考研英语名师指导:通过阅读学词汇(三)

文章作者 100test 发表时间 2007:12:27 15:17:59
来源 100Test.Com百考试题网


  考研英语名师指导-阅读学词汇(三)

  Unit Seven

  On Ambition

  If ambition is to be well regarded, the rewards of ambition--wealth, distinction, control over ones destiny--must be deemed worthy of the sacrifices made on ambitions behalf. If the tradition of ambition is to have vitality, it must be widely shared: and it especially must be highly regarded by people who are themselves admired, the educated not least among them. In an odd way, however, it is the educated who have claimed to have given up on ambition as an ideal. What is odd is that they have perhaps most benefited from ambition--if not always their own than that of their parents and grandparents. There is a heavy note of hypocrisy in this , a case of closing the barn door after the horses have escaped--with the educated themselves riding on them. Certainly people do not seem less interested in success and its signs not than formerly. Summer homes, European travel, BMWs-- the locations, place manes and name brands may change, but such items do not seem less in demand today than a decade or two years ago. What has happened is that people cannot confess fully to their dreams, as easily nad openly as once they could, lest they be thought pushing, acquisitive and vulgar. Instead, we are treated to fine hypocritical spectacles, which now more than ever seem in ample supply: the critic of American materialism with a Southampton summer home. the publisher of radical books who takes his meals in three-star restaurants. the journalist advocating participatory democracy in all phases of life, whose own children are enrolled in private schools. For such people and many more perhaps not so exceptional, the proper formulation is, "Succeed at all costs but avoid appearing ambitious."

  The attasks in ambition are many and come from varions angles. its public defenders are few and unimpressive, where they are not extremely unattractive. As a result, the support for ambition as a healthy impulse, a quality to be admired and fixed in the mind of the young, is probably lower than it has ever been in the United States. This does not mean that ambition is at an end, that people no longer feel its stirrings and promptings, but only that, no longer openly honored, it is less openly professed. Consequences follow from this, of course, some of which are that ambition is driven underground, or made sly. Such, then, is the way things stand: on the left angry critics, on the right stupid supporters, and in the middle, as usual, the majority of earnest people trying to get on in life.

  destiny n. 1.命运 2.定数,天命

  destined a. 1.命中注定,预定的 2.以...为目的地的

  deem vt. 认为,视为

  hypocrisy n. 伪善,虚伪

  location n. 1.位置,场所 2.外景拍摄地

  locality n. 地区,地点

  situated a. 位于...的,坐落在...的

  spectacle n. 1.演出,场面 2.景象,壮观 3.[-s]眼镜

  ample a. 1.足够的 2.宽敞的,面积大的

  amplify vt. 1.放大,增强 2.扩大,详述

  exceptional a. 1.优越的,杰出的 2.例外的,独特的

  [联想词]

  abnormal a. 反常的,异常的

  queer a. 1.奇怪的,异常的 2.不舒服的,眩晕的

  ambitious a. 1.有抱负的,雄心勃勃的 2.有野心的

  [联想词]

  aspiration n. 强烈的愿望,志向,抱负

  enroll vi.(in,on) 入学,加入 vt.招收,吸收

  [联想词]

  expel (expelled.expelling) vt. 1.把..除名,把..开除 2.驱逐 3.排出

  formulate vt. 1.构想出,规划 2.系统地阐述

  formulation n. 1.公式化 2.系统的阐述 3.规划,构想

  impulse n. 1.冲动,一时的念头 2.驱动,驱使 3.脉冲

  [联想词]

  propel (propelled,propelling) vt. 1.推进,推动 2.激励,驱使

  curb vt. 控制,约束 n. 控制,约束

  sly a. 1.狡猾的,狡诈的 2.会意的,会心的

  [联想词]

  shrewd a. 机灵的,敏锐的,精明的

  confidential a. 1.秘密的,机密的 2.表示信任的

  Unit Eight

  The Advantages and Disadvantages of Cars

  The use of the motor is becoming more and more widespread in the twentieth century. as an increasing number of countries develop both technically and economically, so a larger proportion of the worlds population is able to buy and use a car. Possessing a car gives a much greater degree of mobility, enabling the driver to move around freely. The owner of a car is no longer forced to rely on public transport and is, therefore, not compelled to work locally. He can choose from different jobs and probably changes his work more frequently as he is not restricted to a choice within a small radius. Traveling to work by car is also more comfortable than having to use public transport. the driver can adjust the heating in winter and the air-conditioning in the summer to suit his own needs and preference. There is no irritation caused by waiting for trains, buses or underground trains, standing in long patient queues, or sitting on windy platforms, for as long as half an hour sometimes. With the building of good, fast motorways long distances can be covered rapidly and pleasantly. For the first time in this century also, many people are now able to enjoy their leisure time to the full by making trips to the country or seaside at the weekends, instead of being confined to their immediate neighborhood. This feeling of independence, and the freedom to go where you please, is perhaps the greatest advantage of the car.

