神马文学网Unit 1
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学外语
我学外语的经历始于初中的第一堂英语课。 老师很慈祥耐心，时常表扬学生。 由于这种积极的教学方法，我踊跃回答各种问题，从不怕答错。 两年中，我的成绩一直名列前茅。
到了高中后，我渴望继续学习英语，然而高中时的经历与以前大不相同。 以前老师对所有的学生都很耐心，而新老师则总是惩罚答错的学生。 每当有谁回答错了，她会用长教鞭指着我们，上下挥舞着，大喊道：“错！错！错！” 没有多久，我便不再渴望回答问题了。 我不仅失去了回答问题的乐趣，而且根本就不想再用英语说半个字。
然而这种情况没持续多久。 到了大学，我了解到所有学生必须上英语课。 与高中老师不同，大学英语老师非常耐心和蔼，他们没有哪个带教鞭！ 不过情况却远不尽人意。 由于班大，每堂课能轮到我回答的问题寥寥无几。 上了几周课后，我还发现，许多同学的英语说得比我要好得多。 我开始产生一种畏惧感。 虽然情况与高中时不同，但我却又一次不敢开口了。 看来我的英语水平要永远停步不前了。
几年后我有机会参加了远程英语教学课程，情况才有所改善。 它需要一台电脑、电话线和调制解调器。 我很快配齐了必要的设备并跟一个朋友学会了电脑操作技术，于是我每周用5到7天在网上的虚拟课堂里学习英语。
网上学习并不比普通的课堂学习容易。 它需要花更多的时间，需要学习者专一、自制，以跟上课程进度。 我尽力达到课程的最低限度的要求，并按时完成作业。
我随时随地都在学习。 不管去哪里，我都随身携带一本袖珍字典和笔记本，笔记本上记着我听到的生词。 我学习中出过许多错，有时是令人尴尬的错误。 有时我会因挫折而哭泣，有时我想放弃。 但我从未因别的同学英语说得比我快而感到畏惧，因为在屏幕上作出回答之前，我可以根据自己的需要花时间去琢磨自己的想法。 后来有一天我意识到我能够理解碰到的各种问题，更重要的是，我能用英语表达我想说的东西。 尽管我还是常常出错，仍处于继续学习阶段，但我已尝到刻苦学习的甜头。
学习外语对我来说是非常艰辛的经历，但却是一种无比珍贵的经历。 它不仅使我懂得了艰苦努力的意义，而且使我认识了不同的文化，让我以一种全新的思维去看待事物。 学习一门外语最令人兴奋的收获是我能与比以前更多的人交流。 我乐于与人交谈，新的语言使我能与以前不认识的人交往，参与他们的谈话，并建立新的难以忘怀的友谊。 现在我已能够说外语，别人讲英语时我不再茫然不解了。 我能够参与并结交朋友。 我能与人交流，并能够弥合我所说的语言和所处的文化与他们的语言和文化之间的鸿沟。
Chinese Primary School→Junior Middle School→Senior Middle School→College
American Elementary School (8 years) →High School (4 years)→Junior High School (3 years)→Senior High School (3 years)
Elementary School (6 years) →Junior High School (3 years)→Senior High School (3 years)
Elementary School (6 years)
Elementary School (4 years)
Unit 1 A New Words
reward vt. give sth. in return for good and valuable doings 报答，酬谢，奖励
The father rewarded the little boy for cleaning the room. 小男孩因为打扫了房间而受到父亲的奖励。
n. 1.sth. as a return for good and valuable doings 报答，奖赏
As a reward for passing the exams, she got a new bike from her parents.
