四级作文
1素质教育？应试教育？
【中文提示】
★ 现今教育为应试教育
★ 提倡素质教育
★ 作者看到素质教育的效果
From primary school to college, students, teachers and parents--all are struggling for high scores. This is because the current education system is not aimed at students'quality, but only at developing their ability to perform well on tests. As result, many students, even those with high scores, often do poorly when it comes to the practical application of what they have learned.
Therefore, China is challenging examination-oriented education by advocating quality-oriented education. The alternative will focus on the students' ability as a whole. The exam results will no longer play a key role in evaluating a student.
Personally, I firmly believe in the magic force of this new policy. It seems that I have seen in my mind's eye the more colorful life, the looser environment, yet the more creative minds of the future students. Our education, so to speak, will bring up a new generation.
primary school 小学
scores [skCEs] 得分 n.名词
examination-oriented education 应试教育
alternative [C:l5tE:nEtiv] 选择对象；选择余地 n.名词
struggle for: 为……努力
2信心－－成功
【中文提示】
★ 为什么要有自信
★ 为什么会没有自信
★ 如何做到有自信
Whatever one does, one should do it with confidence. If one had no confidence, there is little possibility that one would ever achieve anything, especially when one is faced with drawbacks or hardships. This truth seems to be self-evident. However, in reality we do see a lot of people who complain that they lack the ability to do something or that their difficulties are too great to overcome. For some, this might be true. But for many others, this only shows that they have lost heart.
Why do people often feel frustrated even though they are capable of doing something? There are, among others, two main reasons. First, these people do not have a correct estimation of themselves. Second, they over-estimate the difficulties.
It is possible to build up faith in oneself by having the right attitude toward one's own abilities. We should never underestimate our abilities but should believe in the proverb: \"Where there is a will, there is a way.\" Confidence is the premise for fulfilling a task successfully.
over-estimate 评价过高 v.动词
underestimate [5QndEr5estimeit] 低估，看轻 v.动词
premise [5premis] 前提 n.名词
lose heart: 丧气，灰心，泄劲，泄气
3双休日
【中文提示】
★ 双休日的好处
★ 问题：课程更多了
★ 应合理安排时间
The two-day weekend has brought a lot of benefits to college students. It not only offers us more time to get rid of tiredness and have a good rest, but also gives us more chances to take up some hobbies, such as fishing, reading, or gardening. From these activities we can learn many things outside the classroom, which will add to our knowledge.
Despite the convenience it brings us, the two-day weekend has also given rise to quite a few problems. The most serious one is that the weekdays are filled with more lessons, sometimes too many. Because our classes are limited to Monday through Friday, we have to take more lessons each day than in the past. This leaves us little time to catch our breath during the weekdays.
In order to benefit most from the two-day weekend, students should make a good plan for the two-day weekend, not only to take this chance to relax but still set aside enough time to study. By doing so, students can have a good time as well as make progress in studies.
convenience [kEn5vi:njEns] 便利，方便 n.名词
progress [5prEu^res] 进步，发展 n.名词
get rid of: 摆脱，除去
take up: 拿起，开始从事，吸收，占据
4战争
【中文提示】
★ 战争造成的影响
★ 为什么要避免战争
★ 如何避免战争
War is a terrible thing. Anyone who hears of it is fearful and terrifried. Once engaging in war, large amounts of money are wasted, thousands of lives are sacrificed, and the whole nation is thrown into extreme confusion. Even the victorious country loses more than it gains.
Since war is so terrible, \"how do we prevent war\" is an important question. Is it possible to prevent war? Surely it is. Though it is beyond our power to prevent war between others, we can at any rate prevent war between our nation and other nations. In order to realize our hope, we must never invade others, and at the same time, prevent others from invading us.
According to my opinion, no country can keep herself from being invaded unless she has effective means of self-defense. Hence we must develop our military strength so that we can make others fear us and consequently dare not to invade us. The world would be, I believe more advanced civilization if people were kind and friendly to one another.
sacrifice [5sAkrifais] 牺牲，献出 v.动词
at any rate 无论如何，至少
invade [in5veid] 侵略；侵占 v.动词
civilization [9sIvIlaI`zeIFLn;-lI`z-] 文明，文化 n.名词
keep...from: 阻止, 隐瞒, 抑制
at any rate: 无论如何, 至少
5一寸光阴一寸金
【中文提示】
★ 时间比金钱更重要
★ 原因：时间一去不复返
★ 要充分利用时间
★ 浪费时间等于浪费生命
A proverb says: \"Time is money.\" But in my opinion, time is even more precious than money. Why? Because when money is spent, we can earn it back. However, when time is gone, it will never return. This is the reason why we must value time.
It goes without saying that the time for study and work is unusually limited. Hence, even an hour is extremely precious. We should make full use of our time to do useful things. As students we must make efforts to engage in our studies so as to serve our nation and people in the future. But it is a pity that there are a lot of people who do not know the importance of time. They spend their time smoking, drinking and gambling. They do not realize that wasting time is equal to wasting a part of their valuable life.
We should get into the good habit of saving time. Do not put off what can be done today until tomorrow. Laziness will not only bring us failure but also lead us to the road of poverty.
it goes without saying 理所当然，不用说
gambling [5^AmbliN] 赌博 n.名词
make use of : 假借; 利用
get into : 习惯，熟悉
6怎样处理贫富差距？
【中文提示】
★ 收入差距，严重的社会问题
★ 原因：分配机制；经济发展；教育体系
★ 措施：改进分配制度；着重关注落后地区；提高教育水平
Most people have realized that the income gap has long been a serious social problem.
There are three reasons why such phenomena have arisen. First, the distribution mechanism of our nation has some innate drawbacks. Second, the disparity of economic development between urban and rural areas as well as the east and the west is too huge to be mended in a short time. Third, the present educational system is far from satisfactory: many children throughout the country drop out of school for various reasons.
Consequently it is important that we take three measures to solve this problem. First of all, the government should constantly improve the distribution mechanism, making it not only transparent but also reasonable. In the second place, during economic development, more emphasis should be placed on the relatively backward areas. Last but by no means least, all
people make great efforts to significantly improve our educational level--if we can quickly increase the literacy rate of our nation, the overall situation will fundamentally change.
It is beyond doubt that the income gaps is a serious problem to any nation at any time. Nevertheless, in such a nation as we have, I firmly believe if all of us shoulder the responsibility, we can deal with this problem successfully.
distribution [7distri5bju:FEn] 分配 n.名词
mechanism [5mekEnizEm] 机制 n.名词
innate [5ineit] 天生的；先天的 adj.形容词
drawback [5drC:7bAk] 缺点 n.名词
disparity [dis5pAriti] 不等；不同 n.名词
transparent [trAns5pZErEnt] 透明的，易懂的，fundamentally 基本上 adv.副词
as well as: 以及，及
drop out of: 掉队,不参与，离去
far from: 远远不; 一点也不
7高校毕业生是否该到西部去？
显而易见的 adj.形容词
【中文提示】
★ 年轻人是否应该投身于西部大开发
★ 西部大开发提供好机遇：找工作容易；更多的工作机会
★ 怀疑态度，大城市机会多，去西部风险大
★ 作者观点，支持去西部发展
Recent years witnessed a profound change in Western China. The whole country combines joint efforts to engage in the exploitation of the western provinces. This vital issue especially attracts youths' attention. However, they have different views on whether they should contribute their part to the modernization of the West after their graduation.
Some students hold that the West offers unprecedented opportunities for young talents. Firstly, it is comparatively easier to launch a career for a newcomer in the West than in such large cities as Shenzhen and Shanghai. Secondly, the West is still underdeveloped, so it offers many more opportunities and is the ideal place to realize one's dreams. Other students, whereas, cast doubt on those points of view. They hold that developed area can provide more chances. To go to the West, they say, is too risky.
Personally, I take the side of the people in the first category. I think that going to the West is a perfect combination of our nation's need and my personal ambition. I believe that an able man should face challenges boldly and not be afraid of hardship.
witness [5witnis] 目睹，见证 v.动词
exploitation [7eksplCi5teiFEn] 开发 n.名词
unprecedented [Qn5presidEntid] 前所未有的，空前的 adj.形容词
newcomer [5nju:7kQmE] 新移民 n.名词
whereas [(h)wZEr5Az] 然而，反之 conj.连词
boldly 勇敢地，大胆地 adv.副词
engage in: 参加；从事
point of view: n. 观点；意见
8电脑游戏
【中文提示】
★ 电脑游戏的弊端：影响学业；逃课
★ 原因：电脑游戏推层出新；学生缺乏自控能力；老师监管不够
★ 解决方法：环境；实现梦想；利用媒体宣传
More and more college students become indulge in computer games. Some of them play video games all night, which will inevitably hinder their studies. Others are even truant to enjoy themselves.
There are three possible reasons to account for this trend. First of all, information
technology is developing at a fantastic speed and computer games become more and more advanced and attractive. What's more, many students lack self-control to such an extent that they play for long hours even if they know it is harmful to both their physical and mental health. In the third place, the university authority and teachers are too lenient with the students--they attach great importance to imparting knowledge and more or less overlook students?personality development.
The solutions to this problem seem more than clear on this occasion. By creating a favorable environment, university authorities can help students enjoy learning in and after class. Moreover, university teachers should teach students how to make the best use of their time and energy to realize their dreams. Last but not least, the mass media should also play a positive role in conveying the message that it is not wise for college students to play computer games for long hours.
hinder [5hindE] 阻止；妨碍 v.动词
truant [5tru:Ent] 逃学的，懒散的 adj.形容词
convey [kEn5vei] 通知；传达 v.动词
indulge in: 沉溺于；享受一下
account for: 对……作出解释
9 成人教育热
【中文提示】
★ 越来越多的成人参加成人教育
★ 原因：拿学位，拿文凭；学技能；找工作
★ 有助于自我升值，提高国民教育水平
Nowadays more and more adults especially in cities spend their leisure time trying to improve themselves at school or at college. According to a recent survey, the number of adult students in 2005 is more than 6 times that of 1995.
There are various reasons for this fantastic spurt in adult education. Some people who are employed go back for education to acquire another degree or diploma. To them more knowledge, or rather, more credentials means more opportunities for better jobs and quicker promotion. Other people especially those who are temporarily unemployed go to residential schools, open universities or other training institutions. They are eager to learn new skills since they are anxious to return to the job market.
Adults continue their education for different purposes, but they share a common goal--to improve themselves. And the spurt in adult education, in turn, helps raise the intellectual standard of the whole nation.
spurt [spE:t] 突然的爆发 n.名词
diploma [di5plEumE] 文凭，毕业证书 n.名词
credentials 证书 n.名词
according to : 比照；按照；依据；依照
10自助旅游还是跟团旅游
【中文提示】
★ 自助旅游的好处：自由，灵活，时间充足
★ 跟团旅游的好处：食宿，路线安排妥当，安全
★ 作者选择自助旅游的原因：看风景，了解民俗风情，结交朋友，宝贵经历
When it comes to travel, some people will choose to go on an individual tour while others want to go on a package tour.
