New Concept English 4

UPTURN

Lesson 37 The process of ageing 衰老过程

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

What is one of the most unpleasant discoveries we make about ourselves as we get older?

At the age of twelve years, the human body is at its most vigorous. It has yet to reach its full size and strength, and its owner his or her full intelligence; but at this age the likelihood of death is least. Earlier, we were infants and young children, and consequently more vulnerable; later, we shall undergo a progressive loss of our vigour and resistance which, though imperceptible at first, will finally become so steep that we can live no longer, however well we look after ourselves, and however well society, and our doctors, look after us. This decline in vigour with the passing of time is called ageing. It is one of the most unpleasant discoveries which we all make that we must decline in this way, that if we escape wars, accidents and diseases we shall eventually‘die of old age’, and that this happens at a rate which differs little from person to person, so that there are heavy odds in favour of our dying between the ages of sixty-five and eighty. Some of us will die sooner, a few will live longer----on into a ninth or tenth decade. But the chances are against it, and there is a virtual limit on how long we can hope to remain alive, however lucky and robust we are.

Normal people tend to forget this process unless and until they are reminded of it. We are so familiar with the fact that man ages, that people have for years assumed that the process of losing vigour with time, of becoming more likely to die the older we get, was something self-evident, like the cooling of a hot kettle or the wearing-out of a pair of shoes. They have also assumed that all animals, and probably other organisms such as trees, or even the universe itself, must in the nature of things‘wear out’. Most animals we commonly observe do in fact age as we do, if given the chance to live long enough; and mechanical systems like a wound watch, or the sun, do in fact run out of energy in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics (whether the whole universe does so is a moot point at present). But these are not analogous to what happens when man ages. A run-down watch is still a watch and can be rewound. An old watch, by contrast, becomes so worn and unreliable that it eventually is not worth mending. But a watch could never repair itself----it does not consist of living parts, only of metal, which wears away by friction. We could, at one time, repair ourselves----well enough, at least, to overcome all but the most instantly fatal illnesses and accidents. Between twelve and eighty years we gradually lose this power; an illness which at twelve would knock us over, at eighty can knock us out, and into our grave. If we could stay as vigorous as we are at twelve, it would take about 700 years for half of us to die, and another 700 for the survivors to be reduced by half again.

  

ALEX COMFORT The process of ageing

  

New words and expressions 生词和短语

likelihood (1.2)/'laiklihud/n．可能性

steep (1.4)/sti:p/adj．急转直下的

infant (1.3)/'inf+nt/ n．婴儿

ageing (1.6)/'eidNiR/n．老化

vulnerable (1.3)/'v)ln+r+b+l/adj．脆弱的

odds(1.9)/%dz/n．可能性

imperceptible(1.4)/?imp+'sept+b+l/ adj．感觉不到的

virtual(1.11)/'v*:tMu+l/adj．实际上的

robust (1.11)/'r+ub)st/adj．强健的

moot (1.20)/mu:t/adj．争论未决的

organism (1.16)/'&:g+niz+m/n．有机体

run-down (1.21)/?r)n-'daun/adj．破旧的

thermodynamics (1.19)/?I*:m+(dai'n$miks/n．热力学

friction (1.23)/'frikM+n/n．摩擦

Notes on the text 课文注释

1 at its most vigorous, 生命力最旺盛的时候。

2 with the passing of time, 随着时间的流失。

3 It is one of the most unpleasant discoveries … that…, that…, and that…, 3个以 that引导的从句是 discoveries 的同位语。

4 a wound watch, 上紧了发条的表。

参考译文

人体在12岁时是生命力最旺盛的时期。虽然在这个时期人的身材、体力和智力还有待发展和完善，但在这个年龄死亡的可能性最小。再早一些，我们是幼儿和小孩子，身体较脆弱；再迟一些，我们就要经历生命力和抵抗力逐步衰退的过程。虽然这个过程起初难以觉察，但最终会急转直下，不管我们怎样精心照料我们自己，不管社会和医生怎样对我们进行精心照顾，我们也无法再活下去了。生命力随时间的流失而衰退叫做衰老。人类发现的最不愉快的一个事实是：人必然会衰老。既使我们能避开战争、意外的事故和各种疾病，我们最终也会“老死”；衰老的速度在人与人之间相差甚微，我们最可能死亡的年龄在65至80岁之间，有些人会死得早一些，少数人寿命会长一些——活到八十几岁或九十几岁，但这种可能性很小。不管我们多么幸运，多么健壮，我们所希望的长寿实际上是有限度的。

衰老的过程，不经提起，正常人容易忘记；一经提醒，才会记起。我们对人总是要衰老的现象并不陌生，多年来就已认识到。生命力随着时间流失而丧失活力，人随着年龄的增长而接近死亡，这是不言而喻的，就像一壶热水迟早会凉下来，一双鞋渐渐会磨破一样。人们不但认识到所有的动物，大概也认识到所有的有机物，如树木，甚至宇宙本身，从事物的本质上来说都会“磨损掉”。我们通常看到的大多数动物，即使能让它们活得足够长久的话，也会像我们一样衰老的。像上紧发条的手表那样的机械装置，或太阳，也都会消耗完其能量（整个宇宙是否如此，目前尚有争论）。不过，这些衰老的情况同人并不相似。手表停了依然是只手表，还可以重上好发条。然而一只老掉牙的手表，磨损太厉害，老得一点儿也不准了，最终会不值得修理了。但是，手表决不会自行修理，它不是由有生命的部件组成，而是由金属组成，而金属可以随着磨擦而磨损殆尽。而我们人，在一定时间内是可以自行修复的，除了暴病而死或意外事故外，至少足以克服一切一般疾病和事故。在12岁至80岁之间，我们逐渐丧失这种能力。能使我们在12岁时病倒的疾病，到了80岁可能会使我们一蹶不振而进入坟墓。假如我们能保持12岁时的旺盛生命力，那么我们当中的一半人过700年才会死去，剩下的一半人再过700年，才会又减少一半。

Comprehension 理解

Answer these questions:

1 Why is the likelihood of death least when we are twelve years old?

2 Why are there heavy odds in favour of our dying between the ages of sixty-five and eighty?

3 Which power do we gradually lose between the ages of twelve and eighty?

Vocabulary 词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using self-evident (1.15); moot (1.20); fatal (1.24).

Summary 摘要

Drawing your information from the second paragraph (lines 13-27), write a summary of the author's description of the process of ageing. Do not write more than 100 words. Your answer should be in one paragraph.

Composition 作文

A Write a list of ideas in note form which could be used to discuss the following subject: Suggest reasons why we in the twentieth century can expect to live longer than people who lived in bygone times.

B Drawing on your list of ideas, write a composition of about 400 words.

Key structures 关键句型

A Supply the where necessary in the following sentences:

1 It is one of ______ most unpleasant discoveries which we all make. (11.6-7)

2 _______most animals we commonly observe do in fact age as we do. (11.17-18)

3 Death is something which ______most people fear.

4 Make ______most of what you've got.

5 ________ most of the things I've got were bought overseas.

B Compare the use of however in these sentences.

1 There is a virtual limit on how long we can hope to remain alive, however lucky and robust we are. (11.11-12)

2 No one will deny that many of the programmes shown on television are very poor. There are, however, a fair number which are very fine indeed.

Write two sentences using however in the ways shown above.

C Complete these sentences in any way you wish. Then compare what you have written with the sentences in the passage:

1 We shall undergo a progressive loss of our vigour and resistance which, ____, will finally become so steep that ____(11.3-4)

2 We are so familiar with the fact that man ages, that____(11.13-14)

3 An old watch, by contrast, becomes so worn and unreliable that____(11.21-22)

Special difficulties 难点

A Study the following pairs of words and then write sentences of your own bring out the difference.

1 infant (1.3)----baby

The State provides a programme of health checks for all infants up to a year old．(infant is only used in official contexts)

We were innoculated against diphtheria when we were babies.

2 imperceptible (1.4)----unperceived

The changes, at first so small as to be imperceptible, become more obvious as time passes.

So much money was involved that it was impossible for the forgery to remain unperceived.

3 alive----living

It was a surprise to learn that he had just died, since I hadn't realized he was still alive!

Until August 1977, the oldest living person was a French woman from Arles aged a hundred and twenty-two.

B Explain the meaning of the verbs in italics:

1 …we shall undergo a progressive loss of our vigour …however well we look after ourselves…(11.3-5)

2 Look out! There's a bus coming!

3 I am looking forward to the summer holidays.

4 Everybody looks on him as a leader.

5 If there are any words in the passage you don't understand, look them up in the dictionary.

6 Business was very slack before Christmas, but things are looking up now.

7 I shall certainly look up all my old friends when I go back home.

8 Why don't you look in next week. I'm sure he'll be back by then.

C Explain the meaning of the verbs in italics:

1 …mechanical systems…run out of energy…(11.18-19)

2 My new car hasn't been run in yet.

3 That little boy was nearly run over by a bus.

4 He ran through all the money he had inherited in less than a year.

5 While on holiday in Spain, we ran into our next-door neighbours.

6 Look at that lamp-post. It looks as if a car ran into it.

D Explain the meaning of the verbs in italics:

1 …an illness which at twelve would knock us over, at eighty can knock us out…(11.25-26)

2 There's so much work to do in the office these days, I never knock off before six o'clock.

Multiple choice questions 多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension 理解

1 Our first twelve years ____.

a．are followed by a rapid decline

b．represent the peak of our development as human beings

c．are succeeded by a gradual ageing process

d．are the time when the human body is at its most vigorous

2 No matter how lucky and robust we are, we ____.

a．cannot avoid the ageing process

b．make unpleasant discoveries

c．will died between the ages of sixty-five and eighty

d．will all die at the same time

3 The process in humans and animals of losing vigour with time ____.

a．is something we would all like to forget

b．is not something we question very much

c．is like a watch that wears out

d．follows the second law of thermodynamics

4 Humans could live for very long periods indeed if they ____.

a．retained the capacity for self-repair they enjoyed at twelve

b．didn't become run down

c．survived the first 700 years

d．weren't worn down by friction

Structure 句型

5 ____reached its full size and strength. (11.1-2)

a．It hasn't before

b．It hasn't ever

c．It still hasn't

d．Yet it hasn't

6 At this age, the possibilities of death are ____.

a．few

b．fewer

c．the fewest

d．fewest

7 We can live no longer, ____we look after ourselves. (11.4-5)

a．whatever

b．no matter how much

c．how much

d．whichever way

8 So familiar____ with the fact that man ages, that…(11.13-14)

a．have we

b．we have

c．are we

d．we are

Vocabulary 词汇

9 The body has yet to arrive____ its full size. (1.1)

a．-

b．to

c．in

d．at

10 They run out of energy____ with the second law of thermodynamics. (1.19)

a．similar

b．in contrast to

c．in line with

d．in harmony with

11 Whether the whole universe runs out of energy is____ point. (1.20)

a．a mute

b．an undecided

c．a lost

d．a big

12 A watch could never repair itself----it is not made____ living parts. (11.22-23)

a．out

b．away with

c．over to

d．up of

UPTURN

Lesson 38  Water and the traveller 水和旅行者

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

What does this text describe?

Contamination of water supplies is usually due to poor sanitation close to water sources, sewage disposal into the sources themselves, leakage of sewage into distribution systems or contamination with industrial or farm waste. Even if a piped water supply is safe at its source, it is not always safe by the time it reaches the tap. Intermittent tap-water supplies should be regarded as particularly suspect.