  when considering the drawbacks, perhaps pollution is of prime importance. As more and more cars are produced and used, so the emission from their exhaust-pipes contains an ever larger volume of poisonous gas. Some of the contents of this gas, such as lead, not only pollute the atmosphere but cause actual harm to the health of people. Many of the minor illnesses of modern industrial society, headaches, tiredness, and stomach upsets are thought to arise from breathing polluted air. doctors surgeries are full of people suffering from illnesses caused by pollution. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to deal with the problem of traffic in towns. most of the important cities of the world suffer form traffic jams. In fact, any advantage gained in comfort is often cancelled out in city driving by the frustration caused by traffic jams: endless queues of cars crawling one after another at the intersections. As an increasing number of traffic regulation schemes are devised, the poor bewildered driver finds himself diverted and forced into one-way systems which cause even greater delays than the traffic jams they are supposed to prevent. The mounting cost of petrol and the increased tolls and road tax all add to the drivers worries. In fact, he must sometimes wonder if the motor car is such a blessing and not just a menace.

  mobility n. 1.流动性,移动性 2.机动性

  mobilize vt. 1.动员 2.调动 vi.动员起来

  [联想词]

  summon vi. 1.召唤 2. (up)鼓起勇气 3.召开,召集

  irritate vt. 1.使恼怒,使烦躁 2.使(身体某部分)不适,使疼痛

  radius n. 半径

  air-conditioning n. 空调设备,空调系统

  drawback n. 缺点,欠缺,不利条件

  [联想词]

  setback n. 挫折,倒退,失败

  handicap n. 1.缺陷 2.障碍 vt. (handicapped.handicapping) 妨碍,使不利

  productive a. 1.多产的,富饶的 2.富有成效的

  productivity n. 生产力,生产率

  surgery n. 1.外科,外科手术 2.手术室

  surgeon n. 外科医生

  [联想词]

  dentist n.牙科医生

  ward n.病房

  bandage n.绷带 vt.用绷带包扎

  intersection n.道路交叉口,交点

  [联想词]

  junction n.联结点,交叉口,枢纽

  overpass n.天桥,立交桥

  barricade n. 路 vt.在...设路障

  bewilder vt. 使迷惑,难住

  [联想词]

  perplex vt. 使困惑,使复杂化

  baffle vt. 使困惑,难住

  toll n. 1.过路费 2.(事故等的)伤亡人数,损失 v.(缓慢而有规律的)敲(钟)

  divert vt. 1.使转向,使改道 2.转移,转移...的注意力 3.使娱乐

  diversion n. 1.转移,转向 2.消遣,娱乐 3.临时绕行路

  bless v. 1.使有幸得到,使具有 2.为...祈神赐福

  blessing n. 1.祈神赐福 2.幸事,恩惠

  menace n. 1.具有危险的人 2.威胁,威吓 vt. 威胁,威吓

  [联想词]

  intimidate vt. 恐吓,威胁

  bully vt.欺负,威吓 n.恃强欺弱者

  jeopardize vt. 危及,损害

  terrify vt. 使害怕,使惊吓

  terrific a. 1.可怕的,吓人的 2.极度的,极大的

  Unit Nine

  The Definition of a Gentleman

  It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He is mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him. His benefits may be considered as parallel to what are called comforts or convenience in arrangements of a personal nature: like an easy chair or a good fire, which do their part in dispelling cold and fatigue, though nature provides both means of rest and animal heat without them. The true gentleman in like manner carefully avoids whatever may cause a jar or a jolt in the minds of those with whom he is cast. - all clashing of opinion, or collision of feeling, all restraint, or suspicion, or gloom, or resentment. his great concern being to made every one at their ease and at home. He has his eyes on all his company: he is tender towards the bashful, gentle towards the distant, and merciful towards the absurd. he can recollect to whom he is speaking. he guards against unseasonable allusions, or topics which may irritate. he is seldom prominent in conversation, and never wearisome.

