牛津9A课文

Unit 1 Wise men in history

Archimedes and the golden crown

One day in ancient Greece, King Hiero asked a crown maker to make him a golden crown. At first, he was very happy with it.

“it’s a nice crown, isn’t it” he asked his men. Later, however, he began to doubt that it was a real golden crown. “Is it made completely of gold” he wondered. He sent it to Archimedes and asked him to find out the truth.

“This problem seems difficult to solve. What should I do” thought Archimedes.

Archimedes was still thinking about this problem as he filled his bath with water. When he got into the bath, some water ran over.

“That’s it!” shouted Archimedes. “I know how to solve the king’s problem!”

Archimedes went straight to the palace to see the king. First, he weighed the crown and asked the king for some gold of the same weight.

Next, he put two pots into two big bowls and filled both pots with water. He put the gold into one pot and some water ran into the bowl. Then he put the cro

wn into the other pot. This time, even more water ran into the bowl.

“Look at this,” said Archimedes to King Hiero. “A crown made completely of god displaces less water than a crown made of gold and another metal. This crown displaced more water than gold and another metal. This crown displaced more water than gold of the same weight, so I’m certain that it’s not completely made of gold.”

“The crown madder tricked me , didn’t he What a bad man he is!” shouted King Hiero. He then sent the crown maker to prison.

More practice

Cao Chong weighs an elephant

One day, Sun Quan sent Cao Cao a present. It was a huge elephant. Cao Cao wanted to find out the weight of the elephant.

“What a huge animal it is! Can anyone tell me how to weigh it” he asked the crowd around him.

“Can we get a large scale” asked a soldier. However, no one could find a scale large enough.

“Can we cut it up>” asked another soldier.. “No. I don’t wantto kill it,” said Cao Cao. Just then, young Cao Chong had a wonderful idea. “I can weigh the

elephant!” he said “let me have a try.” Cao Chong asked some soldiers to lead the elephant onto a boat. Asthe heavy animal walked onto it, the boat went lower into the water.

Cao Chong drew a line on the side of the boat to mark how low it elephant was then taken off the boat and the boat was filled withrocks until it went down again and water reached the line on the boat.

Cao Chong then weighed the rocks. He added up the weight of all the rocks and said, “This is the weight of the elephant.”

Cao Cao was very happy with his son. “ My son is very clever, isn’t he” he said. Everyone agreed.

Unit 2 Great minds

Two geniuses

Many people consider Albert Einstein(1879-1955) a genius. This story about him shows that he also had a sense of humour.

Einstein often received invitations to explain his theories at different universities. On these trips, his driver Hans often said to him, “It’s a pleasure to drive a genius like you, Dr Einstein.”

One evening, on their way to a university, Einstein said, “ I’m so tired. I wish I could avoid giving my lecture tonight, Hans, but I don’t want to let my audience down.”

“I know what to do,” said Hans. “ I can give the lecture for you. You can trust me. I’ve listened to your lecture so many times that I’ve learnt it by heart. No one knows you at this university, so they won’t find out.”

So, they changed places. T the university, Hans was guided to the front of the hall. Einstein took a seat, listened to Hans give his lecture without difficulty, and joined in the applause at the end.

However, before Hans left, a man shouted, “I’d like to ask you a question.” He then asked a question so difficult that Hans had no idea what he was talking about.

Einstein turned pale. “Oh no!” he thought. “Now we’re in trouble. “But Hans just laughed and said, “That’s such an easy question that even my driver can answer it. Hans, please …”

Einstein stood up and answered the question perfectly.

They left the university, with Einstein driving. A little later, Hans offered to drive. “No,” laughed Einstein, “It’s a pleasure to drive a genius like you, Hans.”

More practice

Einstein and the little girl

One afternoon, Einstein was walking home from work. At the same time, a 12-year-old girl was walking home from school. They were soon walking side by side. The girl looked at him curiously from time to time.

“Pardon me,” the girl said, “but you look just like Albert Einstein.”

“That’s because I am Albert Einstein!” Einstein said.

“I don’t believe you, “ the girl said. “Everyone knows that Einstein is a genius,. But you’re wearing your sweater backwards, so you can’t be very clever.”

Einstein began to laugh. “You’re the first person to be so honest with me, “he said to the girl. “it’s a pleasure to hear someone tell me the truth about my look.”