Those people who decide to go on an individual tour argue that they love the freedom and flexibility when they travel by themselves--you can stay longer if you enjoy the beautiful scenery there. Furthermore, you will have more chances to communicate with local residents or other tourists from all over the world, which will be an exciting and unforgettable experience. Those people who prefer going on a package tour maintain that you do not have to worry about time, route and accommodation, which enables you to concentrate on the beautiful scenery and enchanting local customs. Moreover, it is safer and less time-consuming than individual touring.
In my opinion, I prefer to go on a individual-tour whenever I go traveling. To begin with, I want to visit not only the scenic spots but also the common people. Second, I enjoy making friends along the route: the communication with them helps expand my vision and widen my horizon. Furthermore, the difficulties I come across during traveling can be part of my life experiences.
flexibility [7fleksE5biliti] 弹性，机动性 n.名词
accommodation [E7kCmE5deiFEn] 膳宿 n.名词
enchanting [in5tFB:ntiN] 迷人的 adj.形容词
vision [5viVEn] 眼力，远见 n.名词
horizon [hE5raizn] 范围，视野 n.名词
in my opinion: 依我看来
come across: 遇见，碰上；发现
11双学位
【中文提示】
★ 近年，大学生读双学位成为一种现象
★ 双学位的好处：学习效率的提高；更多的竞争机会；找到好的工作
★ 双学位利大于弊
Recently it has become a phenomenon for college students to have two majors at the same time. In this way, they can get double BA degrees when they graduate from the university several years later.
Although it may bring unfavorable consequences, we can conclude this practice is
favorable on the whole. To begin with, most students will become more hardworking and efficient in order to finish the learning tasks satisfactorily. Moreover, with two degrees after graduation, they will stand a better chance in the job market full of fierce competition. As for today's university students, tuition fees are becoming higher and higher. If they can make achievements in study in the university and find a satisfactory job afterwards, it will not be a big problem.
Weighing the pros and cons of such a new trend, we can naturally come to the conclusion that it is beneficial and rewarding. This system not only urges students to work hard, but also prepares them for the coming competition when they enter real society.
phenomenon [fi5nCminEn] 现象 n.名词
efficient [i5fiFEnt] 有效率的，能干的 adj.形容词
tuition fee 学费
pros and cons 赞成与反对
at the same time: adv. 同时，一齐
on the whole: adv. 大体上，总的来看
12 快速做决定
【中文提示】
★ 人的一生当中要做很多决定
★ 有人认为仓促作决定有错
★ 作者认为，快速决定是最好的
★ 偶尔快速决定，不一定总是错的
Everyone must make many decisions every day of their life. They range from the trivial--tea or coffee for breakfast--to issues of life-changing importance, such as whom to marry. Some people make decisions quickly, while others take as much time as possible to consider all their options. They tend to think that quick decisions are always wrong, but I disagree.
As a matter of fact, quick decisions are sometimes the best ones. When faced with a difficult choice, it is often our first instinct that is the best. Moreover, when we think too long about a decision we may become confused. And if we worry too much we may become so anxious that we are unable to make any decision at all. Last but not least, some decisions are simply too trivial to spend any time worrying about.
Long consideration does not guarantee that the choice we make will be the right one, and sometimes too much deliberation can even lead us astray. Therefore, I believe it is all right to make a quick decision now and then, it won't always be wrong.
trivial [5triviEl] 琐细的，微不足道的 adj.形容词
instinct [5instiNkt] 本能 n.名词
guarantee [7^ArEn5ti:] 保证 v.动词
deliberation [di7libE5reiFE n] 商议，考虑 n.名词
lead sb. astray 引入歧途
make a decision: 决定下来, 作出决定; 下决心
tend to : v. 注意, 趋向
s a matter of fact: adv.事实上；实际上
13从游戏中学习人生
【中文提示】
★ 游戏不仅是一种娱乐，也是一种学习方式
★ 从游戏中得到生活感悟
★ 游戏能锻炼人的能力
Games have played an important role in nearly every culture throughout history. They are not only a source of amusement, but also an important way of learning. Long ago, games simulated real-life situations and developed skills useful in hunting and warfare, important activities at that time. Today, games can still teach us a lot about life.
For example, organized games can teach us how to work as a team and get along with others. Games can also teach us how to win and lose gracefully. In addition, they can instill a sense of sportsmanship and fair play in young people that will be useful in their future
endeavors. Finally, although hunting and fighting techniques are no longer essential, games can still help us develop certain practical skills. These skills may be physical or intellectual, such as logical thinking developed by more mentally challenging games.
In short, whatever type of games people play, they get more from them than just entertainment and relaxation. Games can help us develop abilities that will assist us in other activities in life. Therefore, they are an invaluable way of learning about life.
amusement [E5mju:zmEnt] 娱乐，消遣 n.名词
simulate [5simjuleit] 模拟，模仿 v.动词
instill [in5stil] 逐渐灌输思想 v.动词
entertainment [entE5teinmEnt] 娱乐 n.名词
invaluable [in5vAljuEbl] 无价的 adj.形容词
get along : 融洽相处
be useful : 顶事，管用
14从实践中学习
【中文提示】
★ 实践是最有效的学习方法
★ 理由：能记忆犹新；比理论知识更有用；能从中吸取教训
★ 通过实践获得的知识有意义，所涉及的知识面更广泛
Learning is an essential part of growing, and there are many ways in which we learn. We learn from our parents, from our teachers in school and from our friends. All of these methods of learning have their advantages, but the one that is most effective for me is to learn by doing.
One reason I prefer to learn by doing is because I believe that experience is the best teacher. Knowledge that I gain through experience is the knowledge that I remember best. A second reason is that practical knowledge is often more useful than theoretical knowledge when dealing with problems in everyday life. Third, I can learn from the process itself. Even when I make mistakes, I can learn something from them. Finally, in this way--learning by doing allows me to make my own discoveries.
In conclusion, learning through experience is the best method for me because I can acquire practical knowledge and remember my lessons well. In addition, the knowledge I gain is not only meaningful, but also wider than what I can get from other methods of learning. Therefore, I will continue to try to learn as much as possible by doing things myself.
essential [i5senFEl] 本质的，基本的 adj.形容词
advantage [Ed5vB:ntidV] 优势，有利条件 n.名词
meaningful [5mi:niNful] 意味深长的 adj.形容词
deal with: 发落；经办；经手；应付
in addition: 再加, 加以，此外
15选修课程
【中文提示】
★ 作者观点，选修课程有益
★ 能发现学生的天分与兴趣
★ 激发学生的学习动力
★ 使学生得到更全面的教育
The requirements of school systems differ from place to place. In some high schools, students follow a strict program of study, while in others they have the freedom to choose some of their courses. I believe that it would be beneficial for all students to be able to choose some of their courses.
One reason is that choosing from a variety of courses would allow students to explore new areas of study. They may discover a new talent or interest and broaden their horizons. Another reason is that when students choose their own courses they take more responsibility for them and really try to do well. They will be more motivated to learn the material they want to learn. A final reason is that making such choices in high school will help prepare the students for their university lives.
In conclusion, it is my belief that students benefit from being able to choose courses they are interested in. Of course, they shall still take some required subjects, but the addition of elective courses would enable them to receive a more well-rounded education. Furthermore, they might be fortunate enough to discover a lifelong interest at an early age.
beneficial [beni5fiFEl] 有益的 adj.形容词
talent [5tAlEnt] 天资，天赋 n.名词
responsibility [ris7pCnsE5biliti] 责任，职责 n.名词
motivated [5mEutiveitid] 有动机的 adj.形容词
well-rounded 全面的综合发展；均衡的 adj.形容词
differ from: 不同于；和……不同；和……意见不一致
be able to: 能够
16校园情侣
【中文提示】
★ 校园里情侣出双入对
★ 恋爱让人成熟
★ 引起的负面影响
Have you ever noticed those pairs of young lovers on campus who dine together, go to the reading room together and depart unwillingly in front of the dorm building? They range from age 17 to 22. Far from home and alone, seeking friendship, love and understanding, the boys and girls easily find comfort and appreciation in each other.
On the one hand, love really does good to the young's development. The one with brilliant performance in study can be the encouragement of the other. They compete and learn from each other, making an excellent match. Also in love, those who are accustomed to self-centered ways of thinking learn to take care of others and be considerate of others. They realize their responsibility as well as their importance. In a word, love makes one mature.
However, on the other hand, we cannot ignore the side effects that dating brings to the university young. Love and tenderness take time. Frequently going out on a date may result in frequent absence from class, which will undoubtedly hold up their learning pace. This should be taken seriously by those who indulge in sweet romance.
dorm [dC:m] 寝室，宿舍 n.名词
appreciation [E7pri:Fi5eiFEn] 欣赏，仰慕 n.名词
accustom [E5kQstEm] 使适应，使习惯 v.动词
absence [5AbsEns] 缺席，缺课 n.名词
indulge [in5dQldV] 沉溺于，宠坏 v.动词
each other: 彼此，互相
take care of: 照顾
17移动电话在学生中的普及
【中文提示】
★ 学生用手机变得普遍起来
★ 原因：便宜；方便；代表潮流
Means of modern communication become more and more popular. On streets, if we hear the mobile phone sound, it is no longer surprising to notice the sound ringing from a middle school student. Moreover, the sight of the student with a school bag talking through a mobile phone has also become common, especially among college students.
There are several reasons for this phenomenon. On one hand, mobile phones are much cheaper than before. Some students with a good economic background can afford the machine and the service charge. Besides, it is really convenient for parents to contact their children. On the other hand, owning a little phone is a certain kind of fashion. The young are going after it by nature. So students love it and will try to demonstrate their modernity.
No one can stop the spread of mobile phones, for after all it is one of the signs of a modern society. But students should have a clear mind on how to use it. It ought to be a useful assistant but not a troublemaker.
phenomenon [fi5nCminEn] 现象 n.名词
by nature 自然地
demonstrate [5demEnstreit] 证明 v.动词
no longer: 不再
after all: 毕竟，终究
18出国留学的优点
【中文提示】
★ 作作者不赞同出国留学是不好的观点
★ 原因：出国符合全球化趋势；更具创造力；吸收新文化
★ 支持出国留学
Nowadays a significant number of students travel abroad to study. Going abroad for further study has become a popular trend. Its benefits and shortcomings have been argued and the majority regard it as a bad phenomenon. But I have a different viewpoint.
As we can see, cultural and economic communication have gone beyond national borders, and traditional boundaries of human society are falling away. Students go abroad and receive new views or ideas in the tendency of globalization.
