21世纪大学英语读写教程第三册第5单元课文详析1 1.Asyoulistentothepassage,writedowntheidiomsandexpressionsthatmatcheachde下面是小编为大家整理的202321世纪大学英语读写教程第三册第5单元课文详析60篇（2023年）,供大家参考。
1. As you listen to the passage, write down the idioms and expressions that match each definition below. Warning: One of the definitions fits two expressions that you"ll hear.
______ a) a child who learns to survive by observing life on city streets
______ b) competitive strategies used in business
______ c) 100% American
______ d) unhealthy food
______ e) a popular American dessert
______ f) an activity, decision, problem, etc., that concerns only family members
2. How would you answer Li"s last question?
Michael Dobbs
America can be a strange experience for a foreigner. My wife and I arrived in the United States in January after seven years overseas — four in France, three in Poland. From the jumble of first impressions, we compiled an A-to-Z explanation of why America can be such a foreign country to those who arrive here from Europe.
I should explain at the outset that I am from Britain, but my Florida-born wife Lisa is as American as apple pie. In our list, however, A doesn"t stand for apple pie. It stands for:
Ambition. In the Old World, people are taught to hide it. Here it"s quite proper to announce that you"re after the boss"s job or want to make a million dollars by the age of 30.
Breakfast. The American habit of conducting business at breakfast has reached Europe, but I doubt it will ever really catch on. In France and Britain, breakfast is a family affair. Here, it"s become part of the power game.
Credit Cards. You really can"t leave home without them. It"s interesting, and somewhat frustrating, to discover that bad credit is better than no credit at all: I was refused a VISA card on the grounds that I didn"t have a credit profile.
Dreams. The American Dream is still very much alive. Dreaming great dreams is what keeps American society going — from the waitress who wants to become a car dealer to the street kid who wants to become a basketball star. Europeans dream dreams too, but don"t seem to believe in them so much.
Exercise. A couple of years ago I came to Washington with some French journalists. As our bus passed a health club on the way to the hotel, the French visitors cheered at the sight of body-conscious Americans bending, stretching and leaping around. America"s obsession with physical fitness really amuses — and puzzles — Europeans.
First names. In Europe, people progress in a natural and orderly way from the use of last names to the use of first names. Here, it"s first names at first sight. This can cause confusion for Europeans. With everyone on a first-name basis, how can you tell your acquaintances from your friends?
Gadgets. These can be addictive. It"s difficult to imagine now how we survived for so long without automatic ice machines and microwave ovens.
Hardware Stores. If I were in charge of arranging the programs of visiting delegations from lessdeveloped countries, I"d include a compulsory visit to a hardware store. These temples of American capitalism reveal a whole range of American values, from the do-it-yourself pioneer spirit through a love of comfort that absolutely astonishes most foreigners.
Insurance. Americans have policies to cover every possible risk, no matter how remote. So far, we"ve refused supplementary insurance for our car radio, death insurance for our mortgage and accident insurance for our cat. It gives us a feeling of living dangerously.
Junk food. Anyone who wants to understand why Americans suffer from higher rates of cancer and heart disease only has to look at what they eat.
Ketchup. I had to come to America to discover that it can be eaten with anything — from French fries to French cheese.
Lines. American lines — beginning with the yellow line at immigration control — are the most orderly in the world. The British queue, once internationally renowned, has begun to decay in recent years. The French queue was never very impressive, and the Italian line is sim* a mob.
Money. In Europe, everybody likes money, but no one shows it off. Unless it"s been in the family for several generations, there"s often an assumption that it was acquired dishonestly. In America, no one cares how you got it.
No smoking. No longer just a polite request in America, this phrase has become the law. Nobody would dare ask a Frenchman to put out his Galoise in a restaurant.
Oliver North. What other major Western democracy lets army officers take over foreign policy? A hero for some, a traitor for others, Ollie (see First Names) is an example of an American recklessness that awes and alarms Europeans.
Patriots. They exist everywhere, of course, but the American version is louder and more self-conscious than the European. In Britain, it"s taken for granted that politicians love their country. Here, they"re expected to prove it.
Quiet. American cities are quieter than European cities — thanks to noise controls on automobiles and to recent environmental legislation. This was a major surprise for someone brought up to assume that America was a noisy place.
Religion. The idea of putting preachers on TV is alarming to Europeans. It"s even more alarming to see them in action.
Sales. Ever since arriving in Washington, we"ve been hurrying to take advantage of this week"s unrepeatable offer, only to discover that it"s usually repeated next week. We"re just catching on that there"s always an excuse for a sale.
Television. That grown-ups can watch game shows and sitcoms at 11 AM amazes me — but the national habit, day or night, is contagious. I recently found myself nodding in agreement with a professor who was saying that American kids watch too much television. Then I realized that I was watching him say this on television.
Ulcers. See Work.
Visas. Americans don"t need visas to visit Britain (or most European countries, for that matter). To enter the United States, I had to sign a document promising that I would not overthrow the government by force and had no criminal record. One wonders if many terrorists and criminals answer "yes" on these questionnaires.
Work. People in less developed countries often imagine that they can become rich sim* by emigrating to America. But America became a wealthy society through work, work and more work. It"s still true.
X-rated movies. We have them in Europe too, but not on motel-room TVs.
Yuppies. The European counterpart remains a pale shadow of the all-American original. The animal seems more ambitious, and more common, on this side of the Atlantic.
Zillion. What other nation would invent a number that"s infinitely more than a billion? America may not always be the best, but it certainly thinks big.
jumble
n. a confused or untidy group of things 杂乱的一堆
* compile
vt. produce by putting together many pieces (e.g., of information) 汇编;编制
outset
n. beginning 开始;起始
ambition
n. strong desire for success, power, money, etc. 对(成功、权力、金钱等的)强烈欲望，野心;雄心
profile
n. 1. a short article or programme which describes a person"s life and character 传略，人物简介
2. a side view, esp. of sb."s head; a shape of sth. seen against a background 侧面，侧影;轮廓
vt. 1. 写…的传略
2. 给…画侧面像;描…的轮廓
* dealer
n. a person whose business involves buying and selling 商人;证券经纪人
journalist
n. a person who works on a newspaper or magazine and writes articles for it 新闻记者;报纸撰稿人
journal
n. 1. a magazine for people with a particular interest 杂志，期刊
2. an account which one writes of one"s daily activities 日志;日记
leap (leapt or leaped)
vi. jump high in the air or jump a long distance 跳跃
n. a sudden jump or movement; a sudden increase in number, amount, etc. 跳跃;激增
* obsession
n. a fixed idea from which the mind cannot be freed 着迷;困扰
physical fitness
healthy body conditions 身体健康
amuse
vt. make (sb.) laugh; cause to spend time in a pleasant way 逗乐;给…提供娱乐或消遣
amusing
a. (of sth.) that makes people laugh 有趣的;逗笑的
orderly
a. well arranged or organized 有条理的;整齐的
confusion
n. 1. the state of being mixed up, more difficult to understand 辨别不清;混淆
2. disorder 骚乱;混乱
confuse
vt. make more difficult to understand; cause to be mistaken; mix up 使模糊不清;混淆;使混乱
acquaintance
n. 1. a person you know, but who is not a close friend 相识的人;熟人
2. knowledge of or familiarity with sb./sth. 了解;认识
gadget
n. (infml) a small machine or device 小巧的机械;精巧的装置
addictive
a. (使人)入迷的;(使人)上瘾的
microwave
n. 微波;微波炉
oven
n. 烤炉，烤箱
microwave oven
n. 微波炉
delegation
n. 代表团
delegate
n. 代表;会议代表
vt. 1. appoint as one"s representative 委派…为代表
2. entrust (duties, rights, etc. to sb.) 授权;把…委托给(某人)
* capitalism
n. 资本主义(制度)
do-it-yourself
n. & a. (the activity of) making or repairing things oneself 自己动手(的)，自行维修(的)
* supplementary
a. additional 补充的，增补的
* mortgage
n. 抵押;抵押贷款
vt. use (one"s land or house) as a guarantee to the lending institution in order to borrow money from it 抵押
ketchup
n. (= catchup) 调味番茄酱
fry
n. (see French fry)
