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

MODULE 8 Around town
Part 2: Teaching Resources
第二部分 教学资源
Section 1: Background Readings
1. London
London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. It produces 17% of the UK's GDP and is one of the world's 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 Ben
Part of the London skyline viewed from the South Bank
London 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. London's 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 world's major global cities (along with New York City, Tokyo and Paris).
2. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's 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 Queen's 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 Sèvres porcelain; and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.
3. the Tower of London
Founded 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 Place
Prepositions 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 place
Prepositions of Place
At The secretary was sitting
at
her desk.
The man was standing 
at
the taxi stand.
in The pen was
in
the drawer.
He lives
in
South Africa.
On The painting was hanging
on
the wall.
The boy was sitting
on
the chair.
over/above The sign hanging
over/above
the door read 'No smoking'.
I put the tablecloth
over
the table.
I enjoy watching the planes fly
above
me.
under / below The temperature outside was
under/below
0.
The woman was sheltering
under
a tree.
When flying I enjoy watching the clouds
below
me.
in front of The teacher stands
in front of
the class.
The car was parked
in front of
the garage.
behind The car park is
behind
the building.
He never won a race, he was always
behind
the others.
next to/ beside/by:
In my English lesson I always sit
next to/
beside/by
my friend.
The bank is
next to/
beside/by
the hotel.
Among I enjoy being
among
my friends.
I found my handbag
among
my luggage.
Between The prisoner sat
between
the two policemen.
I held the pen
between
my thumb and fingers