Unit Three Dreams and Thoughts （ Lesson 2 ）

Warming-Up: Dream Interpretations （ 10m ） Speaking Practice

Listening Strategy Practice Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture (2m44s) Watch the lecture clip & answer questions. 1) How did Randy Pausch describe his childhood? 2) What was Randy Pausch’s first childhood dream? 3) How did the coach Jim Gram treat Randy Pausch? 4) What was Randy Pausch’s second childhood dream? 5) Was Randy Pausch finally accepted by Walt Disney Land after being rejected several times? 6) How many rhetorical questions are used by the speaker? What are they?

Movie English: Dead Poets Society

Brief Introduction Dead Poets Society shows us the effect of an inspiring teacher upon a group of boys that have never been given the chance to think for themselves. As a preparatory school poetry professor, John Keating emphasizes to his students to make the most of their opportunities, to think on their own and to seize the day. Unfortunately the school he works for only wants to prepare their students to get into the best college possibly without any regard to students’ feelings.

The result is a tragedy but it gives a valuable message to the students: listen to your own voices, hopes and dreams. This film is a thank-you-note to every teacher who has unknowingly inspired his or her students to do great things.

Watching Task: Individual Exploration Comprehension Questions: In-class discussions will be based on them. 1.Why do parents try to send their sons to Welton Academy? 2.In Mr. Keating’s first class, what does he try to convey to the boys? 3.In Mr. Keating’s second class, what does Mr. Keating ask the boys to tear up? 4.How does Mr. Keating explain to the boys that poetry is worth learning?

Watching Task: Individual Exploration 5.What does Mr. Keating try to convey to the boys by standing on the desk? 6.What does Mr. Keating explain to the boys about sports on the playground? 7.What point does Mr. Keating try to make by asking the boys to walk differently? 8.Why does Todd feel so depressed when he received his parents’ birthday gift? 9.What does Mr. Keating suggest to Neil the night before the play when Neil comes to his room for help? Does Neil act on the teacher’s suggestion?

Post Task 1: In-class Discussion 1.Why do the boys re-initiate “Dead Poets Society”? 2.Who is to be blamed for Neil’s suicide, his father, Mr. Keating, the school, or others? 3.What prompts Todd to protest against Mr. Keating’s dismissal? 4.What is the essence of Mr. Keating’s teaching? 5.Do the boys seize it?

An Interview with the Characters.

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Interview each student within your group as if he/she were one of the characters. 1)Share your understanding of the assigned character with your group members; 2) Prepare 2 questions to ask each character.

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Characters: Mr.Keating Neil Neil’s father Todd Anderson Cameron Charlie Mr. Nolan

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Some ideas/hints: John Keating: Why did you return to your old school? The school is very disciplined. When did you develop your unconventional ideas? How come you got the idea of “Seizing the day”? Do you think your teaching approach is quite fit for your students?

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Some ideas/hints: Mr. Perry: Why did you disregard his wishes? Do you think you treated your son fairly?

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Some ideas/hints: Todd Anderson: When you’re asked to sign the document in the office what are your thoughts at that moment? Why do you sign in the end? If your parents aren’t there do you sign? Why or why not?

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Some ideas/hints: Neil Perry: Have you ever thought what consequences your death will bring to people around you like Mr. Keating? Why do you take your own life? Do you hate your father? Do you regret for what you’ve done? (act the leading role in the play)

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Some ideas/hints: Charlie Dalton: If you turned everybody in and apologized to the school you wouldn’t have been thrown out of this school. So do you regret for this?

Post Task 2: A Mock Interview Some ideas/hints: Knox Overstreet: You know Chris already has a boyfriend. Why do you still accept her invitation to the party? What makes you daring enough to pursuit this beautiful girl?