Lesson Twelve The Kindness of Strangers Mike Mclntyre

Introduction to the background knowledge The structure of the text Detailed discussion of the text Further consideration Assignment Teaching Procedures

About the author and the text Americans are known as a generous people. “Love thy neighbor” and “Be your brother’s keeper” used to be their national mottoes. In recent decades, however, things have changed. People seem to have become more and more indifferent to other people’s needs. Crime rates have increased seriously. More and more people are worried about the general moral decay. But the author of this article tries to tell people that based on his personal experience, things are not as bad as people believe. In fact one can still depend on the kindness of strangers in this country. American people of course will be happy to hear this. However, the fact that they need this kind of reassurance and the fact that these kinds of articles are so readily accepted by the Reader’s Digest show that people are far from certain, and the problem is far from being resolved.

The structure of the text Part 1 (paras. 1—4): The reason why the author decided to start on this journey. Part 2 (paras.5-7): The author’s plan for the trip. Part 3 (paras.8-11): The author was treated with kindness everywhere he went. Part 4 (paras.12-15): The author’s experience at the Wilson’s.

Detailed Discussion of the Text He had his thumb out and held a gas can in his other hand. Question: Why did the young man do like that? This is the usual gesture of hitchhikers when they ask for a free ride. The gas can is obviously meant to explain why they need this favor. (They have run out of gas.)

Detailed Discussion of the Text Does anyone stop any more?... Could anyone rely on the kindness of strangers these days? Question: Why did the author ask these questions? Americans are known as generous people. “Love thy neighbor” and “Be your brother’s keeper” used to be their national mottoes. In recent decades, however, things have changed. People seem to have become more and more indifferent to other people’s needs. Crime rates have increased seriously.More and more people are worried about the general moral decay. The author wanted to find out the fact.

Detailed Discussion of the Text … and headed for the Golden Gate Bridge with a 50-pound pack on my back and a sign displaying my destination to passing vehicles: “America”. Question: Why did the author hold a sign? The author was holding a sign showing people where he was going. The fact that he put down ”America” as his destination may have been the reason why he had been so well treated. It must have caught the attention of the media and roused people’s patriotic feeling.

Detailed Discussion of the Text I didn’t know whether to kiss them or scold them for stopping. Question: Why did the author say so? The author was deeply touched. He said this to emphasize the kindness and courage of the two old ladies, not to suggest that it was wrong or stupid.

Detailed Discussion of the Text I never even lifted my foot off the accelerator. (Para. 2 ) the part of a car that can make the car go faster when you press it The author was really shocked—how he could have been so indifferent, so unfeeling and so unsympathetic.

Detailed Discussion of the Text … through the land of the almighty dollar. (Para. 5) … the country in which money has much power as God, here referring to the United States.

Detailed Discussion of the Text … when it seemed to run contrary to their own best interests. (Para. 7) … when it seemed to be in a way that is opposite to their best interests. /… when it seemed to be exactly what they should not have done for their own safety.

Detailed Discussion of the Text But I hate to see… (Para. 9) The proper translation would be: 我真不愿见 到 … … Examples: I hate to disturb you, but could you take a look at my computer? I really hate to ask my parents for money.

Detailed Discussion of the Text His wife, … a seventh-grade science teacher, was cooking a pot roast… (Para. 13) In the U.S., education begins in elementary school, which is for children between the ages of 5 and 11, then goes on to middle school, which is for children between 11 and 14, then to high school, which is for 14 or 15 to 18 years old. After that there will be the college or university.

Further consideration Consider the following questions: 1. Do you agree that it would be foolish to trust strangers? Give your reasons and examples. 2. Have you ever been helped by strangers when you were in trouble? Tell your own experiences.