Unit Four Cloning and ethics Learning obiectives 1. First listen to and then talk about cloning issues 2. Read about the ethical issue of cloning 3. Write about why cloning should or should not be banned 4. Practice reading skills: propositional meaning 5. Practice translating skills: conversion 6. Learn and practice paragraph development by space Learn to write a call for papers 8. Visit Culture Salon about the history and method of cloning Passage a Not now, Dr miracle I. Pre-reading tasks A. Introductory Questions 1. What kind of people are in favor of carrying on with the cloning science? 2. For what reasons do most governments prohibit cloning? B Introductory Remark This editorial from the magazine The New Scientist profiles the unconventional Italian doctor Severino antinori who has announced plans to offer human cloning facilities in his private fertility clinics. Antinori is already famous for previous controversies such as helping grandmothers to have babies. Yet this time he is not alone in promoting the idea of human cloning US scientists are working with him on this project, and a religious group -- the Raelians ---have also announced their intention to offer the service. Of course, with so many couples desperate for children yet unable to conceive through traditional IVf treatments, there is no shortage of olunteers. The writer accepts that trying to prevent cloning would probably not work and that some form of regulations is almost inevitable. The writer reminds us that cloning techniques are far from perfect and that most attempts to clone animals would end up in failure I. While-reading activities A. Language points l. miracle n. an unusual and mysterious event that cannot be explained by the laws of The great wall is a miracle of architecture A car ran over the child but by a miracle he was unhurt 1) a series of related or similar events 2)(a) narrow cord used to tie fasten, etc. Example The curious boy asked a string of questions
1 Unit Four Cloning and Ethics Learning Objectives 1. First listen to and then talk about cloning issues 2. Read about the ethical issue of cloning 3. Write about why cloning should or should not be banned 4. Practice reading skills: propositional meaning 5. Practice translating skills: conversion 6. Learn and practice paragraph development by space 7. Learn to write a call for papers 8. Visit Culture Salon about the history and method of cloning Passage A Not Now, Dr. Miracle I. Pre-reading Tasks A. Introductory Questions 1. What kind of people are in favor of carrying on with the cloning science? 2. For what reasons do most governments prohibit cloning? B. Introductory Remarks This editorial from the magazine The New Scientist profiles the unconventional Italian doctor Severino Antinori who has announced plans to offer human cloning facilities in his private fertility clinics. Antinori is already famous for previous controversies such as helping grandmothers to have babies. Yet this time he is not alone in promoting the idea of human cloning. US scientists are working with him on this project, and a religious group --- the Raelians ---have also announced their intention to offer the service. Of course, with so many couples desperate for children yet unable to conceive through traditional IVF treatments, there is no shortage of volunteers. The writer accepts that trying to prevent cloning would probably not work and that some form of regulations is almost inevitable. The writer reminds us that cloning techniques are far from perfect and that most attempts to clone animals would end up in failure. II. While-reading Activities A. Language Points 1. miracle n. an unusual and mysterious event that cannot be explained by the laws of nature Examples • The Great Wall is a miracle of architecture. • A car ran over the child, but by a miracle, he was unhurt. 2. string n. 1) a series of related or similar events 2) (a) narrow cord used to tie, fasten, etc. Examples • The curious boy asked a string of questions
The red peppers were all threaded on strings and hung over the door of the house 3. under the sun: (used for giving force to an expression) on the earth; in the world The boy seems to have an opinion on every subject under the sun You cannot detect all the sins under the sun 4. stir n.(public)excitement The coming of the queen caused a great stir in the city The news caused a stir of interest on the Stock Exchange 5. line up to(cause to) move into a row, side by side or one behind the other The photographer lined up the family members for a picture People were lining up there to get a sample of the new product. 6. conference n. a meeting for consultation or discussion I'm attending a conference the whole next week The press conferences was immediately held after the peace talk 7. fame n. the condition of being well known and talked about; renown The writer's third novel was a hit and his fame soon spread all over the world The young politician is anxious for fame, not for the benefits of those people he 8. controversy n. (a) fierce argument or disagreement about something, esp. one that is carried on in public The first cloned sheep gives rise to much controversy It's beyond controversy that the computers can't really think ---controversial a. causing much argument or disagreement This is a controversial book 9. represent w to act or speak officially for(another person or group of people Example The stars in the flag of the United States represent the States Women were poorly represented in the new government 10. treatment 1)medical attention; cure 2) behavior towards somebody No effective treatment can cure AlDS so far The old ladys treatment to her pet cat is just like the one to her family members 11. irrational a. contrary or opposed to reason The irrational reaction to the loss of the football game caused serious consequences My wife is an irrational consumer- she cannot resist cheap prices and always buys
