Active reading (1)Last man down: the fireman’s storyLanguage points1 Last man down: the fireman’s story (Title)The expression last man down, similar to last man standing, refers to the survivor or winner. The lastman down from the tower before it collapsed would be one of the bravest.2 There were about two dozen of us by the bank of elevators ... (Para 2)A bank of elevators means a set of lifts.3 Some had their turnout coats off, or tied around their waists. (Para 2) Turnout coats are the uniform firefighters wear when they turn out for a fire.4 Others were raring to go. (Para 2)The expression raring to go is an old form of rearing up, and means being eager to go like a horse.5 All of us were taking a beat to catch our breaths, and our bearings, figure out what the hell wasgoing on. (Para 2)To take a beat means to rest for a moment.A bearing is an exact compass reading measured in degrees. To take your bearings is to find where youare. Here it means both physically and mentally.6 We’d been at this thing, hard, for almost an hour, some a little bit less, and we were nowhere closeto done. (Para 2)To be at this thing is a slang expression which means to work on this mission. The expression nowhere close to done means someone is far from completing theirwork.7 Of course, we had no idea what there was left to do, but we hadn’t made a dent. (Para 2)A dent is a mark on a piece of metal as when you bump your car. To make a dent in something is to havean effect on it (imagine beating a piece of hard steel and not making any mark on it). To make a dent heremeans to achieve something. The firefighters had hardly begun their work.8 As if we could see clear through the ceiling tiles for an easy answer. (Para 3)Looking up for the source of the noise was only useful if you could see through the floors above, but itstill remained an instinctive reaction.9 The building was shaking like in an earthquake, like an amusement park thrill ride gone berserk …(Para 3)The word berserk was originally about ancient Viking warriors who worshipped a bear god (ber). Theywould go into a terrible rage or madness when fighting. It now means utterly and dangerously crazy.10 The way it coursed right through me. (Para 3)To course means to run or flow somewhere quickly. The noise and vibration have a strong physical effecton the writer.11 I thought about my wife and my kids, but only fleetingly and not in any kind of life-flashing-beforemy-eyes sort of way. (Para 4)Life flashing before my eyes is a claim made by someone who has near-death experiences, as in anaccident, of seeing a slow motion version of the most important events in their lives. Researchers say itmay be the reaction of the brain to trauma.198 1:13:06 PMStreets full of heroes Unit 619912 Or, “We’ll all meet at the big one.” (Para 4)After any fire, the fighters use the expression the big one to minimize that fire and suggest there willalways be a bigger one coming. It is a brave act of understatement.13 I never knew how it started, or when I’d picked up on it myself, but it was part of our shorthand. (Para 4)To pick up on it means to learn it and start using it. It is a slang expression. Shorthand is a system of writing used for taking down fast speech. It uses symbols for common wordsand can only be understood by people who learn it. Firemen have their own spoken shorthand (as do mostprofessions). To an outsider, the big one would not mean much, but as the writer explains it was rich inmeaning to him and his colleagues.14 I fumbled for some fix on the situation, thinking maybe if I understood what was happening I couldsteel myself against it. (Para 5)Some fix is a slang term which means a way of understanding.To steel oneself against something means to prepare oneself to do somethingunpleasant.15 A battalion commander for the New York Fire Department, he was on the scene of the disaster … (Para 6)The Fire Department is divided up into battalions of up to 200 consisting of a number of companies ofabout 30 firefighters.Reading and understanding3 Choose the best summary of the extract.2 In this dramatic personal account, firefighter Richard Picciotto recalls what he was doing and thinking,just before the north tower of the World Trade Center collapsed on 11 September 2001.4 Answer the questions.1 Where was Richard Picciotto at 9:59 am on 11 September 2001?He was on the 35th floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center.2 Who was with him?About two dozen firefighters.3 What was everybody trying to do?They were resting and trying to work out what was