Module 1 Geniuses
Unit 2 Great minds
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Reading
Two geniuses
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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. At 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."
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Listening
Three great minds
Listen to a radio programme about three great minds and complete the information cards below. Write one word or figure in each blank.
Listening
Welcome to Great Minds. Today we're going to talk about three famous people in history.
Albert Einstein was born in Germany in 1879, and died in the US in 1955. He is considered to be the greatest scientist of the 20th century. His theories explain the way the universe works. In many photographs, you can see his smiling face.
William Shakespeare lived about 400 years ago. During his life, he wrote around 39 plays as well as hundreds of poems. He's the most popular writer in the English language. One of his most famous plays is called Romeo and Juliet.
Confucius lived over 2,000 years ago in China. He was a teacher and philosopher. He spent much of his life travelling and meeting many different people. He is remembered for his wise sayings. They were written down by his students.
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Name: Albert Einstein (1879–(1) ______)
Job: scientist
Achievements: He is the greatest scientist of the (2) ______ century. His theories explain the way the universe (3) ______.
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Name: William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
Job: (4) ______
Achievements: During his life, he wrote around (5) ______ plays and hundreds of (6) ______. One of his most famous plays is Romeo and Juliet.
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Name: Confucius (551–479 BC )
Job: teacher, philosopher
Achievements: He spent a lot of his life (7) ______ and meeting many different people. He is remembered for his wise (8) ______. They were written down by his (9) ______.
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Speaking
A Talk time
Leaving and taking phone messages
Sometimes people cannot answer calls. When this happens, we can leave and take messages like this:
Read the conversation below and practise it in pairs. Pay attention to the words in blue.
Secretary: Good morning, Dr Huang's office.
Simon: Good morning. May I speak to Dr Huang, please?
Secretary: I'm sorry, Dr Huang is out at the moment. Can I take a message?
Simon: OK. My name is Simon Li. My phone number is 304 6621.
Secretary: Three zero four, double six two one. And your name is Simon Li.
Simon: That's right.
Secretary: Good. I'll ask Dr Huang to return your call.
Simon: Thank you. Goodbye.
Secretary: Goodbye.
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的图标>>英汉双语释义