After that day, the girl often went to visit Einstein’s house after school. One afternoon, the girl’s mother went to visit Einstein. She asked him why he spent so much time with her daughter.

“Our friendship is easy to explain,” Einstein said. “ Your daughter tells me the truth about my look and brings me cookies. In return, I help her with her

Maths homework.”

Unit3 Family life

Family life in cities

Paula interviewed two teenagers for a programme on family life. She asked them some questions. Here are their answers.

Emily(aged15)

1 Well, there are just three of us: my mum, my dad and me.

2 Have I got many possessions Yes ,I’ve got a lot of things: a big TV, a new computer and a mobile phone.

3 No, I’m not expected to do the housework.

4 We go out for dinner together sometimes, but my dad is often abroad on business, and my mum works too. We usually just do our own personal things.

5 No ,they don’t usually set rules for me, and since I’m a good daughter, they never punish me.

6 Well, I like our new flat. It’s much bigger than our last one. But I feel lonely when my parents are away from home.

Jerry (aged14)

1 My mum, dad, grandma and my sister Rosie. Although it sometimes feels crowded in our little flat, we don’t mind.

2 No, I haven’t got many possessions. I have no interest in things like fashionable clothes . New fashions soon go out of date, don’t they That’s what my grandma says.

3 Yes, I help with the housework. I wash the dishes and even iron my own shirts. My grandma says young people should learn to look after themselves.

4 Yes, we like doing things together. We eat meals together every day, and my family always come to school events.

5 Yes, I suppose they set some rules for me. For example, unless I finish all my homework, I can’t watch TV, and I can’t go out with my friends either.

6 I love all my family very much. We have a close relationship, and we always support each other.

Unit 4 problems and advice

Many newspapers and magazines have an advice page. People write to ask for help with their problems. The following Internet posts were written by four

teenagers to an online newspaper.

Anna I’m worried about my friend Jolin. She wants to be a model and she ’s thin, but she thinks she’s fat. She’s always on a diet. She’s getting too thin, but whenever I talk to her about this, she gets angry. How can I help her

Peter I went out with a group of friends yesterday. We saw a lady lying in the street. She looked very sick. My friends made jokes about her and laughed. Though I wanted to help her, my friends told me not to. It was awful of them to laugh at her, and I regret not saying anything. I feel ashamed of myself. What should I do in this situation

Simon I’ve just started wearing braces, but I hate them. I don’t say any advantage in wearing them. My friends all laugh at me and say bad things about me. I feel embarrassed when I smile or open my mouth. The braces hurt my teeth, and it’s difficult for me to eat. I feel it was a mistake for my mouth to make me wear these ugly braces. What do you suggest

Julie I have to share a room with my seven-year-old sister, and she’s driving me mad! She has a habit of playing the piano when I’m studying, and she always takes my things without telling me. I try to keep the room tidy, but she always makes a mess. I love my sister, but sometimes, she’s so annoying ! What should I do

Unit5 Action

SURPRISES AT THE STUDIO

“Five minutes to go.” Shouted the director. “Is everyone ready”

“I’m glad that I’m not one of the contestants!” Denise said Angela.

The three contestants were sitting at their desks on the stage and waiting. The hot lights were shining down upon them. Suddenly one of them passed out and fell across her desk.

A cameraman helped the woman off the stage.

The director hurried down from the control room above, “We need another contestant,” he shouted. “Who among you wants to be on TV”

Angela raised her hand. “You’re on!” the director shouted. He led her onto the stage, and a make-up artist rushed forward. She quickly put make-up on Angela’s face and brushed her hair.

“Ten seconds,” shouted the director.

“It’s time for Travel Quiz, and here’s your host, Lester Li!” said a loud voice. Lester Li ran out onto the stage. The quiz show began.

Although Angela was not prepared, she seemed relaxed and did really well. She answered the questions with no problems and was soon ahead of the other

two contestants.

Twenty-five minutes later, Angela just had to answer six more questions to beat the other contestants and to win the prize.

Denise was so excited that she could hardly keep still. Though the questions were getting more and more difficult, Angela kept getting them right. Soon there was just a single question between Angela and victory.

“And finally, where’s Big Ben” asked Lester.

“In England,” replied Angela.

“Correct!” shouted Lester. “You’re tonight’s lucky winner. You’ve won tonight’s prize-a trip for two to the lovely city of Pairs!”