going on.4 How long had they been in the building?Nearly an hour.5 What did they do when the noise started?They stood still.6 What was happening to the building?It was falling down.7 What did Picciotto start thinking about when he heard the noise?He started thinking about his family, job and the bagels in the kitchen.199 1:13:07 PMUnit 6 Streets full of heroes2008 Did Picciotto have the impression things were happening quickly or slowly? To him, it seems things were happening slowly while in truth they weren’t.9 How did Picciotto get out of the tower?He climbed through the rubble and led his men to safety.10 How many firefighters lost their lives?Altogether 343 firefighters.11 Why did Picciotto write Last Man Down?He wrote it as a tribute to his colleagues.Dealing with unfamiliar words5 Match the words in the box with their definitions.1 to make a fire stop burning (extinguish)2 the total number of people who have been killed or hurt (toll)3 an extremely difficult or frightening situation (nightmare)4 a very sad event that causes people to suffer or die (tragedy)5 as much as possible (utmost)6 impressive actions that prove someone is very brave (heroism)7 happening in a confused way and without any order or organization (chaotic) 6 Complete the paragraph with the correct form of the words in Activity 5. For a firefighter arriving on the scene of a fire the first few minutes are usually the most (1) chaotic.He has to (2) extinguish the fire, he also needs to find out if human lives are in danger. When people aretrapped inside a building he must act swiftly to prevent (3) tragedy, or, –in the (4) nightmare scenario – tokeep the death (5) toll to a minimum. Actions like these require the (6) utmost degree of (7) heroism.7 Replace the underlined words with the correct form of the words in the box.1 He’s a very honest, fair and well-behaved sort of person. (decent)2 I’d like to express my thanks for everything you’ve done for me. (gratitude)3 There was a group of cows standing in the corner of the field. (herd)4 There have been very big increases in food prices over the last few months. (massive)5 All the people should leave the building immediately when the alarm sounds. (evacuate)6 She has displayed all the qualities needed for being a leader in her job. (leadership)8 Answer the questions about the words and expressions.1 If you are raring to go, are you eager to (a) leave, or (b) start an activity?2 If you get your bearings, do you (a) lose your way, or (b) find out where you are?3 If you are nowhere close to done, do you (a) still have a lot more work to do to finish the job, or (b) stillfeel strong and ready to work?4 If you haven’t made a dent in something, have you (a) made good progress, or (b) hardly begun the job?5 Is a racket (a) a loud and unpleasant noise, or (b) a low musical sound?200 1:13:07 PMStreets full of heroes Unit 62016 If something goes berserk, is it (a) quiet and well-behaved, or (b) out of control?7 Does whatever the hell it was suggest that the writer (a) knew exactly what the noise was, or (b) didn’tknow what the noise was?8 If something is part of the shorthand, can you (a) easily understand it, or(b) not understand it?9 If you are fumbling for a fix, are you (a) trying to understand something, or (b) trying to stay where you are?Active reading (2)Language points1 “Suddenly,” she wrote in her syndicated column, “I saw on the sidewalka figure of a man.” (Para 1)A syndicated column is a regular newspaper article sold to newspapers all around the country.2 “I felt certain that somewhere along the line she would stub her toe,” said Perkins, thinking ofWashington’s fishbowl atmosphere. (Para 3)To stub her toe means to do damage to herself or get hurt.In a fishbowl atmosphere, everyone can see what is happening in the fishbowl. The sentence means Perkins was sure sooner or later she would get into trouble and be criticized.3 I don’t know how she did it. What to lay it to? (Para 3)The expression what to lay it to means “how can one explain it?”