Travellers on short trips to areas with water supplies of uncertain quality should avoid drinking tapwater, or untreated water from any other source. It is best to keep to hot drinks, bottled or canned drinks of well-known brand names----international standards of water treatment are usually followed at bottling plants. Carbonated drinks are acidic, and slightly safer. Make sure that all bottles are opened in your presence, and that their rims are clean and dry.

Boiling is always a good way of treating water. Some hotels supply boiled water on request and this can be used for drinking, or for brushing teeth. Portable boiling elements that can boil small quantities of water are useful when the right voltage of electricity is available. Refuse politely any cold drink from an unknown source.

Ice is only as safe as the water from which it is made, and should not be put in drinks unless it is known to be safe. Drinks can be cooled by placing them on ice rather than adding ice to them.

Alcohol may be a medical disinfectant, but should not be relied upon to sterilize water. Ethanol is more effective at a concentration of 50-70 per cent; below 20 per cent, its bactericidal action is negligible. Spirits labelled 95 proof contain only about 47 per cent alcohol. Beware of methylated alcohol, which is very poisonous, and should never be added to drinking water.

If no other sate water supply can be obtained, tap water that is too hot to touch can be left to cool and is generally safe to drink. Those planning a trip to remote areas, or intending to live in countries where drinking water is not readily available, should know about the various possible methods for making water safe.

  

RICHARD DAWOOD Travellers' Health

  

New words and expressions 生词和短语

contamination (1.1) /k+n?t$mi'neiM+n/ n. 污染

alcohol (1.16) /'$lk+h%l/ n. 酒精

sanitation (1.1) /?s$ni'teiM+n/ n. 卫生，卫生设备

disinfectant (1.16) /?disin'fekt+nt/ n. 消毒剂

sewage (1.1) /'sju:idN/ n. 污水

sterilize (1.16) /'sterilaiz/ v. 消毒

leakage (1.2) /'li:kidN/ n. 泄漏

ethanol (1.16) /'eI+n%l/ n. 乙醇

intermittent (1.4) /?int+'mit+nt/ adj. 间歇的，断断续续的

bactericidal (1.17) /b$k?ti+ri'said+l/ adj. 杀菌的

negligible (1.17) /'neglidNib+l/ adj. 可以忽略的，微不足道的

carbonated (1.8) /'k%:b+neitid/ adj. 碳化的，碳酸的

acidic (1.8) /+'sidik/ adj. 酸的，酸性的

methylated (1.18) /'meIileitid/ adj. 加入甲醇的

Notes on the text 课文注释

1 keep to，局限于。

2 Ice is only as safe as the water from which it is made．冰块只是当制造冰块的水安全时才是安全的。

3 know about，知道……的情况，了解。

参考译文

水源的污染通常是由于接近水源的地方卫生条件太差而造成的：污水排入水源，污水渗入给水系统或工农业污水造成污染。既使管道供水系统在水源处是安全的，等水到达龙头时就不一定总是安全的了。断断续续的水管应该被视为是非常可疑的。

短途旅行到水质不保险的地区时，应避免饮用水龙头的水或未经处理任何其他来源的水。最好仅饮用开水，名牌瓶装或罐装水——装瓶厂通常遵循国际水处理的标准。碳酸饮料是酸性的，就更安全一些。确保瓶子是当着你的面开启的，瓶口清洁干燥。

烧开一直是水处理的一种好办法。有的酒店根据要求可提供开水，这些开水可用于饮用和刷牙。如果有相配的电压，可以煮少量水的便携式热水装置是有用的。应谢绝任何不明来源的冷饮。

冰块只有当制造冰块的水安全时才是保险的，只有知道冰块安全时才能加入饮料。可以把饮料置于冰块之上来冷却，而不是把冰块加进饮料之中。

酒精可能是医学上的消毒剂，但决不可用来消毒饮用水。乙醇的浓度为50％至70％时比较有效，浓度低于20％时，杀菌能力基本上就不存在了。强度标为95的酒中含47％的酒精。要提防甲基化酒精，那是剧毒的，永远不能掺入饮用水。

如果没有其他安全的饮用水，水管中流出的烫手的水可以留下来冷却。这种水一般是安全的。那些计划去偏远地区旅行、或在饮用水不现成的国家居住的人，应该知道如何使水适于饮用的各种办法。

Comprehension 理解

Answer these questions:

1 What kind of piped water could be dangerous to the health?

2 Why does the author recommend that travellers on short trips should drink canned drinks of well-known brand names?

3 Why could ice in drinks be dangerous to the health?

4 Why wouldn't you be safe if you added 95 proof alcohol to contaminated water?

5 What kind of tap water is generally safe to drink in the absence of other sources?

Vocabulary 词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using these words: poor 1.1); contamination(1.2); regarded (1.4); areas (1.5); plants (1.7); in your presence (1.8); supply (1.10); on request (1.10); refuse (1.12); remote (1.21); various (1.22).

Summary 摘要

Refer to lines 1-5(‘Contamination…adding ice to them,’). In not more than 80 words write seven sentences giving advice to travellers about drinking water. Begin each sentence with the word‘always’. The first sentence has been done for you:

Always avoid intermittent tap-water supplies.

Composition 作文

A A foreigner is going to travel to some of the remote regions of your country. Write some notes giving him/ her good advice under each of these headings: the people, accommodation, food, water.

B Refer to your notes and write four paragraphs of advice to a traveller in about 400 words.

Key structures 关键句型

A Compare these active and passive uses of should for giving direct and indirect advice:

You should regard intermittent tap-water supplies as particularly suspect.

Intermittent tap-water supplies should be regarded as particularly suspect. (1.4)

Turn these sentences into the passive in order to give indirect advice:

1 You should avoid drinking tap-water.

2 You should prefer well-known brand names of bottled drinks.

3 They should open all bottles in your presence.

4 You should request boiled water in hotels.

5 You should boil water before drinking it.

B Compare these active and passive uses of shouldn't for giving direct and indirect advice:

You shouldn't regard intermittent tap-water supplies as sate.

Intermittent tap-water supplies shouldn't be regarded as safe.

Turn these sentences into the passive in order to give indirect advice.

1 You shouldn't drink tap-water．

2 You shouldn't accept bottles of water that haven't been opened in your presence.

3 You shouldn't put ice in drinks.

4 You shouldn't rely on alcohol to sterilize water.

5 You shouldn't add methylated alcohol to drinking water.

Special difficulties 难点

A Compare the -ing form in these four sentences:

Boiling is always a good way of treating water. (1.10) (boiling-noun)

Portable boiling elements that can boil small quantities of water…(1.11) (boiling-compound noun: i.e. elements used for boiling)

I was scalded with boiling water. (boiling-adjective: i.e. water which was boiling)The water is boiling. (boiling-participle: part of the verb form)

Identify the -ing forms as nouns, adjectives or participles in these sentences:

1 Travellers should avoid drinking tap water. (11.5-6)

2 International standards of water treatment are usually followed at bottling plants. (1.7)

3 Methylated alcohol should never be added to drinking water. (11.18-19)

4 Those planning a trip to remote areas should know about various methods… (11.21-22)

5 Making water safe to drink is a matter of life or death.

6 We are planning a trip to the remote areas of the country.

B Compare the -ed form in these two sentences:

Piped water supply is safe at its source. (1.3) (piped-adjectival participle)

The water has been piped across thousands of miles.(piped-past participle: part of the verb form)

Identify the -ed forms as adjectives or past participles in these sentences:

1 Some water supplies should be regarded as particularly suspect.

2 Bottled or canned drinks are usually safe. (11.6-7)

3 Carbonated drinks are acidic. (1.8)

4 Make sure that all bottles are opened in your presence. (11.8-9)

5 Drinks can be cooled by placing them on ice. (1.15)

6 Spirits labelled 95 proof contain only about 47 per cent alcohol. (11.17-18)

Multiple choice questions 多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension 理解

1 Piped water could be contaminated, especially if ____.

a．it is supplied from the sewage system

b．it isn't safe by the time it reaches the tap

c．doesn't flow continuously through the pipes

d．it comes from farmland

2 Make sure that bottled drinks are opened in your presence, presumably ____.

a．to be assured that it was filled at a bottling plant

b．to make sure that it isn't too acidic to drink

c．to check that the rim of the bottle is clean and dry

d．because water supplies are uncertain

3 You should avoid ice in drinks because ____.

a．you don't know if it has been made with contaminated water

b．you can be sure it hasn't been boiled first

c．because it always comes from an unknown source

d．it hasn't been treated in your presence

4 You can't use alcoholic drinks to sterilize water because ____.

a．only ethanol is capable of doing this

b．the alcoholic content is rarely sufficiently concentrated to do the job

c．methylated alcohol is very poisonous

d．it's not a very good disinfectant

Structure 句型

5 Piped water____ safe at its source,____ it isn't always safe. (1.3)

a．must be…and

b．may be…but

c．should be…though

d．will be…even if

6 It____ to drink tap water of uncertain quality. (1.5)

a．isn't advisable

b．is advisable

c．isn't required

d．is required

7 Drinks can be cooled ____ them on ice. (1.15)

a．so as to place

b．in placing

c．if you place

d．to place

8 ____ rely on alcohol to sterilize water. (1.16)

a．Not

b．Don't

c．Must not

d．Not to

Vocabulary 词汇

9 Make sure that all bottles are opened ____. (1.8)

a．at once

b．now

c．at present

d．in front of you

10 ____ any cold drink from an unknown source. (1.12)

a．Discard

b．Prevent

c．Deny

d．Don't accept

11 You should not ____on alcohol to sterilize water. (1.16)

a．depend

b．insist

c．lean

d．support

12 Those planning a trip to____ places…(1.21)

a．away

b．far away

c．contaminated

d．overseas

UPTURN

Lesson 39  What every writer wants 作家之所需

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

How do professional writers ignore what they were taught at school about writing?

I have known very few writers, but those I have known, and whom I respect, confess at once that they have little idea where they are going when they first set pen to paper. They have a character, perhaps two; they are in that condition of eager discomfort which passes for inspiration; all admit radical changes of destination once the journey has begun; one, to my certain knowledge, spent nine months on a novel about Kashmir, then reset the whole thing in the Scottish Highlands. I never heard of anyone making a‘skeleton’, as we were taught at school. In the breaking and remaking, in the timing, interweaving, beginning afresh, the writer comes to discern things in his material which were not consciously in his mind when he began. This organic process, often leading to moments of extraordinary self-discovery, is of an indescribable fascination. A blurred image appears; he adds a brushstroke and another, and it is gone; but something was there, and he will not rest till he has captured it. Sometimes the yeast within a writer outlives a book he has written. I have heard of writers who read nothing but their own books; like adolescents they stand before the mirror, and still cannot fathom the exact outline of the vision before them. For the same reason, writers talk interminably about their own books, winkling out hidden meanings, super-imposing new ones, begging response from those around them. Of course a writer doing this is misunderstood: he might as well try to explain a crime or a love affair. He is also, incidentally, an unforgivable bore.

This temptation to cover the distance between himself and the reader, to study his image in the sight of those who do not know him, can be his undoing: he has begun to write to please.