2.some money given to someone for his good doings 报酬，酬金
I hear there is a big reward for the seizing of the thief. 我听说为捉拿那小偷设立了重奖。
frustrate vt. 1. cause sb. to have feelings of disappointment 使沮丧，使灰心
The lack of evidence in this case is frustrating the police. 警方因缺乏证据而感到很伤脑筋。
2. cause the failure of sth. 使挫败，使受挫折 The bad weather frustrated our hopes of going out. 坏天气使我们打消了外出的念头。
junior n. 1. someone who is younger 年少者 He is my junior by several years. 他比我小几岁。
2. someone of low or lower position 地位较低者，晚辈
She joined the firm a year ago and is a junior partner now.
positive a. 1. leading to a practical action 积极的，肯定的 positive advice 积极的建议； positive thinking 积极的想法
2. sure, having no doubt 确实的，明确的
It seems unlikely to me, but she seemed very positive. 这在我看来似乎是不可能的，但她却非常肯定。
senior n. 较年长者 Students leave middle school at the end of their senior years. 学生在中学高年级结束之后离校。
former a. of an early period 在前的，以前的，旧时的 In former times, people were hanged for stealing in
Of the two possibilities, the former is more likely. 在两者之中，前者可能性更大。
unlike prep. not like; being different from 不像；和... ...不同
Unlike the north part of
intimidate vt. to frighten by making threats 恐吓，威胁 They intimidated him into doing what they wanted. 他们胁迫他干他们要他干的事。
opportunity n. a good moment or chance for doing sth. 机会，时机
He loved music, but because his family was poor, he had no opportunity to take lessons. 他喜爱音乐，但因家里太穷，他没有机会去学。
online a. & ad. 连线的, 联网的; 连线地, 联网地 an online course 在线（网络）课程 do some research online 在网上作研究
communication n. the action of sending and exchanging information 交流，交际；通信
Radio is an important means of communication. 收音机是重要的通讯工具。
medium n. a method for giving information 媒质，媒介物，传导体
TV can be a medium for giving information and opinions. 电视是传递消息和观点的媒体。
Light travels throughout the medium of air. 光通过空气传送。 a. of middle size, amount, quality 中等的，适中的
They have a medium-sized house in the heart of the city. 他们在市中心有幢中等大小的房子。
phone n. 电话，电话机
modem n. 调制解调器
access n. 1. [U] means or right of using, reaching 接近，进入
The people in the school have access to that computer lab for free. 在这个学校里的人可以免费使用那间电脑室。
2. means of entering or a way in 通道，入口 That is the only means of access to the building. 这是通向大楼的惟一通道。
technology n.工艺，技术 The use of technology has increased a lot in the last twenty years. 在最近20年中技术的应用增加了很多。
participate vi. (in) take part in 参与，参加 Our teacher often participates in our discussions. 我们的老师经常参加我们的讨论。
virtual a. 1. 【计】 being produced by the computer but almost true to the reality 虚构的，虚拟的 virtual reality 虚拟现实
2. almost what is stated 实质上的，事实上的，实际上的 a virtual certainty 实际上已肯定的事
commitment n. 1. devotion to 信奉，献身 The online course would not have succeeded without the commitment of all the teachers.
没有所有教师全身心的投入，网络课程不会成功。
2. a promise to follow certain beliefs or action 承诺，许诺，保证
Come and look round our shop without commitment to buy anything. 请进来看看我们的商店，不一定要买东西。
discipline n. 1. a state of order and control; self control 纪律; 控制
He did not like the army because of the strict discipline. 因为纪律太严，他不喜欢军队生活。
It takes a lot of discipline to eat less and lose weight. 要做到少吃减肥得遵守许多清规戒律。
2. punishment 惩罚，处分 That child needs discipline! 这孩子要管教管教!
