---It goes without saying that everyone wants to become successful. But usually there is a long way to go before one can gain success. This is especially true of a surgeon. What's the key to the making of a surgeon and at what point in time does a doctor finally become a surgeon? In this test the author, a famous surgeon, tells us the answer from his own experience.
五. Language Points and Questions for Discussion
(一) Lines 1-- 7
1. Language Points
There is no surgical patient I cannot treat competently, treat just as well as or better than any other surgeon…
(1) <structure> "I cannot … any other surgeon" is attributive clause, modifying "surgical patient".
(2) The double negative sentence has a strong meaning.
E.g. There is nothing that he cannot do.
2. Questions for Discussion
(1) Do you think self-confidence is essential to a surgeon?
---Self-confidence is considered a symbol of competence, which can reassure patients and help a surgeon make resolute decisions and take resolute actions to help his patients.
(2) Why is the double negative sentence "There is no surgical patient I cannot treat competently" used?
---To emphasize the affirmation and show confidence.
(二) Lines 8--16
1. Language Points
It was the only way I could find the peace of mind I needed to relax.
(1) <structure> "It was the only way" is the main sentence.. "I could… to relax" is attributive clause, modifying "way". And in this attributive clause , "I needed to relax" is attributive clause, modifying " the peace of mind.
2. Questions for Discussion
(1)What people would make a telephone call at night to the hospital?
---Those who are seriously injured in an accident, seriously ill for some sudden reasons.
(2) How do you understand a " critical decision"?
---A critical decision is a life-and-death decision because it can save a patience's life or result in a patience' death.
(3) What can you conclude about the resident from this paragraph?
---He worried about the decisions he made and he had a strong sense of responsibility.
(三) Lines 17--24
1. Language Points
…but I had learned to accept this a constant problem for a surgeon, one that… live with it.
(1) accept…as : I accepted him as my dear brother.
(2) "One " refers to "a problem". "It" refers to "situation".