Next, students pursue their further study under an all-new educational system, which enables them to study much more creatively. With the new technology and experience, when they return to their homeland, they will contribute a lot to this country's development.
Last but not least, as they have learned about different cultures and language environments, they acquire some useful and valuable skills and have a good command of, at least, one foreign language, which will benefit the exchanges of ideology and communications between this country and other nations.
For all the above benefits, priority should be given to studying abroad.
border [5bC:dE] 边界，界线 n.名词
ideology [7aidi5ClEdVi, id-] 意识形态 n.名词
regard as: 把……认作
at least: 至少
18家教利与弊
【中文提示】
★ 请家教的好处
★ 请家教的不足之处
★ 家教老师难尽其责
★ 必要时请家教
A recent investigation shows that about 80 percent of pupils have private tutors. People have different attitudes towards home tutoring bacause it has its advantages and disadvantages.
As private tutoring is usually one-to-one, the tutor has a clear picture of the strong points as well as the weak points of the student. When the students meet with difficulties in their study, they can turn to their private tutor if the teacher is taking care of other students in the class. However, private tutoring has its own disadvantages. For one thing, it takes up so
much of the students' time that they can hardly find enough time for rest and entertainment, which are essential for their physical and mental health. For another, some teachers, busy shuttling from one family to another, tend to neglect their regular teaching duties. What's more, some teachers are eager to helping students do well on a test, offering the so-called test-taking tips rather than help them make full-grounded improvement.
Therefore, only moderate tutoring can help children to improve their learning especially for those who lack the ability to study by themselves. It is advisable that we should seek help from private tutors when it is necessary.
investigation [in7vesti5^eiFEn] 调查；研究 n.名词
tutor [5tju:tE] 指导教师 n.名词
shuttling 往返的 adj.形容词
advisable [Ed5vaizEbl] 适当的；可取的 adj.形容词
take up: 拿起，开始从事，吸收，占据
from...to: 从哪……到哪
19大学生创业
【中文提示】
★ 大学生开始创业
★ 大学时开始创业是个理想时期的原因
★ 前提：确保学业不受影响
With Chinese universities turning out as many as 3 million new graduates a year, the nation is quickly discovering the need to equip its young people not with just knowledge but the courage to build their own enterprises.
Although mixing academics with business can be difficult, college may actually be the ideal time to pursue entrepreneurship. There are several reasons. First of all, college students are often free from the \"real-world\" concerns like finding a job or buying a house. Many students say they are able to take greater risks and spend more time developing a business. Besides, running a small business can be a valuable learning experience for student entrepreneurs, for example, business strategies, managing human relationship, serving other people and so on. In this way adding entrepreneurial knowledge to the menu of the students' skills toughens them into the nation's future leaders of business development. Last but not least, university undergraduate entrepreneurs can help society create jobs to benefit the overall business environment of the country.
In conclusion, college students should try their hands at innovative undertakings on campus. However, one prerequisite is that they have to assure their studies will not be interfered with.
entrepreneur [7CntrEprE5nE:] 企业家 n.名词
entrepreneurial 企业家的 adj.形容词
innovative [`InEJveItIv] 创新的 adj.形容词
prerequisite [5pri:5rekwizit] 先决条件 n.名词
interfere [7intE5fiE] 干涉，干预 v.动词
turn out: 驱逐，使外倾，生产
and so on: 等等
20英语能力与高薪
【中文提示】
★ 以前可以找到好工作的先决条件
★ 如今，英语成为找到好工作的必要条件
★ 英语能力的高低直接关系到薪水的多还是少
Hard working, being smooth and slick in handling interpersonal relationships and having professional skills--they were once the prerequisites for good jobs and a promotion. But these days, they are not enough.
When applying for a job, applicants are always required to demonstrate their English capabilities, especially those in the field of foreign trade. They consider communicative competence in English to be a decisive factor in hiring a potential employee. A recent survey conducted by a human resource website, which interviewed thousands of company clerks and government employees in the country's major cities, showed that there was a significant gap between the salaries of people with different proficiencies in English. People with a good
command of English have an average yearly income of more than 53,000 yuan (US$6,450) while those with an intermediate level of English have an average yearly income standing around 31,200 yuan (US$3,770). Therefore a good command of English often leads to a higher salary in the job market, which partly explains why many Chinese people are learning English in such unprecedented numbers nowadays.
With the Chinese economy and its society increasingly moving into line with the outside world, proficiency in English has become essential for many careers. Good English capabilities can be a contributing factor to jobseekers professional recognition and career prospect.
slick [slik] 办事圆滑的 adj.形容词
prerequisite [5pri:5rekwizit] 先决条件 n.名词
competence [5kRmpEtEns] 能力 n.名词
intermediate [7intE5mi:djEt] 中间的 adj.形容词
unprecedented [Qn5presidEntid] 空前的 adj.形容词
recognition [7rekE^5niFEn] 承认，公认 n.名词
contribute to: 捐献
21就业？考研？
【中文提示】
★ 毕业后开始创业所带来的好处
★ 继续深造也有好处
★ 做出正确的选择
Will you focus your energy on finding work, or apply for further education and training?
Choosing to pursue a career can lead to a wide range of benefits. Firstly, after eighteen or so years of study, many graduates find the transition from theoretical study to practical work refreshing and excel at their career. Secondly, earning a salary brings material benefits. Thirdly, you may participate in domestic and /or overseas business trips and enjoy a range of company perks, from gym membership to free or subsidised health insurance.
On the other hand if you choose wisely, completing a postgraduate course will bring intellectual and material benefits. For first degree holders, postgraduate study can offer you the chance to pursue extended research, enter the world of work at a higher salary level than your bachelor degree holding colleagues, or acquire vocational training and skills.
While at first it may feel a little daunting to choose between entering the world of work or pursuing a higher education, be assured, your decision can't be wrong if it's well thought out.
theoretical [WiE5retikEl] 理论的 adj.形容词
excel [ik5sel] 擅长；胜过 v.动词
perk [pE:k] 额外津贴 n.名词
subsidised 给予补助金的 adj.形容词
daunting 使人畏缩的 adj.形容词
apply for: 申请
lead to: 导致，诱致，通连，引出
22大学生结婚
【中文提示】
★ 校园婚姻成为一种趋势
★ 反对者认为不理智；有人认为感情成熟与年龄无关
★ 为什么大学生会选择结婚
★ 什么才是美好的婚姻
Nowadays, with the green light given to China's education authority, there is a noticeable trend toward campus marriage, which aroused a hot debate among people. Many people are opposed to this \"early\" marriage, they think that such marriages are not rational, while others maintain that emotional maturity is no respecter of birthdays; it does not arrive automatically at twenty-one or twenty-five. Some achieve it surprisingly early while others never do even at thirty-five.
Many students are marrying as an escape, not only from an unsatisfactory home life, but
also from their own problems of isolation and loneliness. Unfortunately, marriage seldom solves one's problems. More often, it magnifies them. Furthermore, their expectations of marriage are too high and essentially utopian, and therefore incapable of fulfillment.
Shall we, then, lament over campus marriage? One cannot generalize. Satisfactory marriages are not determined by time but by the emotional maturity of the partners. As long as young couples can handle properly the issue of students, marriage and family, as long as it is economically feasible, they can get married while being a college student.
trend [trend] 趋势 n.名词
arouse [E5rauz] 引起 v.动词
rational [5rAFEnl] 理性的 adj.形容词
maintain [men5tein] 主张 v.动词
maturity [mE5tjuEriti] 成熟 n.名词
respecter [ris5pektE] 尊敬者 n.名词
magnify [5mA^nifai] 扩大，放大 v.动词
utopian [ju:5tEupjEn] 乌托邦的，空想的 adj.形容词
lament [lE5ment] 为…感到悲痛 v.动词
opposed to: 相反的，对立的
23第二职业
【中文提示】
★ 第二职业给第一职业构成威胁
★ 追求第二职业的人的看法
★ 第二职业产生的问题
★ 作者观点
With the quickened reform pace, taking up second professions has become a new trend in all walks of life. Now more and more people are taking part-time jobs, which has constituted a serious threat to first professions.
Many people feel positive about the increasing number of people pursuing second professions. They say this is a natural outgrowth of the changing economy and growing market demands. Some people can fully use their energy and time. People also want to increase their income without losing the benefits of the \"iron-bowl\". However, some people think the trend also creates problems. For example, if a teacher takes up a second profession, it would be unlikely that he can guarantee the high teaching quality. After all, school is a place for teaching, and a teacher's care should be students, not the money.
Personally, I think taking up the second profession can quicken the pace of economic development, enrich our experience and increase our income. However, it is not advisable to spend too much time on it, because we need time to study further and improve our skills to carry out the duty of our profession well. Never overreach ourselves to follow the fashion.
pursue [pE5sju:] 追求，寻找 v.动词
iron-bowl 铁饭碗 n.名词
take up: 开始花时间（从事某项活动）
so as to: 为的是；以便
24顾客就是上帝
【中文提示】
★ 市场销售是以消费者为中心的
★ 原因：分析消费需求
★ 迎合消费者需求
Common production focuses on the needs of the seller to produce goods and then convert them into money while marketing focuses on the wants of consumers.
It begins with first analyzing the preferences and demands of consumers and then producing goods that will satisfy them. This eye-on-the-consumer approach is known as the marketing concept, which simply means that instead of trying to sell whatever is easiest to produce or buy for resale, the makers and dealers first endeavor to find out what the consumer wants to buy and then go about making it available for purchase. This concept does not imply that business is benevolent or that consumer satisfaction is given priority over profit in a company. Successful merchants and producers, however, recognize that the surest
route to profit is through understanding and catering to customers. A striking example of the importance of catering to the consumer presented itself in mid-1985, when Coca Cola changed the flavor of its drink. The non-acceptance of the new flavor by a significant portion of the public brought about a prompt restoration of the Classic Coke, which was then marketed alongside the new.
In a market of sellers and buyers, the orientation of all the business transactions lies in the demand of customers. So King Customer rules!
convert [kEn5vE:t] 转变；变换 v.动词
preference [5prefErEns] 偏爱 n.名词
endeavor [in5devE] 努力，尽力 v.动词
benevolent [bi5nevElEnt] 慈善的 adj.形容词
orientation [7C(:)rien5teiFEn] 方向，定位 n.名词
convert into: 转变；转化；转换
bring about: 引起；导致；造成；带来
25成功的面试＝好工作
【中文提示】
★ 为什么面试是一个最重要的环节
★ 面试成功的技巧：搜集信息；注意细节；询问结果
★ 知己知彼才能百战百胜
The job interview is the single most important part of getting a job. It's your chance to show your future bosses how much you fit in the position; furthermore, you also can obtain an explicit impression of the company and the employer. It gives the potential employee and potential employer a chance to learn more about each other.