3. a branch of learning 学科 She has not yet decided which discipline to study at college. 她没有决定在大学修哪门学科。
minimum a. the smallest 最低的，最小的
The minimum amount of money to open an account (账户) at that bank is ten dollars. 在那个银行开立账户至少要有十美元。
n. the smallest amount 最低限度，最少量 The price is her minimum; she refuses to lower it any more. 这是她开的最低价，她拒绝再降价。
assignment n. 1.[C] a piece of work given to a particular person （分派的）任务，（指定的）作业
The teacher asked her students to finish their assignments every day. 老师要求学生每天完成作业。
2. [U] act of dividing assignments 分配，指派 the assignment of the work among the students 在学生中分配任务
notebook n. 笔记簿
embarrass vt. make somone feel upset esp. doing sth. not rightly 使窘迫，使尴尬，使不好意思
She was embarrassed when the people laughed at her mistake. 人们嘲笑她的错误，她感到尴尬。
screen n. 1. 屏幕，银幕 I used a soft cloth to clean the screen of the television. 我用软布擦电视机屏幕。
Some of the newer televisions have very large screens. 有些新电视机的屏幕很大。
2. 屏风，帘，纱窗 A screen separated her bed from the rest of her one-room apartment. 屏风把她的床与单间公寓的其他部位隔开来。
continual a. 1. continuing without breaks 不间断的，不停的 They lived in continual fear. 他们生活在无休止的恐惧之中。
2. repeated often and over a long period 多次重复的，频频的 continual requests for improved working conditions 不断要求改善工作环境
continually ad. 1. 不间断地，不停地 2. 多次重复地，频频地
finally ad. at last 最后，终于 After several delays, the plane finally left at five o'clock. 在多次延误之后，飞机终于在5点起飞了。
reap vt. 1. have and enjoy the food or things that happen as a result of work 获得，得到
Now they have come to reap the benefits of our hard work. 现在他们要来收获我们艰苦劳动的成果了。
2. cut and gather a crop of grain 收割，收获 The women were all out reaping. 妇女们都出去收割庄稼了。
benefit n. anything that brings help or profit 益处，好处
Some countries offer new comers many benefits, such as job training and language lessons.
有些国家对于初来的人提供许多优惠，如工作培训和语言课程。
vt. be useful or helpful to 有益于 The new teaching plan will benefit many students. 这个新的教学项目会使许多学生受益。
insight n. the power of using one's mind to see or understand the true nature of sth. 洞察力，洞悉，深刻的见解
a man of great insight 富有洞察力的人
culture n. 文化，文明 Each country has a different culture. That's why it is so exciting to travel in foreign countries.
每一个国家有不同的文化。这就是到国外旅游使人兴奋之处。
communicate vi. send and exchange feelings, opinions or information 交流，交际 He is slow in speaking and cannot communicate very well.
Our teacher communicates his ideas very clearly. 我们的老师表达思想非常清楚。
favorite (英favourite) a. most loved 特别受宠的
Red is my favorite color. I like red more than all of the other colors. 红色是我最喜欢的颜色。我喜欢红色胜过其他任何颜色。
n. sth. or someone that is loved above all others 特别喜爱的人（或物）
I like all her books but this is my favorite. 她写的书我都喜欢，但最喜欢这本。
activity n. sth. that is done or is being done 活动，行动
People enjoy many different activities in their free time. 在空余时间，人们有许多休闲活动。
gap n. an empty space between two objects 缺口，裂口
That story has too many gaps in it to make sense. 这个故事脱节的地方太多，意思不完整。
He has a gap between his two front teeth. 他的两个门牙之间有一缺口。
be well worth + sth./ doing sth. be something that is rewarding enough to do for the time or effort 值得... ...的
The watch is worth more than the price. 这表的价值超出标价。Doing morning exercises is worth the time. 花点时间做早操是值得的。
not only ...but also ... 不仅... ...而且 ... ... He plays not only the piano, but also the violin. 他不仅会弹钢琴，而且会拉小提琴。
Not only is the story interesting to us but also the English is good for us to learn. 这故事不仅有趣，而且其英语道地，值得一学。
far from not ... at all; rather than 一点都不 The short composition is far from perfect. 这篇作文太糟了。
a couple of two or three 两三个 a couple of minutes 两三分钟
get access to get the right of using or reaching sth. 可以使用；获得
People living here get access to that swimming pool for free. 住在这里的人可以免费去那个游泳池。
keep up with not to fall behind in; to keep the same speed as 跟上，不落后
The small child had to run in order to keep up with his big brother. 这小孩为了赶上他哥哥只好跑了起来。
feel like sth./doing sth. want to do sth. 想做，想要 I feel like singing/swimming. 我想去唱歌/游泳。
give up stop having or doing 停止，放弃 My teacher told me not to give up; I can still pass if I study hard for the final-term exam.
