Reading and discussing

请阅读下面的短文，以帮助你理解课本上 的诗歌 “I’ve saved the summer” 。 I’ve saved the summer I’ve saved the summer for you. And when the snow begins to fall on cold winter mornings, I’ll give it all to you to keep you warm. I’ve saved some sunlight in case you need it. I believe it will drive off darkness and light your way.

When you were nineteen, I kept the image of your smile in my mind. When you get older, you will know the meaning of brave young smiles. I don’t know how I can help you to start your journey through life. However, there will be solutions somewhere before the day is through. Whenever you need love, I’ll offer all I have. It might help you as you travel on your way, till you find the love that belongs to you.

1.Listen to the poem ‘I’ve saved the summer’ and answer these questions. (answers are free) 1) When you listened to it, what came into your mind? Do you think the speaker in the poem is more likely to be a girlfriend /boyfriend or parent? 2) Does the poem have a rhythmic pattern? Reading and discussing Page 14

(You may have seen certain images, felt certain emotions or had certain thoughts.) When you listened to it, what came into your mind?

3) Does the poem have rhyming words? 4) When you were listening to the poem, did it make you feel something or think about something ? What did it make you feel or think about?

2. Now read “I’ve saved the summer”. 1) Circle the words that rhyme. What is unusual about the rhyming words in the last four lines? 2) Try beating or clapping the strong beats of the rhythm as you read the poem to yourself. Now listen to the poem again and clap the strong beats.

Rod McKuen

I’ve saved the summer And I give it all to you To hold on winter mornings When the snow is new.

I’ve saved some sunlight If you should ever need A place away from darkness Where your mind can feed.

And for myself I’ve kept your smile When you were but nineteen, Till you’re older you’ll not know What brave young smiles can mean.

I know no answers To help you on your way The answers lie somewhere At the bottom of the day.

But if you’ve a need for love I’ll give you all I own It might help you down the road Till you’ve found your own. Rod McKuen

1. Who is the speaker in the poem and who is he /she speaking to ? Give reasons to support your answer. Maybe a parent speaking to a young adult child. Discussion

2. Which of the following is the closest to the speaker’s message? Give a reason for your choice. A. If it’s cold, I’ll warm you; if it’s dark, I’ll give you light; if you’re hungry, I’ll feed you; if you want to love, I’ll give it to you.

B. Although the future may be difficult for you, whatever you need warmth and love, remember I’ll have some to give you. C. While you’re away I’ll remember your smile and I’ll love you always. When you return, I hope you will love me.

Language points 1. Does the poem have a rhyming pattern? pattern: n. (1) 图案 This cloth has a pattern of blue and white squares. 这种布有蓝白格子的图案。

(2) 模板, 式样 This cloth has a pattern of blue and white squares. 这种布有蓝白格子的图案。 v. form a pattern He patterned himself upon a man he admired. 他模仿一个他钦佩的人。

2. Till you’re older you’ll not know what brave young smiles can mean. [ 翻译 ] 等你长大成人以后，才知道年轻勇 敢的微笑的奥秘。 [ 点拨 ] till 用在肯定句中，意为 “ 直到 …… 为止 ” ，通常表示动作的终点，因此，动 词必须是延续性的。如： We must stick to our task till it is finished. 我们必须继续工作, 直到做完为止。

Just wait till you see it. It’s great. 你就等着直到看见它吧。好看极了。 用在否定句中，意为 “ 直到 …… 才 ” ，通常 表示动作的起点，动词可以是延续性的 也可以是非延续性的。如： She didn’t sleep till her son came back. 直到她儿子回来她才睡着。 (sleep 为延续性动词 ) I didn’t begin work till he had gone. 直到 他走了我才开始工作。 (begin 为非延续性动词 )

3. inspire to encourage His noble example inspired the rest of us to greater efforts. 他那高尚的榜样激发我们大家更加 努力。

(2) to be the force which produces 启示, 使 … 产生灵感 His best music was inspired by the memory of his mother. 他最好的乐曲创作灵感来自怀念他的母 亲。 inspire sb. to do sth. inspire +n. +in sb. = inspire sb. with + n.

4. I’ll also try out his way some time. try out: trying something to find out about it 试用, 试验 Please try out red wine. 请试试我们的红葡萄酒。

知识联系 : try one’s best try on try doing sth. try to do sth. 尽最大努力 试穿 试着做某事 尽力做某事

5. let out (1) express audibly; utter sounds (not necessarily words) He let out a volley of oaths. 他像发连珠炮似地破口大骂。

(2) bring out of a specific state He accidentally let out that he hadn’t been home for three weeks.