Here are some tips you should follow in order to have a successful job interview. For the first thing, gather as much information on the company as you can before the interview. You must impress the interviewer with your knowledge about the company and the industry. Secondly, there are some details about personal behaviours you should pay attention to during the interview. For example, offer up your firmest handshake; make eye contact; sit up straight; smile; speak up--but never interrupt; nod; be prepared for common questions; etc. One last great tip about the interview is, don't think it's the end of the interview when you walk out of the interview room. Send a thank-you letter or make a follow-up phone call after the interview.
As long as you pay attention to the above aspects when you are to have a job interview, you will be confident to succeed in the interview and get the job you love.
explicit [iks5plisit] 明确的，清楚的 adj.形容词
interrupt [7intE5rQpt] 打断，中断 v.动词
pay attention to: 注意
succeed in: 成功；达成
26 与老板“亲密接触”
【中文提示】
★ 跟老板打好交道是个必胜的法宝
★ 以老板的角度看问题
★ 提高抱怨的技巧
★ 和老板建立起良好的关系
Consciously working with your superior to obtain the best results for you, your boss and the company is a definite winning strategy. But how does this work, exactly?
One way is to help your boss see that you are looking at issues from his or her perspective--not just from your own. So if your boss is saying NO to your killer idea because there are insufficient funds, don't just grouse. Ask your boss what's needed to move forward and how you can help.
Whatever the boss' concerns, address them--meaningfully and quickly. Because by solving the boss's concerns, you subtly influence him or her to work more on yours.
Another key is in improving how to complain. Most complaints are caused by broken commitments, stated or otherwise. Therefore, when making a complaint, it's essential that you are able to: Clearly and crisply state your complaint and its impact without getting
defensive or aggressive. If your complaint is properly addressed, be sure to say, \"Thank you.\" If it's not, say, \"Thank you for trying. Now what else can we do about this problem?\"
Developing a good relationship with your boss is vital for a low-stress, high-reward working life and you are in control.
consciously 有意识地 adv.副词
perspective [pE5spektiv] 判断事物的方法；眼力 n.名词
insufficient [7insE5fiFEnt] 不足的，不够的 adj.形容词
defensive [di5fensiv] 自卫的 adj.形容词
aggressive [E5^resiv] 侵略性的，攻击性的 adj.形容词
vital [5vaitl] 至关重要的 adj.形容词
superior to: 质量或价值更好的
27 怎么叫老板加薪
【中文提示】
★ 找业内人士确认平均薪水
★ 预先做后备计划
★ 更加努力工作
After working at the same job for some time, most people feel that they deserve a raise in pay. Just because you think you deserve a raise doesn't mean that anyone else agrees with you.
The first thing to do is to check with people in a similar field as you to see how much the average raise is. If you go in asking for too much or too little they will either think you are greedy or that you have no self worth. List any and all of your accomplishments and contributions to the company.
As your boss usually will want to lower your request by a little, make your request slightly higher than the amount that you would be happy with. If your boss rejects your request, have a backup plan ready. Ask if instead of a increase in your salary that you would like more paid vacation time, stock options, or maybe a membership to the local gym.
Finally once you get your raise do not think that you can let up in the amount of work you do. In fact you should try to do a few extra things to show your boss that you really did deserve the raise you received.
deserve [di5zE:v] 应受，值得 v.动词
accomplishment [E5kCmpliFmEnt] 成就，完成 n.名词
reject [ri5dVekt] 拒绝，否决 v.动词
let up 停止，放松
ask for: 邀请
let up: 减弱；停止；放松
28办公室恋情
【中文提示】
★ 办公室恋情成为一种普遍现象
★ 办公室恋情的优点：节省时间；深入了解
★ 不利因素：容易产生摩擦；影响到工作效率
Office romance is fairly common these days as we spend a third or more of our lives in the office or other places of work. It is a non-threatening environment where we have an opportunity to meet potential dating partners and learn more about them than just what they look like.
There are many issues--both positive and negative--to consider before engaging in office romance. One of the positive aspects is time efficiency, since you no longer need to search for a significant other in the evening. A second advantage to dating someone in the workplace is that since you spend so many hours together at work, you already have an idea of what they are like. This can save you from lots of headaches down the road.
Office romances also have their drawbacks. The fact that couples are in constant contact with one another day and night may cause friction within the relationship, as everyone needs \"alone time\" to pursue hobbies or hang out with friends. Besides, office romances may interfere with individuals abilities to perform their professional duties. There is obvious potential for conflicts of interest between office situations and relationships.
Besides all the aforementioned, the bottom line is if you truly fall in love with someone, will you really care where he/she works?
potential [pE5tenF(E)l] 潜在的 adj.形容词
drawback [5drC:7bAk] 缺点 n.名词
friction [5frikFEn] 摩擦 n.名词
aforementioned [E`fR:9menFEnd] 前面讲到的 adj.形容词
fall in love: 相爱；爱上
29 如何舒缓工作压力
【中文提示】
★ 办公时间怎样舒缓压力：小憩，做一些简单的事情
★ 不同的时间段做不同的工作
★ 听音乐来舒缓压力
The time you spend at the office may be the most stressful part of your day, but it doesn't have to be. You have a greater ability to shape your office environment than you may realize. Take breaks throughout the day. It will help clear your mind and relieve pressure. Something as simple as going to the water cooler for a drink may do the trick.
Enroll in a noontime or an after-work exercise class. This will give you a chance to
unwind and a way to relieve stress. To help your workday go smoothly, try pacing your activities: Do more demanding work in the morning, when your energy level is higher, and easier work later in the day, when you may be tired.
Try listening to music recordings, such as a pounding surf or songbirds, to help you relax. Use headphones if youl be listening to them in the middle of the workday. If your stress comes from job insecurity, take stock of yourself. Update your resume, and remind yourself of your skills and strengths. Also, make sure you keep up with new developments in your field. This will make you valuable to employers.
do the trick 获得成功
enroll [In5rEJl] 加入；入会 v.动词
relieve [ri5li:v] 减轻，缓解 v.动词
pounding [5paundiN] 打击 n.名词
insecurity [7insi5kjuEriti] 不安全感 n.名词
make sure: 查明；弄确实
keep up with: 赶得上
30 广告
【中文提示】
★ 广告的真正影响
★ 广告设计的用意和目的是什么
★ 应该以判断的眼光看待广告
We are all exposed to advertisements every day and their effect cannot be denied. While it is true that some advertisements do provide useful information about new products, I believe that their primary effect is to encourage people to buy things that they don't really need.
First of all, most advertising does not introduce a brand-new product. Instead, it is designed to persuade consumers that one company's product is superior to that of another company. Second, when a product is new, the advertising is often designed to create demand for it. In other words, its goal is to convince potential buyers that this new product is really necessary, whether or not it actually is. Third, many advertisements are image ads, designed to sell people luxury products. The ads imply that by buying such products the consumer will gain something else such as happiness, respect or love.
That is not to say that the advertisements are deceptive. They are simply designed to create a need for the product among consumers. Therefore, we should all look at advertisements with a critical eye in order to avoid buying things that are not necessary.
be exposed to 接触
deny [di5nai] 否认；否定 v.动词
superior [sju:5piEriE] 较好的，出众的 adj.形容词
luxury product 奢侈品
deceptive [di5septiv] 不实的；欺骗的 adj.形容词
expose to: （使）暴露
in order to: 为了……起见；以……为目的
31打折销售，不再有效
【中文提示】
★ 原因：消费者变理智；怀疑打折背后的真相
★ 销售方面应发展新技术
Discounts are a much-used means of attracting customers and promoting the sales of some products. However, after years of craze about discounts, it is rapidly losing its appeal.
There are several reasons for this. First, customers are more mature and sensible when buying. They are more careful about their money and have a more reasonable budget. Second, customers begin to suspect what is behind the attractive appearance of discount. How much money are the articles on sale really worth? And how much more money may the sellers earn if they sell them at original prices? Therefore discounts seem to them more like a trap than a good bargain.
In my view, discounting is not a cure-all for sellers. Some sensible enterprises wisely stick to improving quality and adding more variety to their products as their market strategy.
And above all, I should say, as customers become more and more mature, the sellers have to come out with new techniques to adapt themselves to the ever-changing customer-oriented market.
promote [prE5mEut] 促进 v.动词
appeal [E5pi:l] 请求，吸引力 n.名词
sensible [5sensEbl] 明智的 adj.形容词
budget [5bQdVit] 预算 n.名词
bargain [5bB:^in] 便宜货 n.名词
cure-all 灵丹妙药 n.名词
adapt [E5dApt] 使适应 v.动词
on sale: 出售
above all: 尤其是；最重要的是
31存钱还是花钱？
【中文提示】
★ 传统思想：存钱；现代思想：花钱
★ 作者观点，鼓励花钱
★ 消费带来的好处
Most people, especially people rooted in old Chinese traditions, tend to save money. However, more and more people with modern ideas tend to spend money and even use their future money by applying to the bank for loans.
As for me, I am of the opinion that people should be encouraged to spend their money. And I think it is of far-reaching significance. In the first place, consuming helps the circulation of currency and speeds up our production. Besides, with active consumption and production, there will be an impetus to the development of our economy. Moreover, with the thriving of our economy, people's living standards will be improved and certainly their income will be increased, that is people will have more money to enjoy themselves.
From what has been discussed above, we may draw the conclusion that spending money plays an important role in the development of our economy, so we should encourage people to spend more of their money instead of depositing all of their money in the bank.
apply [E5plai] 申请 v.动词
circulation [7sE:kju5leiFEn] 流通 v.动词
impetus [5impitEs] 刺激，推动力 n.名词
thriving 繁荣 n.名词
deposit [di5pCzit] 将（钱）存入银行 v.动词
speed up: 加速；增速
instead of: 代替
32 幸运数字真的幸运吗？
【中文提示】
★ 有人认为幸运数字能带来好运
★ 有人认为运气与数字无关
★ 作者认为，运气是靠自己努力的成果
Some people take it for granted that some lucky numbers can bring them good luck. For instance, the so-called lucky number \"8\" is widely used now because it is sounds like \"getting rich\" in Chinese and is believed to bring good fortune.
Yet many others don't think so. They think that numbers have nothing to do with luck. They regard numbers simply as mathematic symbols for counting. They are anything but a mystery. They laugh at those who think numbers can bring good luck.
I'm in favor of the latter opinion. I think in this modern-day society, we mustn't count on so-called lucky numbers to fulfill our wishes. Whether we can have good luck depends on ourselves. If we work hard, good luck will come to us.
mathematic [9mAWL`mAtIk] 数学的 adj.形容词
mystery [5mistEri] 神秘的事物 n.名词
in favor of 赞同，有利于
take it for granted: 认为当然；想当然
in favor of: 赞同；支持
32 犯罪率日益上升
【中文提示】
★ 犯罪率日益上升
★ 原因：分配的不均；暴力片的负面影响；失去信念和信任；经济和政治原因
★ 大家共同努力，使社会更加美好
It is known to all that crime is on the rise. The means of committing a crime are numerous and varied. Murder and robbery, not to speak of theft, are often seen. What causes a crime rate to rise? I think the reasons are as follows:
First, there exist the unfairness in distribution. More work does not result in more pay. Tycoons are not hard-working people but profiteers. Some government officials abuse power and make public money their own.
