Book Two Unit 8 Section A Preview Should schools simply prepare students for a job? This is the focus of the following article. According to the author, educational institutions face a difficult choice. Most young students only want to learn what is needed for career success. Educators, on the other hand, have lived long enough to realize that quality of life is not entirely determined by a balance sheet. Human beings have collected a great amount of knowledge in many different fields, and people can lead better lives if they understand these things. The author tells of a cartoon where a businessmen are having difficulty telling “right from wrong”. He concludes that educators must prepare students for such difficulties, as well as preparing for a job. Text structure analysis We will use this reading passage to talk about how to present an argument in writing. The point of view argued might be one sentence, a few sentences, or even a whole paragraph. For example, in the student’s book we are taking the whole of Paragraph 14 as expressing an argument. So here it is important for you to be able to recognize the main idea of one paragraph. At this point we are only trying to look at the structure pattern among a few paragraphs. In fact, Paragraph 14 can be further analyzed to find that the writer comes up to his argument in a progressive way. Below, we have provided an analysis that you and your students might be interested in. The parts in brackets have been added to show our analysis. This can be considered as structure analysis on different layers. Paragraph 14 While it’s true all of us need a career, preferably a prosperous one, it is equally true that our civilization has collected an incredible amount of knowledge in fields far removed from our own. And we are better for our understanding of these other contributions — be they scientific or artistic. It is equally true that, in studying the diverse wisdom of others, we learn how to think. More importantly, perhaps, education teaches us to see the connections between things, as well as to see beyond our immediate needs. (Though) While it’s true all of us need a career, preferably a prosperous one, (There are much more out of the scope of our career.) it is equally true that our civilization has collected an incredible amount of knowledge in fields far removed from our own. (We would be able to better ourselves if we understand whatever that is beyond our own scope. )And we are better for our understanding of these other contributions — be they scientific or artistic. (We would be better in our thinking if we learn the knowledge.) It is equally true that, in studying the diverse wisdom of others, we learn how to think. ( The education of the diverse wisdom would, eventually, teach us to see beyond our immediate needs.) More importantly, perhaps, education teaches us to see the connections between things, as well as to see beyond our immediate needs. Another important point to remember is that the argument might be followed by some supporting facts, supporting examples, or the writer’s reasons for supporting the argument. Background Information Humanities: In the context of the reading passage, humanities refers to a broad academic discipline concerned with how people throughout history have expressed, confronted, and understood the complexities of the human conditions. It includes such areas of study as Philosophy, Literature, Religion, Art, etc. Associate degree is awarded to a student after he or she finishes a 2-year study at a junior college in the U.S. Education in the United States is usually divided into 4 levels. In general, there are kindergarten or pre-school, elementary, secondary and higher education. The first level is early childhood education. Its purpose is to prepare children for school. The second level is elementary education. Education at this level is divided into 6 or 8 grades. And students can attend all kinds of courses. The third level is secondary education. It is for junior or senior high school students. Some students prepare themselves to go to college, while others take vocational or technical courses to prepare for jobs after graduation. There are many institutions of higher education in the U.S. Students at technical institutions can receive an associate degree after finish a 2-year program. Then they can continue their study at a 4-year college. Social Security is the U.S. government system of benefit payments, especially to retired and disabled people and survivors. Richard Wagner is a famous German composer and writer. As a composer, he is well- known for his 13 operas and numerous other compositions. Besides his activity in composition, he wrote an astonishing number of books and articles. The literary spectrum ranges from theories of opera to political programs. He was undoubtedly one of the leading figures of the 19th century. He inspired not only musicians and composers but also leaders in many fields. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), the son of an eminent Dublin surgeon, was among the outstanding Victorian dramatists. He is renowned for a brilliant series of domestic comedies- Lady Windermere’s Fan, A woman of No Importance, and An Ideal Husband. New Words formal a. 1. following accepted rules of behavior 正式的；合乎礼仪的 The letter was in very formal language. 这封信使用了非常正式的语言。 2. in appearance; by name only 形式上的，名义上的 The visitors took only a formal interest in the classroom activities. 参观者只是表面上对课堂活动表示兴趣。 c.f. informal ; former , normal poll : survey poll sb on sth: 就某事对某人进行民意测验 resident adj. a. resident physician: doctor living at a hospital where he is received advanced training 住院医生 (idm)in residence: living is a specified place because of one’s work or duties （因工作或职责关系）驻于某处：e.g. Students must remain in residence during term. resident 居民，定居者, visitor 相对；lodger：临时住宿者；inhabitant：居住者，居民 settler: 殖民者，侨居新兴国家者 humanity n. 1. (pl.) subjects concerned with human culture 人文学科（尤指文学、语言、历史和哲学） --I am more interested in the humanities than the sciences. 2. [U] human beings as a whole; people 人的总称，人类 --Humanity is still in its youth. 3. [U] kind-heartedness 仁慈，仁爱，善心 --We must treat prisoners with humanity. 我们必须人道地对待俘虏。 ethnic a. of a national or racial group that has a common cultural tradition （有共同文化传统的）民族的，种族的；部落的 ethnic art 民族艺术 enroll v. become or make (sb.) a member (of sth.) （使）成为……的成员，注册 --We enrolled him as member of the society. 我们接纳他为协会会员。 --He has enrolled in that school. specialize (英specialise) vi. (in) give particular attention to (a subject, product, etc.) --This shop specializes in chocolate. 这家商店专门经销巧克力。 corporation -the British Broadcasting Corporation 英国广播公司 agency n. 1. [C] a government organization 政府机构 -the Central Intelligence Agency 中央情报局 2. [C] a business or place of business providing a service 经销处，代理处 -travel agency confine n. (pl.) limits, borders界限，范围 --This is beyond the confines of human knowledge. 这超出了人类知识的范围。 vt. keep sb./sth. within certain limits 把……限制于 --I don't like a job in which I'm confined to doing only one thing. 我不喜欢仅限于做一件事情的工作。 occupation occupier：占有（有所有权）；occupant: 占有（有使用权） render vt. 1. give 给予，提出 --Thanksgiving Day is a holiday to render thanks to God. 感恩节是答谢上帝的节日。 2. cause sb./sth. to be in a particular state 使得，使成为 --We were rendered helpless by the accident. 我们被这意外事故弄得束手无策。 preferable a. preferred; more suitable 更可取的，更合意的，更好的 --He finds country life preferable to living in the city. 他觉得住在乡下比城里好。 --It is preferable that he (should) come here . preference n. incredible a. impossible or very difficult to believe 难以置信的 --What an incredible statement - not a word of it is true! 多么令人难以置信的言论 -- 没有一句话是靠得住的！ incredulous: adj. not willing or able to believe; showing disbelief 不肯轻信的； 不能相信的； 表示怀疑的 --an incredulous look, stare, gaze, etc.怀疑的神情、 注视、逼视等 contribution n. [C,U] action of giving (money, support, help or ideas) towards a particular aim or purpose; sth. given towards a particular aim or purpose 捐助(物)，贡献(物)，奉献 --He made a contribution to/ towards the cause. [u] action of writing articles for a publication --The editor is short of contributions for the May issue. weekly ad. once a week or every week 一周一次地，每周地 --The machine must be checked weekly. 这台机器必须每周检查一次。 a. happening once a week or every week 一周一次的，每周的 a weekly report 每周一次的报告 n. [C] a newspaper or magazine which is published once every week 周报，周刊 union n. 1.[C] a club formed by uniting people or groups; an organization of employees 协会,俱乐部；工会 Labor Union (美) 工会 ;Trade Union (英) 工会;the teachers' union 教师工会;the Students' Union. 学生会 conference meeting 普通用词，指一般性会议； conference 指正式讨论或研究某问题的会议press conference； congress 常指正式的代表大会、国会等， 讨论并决定重大问题的会议，也可指专门研究某一问题的会议。 distinguish vt. 1. recognize the difference between (people or things) 辨别，识别 The twins look so much like each other that no one can distinguish one from the other. 这对双胞胎长得非常像，无人能分辨出谁是谁。 2. (oneself) behave or perform noticeably well 表现突出 --She distinguished herself by her coolness and bravery. 她以沉着勇敢著称。 distinguished guests classical a. (of music) serious and traditional in style 古典的 --Do you prefer classical music or popular music?你喜欢古典音乐还是流行音乐？ 指古希腊、罗马的文学、艺术， 意为“古典（文学或艺术的）”。