2 • The red peppers were all threaded on strings and hung over the door of the house. 3. under the sun: (used for giving force to an expression) on the earth; in the world Examples • The boy seems to have an opinion on every subject under the sun. • You cannot detect all the sins under the sun. 4. stir n. (public) excitement Examples • The coming of the queen caused a great stir in the city. • The news caused a stir of interest on the Stock Exchange. 5. line up ：to (cause to) move into a row, side by side or one behind the other Examples • The photographer lined up the family members for a picture. • People were lining up there to get a sample of the new product. 6. conference n. a meeting for consultation or discussion Examples • I’m attending a conference the whole next week. • The press conferences was immediately held after the peace talk. 7. fame n. the condition of being well known and talked about; renown Examples • The writer’s third novel was a hit and his fame soon spread all over the world. • The young politician is anxious for fame, not for the benefits of those people he represents. 8. controversy n. (a) fierce argument or disagreement about something, esp. one that is carried on in public Examples • The first cloned sheep gives rise to much controversy. • It’s beyond controversy that the computers can’t really think. ---controversial a. causing much argument or disagreement Example • This is a controversial book. 9. represent v. to act or speak officially for (another person or group of people) Examples • The stars in the flag of the United States represent the States. • Women were poorly represented in the new government. 10. treatment n. 1) medical attention; cure 2) behavior towards somebody Examples • No effective treatment can cure AIDS so far. • The old lady’s treatment to her pet cat is just like the one to her family members. 11. irrational a. contrary or opposed to reason Examples • The irrational reaction to the loss of the football game caused serious consequences. • My wife is an irrational consumer — she cannot resist cheap prices and always buys
goods we do not need 12. deform w to spoil the form or appearance of If the shoes are too tight, they will deform your feet Sitting incorrectly for long periods of time can deform your spine 13. argument I. disagreement; quarrel He got into an argument with Jeff in the pub last night A careful argument for extraterrestrial life has been presented 14. excessive a too much; too great; going beyond what is reasonable or right Excessive drinking may cause damage on the brain An excessive price may affect our market share 15. keep at bay: to prevent from coming near I'm trying to keep my creditors at bay 16. implant w to put something into a living body in a medical operation It can help a lot for the patients with heart disease to implant a pacemaker An animal organ was implanted into the patients 17. illegal a. prohibited by law Examples Some illegal immigrants risk their lives to get into developed countries It's illegal for teenagers to drink in pubs 18. prohibit w to forbid to issue a law against something Smoking is strictly prohibited in public buildings Children under 18 are prohibited from buying cigarettes 9. stamp out: to put an end to(usu. something bad) completely Do you think this new law will stamp out the illegal drugs trade? This country is making great efforts to stamp out terrorism 20. sooner or later: at some time certainly: one day whether soon or (much) later Examples If you cheat, you'll be found out sooner or later 21. go for: to like or be attracted by Example Many of her readers go for romance and mystery The young tend to go for adventures while the elderly prefer security ---go for nothing: to be wasted; have no result All my hard work went for nothing ---go in for: to take part in; enter Example Several people went in for the race
3 goods we do not need. 12. deform v. to spoil the form or appearance of Examples • If the shoes are too tight, they will deform your feet. • Sitting incorrectly for long periods of time can deform your spine. 13. argument n. disagreement; quarrel Examples • He got into an argument with Jeff in the pub last night. • A careful argument for extraterrestrial life has been presented. 14. excessive a. too much; too great; going beyond what is reasonable or right Examples • Excessive drinking may cause damage on the brain. • An excessive price may affect our market share. 