Unit 4

Why I Want a Wife

LEARNING OBJECTIVESBy the end of this unit, you are supposed to grasp the author’s purpose of writing and make clear

the structure of the whole passage through an intensive reading of Text 1 Why I Want a Wife.

comprehend the topic sentences in Text 1 thoroughly and be able to paraphrase them.

get a list of new words and structures and use them freely in conversation and writing.

Pre-reading Questions What role does a wife usually play in a

traditional Chinese family? What role does an American wife play in her family? Are there any similarities or differences between them?

Is there any change in women’s status in China and around the world?

The passage can be divided into four parts.

Part One: (Paragraphs 1-2)

The author’s recent encounter with a friend of hers who has just had a divorce and who is looking for another wife make her think about the topic of wanting a wife.

The writer introduces her identity in the first paragraph and starts her bitter satire, in the second paragraph, on those men desiring for a wife who fits in with their ideal notions by pretending that she would like to have a wife with all possible virtues.

Part Two: (Paragraphs 3-7) The writer divides a wife’s duties and responsibility

into various functions or services according to the ideal notions most men are likely to have for a wife.

Three main duties are taking care of the baby; arranging the husband’s social activities; and satisfying husband’s sexual needs.

“wife” is consistently used in the text to help emphasize a wife’s role, duties and responsibilities by de-emphasizing her sex.

The writer presents in an ironical tone all the duties a wife should fulfill.

Part Three: (Para. 14-20):

By the way he behaved when confronted with another sad moment---the loss of his grandpa, the author shows us that he came to understand what his grandpa had taught him.

One would divorce the present wife and marry another new one, leaving the ex-wife solely responsible for the care of the children when one find a more suitable wife.

LANGUAGE WORK Incidentally: in a way that was not planned, but as a

result of something else Ex-wife: former wife If need be: if necessary Rambling: (of a speech, writing) disorder and wandering

E.g. 1) I’ve just had this rambling, incoherent letter from my

sister.

2) His actions were accomplished by a rambling

monologue.

Replenish: to fill up again

E.g. 1) Let me replenish your glass.

2) Food stocks were replenished by imports from

the USA. Sensitive to: strongly or easily influenced or changed by

E.g. She is sensitive to the change of weather. Clutter up: to make untidy or confused, especially by filling

with useless or unwanted things.

E.g. 1) This room is so impressive that it would be a shame to

clutter it up.

2) She says she deliberately tried to clutter up her mind.

Entail: to make (an event or action) necessary; to involve

E.g. 1) The changed outlook entails higher economic growth than was previously assumed. 2) Repairing the roof will entail spending a lot of money. Adherence to: acting in accordance (with something);

following (something) E.g. 1) He was noted for his strict adherence to the rules. 2) The villager’s adherence to their religious beliefs impressed all the visitors. Monogamy: the custom or practice of having only on

wife or husband at one time Replace…with: to change one for another, often better,

newer. E.g. We’ve replaced those typewriters with computers.

MAIN IDEAS 0F TEXT 2

Of Marriage and Single Life expresses the writer’s view on marriage or single life for a man. It illustrates the advantages on marriage an being single, mean it indicates the features on both sides for a man. The writer tries to enlighten people what kind of life people will choose eventually, get married or being single without suggesting directly.

A topic for discussion

Based on your reading and person views, decide whether you would like to be married or single in your life.