do the poor children in the movie live?
They live a miserable, unfortunate and hopeless life.
2. What inspired Labaki to make the movie?
She decided to make the movie when she saw with her own eyes what a hard life the poor children in the slums of Beirut were living.
3. In the movie, what does Zain do to his parents?
He sues his parents for giving birth to him despite the fact they knew they couldn’t look after him.
4. What kind of life did Zain live before the movie was shot?
He had never slept in a bed.
He had never gone to school.
He didn’t have papers to prove his identity.
5. What was Labaki’s purpose in making the movie?
She hoped that Capernaum could create concern about poor Children, and not be just another film.
6. Has Labaki’s film had any influence?
Yes. The film won the Jury Prize at Cannes.
• With the support of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Zain’s life has improved. 
• Zain now has the chance to receive an education, which makes it possible for him to dream about having a happy future like those other children.

IV. Deep thinking
What can teenagers do for those whose lives are less happy than theirs?
• Do not look down upon them.
• Help them if it is possible.
• Call on people to help those in need.

V. Language focus
 1. Translate the following words into Chinese
 desperate
 poverty
 misery
 unfed
 fictional
 professional
 border
 impact
 real-life
 
 2. Translate the following words into Chinese
 dream about
 sue sb for
 go beyond the borders
 have an impact on

Sentence analysis