15. keep … at bay: to prevent from coming near Example • I’m trying to keep my creditors at bay. 16. implant v. to put something into a living body in a medical operation Examples • It can help a lot for the patients with heart disease to implant a pacemaker. • An animal organ was implanted into the patient’s body. 17. illegal a. prohibited by law Examples • Some illegal immigrants risk their lives to get into developed countries. • It’s illegal for teenagers to drink in pubs. 18. prohibit v. to forbid, to issue a law against something Examples • Smoking is strictly prohibited in public buildings. • Children under 18 are prohibited from buying cigarettes. 19. stamp out : to put an end to (usu. something bad) completely Examples • Do you think this new law will stamp out the illegal drugs trade? • This country is making great efforts to stamp out terrorism. 20. sooner or later : at some time certainly; one day whether soon or (much) later Examples If you cheat, you’ll be found out sooner or later. 21. go for: to like or be attracted by Examples • Many of her readers go for romance and mystery. • The young tend to go for adventures while the elderly prefer security. ---go for nothing: to be wasted; have no result Example • All my hard work went for nothing. ---go in for : to take part in; enter Example • Several people went in for the race
22. embrace w to accept(an idea); make use of Nowadays more and more Westerners embrace oriental culture The child is encouraged to embrace every opportunity 23. sole a. being the only one; only Examples He is the sole owner of the basketball club The sole survivor of the accident was found in the water six hours later 24. jump the gun to take action too soon or before the proper time E: I know he's a suspect, but isn't it jumping the gun a bit to arrest him immediately? un by rushing out of the classroom before permission had been given 25 instinct a.(a)natural ability or tendency to act in a certain way, without having to learn or think about it Example Birds learn to fly by instinct B Sentence Explanation 1. Yet the vatican is no fan of his science Yet the roman Catholic Church opposes his practice. 2. The crash site was a scene of total destruction. (para. 8) 3. Many people have a hard job seeing the point of reproductive cloning Many people have difficulty in understanding the significance of reproductive cloning 4. Five years on from Dolly, the science of cloning is still stuck in the dark ages. Five years after Dolly was born, there is still no breakthrough in the science of cloning 5. In any case, the prohibition of cloning is more likely to drive it underground than stamp it In any case, the banning of cloning cannot prevent scientists from cloning It will only force them to continue their research secretly IlL. After-reading Tasks: 1. Do some exercises after the tex 2. Dictatic 3. Practice making sentences with the important words or expressions 4. Write a call for papers. P93 Passage b I Have His Genes But Not His Genius I. Pre-reading tasks
4 22. embrace v. to accept (an idea); make use of Examples • Nowadays more and more Westerners embrace oriental culture. • The child is encouraged to embrace every opportunity. 23. sole a. being the only one; only Examples • He is the sole owner of the basketball club. • The sole survivor of the accident was found in the water six hours later. 24. jump the gun :to take action too soon or before the proper time Examples • I know he’s a suspect, but isn’t it jumping the gun a bit to arrest him immediately? • They jumped the gun by rushing out of the classroom before permission had been given. 25. instinct a. (a) natural ability or tendency to act in a certain way, without having to learn or think about it Examples • Birds learn to fly by instinct. • Crying is an instinct in humans. B. Sentence Explanation 1. Yet the Vatican is no fan of his science. Yet the Roman Catholic Church opposes his practice. 2. The crash site was a scene of total destruction. (para. 8) The place where the plane crashed was completely covered with wreckage. 3. Many people have a hard job seeing the point of reproductive cloning. Many people have difficulty in understanding the significance of reproductive cloning. 4. Five years on from Dolly, the science of cloning is still stuck in the dark ages. Five years after Dolly was born, there is still no breakthrough in the science of cloning. 5. In any case, the prohibition of cloning is more likely to drive it underground than stamp it out. In any case, the banning of cloning cannot prevent scientists from cloning. It will only force them to continue their research secretly. III. After-reading Tasks: 1. Do some exercises after the text. 2. Dictation. 3. Practice making sentences with the important words or expressions. 4. Write a call for papers. P93 Passage B I Have His Genes But Not His Genius I. Pre-reading Tasks