v. cook (food) in hot fat or oil 油煎，油炸
French fries
(美)法式炸薯条
immigration
n. the coming of people into a country in order to work or settle there 移居;移民
queue
n. a line of people waiting (for a bus, to be served, to enter a place, etc.) (排队等候的)一队人
vi. form or join a line 排队(等候)
* renowned
a. famous; well-known 有名的;享有声誉的
impressive
a. 给人以深刻印象的;感人的`
* mob
n. (often derog.) a large, disorganized and often violent crowd of people [贬]人群;乌合之众
assumption
n. 1. sth. that is taken as true without proof 假定;臆断
2. the taking (of power or responsibility) 夺取;篡夺
democracy
n. a country or a system of government in which the people choose their government or make important decisions by voting 民主;民主国家;民主政治
traitor
n. a person who is disloyal, esp. to his country 卖*，叛徒
recklessness
n. 不顾后果，鲁莽
* reckless
a. (of a person or one"s behaviour) not caring about danger or the result of one"s actions 不顾后果的，鲁莽的
* patriot
n. a person who shows love for and loyalty to his or her country *
patriotic
a. having or expressing the quality of a patriot 爱国的;有爱国心的
legislation
n. l. laws 法律，法规
2. the act of making laws 立法，法律的制定
preacher
n. 传道士，牧师
* preach
v. 1. make known (a particular religion) by speaking in public 布道
2. advise or urge others to accept (a thing or course of behaviour) 竭力劝说;说教
grown-up
n. 成年人
sitcom
n. (infml) situation comedy 情景喜剧
contagious
a. 1. (of a feeling or attitude) spreading quickly from person to person (情绪等)感染性的
2. (of a disease) that can spread from person to person (疾病)传染的
ulcer
n. 溃疡
* visa
n. 签证
document
n. a paper that gives information, proof or support of sth. 文件
vt. 1. 为…提供文件(或证据等)
2. (在影片、小说中)纪实性地描述
* overthrow
vt. defeat; remove from official power 推翻;打倒
criminal
a. of or related to crime 犯罪的;犯法的
n. a person who is guilty of a crime 罪犯
* questionnaire
n. a written list of questions to be answered by a number of people in order to get information for a survey, etc. 调查表，问题单
* emigrate
vi. leave one"s own country to live in another one 移居国外
X-rated
a. (电影等)X级的，禁止(十六岁以下)儿童观看的
* motel
n. hotel specially built for people traveling by car 汽车旅馆
yuppie
n. 雅皮士(Young Urban Professional的缩写，即城市职业阶层中的年轻人士)
* ambitious
a. having a strong desire for success, power, riches, etc. 有野心的，有抱负的
zillion
n. (sl.) 无限大的数目，无法计算的大数目
the ABCs
the most basic facts about a subject (学科等的)基本知识;入门
at the outset
at the beginning 首先，一开始
stand for
represent; mean 代表;意味着
be after sth.
in search of sth.; with a desire for sth. 追求
catch on
1. become popular 流行起来
2. understand 懂得，理解
on (the) ground(s) that
because 根据，以…为理由
at the sight of
as soon as seeing (sth. or sb.) 一见之下;立即
leap around
jump about 跳来跳去
at first sight
when seen or examined for the first time 乍一看，一见之下
be on a first-name basis [with sb.]
call (sb.) by his or her first name (因关系亲密而)相互直呼其名
tell A from B
distinguish A from B 辨别，分辨
be in charge of sth.
be responsible for 管理，负责
so far
up to the present 迄今为止
put out
cause (sth.) to stop burning 熄灭
bring up
nurture and educate (a child) 养育;教育
take advantage of
make use of; profit from 利用
in agreement with
赞同，同意
by force
by fierce or violent means 用武力或强迫手段
think big
have ambitious ideas 野心勃勃，好高骛远
——21世纪大学英语读写教程第4册单元2课文详析60篇
First Listening
Before listening to the tape, have a quick look at the following words.
fare
乘客
buck
(俚)(一)元
trace
找到
glare
盯视
gratitude
感激
gracefully
得体地
Second Listening
Listen to the tape again and choose the best answer to each of the following questions.
1. How did the man who had lost his wallet react to it being returned?
A) He acted hostile towards the cabdriver.
B) He took it without a word, but smiled his thanks.
C) He gave the driver some money, but no thanks.
D) He thanked the driver, but gave him no reward.
2. What does the story of the cabdriver show?
A) Cabdrivers are usually honest people.
B) People need to be shown gratitude.
C) You should always give a tip for good service.
D) It"s not worthwhile to help other people.
3. Which of the following is NOT an example of expressing gratitude?
A) returning a wallet someone has left behind
B) gracefully receiving an act of kindness from another person
C) thanking and praising coworkers, family, and friends
D) making a small gesture of appreciation
4. Why does the author consider gratitude so important?
A) It keeps people from getting angry.
B) It helps you to get what you want.
C) It makes others like you more.
D) It makes the world a more pleasant place to live.
A.J. Cronin
On a fine afternoon in New York, I got into a taxi. From the driver"s expression and the way he slammed in his gears, I could tell that he was upset. I asked him what was the trouble. "I"ve got good reason to be sore," he growled. "One of my fares left a wallet in my cab this morning. Nearly three hundred bucks in it. I spent more than an hour trying to trace the guy. Finally I found him at his hotel. He took the wallet without a word and glared at me as though I"d meant to steal it."
"He didn"t give you a reward?" I exclaimed.
"Not a cent. But it wasn"t the dough I wanted..." he fumbled, then exploded, "If the guy had only said something..."
Because his helpful, honest act had not been appreciated, that cabdriver"s day was poisoned, and I knew he would think twice before rendering a similar service. The need for gratitude is something we all feel, and denial of it can do much to harm the spirit of kindness and cooperation.
During World War II a mother in Cincinnati received a letter from her son in the army in which he spoke of a woman in a village in Normandy who had taken him into her home when he was wounded and hungry, and hidden him from the Germans. Later on, unhappily, the boy was killed in the Ardennes offensive. Yet the mother was moved by an irresistible intention. She saved up for two years, crossed the Atlantic and located the village referred to by her son. After many inquiries, she found the woman who had sheltered her son—the wife of an impoverished farmer—and pressed a package into her hand. It was the gold wristwatch her son had received on his graduation, the only object of real value the boy had ever possessed. The mother"s act of gratitude so touched people"s hearts that it has become something of a legend in and around the village. It has done more than fine speeches to foster good feeling toward Americans.
Gratitude is the art of receiving gracefully, of showing appreciation for every kindness, great and small. Most of us do not fail to show our pleasure when we receive hospitality, gifts and obvious benefits, but even here we can perfect our manner of showing gratitude by making it as personal and sincere as possible. Recently, when touring in southern Italy with my wife, I sent to a friend in Connecticut several bottles of a local wine which had taken our fancy. It was a trifling gift, yet to our surprise, instead of the conventional letter of thanks, we receive a phonograph record. When we played it, we heard our friend"s voice speaking after dinner, describing how he and his guests had enjoyed the wine and thanking us for our thoughtfulness. It was pleasant to have this unusual proof that our gift had been appreciated.
Gratitude is sometimes more than a personal affair. My son, studying medicine at McGill University, told me of a patient brought into hospital in Montreal whose life was saved by a blood transfusion. When he was well again he asked: "Isn"t there any way I can discover the name of the donor and thank him?" He was told that names of donors are never revealed. A few weeks after his discharge he came back to give a pint of his own blood. Since then he has returned again and again for the same purpose. When a surgeon commented on this splendid record of anonymous service, he answered sim*: "Someone I never knew did it for me. I"m just saying "thanks"".
It is a comforting thought that gratitude can be not merely a passing sentiment but a renewal which can, in some instances, persist for a lifetime. A husband who recalls appreciatively some generous or unselfish act on his wife"s part, or a wife who never forgets the gifts her husband has given her, does much to keep the domestic wheels spinning smoothly. W.H. Hudson, British author and naturalist, has written: "One evening I brought home a friend to share our usual evening meal. Afterward he said to me:‘You are fortunate to have a wife who, despite ill health and children to look after, cooks such excellent meals." That tribute opened my eyes and taught me to show gratitude for my wife"s day-to-day heroism, which I had hitherto taken for granted."
It is, above all, in the little things that the grace of gratitude should be most employed. The boy who delivers our paper, the milkman, the mailman, the barber, the waitress at a restaurant, the elevator operator—all oblige us in one way or another. By showing our gratitude we make routine relationships human and render monotonous tasks more agreeable.