Second, the influence of violence and horror films on young people has a negative effect. The films and songs about love, revenge and friendship teach young people to give kindness for kindness, hatred for hatred and tit for tat.
Third, people tend to lose faith and belief. The traditional revolutionary education has somewhat been abandoned. People talk less about patriotism but more about making money. Money-oriented people are cold and indifferent to each other.
There are many social and economic reasons that cause crime rate to rise. However, I believe, with the joint efforts of people, we are sure to make a better world to live in.
on the rise 处于上升趋势
numerous [5nju:mErEs] 许多的 adj.形容词
distribution [7distri5bju:FEn] 分配 n.名词
abuse [E5bju:z] 滥用 v.动词
revenge [ri5vendV] 报复 n.名词
hatred [5heitrid] 憎恨 n.名词
tit for tat 针锋相对，以牙还牙
abandon [E5bAndEn] 放弃，遗弃 v.动词
patriotism [5pAtriEtizEm, 5pei-] 爱国精神 n.名词
tit for tat: 针锋相对；一报还一报
33为何旅游如此火热？
【中文提示】
★ 旅游在中国越来越受欢迎
★ 原因：思想观念的变化；收入的增加；旅游资源的开发
★ 旅游的好处
In recent years, tourism has become more and more popular with Chinese people. People discuss tourist plans with each other, book train and plane seats well ahead of time, lest they should all be booked up.
The first reason of this tourist craze should be attributed to the change within people's mind. People like to relax themselves during their holidays. Enjoying oneself from time to time is replacing the previous belief in continuous hard work. The second reason is the swelling of their wallets, which enables people to afford tourist expenses. In response to the travelers' needs, local authorities try to exploit their own characteristic tourist resources in order to make profit on tourism. As a result, tourism becomes more and more popular.
I also enjoy touring, both for relaxation and enrichment of knowledge. I hope we will be provided with more and more scenic spots and interesting holiday resorts.
tourism [5tJErIz(E)m] 旅游业；观光 n.名词
book [buk] 预订，定票 v.动词
craze [kreiz] 时尚，风行一时的事；狂热 n.名词
be attributed to 归因于
swelling [5sweliN] 增大；膨胀 n.名词
exploit [iks5plCit] 开发 v.动词
resort [ri5zC:] 度假胜地 n.名词
be attributed to: 把（某事）归因于，认为是……的结果
as a result: 结果；效果；后果
34 彩票热
【中文提示】
★ 各种各样的彩票吸引着人们
★ 买彩票的原因：实现百万富翁的梦想；为社会做贡献
★ 只要控制其范围，彩票将会起到有利作用
Nowadays, caught by the magic charm of the lottery, many luck triers are fond of buying all kinds of lottery tickets, such as computer lottery tickets, welfare tickets, and sports tickets. They hope to realize their colorful and fanciful dreams by doing so. As a matter of fact, most people simply can't tear themselves away from the lottery wheels. Some even spend hundreds of yuan weekly trying their luck at becoming rich. Why do so many people try their luck on lottery tickets? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
The primary reason for the majority of fortune-seekers is that they hope to own a car, a luxurious house, or even become a millionaire overnight if ever someday the lucky star should shine upon them. Therefore, so many people are addicted to playing the lottery and they waste a lot of money on collecting. On the other hand, many people buy lottery tickets because they regard it as an interesting way to make donations to society. The lottery is a kind of public campaign which benefits the whole society. Thanks to the participation of so many people, a great deal of money is raised to promote our public welfare. In this way the heavy burden on the government is greatly relieved.
The effect of lottery, we cannot generalize. It may mislead people but it also does much good to the whole nation as long as we practice it within reasonable limits.
lottery tickets 彩票
welfare [5welfZE] 福利 n.名词
donation [dEu5neiFEn] 贡献，捐款 n.名词
participation [pB:7tisi5peiFEn] 参与 n.名词
be addicted to: 有瘾的；上瘾的，沉溺于
as long as: 假如；如果；只要
34 人造美女
【中文提示】
★ 人造美女热是不可避免的
★ 外科在中国的普及
★ 现在的中国人讲求时尚
★ 外科整容的例子发人深省
Following the rapid development of the social economy, people have become much wealthier and have more money to chase after beauty. The artificial beauty craze seems to be almost inevitable. Yet, upcoming artificial beauty contests have aroused some public interest. Maybe it is the prosperity of the Western-taste-inspired beauty economy in China.
Not so long ago, beauty contests were strictly banned in China when the nation extolled the spartan style of living and rejected even simple makeup as vanity and bourgeois. Today, corrective surgery is ubiquitous from modern Chinese cities to backwater rural towns.
It seems paradoxical, but it has become a reality in China today. While fad-obsessed women want everything going into their stomachs to be natural, they are, on the other hand, increasingly seeking artificial means to recreate their outward appearances.
The upcoming event does include an exhibition of plastic surgery, on which both successful and unsuccessful cases will be displayed. Yang Yang, a college student in a southwestern city, spent 800 yuan at a less scrupulous beauty parlor to have a luscious big mouth. But the operation failed her. She can hardly smile now because she says, \"my face hurts when I open my mouth.\"
artificial [7B:ti5fiFEl] 人造的 adj.形容词
inevitable [in5evitEbl] 不可避免的 adj.形容词
extol [iks5tCl] 赞美 v.动词
spartan [5spB:tEn] 简单的，朴素的 adj.形容词
bourgeois [bE5dVCis] 资产阶级 n.名词
ubiquitous [ju:5bikwitEs] 普遍存在的 adj.形容词
paradoxical [7pArE5dCksikEl] 荒谬的 adj.形容词
fad-obsessed 迷恋时尚的 adj.形容词
parlor [5pB:lE] 店营业室 n.名词
luscious [5lQFEs] 迷人的，性感的 adj.形容词
chase after: 追赶；追逐；追捕
35交通问题
【中文提示】
★ 世界各地面临着交通堵塞的困扰
★ 全球各大城市如何解决这一难题：地铁；出租车
★ 根据特点，解决问题
No matter where you are, all big cities around the world have traffic jams these days. But although they all have their problems, many cities also have a type of transport that has become a cultural icon.
In London, to avoid the traffic above ground, people use the \"underground\" also called the Tube. The city has the oldest and most complicated underground railway system in the world and is the pride of many Londoners. With 12 lines and 275 stations across the city, the Tube, is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting around London. In London, you are never far from a Tube station.
New York is famous for its yellow cabs. They serve as a quick and easy way of getting across Manhattan, where the subway doesn't take you. Stopping a cab is easy; just stick out your arm like you do in any city. But, with over 12,000 yellow cabs in the Big Apple, they also cause traffic jams.
Transportation is a fundamentally important issue which shapes landscapes, culture, communities and people's lives. Therefore, every country should strive to make a great effort to solve its own problems concerning transportation according to its own particular features.
icon [5aIkRn] 代表 n.名词
complicated [5kCmplikeitid] 复杂的，难解的 adj.形容词
Manhattan [mAn5hAtEn] 曼哈顿（美国纽约市中心） n.名词
Big Apple 纽约城
traffic jam: 交通堵塞；塞车。
make effort to: 努力地尝试；尽力
36珍爱生命，拒绝毒品
【中文提示】
★ 中国青少年吸毒率高居不下
★ 原因：适应其他人；觉得自己成熟
★ 毒品对年青人身心健康有害
★ 全球普遍关注的问题
Drug abuse has become a major problem that cuts across economic and social strata. Statistics show that this is a very serious problem in China which has a high rate of youthful drug abuse among all industrialized countries around the world.
Why do young people take drugs? The most important reason for taking drugs is to \"fit in with others\". \"To feel older\" is the second main reason. And also some young people take drugs to have a good time.
But drugs do great harm to young people both physically and mentally. For example, drugs can interfere with memory, sensation, and perception. They distort experiences and cause a loss of self-control that can lead users to harm themselves and others. The younger generations are now taking more potent, more dangerous and more addictive drugs than ever.
Drug abuse has been a global issue that deserves attention. Despite a great deal of
difficulties, it is comparatively possible for those drug users to resist the temptation of drugs using the right strategies. With practice, everyone can find his or her own ways to say \"no\" to drugs.
strata [5streitE] stratum 的复数，社会阶层 n.名词
interfere [7intE5fiE] 干预，妨碍 v.动词
sensation [sen5seiFEn] 感觉，感情 n.名词
perception [pE5sepFEn] 知觉；感知 n.名词
addictive [E5diktiv] 上瘾的；着迷的 adj.形容词
temptation [temp5teiFEn] 诱惑 n.名词
rate of: 比率；费用；价格
fit in: 符合；适合；适应
37谁是全球变暖的“元凶”？【中文提示】
★ 全球变暖问题得到关注
★ 全球变暖的原因
★ 怎样减少全球变暖的不利影响
The mainstream scientific consensus on global warming is becoming clearer and more
compelling every day: changes in our climate are real and are under way. But we can do something about it.
Global warming results primarily from human activities that release heat-trapping gases and particles into the air. The most important of these activities are the burning of fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil) and deforestation. To reduce the emission of heat-trapping gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides, we can curb our consumption of fossil fuels, use technologies that reduce emissions wherever possible, and protect the world's forests. We can also do things to lessen the impact of global warming and adapt to those consequences most likely to occur, for example, through careful long-term planning and other strategies that reduce our vulnerability to global warming.
Clearly, global warming is a grave problem. Everyone--governments, industry, communities, and individuals--should work together to be part of the solutions to help reduce global warming as we are on the same earth.
consensus [kEn5sensEs] 多数人的意见，舆论 n.名词
heat-trapping gas 温室气体
particle [5pB:tikl] 微粒；粒子 n.名词
deforestation [di7fCris5teiFEn] 森林开伐 n.名词
carbon dioxide 二氧化碳
methane [5meWein] 甲烷 n.名词
nitrous oxide 一氧化氮
curb [kE:b] 抑制；控制 v.动词
adapt to: 适应；适合
38人际关系
【中文提示】
★ 人际关系的重要性
★ 什么才是好的人际关系
★ 人际关系反映出人的性格
Human relations is part of our daily lives. It is everyone's desire to win the hearts and minds of other people. In fact, whether we like it or not, we must establish good and sound relationships that transcends all walks of life.
Human relations itself is a display of the individual's character. The more people you deal with, the better person you are considered. One good at human relations does not consider oneself above others but rather places the interest of the majority at the forefront. One must be able to identify lapses and must be ready to accept, consider and learn from it. At the outset, human relation is a selfless action towards other people and to the community. It is part of our attitude as an individual no matter who we are and what we have or what we are capable of doing. Human relations mirror our character and our whole being as a person.