A. Introductory Questions What would your response be if you came upon a cloned Mozart? 2. Do you think a cloned Mozart would be talented in music? Why or why not? B Introductory Remarks This is a short, science fiction story set in 2040. The writer imagines a future where cloning techniques, although prohibited, have been perfected. He describes the case of a music loving billionaire who had funded a project to clone the musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The story is set in a bar where one of the few customers turns out to be one of the surviving clones. He tells his tale to the barman. On the death of the billionaire he had been adopted by one of the research scientists, also a Mozart fan. Although she had tried hard, unsuccessfully, to encourage him to be a classical musician, she had never told him about his past and he had grown up as a normal young man. But then a journalist found him and his life was changed forever. After trying at first to run away, he had then re-discovered both himself and Mozarts music and had decided to try to complete the unfinished requiem. He did not succeed, however, because though he had Mozarts genes, he did not have his genius I. While-reading activities A. Language points 1) very nearly; almost 2)in a practical way Practically every American home in this town has a gun Theoretically, it's a good idea to live without a car, but practically speaking, it would be 2. chin n. the front part of the face(esp of a human being) below the mouth difficult to manage without or She sat behind the table. her chin resting in her hands (keep one s)chin up: to stay cheerful in difficult situation Example He's having a pretty rough time but he seems to be keeping his chin up 3. resemblance n. similarity, esp in appearance; likeness There is a clear family resemblance between all the brothers These prices bear no resemblance to the ones I saw in the ads 4. in the flesh: in real life; in bodily form I,'ve seen her perform on television, but never in the flesh People can see the candidates in the flesh during the election 1)n. an official ruling that something must not be done, shown, or used 2)w to forbid, esp. officially Example
5 A. Introductory Questions 1. What would your response be if you came upon a cloned Mozart? 2. Do you think a cloned Mozart would be talented in music? Why or why not? B. Introductory Remarks This is a short, science fiction story set in 2040. The writer imagines a future where cloning techniques, although prohibited, have been perfected. He describes the case of a music loving billionaire who had funded a project to clone the musician Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The story is set in a bar where one of the few customers turns out to be one of the surviving clones. He tells his tale to the barman. On the death of the billionaire he had been adopted by one of the research scientists, also a Mozart fan. Although she had tried hard, unsuccessfully, to encourage him to be a classical musician, she had never told him about his past and he had grown up as a normal young man. But then a journalist found him and his life was changed forever. After trying at first to run away, he had then re-discovered both himself and Mozart’s music and had decided to try to complete the unfinished requiem. He did not succeed, however, because though he had Mozart’s genes, he did not have his genius. II. While-reading Activities A. Language Points 1. practically ad. 1) very nearly; almost 2) in a practical way Examples • Practically every American home in this town has a gun. • Theoretically, it’s a good idea to live without a car, but practically speaking, it would be 2. chin n. the front part of the face (esp. of a human being) below the mouth difficult to manage without one. Example • She sat behind the table, her chin resting in her hands. (keep one’s) chin up : to stay cheerful in difficult situation Example • He’s having a pretty rough time but he seems to be keeping his chin up. 3. resemblance n. similarity, esp. in appearance; likeness Examples • There is a clear family resemblance between all the brothers. • These prices bear no resemblance to the ones I saw in the ads. 4. in the flesh : in real life; in bodily form Examples • I’ve seen her perform on television, but never in the flesh. • People can see the candidates in the flesh during the election. 5. ban 1) n. an official ruling that something must not be done, shown, or used 2) v. to forbid, esp. officially Examples
There will be a ban on smoking in restaurants Why is there a ban on eating in cinemas? Smoking is banned in the library She was banned from driving for two years 6. nuts (infml) mad; crazy: very keen on Examples I'll go nuts if I have to wait much longer She's nuts about the boy next door 7. bring(a baby) to term to complete a pregnancy n. end or completion of a period of time This pregnancy is approaching its term His life has reached its natural term 8. collapse w to fall into ruin Numerous houses collapsed as a result of the earthquak The financial system of this country nearly collapsed during the economic 9. adopt v I)to take(someone else's child) into one's family for ever and to take on the full sibilities in law of a pa 2) to accept or start to use or put into action Example They couldn t have children of their own so they adopted a boy. The new tax would force companies to adopt energy-saving measures C The new law means companies will adopt energy-Saving measures. When he moved to Canada, the children adapt to the change very well 10. I.something that needs attention, consideration, service, etc. The arranging of this business agreement is a top priority The highest priority of governments has been given to the problem of heavy traffic 11. decent a.(of behavior, attitude)proper; socially acceptable Public figures should have decent language and decent behavior Few college graduates can find a job with a decent salary at this difficult time 12. get wind of to learn about something by chance People rushed to the supermarket as soon as they got wind of the sale I don't want my colleagues to get wind of the fact that I'm leaving in case they tell my ( sth )in the wind :(something, esp that is secretive or not generally known) about to happen/being done Translate 山雨欲来风满楼