老师要我不要放弃，只要努力我仍可通过期终考试。
reap the benefits of get sth. as a reward 获得益处，得到好处
Only a part of the people has reaped benefits from the new policy. 只有一部分人从新政策中受益。
come across meet with 偶然遇上 While I was cleaning the house, I came across some old baby pictures of my father that I had never seen before.
trade for exchange... for 用... ... 换 I traded my old car for a new one. 我把旧车换成了新车。
participate in take part in 参加 We are expected to participate actively in English class. 要求我们积极参与英语课的活动。
In high school she participated in several sports. 在高中时，她参加过好几项运动项目。
now that because (sth. has happened) 既然, 由于 Now that you have come, you may stay here. 你既然来了，就留在这里吧。
reach out to communicate with; contact 接触, 联系 Online learning helps us reach out to new friends. 网络学习使我们结交新朋友。
Unit 1 A Language Points
Language Point 1 Learning a foreign language was one of the most difficult yet most rewarding experiences of my life. (Para.1)
Meaning: Learning a foreign language was one of the most difficult things to do but it was most worth doing in my life.
Language Point 2 Although at times, learning a language was frustrating, it was well worth the effort. (Para.1)
Meaning: Although sometimes learning a language is disappointing, it was rewarding enough to spend the time and effort on it.
be well worth + noun/ doing sth.: rewarding enough for the time or effort
This report about the effect of modernization on human nature is well worth reading. 这份关于现代化对于人性影响的报告很值得一读。
He's decided to have a look at the house for it is well worth buying. 他决定去看看这栋房子，因为它非常值得去买。
Language Point 3 Because of the positive method, I eagerly answered all the questions I could, never worrying about making mistakes. (Para.2) Meaning: Because of the effective and helpful method, I was very willing to answer all the questions I could, and I never worried about making mistakes. positive: a. 1) effective; helpful Don't just watch me; give me some positive advice. 别只是看着我，给我提些积极的建议吧。
2) definite, allowing no room for doubt We still don't have a positive answer as to how he died. 他究竟如何死的,我们还没有得出明确的答案。
He was expected to make a positive decision about whether these workers were to be fired.他应对是否解雇这些工人做出明确的决定。
3) sure, having no doubt about sth. Are you positive that he's the man you saw yesterday? 你能确定他就是你昨天看到的那个人吗?
She was positive that John would help her out of trouble. 她相信约翰会帮她摆脱困境的。
Language Point 4 I was at the top of my class for two years. (Para.2) Meaning: I was one of the excellent students in my class for two years.
Language Point 5 It didn't take me long to lose my eagerness to answer questions. (Para3) Meaning: Before long I was no longer eager to answer questions.
Language Point 6 Not only did I lose my joy in answering questions, but also I totally lost my desire to say anything at all in English. (Para.3) Meaning: I not only didn't feel happy answering questions, but also I didn't want to say anything in English.
Note: With "not only" or "only" placed at the beginning of a sentence, the sentence order should be inverted (倒装) as you find it in the reading passage. Here are more examples:
Only in this way can you hope to finish the work at the end of this month. 只有用这种方法你才有望在月底之前完成这项工作。
Not only did we enjoy the film, but we also had a wonderful time. 我们不仅看了电影，而且玩得很痛快。
Language Point 7 Unlike my senior middle school teacher, ... (Para.4) Meaning: Different from my senior middle school teacher, ...
unlike: prep. different; not like, not the same Her recent report is quite unlike her earlier work. 她最近的报告与以前的大不相同。
Unlike me, my son likes to get up early. 与我不同，我的儿子喜欢早起。
Language Point 8 However, the situation was far from perfect. (Para.4) Meaning: But the situation was not faultless at all.
far from: not ... at all; rather than, Far from (being) angry, he's very happy. 他一点都不生气, 很快乐。
Her husband is far from (being) handsome; he is somewhat ugly. 她丈夫谈不上英俊, 有点丑。
Language Point 9 As our classes were very large, I was only able to answer a couple of questions in each class period. (Para.4)
Meaning: Because there were many students in our classes, I could only answer two or three questions in each class period.
a couple of: two or three I saw a couple of children playing in the garden. 我看见两三个孩子在花园里玩耍。
Could you please lend me a couple of dollars? 你能借我两三元美元吗?