One way of showing and letting other people feel that they are important and well-respected is through good human relations. You don't have to be somebody else just to establish friendship with others. You just have to be yourself without pretension. Act the way you are and follow what righteous people do. In the end, you will win the hearts of the people.
transcend [trAn5send] 超越，胜过 v.动词
forefront [5fC:frQnt] 最前部，中心 n.名词
lapse [lAps] 差错；失误 n.名词
righteous [5raitFEs] 正直的，正当的 adj.形容词
be capable of: 有能力的；有本领的；有力量的
earn from: 吸取教训
39音乐
Music, we may say, is the art of organising sounds. Music is a rhythmic poem that inspires, a harmonious tone that soothes, a melody of mystery and beauty.
There are many kinds of music, like art or literature. Since people have different ideas of what is beautiful, we have our choices from the magnificent compositions of music masters like Beethoven, Bach, Chopin, Wagner, to the popular songs and tunes of the common music-hall.
Good music often has a wonderful effect on the feelings of even ignorant people. Soft and sweet music soothes the wearied, the sad, the restless, grand music will fill strong men with great ambitions. The regimental band puts courage into the hearts of troops; the solemn hymns fill the worshippers with reverence. Indeed, as a poet once asked, \"What passion cannot music raise and quell?\"
rhythmic [5riTmik] 有韵律的 adj.形容词
melody [5melEdi] 曲调，曲子 n.名词
ignorant [5i^nErEnt] 无知的 adj.形容词
regimental [7redVi5mentl] 团的 adj.形容词
hymn [him] 赞美诗，圣歌 n.名词
worshipper 礼拜者，朝拜者 n.名词
reverence [5revErEns] 尊敬，尊重 n.名词
quell [kwel] 压制，平息 v.动词
put into: （船）进（港）
40万圣节美国人戴上了新面具
【中文提示】
★ 受伤的美国为万圣节做准备
★ 与以往过万圣节的不同之处
★ 零售商可在节日期间获利
Fake blood and body parts are out, happy pumpkins and Uncle Sam costumes are in as a traumatized nation prepares for a toned-down Halloween festival. Americans who have seen enough real-life horror are likely to have lost their stomach for skulls, skeleton costumes or fake cut-off hands sticking out of their front lawns.
With daily news reports and government warnings adding to fears of a terrorist enemy still in the country, parents will be more reluctant than ever to let their children knock on strangers doors, and demanding candy with the line \"trick or treat\".
In an already slow economy, the national mood change threatens to impact US retailers, who usually sell costumes, candy and decorations worth about US ＄4 billion on what is their second most profitable holiday.
Most people think it will be a time for flights of fantasy, escaping into what makes you happy, not what makes you sad. And some people think blood and gore might be out this year.
be in 流行起来
traumatize [5trC:mEtaiz] 受到创伤 v.动词
toned-down 缓解心情的 adj.形容词
lose one's stomach for 对……失去兴趣
skull [skQl] 头骨 n.名词
skeleton [5skelitEn] 骨架，骨骼 n.名词
gore [^C:] 血块，淤血 n.名词
out of: 离开；脱离
reluctant to: 勉强的；不愿的
41中国茶文化
【中文提示】
★ 茶是中国人日常生活的一部分
★ 茶的功效；品茶的地点，泡茶的水都有讲究
★ 茶在中国的重要作用
Just as coffee became a part of daily life in the West, tea became a part of daily life in China. The Chinese have such a close relationship with tea that a new cultural phenomenon relating to tea is rising up in China. It goes by the pleasant name of \"Tea Culture\".
Before serving tea, you may ask for the preferences as to what kind of tea they fancy and serve the guests the tea in the most appropriate teacups. \"Savoring tea\" is how people take delight in their reverie and in tea-drinking itself. Drinking tea can help banish fatigue and frustration, improve your thinking ability and inspire you with enthusiasm. You may also
imbibe it slowly in small sips to appreciate the subtle allure of tea-drinking, until your spirits soar up and up into a sublime aesthetic realm. A tranquil, refreshing, comfortable and neat locale is certainly desirable for drinking tea. Fine water to make the tea must be pure, sweet, cool, clean, and flowing. Water from good springs is always considered best.
Tea plays an important role in Chinese social and emotional life. It is a symbol of togetherness, a sharing of something enjoyable, and a way of showing respect to visitors.
phenomenon [fi5nCminEn] 现象 n.名词
appropriate [E5prEupriit] 适当的 adj.形容词
savor [5seivE] 品尝 v.动词
reverie [5revEri] 幻想 v.动词
banish [5bAniF] 消除 v.动词
fatigue [fE5ti:^] 疲乏，疲劳 n.名词
imbibe [im5baib] 喝，饮 v.动词
allure [E5ljuE] 吸引力，魅力 n.名词
tranquil [5trANkwil] 安静的 adj.形容词
relate to: 有关；涉及
take delight in: 喜爱，以……为乐
42快餐
【中文提示】
★ 快餐开始在中国流行
★ 快餐为什么不营养
★ 怎样看待快餐
Life's pace moves fast these days. People don't like to waste time on their breakfast and lunch except for their business luncheons and family occasions. They always have their meals out of or in their offices. With this kind of new custom, fast food is getting more and more popular. You may find McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and other hamburger shops everywhere. Fast food rushed into China for the long term, and Chinese young people are beginning to be fond of it. But is everying popular good? The answer is \"No.\"
It's reported that fast-food is unfit particularly for children who need more nutrition for their growth, for there is little nutrition in it. If you always have it, your health will be badly affected. Unfortunately, there are still many people spending a lot money on fast food with the idea that they are enjoying themselves in a new life style.
It is not easy dealing with popular things. Certainly we shouldn't abandon something new rashly, and it's not wise to give up eating for fear of being choked, but it's more important that we accept it by careful choice. Only in this way can we keep ourselves independent, and have the children grow healthily. And the same is true in the case of fast food.
nutrition [nju:5triFEn] 营养 n.名词
abandon [E5bAndEn] 放弃，遗弃 v.动词
rashly 轻率地 adv.副词
choke [tFEuk] 哽住 v.动词
the same is true 也是一样的，同样适用于
for fear of / that: 由于担心……；因为怕……
42网上支付
【中文提示】
★ 网络付款的优缺点
★ 网络消费者的投诉
★ 网上购物安全的一些建议：找知名公司；检查网址的开头；正确方式付款
You can almost do anything on the net these days--from paying your gas bill to buying a TV. However, it has its advantages and disadvantages. When shopping online goes smoothly, it's quick and convenient, and you can often get a great bargain or find a hard-to-find object. But no matter how routine it becomes, sending money over the web is not without risk.
About a third of consumers who've shopped online report difficulties, such as not receiving merchandise they had paid for, or being billed for unordered merchandise or hit with
undisclosed charges. Then, how do you protect yourself when you shop online? Here are some suggestions.
First, go with well-known companies with solid customer service. Small or obscure web retailers don't have the resource to make good on lost or stolen merchandise. Secondly, if you're buying a hard-to-find object that's available only from a relatively unknown merchant, make sure you're dealing with a secure site. Check that their URL starts with https or shttp rather than http. Then, pay the right way. Assuming that a site is secure, a credit card is the safest way to pay. If you want to be extra cautious, ask your credit company to issue you a onetime-use credit card, a separate account number that's good only for a single transaction.
Following the above methods, you will be more secure when buying online and enjoy the convenience of the network.
bargain [5bB:^in] 便宜货 n.名词
merchandise [5mE:tFEndaiz] 商品 n.名词
solid [5sClid] 结实的，可靠的 adj.形容词
obscure [Eb5skjuE] 模糊的，不知名的 adj.形容词
retailer [ri:5teilE] 零售商 n.名词
assume [E5sju:m] 设想 v.动词
issue [5isju:] 发行 v.动词
transaction [trAn5zAkFEn] 交易，事务 n.名词
pay for: 给（某人）付款；付钱给（某人）
go with: 相配；协调
44瘦即是美？
【中文提示】
★ 肥胖是财富和幸福的象征
★ 以瘦为美是新标准
★ 锻炼不够，饮食不科学
When did eating butter become a sin, and a little bit of extra flesh unappealing, if not repellent? In some religious groups, wealth was a symbol of probable salvation and high morals, and fatness is a sign of wealth and well-being.
Today the opposite is true. We have shifted to thinness as our new mark of virtue. The result is that being fat (or even only somewhat overweight) is bad because it implies a lack of moral strength. Our obsession with thinness is also fueled by health concerns. It is true that in this country we have more overweight people than ever before, and that, in many cases, being over-weight correlates with an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease. These diseases, however, may have as much to do with our way of life and our high-fat diets as with excess weight.
The real concern, then, is not that we weigh too much, but that we neither exercise enough or eat well. It is actually hazardous if those who get (or already are) thin think they are automatically healthy and thus free from paying attention to their overall life-style. Thinness can be pure vainglory which cannot be a standard of beauty.
repellent [rI5pelEnt] 讨厌的，令人厌恶的 adj.形容词
salvation [sAl5veiFEn] 救助 n.名词
virtue [5vE:tju:] 美德，优点 n.名词
blood vessel 血管
hazardous [5hAzEdEs] 危险的 adj.形容词
vainglory [vein5^lC:ri] 自负，虚荣心 n.名词
free from: 摆脱；不受……影响的；免于困扰或损害的
45按摩－－一种可取的治疗方式
【中文提示】
★ 按摩是什么
★ 按摩的优点：不受限制；可以替代药物；安全；经济
★ 按摩是可取的
Massage is a kind of treatment that acts on the skin of the body technically by hands and fingers. It is more than a treatment, it can soothe as well as refresh people. Nowadays, an increasing number of people use it, especially those who work for long hours and are physically or mentally exhausted.
Massage is familiar and popular with people, for it has many advantages. Firstly, it is irrespective of people, time or place. It is easy to learn and convenient to practice. People can enjoy and do it anywhere and at any time, which is quite different from medical treatment. Secondly, sometimes, it is a good alternative to medicine. Medicine has some limitations as to the young and the pregnant, while massage has no such problems, and it can boost up their body constitution and function. Thirdly, since massage is favorable to blood circulation and muscle relaxation, it is safe for the excessively weak patients as well as overworked people. Lastly, it is economical.