6 • There will be a ban on smoking in restaurants. • Why is there a ban on eating in cinemas? • Smoking is banned in the library. • She was banned from driving for two years. 6. nuts a. (infml) mad; crazy; very keen on Examples • I’ll go nuts if I have to wait much longer. • She’s nuts about the boy next door. 7. bring (a baby) to term : to complete a pregnancy term n. end or completion of a period of time Examples • This pregnancy is approaching its term. • His life has reached its natural term. 8. collapse v. to fall into ruin Examples • Numerous houses collapsed as a result of the earthquake. • The financial system of this country nearly collapsed during the economic crisis. 9. adopt v. 1) to take (someone else’s child) into one’s family for ever and to take on the full responsibilities in law of a parent 2) to accept or start to use or put into action Examples • They couldn’t have children of their own so they adopted a boy. • The new tax would force companies to adopt energy-saving measures. Compare: “adapt” and “adopt” • The new law means companies will ___adopt______ energy-saving measures. • When he moved to Canada, the children ___adapt______ to the change very well. 10. priority n. something that needs attention, consideration, service, etc. Examples • The arranging of this business agreement is a top priority. • The highest priority of governments has been given to the problem of heavy traffic. 11. decent a. (of behavior, attitude) proper; socially acceptable Examples • Public figures should have decent language and decent behavior. • Few college graduates can find a job with a decent salary at this difficult time. 12. get wind of : to learn about something by chance Examples • People rushed to the supermarket as soon as they got wind of the sale. • I don’t want my colleagues to get wind of the fact that I’m leaving in case they tell my boss. --- (sth.) in the wind : (something, esp. that is secretive or not generally known) about to happen/being done Translate 山雨欲来风满楼
Reference The gales begin to blow the pavilion while the rain is in the wind 3. track down: to find after a difficult or long search It was almost 5 months before the police tracked down the murderer It didnt take long for the technician to track down the cause of the problem with the 14. dig up: to find or take out of the ground The fans are always interested in digging up love affairs of their idols The candidate tried to dig up scandals of his opponent dig out: to find by searching Examples I dug out these old trousers to give to the boy By careful questioning they managed to dig out the information they were looking for 15. media: the newspapers, news magazines, television, and radio The event received widespread coverage in the media The mass media plays an important part in our daily life 16. immerse v. to engage wholly or deeply; absorb The professor was so immersed in her work that she didn't notice me The whole town was immersed in a festival atmosphere B Sentence Explanation 1. I bring him a fresh drink, and wish him greetings of the season. I bring him a fresh drink, and wish him a merry Christmas 2. He looks at me, sort of funny, He looks at me. in a somewhat weird way 3.... trying to push her little Mozart toward trying to make a great musician(as great as Mozart)of her adopted son 4. And that's when the roof fell in And thats when his life was completely destroyed II. After-reading tasks 1. Do some exercises after the text 2. Dictation
7 Reference The gales begin to blow the pavilion while the rain is in the wind. 13. track down : to find after a difficult or long search Examples • It was almost 5 months before the police tracked down the murderer. • It didn’t take long for the technician to track down the cause of the problem with the computer. 14. dig up: to find or take out of the ground Examples • The fans are always interested in digging up love affairs of their idols. • The candidate tried to dig up scandals of his opponent. ---dig out : to find by searching Examples • I dug out these old trousers to give to the boy. • By careful questioning they managed to dig out the information they were looking for. 15. media : the newspapers, news magazines, television, and radio Examples • The event received widespread coverage in the media. • The mass media plays an important part in our daily life. 16. immerse v. to engage wholly or deeply; absorb Examples • The professor was so immersed in her work that she didn't notice me. • The whole town was immersed in a festival atmosphere. B. Sentence Explanation 1. I bring him a fresh drink, and wish him greetings of the season. I bring him a fresh drink, and wish him a merry Christmas. 2. He looks at me, sort of funny,… He looks at me, in a somewhat weird way 3. … trying to push her little Mozart toward music. … trying to make a great musician (as great as Mozart) of her adopted son. 4. And that’s when the roof fell in. And that’s when his life was completely destroyed. III. After-reading Tasks 1. Do some exercises after the text. 2. Dictation