Unit 6 Going west
Comprehend the text
Pre-reading
As we all know, there are many people who are from other places in our city. They come here for different reasons, some because of the war, some because of the poor soil and some because of the bad weather in their places. There are many difficulties for them going from one place to another. Can you imagine what difficulties did they go through? At that time, there are no cars and trains. And the transport is not so convenient.
Now, read the test in your books, you will learn about something about the settlers from other places.
Before reading, look at the questions.
History counts many cases in which settlers moved into areas that belonged to other people. Can you give some examples? What happened?
The TianWan people, the Americans etc. are from other places. They come here for life. On their way here, they may meet many difficulties, because the journey is long and difficult.
Now, let’s learn the text, then you will know more about moving.
Reading
Read the text then answer some questions.
1 When did we decide to move to another place?
2 How long did the journey last?
3 What is our first destination?
4 Is the journey hard? Can you make some examples about it?
Keys:
1> 1845,10 2> About a year 3>India Greek in Kansas 4> Yes, it is hard. You can make many examples.
Listening
Listen to the tape carefully then do these exercises.
Post-reading
Exercise1. True or False
( )1 We traveled alone.
( )2 We traveled day and night.
( )3 During walking through the desert, we couldn’t ride the wagons.
( )4 For many weeks we had suffered from heat, thirst and starvation.
( )5 During the long journey, we could help each other.
( )6 When a young man in our group suggested that I stay behind with the children and wait for help, I agreed.
( )7 When the animals smelt the water, they all ran.
Keys:1F with many other families 2F by day 3T 4T 5F The situation was so desperate that, in most cases, no one could help another. Each had all he could do to save himself and his animals. 6F I didn’t agree. 7T
Exercise 2
Questions:
1 Where in the text do you find evidence that the wagons were not he most suitable means of transport?
2 Why did the travelers call their ninety mile-drive through the Salt Lake Desert the “long drive”?
3 What can you learn from this reading passage? What impresses you most?
Keys:
1 You can find your answers in paragraph 3.
2 We had to travel long without water or grass for the animals to eat. It was hard.
3 1> After suffering from many difficulties, we can live a better life. Facing the hardship, never give up, etc.
2>The courage of the people impresses me most.