For the above reasons, it is beneficial to use massage. Especially for those suffering from chronic diseases or tiresome work, massage would be an advisable treatment.
soothe [su:T] 安慰，使平静 v.动词
refresh [ri5freF] 使恢复精力 v.动词
exhausted [i^5zC:stid] 疲惫的 adj.形容词
irrespective of 不考虑，无关的
alternative [C:l5tE:nEtiv] 可供选择的方法 n.名词
limitation [7limi5teiFEn] 限制，局限性 n.名词
pregnant [5pre^nEnt] 怀孕的 adj.形容词
boost up 推进
body constitution 体质 n.名词
favorable [5feiErEbl] 有利的 adj.形容词
familiar with: 通晓的，谙熟的
different from: 不一样的，不同的
46我爱高跟鞋
【中文提示】
★ 穿高跟鞋是女性魅力的体现
★ 穿高跟鞋的好处：使草坪通风；抵御敌人
★ 穿高跟鞋对身体有害
High heels can enhance women's femininity as well as the sophistication of their total look. In a recent poll, 37 percent of the women surveyed said they would wear high heels, even though they did not think they are comfortable.
For the sake of fairness, it must be noted that there is a positive side to high heels. First, heels are excellent for aerating lawns. A simple trip around the lawn in a pair of high heels eliminates all need to call for a lawn care specialist, and provides the perfect-sized holes to
give any lawn oxygen without all those messy chunks of dirt lying around. Second, heels are quite functional for defense against oncoming enemies, who can easily be scared away by threatening them with a pair of these sharp, deadly fashion accessories. Regardless of such practical uses for heels, the fact remains that wearing high heels is harmful to one's physical health. The risk of getting hurt is three times higher for a high heel wearer than for a flat shoe wearer.
Most women admit high heels make their feet hurt, but they tolerate the discomfort in order to look taller, stylish, and more professional. How ever, the appropriate way is not to abuse high heels. If you are going to wear high heels, don't do so every day, and alter the heel heights on different days.
femininity [femi5niniti] 妇女特质，女人的天性 n.名词
aerate [5eiEreit] 吹风，通气 v.动词
eliminate [i5limineit] 消除，排除 v.动词
tolerate [5tClEreit] 忍受，容忍 v.动词
appropriate [E5prEupriit] 适当的 adj.形容词
scare away: 把……吓得不去做某事
regardless of: 不顾；不管
47公园互动活动
【中文提示】
★ 亲近动物，香港海洋公园举办了一些活动
★ 活动内容
★ 通过活动，人们懂得怎样与动物亲近
Allowing people to get closer to animals and spend time harmoniously with them seems to be the goal of many parks around the country. To achieve the goal, interactive events with animals started not long ago at Ocean Park Hong Kong and the park is to hold a series of similar activities around Golden Weeks like May Day holiday and National Day holiday.
These events can begin with a breakfast with the pandas. The park sets up tables around the pandas and visitors can eat their breakfasts just outside the rail fences while the pandas eat bamboo inside.
The most unique among the interactive events is the Deep-sea Dinner. The park provides Western-style food inside the oceanarium. While dining, people can learn how to communicate with the animals better from the park staff.
The Dolphin Encounter is a programme that visitors cannot miss. This programme allows tourists to get into the pool with live dolphins, touch them and talk with them--dolphins communicate through a hole in the top of their heads.
Undoubtedly, through these interactive events, people know the importance and skills to establish favourable communication with animals.
harmoniously 和谐地 adv.副词
interactive [7intEr5Aktiv] 互动的 adj.形容词
unique [ju:5ni:k] 独特的 adj.形容词
oceanarium [7EuFE5nZEriEm] 水族馆；海洋馆 n.名词
dolphin [5dClfin] 海豚 n.名词
a series of: 连续的同类事务；系列
set up: 设置；竖起
48电视破坏了人际交往吗？
【中文提示】
★ 作者认为此观点夸大其辞了
★ 不同的电视节目，不同的观众
★ 收看有教育意义的节目
★ 辨证地分析电视的作用
Some people believe that television has destroyed communication among friends and family. I think this is an exaggeration. Whether or not television hurts communication depends on what type of program is being viewed. More importantly, it depends on the type
of viewer.
On one hand, there are empty programs and educational programs. Empty programs do not challenge people. They have just enough storyline to keep them from switching channels. There are also passive and active viewers. A passive viewer will just watch television without thinking about what he or she is seeing. Therefore, the combination of an empty program and a passive viewer makes communication unlikely.
On the other hand, active viewers watching educational programming always want to share what they see with friends and family. \"Educational\" doesn't necessarily mean documentaries on BBC. They could be dramas with realistic relationships or action shows with clever plotlines. When active viewers watch programs, they have ideas and talk about them with others. Good programming inspires them to change their thinking and their lives.
Television may destroy communication among passive viewers. Those viewers probably don't want to communicate with friends and family much anyway. For active viewers who already enjoy communicating, television is actually helpful!
viewer [5vju:E] 观众 n.名词
storyline 故事情节 n.名词
plotline [`plCtlaIn] 电视情节，剧情 n.名词
whether or not: 是否
depend on: 相信；信赖；凭靠
49信息时代的信息科技
【中文提示】
★ 信息科技是什么
★ 信息科技产生的影响巨大
★ 信息科技的到来
What exactly is Information Technology (Info-tech)? 85% of people polled recently had no clue what it meant, although 53% of those polled said they thought it sounded very important.
Simply speaking, Information Technology is the \"marriage\" of products from several key industries: computers, telephones, television and satellites. It means using micro-electronics, telecommunication networks, and optical fibre to help produce, store, obtain and send information by way of words, numbers, pictures and sound more quickly and efficiently than ever before. The impact of info-tech is tremendous. It has already linked the skills of the space industry with those of cable television so many TV programs can be beamed directly into our homes from all over the world. Armies of \"steel collar\" workers--the robots, will soon be working in factories doing the boring, complex and unpleasant jobs which are at present still done by man, and they will enter average homes soon, controlling antitheft-system, air conditioning and doing the housework.
The information age is upon us. And much like other historical revolutions, our society will be forever altered because of it.
marriage [5mAridV] 结婚，密切结合，合并 n.名词
optical fibre 光学(玻璃)纤维
space industry 航天工业
robot [5rEubCt, 5rCbEt] 机器人 n.名词
by way of: 经由，作为，为了
50电子读物
【中文提示】
★ 什么是电子读物
★ 电子读物的优势：买家多；制作过程快；价格便宜；用途广
★ 电子读物是有价值的工具
An e-book (electronic book) is an electronic version of a traditional print book that can be read by using a personal computer. E-books are read from the screen of a computer, be it a PC or a laptop.
What are the advantages of an E-book over a traditional book? Firstly, an e-book is easier to target a wide market. The e-book may be sold on the Internet to anyone who has a credit card and an internet connection in any place in the world. Secondly, it is quicker to create. An e-book can be written and published in as little as 7 days. The third advantage is
its cheaper retail price. There is no paper, ink or any intermediary distributor, therefore the price is lower. Lastly, e-books are more versatile than traditional books. E-books could be used for a number of purposes. The most common method is for the sale of the e-book. However it could be used as a free gift to customers to entice them to buy a product from you.
E-books are a very valuable tool that could be used as a profit centre, as a publishing tool or as a marketing tool. They have many advantages over traditional book.
laptop [lap5top5] 便携式电脑 n.名词
retail price 零售价
intermediary [7intE5mi:diEri] 中间的，媒介的 adj.形容词
entice [in5tais] 诱惑，诱使 v.动词
be used as: 用；使用
advantage over: 有利条件；优势
51信息躁狂症
【中文提示】
★ 短信和电子邮件对IQ的影响
★ 什么是“信息躁狂症”
★ “信息躁狂症”的影响
★ 我们必须控制新科技
The regular use of text messages and e-mails can lower the IQ more than twice as much as smoking marijuana. That is the claim of psychologists who have found that tapping away on a mobile phone or computer keypad or checking them for electronic messages temporarily knocks up to 10 points off the user's IQ.
British researchers have labelled the fleeting phenomenon of enhanced stupidity as \"infomania\". Research on sleep deprivation suggests that the IQ drop caused by electronic obsession is also equivalent to a wakeful night. Infomania is mainly a problem for adult workers, especially men. The noticeable drop in IQ is attributed to the constant distraction of \"always on\" technology when employees should be concentrating on what they are paid to do. Infomania means that they lose concentration as their minds remain fixed in an almost permanent state of readiness to react to technology instead of focusing on the task in hand. The brain also finds it hard to cope with juggling lots of tasks at once, reducing its overall effectiveness.
While modern technology can have huge benefits, excessive use can be damaging not only to a person's mind, but to their social life. Therefore we have to learn to control technology rather than letting it control us.
marijuana [mArI5hwB:nE] 大麻 n.名词
keypad [5ki:pAd] 键盘 n.名词
temporarily [5tempErErili] 临时地 adv.副词
fleeting [fli:tiN] 短暂的 adj.形容词
obsession [Eb5seFEn] 着魔，困扰 n.名词
juggle [5dVQ^l] 同时做，同时保持运作 v.动词
excessive [ik5sesiv] 过度的；极端的 adj.形容词
knock up: 赶走；仓促做成
drop in: 顺便拜访；造访
52电脑病毒让人头痛
【中文提示】
★ 电脑是帮手，病毒是麻烦
★ 病毒的危害
★ 电脑科技和网络越来越成熟可靠
★ 没有病毒就没有电脑今天的成就
With the development of science and technology, the computer has come to be an essential assistance in our life. It benefits us a lot, but it also creates some serious problems as well, such as computer viruses, which are really troublesome.
Computer viruses make the computer network so vulnerable that once the system is disrupted or infected by viruses, some valuable information in a personal file and public services systems as well will be lost. Take the classes for example. If it has been infected
with viruses, our teacher's server won't work normally so it becomes a constant headache to us students as well as the teachers.
But on the other hand, the attack of a virus forces us to come up with ways to cope with it. Step by step, the security of our computer technology or network will become more mature and dependable.
In a word, computer viruses are troublesome. But without it, computer technology may not have become as wonderful as it is! What we should do is to take this headache as a natural part of our daily life and try to solve it.
troublesome [5trQblsEm] 令人厌烦的 adj.形容词
vulnerable [5vQlnErEb(E)l] 脆弱的 adj.形容词
disrupt [dis5rQpt] 使……中断；使……陷入混乱 v.动词
infect [in5fekt] 感染 v.动词
come up with: 想出；提出
step by step: 逐渐的；一步一步地
53 初夏
【中文提示】
★ 迎接盛夏的来临
★ 初夏美丽的景色
★ 天气的变化，生活也随着改变
After the warm spring the hot summer follows closely and people are getting ready to welcome its coming. The weather of early summer is not very hot, but the grass and the trees are flourishing. Many flowers are in their full blossom in the gardens or on the hillside. The good earth is covered with green plants and bright sunshine.
In the morning or in the evening, the blue sky is decorated with white clouds. They are drifting slowly in the air like pieces of white blankets. They are as soft as fleece and as white as snow. They can change into various forms. The poets, the painters and every one of us can imagine what they are like.
The weather urges everyone to change into light clothes, while students begin to put on their white uniforms. The girls and young ladies wear their elegant and smart dresses which make them look more attractive and charming. The air is bright and cheerful.