A young English writer made the pertinent observation a year or two back that the talent goes into the first draft, and the art into the drafts that follow. For this reason also the writer, like any other artist, has no resting place, no crowd or movement in which he may take comfort, no judgment from outside which can replace the judgment from within. A writer makes order out of the anarchy of his heart; he submits himself to a more ruthless discipline than any critic dreamed of, and when he flirts with fame, he is taking time off from living with himself, from the search for what his world contains at its inmost point.

  

JOHN LE CARR What every writer wants from Harper's

  

New words and expressions 生词和短语

confess (1.1) /k+n'fes/ v. 承认

fathom (1.12) /'f$J+m/ v. 领悟，彻底了解

inspiration (1.3) /?insp+'reiM+n/ n. 灵感

interminably (11.12-13) /in't*:min+b+li/ adv. 没完没了地

Kashmir (1.4) /k$M'mi+/ n. 克什米尔

interweave (1.6) /?int+'wi:v/ v. 交织

winkle (1.13) /'wiRk+l/ v. 挖掘

afresh (1.6) /+'freM/ adv. 重新

incidentally (1.15) /?insi'dentli/ adv. 顺便说一下

discern (1.7) /di's*:n/ v. 辨明，领悟

pertinent (1.18) /'p*:tin+nt/ adj. 中肯的

indescribable (1.8) /?indis'kraib+b+l/ adj. 无法描述的

flirt (1.22) /fl*:t/ v. 调情

blur (1.9) /bl*:/ v. 使……模糊不清

inmost (1.23) /'inm+ust/ adj. 内心深处的

yeast (1.10) /ji:st/ n. 激动

Notes on the text 课文注释

1 where they are going，他们要写什么，怎么写。

2 set their pen to paper，开始写作。

3 pass for，“被当作”，但常指蒙骗、假冒。

4 to my certain knowledge，据我所知。

5 nothing but，仅，只。

6 like adolescents they stand before the mirror, and still cannot fathom the exact outline of the vision before them.他们如同少年，站在镜前，不能辨认出自身的真面目。此句出自古希腊的一则神话：有一漂亮少年，他热恋上了水中自身的映像，最后憔悴而死，化为水仙花。

7 in the sight of，从……角度来看。

参考译文

我所认识的作家寥寥无几，然而凡是我所认识和尊敬的作家，都立即承认在他们动笔时，不清楚要写什么，怎么写。他们心中有一个或两个角色。他们处于急切不安的状态，而这被当作是灵感。他们无不承认，一旦“旅程”开始，“目的地”常有急剧的变化。据我所知，有位作家花了9个月的时间写了一部有关克什米尔的小说，后来却把整个故事背景换成了苏格兰高地。我从未听说过任何一位作家像我们在学校学的那样，动笔前先列什么提纲。作家在剪裁修改、构思时间、穿插情节、以至从头重写的过程中，会领悟到素材中有很多东西是他刚动笔时所未意识到的。这种有机的加工过程往往达到不寻常自我发现的境界，具有难以言表的构思魅力。一个朦胧的形象出现在作家的脑海里，他左添一笔，右添一笔，形象反而消逝了；可是，好像还有什么东西存在着，不把它捕捉到，作家是不会罢休的。有时，一个作家一本书写完了，但兴奋仍不消散。我听说一些作家，除了自己的书外，别的书一概不读，犹如希腊神话中那位漂亮少年，站在镜前，不能辨认出自身的真面目。由于这个原因，作家喋喋不休地谈论自己的书，挖掘其隐晦的含义，增添新的含义，询问周围人的反应。作家如此行事当然会被人误解。他还不如给人讲一个犯罪案件或一个恋爱故事。顺便说一句，他也是个不可饶恕的令人厌烦的人。

这种企图消除自己和读者之间距离的作法，企图用不了解自己的人的观点来研究自己塑造的形象的作法，会导致作家的毁灭，因为他已经开始为取悦他人而写作了。

一两年前，一位年轻的英国作家发表了中肯的看法。他说，初稿是才华，以后各稿是艺术。也是由于这个原因，作家同任何艺术家一样，找不到可休息的场所，找不到伙伴和活动使自己得到安逸。任何局外人的判断也比不上他自己内心的正确判断。一旦作家从内心的紊乱中理出头绪，就应按任何评论家想像不到的无情规范约束自己去写作；当他沽名钓誉时，他就脱离了自我生活，脱离了对自己灵魂最深处世界的探索。

Comprehension 理解

Answer these questions:

1 What do you understand by this sentence:‘All admit radical changes of destination once the journey has begun.’?(11.3-4)

2 What do you understand by the phrase‘organic process’?(1.8)

3 Quote a sentence from the passage from which you could deduce that a writer must be a lonely person.

Vocabulary 词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using these words: eager discomfort (1.3); passes for (1.3); skeleton (1.5); beginning afresh (1.6);discern (1.7); a blurred image (1.9) ; fathom (1.12); interminably (11.12-13); winkling out(1.13); anarchy (1.21); ruthless (1.22); taking time off (1.22).

Summary 摘要

Drawing your information from the first paragraph (lines 1-15) write a summary of the author's account of how a writer works. Do not write more than 100 words. Your answer should be in one paragraph.

Composition 作文

A Write a list of ideas in note form which could be used to discuss this subject:

Which do you prefer reading: novels, plays, poetry or non-fiction?

Give reasons for your choice.

B Drawing on your list of ideas, write a composition of about 400 words.

Key structures 关键句型

A Supply who, whom or which where necessary in the following sentences. Do not refer to the passage until you have finished the exercise:

1 I have known very few writers, but those ____I have know, and ____I respect confess at once that they have little idea where they are going when they first set pen to paper.(11.1-2)

2 The writer comes to discern things in his material ____were not consciously in his mind when he began.(11.6-7)

3 Sometimes the yeast within a writer outlives a book____ he has written. (1.10)

4 I have heard of writers____ read nothing but their own books. (1.11)

B Note the use of little in this sentence: They have little idea where they are going. (11.1-2)

Write sentences using the following expressions: little expectation; little appreciation; little improvement.

C Compare these two sentences:

Instead of saying: I never heard of anyone who made a‘skeleton’, as we were taught at school.

We can say: I have never heard of anyone making a‘skeleton’, as we were taught at school. (11.5-6)

Change the following sentences in the same way:

1 This organic process, which often leads to moments of extraordinary self-discovery, is of indescribable fascination.(11.7-9)

2 I have often heard of writers who read nothing but their own books. (1.11)

3 A writer who does this is misunderstood. (1.14)

D Note the use of may/ might as well in the following sentences:

1 Of course a writer doing this is misunderstood: he might (or may) as well try to explain a crime or love affair.(11.14-15)

2 I haven't got anything else to do so I might (or may) as well do some gardening.

Write two sentences using may/ might as well in the ways shown above.

E Note the use of back in place of ago in the following:

A young English writer made the pertinent observation a year or two back… (1.18)

Write two sentences using back in this way.

Special difficulties 难点

A Study the following pairs of words and then write sentences of your own to bring out the difference.

1 destination (1.3)----destiny

Passengers flying on to other destinations in Europe must first clear their baggage at this airport.

Surly you don't believe someone can tell your destiny by looking at a pack of cards or a crystal ball?

2 indescribable (1.8)----undescribed

When they reached the top of the hill, they saw a scene of indescribable beauty.

Stephen's journey back home is undescribed in the novel.

3 capture (1.10)----arrest

Captured by the enemy, the soldiers were in danger of being shot.

He was arrested by the police for theft.

4 misunderstood (1.14)----not understood.

That is not what I meant. He must have misunderstood or misheard me.

Apparently this is not understood by all the students.

5 draft (1.19)----draught

It is said that he completed the first draft of the play within two days.

Can you close that window a bit, please, on account of the draught. (=cold air current)

6 judgment (1.20)----criticism

Find out everything you can, then make a judgment based on the facts.

Young people deeply resent any criticism of their friends by their parents.

B The words in italics in the following sentences are used metaphorically. What is their literal meaning?

1 He adds a brushstroke and another, and it is gone,… (1.9)

2 Sometimes the yeast within a writer outlives a book he has written. (1.10)

3 Like adolescents they stand before the mirror and still cannot fathom the exact outline of the vision before them.(11.11-12)

4 When he flirts with fame, he is taking time off from living with himself…(11.22-23)

Multiple choice questions 多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension 理解

1 According to the author, most writers he has known ____.

a．often change the location in which their novel is set

b．do not work to a detailed preconceived plan

c．follow the method of writing they were taught at school

d．rely on inspiration from the moment they start until they finish

2 According to the writer, the process of writing ____.

a．is predictable and methodical

b．brings out ideas that the writer was conscious of

c．is rather chaotic

d．depends on skilful planning

3 If a writer becomes too concerned with the reader, he ____.

a．might fail because he will lose touch with the creative process

b．will learn a lot about himself and his work will benefit

c．will find conversations with other people very boring

d．will understand the vision he is pursuing

4 The key to good writing is not so much the original inspiration, but____.

a．ruthless discipline

b．the anarchy of the writer's heart

c．the number of drafts that follow the first one

d．the quality of editing that follows the original draft

Structure 句型

5 I have known very few writers ____. (1.1)

a．in my life

b．recently

c．last year

d．since last year

6 ____ at school to make a‘skeleton’. (11.5-6)

a．We taught

b．They taught us

c．They were taught by us

d．They taught to us

7 I have heard of writers____ nothing but their own books. (1.11)

a．who they read

b．that they read

c．which they read

d．reading

8 Of course a writer ____ this is misunderstood. (1.14)

a．who doing

b．that doing

c．that he does

d．that does

Vocabulary 词汇

9 All admit____ changes of destination. (1.3)

a．important

b．fundamental

c．unforeseen

d．predictable

10 ____ image appears. (1.9)

a．A false

b．A visionary

c．A sudden

d．An indistinct

11 They stand before a mirror____ adolescents. (1.11)

a．as though

b．as if they were

c．as if to be

d．as

12 A young English writer made the____ observation…(1.18)

a．relative

b．extraordinary

c．relevant

d．cheeky

UPTURN

Lesson 40  Waves 海浪

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

What false impression does an ocean wave convey to the observer?

Waves are the children of the struggle between ocean and atmosphere, the ongoing signatures of infinity. Rays from the sun excite and energize the atmosphere of the earth, awakening it to flow, to movement, to rhythm, to life. The wind then speaks the message of the sun to the sea and the sea transmits it on through waves----an ancient, exquisite, powerful message.

These ocean waves are among the earth's most complicated natural phenomena, The basic features include a crest (the highest point of the wave), a trough (the lowest point), a height (the vertical distance from the trough to the crest), a wave length (the horizontal distance between two wave crests), and a period (which is the time it takes a wave crest to travel one wave length).

Although an ocean wave gives the impression of a wall of water moving in your direction, in actuality waves move through the water leaving the water about where it was. If the water was moving with the wave, the ocean and everything on it would be racing in to the shore with obviously catastrophic results.

An ocean wave passing through deep water causes a particle on the surface to move in a roughly circular orbit, drawing the particle first towards the advancing wave, then up into the wave, then forward with it and then----as the wave leaves the particles behind----back to its starting point again.

From both maturity to death, a wave is subject to the same laws as any other‘living’thing. For a time it assumes a miraculous individuality that, in the end, is reabsorbed into the great ocean of life.

The undulating waves of the open sea are generated by three natural causes: wind, earth movements or tremors, and the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. Once waves have been generated, gravity is the force that drives them in a continual attempt to restore the ocean surface to a flat plain.

