2020-2021学年度第27期总第821期
Taking on new role (P4-5)
江苏省溧阳中学    徐桂林

Lead-in 
What do you know about the film? 
Do you like it? Why?
 
comedic movie
directed by Jia Ling
a great success
box office grossing (票房总收入) : over 4 billion yuan

Reading

Taking on new role
Step 1: Reading comprehension
1. What kind of person is Jia Ling?
1)  With smiling eyes, a quick wit and a good sense of humor, Jia Ling has long been a well-known female comedian. (para 1)
    ----- optimistic, quick-witted, humorous
2) One factor may be her passion for comedy. Jia graduated from Beijing’s Central Academy of Drama in 2003. In the last 18 years she has performed crosstalk (相声) in various competitions and shows. She has also played comedic roles in many comedies on the big screen, which ultimately led to the connection between the stage and film. (para 4)
   passionate;
   persistent (坚持的)
   
3) Besides being filled with emotions, I don’t have other big talents. (para 5)
    passionate 有激情的
    modest 谦虚的

2. What has made the film Hi, Mom so popular?
1) Jia showed her great passion in the film. 
2) The film is comedic/humorous/funny. (Showing her keen sense of comedy, Jia ensured that Hi, Mom hit home for those who needed a laugh. --para 6) 
3) It is based on a sincere mother-daughter relationship, so the audience can relate to the story. (para 8)
4) It’s sentimentally appeals to the audience. (para 9)

Step 2: Deep understanding
1. Jia, 39, starred in and directed the film Hi, Mom, which came out on Feb 12.
Jia, 39, _____________ in and directed the film Hi, Mom, which came out on Feb 12.
Key: played a leading role 

2. Jia is on the path to becoming an international name in the filmmaking industry.
 = Jia ________________ to becoming an international name in the filmmaking industry.
Key: is on the way 

3.    She has also played comedic roles in many comedies on the big screen, which ultimately led to the connection between the stage and film.
       She has also played comedic roles in many comedies on the big screen, which ________________ led to the connection between the stage and film.

Key: finally/eventually/at last

4. The approach to the film also makes Jia’s work stand out. (para 7)
 Her way of telling the story is unique. 

5. Hi, Mom appears to have hit all the right notes. (para 9)
 Hi, Mom seems to have done the suitable/right things (to appeal to the audience.)

Practice: (translation)
1. 贾玲对喜剧的热情和她不懈的努力使得她有今天的成功。
   Jia’s passion for comedy and her persistent effort led to her success. 

2.《你好，李焕英》聚焦于真挚的母女之情，但也有很多搞笑的情节，正是这些，使得
这部影片脱颖而出 。
Hi, Mom focuses on the sincere relationship between mother and daughter, but it is also full of funny scenes, which makes the film stand out/which sets the film apart.

Step 3: Critical thinking
1. What do you think of Jia’s success?
Her success is not coincidence. She has many excellent qualities. For example, she can hold on to her dream and keep on working hard. Also, she has a sense of humor and a quick wit, which are important for a comedian. 

2. What can you learn from Jia’s success?
One can achieve great success through diligence and persistence.