在文学艺术上分别与浪漫主义和流行音乐相对； classic第一流的， 上等的 if only 1) used to express a wish that past events had been different --If only I had gone by taxi. 要是我乘出租车去就好了。 --If only he’d remembered to bring her here. 要是他没忘记把她带来就好了。 2) used to express a wish or a desire, esp. one that cannot be fulfilled --If only I could be there and talk with the pop singer! 要是我能在那儿和那位流行歌手交谈就好了！ --If only she would marry me! 她要是愿意嫁给我就好了！ according to as stated by (sb.) or in (sth.) 根 --You've been in prison six times according to our records. 根 --According to Sarah they're not getting on very well at the moment. 据萨拉讲，他们目前的进展不是很好。 be well off be in a good position, esp. financially 经济充裕，富裕 --You don't need to look for another job -- you're well off where you are. 你没有必要再去找工作 -- 你现在的经济情况就相当不错了。 at a low at a low level or figure 处于低水平（或数字） --The pound has been at a new low. 英镑的价位已降到新的最低点。 --Things have been at a bit of a low. 最近的情况一直不太好。 be fond of have a great liking for sb./(doing) sth. 很喜欢，很喜爱 --John's fond of pointing out other people's mistakes. be proud of take pride in 为……感到自豪 --They were proud of their success. 他们对自己的成功感到自豪。 arrive at reach (sth. such as a place or conclusion) 达成，得出 --We argued about it for hours before we arrived at a decision. 我们为这事争论了好几个小时才作出一项决定。 be meant to do be supposed to do 应做 --You are meant to pay before you come in. 你得交费后方能进入。 read of find out about (sb./sth.) by reading 借助阅读发现(或查明) --It was sad to read of the death of the famous actress in this morning's newspaper. go on strike be engaged in / start a strike举行罢工 --The ship-builders went on strike for higher pay. 造船工人因要求增加工资而举行了罢工。 in the long run after a long period; in the end --In the long run the prices are bound to rise. 价格终究是要上涨的。 Detailed study of the text 1.It has often been remarked that the saddest thing about youth is that it is wasted on the young. (Para. 1) Meaning: It has often been said that the saddest thing about youth is that youth, i.e. the opportunities, good health, etc. that are available when people are young, are wasted or not appreciated by young people. 2.… if it (whatever it may be) won’t compute and you can’t drink it, smoke it or spend it, then “it” holds little value. (Para. 3) Meaning: If something (no matter what it may be) cannot be counted in terms of money and you cannot drink it, smoke it or spend it, then it is of little value. In short, only material things are of value to young people. if it ... won’t compute: if it ... can’t be counted in terms of money Here the verb “compute” is used in notional passive, that is, it is active in form but passive in meaning. More examples of notional passive: --The book translates well. -- This material washes easily.料容易洗涤。 --The clock winds at the back. 3.consumeristic: a. believing in spending money and buying goods idealistic: a. trying to live according to high principles and perfect standards 4.But why can’t we have it both ways? Can’t we educate people for life as well as for a career? (Para. 9) Meaning: But why can’t people achieve satisfaction both in life and in work? Isn’t it possible for us to educate people not only for a good job but also for a full life? 5.This is where age and maturity enter. (Para. 11) Meaning: Age and maturity help people realize what is truly important in life. 6.Most of us finally have the insight that quality of life is not entirely determined by a balance sheet. (Para. 12) Meaning: Most of us finally understand that our quality of life is not totally decided by our financial situation. balance sheet: a statement of how much money has come in and how much money has gone out 7.dawn (on / upon): vi. grow clear in one’s mind --The truth began to dawn upon the poor man. 这个可怜的人慢慢明白了真相。 --It had just dawned on him that he had been fooled by the woman. 他才意识到自己被这个女人愚弄了。 resent: vt. feel anger and dislike about (sth. that hurts, offends or annoys one) --He resented his father for being so strict with him. 他怨恨父亲对自己如此严格。 Notice that “resent” can be followed directly by an -ing verb or possessive pronoun +-ing verb. Examples: --Do you resent my leaving here without you? 你会因为我不带你离开这儿而不满吗？ --The young man resents being dependent on his parents. 8.And we are better for our understanding of these other contributions -- be they scientific or artistic. (Para. 14) Notice that the present subjunctive be is sometimes used in formal writing to admit sth., such as a condition or sth. needed to end an argument. Examples: --If any person be found guilty, he shall have the right of appeal. --Whether she be right or wrong, she will have my strong support. 不管她是对是错, 我都全力支持她。 The second of the above examples can be also rewritten as: --Be she right or wrong, she will have my strong support. 9.Weekly we read of unions that went on strike for higher wages, only to drive their employer out of business. (Para. 15) Meaning: Every week we read about labour unions that started strikes to demand higher pay for labourers, but the unexpected result was that the employer had to close his business. argument (for / against): n. a statement used to convince people that sth. is correct --Can you tell us your argument for making the price lower? --The managers will declare their arguments against the plan next week. 经理们将在下周宣布他们反对这项计划的理由。 10.Oscar Wilde had it right when he said we ought to give our ability to our work but our genius to our lives. (Para. 18) Meaning: Oscar Wilde was right to say that people should develop their career/work through the use of their abilities, but also should give the fullness of their mental skills and artistic abilities to make their lives more complete. 11.Let’s hope our educators answer students’ cries for career education,… (Para. 19) Meaning: Let’s hope our educators can meet the demand of students and prepare them for future careers,… Section B Reading skills Distinguishing Between Facts and Opinions As we learned in Unit 3, most reading passages contain ideas based on fact and opinion. It is very important to know when we are reading facts and when we are reading an author’s opinion. The ability to distinguish between facts and opinions can help us to achieve a deeper level of understanding in our reading. Facts are statements that tell what really happened or what really is the case. A fact can be proved or disproved with direct evidence. It is something known by actual experience or observation. For example: A friend of mine (a sales representative for a chemical company) was making twice the salary of college instructors during her first year on the job — even before she completed her two-year associate degree. (Para. 7, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) Opinions are statements of belief, judgement or feeling. They show what someone thinks or feels about a subject. Solid opinions, of course, are based on facts. However, opinions are still somebody’s view of something and are not facts themselves. Look at the following example: Most of us finally have the insight that quality of life is not entirely determined by a balance sheet. (Para. 12, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) But it is not always easy to tell opinion from fact. A writer often combines the two in such a way that we do not always notice where fact ends and opinion begins. When we have a mixture of fact and opinion in a single statement, we must decide whether the main point of the sentence is essentially fact or opinion. Sometimes an opinion is presented as if it were a fact: According to the survey based on responses from over 188,000 students, today’s college beginners are "more consumeristic and less idealistic" than at any time in the seventeen years of the poll. (Para. 4, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) The particular reading skill introduced for this unit is distinguishing between facts and opinions. The ability to distinguish between facts and opinions is important because it can help us to achieve a deeper level of understanding in our reading. Facts are statements that tell what really happened or what really is the case. A fact can be proved or disproved with direct evidence. It is something known by actual experience or observation. Look at the following example taken from Reading Passage A: Interest in teaching, social service and the humanities is at a low, along with ethnic and women’s studies. On the other hand, enrollment in business programs, engineering and computer science is way up. (Para. 6, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) This sentence tells us about a current state of affairs: certainly it is a statement of fact. Opinions are statements of belief, judgment or feeling. They show what someone thinks or feels about a subject. Some words can serve as clues to statements of some kind of opinion. For example, probably, perhaps, usually, often, sometimes, and on occasion are used to limit a statement of fact and to indicate the possibility of other opinions. Other words, such as I believe, I think, in my opinion, I feel, and I suggest, say clearly that an opinion will follow. Look at the following examples: 1. It has often been remarked that the saddest thing about youth is that it is wasted on the young. (Para. 1, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) 2. More importantly, perhaps, education teaches us to see