A patient of mine in London who worked as a bus conductor once confided to me, "I get fed up with my job sometimes. People grumble, bother you, haven"t got the right change for their tickets. But there"s one lady on my bus morning and evening, and she always thanks me in a particularly friendly way when I take her ticket. I like to think she"s speaking for all the passengers. It helps me to keep smiling."
Arnold Bennett had a publisher who boasted about the extraordinary efficiency of his secretary. One day Bennett said to her, "Your employer claims that you are extremely efficient. What is your secret?" "It"s not my secret," the secretary replied. "It"s his." Each time she performed a service, no matter how small, he never failed to acknowledge it. Because of that she took infinite pains with her work.
Some persons refrain from expressing their gratitude because they feel it will not be welcome. A patient of mine, a few weeks after his discharge from the hospital, came back to thank his nurse. "I didn"t come back sooner," he explained, "because I imagined you must be bored to death with people thanking you."
"On the contrary," she replied, "I am delighted you came. Few realize how much we need encouragement and how much we are helped by those who give it."
Gratitude is something of which none of us can give too much. For on the smiles, the thanks we give, our little gestures of appreciation, our neighbors build up their philosophy of life.
gratitude
n. being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness 感激;感谢的心情
slam
vt. shut loudly and with force; push, move, etc., hurriedly and with great force 猛然关上;猛力推移
sore
a. painful or aching; angry, esp. from feeling unjustly treated 疼痛的;恼怒的"
growl
v. make a deep, angry sound; complain angrily 咆哮;怒冲冲地抱怨
fare
n. a paying passenger (esp. in a taxi) (尤指出租车)乘客
trace
vt. find or discover 查出，找到
glare
vi. look fiercely or fixedly 瞪着眼看
dough
n. (sl.) money (俚语)钱
fumble
v. speak in a clumsy and unclear way支支吾吾地说，笨嘴拙舌地说
render
vt. 1. give (esp. help) 给予;提供(帮助等)
2. cause to be 使得;使成为
denial
n. the act of denying 否认;否定;拒绝
offensive
n. a planned military attack involving large forces over a long period 军事进攻;攻势
intention
n. sth. one proposes or plans to do 意图;目的;打算
inquiry
n. the act of inquiring; an investigation or examination 查询;调查
wristwatch
n. a small watch worn on a strap around the wrist 手表
foster
vt. help the growth and development of; encourage or promote 培养，促进;鼓励，助长
gracefully
ad. in a graceful way 优雅地;优美地;得体地
appreciation
n. gratefulness; gratitude 感激;感谢
hospitality
n. friendly reception; generous treatment of guests or strangers 款待;好客
sincere
a. free from pretense or deceit; genuine 真诚的;真挚的
trifling
a. of slight importance; of little value 微不足道的;没什么价值的
conventional
a. of the usual type; commonly used or seen 惯常的;通常的
phonograph
n. an instrument that reproduces the sounds from records 留声机;电唱机
thoughtfulness
n. the quality of being careful or considerate of others 关心;体贴
proof
n. 1. (piece of) evidence that shows that something is true or is a fact 证据; 证物
2. testing of whether something is true or a fact; demonstration or proving 验证;证明;证实
transfusion
n. the transfer of blood from one person or animal to another 输血
discharge
n. act of giving somebody permission to leave the army, hospital, etc. 允许离开;退伍;出院
pint
n. a measure for liquids (and some dry goods) equal to about 0.57 of a litre 品脱
surgeon
n. a doctor who performs operations 外科医生
sentiment
n. a mixture of thought and feeling 感情;情绪
renewal
n. the act of renewing or fact of being renewed 更新;恢复;重新开始;(中断后的)继续
appreciatively
ad. gratefully; thankfully 感激地
generous
a. showing readiness to give money, help, kindness, etc. 慷慨的，大方的
unselfish
a. not selfish; caring for others 无私的;为他人着想的
naturalist
n. a person who studies plants or animals, esp. outdoors 博物学家
tribute
n. a thing said or done or given as a mark of respect or affection, etc. 表示尊敬或赞美的言辞或举止;称赞;礼物
hitherto
ad. until this/that time 迄今;至今
barber
n. a person whose work is cutting men"s hair and shaving them 理发师
elevator
n. a moving platform or cage to carry people and things; up and down in a building, mine, or the like 电梯
elevate
vt. lift up; raise to a higher place or rank; improve (the mind, morals, etc.) 举起，提高;提升…的职位;提高(思想修养、道德品质等)
operator
n. a person who works a machine, apparatus, etc. 操作人员
monotonous
a. lacking in variety; boring through sameness 单调的;乏味的
agreeable
a. giving pleasure, pleasant 愉悦的;愉快的
confide
vt. tell (a secret) to sb. 吐露(秘密)
boast
vi. talk too proudly 吹牛，自夸
employer
n. a person or firm that employs others 雇主
think twice
think carefully; reconsider; hesitate 仔细考虑;重新考虑;踌躇，犹豫
save up
put aside (money) for future use 储蓄;存(钱)
refer to
mention 提及
something of a
rather a; to some degree 有点儿;有几分;可以说是一个
take /catch sb."s fancy
attract or please sb. 吸引住某人;令某人喜欢
on sb."s part/on the part of sb.
made or done by sb. 某人所做的;某人有责任的
in one way or another
by some means or method 以某种方式(或方法)
be /get fed up with /about
be(come) tired or bored; be(come) unhappy or depressed 厌倦;厌烦;沮丧
boast about /of
talk too proudly about /of 自吹;夸耀
take pains with
make an effort to do 努力;下功夫
refrain from
hold oneself back from; avoid 克制;避免
——21世纪大学英语读写教程第三册第1单元课文讲解60篇
A common misconception among youngsters attending school is that their teachers were child prodigies. Who else but a bookworm, with none of the normal kid"s tendency to play rather than study, would grow up to be a teacher anyway?
I"ve tried desperately to explain to my students that the image they have of me as an enthusiastic devotee of books and homework during my adolescence was a bit out of focus. On the contrary, I hated compulsory education with a passion. I could never quite accept the notion of having to go to school while the fish were biting.
But in my sophomore year, something beautiful and exciting happened. Cupid aimed his arrow and struck me right in the heart. All at once, I enjoyed going to school, if only to gaze at the lovely face in English II.
My princess sat near the pencil sharpener, and that year I ground up enough pencils to fuel a campfire. Alas, Debbie was far beyond my wildest dreams. We were separated not only by five rows of desks, but by about 50 I.Q. points. She was the top student in English II, the apple of Mrs. Larrivee"s eye.
Occasionally, Debbie would catch me staring at her, and she would flash a smile that radiated intelligence and quickened my heartbeat. It was a smile that signaled hope and made me temporarily forget the intellectual gulf that separated us.
I schemed desperately to bridge that gulf. And one day, as I was passing the supermarket, an idea came to me. A sign in the window announced that the store was offering the first volume of a set of encyclopedias at the special price of 29 cents. The remaining volumes would cost $2.49 each.
I purchased Volume I — Aardvark to Asteroid — and began my venture into the world of knowledge. I would henceforth become a seeker of facts. I would become Chief Brain in English II and sweep my princess off her feet with a surge of erudition. I had it all planned.
My first opportunity came one day in the cafeteria line. I looked behind me and there she was.
"Hi," she said.
After a pause, I wet my lips and said, "Know where anchovies come from?"
She seemed surprised. "No, I don"t."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "The anchovy lives in salt water and is rarely found in fresh water." I had to talk fast, so that I could get all the facts in before we reached the cash register. "Fishermen catch anchovies in the Mediterranean Sea and along the Atlantic coast near Spain and Portugal."
"How fascinating," said Debbie, shaking her head in disbelief. It was obvious that I had made quite an impression.
A few days later, during a fire drill, I casually went up to her and asked, "Ever been to the Aleutian Islands?"
"Never have," she replied.
"Might be a nice place to visit, but I certainly wouldn"t want to live there," I said.
"Why not?" said Debbie, playing right into my hands.
"Well, the climate is forbidding. There are no trees on any of the 100 or more islands in the group. The ground is rocky and very little plant life can grow on it."
"I don"t think I"d even care to visit," she said.
The fire drill was over and we began to file into the building, so I had to step it up to get the natives in. "The Aleuts are short and sturdy and have dark skin and black hair. They live on fish, and they trap blue foxes and seals for their valuable fur."
