外研社八年级英语Module 8 Section 1 Background Readings.doc

MODULE 8 Around townPart 2: Teaching Resources第二部分 教学资源Section 1: Background Readings1. LondonLondon is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. It produces 17% of the UKs GDP and is one of the worlds major business and financial centres. The capital of the former global empire, London is a leader in culture, communications, politics, finance, entertainment and the arts and has considerable influence worldwide. The Houses of Parliament and Big BenPart of the London skyline viewed from the South BankLondon is the most populous city in the European Union, with an estimated population on 1 January 2005 of 7,421,328 and a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million. Londons population includes a very diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, making it one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant and energetic cities on earth. A resident of London is referred to as a Londoner. Over 300 languages are spoken in London, making the capital one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world. Also known as Lunnainn, Llundain and Londain in the Scottish, Welsh and Irish languages respectively, London is known by these names in other languages. London is the home of many global institutions, organisations and companies, and as such retains its leading role in global affairs. A city where cutting-edge meets tradition, London is a major tourist destination. It has a great number of important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries, airports and palaces. London is one of the worlds major global cities (along with New York City, Tokyo and Paris).2. Buckingham PalaceBuckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britains sovereigns since 1837. It evolved from a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queens official residence. Although in use for the many official events and receptions held by The Queen, areas of Buckingham Palace are opened to visitors on a regular basis. The State Rooms of the Palace are open to visitors during the Annual Summer Opening in August and September. They are lavishly furnished with some of the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection - paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Poussin, Canaletto and Claude; sculpture by Canova and Chantrey; exquisite examples of Svres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world. 3. the Tower of LondonFounded nearly a millennium ago and expanded upon over the centuries since, the Tower of London has protected, housed, imprisoned and been for many the last sight they saw on Earth.It has been the seat of British government and the living quarters of monarchs . the site of renown political intrigue, and the repository of the Crown Jewels . It has housed lions, bears, and (to this day) flightless ravens . not to mention notorious traitors and framed members of court, lords and ministers, clergymen and knights.4.Prepositions of PlacePrepositions can be used to show where something is located. The prepositions at, on, and in We use at to show a specific place or position.For example:Someone is at the door.They are waiting at the bus stop.I used to live at 51 Portland Street.We use on to show position on a horizontal or vertical surface.For example:The cat sat on the mat.The satellite dish is on the roof.We also use on to show position on streets, roads, etc. For example: I used to live on Portland Street. We use in to show that something is enclosed or surrounded.For example:The dog is in the garden.She is in a taxi. Put it in the box.We also use in to show position within land-areas (towns, counties, states, countries, and continents).For example:I used to live in Nottingham.5. More prepositions of placePrepositions of PlaceAt The secretary was sittingather desk.The man was standingatthe taxi stand.in The pen wasinthe drawer.He livesinSouth Africa.On The painting was hangingonthe wall.The boy was sittingonthe chair.over/above The sign hangingover/abovethe door read No smoking.I put the tableclothoverthe table.I enjoy watching the planes flyaboveme.under / below The temperature outside wasunder/below0.The woman was shelteringundera tree.When flying I enjoy watching the cloudsbelowme.in front of The teacher stands in front of the class.The car was parkedin front ofthe garage.behind The car park isbehindthe building.He never won a race, he was alwaysbehindthe others.next to/ beside/by: In my English lesson I always sitnext to/beside/bymy friend.The bank isnext to/beside/bythe hotel.Among I enjoy beingamongmy friends.I found my handbagamongmy luggage.Between The prisoner satbetweenthe two policemen.I held the penbetweenmy thumb and fingers