the connections between things, as well as to see beyond our immediate needs. (Para. 14, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) 3. In the long run that’s what education really ought to be about. I think it can be. (Para. 17, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) 4. That’s the way it should be. Oscar Wilde had it right when he said we ought to give our ability to our work but our genius to our lives. (Para. 18, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) But it is not always easy to tell opinion from fact. A writer often combines the two in such a way that we do not always notice where fact ends and opinion begins. When we have a mixture of fact and opinion in a single statement, we must decide whether the main point of the sentence is essentially fact or opinion. Sometimes an opinion is presented as if it were a fact: If it is a fact that the meaning of life does not dawn until middle age, is it then not the duty of educational institutions to prepare the way for the revelation? (Para. 13, Reading Passage A, Unit 8) The Harris Poll - Louis Harris is a pollster and public opinion analyst, and has been director of the Time Magazine-Harris Poll since 1969. In 1956 he established his own firm in New York City. Harris’ services were especially associated with election campaigns - initially and most notably with John F. Kennedy’s campaign and later with the campaigns of hundreds of other candidates, including presidents, governors, U.S. senators and representatives, mayors, and other officials, both Democrats and Republicans. Harris’ firm helped candidates to determine what strategies, issues and aspects of personality might be most effective with voters. Harris also did much of his work outside politics. Scholastic Corporation http://www.scholastic.com is a global children’s publishing and media company. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children’s books, textbooks, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, videos and toys. 3. Nuclear family - also called elementary family. In sociology and anthropology, it refers to a group of persons united by ties of marriage, parenthood or adoption and consisting of a man, a woman, and their socially recognized children. In most developed industrial countries, it is the most basic and common form of social organization. 4. Alfred North Whitehead (1861 - 1947), British mathematician, logician and philosopher, best known for his work in mathematical logic and who, in collaboration with Bertrand Russel, authored the landmark three-volume Principia Mathematica (1910, 1912, 1913). New Words expansion n. [U] action of expanding; state of being expanded扩大，扩张，膨胀 --Free expansion of a gas causes it to cool. 气体的自由膨胀会使其温度降低。 --Expansion into new areas of research might be possible. prospect n. 1. (pl.) chance of success 前景，前程，前途 --The prospects for this year's wine harvest are poor. 今年葡萄酒产量的前景并不乐观。 --If she can bring in a few more good customers like that, her prospects with this company look excellent. 要是她能再多带几个那样的好客户来，她在这个公司的前途会十分看好。 2. [C, U] possibility or strong chance of sth. happening 前景，可能性 --There's not much prospect that this war will be over soon. 这场战争不大可能很快结束。 accountant n. [C] sb. who keeps or examines the records of money received, paid, etc. by a company or person 会计师，会计 Elaine's just got a job with a firm of accountants. 伊莱恩刚刚在一家会计事务所找到了一份工作。 Irving is the accountant for Robson Rhodes. 欧文是罗布森·罗德公司的会计。 civil a. 1. of or relating to ordinary people rather than the armed forces or the Church 平民的（与军队、教会无关的）；文职的 civil servant 文职人员，公务员 civil government 文职政府 2. within the country 国内的 The country looks as though there is going to be a civil war. 这个国家看来好像将要爆发内战。 Thousands of people have been driven from their homes by civil war. 成千上万的人因内战而被迫离开家园。 fireman n. [C] 消防队员 The driver of the lorry had been saved by the firemen. 消防队员救出了卡车司机。 Dozens of firemen ran to the spot after the explosion. 爆炸发生后，数十名消防队员冲向出事地点。 equality n. [U] state of being equal 平等，同等，均等 Women are still making a great effort to achieve true equality with men. 妇女们仍在致力于实现真正的男女平等。 I believe in equality between the sexes. 我信奉性别之间的平等。 comparison n. 1. [U] the act of comparing 比较, 对照 In comparison with Shanghai, this city is small. 与上海相比，这座城市较小。 He's a good writer but he doesn't bear comparison with Shakespeare. 他是一个优秀的作家，但无法与莎士比亚相比。 2. [C] a statement of the points of similarity and difference between two things 经比较得出的结论 She drew a comparison between life in the army and life at school. 她把军队生活和学校生活作了个比较。 preference n. 1. [U] (sing.) liking for sth. (more than sth. else) 较喜欢，宁愿，偏爱 She has a preference for the color blue. 她比较喜欢蓝色。 Her preference is for comfortable rather than smart clothes. 她在衣着方面讲求的是舒适，而不是时髦。 2. [C] a thing that is liked better or best 喜爱物，偏爱物 What are your preferences in music? 你喜欢什么音乐？ I don't know your preferences, so please help yourself. 我不知道你喜欢吃什么，请自便吧。 housewife n. [C] a woman whose work is inside the home, cleaning, cooking, etc., and who usually does not have any other job 家庭主妇，家庭妇女 Nowadays women don't necessarily give up their jobs and become housewives when they get married. 如今妇女在结婚后不必放弃工作去当家庭妇女。 Good value for money is what the housewife wants. 这位家庭主妇所希望的是物有所值。 athlete n. [C] a person who trains to compete in physical exercises and sports 运动员 He became a professional athlete at the age of 16. 他16岁时就成了职业运动员。 She has the build of an athlete. 她具有运动员的体格。 proportion n. 1. [C] a comparative part or share of a whole 部分，份 A large proportion of the earth's surface is water. 地球表面的大部分是水。 A higher proportion of women are now working. 现在妇女中参加工作的人比例更高了。 2. [U] relation of one thing to another in quantity, size, etc. 比例，比率 What is the proportion of men to women in the population? 人口中男女的比率是多少？ In proportion as + clause In proportion to + n. In proportion with (ant.) out of proportion with vision n. 1. [C] an imagined mental image of sth., including one's goal or dream想像，构想，设想 2. [U] power of seeing; sight 视力，视觉 --The blow on the head damaged his vision. 因头上挨过一击，他的视力受到了损害。 Vision：指人的视力或视野，引申远见卓识为远见捉是一一黏合剂开会民间棵紧密棵门口 Sight 普通用语 view absence: in the absence of gloomy a. 1. (that makes people) sad and disappointed 令人沮丧的，令人忧郁的 --In spite of the gloomy economic forecasts, the manufacturers are all confident about the future prospect. 尽管经济方面的预测并不乐观，制造商们却对前景一致看好。 --What are you so gloomy about? Cheer up! 你发什么愁？打起精神来！ 2. dark or unlighted 昏暗的，阴暗的，阴沉的 --We ran past the gloomy corner. 我们跑着穿过那个阴暗的角落。 --What gloomy weather we're having! 天气真阴沉！ backward principal a. first in rank or importance; main 重要的，首要的，主要的 The Danube is one of the principal rivers of Europe. 多瑙河是欧洲的主要河流之一。 The principal reason for moving was to find a house in a more peaceful neighborhood. 搬家最主要的原因是为了在更宁静的地区找一所房子。 n. [C] the head in an organization, esp. in certain schools and colleges （学校或机构主管人的称谓）校长，院长 the Principal of St. James' College 圣詹姆斯学院院长 If you talk any more in class, I'm sending you off to see the principal. 你要是上课再讲话，我就带你去见校长。 c.f. principle: on principle the good old days an earlier period of time (in one's life or in history) seen as better than the present 过去的好时光 --The friends met occasionally to chat about the good old days at school. play (it) safe carefully avoid risks稳扎稳打，小心行事 --The bus might be early, so we'd better play safe and leave now. 公共汽车可能会早到，所以为了保险起见我们最好现在就动身。 --Let's allow an extra ten minutes, just to play it safe. 为了谨慎起见，我们还是再多安排10分钟吧。 be happy with eel or express pleasure, satisfaction, etc. 对……感到满意，对……感到愉快 --Are you happy with your life? 你对生活感到满意吗？ --She's quite happy with the new working arrangements. 她对新的工作安排很满意。 civil servant a person employed in the civil service 文职人员，公务员 in short by / in comparison when compared --The tallest buildings in London are small by comparison with those in New York. 伦敦最高的建筑与纽约的相比就相形见绌了。 --The life at school seems comfortable by comparison with that in the army. 和军队生活相比，学校生活是舒适的。 associate with join (people or things) together 联合，联系 --You wouldn't normally associate him with that writer - their styles are completely different. 人们通常是不会把他和那位作者联系在一起的--他们的风格迥然不同。 --I'd rather not associate myself with any political statements. 我可不想让自己与任何政治言论有什么联系。 inner city at large as a whole; in general 全部，整个 --This shows the opinion of students at large. protect sb./sth. from sth. --You need warm clothes to protect you from the cold. 你需要暖和的衣裳来御寒。 --She's learning self-defense so she can protect herself from being attacked. 她正在学习自我防身术，以使自己免受攻击。 grind to a halt gradually stop (指过程) 慢慢停止 --The strike brought industry grinding to a halt. 罢工使工业生产逐渐停顿下来。 --If we don't do something soon, the whole theatre industry could grind to a halt. 如果我们不尽快采取措施，整个戏剧行业将会出现萧条。 Language Point in particular: especially -In particular, I admire the woman writer Virginia Wolf. 我尤其钦佩女作家弗吉尼亚·沃尔夫。 --He remembered one of the lovely girls in particular. commit oneself to (doing / do) sth.: firmly decide to do sth. or have sth. --The government has promised to commit itself to keep peace. (or: The government has promised to be committed to peace.) 政府许诺要致力于维持和平。 --Signing this form commits you to buying the goods. 你在这表格上签了字就得买这些货。 --He has committed himself to support his brother’s children. 他已答应抚养他弟弟的孩子。 