Debbie"s eyes widened in amazement.
One day I was browsing through the library. I spotted Debbie sitting at a table, absorbed in a crossword puzzle. She was frowning, apparently stumped on a word. I leaned over and asked if I could help.
"Four-letter word for Oriental female servant," Debbie said.
"Try amah," I said, quick as a flash.
Debbie filled in the blanks, then turned to stare at me in amazement. "I don"t believe it," she said. "I just don"t believe it."
And so it went, that glorious, joyous, romantic sophomore year. Debbie seemed to relish our little conversations and hung on my every word. Naturally, the more I read, the more my confidence grew.
In the classroom, too, I was gradually making my presence felt. One day, during a discussion of Coleridge"s "The Ancient Mariner", we came across the word albatross.
"Can anyone tell us what an albatross is?" asked Mrs. Larrivee.
My hand shot up. "The albatross is a large bird that lives mostly in the ocean regions below the equator, but may be found in the north Pacific as well. The albatross measures as long as four feet and has the greatest wingspread of any bird. It feeds on fish and shellfish. The albatross has an enormous appetite, and when it"s full it has trouble getting into the air again."
There was a long silence in the room. Mrs. Larrivee couldn"t quite believe what she had just heard. I sneaked a look at Debbie and gave her a big wink. She beamed proudly and winked back.
What I failed to perceive was that Debbie all this while was going steady with a junior from a neighboring school — a basketball player with a C+ average. The revelation hit me hard, and for a while I felt like forgetting everything I had learned. I had saved enough money to buy Volume II — Asthma to Bullfinch — but was strongly tempted to invest in a basketball instead.
I felt not only hurt, but betrayed. Like Agamemnon, but with less drastic consequences, thank God.
In time I recovered from my wounds. The next year Debbie moved from the neighborhood and transferred to another school. Soon she became no more than a memory.
Although the original incentive was gone, I continued poring over the encyclopedias, as well as an increasing number of other books. Having tasted of the wine of knowledge, I could not now alter my course. For:
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing:
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring."
So wrote Alexander Pope, Volume XIV — Paprika to Pterodactyl.
prodigy
n. a person who has unusual and very noticeable abilities, usually at an early age 奇才;天才
child prodigy
an unusually clever child 神童
bookworm
n. a person devoted to reading 极爱读书者;书呆子
devotee
n. a person strongly devoted to sth. or sb. 热爱…者;献身于…的人
adolescence
n. 青春期
* compulsory
a. required by law or a rule 义务的;强制的
compel
vt. oblige or force (sb.) to do sth. 强迫;强求
passion
n. a strong, deep, often uncontrollable feeling 热情;激情
gaze
vi. look fixedly 注视;凝视
princess
n. 1. 理想中的女友;心目中追求的女友
2. (oft, cap.) a female member of the royal family, usually the daughter of a king or queen or the wife of a prince [常大写]公主;王妃
prince
n. 1. 少女理想中的未婚者，白马王子
2. a male member of the royal family, especially the son of a king or queen 王子;亲王
3. (usu. sing.) (among, of) a very great, successful or powerful man of some stated kind [常单数](喻)大王;巨头;名家
sharpener
n. 卷笔刀;卷笔器
campfire
n. a wood fire made in the open air by campers 营火，冓火
quicken
v. (cause to) speed up 加快
scheme
v. make plans (for); plan in a deceitful way 计划;谋划
n. 1. a formal, official or business plan 计划;规划
2. a clever, dishonest plan 阴谋，诡计
volume
n. 1. one of a set of books of the same kind (一套书的)一册;一卷
2. (of) 体积;容积
encyclop(a)edia
n. a book or set of books dealing with a wide range of information presented in alphabetical order 百科全书
aardvark
n. 土豚，非洲食蚁兽
asteroid
n. 小行星;海星
* henceforth
ad. from this time onwards 自此以后
hence
ad. 1. for this reason, therefore 因此，所以
2. from this time on 今后，从此
erudition
n. learning acquired by reading and study 博学;学问
* cafeteria
n. a self-service restaurant 自助餐厅
anchovy
n. 凤尾鱼
sigh
n. the act or sound of sighing 叹息(声);叹气(声)
reliefn. feeling of comfort at the end of anxiety, fear, or pain (焦虑等的)解除;宽慰
casually
ad. in a relaxed way 随便地;漫不经心地
casual
a. relaxed; not formal 随便的;漫不经心的;非正式的
* sturdy
a. physically strong 强壮的
seal
n. 1. 海豹
2. 印记，印章
vt. 1. 盖章于
2. 封，密封
widen
v. make or become wider 加宽;变宽
* browse
v. casually look or search, e.g. in a shop, in a library, at a book, etc., with no specific aim or object in mind 浏览
crossword
n. (= crossword puzzle) 纵横字谜，纵横填字游戏
frown
vi. contract the brows, as in displeasure or deep thought 皱眉头
* stump
vt. put an unanswerable question to; puzzle 把…难住;使为难
* oriental
a. of, from or concerning Asia 东方的
amah
n. 阿妈(印度等一些东方国家的奶妈、女佣或保姆)
glorious
a. having or deserving glory; very delightful and enjoyable 荣耀的;令人愉快的
joyous
a. full of or causing joy 充满欢乐的;令人高兴的
romantic
a. 1. (of sth.) beautiful in a way that strongly affects one"s feelings 有浪漫色彩的
2. (of sb.) showing strong feelings of love 多情的;浪漫的
3. being unrealistic or unpractical 不切实际的
* relish
vt. get pleasure out of; enjoy greatly 从…获得乐趣;很喜爱
confidence
n. belief in one"s own or another"s ability 信心
mariner
n. (obsolete) a sailor 〈废〉水手
marine
a. 1. of ships and their goods and trade at sea 航海的;海事的
2. of, near, living in, or obtained from the sea 海洋的.;海生的;海产的
n. 水兵
albatross
n. 信天翁
wingspread
n. the distance between the tips of a pair of fully spread wings 翼幅
shellfish
n. 贝壳类动物
shell
n. 1. the hard covering of a sea creature, egg, fruit, seed, etc. 动物的壳(如贝壳、蛹壳等)，蛋壳;果壳;荚
2. the outside frame of a building (房屋的)框架;骨架
appetite
n. 1. one"s desire to eat and one"s feeling about how much to eat 食欲，胃口
2. (for) a strong desire 欲望;爱好
beam
vi. shine brightly; smile warmly 照耀;(面)露喜色;满脸堆笑
n. 1. 微笑;喜色
2. 光束
perceive
vt. notice; be conscious of 注意到;感觉;察觉
* revelation
n. the act of revealing sth., usually of great significance 揭示;暴露
asthma
n. 气喘，哮喘
bullfinch
n. 红腹灰雀
invest
vi. put money into sth. with the expectation of profit or other advantage 投资
investment
n. 1. 投资;投资额
2. the spending of (time, energy, etc.) to make sth. successful (时间、精力等的)投入
* betray
vt. be disloyal or unfaithful to 出卖，背叛
* drastic
a. strong, violent or severe 激烈的;迅猛的
consequence
n. (usu. pi.) the result or effect of an action or condition [常复数]结果;后果
* incentive
n. encouragement to greater activity; motivating factor; stimulus 鼓励;刺激
paprika
n. 红灯笼辣椒
pterodactyl
n. 翼手龙
out of focus
not shar* defined 焦点没对准;模糊的
beyond one"s wildest dreams
(in a way that is) better than what one expected or hoped for 超过某人所期望的(地);出乎某人意料的(地)
the apple of sb."s eye
a person or thing that is the main object of sb."s love and attention 某人的掌上明珠;宝贝
sweep sb. off his/her feet
make sb. feel suddenly and strongly attracted to you in a romantic way 使某人倾心
get sth. in
manage to say sth. about a subject 设法说完
play into sb."s hands
do something which gives sb. an advantage 干对某人有利的事
file into
enter in a single line 鱼贯进入
step up
(infml) increase the size or speed of 〈口〉加快;增加
hang on sb."s words
listen very carefully to 倾听;注意地听
feed on
eat habitually 以…为食物;靠…为生
go steady with
date sb. regularly and exclusively 仅与(同一异性)经常约会
invest in
1. buy (sth.) with the expectation of profit or some other kind of advantage 投资于
2. (infml) 〈口〉买
in time
1. eventually 经过一段时间后;最终
2. at or before the right or necessary time 及时
pore over
study or give close attention to 钻研;专心阅读
——21世纪大学英语读写教程第三册第5单元课文详析 (菁选3篇)
Michael Dobbs
America can be a strange experience for a foreigner. My wife and I arrived in the United States in January after seven years overseas — four in France, three in Poland. From the jumble of first impressions, we compiled an A-to-Z explanation of why America can be such a foreign country to those who arrive here from Europe.