  

from World Magazine (BBC Enterprises)

  

New words and expressions 生词和短语

signature (1.1) /'sign+tM+/ n. 签名，标记

trough (1.6) /tr%f/ n. 波谷

infinity (1.1) /in'finiti/ n. 无穷

vertical (1.6) /'v*:tik+l/ adj. 垂直的

ray (1.2) /rei/ n. 光线

horizontal (1.7) /?h%ri'z%ntl/ adj. 水平的

energize (1.2) /'en+DNaiz/ v. 给与……能量

actuality (1.9) /?$ktMu'$liti/ n. 现实

rhythm (1.3) /'riJ+m/ n. 节奏

catastrophic (1.11) /?k$t+'str%fik/ adj. 大灾难的

transmit (1.3) /tr$nz'mit/ v. 传送

particle (1.12) /'p%:tik+l/ n. 微粒

exquisite (1.4) /ik'skwizit/ adj. 高雅的

maturity (1.15) /m+'tMu+riti/ n. 成熟

phenomena (1.5) /fi'n%min+/ （复数）(phenomenon 单数) n. 现象

undulate (1.17) /')ndjuleit/ v. 波动，形成波浪

tremor (1.18) /'trem+/ n. 震颤

crest (1.6) /krest/ n. 浪峰

gravitational (1.18) /?gr$vi'teiM+n+l/ adj. 地心吸力的

Notes on the text 课文注释

1 back to its starting point again，又返回出发点。

2 be subject to，受……的支配，服从于……。

参考译文

海浪是大海和空气相斗的产物，无限的一种不间断的标志。太阳光刺激了地球的大气层，并给予它能量；阳光使空气开始流动，产生节奏，获得生命。然后，风把太阳的信息带给了大海，海洋用波浪的形式传递这个信息——一个源远流长、高雅而有力的信息。

这些海浪属于地球上最复杂的自然现象。它们的基本特征包括浪峰（波浪的最高点）、波谷（最低点）、浪高（从波谷到浪峰的垂直距离）、波长（两个浪峰间的水平距离）和周期（浪峰走过一个波长所需的时间）。虽然，海浪给人的印象是一堵由水组成的墙向你压过来，而实际上，浪从水中移过，而水则留在原处。如果水和浪一起移动的话，那么大海和海里所有的东西就会向岸边疾涌而来，带来明显的灾难性后果。

穿过深水的海浪使水面上的一个微粒按照一种近乎圆形的轨道移动，先把微粒拉向前移的海浪，然后推上波浪，随着波浪移动，然后——当波浪把微粒留在身后时——又回到出发点。

从成熟到消亡，波浪和其他任何“活动中”的东西一样，都受制于共同的法则。一度它获得非凡的个性，但最终又被重新融进生命的大洋。

公海上起伏的波浪是由3个自然因素构成的：风、地球的运动或震颤和月亮、太阳的引力。一旦波浪形成，地球引力是持续不断企图使海面复原为平面的力量。

Comprehension 理解

Answer these questions:

1 Why isn't‘a wave a wall of moving water’?

2 What would happen if a wave were actually moving?

3 What is the effect of gravity on the ocean?

vocabulary 词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using these words: struggle (1.1); transmits (1.3); features (1.5); racing in to the shore (1.11); catastrophic results (1.11);roughly (1.12); assumes (1.16); undulating (1.17); generated (1.17); force (1.19).

Summary 摘要

Drawing your information from the last three paragraphs of the passage (‘Although an ocean wave…flat plain.’), write a summary of what a wave is and does. Do not write more than 80 words. Your answer should be in one paragraph.

Composition 作文

A The passage is a mixture of poetic writing and scientific writing. Choose one of these styles, poetic or scientific and write a list of ideas in note form about the ocean.

B Drawing on your list of ideas, write a composition of about 400 words.

Key structures 关键句型

A Supply the correct verb forms. Do not refer to the passage until you have finished the exercise:

1 Waves are the children of the struggle between ocean and atmosphere, the ongoing signatures of infinity. Rays from the sun excite and energize the atmosphere of the earth, awakening it to flow, to movement, to rhythm, to life. The wind then____ (speak) the message of the sun to the sea and the sea____ (transmit) it on through waves----an ancient, exquisite, powerful message. (11.1-4)

2 Although an ocean wave____ (give) the impression of a wall of water moving in your direction, in actuality waves____ (move) through the water leaving the water about where it was. (11.9-10)

3 An ocean wave passing through deep water____ (cause) a particle on the surface to move in a roughly circular orbit, drawing the particle first towards the advancing wave, then up into the wave, then forward with it and then----as the wave____ (leave) the particles behind----back to its starting point again. (11.12-14)

B Supply the missing prepositions. Do not refer to the passage until you have finished the exercise:

1 Waves are the children of the struggle____ ocean and atmosphere. Rays____ the sun excite and energize the atmosphere the earth, awakening it to flow,____ movement,____ rhythm, ____life. The wind then speaks the message____ the sun____ the sea and the sea transmits it on____waves----an ancient, exquisite, powerful message. (11.1-4)

2 Although an ocean wave gives the impression____ a wall____ water moving____ your direction, ____ actuality waves move____ the water leaving the water about where it was. If the water was moving____ the wave, the ocean and everything____ it would be racing in____ the shore with obviously catastrophic results. (11.9-11)

3 An ocean wave passing____ deep water causes a particle____ the surface to move ____ a roughly circular orbit, drawing the particle first____ the advancing wave, then up____ the wave, then forward____ it and then----as the wave leaves the particles behind----back____ its starting point again. (11.11-14)

Special difficulties 难点

A Phenomena (1.5) is the irregular plural of phenomenon. Give the plurals of the following nouns (sometimes a noun has two plural forms): index, automaton, appendix, alumnus, stratum, analysis, criterion.

B Note the use of other in this sentence:

From both maturity to death, a wave is subject to the same laws as any other‘living’thing. (1.15)

Supply other, the other, the others, or others in these sentences:

1 I think we ought to hurry so that we catch up with____

2 You've seen my best pictures.____ aren't worth looking at.

3 I'm taking two novels on holiday. One is by Jane Austen. ____ is by Charles Dickens.

4 Some people enjoy watching football;____ don't.

5 You should be more considerate of____ people.

C Death (1.15) is the noun from the verb die. Give the noun forms derived from the following verbs: excite, live, move, assume, generate, restore.

Multiple choice questions 多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension 理解

1 How many essential characteristics can be discerned in waves?

a．Two.

b．Three.

c．Four.

d．Five.

2 A wave is described as ____.

a．a wall of moving water

b．the energy of the sun

c．a motion through water

d．an ancient powerful message

3 As a wave moves forward, it ____.

a．carries everything with it

b．leads to catastrophic results

c．advances and then retreats

d．leaves behind the water that it disturbed

4 As far as gravity is concerned, the ideal condition in the sea is ____.

a．a totally level surface

b．rising and falling

c．constant motion

d．leaving particles behind

Structure 句型

5 These ocean waves are____ the earth's most complicated phenomena. (1.5)

a．considered

b．between

c．one of

d．several of

6 The basic features____ of a crest…(11.5-6)

a．consist

b．consisting

c．have consisted

d．are consisting

7 An ocean wave____ give the impression of a wall of water, but in actuality…(1.9)

a．must

b．has to

c．should

d．may

8 ____ of undulating waves is caused by wind, earth movement, and gravity. (11.17-18)

a．A generation

b．Generations

c．Generation

d．The generation

Vocabulary 词汇

9 Waves are the____ signatures of infinity. (1.1)

a．going on

b．carrying on

c．moving forward

d．continuing

10 Although an ocean wave ____the impression of a wall of water…(1.9)

a．creates

b．receives

c．demands

d．contributes

11 It would be racing to the shore with obviously catastrophic ____. (1.11)

a．loss

b．damage

c．causes

d．consequences

12 Gravity is the force that drives them in____ attempt to restore the ocean surface. (11.18-19)

a．an unceasing

b．a constant but intermittent

c．a fluctuating

d．a desperate

UPTURN

Lesson 41 Training elephants 训练大象

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

At what point does the training of a captive wild elephant begin?

Two main techniques have been used for training elephants, which we may call respectively the tough and the gentle. The former method simply consists of setting an elephant to work and beating him until he does what is expected of him. Apart from any moral considerations this is a stupid method of training, for it produces a resentful animal who at a later stage may well turn man-killer. The gentle method requires more patience in the early stages, but produces a cheerful, good-tempered elephant who will give many years of loyal service.

The first essential in elephant training is to assign to the animal a single mahout who will be entirely responsible for the job. Elephants like to have one master just as dogs do, and are capable of a considerable degree of personal affection. There are even stories of half-trained elephant calves who have refused to feed and pined to death when by some unavoidable circumstance they have been deprived of their own trainer. Such extreme cases must probably be taken with a grain of salt, but they do underline the general principle that the relationship between elephant and mahout is the key to successful training.

The most economical age to capture an elephant for training is between fifteen and twenty years, for it is then almost ready to undertake heavy work and can begin to earn its keep straight away. But animals of this age do not easily become subservient to man, and a very firm hand must be employed in the early stages. The captive elephant, still roped to a tree, plunges and screams every time a man approaches, and for several days will probably refuse all food through anger and fear. Sometimes a tame elephant is tethered nearby to give the wild one confidence, and in most cases the captive gradually quietens down and begins to accept its food. The next stage is to get the elephant to the training establishment, a ticklish business which is achieved with the aid of two tame elephants roped to the captive on either side.

When several elephants are being trained at one time, it is customary for the new arrival to be placed between the stalls of two captives whose training is already well advanced. It is then left completely undisturbed with plenty of food and water so that it can absorb the atmosphere of its new home and see thatnothing particularly alarming is happening to its companions. When it is eating normally, its own training begins. The trainer stands in front of the elephant holding a long stick with a sharp metal point. Two assistants, mounted on tame elephants, control the captive from either side, while others rub their hands over his skin to the accompaniment of a monotonous and soothing chant. This is supposed to induce pleasurable sensations in the elephant, and its effects are reinforced by the use of endearing epithets, such as‘ho! my son’, or‘ho! my father’, or‘my mother’, according to the age and sex of the captive. The elephant is not immediately susceptible to such blandishments, however, and usually lashes fiercely with its trunk in all directions. These movements are controlled by the trainer with the metal-pointed stick, and the trunk eventually becomes so sore that the elephant curls it up and seldom afterwards uses it for offensive purposes.

