not as exciting as it seems today. At that time, the sea was frightening and full of challenge. For sailors the sea seems mysterious, but full of possibilities. Thus curiosity sometimes may win over fear. Some sailors risked their lives to explore the unknown lands. Vikings were people who were curious and wanted to explore the sea. Now let's read the text to see how Vikings overcame their fear to find America. Turn to page 8 and look at the topic of the lecture.

Activity two: Predict the content of the text

T: Look at the title and the world map on page 8 and predict the content of the text by using the following questions as a clue.

Let the Ss look at the title and answer the questions to get a general understanding of the text.

Questions:

1. Which of the following people do you think arrived in America first?

A. Christopher Columbus B. Ancient Greeks C. Chinese sailors D. Vikings

Note: The answer is open.

2. What was the early sailors' purpose of exploration?

　A. To satisfy curiosity B. To seek wealth C. To seek excitement

Note: The answer is open.

3. Vikings were people living in northern Europe, which ocean did they cross to reach America?

　A. The Indian Ocean B. The Atlantic Ocean

　C. The Arctic Ocean D. The Pacific Ocean

Key: B and C

Activity three: Predict the structure of the text

T: Look at the title, we may find that the text is to record the historical events. According to your own experience, what may be included in the text?

Let the Ss call up their experience of this kind of reading materials and think about the structure of these texts.

Sa: The text may be organized like a story, that is, it should include background, development of the story and the result.