Unit6 healthy diet

What’s a balanced diet

Doris and Samuel are having dinner in a restaurant.

Samuel: I think I’ll have a hamburger, some chocolate cake and a large cola. How does that sound to you

Doris: That sounds terrible! I’ll have a chicken sandwich, a salad, an apple

and a glass of lemon tea. I’ve decided to stay away from fried food and soft drinks.

Samuel: Since when

Doris: Since I had my medical examination. The doctor said that I needed to lose a bit of weight by avoiding fat, oil and sugar. He also stated that it’s necessary for me to have a more balanced diet.

Samuel : What’s a balanced diet

Doris: A balanced diet means having different kinds of healthy food everyday. Research shows that each day you should have plenty of fruit, vegetables and grain products such as noodles and bread. And ,in general you should have fewer dairy products and eggs, and less meat.

Samuel :But I believe my diet is balanced.

Doris: Really Do you remember what you had today

Samuel: Oh, the usual things. For breakfast, I had fried eggs and a large cup of coffee with a lot of milk and sugar. Then I treated myself to some ice cream for a snack.

Doris : And for lunch

Samuel: For lunch, I had six chicken wings and a cola.

Doris: I don’t understand how that is a balanced diet!

Samuel: Well, I have many different kinds of food every day.

Doris: But all of these kinds of food are unhealthy for you.

Samuel: OK, you’re right. I’ll change my diet``` tomorrow. Here comes my hamburger and chocolate cake!

Unit7 The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Tom Sawyer paints the fence

On Saturday morning, every boy in town was happy, except Tom Sawyer. Tom’s aunt gave him a task of painting their fence. It was 30 yards long and three yards high. He painted one board and surveyed his progress, and then he sat down to have a rest.

Tom began to think of the games that he wanted to play. He knew the boys who were free would soon come along and make fun of him. Just then , he had an idea. He picked up his brush and went back to work .

Ben Rogers came along the road. He was singing happily and carrying an

apple.

“I’m going swimming,” said Ben. “Do you want to come Oh, you have to work, don’t you What a pity!”

“Work” said Tom. “This isn’t work. I’m enjoying myself. Does a boy get a chance to paint a fence like this everyday” Then he went on painting.

Ben watched Tom in silence. He became more and more interested. After a while, he said, “Tom, will you let me do some painting”

Tom said, “no, Ben ,I can’t. Aunt Poll warned me to do it well. I’m the only person that can do it right.”

“oh, please, Tom,” said Ben. “I can do it. I’ll be really careful. I’ll give you half my apple. Wait, I’ll give you all of it.”

“That’s a deal,” said Tom. “But you must be careful.”

Tom gave Ben his brush with worry on his face but joy in his heart. He sat down again and started to eat the apple.

When Ben got tired, Billy Fisher was waiting. He gave Tom a kite for the chance to paint. Then Johnny Miller offered him two toy soldiers.

Soon Tom had got many new toys, and the fence got three coats of paint.

Aunt Polly was so pleased that she gave Tom a big apple!

Unit 8 Surprise endings The gift

One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas. She could not afford a present, so she sat down and cried.

Jim and Della had two possessions which they were both proud of. One was Jim’s gold watch that was from his father and his grandfather. The other was Della’s beautiful hair. It fell about her, and reached below he knee.

Della put on her old brown jacket and her old brown hat. Then she went out of the door and down the stairs to the street.

She stopped at a store. The sign in front of the store read “Hair Goods”.

“Will you buy my hair” asked Della.

“Twenty dollars,” the woman said.

Then Della searched through the stores looking for a present for Jim.

She found it at last. It was a watch chain. The bill was twenty-one dollars.

At seven o’clock, the coffee was made and dinner was ready.

Jim was never late. Della heard his steps on the stairs.

The door opened and Jim walked in. He stopped inside the door. His eyes were fixed on Della, and there was an expression in them that she could not read.

“Jim.” She cried, “don’t look at me that way. I sold my hair to buy you a Christmas present.”

Jim drew a box from his pocket and put it on the table.

Della opened it. There lay the set of combs that she had always wanted. Now they were hers, but her hair was gone.

She smiled and held out Jim’s present. “I hunted all over town to find it. Give me your watch. I want to see how it looks on it.”

Instead of obeying, Jim sat down, put his hands behind his head and smiled.

“Della,” he said, “I sold the watch to get the money to buy your combs.”