  

RICHARD CARRINGTON Elephants

  

New words and expressions 生词和短语

technique (1.1) /tek'ni:k/ n. 技术

ticklish (1.19) /'tikliM/ adj. 难对付的，棘手的

tough (1.1) /t)f/ adj. 强硬的

alarming (1.24) /+'l%:miR/ adj. 引起惊恐的

resentful (1.4) /ri'zentf+l/ adj. 忿恨不满的

accompaniment (1.27) /+'k)mp+nim+nt/ n. 伴奏

assign (1.7) /+'sain/ v. 分配，指派

soothe (1.27) /'su:J/ v. 镇定

mahout (1.7) /m%:'hu:t/ n.驯象的人

chant (1.27) /tM%:nt/ n. 单调的歌

calf (1.9) /k%:f/ n. 幼仔

reinforce (1.28) /?ri:in'f&:s/ v. 加强

pine (1.10) /pain/ v. 消瘦

endearing (1.28) /in'di+riR/ adj. 惹人喜爱的

underline (1.11) /?)nd+'lain/ v. 看重说明，强调

epithet (1.28) /'epiIet/ n. 称呼

keep (1.14) /ki:p/ n. 生计

susceptible (1.30) /s+'sept+b+l/ adj. 易受感动的

subservient (1.15) /s+b's*:vi+nt/ adj. 屈从的

blandishment (1.30) /'bl$ndiMm+nt/ n. 奉承

plunge (1.16) /pl)ndN/ v. 向前冲

lash (1.30) /l$M/ v. 猛烈地甩

tame (1.17) /teim/ adj. 养驯服了的

curl (1.32) /k*:l/ v. 使卷曲

tether (1.17) /'teJ+/ v. （用绳）拴

Notes on the text 课文注释

1 by some unavoidable circumstance， 由于某些不可避免的情况。

2 with a grain of salt，有保留地

3 a very firm hand，一个强有力的人。

4 with the aid of，在……的帮助下。

5 This is supposed，据说……。

参考译文

驯象有两种主要的方法，我们分别称之为强硬法和温柔法。强硬法就是驱使象去干活，把它打到顺从为止。且不说道义问题，这本身就是一种愚蠢的训练方法，因为这种方法训练会使动物反感，在以后某个时期可能会变成伤人的动物。温柔法要求在最初阶段保持较大的耐心，但这种方法可以训练出性情愉快、脾气温顺、能忠实为人服务多年的大象。

驯象中至关重要的是指派一名专门的驯象员，全面负责这项工作。大象和狗一样，喜欢有一个专一的主人，而且会对主人产生相当深厚的私人感情。甚至有这样的故事：训练了一半的小象，由于不可避免的情况与他们的主人分离后，竟拒绝吃食，消瘦至死。这种极端的事例虽不可全信，但强调了一项基本原则，象和驯象员之间的关系是驯象成功与否的关键。

捕捉15至20岁之间年龄的大象进行驯练最为经济。这个年龄的象差不多已能干重活，可以很快挣回饲养它的开支。但这个年龄的象不易驯服，因此开始阶段需要有一位强有力的老手。捕来拴在树上的大象，每当有人走近它时，就会向前猛冲并发出尖叫，甚至一连几天由于愤怒和恐惧而拒绝进食。有时，把一头已驯服的象拴在旁边能给野象以信心。在大多数情况下，刚捕来的象会慢慢静下来，接着开始吃食。下一步就是把象带到训练场所，这是一件棘手的事，需要在它两侧拴上两头驯服的大象帮忙才能完成。

几只象同时训练时，通常是把新到的安置在两头训练得很好的大象的象厩中间，然后给它以充足的食物和水，一定不要惊扰它，以便让它能适应新居的气氛，并且看到自己的同伴身上没有发生让自己担惊受怕的事。当它进食正常了，训练就开始。驯练员手持一根有锋利金属尖头的长棒，站在象前。两位助手骑在驯服的象的背上，从两侧控制新捕的象，其他人唱着单调的歌声用手抚摸象的皮肤。据说这是为了使象产生愉快的感觉，为了加强这种效果，人们还按象的年龄性别，给以亲切的外号，如“嗬！我的孩子”、“嗬！我的爸爸”、“嗬！我的妈妈”。然而大象不会立刻被这些讨好的话感动，而往往是用鼻子朝各个方向猛烈地甩动。训练员要用有锋利金属尖的长棒控制它的这种举动，象鼻子最后疼得卷了起来，以后它就很少用鼻子去进攻了。

Comprehension 理解

Answer these questions:

1 Why does the author consider the‘tough’method of training elephants to be stupid?

2 In what way can elephants be compared with dogs?

3 What, according to the author, is the key to successful elephant training?

4 What is the main advantage of training an elephant of between fifteen and twenty years old?

5 What is the main disadvantage of training an elephant of between fifteen and twenty years old?

6 How can tame elephants be used to help in the training of wild elephants?

Vocabulary 词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using these words: moral considerations (1.3); turn(1.4); assign (1.7); capable of a considerable degree of personal affection (11.8-9); pined to death (1.10); underline (1.11); subservient (1.15); tethered (1.17); particularly alarming (1.24);monotonous and soothing chant (1.27); blandishments (1.30); lashes fiercely (1.30).

Summary 摘要

Drawing your information from the last paragraph (lines 21-32) write an account of the method used for training several elephants at one time. Use your own words as far as possible. Do not write more than 80 words. Your answer should be in one paragraph.

Composition 作文

Write a composition of about 600 words on one of the following subjects:

1 Pets.

2 Animals in scientific research.

3 ‘It is cruel to train animals to perform tricks for our amusement.’ Discuss.

Key structures 关键句型

A Note the use of the word who in this sentence:

The gentle method produces a cheerful, good-tempered elephant who will give many years of loyal service. (11.4-6)

Write two sentences in which it would be preferable to use who instead of which when referring to animals.

B Rewrite the sentences given below using the opening words or phrases provided. Do not refer to the passage until you have finished the exercise:

1 The two main techniques which have been used for training elephants we may call respectively the tough and the gentle.

Two main techniques_____ (1.1)

2 We must probably take such extreme cases with a grain of salt.

Such extreme cases ______ (1.11)

3 When training several elephants at one time we usually place the new arrival between the stalls of two captives whose training is already well advanced.

When training several elephants … it is customary for ______(1.21)

4 The trainer controls these movements with the metal-pointed stick.

These movements ______ (1.31)

Special difficulties难点

A Study the following pairs of words and then write sentences of your own to bring out the difference.

1 train (1.1) ---- educate

You need to be very patient when you train dogs.

The best investment any country can make in its future is to educate its children.

2 apart from (1.3) ---- except

Apart from you/Except for you, everyone has helped in some way.

We're open every day apart from/except Saturday.

3 degree (1.9) ---- rank

I think that's true to a degree.

What rank was your father when he was in the army?

4 afterwards (1.32) ---- after

We had dinner first. Afterwards, we went to a show.

Come and see me after work.

B Use the following expressions in sentences of your own: must be taken with a grain of salt (1.11); a ticklish business (1.19)

Multiple choice questions多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension理解

1 The ill-treatment of an elephant during training ____.

a．can have unpleasant consequences later

b．is the most effective method available

c．increases the time it takes to train the animal

d．ensures loyal service for years to come

2 An elephant will only be trained successfully if _____.

a．the mahout is a responsible person

b．elephant calves don't refuse to feed

c．the mahout and the elephant get on well together

d．several trainers are assigned to the job

3 The main attraction of training mature elephants is_____.

a．early financial returns

b．their willingness to obey their trainers

c．the avoidance of anxiety in the elephant

d．that elephants are difficult to keep

4 A mature elephant is only subjected to training when ______ .

a．it is with other elephants

b．the mahout has established a good relationship with it

c．the animal is feeding normally

d．it needs to be controlled with a sharp pointed stick

Structure句型

5 Moral considerations _____, this is a stupid method…(1.3)

a．besides

b． except

c．instead

d．aside

6 Elephants enjoy ______ one master just as dogs do.(1.8)

a．in having

b．have

c．having

d．to have

7 Extreme cases ______must be taken with a grain of salt. (1.11)

a．like so

b．of this kind

c．such that

d．as this

8 Two assistants control the captive, while _____ others rub the the elephant. (11.25-26)

a．eventually

b．at the same time

c．during

d．during which

Vocabulary词汇

9 Elephants do not easily become_____ to man. (11.14-15)

a．a service

b．obedient

c．acceptable

d．responsive

10 A captive elephant will probably _____ all food. (11.16-17)

a．destroy

b．repel

c．deny

d．reject

11 Sometimes a tame elephant is ______ nearby…(1.17)

a．trained

b．tied

c．fed

d．placed

12 Its effects are _____ by the use of endearing epithets. (1.29)

a．imposed

b．confirmed

c．intensified

d．established

UPTURN

Lesson 42 Recording an earthquake 记录地震

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

What does a pen have to do to record on paper the vibrations generated by an earthquake?

An earthquake comes like a thief in the night, without warning. It was necessary, therefore, to invent instruments that neither slumbered nor slept. Some devices were quite simple. One, for instance, consisted of rods of various lengths and thicknesses which would stand up on end like ninepins. When a shock came, it shook the rigid table upon which these stood. If it were gentle, only the more unstable rods fell. If it were severe, they all fell. Thus the rods, by falling, and by the direction in which they fell, recorded for the slumbering scientist the strength of a shock that was too weak to waken him, and the direction from which it came.

But instruments far more delicate than that were needed if any really serious advance was to be made. The ideal to be aimed at was to devise an instrument that could record with a pen on paper, the movements of the ground or of the table as the quake passed by. While I write my pen moves, but the paper keeps still. With practice, no doubt, I could in time learn to write by holding the pen still while the paper moved. That sounds a silly suggestion, but that was precisely the idea adopted in some of the early instruments (seismometers) for recording earthquake waves. But when table, penholder and paper are all moving, how is it possible to write legibly? The key to a solution of that problem lay in an everyday observation. Why does a  person standing in a bus or train tend to fall when a sudden start is made? It is because his feet move on, but his head stays still. A simple experiment will help us a little further. Tie a heavy weight at the end of a long piece of string. With the hand held high in the air, hold the string so that the weight nearly touches the ground. Now move the hand to and fro and around but not up and down. It will be found that the weight moves but slightly or not at all. Imagine a pen attached to the weight in such a way that its point rests upon a piece of paper on the floor. Imagine an earthquake shock shaking the floor, the paper, you and your hand. In the midst of all this movement, the weight and the pen would be still. But as the paper moved from side to side under the pen point, its movement would be recorded in ink upon its surface. It was upon this principle that the first instruments were made, but the paper was wrapped round a drum which rotated slowly. As long as all was still, the pen drew a straight line, but while the drum was being shaken, the line that the pen was drawing wriggled from side to side. The apparatus thus described, however, records only the horizontal component of the wave movement, which is, in fact, much more complicated. If we could actually see the path described by a particle, such as a sand grain in the rock, it would be more like that of a bluebottle buzzing round the room; it would be up and down, to and fro and from side to side. Instruments have been devised and can be so placed that all three elements can be recorded in different graphs.

When the instrument is situated at more than 700 miles from the earthquake centre, the graphic record shows three waves arriving one after the other at short intervals. The first records the arrival of longitudinal vibrations. The second marks the arrival of transverse vibrations which travel more slowly and arrive several minutes after the first. These two have travelled through the earth. It was from the study of these that so much was learnt about the interior of the earth. The third, or main wave, is the slowest and has travelled round the earth through the surface rocks.