1.By comparison, nearly half of male high-school students express their preference for a traditional, male-headed, one provider, nuclear family, … (Para. 4) Meaning: Compared with female students, nearly half of male students prefer a traditional, male-dominated family consisting of father, mother, and children, with the father being the only bread-earner. 2.If these people do not acquire some constructive vision of purpose for themselves, they are likely to be very destructive forces of resistance in society throughout their lives. (Para. 5) Meaning: If these people can’t find a positive idea about the purpose of their lives, it is possible that, for all their lives, they will be negative forces within society. 3.… are currently “disaffected and disconnected”. (Para. 5) Meaning: … are now dissatisfied with everything, do not act loyally or obey others, and seem to have little relationship with other members of society. 4.So this is a very pregnant moment, not only for the future of America, but also for all of the mature industrial economies and, ultimately, for the world at large. (Para. 6) Meaning: So this time in history is full of meaning and/or emotion, not only for the future of America, but also for all developed industrial countries, and finally, for the world in general. slow-motion: action which takes place at a much slower speed than in real life, as seen in special effects in movies a slow-motion replay of the footballer scoring a goal 用慢动作重放球员进球的情况 variation: sth. that is presented in a slightly different form All your ideas are just variations on his theory. 你的所有观点只不过是把他的理论改头换面而已。 Language Point 34 These alarming forecasts are largely simple projections of the past two or three decades of workplace trends. (Para. 7) Meaning: These alarming forecasts are mainly simple predictions about the future, based on the way employment trends have been changing during the past twenty or thirty years. Language Point 35 These alarming forecasts are largely projections of the past two or three decades of workplace trends. (Para. 7) forecast: n. prediction, statement of what is expected to happen a forecast of a small increase in the price 对价格略微上涨的预测 a forecast of a 3% growth in the economy 对经济增长3%的预测 Language Point 36 These alarming forecasts are largely projections of the past two or three decades of workplace trends. (Para. 7) projection: n. a guess of future possibilities, esp. based on the general direction of events at a particular time These figures show our projection of the town’s population increase in the next ten years. 这些数字反映了我们对未来十年这个城市人口增长的预测。 Language Point 37 … in the absence of plausible alternative explanations for the gloomy economic news of the past 15 — 20 years and the gloomier prospects implicit in the projections of those trends, … (Para. 7) Meaning: … being unable to find any other explanations that may account for the frustrating economic news of the past 15— 20 years and for an even worse future predicted by those trends,… Language Point 38 … in the absence of plausible alternative explanations… (Para. 7) plausible: a. seeming to be right or reasonable Your explanation sounds plausible, but I’m not sure I believe it. 你的解释听起来有理, 但我不一定相信。 Language Point 39 … in the absence of plausible alternative explanations for… (Para. 7) alternative: 1) a. that can be had, used, etc. instead of sth. There are alternative ways of working out the puzzle. 还有其他的方法可以用来解开这个谜。 2) n. sth. that can be had, used, etc. instead of sth. Is there no alternative to solve that problem? 就没有别的办法可以解决那个问题了吗？ Language Point 40 …for the gloomy economic news … (Para. 7) gloomy: a. 1) (that makes people) sad and disappointed Our future seems gloomy. 我们的前景似乎很黯淡。 In spite of the gloomy economic forecasts, the manufacturers are all confident about their prospects. 尽管经济方面的预测令人沮丧，制造商们对前景还是很乐观的。 He is such a gloomy person; you can never get him to smile. 他是如此郁郁寡欢, 你根本没法让他脸上露出笑容来。 2) dark or unlighted a gloomy day 阴暗的一天 We ran past the gloomy corner. 我们跑着穿过那个阴暗的角落。 Language Point 41 ... the gloomier prospects implicit in the projections of those trends, … (Para. 7) Meaning: ... more disappointing pictures clearly predicted by those trends,... implicit: a. 1) understood without being directly expressed, clearly intended even though it is not said Their request for money seems to contain an implicit threat. 他们索取金钱的要求似乎暗含着威胁。 She didn’t openly attack the plan, but the fact that she was against it was implicit in her silence when others were saying things in support of it. 她并没有公开攻击这项计划, 但当别人表示支持该计划时她却保持沉默, 这本身就隐含着反对。 2) unnecessary to be questioned I have implicit trust in your abilities. 我完全相信你的能力。 All her life she had implicit faith in God. 她一生笃信上帝。 Language Point 42 ... fearful for the future ... (Para. 7) Meaning: ...nervous about and afraid of what might happen in the future ... fearful: a. 1) nervous and afraid He was fearful of her anger / that she might be angry. 他害怕她生气。 2) terrible, horrifying a fearful storm / earthquake 可怕的暴风雨 / 地震 What a fearful waste of time! 多么惊人的时间浪费啊! Language Point 43 ... might very well take backward steps. (Para. 7) backward: a. 1) directed towards the back or the starting point a backward glance 向后一瞥 He took a backward step and ran away. 他向后退了一步，跑了。 2) having made or making less than normal progress a backward child 迟钝的孩子 Some backward parts of the country have no electricity. 这个国家的某些落后地区还没用上电。 Language Point 44 These steps will principally serve the interests of the economically dominant groups who want to protect their assets and resources from the forces of change. (Para. 7) Meaning: These steps will be taken mainly in the interest of those economic groups who hold domination and want to protect their properties from damage caused by change. Language Point 45 These steps will principally serve the interests… (Para. 7) principally: ad. for the most part, mainly, chiefly The decrease in our sales is principally because the market is becoming smaller. 销售额的下降主要是因为市场缩小了。 principal: a. main My principal reason for leaving that job was the unfair treatment I received. 我辞职的主要原因是受到了不公平的待遇。 Our principal concern is how to keep our advantages over our competitors. 我们主要关心的是如何保持相对于我们竞争对手的优势。 Language Point 46 …of the economically dominant groups who want to protect their assets and resources from the forces of change. (Para. 7) economically dominant groups: groups of people who hold more important positions than any other groups in the economy, normally due to having greater wealth assets and resources: money, property and any other type of reserves means Please pay special attention to the adverb “economically” here: economically: ad. 1) having to do with economics, the production of wealth and the ways it is shared by people in a society; concerning economy Economically, even if a business does not have all the money it needs, it can still survive. 从经济学上讲，企业即使缺乏所需的资金也照样能生存。 In our reading passage, “economically” is used in this sense. 2) having to do with saving money or not wasting it Try to live more economically. 要设法生活得更节俭一些。 Notice that the word “economically” has two adjective forms (economical and economic), which have different meanings. economical: a. careful in spending money, tending to save money (Note that this word comes from the noun “economy”.) An economical housewife saves money by carefully organizing how and when she spends money. 节俭的家庭主妇善于通过精心地安排如何花钱及什么时候花钱来节约开支。 A good manager is economical in the use of his funds. 好的经理在使用资金方面会精打细算。 The President made other government leaders aware of the need to be more economical. 总统使其他的政府领导人意识到节约开支的必要性。 economic: a. of or having to do with economics (Note that this word comes from the noun “economics”.) Economic problems have to do with the production, sharing and consumption of goods. 经济问题涉及到产品的生产，分配和消费。 In the following sentence we have both “economic” and “economical”. Mrs. Brown was uneconomical in budgeting household expenses and the family had to move to a smaller house for economic reasons. 布朗太太在安排家庭开销方面不够节俭，结果这家人不得不为了节省开支而搬到较小的房子里去住。 Language Point 47 Social and economic progress will grind to a halt and more and more jobs will be eliminated by the negative side of this transformation. (Para. 7) Meaning: Social and economic progress will come to a stop slowly but painfully, and more and more people will lose jobs owing to the negative effect of this change. Language Point 48 Social and economic progress will grind to a halt… (Para. 7) grind to a halt: ( economy, progress, etc.) gradually becomes slower or less active until (it) stops The peace progress ground to a halt and both parties went back to the battlefield. 和平进程渐渐停顿了下来，双方又回到了战场上。 Language Point 49 … more and more jobs will be eliminated by … (Para. 7) eliminate: vt. remove, get rid of, take away If a food or drink is not healthy, eliminate it from your diet. 如果某种食物或饮料无益于健康，就把它从食谱中去掉。 Why not eliminate unnecessary words from your essay? 为什么不把那些不必要的词从你的文章中删掉呢？ Language Point 50 The anger and frustration displayed by people ... (Para. 7) display: vt. 1） show signs of having (a quality or emotion, etc.) She displayed great self-control when they told her the news. 当他们把消息告诉她时, 她表现出极大的自制力。 Her writing displays natural talent. 她的文章显示出了她的天赋。 