人教版高中英语教材必修一Unit 5 Languages around the World的Reading and Thinking板块的阅读语篇
The Chinese Writing System: Connecting the Past and the Present
China is widely known for its ancient civilisation which has continued all the way through into modern times, despite the many ups and downs in its history. There are many reasons why this has been possible, but one of the main factors has been the Chinese writing system.
At the beginning, written Chinese was a picture-based language. It dates back several thousand years to the use of longgu — animal bones and shells on which symbols were carved by ancient Chinese people. Some of the ancient symbols can still be seen in today's hanzi.
By the Shang Dynasty (around 1600-1046 BCE), these symbols had become a well-developed writing system. Over the years, the system developed into different forms, as it was a time when people were divided geographically, leading to many varieties of dialects and characters. This, however, changed under Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE).
Emperor Qinshihuang united the seven major states into one unified country where the Chinese writing system began to develop in one direction. That writing system was of great importance in uniting the Chinese people and culture. Even today, no matter where Chinese people live or what dialect they speak, they can all still communicate in writing.
Written Chinese has also become an important means by which China's present is connected with its past. People in modern times can read the classic works which were written by Chinese in ancient times. The high regard for the Chinese writing system can be seen in the development of Chinese characters as an art form, known as Chinese calligraphy, which has become an important part of Chinese culture.
Today, the Chinese writing system is still an important part of Chinese culture. As China plays a greater role in global affairs, an increasing number of international students are beginning to appreciate China's culture and history through this amazing language.
人教版高中英语教材必修三Unit 5 The Value of Money的Reading for Writing板块的阅读语篇
The Million Pound Bank Note
ACT 2, SCENE 1
Narrator: Henry is walking along the street holding the bank note in his hand. His coat is worn in several places. He sees a sign for a tailor's shop.
Henry: (entering the shop) I'd like to have a suit coat.
1st Clerk: (in a rude manner) See him there. (pointing to another clerk)
2nd Clerk: Ready-made suits? Downstairs.
Henry: (after going down some stairs) Can you show me a suit, please?
3rd Clerk: Yes, I can, sir. This way, please. Ah, here we are, the very thing you need.
1st Clerk: (pulling the 3rd clerk aside and whispering) Mr Reid says you'd better serve him quick and get him out quick!
3rd Clerk: I know what I'm doing. I've got eyes, haven't I?
Henry: It's a little too bright, isn't it?
3rd Clerk: (looking at him with a frown) It's all we have in your size.
Henry: Well, I suppose it ought to do for now. I'll take it.
3rd Clerk: Good. Shall I put it in a box?
Henry: No. I'll wear it. Oh, I'd rather not pay you now. I'd like to pay in a month. You see, I don't have any small change.
3rd Clerk: (trying not to show he's angry) I suppose a gentleman like you only carries very large bills.
Henry: Now, you shouldn't judge people by their clothes. I just don't want to cause you trouble with a large note.
3rd Clerk: It's no trouble at all.
Henry: In that case, there's no problem. (He gives the clerk the bank note. The clerk drops Henry's coat. Then he folds the bill and slowly unfolds it again, as if looking at something he can't believe is there.)
Owner: Well, what seems to be the trouble?
Henry: I'm just waiting for my change.
Owner: Give him his change, Todd. Get going ... (after getting the bank note from Todd) Would it ... could it be the one I saw in the papers last week? I remember thinking that never would I hold such a note as this ... (to Henry) Oh, take off this coat, sir. (to Todd) Go get the others. Todd! (to Henry again) Allow me, sir. This way, sir.
(in another part of the shop, where there is a wide range of options for Henry to choose from)
Henry: This is nice, but I really don't need it.
Owner: Never mind. (with a broad smile) Oh, it's perfect! It was made for some king but he'll just have to wait. You'll need many suits for many occasions. Yes, indeed you will.
Henry: Wait a minute. I only came here to get a suit coat to wear today. I dare not buy all these things. You would have to wait a long time to get paid.
Owner: A long time, sir? Why, you don't have to worry about that!
3rd Clerk: Yes, we can wait forever!
Henry: Well, all right. I'll take the suit coat for now and get the others later.
Owner: Fine, fine. Your address, sir?
Henry: I don't have one. Er ... I'm moving.
Owner: Of course you are! That's very normal! A busy man, I'm sure.