  

H. H. SWINNERTON The Earth beneath Us

  

New words and expressions生词和短语

earthquake (title)/'*:Ikweik/n.地震

drum(1.23)/dr)m/n.鼓状物

slumber(1.2)/'sl)mb+/v.睡眠

wriggle (1.25)/'rig+l/v.扭动

ninepin(1.3)/'nainpin/n.九柱戏中的木柱

bluebottle(1.27)/'blu:b%tl/n.绿头苍蝇

rigid(1.4)/'ridNid/adj.坚硬的

graph(1.29)/gr$f/n.图表

delicate(1.8)/'delikit/adj.灵敏的

graphic(1.30)/gr$fik/adj.图示的

seismometer(11.12-13)/saiz'm%mit+/n.地震仪

longitudinal(1.31)/?l%ndNi'tju:din+l/adj.纵向的

penholder(1.13)/pen'h+uld+/n.笔杆

transverse (1.32)/'tr$nzv*:s/adj.横向的

legibly (1.14)/'ledN+bli/adv.字迹清楚地

Notes on the text课文注释

1 stand up on end，竖立着。

2 the ideal to be aimed at，理想的目标。

3 I could in time…，我最终能够……。

4 help us a little further，帮助我们进一步搞清这个问题。

5 with the hand…hold the string…，这是一个祈使句，谓语动词是hold， with the hand held high in the air是介词短语作方式状语。

6 to and fro，来回地。

参考译文

地震就像夜间的小偷，不打招呼就来了。因此，有必要发明一种仪器，既不打盹儿，也不睡觉。有些装置非常简单。例如，有一种装置是由一些长短、粗细不同的木棒组成；就像九柱戏的木棒一样竖立着，一旦有地震，就会震动竖立在坚硬的桌子上的木棒。如果地震轻微，只有不稳定的木棒倒下；如果地震剧烈，所有的木棒都会倒下。由于地震太弱而未惊醒科学家时，木棒倒下的多少和倒下的方向就为科学家记录下了地震的强度和地震方向。

但是，如果要取得真正重大的进展，需要有比这种装置精细得多的仪器。理想的目标是设计出这样一种仪器：当地震发生时，它能用笔在纸上记录下大地和桌子的运动情况。我写字时，笔是移动的，纸是静止的。毫无疑问，经过练习，我最终能够学会笔不动而纸动来写字。这听起来似乎是一种愚蠢的想法，但是早期记录地震波的仪器（测震仪）正是采用了这种思路。可是，当桌子、夹笔装置、纸都在移动时，怎么能书写得清楚呢？可以从我们的日常生活观察中找到这个问题的答案。一个人站在公共汽车或火车上，当车突然开动时，他为什么会倾倒呢？这是因为他的脚动了，而他的头保持着静止。再做一个简单的实验可以帮助我们进一步理解这个问题。把一个重物拴在一根长绳子的一端，把手高高举在空中握住绳子，让重物几乎接触地面。然后把手前后左右以及旋转摆动，但不要上下摆动。结果会发现，重物是动了，但动得很小，甚至没动。假定把一支笔拴在重物上，笔尖落在地板上的一张纸上，假定地震发生了，地板、纸、你和你的手都会动，重物和笔都却不运动。由于纸在笔尖下来回运动，纸的表面就会用墨水记录下地板运动的情况。根据这一原理，制造出了最初的地震仪器，但是纸是卷在慢慢旋转的圆筒上的。只要一切都是静止的，笔就会划出一条直线；但是，圆筒受到震动，笔所画出的线就会左右摆动。然而，这里所说的仪器记录下来的只是地震波运动中的水平部分，地震波的运动实际比这要复杂得多。假如我们真能看到诸如岩石中一个沙粒分子的运动轨迹，那就像一只嗡嗡叫的绿头苍蝇在屋内飞行的轨迹，呈现出上上下下、来来回回、左左右右3种性质的运动。已经设计出了一些仪器，它按照一定的安放方式就可测绘出这三种运动的曲线图。

如果把这种仪器安装在距震源700多英里远的地方，曲线纪录就能显示出前后相间的这3种地震波。首先记录下的是纵向波的到达；然后记录下的是横向波的到达，横向波比纵向波传播得慢，在纵向波到达几分钟后才能到达。这两种波都是穿过地球而来的。正是从这两种波的研究中，我们可以了解到地球内部的许多情况。第三种波，即主波，是最慢的，是围绕地球通过表面岩石传来的。

Comprehension理解

Answer these questions：

1 Explain how the device consisting of rods of various lengths and thichnesses could be used to indicate the extent of an earthquake.

2 Why was this simple seismometer worked by rods unsatisfactory?

3 Which everyday observation enabled scientists to improve seismometers?

4 ‘Instruments have been devised and can be so placed that all three elements can be recorded in different graphs.’ (11.28-29) What are these‘elements’?

5 Why, during an earthquake, is the third wave the last to be recorded?

Vocabulary词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using these words: rigid(1.4); slumbering (1.6); delicate(1.8); silly suggestion(1.12); legibly(1.14); everyday(1.14); tend (1.15); to and fro(1.18); slightly(1.19); rotated(1.23); wriggled(1.25); the path described by a particle(11.26-27);bluebottle (1.27).

Summary摘要

Drawing your information from lines 9-28 (‘The ideal… side to side.’), describe how the seismometer used for recording the horizontal component of wave movements works. Do not write more than 120 words. Use your own words as far as possible. Your answer should be in one paragraph.

Composition作文

Write a composition of about 600 words on one of the following subjects:

1 A description, real or imaginary, of an earthquake.

2 The hidden forces of nature.

3 Man's efforts to understand and control natural calamities. (E.g. earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, forest fires.)

Key structures关键句型

A Complete the following sentences in any way you wish. Then compare what you have written with the sentences in the passage:

1 When a shock came, it shook the rigid table upon which these stood. If it were gentle, ______ (11.3-4)

2 ___if any really serious advance was to be made. (1.8)

3 If we could actually see the path described by a particle, _____(11.26-28)

B Rewrite the sentences given below using the opening phrases provided. Do not refer to the passage until you have finished the exercise:

1 Though that sounds a silly suggestion, that was precisely the idea adopted in some of the early instruments.

That sounds____ (11.11-13)

2 The reason for this is that his feet move on, but his head stays still.

It is because ______ (11.15-16)

3 Imagine that an earthquake shock shook the floor.

Imagine an_____ (1.20)

4 However, only the horizontal component of the wave movement, which is, in fact, far more complicated, is recorded by the apparatus thus described.

The apparatus thus described, however, ______ (11.25-26)

Special difficulties 难点

A Study the following pairs of words and then write sentences of your own to bring out the difference.

1 device (1.2)---- devise (1.9)

The juice extractor is a practical household device.

He has devised a scheme for earning more money.

2 travel (1.32) ---- trip

She travels to London at least three times a month.

I'm just back from a business trip.

3 adopted (1.12) ---- adopted

The company has persuaded the workers to adopt more flexible working practices so as to increase efficiency. Our Geology teacher has adapted an old washing-machine so he can use it to polish gem-stones.

B Note that the word record is differently pronounced in each of these sentences:

1 … the graphic record shows three waves … (11.30-31)

2 The first records the arrival of longitudinal vibrations. (11.31-32)

Write pairs of sentences using the following words as nouns and as verbs: export; import; produce; conduct.

In each sentence indicate the syllable which should be stressed.

Multiple choice questions 多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension 理解

1 Even a primitive instrument with rods can ____.

a．record the movement of an earthquake

b．indicate roughly how strong an earthquake is and its direction

c．wake up a sleeping scientist when an earthquake is in progress

d．rise and fall in line with the movement of an earthquake

2 In a more sophisticated instrument to measure an earthquake_____ .-

a．the pen moves up and down as paper moves steadily beneath it

b．the pen and the paper beneath it move together in response to the earthquake

c．the pen remains still while recording the irregular movement of the paper beneath it

d．the pen rotates with the moving drum beneath it

3 The instrument, consisting of a pen and paper moving round a rotating drum, ________.

a．gives a full picture of an earthquake

b．records deep wave movements only

c．does not provide a comprehensive record of an earthquake

d．only reflects vertical movement

4 Instruments have been devised which will ____.

a．record all three movements of a nearby earthquake

b．give a comprehensive record of an earthquake more than 700 miles away

c．send information about the interior of the earth

d．reflect the effect of an earthquake on surface rocks

Structure 句型

5 Falling rods recorded a shock that _____to wake up the scientist. (11.5-6)

a．was not enough strong

b．was strong enough

c．was too strong

d．was not strong enough

6 Instruments of far____ delicacy were needed. (1.8)

a．improved

b．greater

c．better

d．finer

7 Where did the key to that problem____ ? (1.14)

a．laid

b．lied

c．lay

d．lie

8 ______ all was still, the pen drew a straight line. (11.23-4)

a．Provided

b．Suppose

c．Imagine

d．Supposed

Vocabulary 词汇

9 While I write my pen moves, but the paper _____. (1.10)

a．moves yet

b．changes direction

c．remains solid

d．does not

10 It will be found that the weight moves____ slightly. (11.18-19)

a．even

b．unless

c．only

d．except

11 Instruments have been_____ and can be so placed ... (11.28-29)

a．invented

b．described

c．sold

d．discovered

12 The graphic record shows three waves arriving ______ . (11.30-31)

a．in a synchronised fashion

b．almost together

c．irregularly

d．with brief breaks in between

UPTURN

Lesson 43 Are there strangers in space? 宇宙中有外星人吗？

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

What does the ‘uniquely rational way’ for us to communicate with other intelligent beings in space depend on?

We must conclude from the work of those who have studied the origin of life, that given a planet only approximately like our own, life is almost certain to start. Of all the planets in our own solar system, we are now pretty certain the Earth is the only one on which life can survive. Mars is too dry and poor in oxygen, Venus far too hot, and so is Mercury, and the outer planets have temperatures near absolute zero and hydrogen-dominated atmospheres. But other suns, stars as the astronomers call them, are bound to have planets like our own, and as the number of stars in the universe is so vast, this possibility becomes virtual certainty. There are one hundred thousand million stars in our own Milky Way alone, and then there are three thousand million other Milky Ways, or galaxies, in the universe. So the number of stars that we know exist is now estimated at about 300 million million million.

Although perhaps only 1 per cent of the life that has started somewhere will develop into highly complex and intelligent patterns, so vast is the number of planets, that intelligent life is bound to be a natural part of the universe.

If then we are so certain that other intelligent life exists in the universe, why have we had no visitors from outer space yet? First of all, they may have come to this planet of ours thousands or millions of years ago, and found our then prevailing primitive state completely uninteresting to their own advanced knowledge. Professor Ronald Bracewell, a leading American radio astronomer, argued in Nature that such a superior civilization, on a visit to our own solar system, may have left an automatic messenger behind to await the possible awakening of an advanced civilization. Such a messenger, receiving our radio and television signals, might well re-transmit them back to its home-planet, although what impression any other civilization would thus get from us is best left unsaid.

But here we come up against the most difficult of all obstacles to contact with people on other planets ----the astronomical distances which separate us. As a reasonable guess, they might, on an average, be 100 light years away. (A light year is the distance which light travels at 186,000 miles per second in one year, namely 6 million million miles.) Radio waves also travel at the speed of light, and assuming such an automatic messenger picked up our first broadcasts of the 1920's, the message to its home planet is barely halfway there. Similarly, our own present primitive chemical rockets, though good enough to orbit men, have no chance of transporting us to the nearest other star, four light years away, let alone distances of tens or hundreds of light years.

Fortunately, there is a ‘uniquely rational way’ for us to communicate with other intelligent beings, as Walter Sullivan has put it in his excellent book, We Are not Alone. This depends on the precise radio frequency of the 21-cm wavelength, or 1420 megacycles per second. It is the natural frequency of emission of the hydrogen atoms in space and was discovered by us in 1951; it must be known to any kind of radio astronomer in the universe

Once the existence of this wave-length had been discovered, it was not long before its use as the uniquely recognizable broadcasting frequency for interstellar communication was suggested. Without something of this kind, searching for intelligences on other planets would be like trying to meet a friend in London without a pre-arranged rendezvous and absurdly wandering the streets in the hope of a chance encounter.

