高中英语上外版（2020）必修 第二册Unit 1 Nature优质第二课时学案

 高中英语 上教版 高一年级 第一学期

必修二 第一单元

第二课时 学案（教师版）  

课题：Reading and interaction II: Blame your brain (deep reading)

课时学习目标：

         能用语篇中的关键词汇复述课文；

         能理解语篇中的交际策略；

         能表达自己对于青少年冒险的看法。

I. Review the text and check the summary

1. Why is the passage titled “blame your brain”? What does it imply?

We blame teenage brain for their risk-taking because dopamine levels are sometimes lower in teenagers than they are in children. Teenagers’ frontal contex which is involved in controlling feelings and making good decisions has not fully developed, so they take more risks.

2. Besides dopamine and frontal cortex, what else contributes to their taking risks?

Pressure from friends or, we can also say, peer pressure.

3. What can we do about teenagers’ risk-taking?

-Try to make good choices and be independent.

-Don’t get pushed into doing things by friends.

-Try other exciting things, such as roller coasters, skateboarding and surfing.

Check the summary

The passage explains the reasons why teenagers usually take more risks than children and adults, and offers some suggestions on how to deal with teenage problems.

Scientists believe that teenage risk-taking is closely related to the levels of a brain 1 chemical called dopamine, which causes feelings of 2 enjoyment/pleasure. Teenagers are found to have 3 lower levels of dopamine than children, so they have to take more 4 risks to experience the same excitement.

Scientists also believe that teenagers are more likely to do 5 dangerous/frightening things without thinking about the results due to the 6 physical changes in their brains. Their frontal cortex is not fully 7 developed, so their ability to make good decisions is limited. Pressure from friends is the third factor that turns teenagers into 8 risk-takers: they have a strong need to look good in front of their friends. They also try to earn 9 respect from their friends by doing dangerous things such as fighting or not wearing seat belts. Experts suggest that there are no easy 10 solutions to these problems. Teenagers should try to make good decisions, act independently and find safe sources of excitement.

II. Deep reading

1. Identify communicative strategies

(1) ...some scientists believe that dopamine leves are sometimes lower in teenagers than they are in children.

a&b Several strategies are used in this sentence. First, the writer uses “scientists” and the present tense of “are” to indicate the information is correct enough to be true. But at the same time, the writer uses “some” before “scientists” to make it known that not all scientists believe this information is reliable. This way, the writer leaves room for reasonable doubt.

(2) Even teenagers who are not usually big risk-takers may suddenly do something dangerous because they want to show off or fit in.

b The modal verb “may” in the sentence is used to modify the tone of the statement, indicating that it is possible for teens who are low risk-takers to suddenly change their behavior and do something dangerous. By using “may”, the statement more objectively reflects a possible situation.

(3) Boys are more likely not to wear seat belts, more likely to get into an argument or a fight, and more likely to smoke and drink.

b The adjective “likely” helps the writer draw attention to the differences between boys and girls when it comes to taking risks. However, it also shows that this does not apply to all boys or girls.

(4) But is taking risks really the best way to get people to respect, notice and like you?

c & d The writer uses a question because she wants the reader to join in a dialogue with her and to think about an answer for himself/herself. The writer uses the second pronoun “you” to let the reader know she is speaking directly to him/her. It implies that the reader should think about this question and judge for himself/herself.

III. Discussion

Discuss risk-taking in pairs.

1. Do you think taking risks is the best way to get people to respect, notice and like you? Why or why not?

Answers may vary.

2. In your opinion, what are better ways to get people to respect you?

Answers may vary.

IV. Interaction

Do a survey on teenage risk-taking.

Questions for reference:

         What’s the greatest risk you have ever taken?

         How did you feel?

         Will you do it again? Why or why not?

V. Assignments

1. Report the result of your survey about risk-taking;

2. Finish Exercise 6 on P4 in the workbook.