Lesson Twelve Confessions of a Miseducated Man Norman Cousins

Warming-up: Discussion What is the difference between a miseducated person and a uneducated person?

Introduction to the text 1.Theme of the Text: The author’s central idea is that, to prepares ourselves for this new world, we must all be re- educated so that we will be able to understand that there are more similarities than differences among peoples. The differences are superficial and insignificant whereas the similarities are essential and fundamental. These similarities enable all of us to be members in this global village and to live happily with mutual respect.

2. Basic Arguments Life is a rare occurrence, and human existence even more so. Therefore we should have the greatest respect for all humanity. However different people may be in little details, they are united in their humanness, in their basic human faculties and gifts. They are also united in their needs, because today none of the most important problems we are faced with can be solved without global cooperation.

Words and phrases: 1. by-pass v. 1 ）. go around to avoid; by-pass a difficulty, problem, etc. e.g. We managed to bypass the shopping centre by taking side-streets. 2 ）. Ignore (a rule, procedure, etc.) or fail to consult (sb) to act quickly e.g. He bypassed his colleagues on the board and went ahead with the deal. 3 ） n. Road by which traffic can go round a city, busy area, etc in stead of through it e.g. If we take the bypass we’ll avoid the town center.

2. combine v. 1) (cause things to) join or mix together to form a whole ~ with sth; ~ A with B; ~ A and B. e.g. Circumstances have combined to ruin our plans for a holiday.

2. )Two or more things at the same time or have two or more different qualities as a characteristic ~ A with B; ~ A and B. e.g. combine business with pleasure

3.comprehension n. 1). exercise aimed at improving or testing one’s understanding of a language e.g. listening comprehension 2.) (power of) understanding e.g. A problem above/beyond one’s ~ comprehend v. 1. understand fully e.g. I cannot comprehend now you could have been so stupid.

4. a bird’s-eye view of the world: a very general view of the world, a view that lacks depth and subtlety 5. be surprised at sth. e.g. Be surprised at the news/ the high price, etc.

7.put: to say or to express e.g. : Can you put it in simple English? To put it bluntly, I think this company is bankrupt. 8.give way to: to give its place to sth. better; to be replaced by e.g. : The traditional extended family has now given way to the nuclear family.

9. what counts: what is important e.g. : I know what I say here does not count. These empty promises don’t count. We need action.

Writing Techniques Repetition Normally to make a piece of writing neat, we don’t repeat the main verb or other parts of a sentence. But repetition is a technique frequently used by writers and speakers for emphasis. In Paragraphs 3, 4 and 9 of the text, not only the structure but the key words are repeated while in Paragraph 10, only the structure of “how to do” is repeated.

e.g. 1. And the simplest reality of all was that the human community was one --- greater than any of its parts, greater than the separateness imposed by the nations, greater than the different faiths and loyalties or the depth and color of varying cultures.(para.4) 2. Geography had instructed me in differences of terrain, resources, and productivity. Comparative culture had instructed me in the differences of background and group interests. Anthropology had instructed me in the differences of facial bone structure, skin color and general physical aspect. (para.3)