  

ANTHONY MICHAELIS Are There Strangers in Space? from The Weekend Telegraph

  

New words and expressions生词和短语

Mercury(1.4)/'m*:kjuri/n.水星

cm(1.31)(=centimetre/'senti?mi:t+/)n. 厘米

hydrogen(11.4-5)/'haidr+dN+n/n.氢气

megacycle(1.31)/'meg+?saik+l/n.兆周

prevailing(1.15)/pri'veiliR/adj.普遍的

emission(1.31)/I'miM+m/n.散发

radio astronomer(1.16)/'reidi+u+'str%n+m+/射电天文学家

intersteller(1.35)/?int+'stel+/adj. 星际的

rendezvous(1.37)/'r%ndivu:/n. 约会地点

uniquely (1.29)/ju:'ni:kli/adv.唯一地

encounter(1.37)/in'kaunt+/n.相遇

rational(1.29)/'r$M+n+l/adj.合理的

radio frequency(11.30-31)/'reidi+(>fri:kw+nsi/无线电频率

Notes on the text课文注释

1 that given a planet…certain to start, 这是一个宾语从句，作动词conclude的宾语，其中given a planet…our own，过去分词短语作条件状语，given与 if的意思相近，这个过去分词短语可译成“如果一个行星与我们所在的行星大致相同的话”。

2 is best left unsaid，最好不去说（它）。

3 come up against，遇到。

参考译文

根据研究生命起源的人们所作的工作，我们必然会得出这样的结论：如果设想有一颗行星和我们地球的情况基本相似，那几乎肯定会产生生命。我们目前可以肯定的是，在我们太阳系的所有行星中，地球是生命能存在的唯一行星。火星太干燥又缺氧，金星太热，水星也一样。除此以外，太阳系的其他行星的温度都接近绝对零度，并围绕着以氢气为主的大气层。但是，其他的太阳，即天文学家所说的恒星，肯定会有像我们地球一样的行星。因为宇宙中恒星的数目极其庞大，所以存在着产生生命星球的这种可能性是肯定无疑的。仅我们的银河系就有1000亿颗恒星，况且在宇宙中还有30亿个天河，即银河系。因此，我们所知道的现有恒星数目估计约有30亿×1000亿颗。

虽然在已经产生生命的某个地方，可能只有1％会发展成高度复杂有智力的生命形态，但是行星的数目是那么庞大，有智力的生命必然是宇宙的自然组成部分。

既然我们如此坚信宇宙中存在着其他有智力的生命，那么我们为什么还未见到外层空间来访的客人呢？首先，他们可能在几千年前或几百年万年前已来过我们地球，并且发现我们地球当时普遍存在着的原始状态同他们先进的知识相比是索然无味的。美国一位重要的射电天文学家罗纳德·布雷斯韦尔教授在《自然》杂志上提出了这样的观点：假如有如此高级文明生命访问了我们的太阳系，很可能会在离开太阳系时留下自动化信息装置，等待先进文明的觉醒。这种自动化信息装置，在接收到我们的无线电和电视信号后，完全有可能把这些信号发回到原来的行星。至于其他文明行星对我们地球会有什么印象，还是不说为好。

然而，在和外星人联系中我们遇到的最大困难是分隔我们的天文距离。据合理推算，外星人离我们平均距离也有100光年之远（1光年是光以每秒186，000英里的速度在一年内走的距离，即6万亿英里）。无线电波也是以光速传播的。假定外星人的这种自动化信息装置接收到了我们二十世纪二十年代的第一次广播信号，那么这个信号在发回到原来的行星途中刚刚走了一半路程。同样，我们目前使用的原始化学火箭，虽然可以把人送入轨道，但尚不可能把我们送到离我们最近、相距4光年的其他星球上去，更不用说几十光年或几百光年远的地方了。

幸运的是，有一种我们可以和其他智力生命通迅联系的“唯一合理的方法”，正如沃尔特·沙利文在其杰作《我们并不孤独》中阐述的。这种通讯联系要靠21厘米波段，即每秒1420兆周的精确无线电频率。这个频率是空间氢原子释放的自然频率，是在1951年被人类发现的。这个频率是宇宙中任何射电天文学家都应该熟悉的。

一旦这种波长的实际存在被发现，提出把它作为星际间唯一可辨认的广播频率就为期不远了。没有这种手段，要想寻觅其他星球上的智力生命，就如同去伦敦见一位朋友，事先未约定地点，而荒唐地在街上游逛，以期碰巧遇上一样。

Comprehension 理解

Answer these questions：

1 What do you understand by the word‘galaxy’?

2 Why, according to the author, is it highly probable that life exists in other parts of the universe?

3 Why would it be extremely difficult to visit another planet even if one were travelling at 186,000 miles per second?

4 How might it be possible to accomplish interstellar communication?

Vocabulary词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using these words: approximately (1.2);prevailing primitive state(1.15);automatic messenger(1.17);obstacles(1.21);orbit(1.26); interstellar(1.35); chance encounter(1.37).

Summary摘要

Drawing your information from lines 21-37 (‘But here ... chance encounter.’), write an account of the difficulties of interstellar communication. Do not write more than 100 words. Use your own words as far as possible. Your answer should be in one paragraph.

Composition作文

Write a composition of about 600 words on one of the following subjects:

1 The universe.

2 Flying saucers.

3 If an outside observer were given the opportunity to spend a year on earth, what impression might he get of its inhabitants?

Key structures 关键句型

A Note the form of the verb in italics:

But other suns are bound to have planets like our own. (11.5-6)

Write sentences using the following expressions:

sure to; about to; due to.

B Rewrite the sentences given below using the opening phrases provided. Do not refer to the passage until you have finished the exercise:

1 As the number of planets is so vast, intelligent life is bound to be a natural part of the universe.

So vast ______ (1.11)

2 First of all, it is possible that they came to this planet of ours thousands or millions of years ago.

First of all, they may _______(1.14)

3 It was argued in Nature by Professor Ronald Bracewell, a leading American radio astronomer, that such a superior civilization, on a visit to our own solar system, may have left an automatic messenger behind.

Professor Ronald Bracewell, _____ (11.16-17)

4 Even if our own present primitive chemical rockets are good enough to orbit men, they have no chance of transporting us to the nearest other star.

Our own present ... though ______ (11.26-27)

Special difficulties难点

A Study the following pairs of words and then write sentences of your own to bring out the difference.

1 planet (1.2) ---- star (1.6)

Live images of the robotic vehicle, Sojourner, have been relayed from the planet Mars to our T.V. screens in seconds.

There must be other stars, like our own sun, with orbiting planets similar to Earth.

2 estimated (1.9) ---- esteemed

The cost of repair has been estimated at $45.

German mechanical engineering is highly esteemed world-wide.

3 natural (1.11) ---- physical

It's quite natural for a boy's voice to break when he is about 14.

Boxers take a lot of physical punishment.

4 unsaid (1.20) ---- untold

Some things are better left unsaid.

The floods have caused untold misery to hundreds of thousands of farmers this year.

5 search for (1.36) ---- search

The whole village has been searching for the missing boy.

The security guards are searching each passenger.

B Note the use of let alone in this sentence:

Similarly, our own present primitive chemical rockets, though good enough to orbit men, have no chance of transporting us to the nearest other star, four light years away, let alone distances of tens or hundreds of light years. (11.26-28)

Complete the following sentences:

1 He's incapable of adding up a simple list of figures, let alone ______

2 He doesn't earn enough to support himself, let alone_____

Multiple choice questions 多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension 理解

1 The possibility that life exists on other planets is almost certain because ______ .

a．there are plenty of planets like our own

b．the other planets in our solar system are unlikely to support life

c．our own galaxy is so large

d．of the sheer number of planets in the universe

2 According to the writer, ____.

a．there is a possibility that we constantly have visitors from outer space

b．our planet may have been visited at some time during the distant past

c．an automatic messenger was left on our planet at some time in the past

d．our civilization is just awakening and is of interest to other beings

3 Travel in the universe is difficult because ____.

a．even at the speed of light, distances are immense

b．light travels at 186,000 miles per hour

c．planets are 100 light years away

d．there are no rockets in the universe powerful enough

4 The discovery of the natural frequency of emission of hydrogen atoms in space is important because ________.

a．it's a precise radio frequency of 1420 megacycles per second

b．it would be universally recognized by intelligent life anywhere in the universe

c．it makes the discovery of intelligent life elsewhere virtually certain

d．hydrogen is abundant exclusively in our own solar system

Structure 句型

5 Life ______ present on a planet approximately like our own. (11.1-2)

a．was

b．might be

c．must be

d．is

6 Why have we had no visitors from outer space_____ ? (11.13-14)

a．before

b．in the past

c．so far

d．till then

7 They were not ______our primitive state. (1.15)

a．interesting to (6) interesting in

c．interested to

d．interested in

8 We have no chance ______by our own primitive chemical rockets. (11.26-27)

a．to be transporting

b．to transport

c．of transporting

d．of being transported

Vocabulary词汇

9 They are_____ to have planets like our own.(11.5-6)

a．almost certain

b．obliged

c．required

d．due

10 What impression they would get of us is best left _____.(11.19-20)

a．unspoken

b．untold

c．unmentioned

d．unrecounted

11 We come up against the most difficult of all obstacles to ____people.(1.21)

a．speaking to

b．being in touch with

c．touching

d．reaching out to

12 This depends on the _____radio frequency of the 21cm wavelength. (11.30-31)

a．measurable

b．exact

c．established

d．known

UPTURN

Lesson 44 Patterns of culture 文化的模式

  

First listen and then answer the following question.

听录音，然后回答以下问题。

What influences us from the moment of birth?

Custom has not commonly been regarded as a subject of any great moment. The inner workings of our own brains we feel to be uniquely worthy of investigation, but custom, we have a way of thinking, is behaviour at its most commonplace. As a matter of fact, it is the other way around. Traditional custom, taken the world over, is a mass of detailed behaviour more astonishing than what any one person can ever evolve in individual actions, no matter how aberrant. Yet that is a rather trivial aspect of the matter. The fact of first-rate importance is the predominant role that custom plays in experience and in belief, and the very great varieties it may manifest.

No man ever looks at the world with pristine eyes. He sees it edited by a definite set of customs and institutions and ways of thinking. Even in his philosophical probings he cannot go behind these stereotypes; his very concepts of the true and the false will still have reference to his particular traditional customs. John Dewey has said in all seriousness that the part played by custom in shaping the behaviour of the individual, as against any way in which he can affect traditional custom, is as the proportion of the total vocabulary of his mother tongue against those words of his own baby talk that are taken up into the vernacular of his family. When one seriously studies the social orders that have had the opportunity to develop autonomously, the figure becomes no more than an exact and matter-of-fact observation. The life history of the individual is first and foremost an accommodation to the patterns and standards traditionally handed down in his community. From the moment of his birth, the customs into which he is born shape his experience and behaviour. By the time he can talk, he is the little creature of his culture, and by the time he is grown and able to take part in its activities, its habits are his habits, its beliefs his beliefs, its impossibilities his impossibilities. Every child that is born into his group will share them with him, and no child born into one on the opposite side of the globe can ever achieve the thousandth part. There is no social problem it is more incumbent upon us to understand than this of the role of custom. Until we are intelligent as to its laws and varieties, the main complicating facts of human life must remain unintelligible.