.4 …“that a crippled man, victim of a cruel affliction, was able for more than ten years to ride thestorms of peace and war at the summit of the US …” (Para 3)A man in a wheelchair with a terrible disease could lead his country well both during the Great Depressionand World War.5 “Most people who have played second violin all their lives never have an opportunity to play firstviolin,” remarked Perkins. (Para 4)People who play second violin are those who do not lead or give solos and who are always of lesserimportance. To play first violin means to be the leader and take the initiative.6 “Now, if you want to know what I think about Mrs Roosevelt, she istuh-riffic! …” (Para 5)The word tuh-riffic means terrific. It is pronounced with a strong regional accent.7 On a trip to India ... introduced to the Indian Parliament by Pandit Nehru as “a representative ofresurgent humanity”. (Para 6)The expression resurgent humanity refers to recovering from the horrors of the first half of the 20thcentury. A representative of resurgent humanity refers to an example of the most admirable and progressivetype of person.Reading and understanding2 Choose the best way to complete the sentences.1 Eleanor Roosevelt became a volunteer (c) .(a) when she met her husband(b) when her husband became President of the US(c) as a young woman(d) when she saw a homeless man in the street2 When she became the wife of the president (c) .(a) she gave up her job(b) she began to write for a newspaper(c) she reinvented the role of First Lady(d) she found it difficult to reconcile family life and public affairs 206 1:13:09 PMStreets full of heroes Unit 62073 When she held her first press conference (a) .(a) she didn’t allow men to attend(b) she pushed her husband in on a wheelchair(c) she made speeches(d) her involvement in politics shocked people4 While Roosevelt was president, Eleanor (c) .(a) stayed a full-time wife and mother(b) made a lot of people angry(c) defended the rights of women and Afro-Americans(d) became the host of a television programme5 After her husband died she (c) .(a) retired from public life(b) became the only female delegate to the United Nations(c) helped implement the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(d) started writing for a newspaper6 In the last years of her life she (b) .(a) went to live in India(b) continued to promote the rights of women(c) was given a new task by President Kennedy(d) gave up her interest in politicsDealing with unfamiliar words3 Match the words in the box with their definitions.1 someone who is chosen to represent a group of other people at a meeting (delegate)2 to believe that something is the cause of someone or something else (ascribe)3 a newspaper or television reporter, especially one who deals with a particular subject or area(correspondent)4 a very high level of skill or ability (genius)5 to control someone or something, often in a negative way, because you have more power or influence(dominate)6 used about a feeling or thought you do not realize you have (unconscious)7 to watch something in order to check that it works in the way that it should (oversee)4 Complete the paragraph with the correct form of the words in Activity 3. Eleanor Roosevelt showed her (1) genius for getting the support of other (2) delegates in the UNAssembly. She was a great speaker who knew how to (3) oversee important meetings without being seento (4) dominate them. She was also a talented (5) correspondent and she wrote a daily column for manyyears. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s success as president was (6) ascribed by many to her support and wonderfulcharacter. She became involved in politics because of her sense of right and wrong and an (7) unconsciousneed to help people.207 1:13:10 PMUnit 6 Streets full of heroes2085 Replace the underlined words with the correct form of the words in the box.1 He has been unable to use his legs since birth. (crippled)2 We need to call a meeting for world leaders about this issue. (summit)3 The first thing I read in the newspaper is the regular section about the arts. (column)4 Our class visit to the United Nations was a wonderful experience. (marvelous)5 It’s important to try to influence politicians about the need to improve transport facilities in our area.(lobby)6 How many millions of people live in the very poor areas of Mumbai? (slums) 6 Answer the questions about the words and expressions.1 In a fishbowl atmosphere, are you (a) likely, or (b) unlikely to see what everyone is doing?2 Is a mishap a (a) positive, or (b) negative experience?3 If you have a humane attitude, are you (a) kind and caring, or (b) cruel and uncaring?4 If you win over someone to your cause, do you (a) defeat them, or (b) persuade them to join you?5 Does an affliction make your life (a) easy, or (b) difficult?6 If you ride the storm, do you (a) survive it, or (b) fall victim to it?7 Is a superlative performance (a) very good, or (b) just good?8 If a politician has a throng of admirers, are there (a) many people, or (b)a few who like them?9 If you are on a par with someone, are you