2021-22学年第28期总第860期 (6版)
Rocket sets record (P6)
吉林毓文中学 赵莹

I. Warming up
How much do you know about China’s Long March 8 rocket?
 

II. Before reading
Predict what the text will talk about based on its headline.  
Rocket sets record
Which rocket?
What record has it set?
When did it set the record?

III. Skimming
Read the title and the passage quickly and try to figure out the style of the passage.
A. Narration  
B. Exposition 
C. Argumentation
Key: B
What is the author’s purpose of writing the passage?
To share the news of China’s Long March 8 rocket setting a new record.

IV. Read for details
Read paragraphs 2, 3 and 4, then answer the question.
Q: Why is it complicated to send multiple satellites into orbit all at once?
A: The satellites must be carefully ordered inside the rocket and the rocket doors must open in time to release the satellites. Proper time control is also required to avoid collision between satellites. 
Read paragraph 5 and answer the question.
Q: What role does the fifth paragraph play in the discourse structure?
A: It forms a connecting link between the preceding and the following paragraphs. (承上启下)
Read paragraph 6 and answer the question.
Q: What is the main idea of this paragraph?
A: The application of satellites. 
Read paragraphs 7-10 and answer the question.
Q: What writing technique is used here and how? 
A: Contrast. By comparing the development of satellites in other countries and that of China.

V. Read for structure
Divide the article into three parts and summarize the main idea of each part.
Part 1: Paras 1-4        China’s breakthrough in launching satellites
Part 2: Paras 5-6        The significance of mastering the technology
Part 3: Paras 7-10        China still has a long way to go in developing the technology

VI. Think and share
What’s the author’s attitude toward China’s “one rocket, multiple satellite” technology?
Optimistic
Apart from space technology, can you think of any other technologies in development that make you feel proud? 
(Write within 50 words)

VII. Language focus
Find the following expressions and work out their meanings.
1. lift off
2. in the release process
3. cater to the demand of ...
4. remote communication
5. weather forecasting
6. automated driving 
7. set a new world record

1. 起飞，升空，发射
2. 在发射过程中
3. 满足……的需求
4. 远程通信
5. 天气预报
6. 自动驾驶
7. 创造新的世界纪录

Sentence analysis
1. The technology behind a single rocket lifting off with multiple satellites inside is complex, as all the satellites must be stacked (堆放) suitably apart inside, like “passengers” in a crowded vehicle.
（1）本句的主句为 _____________________;
（2）划线部分为_________修饰____________；
（3）as引导____________.
（4）翻译：________________________________________________。
Key:
（1）The technology ... is complex
（2）后置定语；the technology
（3）原因状语从句
（4）一枚火箭运载多颗卫星所需的技术非常复杂，因为所有卫星必须在火箭内部适当分开排列，就像一辆非常拥挤的车上的“乘客”一样。

2. The more satellites China can send with a single rocket launch, the more competitive it will be. 
翻译句子：越努力越幸运。
_____________________________________________________
Key: The harder you work, the luckier you will become.