2） put sth. on show The new fashions for the season are displayed in the shop windows. 应季的新时装在橱窗里展示了出来。 It’s the first time the painting has been displayed to the public. 这幅画是首次公开展览。 The word “display” is also used as a noun with a related meaning. The goods were in the shop window display. 商品在橱窗里展示着。 There is going to be an art display in the public park this evening. 今晚在公园里有艺术展览。 a sudden display of temper 突然发脾气 New Words expansion n. [U] action of expanding; state of being expanded 扩大，扩张，膨胀 Free expansion of a gas causes it to cool. 气体的自由膨胀会使其温度降低。 Expansion into new areas of research might be possible. 向新的研究领域拓展或许是可能的。 scholar n. 1.[C] a person who studies a subject deeply 学者 a history scholar 历史学者 Dr. Miller was a distinguished scholar of Russian history and government. 米勒先生是一位俄国历史和政府体制方面的知名学者。 2. [C] a student who has been awarded money after a competitive exam 获奖学金的学生 a Rhodes scholar 罗兹奖学金获得者 scholastic a. relating to school and education 学校的，学院的，学术上的 My scholastic achievements were not very good. 我的学业成绩并不优异。 The book concludes his scholastic achievements. 这本书总结了他学术上的成就。 motivate vt. 1. cause to want to do sth. 激起（兴趣），激发（行动） A good teacher is one who can motivate his students. 好老师是能激励学生的老师。 We are looking for someone who will be able to motivate our staff to work hard. 我们在寻找能激励职工们努力工作的人。 2. be the reason for (sb.'s action); cause (sb.) to act in a particular way 作为（……行为的）动机；激励 What motivates Derek is simply an unhealthy desire for more and more. 德里克这样做纯粹是出于贪婪。 They are motivated by a desire to help people. 他们这样做是出于想帮助人的愿望。 prospect n. 1. (pl.) chance of success 前景，前程，前途 The prospects for this year's wine harvest are poor. 今年葡萄酒产量的前景并不乐观。 If she can bring in a few more good customers like that, her prospects with this company look excellent. 要是她能再多带几个那样的好客户来，她在这个公司的前途会十分看好。 2. [C, U] possibility or strong chance of sth. happening 前景，可能性 There's a reasonable prospect of reaching the trapped child before it gets dark. 在天黑前救出那个被困的孩子应该是可能的。 There's not much prospect that this war will be over soon. 这场战争不大可能很快结束。 accountant n. [C] sb. who keeps or examines the records of money received, paid, etc. by a company or person 会计师，会计 Elaine's just got a job with a firm of accountants. 伊莱恩刚刚在一家会计事务所找到了一份工作。 Irving is the accountant for Robson Rhodes. 欧文是罗布森·罗德公司的会计。 civil a. 1. of or relating to ordinary people rather than the armed forces or the Church 平民的（与军队、教会无关的）；文职的 civil servant 文职人员，公务员 civil government 文职政府 2. within the country 国内的 The country looks as though there is going to be a civil war. 这个国家看来好像将要爆发内战。 Thousands of people have been driven from their homes by civil war. 成千上万的人因内战而被迫离开家园。 fireman n. [C] 消防队员 The driver of the lorry had been saved by the firemen. 消防队员救出了卡车司机。 Dozens of firemen ran to the spot after the explosion. 爆炸发生后，数十名消防队员冲向出事地点。 equality n. [U] state of being equal 平等，同等，均等 Women are still making a great effort to achieve true equality with men. 妇女们仍在致力于实现真正的男女平等。 I believe in equality between the sexes. 我信奉性别之间的平等。 comparison n. 1. [U] the act of comparing 比较, 对照 In comparison with Shanghai, this city is small. 与上海相比，这座城市较小。 He's a good writer but he doesn't bear comparison with Shakespeare. 他是一个优秀的作家，但无法与莎士比亚相比。 2. [C] a statement of the points of similarity and difference between two things 经比较得出的结论 She drew a comparison between life in the army and life at school. 她把军队生活和学校生活作了个比较。 preference n. 1. [U] (sing.) liking for sth. (more than sth. else) 较喜欢，宁愿，偏爱 She has a preference for the color blue. 她比较喜欢蓝色。 Her preference is for comfortable rather than smart clothes. 她在衣着方面讲求的是舒适，而不是时髦。 2. [C] a thing that is liked better or best 喜爱物，偏爱物 What are your preferences in music? 你喜欢什么音乐？ I don't know your preferences, so please help yourself. 我不知道你喜欢吃什么，请自便吧。 housewife n. [C] a woman whose work is inside the home, cleaning, cooking, etc., and who usually does not have any other job 家庭主妇，家庭妇女 Nowadays women don't necessarily give up their jobs and become housewives when they get married. 如今妇女在结婚后不必放弃工作去当家庭妇女。 Good value for money is what the housewife wants. 这位家庭主妇所希望的是物有所值。 athlete n. [C] a person who trains to compete in physical exercises and sports 运动员 He became a professional athlete at the age of 16. 他16岁时就成了职业运动员。 She has the build of an athlete. 她具有运动员的体格。 proportion n. 1. [C] a comparative part or share of a whole 部分，份 A large proportion of the earth's surface is water. 地球表面的大部分是水。 A higher proportion of women are now working. 现在妇女中参加工作的人比例更高了。 2. [U] relation of one thing to another in quantity, size, etc. 比例，比率 What is the proportion of men to women in the population? 人口中男女的比率是多少？ construct vt. 1. build (sth.); put or fit together; form 建造，构筑；构成；形成 The company has won the contract(合同) to construct the new bridge. 这家公司赢得了建造这座新桥的合同。 The wall is constructed of wood. 这堵墙是用木头建成的。 It's an elegantly constructed theory, but I'm afraid it's not right. 这是一个精心构建的理论，但恐怕并不正确。 His most recent novel is well constructed. 他最新出版的这部小说结构安排很完美。 constructive a. having a useful purpose; helpful 建设性的，积极的，有益的 She criticized my writing but in a way that was very constructive - I learned a lot from her. 她对我的作品进行了建设性的评论--我从她那儿学到了很多东西。 If you don't have anything constructive to say I'd rather you keep quiet. 如果你说不出什么建设性的话，我看你还是别说。 vision n. 1. [C] an imagined mental image of sth., including one's goal or dream 想像，构想，设想 We see in his novels the vision of the dark and destructive forces at work in human nature. 在他的小说中我们可以看到人类本性中那阴暗和毁灭性的力量在起作用的景象。 Johnny was late getting home and, as usual, I had visions of him lying dead in some street. 约翰尼回家晚了，我又像往常一样似乎觉得他躺在某一条街上死了。 2. [U] power of seeing; sight 视力，视觉 The blow on the head damaged his vision. 因头上挨过一击，他的视力受到了损害。 The tiger has come within my field of vision. 那只老虎已经走进了我的视野以内。 gang n. 1. [C] a group of criminals; a group of usu. young men who cause trouble 一群罪犯；一伙，一帮 Don't go around with that gang or you'll come to no good. 不要跟那伙人混在一起，那不会有好下场的。 2. a group of friends, esp. teenagers 结伴的朋友（尤指少男少女） Have you seen any of the gang lately? 最近你见到那伙朋友了吗？ A teacher was knocked down by a gang of school pupils. 一位老师被一群小学生给撞倒了。 vi. unite as a group against sb. 结成一伙，联合起来 They ganged up to try to change his decisions, but he refused to discuss it. 他们结成一伙试图改变他的决定，但他拒绝讨论这事。 swell v. 1. (cause to) become greater （使）变强，（使）增加，（使）提高 Twenty-five employees have joined the union in this month alone, swelling its number to 110. 仅这一个月就有25名雇员加入工会，使会员人数迅速增加至110人。 The soft rain swelled into a storm. 毛毛细雨变成了暴风雨。 2. (cause sth. to) become larger （使）增大，（使）膨胀，（使）肿起 His face was swollen up with toothache. 由于牙痛，他的脸都肿起来了。 His heart swelled with pride as he stood watching his son win the race. 当他站在那儿看着儿子赛跑获胜时，心中感到无限自豪。 rank n. 1. (usu. the ~s or the ~ and file) ordinary members of an organization, esp. of the armed forces 普通成员，普通士兵 The party leadership seems to be losing the support of the ranks. 这个政党的领导似乎正在失去普通党员的支持。 Twenty-five new soldiers have joined the army, which swelled its ranks to110. 25名新兵的加入使部队人数增至110人。 2. [C, U] position higher or lower than others', showing the importance or the degree of responsibility of the person having it; (high) social class 地位，级别；（高）社会阶层 Having a large income is one of the advantages of rank. 高级职位的好处之一是有高额的收入。 The exhibition is open to people of all ranks and classes. 这个展览对各个阶层的人士开放。 3. [C] a row, esp. of people or things standing side by side 行，列，排 In Cambridge, ranks of bikes line the streets outside the colleges. 在剑桥，各学院外面的街道旁摆放着一排排自行车。 industrial a. having highly developed industries 工业高度发达的 an industrial nation 工业国 periodical n. [C] a magazine or newspaper that is published regularly 期刊，杂志 The periodical is published every month. 这本杂志每月出版一期。 She has been writing for several English periodicals. 她一直在为几家英语期刊撰稿。 a. happening repeatedly over a period of time 周期的，周期性的 a periodical medical check 定期体检 He suffers periodical mental diseases. 他患有周期性发作的精神病。 variation n. 1.[C] sth. that is presented in a slightly different form 变异, 变化 His endless complaints are all variations on the same thing. 他无休止的抱怨说来说去全是同一码子事。 2. [C, U] change in amount or level 变化（量），变动（程度） The medical tests showed some variation in the baby's heart rate. 医学检查显示婴儿的心率不齐。 The research team has a very good record of day-to-day variations in pollution in the air. 这个研究小组详尽地记录了大气污染逐日的差异。 forecast n. [C] a statement that predicts sth. with the help of information 预测，预报 According to the weather forecast, it will be sunny tomorrow. 根据天气预报，明天是晴天。 She gave a very depressing economic forecast last night on the radio. 她昨晚在广播里对经济作了非常悲观的预测。 vt. predict with the help of information 预言，预测，预报 Snow has been forecast for tonight. 天气预报说今晚要下雪。 Oil prices are forecast to increase by less than 2% this year. 据预测今年石油价格增长将低于2%。 absence n. 1. [U] lack; non-existence 缺乏；不存在 In the absence of any other suitable people who wanted this job, we decided to offer the job to Mr. Conway. 由于没有别的合适人选竞争这份工作，我们决定让康韦先生来做。 He drew attention to the absence of definite proof. 他让大家注意，尚缺乏确凿的证据。 2. [U] the state or a period of being away 缺席，不在，离开 It happened in your absence. 那件事是你不在的时候发生的。 A new manager was appointed during your absence. 你不在的时候任命了一位新经理。 plausible a. (of a statement, an excuse, etc.) seeming to be right or reasonable （指陈述、借口）似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 She could find no plausible explanation for its disappearance. 