比较: a pair of: a pair of earrings, a pair of shoes, a pair of gloves, a pair of socks
Language Point 10 I began to feel intimidated. (Para.4) Meaning: I began to feel frightened and lack confidence.
intimidate: vt. make one frightened by threats
The thieves intimidated the general manager by saying that they would kill him. 小偷吓唬总经理,说要杀死他。
John intimidated his brother into not telling their parents the truth. 约翰威胁他弟弟，不准他把真相告诉父母。
Language Point 11 ... when I was offered an opportunity to study English through an online course. (Para.5)
Meaning: ... when I was given a chance to learn English by taking a computer course.
opportunity: n. a good chance, a favorable moment
With the help of his teacher, he got an opportunity to learn English in
The month of May offers a wonderful opportunity to go traveling. 五月份是旅游的好时机。
Language Point 12 I soon got access to the necessary equipment, learned the technology from a friend and participated in the virtual classroom 5 to 7 days a week. (Para.5) Meaning: I soon got the necessary equipment and learned how to use the equipment from a friend. Then I could take online courses 5 to 7 days a week. access: n. way of entering; right of using, reaching, or entering
The only access to that building was guarded by the soldiers. 通向那栋楼房的唯一通道由士兵把守着。
He was not allowed access to his young brother who was in prison. 他未能获准去监狱探望他弟弟。
virtual: a. almost what is stated; made-up
The king was so much under the control of his wife that she was the virtual ruler of the country.
国王完全受妻子的控制，以至于她是这个国家的实际统治者。
With the use of the Internet (因特网), many virtual communities are set up. 由于因特网的使用，许多虚拟社区建立起来。
Language Point 13 ... it requires much time, commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the course. (Para. 6)
Meaning: ... and online learning requires that we give much time and attention to it and learn or work in a controlled way, so that we can keep up with the progress of the course. commitment: n. a promise to follow certain beliefs or certain course of actions
He felt he didn't have to make such a commitment to Mary. 他觉得自己没必要对玛丽作出这样的许诺。
I don't want to get married because I don't want any commitments. 我不想结婚，因为我不想承担任何责任。
discipline: n. the practice of making people obey rules; the quality of behaving in a controlled way
Discipline is very important for any kind of scientific research. 自制对于任何科研工作而言都很重要。
When the fire broke out, the students showed good discipline. 火灾发生时，这些学生表现出良好的纪律性。
Language Point 14 I worked hard to meet the minimum standards set by the course and to complete assignments on time. (Para. 6) Meaning: I worked hard to reach the least standards allowed by the course and to finish the homework on time.
Please note: "set by the course" in this sentence is a past participle phrase used as an attribute.minimum: a. the least, or the smallest possible
He couldn't join the police because he was below the minimum height allowed by the rule.
他未能当警察，因为他身高未达到最低规定要求。 The minimum passing mark is 40 out of 100. 这次考试的最低合格线是百分制的四十分。
Language Point 15 I made many, sometimes embarrassing, mistakes. (Para. 7)
Meaning: I made many mistakes which sometimes made me feel ashamed. embarrass: vt. make one shy, ashamed
It embarrassed her that her husband was drunk at the dinner. 她丈夫在宴会上喝醉酒令她很尴尬。
This was an embarrassing situation for the gentleman for he couldn't afford the dinner. 这位先生很尴尬，因为他付不起晚餐的钱。
Language Point 16 I felt like giving up. (Para.7) Meaning: I wanted to stop doing online learning. feel like sth./doing sth.: want to do sth. Could we stop playing cards? I feel like having a rest. 可以不打牌了吗？我想休息一会儿。
At the sight of the miserable scene, the lady felt like crying. 看到这可怕的光景，这位女士想哭。
give up: stop having or doing
Though faced with many difficulties, he would not give up online learning. 虽然面临着许多困难，他不会放弃网上学习。
He had to give up his studies because of lack of money. 由于缺少钱，他只得放弃学业。
Language Point 17 ... I realized I could understand just about everything I came across, (para.7) Meaning: ... I realized I could understand just about everything I saw or heard ...