I should explain at the outset that I am from Britain, but my Florida-born wife Lisa is as American as apple pie. In our list, however, A doesn"t stand for apple pie. It stands for:
Ambition. In the Old World, people are taught to hide it. Here it"s quite proper to announce that you"re after the boss"s job or want to make a million dollars by the age of 30.
Breakfast. The American habit of conducting business at breakfast has reached Europe, but I doubt it will ever really catch on. In France and Britain, breakfast is a family affair. Here, it"s become part of the power game.
Credit Cards. You really can"t leave home without them. It"s interesting, and somewhat frustrating, to discover that bad credit is better than no credit at all: I was refused a VISA card on the grounds that I didn"t have a credit profile.
Dreams. The American Dream is still very much alive. Dreaming great dreams is what keeps American society going — from the waitress who wants to become a car dealer to the street kid who wants to become a basketball star. Europeans dream dreams too, but don"t seem to believe in them so much.
Exercise. A couple of years ago I came to Washington with some French journalists. As our bus passed a health club on the way to the hotel, the French visitors cheered at the sight of body-conscious Americans bending, stretching and leaping around. America"s obsession with physical fitness really amuses — and puzzles — Europeans.
First names. In Europe, people progress in a natural and orderly way from the use of last names to the use of first names. Here, it"s first names at first sight. This can cause confusion for Europeans. With everyone on a first-name basis, how can you tell your acquaintances from your friends?
Gadgets. These can be addictive. It"s difficult to imagine now how we survived for so long without automatic ice machines and microwave ovens.
Hardware Stores. If I were in charge of arranging the programs of visiting delegations from lessdeveloped countries, I"d include a compulsory visit to a hardware store. These temples of American capitalism reveal a whole range of American values, from the do-it-yourself pioneer spirit through a love of comfort that absolutely astonishes most foreigners.
Insurance. Americans have policies to cover every possible risk, no matter how remote. So far, we"ve refused supplementary insurance for our car radio, death insurance for our mortgage and accident insurance for our cat. It gives us a feeling of living dangerously.
Junk food. Anyone who wants to understand why Americans suffer from higher rates of cancer and heart disease only has to look at what they eat.
Ketchup. I had to come to America to discover that it can be eaten with anything — from French fries to French cheese.
Lines. American lines — beginning with the yellow line at immigration control — are the most orderly in the world. The British queue, once internationally renowned, has begun to decay in recent years. The French queue was never very impressive, and the Italian line is sim* a mob.
Money. In Europe, everybody likes money, but no one shows it off. Unless it"s been in the family for several generations, there"s often an assumption that it was acquired dishonestly. In America, no one cares how you got it.
No smoking. No longer just a polite request in America, this phrase has become the law. Nobody would dare ask a Frenchman to put out his Galoise in a restaurant.
Oliver North. What other major Western democracy lets army officers take over foreign policy? A hero for some, a traitor for others, Ollie (see First Names) is an example of an American recklessness that awes and alarms Europeans.
Patriots. They exist everywhere, of course, but the American version is louder and more self-conscious than the European. In Britain, it"s taken for granted that politicians love their country. Here, they"re expected to prove it.
Quiet. American cities are quieter than European cities — thanks to noise controls on automobiles and to recent environmental legislation. This was a major surprise for someone brought up to assume that America was a noisy place.
Religion. The idea of putting preachers on TV is alarming to Europeans. It"s even more alarming to see them in action.
Sales. Ever since arriving in Washington, we"ve been hurrying to take advantage of this week"s unrepeatable offer, only to discover that it"s usually repeated next week. We"re just catching on that there"s always an excuse for a sale.
Television. That grown-ups can watch game shows and sitcoms at 11 AM amazes me — but the national habit, day or night, is contagious. I recently found myself nodding in agreement with a professor who was saying that American kids watch too much television. Then I realized that I was watching him say this on television.
Ulcers. See Work.
Visas. Americans don"t need visas to visit Britain (or most European countries, for that matter). To enter the United States, I had to sign a document promising that I would not overthrow the government by force and had no criminal record. One wonders if many terrorists and criminals answer "yes" on these questionnaires.
Work. People in less developed countries often imagine that they can become rich sim* by emigrating to America. But America became a wealthy society through work, work and more work. It"s still true.
X-rated movies. We have them in Europe too, but not on motel-room TVs.
Yuppies. The European counterpart remains a pale shadow of the all-American original. The animal seems more ambitious, and more common, on this side of the Atlantic.
Zillion. What other nation would invent a number that"s infinitely more than a billion? America may not always be the best, but it certainly thinks big.
jumble
n. a confused or untidy group of things 杂乱的一堆
* compile
vt. produce by putting together many pieces (e.g., of information) 汇编;编制
outset
n. beginning 开始;起始
ambition
n. strong desire for success, power, money, etc. 对(成功、权力、金钱等的)强烈欲望，野心;雄心
profile
n. 1. a short article or programme which describes a person"s life and character 传略，人物简介
2. a side view, esp. of sb."s head; a shape of sth. seen against a background 侧面，侧影;轮廓
vt. 1. 写…的传略
2. 给…画侧面像;描…的轮廓
* dealer
n. a person whose business involves buying and selling 商人;证券经纪人
journalist
n. a person who works on a newspaper or magazine and writes articles for it 新闻记者;报纸撰稿人
journal
n. 1. a magazine for people with a particular interest 杂志，期刊
2. an account which one writes of one"s daily activities 日志;日记
leap (leapt or leaped)
vi. jump high in the air or jump a long distance 跳跃
n. a sudden jump or movement; a sudden increase in number, amount, etc. 跳跃;激增
* obsession
n. a fixed idea from which the mind cannot be freed 着迷;困扰
physical fitness
healthy body conditions 身体健康
amuse
vt. make (sb.) laugh; cause to spend time in a pleasant way 逗乐;给…提供娱乐或消遣
amusing
a. (of sth.) that makes people laugh 有趣的;逗笑的
orderly
a. well arranged or organized 有条理的;整齐的
confusion
n. 1. the state of being mixed up, more difficult to understand 辨别不清;混淆
2. disorder 骚乱;混乱
confuse
vt. make more difficult to understand; cause to be mistaken; mix up 使模糊不清;混淆;使混乱
acquaintance
n. 1. a person you know, but who is not a close friend 相识的人;熟人
2. knowledge of or familiarity with sb./sth. 了解;认识
gadget
n. (infml) a small machine or device 小巧的机械;精巧的装置
addictive
a. (使人)入迷的;(使人)上瘾的
microwave
n. 微波;微波炉
oven
n. 烤炉，烤箱
microwave oven
n. 微波炉
delegation
n. 代表团
delegate
n. 代表;会议代表
vt. 1. appoint as one"s representative 委派…为代表
2. entrust (duties, rights, etc. to sb.) 授权;把…委托给(某人)
* capitalism
n. 资本主义(制度)
do-it-yourself
n. & a. (the activity of) making or repairing things oneself 自己动手(的)，自行维修(的)
* supplementary
a. additional 补充的，增补的
* mortgage
n. 抵押;抵押贷款
vt. use (one"s land or house) as a guarantee to the lending institution in order to borrow money from it 抵押
ketchup
n. (= catchup) 调味番茄酱
fry
n. (see French fry)
v. cook (food) in hot fat or oil 油煎，油炸
French fries
(美)法式炸薯条
immigration
n. the coming of people into a country in order to work or settle there 移居;移民
queue
n. a line of people waiting (for a bus, to be served, to enter a place, etc.) (排队等候的)一队人
vi. form or join a line 排队(等候)
* renowned
a. famous; well-known 有名的;享有声誉的
impressive
a. 给人以深刻印象的;感人的`
* mob
n. (often derog.) a large, disorganized and often violent crowd of people [贬]人群;乌合之众
assumption
n. 1. sth. that is taken as true without proof 假定;臆断
2. the taking (of power or responsibility) 夺取;篡夺
democracy
n. a country or a system of government in which the people choose their government or make important decisions by voting 民主;民主国家;民主政治
traitor
n. a person who is disloyal, esp. to his country 卖*，叛徒
recklessness
n. 不顾后果，鲁莽
* reckless
a. (of a person or one"s behaviour) not caring about danger or the result of one"s actions 不顾后果的，鲁莽的
* patriot
n. a person who shows love for and loyalty to his or her country *
patriotic
a. having or expressing the quality of a patriot 爱国的;有爱国心的
legislation
n. l. laws 法律，法规
2. the act of making laws 立法，法律的制定
preacher
n. 传道士，牧师
* preach
v. 1. make known (a particular religion) by speaking in public 布道
2. advise or urge others to accept (a thing or course of behaviour) 竭力劝说;说教
grown-up
n. 成年人
sitcom
n. (infml) situation comedy 情景喜剧
contagious
a. 1. (of a feeling or attitude) spreading quickly from person to person (情绪等)感染性的
2. (of a disease) that can spread from person to person (疾病)传染的
ulcer
n. 溃疡
* visa
n. 签证
document
n. a paper that gives information, proof or support of sth. 文件
vt. 1. 为…提供文件(或证据等)
2. (在影片、小说中)纪实性地描述
* overthrow
vt. defeat; remove from official power 推翻;打倒
criminal
a. of or related to crime 犯罪的;犯法的
n. a person who is guilty of a crime 罪犯
* questionnaire
n. a written list of questions to be answered by a number of people in order to get information for a survey, etc. 调查表，问题单
* emigrate
vi. leave one"s own country to live in another one 移居国外
X-rated
a. (电影等)X级的，禁止(十六岁以下)儿童观看的
* motel
n. hotel specially built for people traveling by car 汽车旅馆
yuppie
n. 雅皮士(Young Urban Professional的缩写，即城市职业阶层中的年轻人士)
* ambitious
a. having a strong desire for success, power, riches, etc. 有野心的，有抱负的
zillion
n. (sl.) 无限大的数目，无法计算的大数目
the ABCs
the most basic facts about a subject (学科等的)基本知识;入门
at the outset
at the beginning 首先，一开始
stand for
represent; mean 代表;意味着
be after sth.