对于那件物品的失踪，她找不到合理的解释。 His story sounded plausible. 他的故事听起来似乎可信。 gloomy a. 1. (that makes people) sad and disappointed 令人沮丧的，令人忧郁的 In spite of the gloomy economic forecasts, the manufacturers are all confident about the future prospect. 尽管经济方面的预测并不乐观，制造商们却对前景一致看好。 What are you so gloomy about? Cheer up! 你发什么愁？打起精神来！ 2. dark or unlighted 昏暗的，阴暗的，阴沉的 We ran past the gloomy corner. 我们跑着穿过那个阴暗的角落。 What gloomy weather we're having! 天气真阴沉！ implicit a. 1. understood without being directly expressed, clearly intended even though it is not said 暗示的，含蓄的，不明晰的 Implicit in the poem's closing lines are the poet's own religious doubts. 在这首诗最后几行中暗示了诗人自己宗教上的疑虑。 You must fulfill the duties which are implicit in the agreement. 你必须履行协议中所包含的责任和义务。 2. unnecessary to be questioned 深信不疑的，绝对的 I have implicit trust in your abilities. 我完全相信你的能力。 All her life she had implicit faith in God. 她一生毫无保留地笃信上帝。 fearful a. 1. nervous and afraid 惧怕的，担心的 He hesitated before ringing her, fearful of what she might say. 他在给她打电话之前犹豫了一阵，害怕她会说什么。 She's fearful that we might wake the baby. 她担心我们会把婴儿吵醒。 2. terrible, causing fear 可怕的，吓人的 There was a fearful railway accident yesterday afternoon. 昨天下午发生了一起可怕的铁路交通事故。 There was a fearful fight when he demanded his money back. 他在讨回他的钱时，发生了一场恶斗。 backward a. 1. directed towards the back or the starting point 向后的，倒着的 She left without a backward look. 她走了，没回头看一眼。 He took a backward step and ran away. 他向后退了一步，跑了。 2. having made or making less than normal progress 进步迟缓的，落后的 My hometown is a very backward part of the country, with no proper roads and no electricity. 我的家乡是落后的农村，既没有像样的道路又不通电。 When he was a child, his teachers thought he was backward. 小时候他的老师觉得他很迟钝。 principal a. first in rank or importance; main 重要的，首要的，主要的 The Danube is one of the principal rivers of Europe. 多瑙河是欧洲的主要河流之一。 The principal reason for moving was to find a house in a more peaceful neighborhood. 搬家最主要的原因是为了在更宁静的地区找一所房子。 n. [C] the head in an organization, esp. in certain schools and colleges （学校或机构主管人的称谓）校长，院长 the Principal of St. James' College 圣詹姆斯学院院长 If you talk any more in class, I'm sending you off to see the principal. 你要是上课再讲话，我就带你去见校长。 principally ad. for the most part 大多，主要地 Resistance to the changes comes principally from the unions. 对改革的反对意见主要来自于工会。 The advertising campaign is aimed principally at women. 广告宣传活动主要瞄准了妇女。 economic a. connected with trade, industry and the management of money; of economics 经济（上）的；经济学的 The economic growth of this country was quite rapid last year. 这个国家去年经济增长相当迅速。 economically ad. 1. concerning economics or economy 在经济（学）上 Economically, the country has been improving steadily these past ten years. 就经济而言，该国近十年来是在稳步发展。 Economically speaking, tourism doesn't belong to heavy industry. 从经济学角度讲，旅游业不属于重工业范畴。 2. not wastefully 节约地，俭省地，经济地 Mary dresses very economically because she makes all her clothes herself. 玛丽衣着俭朴, 衣服都是自己做的。 dominant a. more important, strong, noticeable, etc. than anything else of the same type 最重要的，占统治地位的，支配的 No dominant group has appeared. 还没有出现占主导地位的集团。 It is a country that has long been the dominant military power in the region. 这是一个长期以来在该地区军事上居主导地位的国家。 asset n. 1. (pl.) thing, esp. property, owned by a person, company, etc. that has value and can be used or sold 财产，资产 liquid assets 流动资产 (money or property that can easily be sold for money) His assets included shares in the company and a house in London. 他的财产包括公司的股份和在伦敦的一所房子。 2. [C] a valuable or useful quality, skill or person 有价值的特性（技能，人才） He's an enormous asset to the team. 他是该队极为宝贵的人才。 I am confident that I will be a tremendous asset to your company. 我深信我将成为贵公司的一笔巨大财富。 grind vi. make a harsh noise 发出摩擦的声音 The old engine ground and shook. 那台旧发动机抖动着发出摩擦的声音。 vt. make sth. into small pieces, grain or dust by pressing between hard surfaces 磨碎，碾碎，磨成粉末 They grind the wheat to make flour. 他们把小麦磨成面粉。 eliminate vt. remove or take away 排除，消除，根除 A move towards healthy eating could help eliminate heart disease. 养成健康的饮食习惯有助于根除心脏病。 He was eliminated after the third round of the competitions. 第三轮比赛之后，他被淘汰出局。 display vt. 1. show signs of having (a quality or emotion, etc.) 显露，表现出（一种品质或情感） Her writing displays natural talent. 她的文章显露出了她的天资。 The British tend not to display much emotion in public. 英国人不爱在公共场合表露感情。 2. put sth. on show 陈列，展览 It's the first time the painting has been displayed to the public. 这幅画是首次公开展出。 Why don't you display your ad on the notice board where everyone can see it? 你为什么不把你的广告贴在布告牌上，让每个人都能看见？ the good old days an earlier period of time (in one's life or in history) seen as better than the present 过去的好时光 The friends met occasionally to chat about the good old days at school. 朋友们偶尔聚会，谈论学生时代的美好时光。 My mother often talks about the good old days but they sound like the bad old days to me. 我的母亲常常谈起那昔日的美好时光，但是我听起来却像是过去的艰难岁月。 play (it) safe carefully avoid risks 稳扎稳打，小心行事 The bus might be early, so we'd better play safe and leave now. 公共汽车可能会早到，所以为了保险起见我们最好现在就动身。 Let's allow an extra ten minutes, just to play it safe. 为了谨慎起见，我们还是再多安排10分钟吧。 whether or not (used to introduce two possibilities) 是否，无论是不是，不管 They'll find out who did it, whether you tell them or not. 不管你是否告诉他们，他们都会查明是谁干的。 It all depends on whether or not she's got the time. 这全取决于她是否有时间了。 no wonder it is not surprising 不令人吃惊，难怪 No wonder you were late! 难怪你来迟了！ No wonder the children are excited, this is the first time they've been abroad. 孩子们的激动是十分自然的，这是他们第一次出国。 be happy with feel or express pleasure, satisfaction, etc. 对……感到满意，对……感到愉快 Are you happy with your life? 你对生活感到满意吗？ She's quite happy with the new working arrangements. 她对新的工作安排很满意。 civil servant a person employed in the civil service 文职人员，公务员 Civil servants usually have longer holidays. 公务员一般有较长的假期。 in short in a few words; briefly 总之，简言之 Things couldn't be worse, financially: in short, we have no money. 财政情况糟透了：一句话，我们没钱了。 He's disorganized, he's inefficient, he's never there when you want him - in short, the man's hopeless. 他办事没有条理，没有效率，当你需要他时总找不到他--一句话，这个人没治了。 by comparison when compared 比较起来 The tallest buildings in London are small by comparison with those in New York. 伦敦最高的建筑与纽约的相比就相形见绌了。 The life at school seems comfortable by comparison with that in the army. 和军队生活相比，学校生活是舒适的。 associate with join (people or things) together 联合，联系 You wouldn't normally associate him with that writer - their styles are completely different. 人们通常是不会把他和那位作者联系在一起的--他们的风格迥然不同。 I'd rather not associate myself with any political statements. 我可不想让自己与任何政治言论有什么联系。 inner city oldest parts of a city, at or near its center 市中心区，老城区，内城 inner city housing problem 老城区的住房问题 The report stated that inner city schools were overcrowded and lacking in certain basic facilities. 报告说明老城区的学校人满为患，并且缺乏某些基本的设施。 at large as a whole; in general 全部，整个 Elementary education is an important issue that needs to be discussed by society at large. 基础教育是重要问题，需要整个社会来讨论。 This shows the opinion of students at large. 这反映了学生们的普遍意见。 protect sb./sth. from sth. keep sb./sth. safe from harm, hurt, etc.; defend sb./sth. 防御，保护 You need warm clothes to protect you from the cold. 你需要暖和的衣裳来御寒。 She's learning self-defense so she can protect herself from being attacked. 她正在学习自我防身术，以使自己免受攻击。 grind to a halt gradually stop (指过程) 慢慢停止 The strike brought industry grinding to a halt. 罢工使工业生产逐渐停顿下来。 If we don't do something soon, the whole theatre industry could grind to a halt. 如果我们不尽快采取措施，整个戏剧行业将会出现萧条。 Harris 哈里斯 Alfred North Whitehead 阿尔弗雷德·诺斯·怀特黑德 Language Points Language Point 1 Back in the good old days of stable economic expansion … (Para. 1) Meaning: Back in a “better” period of time when there was steady growth in the economy… Language Point 2 That’s not for me: I am going to play it safe in life. I am going to stay in my home town and have a nice comfortable career in a salaried job. (Para. 1) Meaning: Something new, exciting, and creative in life is not suitable for me. I’ll be more cautious and prefer to stay in my home town and find a good, comfortable job with a salary. play (it) safe: carefully avoid risks I don’t think it will rain today, but I will play (it) safe and take a raincoat.我想今天不会下雨, 但为保险起见还是带上雨衣。 Let’s allow an extra ten minutes, just play (it) safe. 为了谨慎起见，我们再多安排10分钟吧。 Notice that in this expression, “it” can be omitted (by speakers of British English) without affecting the meaning. Language Point 3 That second choice no longer exists for the vast majority of Americans. (Para. 1) Meaning: For most Americans, it is now impossible to stay in such a safe career as is described in the second choice. Language Point 4 No wonder young people are disaffected. No wonder they are not motivated to learn. (Para. 2) Meaning: It is not surprising that young people nowadays are not satisfied or loyal. It is not surprising that they have no motivation for study. disaffected: a. dissatisfied and lacking loyalty Some of the government’s most loyal supporters are now becoming disaffected. 政府的一些最忠诚的支持者现在正变得越来越不满了。 Language Point 5 No wonder they are not motivated to learn. (Para. 2) no wonder: it is not surprising … She was caught in a shower? No wonder she is not feeling well. 她被阵雨淋着了？难怪她觉得身体不舒服。 I didn’t know that Barbara was Jack’s stepmother. No wonder she shows little care for him. 我以前不知道巴巴拉是杰克的继母。难怪她不怎么关心他。 