Unit Six How to Write a Rotten Poem with Almost

No Effort

Contents Contents A. Text one

I. Pre-reading: warm-up questions (II). Background information II. While-reading: Text Analysis (I) Structure analysis (II) Comprehension questions (III) Language points (IV) Difficult sentencesIII. Post-Reading: (I) Grammatical items (II) Translation Exercises (III) Oral activities (IV) Writing practice B. Text two（I）Questions for text comprehension （II）Language points

I. Pre-reading: (I). warm-up 1. History of Poetry Some of the earliest poetry is believed to have been

orally recited or sung, closely related to musical traditions, and much of it can be attributed to religious movements: rhythm, rhyme, compression, intensity of feeling, the use of refrains.

Following the development of writing, poetry has since developed into increasingly structured forms.

Written composition meant poets began to compose for an absent reader.

Much poetry since the late 20th century has moved away from traditional forms towards the more vaguely defined free verse and prose poem formats.

2. Classification Three major genres: Epic poetry: a long story about brave actions

and exciting events; Lyric poetry: more personal, shorter

poems intended to be sung; Dramatic poetry: comedy and

tragedy as subgenres.

Modern life is more about material and tangible goods

than about spirit pursuit. We set clear targets for our future, neglecting that we are gradually losing one joy that human kind usually have: the fun of spontaneity. The writer of this essay reminds us that poetry, especially creating poems, can provide us such pleasure. Though the writer of this essay writes in a half-mocking tone, and the method he introduces will not ensure us to create a wonderful, or even presentable poem, his real purpose is to make the creation of a poem less difficult than we may imagine and to induce amateurs to set their first steps on their journey to a more aesthetic life.

II. While-reading: Text Analysis (I) Structure analysis

(II) Comprehension questions (III) Language points (IV) Difficult sentences

In terms of organization, the article clearly falls into three main parts:

1-3The first part introduces the problem with poetry and the significance of the writer’s solution.

4-9 The second part introduces in detail how people cancreate a poem of their own.

10-12 The third part serves as the ending of the essay. In this part, the writer reiterates his intention and makes it clear he is just joking by presenting such a method of

creating a poem.

2. The mocking tone of the author is mingled with some fairly emotional statements which reveal his real love of poetry, e.g“Once a person has written a poem, of whatever quality, he will feel comradeship with fellow poets and, hopefully, read their works. Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. Not only that, good poets could make a living for a change.” (Paragraph 3)“But at least it’s a poem and you’ve written it, which is an accomplishment that relatively few people can claim.” (Paragraph 10)

“Chances are, you’ll find their offerings stimulating and refreshing. You might even try writing some more of your own poems, now that you’ve broken the ice. Observe

others’ emotions and experience your own — that’s what poetry is all about. (Paragraph 11)

Apparently simple but lucid English, sometimes even a colloquial speech style, creating the effect of a heart-to-heart talk between the writer and the reader, e.g.“The last line of your poem should deal with the future in some way.” (Paragraph 8) “Now that poem (like yours, when you’re finished) is rotten.” (Paragraph 10)

What does the writer think is the problem

The problem with poetry is that most people don’t know how to write a poem and there is no market for good poets and poems.

1. What is the solution for this problem

suggested by the writer? The solution for this problem suggested by the

writer is to make it easy for everyone to write at least one poem in his life.

2. How does the writer justify his solutionThe writer thinks this may not only enhance

people’s recognition of poets but cultivate a poetry-loving society and elevate the quality of life.

pound v. strike or hit heavily and repeatedly

e.g. Pounding on the floor, she shouted at the top of her voice.She slipped out of the office with the stolen secret file in her handbag, her heart pounding severely.

Collocations:pound against / onWaves pounded against the pier.pound along / through / down, etc.I could hear him pounding up the stairs.pound outThe Rolling Stones were pounding out one of their old numbers.

middle ground an area of compromise or possible agreement

between two extreme positions Each party wants to capture the votes of those

perceived as occupying the middle ground. In the argument everyone has to take sides;

there is no middle ground.

双方谈判无法达成共同立场。 The negotiators could find no middle ground.

squalid a. morally repulsive; sordid He was living in squalid conditions. Synonyms: degraded, filthy, poor, shabby,

slummy,  sordid, wretched

imponderable n. a thing that cannot undergo precise evaluation

We can’t predict the outcome. There are too many imponderables.

rule of thumb a broadly accurate guide or principle, based on

experience or practice rather than theory.

I haven’t been taught the finer points of carpentry; I just make things by rule of thumb.

这笔生意的行事法则是礼貌至上。The rule of thumb in this business is courtesy.

cuddle v. hold close in one’s arms as a way of showing love or affection.He cuddles the baby close.What do you think of some youngsters cuddling each other in public places, paying no heed to those who pass by?Synonyms:fondle, nestle, snuggle

incidentally ad. by the way

Incidentally, it was many months before the whole truth was discovered.

Derivations: incident n.

A spokesman said it was an isolated incident. incidental a.

problems incidental to growing up

As a result, serious poets either starve or work as account executives. (Paragraph 2)Paraphrase:As a result, serious poets could no longer depend on poetry writing for a living; they have to turn to other profession, and most probablyto become a businessman, which is held traditionallydiametrically opposite to the profession of literary creation.

Ideally, there would evolve a veritable society

of poet-citizens, which would elevate the quality of life worldwide. (Paragraph 3)

Paraphrase: This is a way that will evoke poetic feeling and atmosphere for certain.

You might even try writing some more of

your own poems, now that you’ve broken the ice. (Paragraph 11)

Paraphrase:Since you have removed the awkwardness of poem writing, you might even want to have a try by yourself.

III. Post-Reading: 1) ponder v. → imponderable a./n. 他思考了几分钟才作答复。He pondered for some minutes before giving an

answer. 无法估计的问题 an imponderable question 我们无法预计结果，因为有太多的不确定

因素。 We can’t predict the outcome. There are too

many imponderables.

2) poetry n. → poetic a. → poet n. 诗歌朗诵会 a poetry reading

那位舞蹈家舞姿优美，富有诗意。 The dancer, moved with poetic grace.

他被女王封为桂冠诗人。 He was awarded the poet laureate by the

queen.

3) accident n.→ accidental a.→ accidentally ad. 他数年前死于车祸。 He died in an automobile accident years ago. 今天偶然遇到一位老朋友。 I had an accidental meeting with an old friend

today. “ 他是无意中损坏的吗 ?”“ 不，是故意

的。” “Did he break it accidentally?” “No, on purpose.”

Class ActivityGroup discussion: What is your comment of author’s method of creating a poem and do you like the poem he composes according to this? Do you have any other ideas about how to create a poem?

. Thank You