2020-2021学年度第14期总第732期
Unearthing ancient works (P4-5)
河北师大附中  赵乃平
I. Lead-in
Chinese calligraphy 

Great calligraphers in Chinese history

王羲之 [晋] “书圣”    黄庭坚 [宋]   苏轼 [宋]            

One of the 10 greatest ancient Chinese calligraphers.

柳公权[唐]    颜真卿  [唐]

Yan Zhenqing's works

II. Skimming  
Unearthing ancient works
What is the passage mainly about?
It's about the first discovery of Yan Zhenqing's early work, his writing style and his character.

Structure of the passage
 
Part 1 (Para.1-3)  The first discovery of Yan Zhenqing's early work
1. Who is Yan Zhenqing?
He is one of the most exceptional calligraphers in Chinese history, who developed his own style.

2. What was found recently?    
His early work was found for the first time. It was an epitaph written for a noble woman in the Northern Wei Dynasty.

3. What was the style of the writing on the epitaph? Why?
It was more elegant, not the typical Yan style.
That is because it was the early work of Yan, whose style was developing.

Part 2 (Para.4) Yan's writing style
The development of Yan’s calligraphy
At first: He learned from famous calligraphers.
Later: He developed his personal style. strength & simplicity
50 years later: He developed Yan style. grand aura & strength

Part 3 (Para.5-9) Yan's character
1. What did the The Value website intend to tell us?
To better understand Chinese calligraphy, it is not enough to just look at the characters on the paper. You also need to learn about the character of the calligrapher. 

2. What did Chen Genyuan mean?
Yan’s style reflected his personal character and his writing skills as well.

3. What led to Yan's turbulent career?
His fight against corrupt higher-ranking officials.

4. How did he respond to his emperor’s attitude to him?
Though his emperor doubted him, he still devoted himself to serving the government. 

5. How did he die?
While trying to protect his country, he was caught and refused to give in. As a result, he was killed.

6. What kind of a person is Yan?
Righteous, devoted, patriotic and brave.

IV. Conclusion
What can be learned from the passage?
Behind Yan’s brilliant art style are his excellent personal traits, which deserve admiration. 

While we are enjoying a work of art, it is worthwhile to study the character of the artist.

V. Language focus
Translate the following words
calligraphy
calligrapher
exceptional 
archaeological
noble
emphasize 
elegance
evolve
simplicity
loyalty
rebel
sacrifice
highlight

书法
书法家
杰出的 
考古的
贵族的
强调 
雅致
进化
简单
忠诚
叛乱
牺牲
突出，使醒目