Language Point 6 …they are not motivated to learn. (Para. 2) motivate: 1) cause to want to do sth. He was motivated by love, and expected nothing in return. 他的行动是出于爱心, 不求回报。 We have to try and motivate our sales people.我们得设法调动销售员的积极性。 There is little to motivate the kids to work hard at school. 没什么法子可调动孩子在学校里努力学习的积极性。 2) be the reason for (sb.’s action); cause (sb.) to act in a particular way This murder was motivated by greed and hatred. 这宗谋杀案的动机是贪婪和仇恨。 Language Point 7 Young men, in particular, … (Para. 3) in particular: especially In particular, I admire the woman writer Virginia Wolf. 我尤其钦佩女作家弗吉尼亚·沃尔夫。 He remembered one of the lovely girls in particular. 他特别记住了那些可爱的女孩中的一位。 Language Point 8 Young men, in particular, are not happy with their prospects for the future. (Para. 3) prospect: n. 1) sth. expected, chance of success If she can bring in a few more good customers like that, her prospects with this company will look excellent. 要是她能再多带几个那样的好客户来，她在这个公司的前途将十分看好。 He is facing the prospect of living alone, far away from his parents. 他眼看着就要远离父母、单独生活。 It is a pleasant prospect for Jim to marry his beloved girlfriend and live a happy family life. 吉姆就要和心爱的女友结婚并过上幸福的家庭生活，这真是令人高兴的前景。 2) [C, U] possibility or strong chance of sth. happening There’s a reasonable prospect of reaching the target for this year’s economic growth. 完成今年经济发展的目标应该是可能的。 There’s not much prospect that this war will be over soon. 这场战争不大可能很快结束。 Language Point 9 ... civil servants, police and firemen, and fighter pilots ... (Para. 3) civil servants: people employed in the civil service (that is, all the various departments of the government except the armed forces, law courts and religious organizations) civil: a. 1) of or relating to ordinary people rather than the armed forces or the Church civil aviation 民用航空 civil defence (美 defense) 民防 civil servant 文职人员，公务员 civil government 文职政府 2) within the country Thousands of people have been driven from their homes by civil war. 成千上万的人因内战而被迫离开家园。 fighter pilots: the people who fly small, fast military airplanes Note: Occupation terms that feature the word “men” are not usually considered appropriate in modern English. Words like “fire fighters and police officers” are used instead of “firemen and policemen” because both men and women now hold these jobs. Language Point 10 … while nearly 90% are committed to having both a career and a marriage based on equality. (Para. 3) Meaning: … while nearly 90% of female students want to have a job and get married at the same time, with an equal status within the family. Language Point 11 … while nearly 90% are committed to having both a career and a marriage… (Para. 3) commit oneself to (doing / do) sth.: firmly decide to do sth. or have sth. The government has promised to commit itself to keep peace. (or: The government has promised to be committed to peace.) 政府许诺要致力于维持和平。 Signing this form commits you to buying the goods. 你在这表格上签了字就得买这些货。 He has committed himself to support his brother’s children. 他已答应抚养他弟弟的孩子。 Language Point 12 By comparison, nearly half of male high-school students express their preference for a traditional, male-headed, one provider, nuclear family, … (Para. 4) Meaning: Compared with female students, nearly half of male students prefer a traditional, male-dominated family consisting of father, mother, and children, with the father being the only bread-earner. preference: n. 1) [U] (sing.) a liking for sth. (more than sth. else) Of the two, my preference is for the smaller car. 这两辆车中我更喜欢那辆小的。 He always drinks red wine in preference to white. 他总爱喝红葡萄酒, 而不是白葡萄酒。 “Would you like tea or coffee?” “Either, I have no strong preference.” “你喜欢茶还是咖啡?”“哪样都行, 我没有特别偏好。” 2) [C] a thing that is liked better or best I don’t know your preferences, so please help yourself. 我不知你喜欢吃什么, 请你自便吧。 What are your preferences in music? 你喜欢什么音乐？ Language Point 13 … the only two job fields that consistently receive large numbers of responses in open surveys are “professional athlete” and “media personality”. (Para. 4) Meaning: Open surveys reveal that the only two jobs that are regularly a popular choice with male students are being a professional sportsman or a famous person working for the media. Language Point 14 A large proportion of America’s young men ... (Para. 4) proportion: n. 1) [C] a comparative part or share of a whole What proportion of your salary goes to food? 你花在食物上的钱占你工资比例的多少？ A large proportion of the children come to school by bike. 很大一部分孩子骑自行车上学。 2) [U] relation of one thing to another in quantity, size, etc. The proportion of men to women in the population has changed in recent years. 人口中男女比率近年来已发生了变化。 The tax increases in proportion to the amount of money you earn. 所得税按收入额成比例增加。 Language Point 15 If these people do not acquire some constructive vision of purpose for themselves, they are likely to be very destructive forces of resistance in society throughout their lives. (Para. 5) Meaning: If these people can’t find a positive idea about the purpose of their lives, it is possible that, for all their lives, they will be negative forces within society. Language Point 16 … acquire some constructive vision of … (Para. 5) constructive: a. having a useful purpose, helpful a very constructive suggestion 建设性的建议 a constructive attitude 积极的态度 constructive criticism 建设性批评 Language Point 17 … acquire some constructive vision of … (Para. 5) vision: n. an idea；a picture seen in the mind He has a very clear vision of the future. 他对未来有非常清晰明确的构想。 To turn the vision into reality is really a tough job. 把设想变为现实决非易事。 Language Point 18 … they are likely to be … (Para. 5) be likely to: be expected to He is not likely to succeed. 他不可能取得成功。 The economic growth is likely to continue for some 10 years. 经济增长可能会持续10年左右。 Language Point 19 One recent estimate is that … (Para. 5) Meaning: An educated guess made recently is that … Language Point 20 … are currently “disaffected and disconnected”. (Para. 5) Meaning: … are now dissatisfied with everything, do not act loyally or obey others, and seem to have little relationship with other members of society. Language Point 21 These are the folks who are joining the gangs in inner cities… (Para. 5) gang: n. a group of people who go around together, socialize together, cause trouble together and are often involved in criminal activities Don’t get mixed up with that gang. They are making trouble everywhere. 不要和这帮人混在一起。他们到处惹事生非。 He was killed in a fight with another gang. 他在跟另外一帮人打架时被杀死了。 Language Point 22 …the gangs in inner cities… (Para. 5) inner city: the central part of a city, esp. an area with a high (usu. poor) population, and old buildings in poor condition The government plans an extensive building program to bring new life to the inner cities. 政府正制订大规模建筑规划, 以振兴旧城区。 Language Point 23 … and swelling the ranks of the rural military gangs. (Para. 5) Meaning: … and expanding the size and number of armed gangs in rural areas by joining them. swell: v. 1) (cause to) become greater The newly-arrived farmers from the countryside swelled the ranks of the unemployed population in the big city. 从农村新来的农民增加了这座大城市的失业人口。 We asked them to come to the meeting to swell the numbers. 我们叫他们来参加会议以壮声势。 2) (cause sth. to) become larger His knee swelled up after the fall. 摔跤后他的膝盖肿起来了。 His heart swelled with pride as he stood watching his daughter win the race. 当他站在一边看见女儿在赛跑中夺魁, 心中无限自豪。 Language Point 24 … and swelling the ranks of the rural military gangs. (Para. 5) ranks: n. ordinary members of an organization, esp. of the armed forces join the ranks of the unemployed 加入失业者大军 Language Point 25 So this is a very pregnant moment, not only for the future of America, but also for all of the mature industrial economies and, ultimately, for the world at large. (Para. 6) Meaning: So this time in history is full of meaning and/or emotion, not only for the future of America, but also for all developed industrial countries, and finally, for the world in general. Language Point 26 So this is a very pregnant moment, … (Para. 6) a pregnant moment: a moment with a special meaning which is not obvious but which people are aware of or a moment full of meaning, and pointing toward a certain but unknown result Language Point 27 ... but also for all of the mature industrial economies ... (Para. 6) Meaning: ... but also for all of the countries with a developed industrial economic system economy: (here) a country with a particular economic system Language Point 28 … for the world at large. (Para. 6) at large: in general People at large approve of the new policy. 人们普遍赞成这项新政策。 Among employees at large the support for the change is zero. 雇员中基本上没有人支持这一改革。 Language Point 29 It is an uncertain moment, a scary moment. (Para. 6) Meaning: It is a moment in history when there are so many doubtful and changeable things that people in general are filled with fear. Language Point 30 … familiar patterns fade, familiar solutions fail, and familiar options disappear. (Para. 6) Meaning: …we do not live our lives, solve our problems, or make our choices in the same way as we used to. Language Point 31 … the books and periodicals that are warning society about the removal of jobs, … (Para. 6) Meaning: … the books and magazines or newspapers that are warning society about the danger of unemployment,... periodical: 1) n. a magazine or newspaper that is published regularly The periodical is published every two weeks. 