in search of sth.; with a desire for sth. 追求
catch on
1. become popular 流行起来
2. understand 懂得，理解
on (the) ground(s) that
because 根据，以…为理由
at the sight of
as soon as seeing (sth. or sb.) 一见之下;立即
leap around
jump about 跳来跳去
at first sight
when seen or examined for the first time 乍一看，一见之下
be on a first-name basis [with sb.]
call (sb.) by his or her first name (因关系亲密而)相互直呼其名
tell A from B
distinguish A from B 辨别，分辨
be in charge of sth.
be responsible for 管理，负责
so far
up to the present 迄今为止
put out
cause (sth.) to stop burning 熄灭
bring up
nurture and educate (a child) 养育;教育
take advantage of
make use of; profit from 利用
in agreement with
赞同，同意
by force
by fierce or violent means 用武力或强迫手段
think big
have ambitious ideas 野心勃勃，好高骛远
——21世纪大学英语读写教程第一册单元7课文讲解60篇
Roger Wilkins
My favorite teacher"s name was "Dead-Eye" Bean. Her real name was Dorothy. She taught American history to eighth graders in a junior high school in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was the fall of 1944, Franklin D. Roosevelt was president; American troops were battling their way across France; I was a 12-year-old black newcomer in a school that was otherwise all white. When we moved in, the problem for our new neighbors was that their neighborhood had previously been all-white and they were ignorant about black people. The prevailing wisdom in the neighborhood was that we were spoiling it and that we ought to go back where we belonged. There was a lot of angry talk among the *s, but nothing much came of it.
But some of the kids were quite nasty during those first few weeks. They threw stones at me, chased me home when I was on foot and spat on my bike seat when I was in class. For a time, I was a pretty lonely, friendless and sometimes frightened kid.
I now know that Dorothy Bean understood most of that and deplored it. So things began to change when I walked into her classroom. She was a pleasant-looking single woman, who looked old and wrinkled to me at the time, but who was probably about 40.
Whereas my other teachers approached the problem of easing in their new black pupil by ignoring him for the first few weeks, Miss Bean went right at me. On the morning after having read our first assignment, she asked me the first question. I later came to know that in Grand Rapids, she was viewed as a very liberal person who believed, among other things, that Negroes were equal.
I gulped and answered her question and the follow-up. They weren"t brilliant answers, but they did establish the fact that I could speak English. Later in the hour, when one of my classmates had bungled an answer, Miss Bean came back to me with a question that required me to clean up the girl"s mess and established me as a smart person.
Thus, the teacher began to give me human dimensions, though not perfect ones for an eighth grader. It was somewhat better to be, on one"s early days, a teacher"s pet than merely a dark presence in the back of the room.
A few days later, Miss Bean became the first teacher ever to require me to think. She asked my opinion about something Jefferson had done. In those days, all my opinions were derivative. I was for Roosevelt because my parents were and I was for the Yankees because my older buddy from Harlem was a Yankee fan. Besides, we didn"t have opinions about historical figures like Jefferson. Like our high school building, he just was.
After I had stared at her for a few seconds, she said: "Well, should he have bought Louisiana or not?"
"I guess so," I replied tentatively.
"Why?" she shot back.
Why! What kind of question was that? But I ventured an answer. Day after day, she kept doing that to me, and my answers became stronger and more confident. She was the first teacher to give me the sense that thinking was part of education and that I could form opinions that had some value.
Her final service to me came on a day when my mind was wandering and I was idly digging my pencil into the writing surface on the arm of my chair. Miss Bean impulsively threw a hunk of gum eraser at me. By amazing chance, it hit my hand and sent the pencil flying. She gasped, and I crept hurriedly after my pencil as the class roared.
That was the ice breaker. Afterward, kids came up to me to laugh about "Old Dead-Eye Bean." The incident became a legend, and I, a part of that story, became a person to talk to.
So that"s how I became just another kid in school and Dorothy Bean became "Old Dead-Eye."
Listen to the tape again. Then, choose the best answer to each of the following questions.
1. How did their new white neighbors treat the author"s family?
A) Both the *s and the children were welcoming.
B) The *s were welcoming, but the children were unfriendly.
C) The *s were unfriendly, but the children were welcoming.
D) Both the *s and the children were unfriendly.
2. How did Miss Bean treat the black student in class?
A) She ignored him.
B) She asked him only easy questions.
C) She asked him difficult questions.
D) She apologized for the other students" behavior.
3. How did Miss Bean teach the author to think for himself?
A) She made him memorize sayings about the old west.
B) She made him give his opinions and tell why he thought that way.
C) She made him study the history of France.
D) She threw an eraser at him.
4. After Miss Bean threw the eraser, how was the school different?
A) Miss Bean had a new nickname.
B) The other students were more friendly towards the black student.
C) Everyone paid more attention in Miss Bean"s class.
D) Both A) and B).
——21世纪大学英语读写教程第一册课文Foreword60篇
Bill Gates
The past twenty years have been an incredible adventure for me. It started on a day when, as a college sophomore, l stood in Harvard Square with my friend Paul Allen and pored over the description of a kit com*r in Popular Electronics magazine. As we read excitedly about the first truly personal com*r, Paul and I didn"t know exactly how it would be used, but we were sure it would change us and the world of computing. We were right. The personal com*r revolution happened and it has affected millions of lives. It has led us to places we had barely imagined.
We are all beginning another great journey. We aren"t sure where this one will lead us either, but again I am certain this revolution will touch even more lives and take us all farther. The major changes coming will be in the way people communicate with each other. The benefits and problems arising from this upcoming communications revolution will be much greater than those brought about by the PC revolution.
There is never a reliable map for unexplored territory, but we can learn important lessons from the creation and evolution of the $120-billion personal-com*r industry. The PC — its evolving hardware, business applications, on-line systems. Internet connections, electronic mail, multimedia titles, authoring tools, and games — is the foundation for the next revolution.
During the PC industry"s infancy, the mass media paid little attention to what was going on in the brand-new business. Those of us who were attracted by com*rs and the possibilities they promised were unnoticed outside our own circles.