Language Point 18 ... I had finally reaped the benefits of all that hard work. (Para.7) Meaning: ... I gained the good things that happened as a result of all that hard work at last. reap: vt. get sth. as a reward; cut and gather(a crop or grain) We say: reap a profit; reap a reward; reap wheat
benefit: n. profit; good effect He told me that he got no personal benefit from the business. 他告诉我他个人没有从这笔生意中得到任何好处。
He felt that he got much benefit from conversations with foreigners. 他觉得自己通过与外国人交谈收益匪浅。
Language Point 19 Learning a foreign language has been a most trying experience for me, but one that I wouldn't trade for anything. (Para. 8)Meaning: Learning a foreign language has been an experience full of difficulties, but I wouldn't exchange it for anything else. trade (in) ... for... : exchange ... for... He decided to trade his car for a truck. 他决定用小汽车换卡车。
In order to pay off his debts, he had to trade in his piano for money. 为了还债，他只好把钢琴拿去换钱。
Cf. trade on: make use of He traded on his brother's kindness to get more money from him. 他利用哥哥的善良，想从他那儿多弄点钱。
The senator's son traded on his father's name when he ran for mayor. 参议员的儿子在竞选市长时利用了他父亲的名望。
Language Point 20 Not only did learning another language teach me the value of hard work, but it also gave me insights into another culture, and my mind was opened to new ways of seeing things. (Para. 8)
Meaning: Learning another language not only made me understand the benefit of hard work, but it also made me understand another culture, and I was willing to accept new ways of seeing things. insight: n. the act of seeing or understanding something very clearly
Visiting the city gave me insight into the lives of the people who live there. 参观这座城市使我了解了那里的居民的生活情况。
The teacher had unusual insight into children's emotions. 这位老师对儿童的情感有不同寻常的了解。
Language Point 21 Talking with people is one of my favorite activities, ... (Para. 8) Meaning: Talking with people is one of the activities I like best, ...
Language Point 22 ... participate in conversations, and form new, unforgettable friendships. (Para. 8)
Meaning: ... take part in conversations, and form new friendships, which are difficult to forget.
participate in: take part in I want to have the opportunity to participate in the party. 我希望有机会参加这个晚会。
Over half of the population in the country participates in the sport. 这个国家有一半以上的人口参加这项体育活动。
Language Point 23 Now that I speak a foreign language, instead of staring into space when English is being spoken, I can participate and make friends. (Para. 8) Meaning: As I can speak a foreign language, I can take part in the conversation and make friends, and I no longer look into the distance when someone is speaking English. now that conj. because (something has happened) ... Now that John has arrived, we can begin our English class. 既然约翰来了，我们可以开始上英语课了。
Language Point 24 I am able to reach out to others and bridge the gap between my language and culture and theirs. (Para. 8)
Meaning: I am able to communicate with others and make smaller the differences between my language and culture and theirs.
reach out to: communicate with; contact
With the introduction of the Internet, we can reach out to our friends by e-mail. 由于因特网的使用，我们可以通过电子邮件与朋友联系。
reach out for: try to get You must reach out for any opportunity that comes your way. 你必须抓住所遇到的任何机遇。
reach for: hold out one's hand to get sth. He reached for the phone and dialed the number. 他伸手拿起电话，拨了号码。
bridge: vt. make up for the difference between ...; join or connect things together; build a bridge across
The decision is an attempt to bridge the distance between the rich and poor. 这个决定旨在缩短贫富之间的差距。
bridge the gap: close the distance between .....; join or bring closer together
Learning a foreign language helps us bridge the gap between two different cultures. 学习外语有助于缩小不同文化间的差距。