  He makes light of favors while he does them, and seems to be receiving when he is conferring. He never speaks of himself except when compelled, defends himself by a mere retort, he has no ears for slander or gossip, is scrupulous in imputing motives to those who interfere with him, and interprets every thing for the best. He is never mean or little in his disputes, never takes unfair advantage, never mistakes personalities or sharp sayings for arguments, or insulates evil which he dare not say out. From a long-sighted prudence, he observes the maxim of the ancient sage, that we should ever conduct ourselves towards our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend. He has too much good sense to be affronted at insults, he is too well employed to remember injuries, and too indolent to bear malice. He is patient, forbearing, and resigned, on philosophical principles. he submits to pain, because it is inevitable, to bereavement, because it is irreparable, and to death, because it is his destiny. If he engages in controversy of any kind, his disciplined intellect preserves him from the blunder.

  名人名言

  It is one of the beautiful compensations of this life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.

  The great tragedy of life is not that men perish ,but that they cese to love.

  inflict vt. (on,upon)把...强加给,使遭受,使承担

  [联想词]

  afflict vt.使苦恼,折磨

  alleviate vt.减轻,缓解,缓和

  hinder vt.阻碍,妨碍

  [联想词]

  detain vt. 1.拘留,扣留 2.留住,耽搁

  jolt n. 1.震动,摇动,颠簸 2.震惊

  collision n. 1.碰撞 2.冲突,抵触

  collide vi.1.碰撞 2.冲突

  [联想词]

  coincide vi. 1.同是雪生2.相等,相一致 3.位置重合,重叠

  coincidence n. 1.巧合,巧事 2.一致,符合

  suspicious a. 1.猜疑的,疑心的 2.可疑的 3.表示怀疑的

  gloom n. 1.昏暗,阴暗 2.忧郁,沮丧

  gloomy a. 1.忧郁的,沮丧的 2.令人失望的 3.昏暗的

  bashful a. 局促的不安的,羞怯的

  absurd a. 荒谬的,荒唐的

  [联想词]

  insane a. 1.蠢极的,荒唐的 2.精神失常的,疯狂的

  hysterical a.情绪异常激动的

  confer (conferred.conferring) vi.商谈,商议 vt.授予,赋予

  retort v.反驳 n.反驳

  [联想词]

  refute vt.反驳,驳斥

  slander n.诽谤,诋毁

  gossip n. 1.流言蜚语 2.爱说长道短的人

  scrupulous a. 1.有顾忌的 2.细致的

  insulate vt. 隔离,使隔绝

  prudence n. 1.审慎,小心 2.精明,深谋远虑 3.节俭

  indolent a. 1.懒惰的,怠惰的 2.令人困倦的

  malice n.恶意,怨恨

  bereavement n.丧亲,丧友

  blunder n. (因无知粗心等造成的)错误 vi.1.跌跌撞撞地走 2.犯错误

  [联想词]

  stagger vi.摇晃,蹒跚 vt. 1.使吃惊 2.使错开

  stumble vi. 1.绊脚,绊倒 2.跌跌撞撞地走 3.结结巴巴

  tumble vi. 1.跌倒,摔下 2.翻滚 3.不由自主的卷入 4.(价格等)暴跌


  考研英语名师指导-阅读学词汇(二)

  Unit Four

  Waiting in Line

  The British queue up and the Americans wait in line, except for New Yorkers, who wait on line. No one seems to know the reason for this local idiom. It is

  something to ponder while waiting in/on line.

  Another thing to ponder: It is estimated that Americans spednd up to five years of their lives in that tedious, weary but unavoidable process known as waiting. Studies show that otherwise rational people act irrationally when forced to stand in line or wait in crowds, even becoming violent.

  Queues are a grim reality of city life. While there seems to be no consensus onthe citys worst line, the ones mentioned most often in talks here and there were lunchtime lines at banks and post offices and, among younger people, movie lines and college-registration lines.

  "Bank lines," said Mark Sloane, an investor. "No matter what time of day you bank, the number of tellers is inadequate to the number of patrons. Even when the bank is open you see long lines infront of the money machines outside."

  "Supermarkets," said Ed Frantz, a graphic artist, who once abandoned a full shopping cart in the middle of a long checkout line. It was not a political act. "The line was filled with coupon clippers and check writers," he recalled. "And suddenly I had to walk away. Food no longer mattered."

  In any line the fundamental rule is first come, first served, or what dsocial scientists call "distributive justice." Exceptions may be made, say, in fancy restaurants where the headwaiters have their favorites, but, in general, the rule prevails.

  If misery loves company, so do sports fans. Dr. Leon Mann documented this several years ago when, as a Harvard professor, he studied the long overnight queues for tickets to ball games in his native Australia.