in (a) the same position, or (b) different positions?Language in useword formation: gender-inclusive language1 Look at the sentences from the passages and answer the questions.Last man down: The fireman’s storyWe were firefighters, mostly, and we were in various stages of exhaustion.210 1:13:11 PMStreets full of heroes Unit 6211Please join Life magazine as we honor the power and humanity of Anna Eleanor Roosevelt by inductingher into the Hall of Heroes.1 What meaning do fireman and firefighter share?Someone whose job is to fight fires.2 What extra meaning is included in the word fireman?The person is male.3 Does the word heroes refer to men, women, or both?Both.2 Replace the underlined words with gender-inclusive language.1 Miss Read was the headmistress at school, and I was very fond of her. (headteacher)2 Mother Teresa and Eleanor Roosevelt are two great heroines of our time. (heroes)3 There were a lot of policemen standing at the entrance to the factory. (police officers)4 More than three hundred firemen died in the fire. (firefighters)5 We’ll ask one of our salesgirls to come and help you. (salespersons) Why is it that …?3 Rewrite the sentences using Why is it that ...?1 I don’t know why we haven’t been able to solve the problem of slums in this town.Why is it that we haven’t been able to solve the problem of slums in this town?2 I don’t know why we are not able to organize fair elections in this part of the world.Why is it that in this part of the world we are not able to organize fair elections?3 I don’t know why they never employ qualified people in this hotel.Why is it that in this hotel they never employ qualified people?4 I don’t know why the system of welfare is still not working properly in this country.Why is it that in this country the system of welfare is still not working properly?5 I don’t know why you always find such an easy answer to all the questionsI ask.Why is it that you always find such an easy answer to all the questions I ask? adj. + though it + be4 Rewrite the sentences using adj. + though it + be.1 My time in the United States was short, but it was interesting.My time in the United States, short though it was, was interesting.2 The scenes of destruction were terrible, but not surprising.The scenes of destruction, terrible though they were, were not surprising.3 The rescue operation cost a lot of money, but it was successful.The rescue operation, costly though it was, was successful.211 1:13:11 PMUnit 6 Streets full of heroes2124 The lesson he gave was extremely interesting, but it was soon forgotten. The lesson he gave, interesting though it was, was soon forgotten.5 Mother Teresa may have been old, but she was extremely active.Mother Teresa, old though she may have been, was extremely active.6 His actions may have been unconscious, but they have had very serious consequences.His actions, unconscious though they may have been, have had very serious consequences.collocations5 Complete the sentences with the correct form of suitable expressions from the collocation box. Sometimesmore than one collocation is possible.1 My grandfather died suddenly after a massive heart attack.2 There was a column of smoke in the sky for days after 9/11.3 Eleanor Roosevelt wrote a daily / newspaper column for nearly 30 years.4 The stress began to take a toll on their marriage.5 The final death toll might be much higher than the police at first thought.6 How many newspaper columns have been written about the heroes of the last century?7 Do you have to pay a toll to drive on the motorway?8 Your idea was brilliant – a stroke of genius!9 My hero is my English teacher. He has a genius for helping us understand Shakespeare.10 When she died she left a massive amount of money to charity.6 Translate the paragraphs into Chinese.1 I thought how we firemen were always saying to each other, “I’ll see you at the big one.” Or, “We’ll allmeet at the big one.” I never knew how it started, or when I’d picked up on it myself, but it was part ofour shorthand. Meaning, no matter how big this fire is, there’ll be another one bigger, somewhere downthe road. We’ll make it through this one, and we’ll make it through that one, too. I always said it, at bigfires, and I always heard it back, and here I was, thinking I would never say or hear these words again,because there would never be another fire as big as this. This was the big one we had all talked about,all our lives, and if I hadn’t known this before – just before these chilling moments – this sick, blacknoise now confirmed it. (☞这段话由许多短句构成，要注意短句间语气的连接。