1. M8U2 The universal language
Something that is universal affects or relates to everyone or every part of the world or the universe.

2. Music is a universal language.
What is typically Chinese in terms of music?
the Peking Opera
Chinese folk songs(民歌)
The melody of Jasmine is included and repeatedly used in the opera.

3. M8U2 The universal language
Reading
Turandot in Beijing

4. What is Turandot?
Turandot is an opera that tells the story of a stubborn and cruel Chinese princess, named Turandot, who lives in the Forbidden city.

5. Reading Turandot in Beijing
A r_____ of an opera
review

6. What is a review?
A review is a report or an essay giving some information as well as some opinions or ideas about a book, a performance, a painting or something similar.

7. As a review of an opera Reading Turandot in Beijing
What is included in the review?

8. Reading a review of an opera
Reading strategy:
Reading a review of an opera
How is a review of an opera usually organized?
the background information of the opera
background information
It usually starts with some________________________.
It goes on to__________________.
the brief description of the story
talk about the story
Then it gives some other important information such as___________________.
other information about the performance
the actors’ names
comment
Finally it gives an____________. It may include lots of words______________________________________ .
the writer’s comments/evaluation
that describe feelings

9. para.1-2 para. 3-7 para.8 para.9 the writer’s comments
Fast-reading : match paragraphs with related information
para.1-2
the background information of the opera
the brief description of the story
para. 3-7
other information about the performance
para.8
the writer’s comments
para.9

10. Background information
(para.1-2)
The author:
The setting:
an Italian composer Giacomo Puccini
in the Forbidden City in Beijing

11. Background information
Turandot, a world-famous opera written by an Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, was performed in the Forbidden City in Beijing for the first time.

12. Background information
Why would an Italian composer write about a Chinese story?
He liked East Asia very much and had an interest in the Chinese culture.
Are there any other Chinese elements(元素)?
What is the writer’s evaluation(评价) of the setting?

13. Other information about the performance
(para.8)
the director:
the conductor:
the main actors and actresses:

14. Music is a universal language.
What comments does the writer make on the production?(para8)
The production combined the very best of western and Chinese talents.
The production was a c________ of the western and Chinese c_______.
People from the world bring together and deepen the understanding of each other’s culture via music.
ombination
ultures

15. Music is a universal language.
Overall comments/evaluation (para9)
wonderful, amazing
Turandot is like an oriental(东方的) jasmine blossoming(盛开) in the distant west, giving off its unique fragrance of the traditional Chinese culture.
图兰朵宛若一枝东方的茉莉盛开在遥远的西方，散发着中国传统文化的独特幽香。

16. Let’s explore the story of Turandot
(para.3-7)
Main characters of the story
The development of the plot
The theme of the story

17. Liu --- Calaf’s father’s slave
Main characters of the story:
Turandot --- a Chinese princess
Calaf --- a prince
Liu --- Calaf’s father’s slave

18. The development of the plot
Put the events of the story in the correct order.(Para C2)

19. avoid marriage die Development prince loves A classic love triangle
The plot of the story (Para.3-7)
Beginning
avoid marriage
In order to______________, Turandot says that whoever can answer _______________will marry her, or____.
the three riddles
die
Development
Calaf,another _____, falls _______ with Turandot and is determined ___________.
prince
Liu, a young _____ of Calaf’s father, also_____ Calaf.
slave
in love
to marry her
loves
A classic love triangle
________________ between Calaf, Liu and Turandot appears in face of audience.
Climax
Liu
softer
____ dies for Calaf. Calaf kisses Turandot and her heart grows_____.
Ending
unite in marriage
Calaf and Turandot ____________ and
the whole city _________________________.
celebrates their happiness

20. Turandot Calaf Liu The story takes on a classic _____________
love triangle
Calaf
Liu

21. The ending:________________________
The plot?
Calaf
falls in love with solve the riddles guess his name
expresses her love for him
Doesn’t want to get married
dies for him
resist telling the name
kills herself
Turandot
Liu
desperate to know
seizes C’s father & Liu
The ending:________________________
Unite in marriage

22. Further discussion What kind of person is Turandot?
What contributes to Turandot’s transformation(转变)?
Calaf’s unconditional love melt(融化) the ice in Turandot’s heart.

23. Further discussion
What is the theme (主题)of the story? How is the theme presented(表现)?
Love is an everlasting theme.
Calaf→Turandot
Turandot →Calaf
Liu →Calaf
persistent&unconditional
influenced & touched
loyal & selfless

24. Love is a universal language.
It’s love that makes the world go round. And it’s also love that has such power to melt the icy hearts and bring people together.
Love is also a universal language. Let’s learn to share and appreciate it.

25. Assignment Write a brief review of the story Turandot. Outline
Background information
The plot and characters
Theme
Your comments