这本杂志每两星期出版一次。 2) a. happening repeatedly over a period of time periodical fits of coughing 定期发作的咳嗽 Middle-aged people should have periodical medical checks. 中年人应该定期体检。 Language Point 32 … and wage decreases only serve to increase public anxiety -- a slow-motion variation of shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater. (Para. 6) Meaning: …and (reading acticles about) wages that are getting smaller and smaller will only cause the public to feel more anxious — this will surely result in a dangerous confusion and panic, just like a slow-motion version of the panic that results from someone shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater. Language Point 33 … a slow-motion variation of shouting “Fire!” in a crowded theater. (Para. 6) slow-motion: action which takes place at a much slower speed than in real life, as seen in special effects in movies a slow-motion replay of the footballer scoring a goal 用慢动作重放球员进球的情况 variation: sth. that is presented in a slightly different form All your ideas are just variations on his theory. 你的所有观点只不过是把他的理论改头换面而已。 Language Point 34 These alarming forecasts are largely simple projections of the past two or three decades of workplace trends. (Para. 7) Meaning: These alarming forecasts are mainly simple predictions about the future, based on the way employment trends have been changing during the past twenty or thirty years. Language Point 35 These alarming forecasts are largely projections of the past two or three decades of workplace trends. (Para. 7) forecast: n. prediction, statement of what is expected to happen a forecast of a small increase in the price 对价格略微上涨的预测 a forecast of a 3% growth in the economy 对经济增长3%的预测 Language Point 36 These alarming forecasts are largely projections of the past two or three decades of workplace trends. (Para. 7) projection: n. a guess of future possibilities, esp. based on the general direction of events at a particular time These figures show our projection of the town’s population increase in the next ten years. 这些数字反映了我们对未来十年这个城市人口增长的预测。 Language Point 37 … in the absence of plausible alternative explanations for the gloomy economic news of the past 15 — 20 years and the gloomier prospects implicit in the projections of those trends, … (Para. 7) Meaning: … being unable to find any other explanations that may account for the frustrating economic news of the past 15— 20 years and for an even worse future predicted by those trends,… Language Point 38 … in the absence of plausible alternative explanations… (Para. 7) plausible: a. seeming to be right or reasonable Your explanation sounds plausible, but I’m not sure I believe it. 你的解释听起来有理, 但我不一定相信。 Language Point 39 … in the absence of plausible alternative explanations for… (Para. 7) alternative: 1) a. that can be had, used, etc. instead of sth. There are alternative ways of working out the puzzle. 还有其他的方法可以用来解开这个谜。 2) n. sth. that can be had, used, etc. instead of sth. Is there no alternative to solve that problem? 就没有别的办法可以解决那个问题了吗？ Language Point 40 …for the gloomy economic news … (Para. 7) gloomy: a. 1) (that makes people) sad and disappointed Our future seems gloomy. 我们的前景似乎很黯淡。 In spite of the gloomy economic forecasts, the manufacturers are all confident about their prospects. 尽管经济方面的预测令人沮丧，制造商们对前景还是很乐观的。 He is such a gloomy person; you can never get him to smile. 他是如此郁郁寡欢, 你根本没法让他脸上露出笑容来。 2) dark or unlighted a gloomy day 阴暗的一天 We ran past the gloomy corner. 我们跑着穿过那个阴暗的角落。 Language Point 41 ... the gloomier prospects implicit in the projections of those trends, … (Para. 7) Meaning: ... more disappointing pictures clearly predicted by those trends,... implicit: a. 1) understood without being directly expressed, clearly intended even though it is not said Their request for money seems to contain an implicit threat. 他们索取金钱的要求似乎暗含着威胁。 She didn’t openly attack the plan, but the fact that she was against it was implicit in her silence when others were saying things in support of it. 她并没有公开攻击这项计划, 但当别人表示支持该计划时她却保持沉默, 这本身就隐含着反对。 2) unnecessary to be questioned I have implicit trust in your abilities. 我完全相信你的能力。 All her life she had implicit faith in God. 她一生笃信上帝。 Language Point 42 ... fearful for the future ... (Para. 7) Meaning: ...nervous about and afraid of what might happen in the future ... fearful: a. 1) nervous and afraid He was fearful of her anger / that she might be angry. 他害怕她生气。 2) terrible, horrifying a fearful storm / earthquake 可怕的暴风雨 / 地震 What a fearful waste of time! 多么惊人的时间浪费啊! Language Point 43 ... might very well take backward steps. (Para. 7) backward: a. 1) directed towards the back or the starting point a backward glance 向后一瞥 He took a backward step and ran away. 他向后退了一步，跑了。 2) having made or making less than normal progress a backward child 迟钝的孩子 Some backward parts of the country have no electricity. 这个国家的某些落后地区还没用上电。 Language Point 44 These steps will principally serve the interests of the economically dominant groups who want to protect their assets and resources from the forces of change. (Para. 7) Meaning: These steps will be taken mainly in the interest of those economic groups who hold domination and want to protect their properties from damage caused by change. Language Point 45 These steps will principally serve the interests… (Para. 7) principally: ad. for the most part, mainly, chiefly The decrease in our sales is principally because the market is becoming smaller. 销售额的下降主要是因为市场缩小了。 principal: a. main My principal reason for leaving that job was the unfair treatment I received. 我辞职的主要原因是受到了不公平的待遇。 Our principal concern is how to keep our advantages over our competitors. 我们主要关心的是如何保持相对于我们竞争对手的优势。 Language Point 46 …of the economically dominant groups who want to protect their assets and resources from the forces of change. (Para. 7) economically dominant groups: groups of people who hold more important positions than any other groups in the economy, normally due to having greater wealth assets and resources: money, property and any other type of reserves means Please pay special attention to the adverb “economically” here: economically: ad. 1) having to do with economics, the production of wealth and the ways it is shared by people in a society; concerning economy Economically, even if a business does not have all the money it needs, it can still survive. 从经济学上讲，企业即使缺乏所需的资金也照样能生存。 In our reading passage, “economically” is used in this sense. 2) having to do with saving money or not wasting it Try to live more economically. 要设法生活得更节俭一些。 Notice that the word “economically” has two adjective forms (economical and economic), which have different meanings. economical: a. careful in spending money, tending to save money (Note that this word comes from the noun “economy”.) An economical housewife saves money by carefully organizing how and when she spends money. 节俭的家庭主妇善于通过精心地安排如何花钱及什么时候花钱来节约开支。 A good manager is economical in the use of his funds. 好的经理在使用资金方面会精打细算。 The President made other government leaders aware of the need to be more economical. 总统使其他的政府领导人意识到节约开支的必要性。 economic: a. of or having to do with economics (Note that this word comes from the noun “economics”.) Economic problems have to do with the production, sharing and consumption of goods. 经济问题涉及到产品的生产，分配和消费。 In the following sentence we have both “economic” and “economical”. Mrs. Brown was uneconomical in budgeting household expenses and the family had to move to a smaller house for economic reasons. 布朗太太在安排家庭开销方面不够节俭，结果这家人不得不为了节省开支而搬到较小的房子里去住。 Language Point 47 Social and economic progress will grind to a halt and more and more jobs will be eliminated by the negative side of this transformation. (Para. 7) Meaning: Social and economic progress will come to a stop slowly but painfully, and more and more people will lose jobs owing to the negative effect of this change. Language Point 48 Social and economic progress will grind to a halt… (Para. 7) grind to a halt: ( economy, progress, etc.) gradually becomes slower or less active until (it) stops The peace progress ground to a halt and both parties went back to the battlefield. 和平进程渐渐停顿了下来，双方又回到了战场上。 Language Point 49 … more and more jobs will be eliminated by … (Para. 7) eliminate: vt. remove, get rid of, take away If a food or drink is not healthy, eliminate it from your diet. 如果某种食物或饮料无益于健康，就把它从食谱中去掉。 Why not eliminate unnecessary words from your essay? 为什么不把那些不必要的词从你的文章中删掉呢？ Language Point 50 The anger and frustration displayed by people ... (Para. 7) display: vt. 1） show signs of having (a quality or emotion, etc.) She displayed great self-control when they told her the news. 当他们把消息告诉她时, 她表现出极大的自制力。 Her writing displays natural talent. 她的文章显示出了她的天赋。 2） put sth. on show The new fashions for the season are displayed in the shop windows. 应季的新时装在橱窗里展示了出来。 It’s the first time the painting has been displayed to the public. 这幅画是首次公开展览。 The word “display” is also used as a noun with a related meaning. The goods were in the shop window display. 商品在橱窗里展示着。 There is going to be an art display in the public park this evening. 今晚在公园里有艺术展览。 a sudden display of temper 突然发脾气