● Reading

Step 1: Lead-in

Have you ever seen the famous TV show 'Growing Pains'? What do you think of the play? Have you ever had this kind of experience when your parents had to go away and leave you alone or with a pet? If not, can you imagine what might happen if you were left alone? Could you handle all the responsibility and keep everything clean and safe?

Step 2: Fast reading for general ideas

1. From Unit 1, we have learnt two of the basic reading skills, skimming and scanning. When reading different styles and formats of articles, readers usually use different ways of reading in order to know about the main ideas of the article within the shortest time. Bacon once said, some books are to be chewed; some are to be swallowed; some are to be digested. So can you tell me how to read an English play? You may discuss this question withyour partners first and then I'd like some of you to tell the class your opinion.

2. A play usually consists of several acts. Each act can have several scenes. So can you tell me some characteristics of a play? Is the format of a play the same as that of a news article? Are the words or speeches in a play very formal? Are there any instructions or tips included in a play? What do the instructions or tips do? Do you think you have to read a play silently or out loud?

Please discuss all these questions in groups of four and share your opinions with your group members.

3. Go through the Reading strategy of this unit, that is, how to read a play. A play has a unique format and style. Most plays are in the form of a dialogue. A large amount of casual speech is used, sometimes with incomplete sentences. In order to better understand a play, you should read it out loud instead of silently and that you have to pay attention to the instructions or tips included in a play.

4. Read the play first and then finish Part A individually. Then conduct a feedback activity.

Answers

① Who are the main characters in the play? (Eric, Daniel, Mom and Dad.)

② Why was Dad very angry with Daniel? (The room was a mess. / There was trash all over the place.)

③ What happened to their dog, Spot? (Spot was ill.)

Step 3: Detailed reading for important information

1.Read the play a second time.

2. Let's do with Parts C1 and C2 individually, and after that conduct a feedback activity.

Answers

C1 1. Dad 2. Daniel 3. Dad 4. Daniel 5. Eric 6. Dad 7. Mom