The study of custom can be profitable only after certain preliminary propositions have been accepted, and some of these propositions have been violently opposed. In the first place, any scientific study requires that there be no preferential weighting of one or another of the items in the series it selects for its consideration. In all the less controversial fields, like the study of cacti or termites or the nature of nebulae, the necessary method of study is to group the relevant material and to take note of all possible variant forms and conditions. In this way, we have learned all that we know of the laws of astronomy, or of the habits of the social insects, let us say. It is only in the study of man himself that the major social sciences have substituted the study of one local variation, that of Western civilization.

Anthropology was by definition impossible, as long as these distinctions between ourselves and the primitive, ourselves and the barbarian, ourselves and the pagan, held sway over people's minds. It was necessary first to arrive at that degree of sophistication where we no longer set our own belief against our  neighbour's superstition. It was necessary to recognize that these institutions which are based on the same premises, let us say the supernatural, must be considered together, our own among the rest.

  

RUTH BENEDICT Patterns of Culture

  

New words and expressions生词和短语

commonplace(1.3)/'k%m+npleis/adj.平凡的

preferrential(1.26)/?pref+'renM+l/adj.优先的

aberrant(1.5)/'$b+r+nt/adj.脱离常轨的，异常的

controversial(1.27)/?k%ntr+'v*:M+l/adj.引起争论的

trivial(1.5)/'trivi+l/adj.微不足道的,琐细的

cactus(1.27)/'k$kt+s/（复数 cacti/'k$ktai/）n.仙人掌

predominant(1.6)/pri'd%min+nt/adj.占优势的，起支配作用的

termite(1.27)/'t*:mait/n.白蚁

manifest(1.7)/'m$nifest/v.表明

nebula(1.27)/'nebjul+/（复数nebulae/nebjl/）n．星云

pristine(1.8)/'pristi:n/adj.纯洁的，质朴的

stereotype(1.9)/'steri+taip/n.陈规

variant(1.28)/'ve+ri+nt/adj.不同的

vernacular(1.13)/v+'n$kjul+/n.方言

barbarian(1.33)/b%:'be+ri+n/n.野蛮人

accommodation(1.16)/+?k%m+'deiM+n/n.适应

pagan(1.33)/'peig+n/n.异教徒

incumbent (1.21)/in'k)mb+nt/adj.义不容辞的，有责任的

sophistication(1.34)/s+?fisti'keiM+n/n.老练

premise(1.36)/'premis/n.前提

preliminary(1.24)/pri'limin+ri/adj.初步的

supernatural(1.36)/?su:p+'n$tM+r+l/adj.超自然的

proposition(1.25)/?pr%p+'ziM+n/ n. 主张

Notes on the text课文注释

1 The inner workings of our own brains，这一部分是feel的宾语，为了强调而把宾语提前了，to be uniquely worthy of investigation是宾语补足语。

2 the other way around,正好相反。

3 taken the world over, 是过去分词短语，作Traditional custom的定语， taken前省略了it is，意为：被全世界所接受的。

4 go behind these stereotypes,摆脱这些旧框框。

5 his very concepts，其中的very是形容词,用于加强语气。

6 have reference to，参照……，与……有关。

7 as against…is as…against…意为：与……相比较就如同……与……相比。

8 be taken up into,被接纳进。

9 first and foremost,首先。

10 the thousandth part,等于the thousandth part of the customs。

11 let us say, 譬如说。

参考译文

风俗一般未被认为是什么重要的课题。我们觉得，只有我们大脑内部的活动情况才值得研究，至于风俗呢，只是些司空见惯的行为而已。事实上，情况正好相反。从世界范围来看，传统风俗是由许多细节性的习惯行为组成，它比任何个人养成的行为都更加引人注目，不管个人行为多么异常。这只是问题的一个次要的侧面。最重要的是，风俗在实践中和信仰上所起的举足轻重的作用，以及它所表现出来的极其丰富多采的形式。

没有一个人是用纯洁而无偏见的眼光看待世界。人们所看到的是一个受特定的风俗习惯、制度和思想方式剪辑过的世界。甚至在哲学领域的探索中，人们也无法超越这些定型的框框。人们关于真与伪的概念依然和特定的传统风俗有关。约翰·杜威曾经非常严肃地指出：风俗在形成个人行为方面所起的作用和一个人对风俗的任何影响相比，就好像他本国语言的总词汇量和自己咿呀学语时他家庭所接纳的他的词汇量之比。当一个人认真地研究自发形成的社会秩序时，杜威的比喻就是他实事求是观察得来的形象化的说法。个人的生活史首先就是适应他的社团世代相传形成的生活方式和准则。从他呱呱坠地的时刻起，他所生于其中的风俗就开始塑造他的经历和行为规范。到他会说话时，他就是传统文化塑造的一个小孩子了；等他长大了，能做各种事了，他的社团的习惯就是他的习惯，他的社团的信仰就是他的信仰，他的社团不能做的事就是他不能做的事。每一个和他诞生在同一个社团中的孩子和他一样具有相同的风俗；而在地球的另一边，诞生在另一个社团的孩子与他就很少有相同的风俗。没有任何一个社会问题比得上风俗的作用问题更要求我们对它理解。直到我们理解了风俗的规律性和多样性，我们才能明白人类生活中主要的复杂现象。

只有在某些基本的主张被接受下来、同时有些主张被激烈反对时，对风俗的研究才是全面的，才会有收获。首先，任何科学研究都要求人们对可供考虑的诸多因素不能厚此薄彼，偏向某一方面。在一切争议较小的领域里，如对仙人掌、白蚁或星云性质的研究，应采取的研究方法是，把有关各方面的材料汇集起来，同时注意任何可能出现的异常情况和条件。例如，用这种方法，我们完全掌握了天文学的规律和昆虫群居的习性。只是在对人类自身的研究中，各主要的社会学科才用对一个局部地区各种情况的研究（如对西方文明的研究）来代替对全人类的研究。只要我们同原始人，我们同野蛮人，我们同异教徒之间存在的区别在人的思想中占主导地位，那么人类学按其定义来说就无法存在。我们首先需要达到这样一种成熟的程度：不用自己的信仰去反对我们邻居的迷信。必须认识到，这些建立在相同前提基础上的风俗，暂且可以说是超自然的东西，必须放在一起加以考虑，我们自己的风俗和其他民族的风俗都在其中。

Comprehension 理解

Answer these questions:

1 What do you understand by this statement: ‘No man ever looks at the world with pristine eyes.’? (1.18)

2 How has the study of man differed from the study of less controversial subjects?

3 What criterion must the anthropologist accept before he can undertake the study of man objectively?

Vocabulary 词汇

Refer to the text to see how the following words have been used, then write sentences of your own using these words: moment (1.1); aberrant (1.5); predominant role (1.6); manifest (1.7); probings (1.9); vernacular (1.13); autonomously (1.14); incumbent (1.21); intelligent (1.22); unintelligible (1.23); preferential weighting (1.26); controversial (1.27); held sway (1.33).

Summary 摘要

Drawing your information from lines 1-21 (‘Custom has not … achieve the thousandth part.’), describe how our attitude to life is shaped by custom. Do not write more than 100 words. Use your own words as far as possible. Your answer should be in one paragraph.

Composition 作文

Write a composition of about 600 words on one of the following subjects:

1 Tradition and the individual.

2 How can the study of cultures different from our own lead to a better understanding of man's nature?

3 ‘There can be no absolute standards of right and wrong since our moral attitudes are conditioned by the society in which we live.’ Discuss.

Key structures 关键句型

Rewrite the sentences given below using the opening words and phrases provided. Do not refer to the passage until you have finished the exercise:

1 We have not commonly regarded custom as a subject of any great moment.

Custom ________ (1.1)

2 We feel that the inner working of our own brains are uniquely worthy of investigation.

The inner workings of our own brains we feel to_____ (11.1-2)

3 What he sees is edited by a definite set of customs and institutions and ways of thinking.

He sees ________(1.8)

4 From the moment of his birth his experience and behaviour are shaped by the customs into which he is born.

From the moment of his birth the customs_____ (1.17)

5 We had to arrive first at that degree of sophistication where we no longer set our own belief against our neighbour's superstition.

It was necessary ______ (11.33-35)

Special difficulties 难点

A Study the following pairs of words and then write sentences of your own to bring out the difference.

1 custom (1.1) ---- habit

Sending birthday cards is not a very old custom.

Overeating can easily become a bad habit.

2 aspect (1.5) ---- view

Why don't we consider the wider aspects of the problem?

There's an excellent view from my window.

3 proportion (1.12) ---- percentage

The amount of work to be done seems to expand in proportion to the amount of time available to do it.

The percentage of income taken in tax has stayed the same now for four years.

4 unintelligible (1.23) ---- unintelligent

The nurses found what he said unintelligible, but his wife could understand him well enough.

People with gross physical disabilities are not necessarily unintelligent as well.

5 controversial (1.27) ---- argumentative

Euthanasia, even voluntary euthanasia, must always be a controversial subject.

It's hard to teach someone who is habitually argumentative, because they are thinking of how to disgrace instead of paying attention.

B Write sentences using the following words differently from the way in which they have been used in the passage:

accommodation (1.16); creature (1.18); globe (1.21); intelligent (1.22).

Multiple choice questions 多项选择题

Choose the correct answers to the following questions.

Comprehension 理解

1 Our view of life and the world is largely the product of ______ .

a．the society we are born into

b．the inner workings of our own brains

c．individual development and preference

d．a mass of detail

2 According to the writer, the thoughts and ideas of an individual _____.

a．are minimal compared with the power of tradition

b．will often dominate the patterns and standards handed down in the community

c．shape his own beliefs and behaviour

d．are often completely unintelligible

3 According to the writer, it is unlikely that a child born into one culture _____.

a．will acquire the customs and traditions of another

b．will ever learn anything about a different culture

c．will be intelligible to a child of another culture

d．will ever travel to the opposite side of the globe

4 Anthropologists can only study human societies objectively if they _______.

a．regard all cultures as having equal value

b．distinguish between themselves and barbarians

c．believe in the supernatural

d．have a good understanding of Western civilization

Structure 句型

5 We feel the inner workings of our brain to be worth ___. (11.1-2)

a．to investigate

b．investigating

c．of investigation

d．for investigating

6 ______ is of first-rate importance is the predominant role of custom. (11.5-6)

a．That

b．What

c．Which

d．The thing

7 ______ we are intelligent about its laws, human life will become intelligible. (11.22-23)

a．Until

b．When

c．As if

d．Unless

8 ____we have learned all we know about the laws of astronomy. (1.29)

a．That's when

b．That's how

c．That's so

d．That's as if

Vocabulary词汇

9 He sees it ______ by a definite set of customs.(1.8)

a．examined

b．cut down

c．excluded

d．modified

10 The life-history of an individual is ___ an accommodation…(11.15-16)

a．in the first place

b．only

c．above all

d．exclusively

11 The study of custom can be profitable only after certain _____propositions have been accepted. (11.24-25)

a．required

b．initial

c．advanced

d．exceptional

12 Scientific study requires that there be no _____ towards one side. (11.25-26)

a．bias

b．attitude

c．belief

d．indication

plume

Thanks very much for your hard mork.[em:13]

luperfect

thank u !!!