But this next journey, to the so-called information highway, is the topic of endless newspaper and magazine articles, television and radio broadcasts, conferences, and widespread speculation. There has been an unbelievable amount of interest in this subject during the last few years, both inside and outside the com*r industry. The interest is not confined only to developed countries, and it goes well beyond the large numbers of personal-com*r users.
Thousands of informed and uninformed people are now speculating publicly about the information highway. The amount of misunderstanding about the technology and its possible dangers surprises me. Some people think the highway is sim* today"s Internet or the delivery of 500 simultaneous channels of television. Others hope or fear it will create com*rs as smart as human beings. Those developments will come, but they are not the highway.
The revolution in communications is just beginning. It will take place over several decades, and will be driven by new "applications" — new tools, often meeting currently unforeseen needs. During the next few years, major decisions will have to be made. It is crucial that a broad set of people — not just technologists or those who happen to be in the com*r industry — participate in the debate about how this technology should be shaped. If that can be done, the highway will serve the purposes users want. Then it will gain broad acceptance and become a reality.
I"m writing this book The Road Ahead as part of my contribution to the debate and, although it"s a tall order, I hope it can serve as a travel guide for the forthcoming journey. I do this with some misgivings. We"ve all smiled at predictions from the past that look silly today. History is full of now ironic examples — the Oxford professor who in 1878 dismissed the electric light as a gimmick; the commissioner of U.S. patents who in 1899 asked that his office be abolished because "everything that can be invented has been invented." This is meant to be a serious book, although ten years from now it may not appear that way. What I"ve said that turned out to be right will be considered obvious and what was wrong will be humorous.
Anyone expecting an autobiography or a treatise on what it"s like to have been as lucky as I have been will be disappointed. Perhaps when I"ve retired I will get around to writing that book. This book looks primarily to the future.
Anyone hoping for a technological treatise will be disappointed, too. Everyone will be touched by the information highway, and everyone ought to be able to understand its implications. That"s why my goal from the very beginning was to write a book that as many people as possible could understand.
The process of thinking about and writing the present book took longer than I expected. Indeed, estimating the time it would take proved to be as difficult as projecting the development schedule of a major software project. The only part that was easy was the cover photo which we finished well ahead of schedule. I enjoy writing speeches and had thought writing a book would be like writing them. I imagined writing a chapter would be the equivalent of writing a speech. The error in my thinking was similar to the one software developers often run into — a program ten times as long is about one hundred times more complicated to write. I should have known better.
And here it is. I hope it stimulates understanding, debate, and creative ideas about how we can take advantage of all that"s sure to be happening in the decade ahead.
foreword
n. a short introduction at the beginning of a book 序言，前言
incredible
a. unbelievable; extraordinary 难以置信的;了不起的
sophomore
n. a student in the second year of college or high school(中学、大学)二年级学生
pore
vi. (over) study with close attention 专心阅读;钻研
description
n. saying in words what sb. or sth. is like 描写，描述
kit
n. a set of all the parts needed to assemble sth. 配套元件
*com*
v. calculate ( a result, answer, sum, etc.) esp. with a com*r(尤指用计算机)计算
barely
ad. only just; hardly 仅仅;几乎不
upcoming
a. about to happen 即将来临的
PC (abbr.)
personal com*r 个人计算机
reliable
a. that can be relied on; dependable 可靠的; 确实的
territory
n. (an area of) land, esp. ruled by one government 领土
*creation
n. the act or process of creating sth. 创造; 创作
evolution
n. 1. the gradual change and development 演变，发展
2. (the theory of) the development of the various types of plants, animals, etc., from earlier and simpler forms 进化(论)
evolve
vt. 演化，发展，逐步形成;进化
application
n. 1. (an instance of) putting to practical use 应用，运用
2. a com*r software program 应用软件程序
on-line
a. 联机的，联线的
Internet
n. 因特网，国际互联网
connection
n. 连接，连结;联系，关系
electronic
a. 电子的
multimedia
n.& a. 多媒体(的)
title
n. (多媒体)题标;标题;题目
author
vt. 写作;创造
n. 作者
foundation
n. 基础
infancy
n. 婴儿期;幼儿期;初期
attract
vt. cause to like, admire, notice, or turn towards; arouse (interest, etc.); prompt 引起…的注意(或兴趣等)，吸引;引起(兴趣等);激起
possibility
n. 1. (often pi.) power of developing, growing, or being used or useful in the future [常用复数] 发展前途，潜在价值
2. the state of being possible; likelihood 可能;可能性
so-called
a. called or named thus but perhaps wrongly or doubtfully 所谓的，号称的
endless
a. without end, or seeming to be without end(似乎)无穷尽的;没完没了的
conference
n. a meeting for discussion 会议，讨论会
confine
vt. (to) restrict or keep within certain limits 限制，使局限
speculate
vi. 猜测;投机
amount
n. 量，数量;总数，总额
misunderstanding
n. 误解，曲解
misunderstand
v. 误解，误会
delivery
n. 传送;投递;运载
*simultaneous
a. happening or being done at the same time 同时发生的，同时进行的
channel
n. 频道;水道;海峡
create
vt. cause (sth. new) to exist; produce (sth. new) 创造;创作
unforeseen
a. not known in advance; unexpected 未预见到的;意料之外的
crucial
a. (to, for) of deciding importance 决定性的;至关重要的
technologist
n. an expert in technology 技术专家
contribution
n. 捐款;捐献;贡献
debate
n. a formal argument or discussion(就…)进行辩论
v. have a debate about; take part in a debate 辩论;讨论
purpose
n. that which one means to do, get, be, etc.; intention 目的;意图
acceptance
n. 接受
*forthcoming
a. happening or appearing in the near future 即将到来的，即将出现的
misgiving
n. [复数] 疑虑，担忧
prediction
n. sth. that is said or described in advance 预言
gimmick
n. (骗人的)玩意儿
*commissioner
n. (*厅、局、处等部门的)长官;委员;专员
*patent
n. 专利;专利权
*abolish
vt. put an end to, do away with 取消，废除
humorous
a. funny and amusing; having or showing a sense of humour 幽默的;滑稽的`;富有幽默感的
autobiography
n. a book written by oneself about one"s own life 自传
treatise
n. 专著;(专题)论文
retire
vi. stop working at one"s job, profession, etc., usu. because of age 退休，退职
primarily
ad. mainly; chiefly 主要地;首要地
technological
a. of or related to technology 技术的;工艺(学)的
implication
n. 含意，暗示
process
n. 过程;进程
estimate
vt. 估计，估量
n. 估计
project
vt. make plans for 设计，规划
n. 规划，计划;(工程)项目
chapter
n. (书的)章，回
equivalent
n. sth. that is equal in meaning, amount, value 相等物;等值物;等量物
a. 相等的;等值的;等量的
complicated
a. very difficult to understand 复杂的;难解的;难懂的
stimulate
vt. excite (the body or mind), encourage 刺激;激发;促使
advantage
n. 有利条件，优势;好处;利益
Phrases and Expressions
communicate with
share or exchange opinions, news, information, etc. with 与…交流
arise from
result from 由 … 产生，由 … 引起
bring about
cause to happen 带来，造成
go on
take place or happen 发生
go beyond
exceed 超过;越过
tall order
a task difficult to perform 难以完成的任务，过高要求
get around to /get round to
find time for (sth. or doing sth.) 抽出时间去做
look to
give one"s attention to 展望
ahead of schedule
before the planned or expected time 提前
run into
1. meet (difficulties, etc.) 遭遇(困难等)
2. meet by chance 偶然碰见，撞见
take advantage of
make use of 利用
——21世纪大学英语读写教程第三册第3课内容讲解 (菁选3篇)
1. Before you listen to the passage, predict the words that are missing in the printed version of the passage. Then when you hear the passage, mark where you hear differences between your predictions and what"s actually on the tape. Don"t worry about writing down exactly what you hear — just note where you hear differences.
The sense of _____ dominates every modern culture to such an extent that most people never _____. Relying mainly on _____ seems so natural — how could a culture favor _____ instead? What would such a culture be like? It"s almost impossible to imagine. But _____ is in fact not as "natural" as we normally think. Although most humans are born with _____, no one is born knowing how to _____. We must learn _____, and many of the rules we learn vary _____. _____ is an excellent example: Before artists invented formal rules for portraying three dimensions, no one thought of distant objects as looking _____. If you doubt this, try explaining _____ to a young child.