The sandy beaches on the seaside are full of people who have been waiting long for the season of swimming. Ice cream and cold drinks are served in the cafes and restaurants. Indeed the early summer is not only the shift of climate but also a change of our living. We are glad to have this delightful time of the year.
flourish [5flQriF] 繁荣，茂盛，兴旺 v.动词
fleece [fli:s] 羊毛 n.名词
urge [E:dV] 催促 v.动词
put on: 穿上；戴上
change into: 兑换
53 倾听，理解和关注
【中文提示】
★ 导致校园暴力的原因
★ 暴力行为不被理解
★ 中国的家长缺乏与小孩沟通
A cornered girl student kicked by another was seen in footage released by Shenzhen News Net. It's not an image from a movie, just another sad case of school violence in China. What causes such behaviour?
Among the young, without our intervention and understanding, outbursts can occur. Child psychologists agree that the key to preventing such actions are listening and communicating. But are we doing a good job, especially in China? It appears not.
The tradition of parents not communicating with their children has existed for a long time in China. As a result, Chinese kids learn early to keep a distance from their parents, while many parents actually ignore the communication problem. I watched a mother and her son about 7 or 8 at a pizza restaurant a few weeks ago. While he was alone enjoying his pizza, he obviously craved attention. But during the hour he ate at the same table with his mother, not one word was uttered between the two.
It's time for us to realize why this happens and do something about it. It's time for us to stop to listen to him or her about what they're thinking. Listen, understand and care.
footage [5futidV] 电影胶片 n.名词
outburst [5autbE:st] （感情等）爆发 n.名词
psychologist [psaI`kClEdVIst] 心理学家 n.名词
pizza [5pi:tsE] 比萨饼 n.名词
crave [kreiv] 恳求，渴望 v.动词
utter [5QtE] 说 v.动词
keep ... from: 不把……告诉（某人）；防止（某人）听到（某事）
54 爱是一盏灯
【中文提示】
★ 爱是最高尚的
★ 爱的重要性
★ 帮助有困难的人
Among all the feelings of mankind, love is probably the noblest. It is of great importance to people. We are entitled to get love from others when we are in need, and
similarly, we are expected to offer love to those with difficulties. Love is a lamp, which is brighter in the dark. People in darker places or with difficulties need more light or love than ordinary people. Maybe a dim light can give them great hope for life and progress. And just a thread of light will call forth their courage to step out of their difficulty.
A case in point is that when someone is starving to death, a small amount of food and water from you will be enough to save his life. Or, when a little girl in a poor rural area drops out of school because of poverty, a small sum of money from you may help her though her schooling and thus change her life. In both situations, you have given people love which is like a lamp in a dark place.
Consequently, we should offer our help to those in need. So when you see someone in need of help, don't hesitate to lend him or her your loving and helping hand. And then, I believe, people will live in harmony and our society will be full of love and sunshine.
noble [nEubl] 高尚的；崇高的 adj.形容词
be entitled to 有资格的
lamp [lAmp] 灯 n.名词
dim [dim] 昏的 adj.形容词
thread [Wred] 线 n.名词
call forth 唤起
poverty [5pCvEti] 贫穷 n.名词
hesitate [5heziteit] 犹豫 v.动词
harmony [5hB:mEni] 和谐 n.名词
be entitled to: 给予……的资格；使……有权(做某事)
drop out of: 不参加；退出
55 成功的秘诀
【中文提示】
★ 成功的秘诀：勤奋，智慧和机遇
★ 勤奋是最重要的
★ 三个因素缺一不可
If you want to be a successful person, you should keep in mind these three principles: diligence, intelligence and chance. They are the keys to success.
However, diligence is the most important of the three. If we are more diligent, we will become more intelligent and get more chances. There is an old saying: The early bird gets the worm. According to Einstein, the greatest physicist of the 20th century, genius lies in diligence. Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration. So we can say, a successful man is always a diligent man.
But, we should not ignore the other two keys. Why don't all diligent people become
successful? This is because they didn't have adequate intelligence, or they didn't make full use of their intelligence, or perhaps they didn't get the proper chances.
In a word, these three factors are indispensable to one's success. If someone wants to obtain success, first he should be diligent, then make the best use of his intelligence, and the third, grasp every chance to reach his destination.
keep in mind 记住
worm [wE:m] 虫 n.名词
genius [5dVi:njEs] 天才 n.名词
diligence [5dilidVEns] 勤奋 n.名词
perspiration [7pE:spE5reiFEn] 汗水 n.名词
make full use of 充分利用
indispensable to 不可缺少的
grasp [^rB:sp] 抓住，抓紧 v.动词
destination [7desti5neiFEn] 目的地，终点 n.名词
make use of: 利用；使用
indispensable to: 必需的，必不可少的
56彼岸无尽头，知足才常乐
【中文提示】
★ 不满足已经达到的目标
★ 知足者常乐
★ 珍惜现在拥有的
Many people believe that they will be happy once they arrive at some specific goal they set for themselves. However, more often than not, once you arrive \"there\dissatisfied, and move your \"there\" vision to yet another point in the future.
By always chasing after another \"there\you are never really appreciating what you already have right \"here\". It is important for human beings to keep sober-minded about the age old drive to look beyond the place where you now stand. On one hand, your life is enhanced by your dreams and aspirations. On the other hand, these drives can pull your farther and farther from your enjoyment of your present life.
Therefore, be thankful and appreciative of what you have and where you are on the path right now. As you focus on the present moment, you can experience the full wonder of \"here\".
dissatisfied 不满意的 adj.形容词
chase after 追赶，追逐
sober-minded 头脑冷静的；镇定的 adj.形容词
enhance [in5hB:ns] 加强 v.动词
arrive at: 达成；作出
57命运
【中文提示】
★ 不同的人对命运的不同看法
★ 作者观点，赞成命运由自己掌握
★ 每个人都是命运的建筑师
Different people have different views on fate. Some people think that fate is predestined and nobody can change it, while others argue that everybody is the master of his fate and he can change it with his own hands.
As far as I am concerned, I agree with the latter opinion. For one thing, I firmly believe all men are born equal and nobody is destined to always succeed or fail in his life. For another, if a person is diligent and determined, he will realize his dream no matter how poor, humble or unlucky he may be. Just think of Alfred Nobel, who invented dynamite after countless experiments during which he lost his brother and got seriously injured himself.
Taking all these factors into consideration, we may safely come to the conclusion that there is no such thing as fate in our life. Only if we hold on to our dream can we turn it into
reality, just as the saying goes, \"Everybody is the architect of his own fortune.\"
predestined 命定的，宿命的 adj.形容词
as far as ... concerned 就……而言
for one thing ... for another 一方面，另一方面
diligent [5dilidVEnt] 勤勉的，用功的 adj.形容词
humble [5hQmbl] 谦逊的 adj.形容词
take ... into consideration 考虑到……
come to the conclusion that 得出……的结论
turn ... into reality 把……变为现实
architect [5B:kitekt] 建筑师 n.名词
fail in: 失败
turn into: 使（转变）
58 成功的定义
【中文提示】
★ 作者观点，生活得有意义也是成功
★ 不同的人对成功的含义理解不同
★ 衡量的标准应该是朝既定的目标努力
Most people dream of being a success in life. Many equate success with financial success and believe that only those who earn a lot of money can be considered successful. In my opinion, it is definitely possible to be successful without earning a lot of money as long as one lives a meaningful life.
Some people find meaning in life simply by doing something they enjoy. Others find meaning by making a contribution to the society. They may set a world record, cure a disease, create a beautiful work of art, or bring more convenience to everyday life. Still others find satisfaction in educating others, helping the poor, or raising a family. No matter how wealthy a man is, he is unlikely to feel his life meaningful if he is unhealthy, alone, or simply bored.
To sum up, there are many ways to measure a person's success, and material wealth is just one of them. However we measure our own success, we must set our own goals and then strive to reach them. Only in this way can we truly consider ourselves successful.
equate [i5kweit] 等同 v.动词
contribution [7kCntri5bju:FEn] 捐献，贡献 n.名词
strive to 努力
59情书的艺术
【中文提示】
★ 写情书的技巧
★ 表达真实的感受
★ 情书应该是什么样的
One of the best ways to convey exactly how you feel about someone is through written words. Finding the perfect way to say what you mean--\"when it comes to love\"--can be a challenging task for anyone. Here are some tips on how to compose a romantic love letter.
Spill your heart onto a piece of paper. Whether through a one-line sentiment, a poem, or some prose--let them know how you feel! Make it personal. So if you're going to say it--mean it! Express your gratitude for the person being in your life. Include any special nicknames that the two of you share. Be specific, such as what are the things that he/she does to make you starry-eyed? Include memories of specific times you spent together. Let him/her know what they meant to you and why. Hand-written letters are preferable. But if you're thinking about e-mail, then do something creative like designing a personalized \"home page\" love letter.
A love letter is supposed to be romantic, passionate and touching. When your lover reads your letter, he/she should be able to feel your emotions, know your deepest desires, and feel like they are the luckiest man or woman in the world.
convey [kEn5vei] 传达 v.动词
compose [kEm5pEuz] 写作 v.动词
sentiment [5sentimEnt] 情感，情绪 n.名词
nickname [5nIkneIm] 别名，绰号 n.名词
specific [spi5sifik] 详细的；精确的 adj.形容词
mean to: 本意是；原意为
60 毅力
【中文提示】
★ 毅力的重要性
★ 什么是毅力
★ 毅力能促成成功的原因
★ 毅力是走向成功的重要因素
Of all the advantageous characteristics to have, I think that perseverance plays the greatest role in one's success. Other characteristics, such as intelligence, confidence, and honesty, are no doubt important, but they do not necessarily guarantee success. Perseverance offers no guarantees either, but I believe that this trait offers one more opportunity to succeed.
Life's journey, frequently directed along uneven paths, is one in which one faces many unfavorable situations. Yet the wayfarer has to continue his journey whatever the odds. This is called perseverance. One who possesses this quality reaches the destination of success in this world. The greater the perseverance is, the greater the success you will achieve.
There are several reasons why perseverance often leads to success. First of all, the man who has perseverance does not give up after a failure. He tries again and can, therefore, learn from his mistakes. Second, a persistent person is usually a hard worker, and hard work is an important ingredient in success. Last, with perseverance comes a certain amount of confidence--the confidence that one will eventually succeed.
Perseverance is a great element of success. It is easily combined with other traits such as diligence and confidence to increase the chances of success. However, without perseverance, one's success may be more dependent on luck than anything else.
characteristics 特性，特征 n.名词
guarantee [7^ArEn5ti:] 保证，担保 v.动词
element [5elimEnt] 要素 n.名词
trait [treit] 特点 n.名词
give up: 放弃；抛弃；中止
dependent on: 依赖的，依靠的，受抚养的
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