Module 8 Unit 2The universal languageReadingLead-in Have you ever seen any of Zhang Yimou’s films? Besides films, what else has Zhang Yimou directed? Have you ever seen the Beijing Opera? Besides the Beijing Opera, have you ever enjoyed other foreign operas?Reading strategy: Reading a reviewWhat’s the definition of a review?A: A review is a report or an essay giving some information as well as some opinion or ideas about a book, performance, a painting or something similar.Reading strategy: Reading a review of an opera What should we pay attention to while reading a review of an opera?1. A review of opera usually starts with some background information.2. The review can five some important such as the actor’s names and finally an evaluation.3. The review may include lots of very descriptive words that reflect feelings.Fast reading What is Turandot?A: It is an opera that tells the story od a cold-hearted Chinese princess, named Turandot, who lives in the Forbidden City. To avoid marriage, she says that any potential husband must answer three riddles correctly or die. Who wrote Turandot?A: Giacomo Uccini wrote the opera. The final scene was completed by Franco Alfano, one of his students, based on Puccini’s notes after he died. Was the performance indoors or outdoors?A: It was performed outdoors.Listening and comprehension 1. Why does the writer think that the Forbidden City is a good setting for Turandot?A: Because she felt that she could almost feel the history. 2. What kind of person is Turandot?A: She is cold-hearted. 3. What happened to the prince who could not answer the princess’s riddles?A: He was killed. 4. What does Calaf say will happen if Turandot can gu...
