When Helen went to college, her teacher Anne went with her and tapped out the words of the instructors into her student's hand.

Helen had an amazing memory and she also had skills that very few people have ever been able to develop. She could put her fingers to a person's lips and understand the words that were being spoken.

While she was in college she wrote her book called "The Story of My Life". With the money she earned from the book she was able to buy a house.

She became famous and traveled around the world speaking to groups of people. She met many important and well-known people as she traveled.

Helen Keller was successful because of her determination. However, many people helped her. The most important person in her life was Anne Sullivan who stayed with her for 50 years.

Step 2. Warming Up

1 Ask Ss to look at the four pictures on P1 and discuss with a partner what disabilities they may have by just looking at the pictures.

2 Write the followings information about the four students in the pictures on the blackboard. And let Ss talk as much as possible.

◆ Rada is mentally disabled

◆ Barry is vision impaired

◆ Sally was born with spina bifida and relies on a wheel chair to get around.

◆ Gao Qing has diabetes .

3. Ask Ss to list as many words related to disabilities as possible on the blackboard.

blind deaf lame short-sighted hearing problem brain injury loss of an arm or leg severe illness mental disability walking difficulty learning difficulty

Step 3. Listening and speaking (Using Language)

1. Before playing the tape, ask Ss if it is difficult for them to climb a high mountain. Tell Ss that they are going to hear a radio interview with someone who has recently climbed mount kilimanjaro in Africa, but do not tell Ss that he is blind. After listening, let Ss discover this by themselves.

2. Then ask Ss to read Ex1 and tick the statements that are true. Then play the tape again and let Ss finish Ex2.

3. Ask Ss to discuss the three questions of Ex3 and present the result of the discussion.

4. Ask Ss to listen to the latter part of Barry's story and then complete the sentences of Ex4.

5. Play the tape again without stop and let Ss check their answers in pairs.

6. Read Ex5 with Ss and read the expressions in the form. Ask Ss about any other ways of expressing congratulations that they know. Write these on the blackboard. Give Ss time to complete Ex5 and Ex6.

Step 4. Homework

1. Ask Ss to find more stories about the disabled.

2. Ask Ss to preview the reading text.