2. If you had to lose one of your senses, which one would you choose to give up? And having lost it, what do you think you"d miss the most?
3. It"s common to speak of "the five senses" — but are there only five? Some researcher say that we all have and use other senses as well. What others can you think of?
Rachel Carson
A child"s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that, for most of us, that clear-eyed vision — that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring — is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence with the angels who are supposed to preside over all children, I would ask that their gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life.
If children are to keep alive their natural sense of wonder without any such gift from the angels, they need the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with the child the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in. Parents often feel inadequate when confronted on the one hand with the eager, sensitive mind of a child and on the other with a world of complex physical nature. In a mood of self-defeat, they exclaim, "How can I possibly teach my child about nature — why, I don"t even know one bird from another!"
I sincerely believe that for children, and for parents seeking to guide them, it is not half so important to know as it is to feel. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow. The years of early childhood are the time to prepare the soil. Once the emotions have been aroused — a sense of the beautiful, the excitement of the new and the unknown, a feeling of sympathy, pity, admiration or love — then we wish for knowledge about the object of our emotional response. Once found, such knowledge has far more lasting meaning than mere information. It is more important to pave the way for children"s desire to know than to put them on a diet of facts they are not ready to assimilate.
Even if you feel you have little knowledge of nature at your disposal, there is still much you can do for your child. Wherever you are and whatever your resources, you can still look up at the sky — its dawn and evening beauties, its moving clouds, its stars by night. You can listen to the wind, whether it blows with majestic voice through a forest or sings a many-voiced chorus around the corners of your apartment building, and in the listening, you can gain magical release for your thoughts. You can still feel the rain on your face and think of its long journey from sea to air to earth, and wonder at the mysteries of natural selection embodied in the perfume and flavour of a fruit. Even if you are a city dweller, you can find some place, perhaps a park or a golf course, where you can observe the mysterious migrations of the birds and the changing seasons. And with your child you can ponder the mystery of a growing seed, even if it"s just one planted in a pot of earth in the kitchen window.
Exploring nature with your child is largely a matter of being open to what lies all around you. It is learning again to use your eyes, ears, nose and fingertips, opening up the disused channels of your senses. For most of us, knowledge of our world comes largely through sight, yet we look about with such unseeing eyes that we are partially blind. One way to open your eyes to unnoticed beauty is to ask yourself, "What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?"
What is the value of preserving and strengthening this sense of awe and wonder, this recognition of something beyond the boundaries of human existence? Is the exploration of the natural world just a pleasant way to pass the golden hours of childhood or is there something deeper?
I am sure there is something much deeper, something lasting and significant. Those who dwell, as scientists or laypeople, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the problems or concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner satisfaction and to renewed excitement in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.
I like to remember the distinguished Swedish oceanographer, Otto Pettersson, who died a few years ago at the age of ninety-three, in full possession of his keen mental powers. His son has related in a recent book how intensely his father enjoyed every new experience, every new discovery concerning the world about him.
"He was an incurable romantic," the son wrote, "intensely in love with life and with the mysteries of the universe." When he realized he had not much longer to enjoy the earthly scene, Otto Pettersson said to his son: "What will sustain me in my last moments is an infinite curiosity as to what is to follow."
misfortune
n. bad luck 不幸;灾祸
clear-eyed
a. 视力好的;目光炯炯的
awe-inspiring
a. 令人敬畏;令人惊叹的
dim
vt. make less bright or unable to see clearly 使…暗淡;使…看不清
a. (of a light) not bright; not easy to see 昏暗的;模糊的
* angel
n. 天使
* preside
vi. have authority or control; direct 负责;主持
inadequate
a. not good enough in quality, ability, size, etc. 不够格的;不能胜任的;不充分的
confront
vt. stand or meet face to face; bring face to face 面对;遭遇
mood
n. state of mind or feelings 心境，心情;情绪
sincerely
ad. 真诚地;忠实地
sincere
a. free from falseness; true and honest 忠实的;真诚的
arouse
vt. cause to become active; excite 唤醒;激发
rouse
vt. 1. cause to become active; excite (=arouse) 唤醒;激发
2. wake (sb.) up 唤醒，使醒来
mere
a. nothing more than 只不过的，仅仅的
* assimilate
vt. take in and make a part of oneself; absorb 使同化;吸收
disposal
n. the act of getting rid of sth.; the power or right to use sth. freely 处理;支配
dispose
vt. 1. put in place; set in readiness 布置;配置
2. cause to have a tendency (to do sth.) 使有倾向;使愿意
majestic
a. showing power and greatness; dignified and impressive 雄伟的，威严的
* majesty
n. 1. greatness; a show of power as of a king or queen 雄伟;庄重;君王尊严
2. [M-] 陛下(对帝王、王后等的尊称)
* chorus
n. 1. a song sung by many singers together 合唱曲
2. a group of singers singing together 合唱队
selection
n. the act of selecting; sb. or sth. that is selected 选择;被选出的人(或物)
* embody
vt. 1. represent (a quality, idea, etc.) in a physical form 体现;使具体化
2. contain, include 包含
* perfume
n. 1. a sweet or pleasant smell 芳香，香气
2. 香水
flavo(u)r
n. a taste; a special quality 味道;风味;特色
vt. give a particular taste to 给…调味
migration
n. the movement of a group (often of animals, birds, etc.) from one area to another 迁移;移居;(鸟类等的)迁徒
* migrate
vi. 1. (of animals) travel regularly to a different area according to the seasons of the year (动物的)迁徒
2. change one"s place of living; move from one place to another, especially to find work 迁移;(农业季节工人等)外出找工作
* migrant
n. 迁移动物;移居者;农业季节工人
* ponder
vt. think about carefully; consider 沉思;考虑
strengthen
vt. make stronger 加强，强化
awe
n. a feeling of respect mixed with fear and wonder 敬畏;惊叹
recognition
n. the act of recognizing; the state of being recognized 认同;认出;承认
* weary
a. very tired; bored 疲倦的;厌倦的
reserve
n. anything kept for later use 储备物
vt. 1. keep for a special purpose 保留;储备
2. (AmE) book (美)预订
* reservation
n. 1. doubt or uncertainty, esp. when one"s agreement with sth. is in some way limited 保留;保留意见
2. (AmE) booking; reserved seat or accommodation 预定;预定的座席(或住处等)
symbolic(al)
a. 象征性的
symbol
n. (of) a sign, shape or object which represents a person, idea or an item 象征;标志;符号
ebb
n. a flowing of the tide away from the shore 退潮，落潮
tide
n. the regular rise and fall of the ocean, caused by the attraction of the Moon 潮汐
* bud
n. a small swelling on a plant that will grow into a flower, leaf, or branch 牙;花蕾
* heal
v. (cause to) become sound or healthy again 治愈;痊愈
infinitely
ad. 无穷地，无限地
* finite
a. having an end or a limit 有限的
* refrain
n. a part of a song that is repeated, esp. at the end of each verse (歌曲中的)叠歌，副歌
vi. (from) hold oneself back (from) 忍住;克制
oceanographer
n. 海洋学家
possession
n. 1. the act or state of possessing or being possessed 拥有;具有
2. (often pl.) personal property [常复数]所有物;
keen
a. 1. good, strong, quick at understanding 敏锐的"
2. (on, to) eager or anxious to do sth. 热切的
intensely
ad. greatly or extremely; strongly 极度地;强烈地
intense
a. great or extreme; strong 极度的;强烈的
intensity
n. 1. 强烈，剧烈
2. 强度，烈度
concerning
prep.(fml) about; with regard to; in connection with 关于
earthly
a. of this world as opposed to heaven; material rather than spiritual 尘世的，世俗的
——21世纪大学英语综合教程第三册第6单元课后答案下载 (菁选2篇)
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《21世纪大学实用英语综合教程(第3册)》为《综合教程》第三册，共8个单元，每个单元均包括听说、读写和实用技能训练三大板块的内容。听说部分围绕每单元的主题，并结合高职高专学生学习生活和毕业后实际工作的"需要，进行听力与口语方面的专门训练。读写板块包括Text A(精读)，Text B(泛读)和Text C(扩展阅读)，并配有相应的练习。实用技能训练部分根据高职高专教育的特点，提供以提高职业技能和素质为目标的实用训练，包括Grammar Review，Practical Writing和Basic Reading Skills等内容。
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