Unit 2

Task 1: Leading-in (1)Do you know there is an event called “Marathon”? (2)Do you think there was such an event in ancient Olympics? The Marathon was a modern event that was first introduced

in the 1896 Olympic Games. The distance is 26 miles 385 yards or 42,195 kilometres. It’s a race in honor of Phidippides, an ancient runner. In the 5th century B.C, the Persians attacked Greece at Marathon near Athens. Phidippides

The Greeks were very worried and didn’t know what to do. They sent Phidippides to Sparta to ask for help for the battle…

Now listen to the tape and write down in one sentence how the hero of the story sent his message miles away. Phidippides sent his message mile away all by himself on foot.

1 What was Phidippides’ job as well as running? 2 Why did the Greek army go to Marathon? 3 Did Phidippides do what he was asked? How do you know? Listen to the tape and answer the questions.

1 What Phidippides’ job as well as running? Phidippides’ job was soldier as well as a great runner. He fought in the Battle of Marathon against the Persians. He also sent messages mile away by running.

2 Why did the Greek army go to Marathon? Their city was doing to be attacked, so the Greek army went to Marathon to fight their enemy.

3 Did Phidippides do what he was asked? How do you know? Phidippides did what he was asked. We know because there is a monument to him and to the dead soldiers at Marathon. He died giving his message.

Prometheus is credited with bringing enlightenment to humans. Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humankind, bringing the power of warmth and light to the dark and miserable earth. Prometheus

Prometheus acted against the express wishes of the Olympian Gods, who wanted to keep the power of fire - enlightenment - for their exclusive use.

luminosityjustice peacesolidificationfriendship 友谊 光明 公正 和平 团结

Task 1: Leading-in What can you see in the picture? Task 2: Read the statements and listen to the tape for information.

Task 3: Number the events on page 51 and discuss them in pairs. Answers: 5 —7 — 2 — 1 — 6 — 3 — 8 — 4

Listening text Hello! I’m the torch that lights the Olympic fire and starts every modern Olympic Games. I always begin my journey from Olympia in Greece where the ancient Games were first held. I’m usually lit by the sun there and carried by many runners from different countries.

Many people come to watch as I travel through their country to the host city. However, only the best athletes carry me! It’s a great honour and many athletes hope to get the chance to do so. The greatest honor is to be the last athlete who carries me into the stadium where the Games will be held. The last athlete gets the opportunity to light the Olympic fire.

That fire will burn for the whole period of the Games and will only be put out when the Games end. I enjoy being part of so much sporting friendship. Two special sets of Olympics are held the same time as the Summer Olympics. One is for people with physical difficulties and the other for those with learning difficulties.

I am always happy when new countries get Olympic medals. I was a wonderful experience to be a bridge between the ancient and the modern Olympic Games. Long may the Olympic continue!

Information on the ancient OlympicGames Opening of the Olympic Games Competitors Athletes offered presents to the God Zeus; they prayed him to help them win. They came from all the large towns of Greece.

Their hometowns Training plans Parts of Greece, Athens and Sparta Practise for many hours, do a lot of exercise to the sound of music

Rewards A problem How it was solved Many presents: free meals and no money problems as well as songs about him Women could not be trainers even if they had the knowledge and ability They let her go, but decide to pass a law that all trainers must be men.

Situation: Suppose you are a coach, and you are coaching a student to prepare for a coming competition. He has practised for some days. You need to write a report to tell him what he needs to practise to improve further.

Now talk about the form and discuss them with your partners.

Information Report on training for the three-event competition NameZhao Liyuan Age15 years

Sports chosen Running, long jump, table tennis First sport Good points Bad points Running The speed is OK at first. His fast speed can’t last long.

Information Report on training for the three-event competition Second sport Good points Bad points Long jump He has mastered the basic skills and can jump long. He can’t stand steadily.

Third sport Good points Bad points Table tennis He is skilled in dealing with unexpected situation. Sometimes he is too nervous.

General opinion He is good at table tennis, but for running and long jump, there’s much to be improved.

Zhao Liyuan, 15 years old this year, will compete in running, long jump and table tennis in the coming competition. For each sport, he has both some advantages and disadvantages. In running his speed is OK at first, but his fast speed can’t last Sample

long. In long jump, he has mastered the basic skills and can jump long, but he can’t stand steadily when landing. In table tennis, he is skilled in dealing with unexpected situation, but sometimes he is too nervous. In all, he is good at table tennis, but for running and long jump, there is much to be improved.