  "Outside the stadium something of a carnival atmosphere prevails," he wrote in The American Journal of Sociology. "The devotees sing, sip warm drinks, play cards and huddle together."

  Like the teams they had come to watch, the fans in line took timeouts. Some worked in shifts, with certain members leaving to take naps or eat meals, while others saved their places in line. Some staked claims in line with items of personal property such as sleeping bags and folding chairs. "During the early hours of waiting," Dr. Mann noted, "the queues often consisted of one part people to two parts inanimate objects."

  Nobody has ever seriously studied Helen Quinns Saturday morning line for Metropolitan Opera tickets, but perhaps someone should --Miss Quinn is not an official at the Met.

  For 15 years standees at the opera have been doing  just that,  thanks to Miss Quins ticketing system. She makes, dates and numbers her tickets-- one for each of the 175 standing room spots available-- and dispenses them to early birds. Assured of a place, ticket holders then leave and return shortly before 8 A.M. to line up for the real tickets.

  idiom n. 1.习语,成语 2.风格,特色

  ponder v. 思索,考虑,沉思

  [联想词]

  contemplate vt. 1.盘算,计议 2.思量,周密考虑 3.注视,凝视

  weary a. 1.疲劳的,疲倦的 2.使疲劳的,令人厌倦的 vi.厌倦的,不耐烦

  [联想词]

  tiresome a.令人疲劳的,令人厌倦的

  grim a. 1.讨厌的,糟糕的 2.严厉的 3.严酷的,无情的

  consensus n. [单](意见等)一致,一致同意

  patron n. 1.资助人,赞助人 2.老主顾,顾客

  resent vt. 对...表示忿恨,怨恨

  graphic a. 1.生动的,形象的 2.绘画的,文字的,图表的

  coupon n. 1.礼券,优惠券 2.配券,票证

  clip n. 1.夹子,回形针,别针 2.弹夹,弹仓 3.剪,修剪 4.剪报,电影片断

  vt.(clipped.clipping) 1.夹住,扣住 2.剪,修剪 3.削减,缩短

  [联想词]

  clamp n.夹头,夹具,夹钳 vt.(用夹具等)夹紧,固定

  prevail vi. 1.流行,盛行 2.获胜,占优势 3.说明,劝说,诱使

  prevalent a.流秆的,普遍的

  misery n. 1.痛苦,苦恼,苦难 2.悲惨的境遇,贫苦

  carnival n. 1.表演会 2.庆祝,欢宴 3.狂欢节

  [联想词]

  feast n. 1.盛宴,筵席 2.节日

  sociology n. 社会学

  sip v.(sipped,sippig)小口地喝,抿,呷 n. 小口喝

  huddle vi. 1.聚集在一起 2.把身子蜷成一团 vt.使聚集在一起

  n.挤在一起的人,一堆杂乱的东西

  inanimate a. 1.无生命的,非动物的 2.无生气的,单调的

  metropolitan a.大城市的,大都会的

  dispense vt. 1.分配,分发 2.配(药),发(药) 3.实施,执行

  [联想词]

  disperse vi. 1.分散,散开 2.消散,消失 vt. 1.使分散,赶散 2.使消散,驱散

  Unit Five

  Aggressive Patriotism in Sports

  Some people believe that international sport creates goodwill between the nations. Others say that the opposite is true: that international contests encourage false national pride and lead to misunderstanding and hatred. There is probably some truth in both arguments, but in recent years the Olympic games have done little to support the view that sports encourages international brotherhood. Not only, was there the tragic incident involving the murder of athletes, but the games were also ruined by lesser incidents caused principally by minor national contests.

  One country received its second-place medals with visible indignation after the hockey final. There had been noisy scenes at the end of the hockey match, the users objecting to the final decisions. They were convinced that one of their goals should not have been disallowed and that their opponents victory was unfair. Their manager was in a rage when he said:"This wasnt hockey. Hockey and the International Hockey Federation are finished." The president of the Federation said later that such behavior could result in the suspension of the team for at least three years.

  The American basketball team announced that they would not yield first place to Russia, after a disputable end to their contest. The game had ended in disturbance. It was thought at first that the United States had won, by a single point, but it was announced that there were three seconds still to play. A Russian player then threw the ball from one end of the court to the other, and another player popped it into the basket. It was the first time the USA had ever lost an Olympic basketball match. The American players then voted not to receive the silver medals.

  Incidents of this kind well continue as long as sport is played competitively rather than for the love of the game. In the present organization of the Olympics there is far too much that encourages aggressive patriotism.

  tragic a. 1.悲惨的,可悲的 2.悲剧(性)的

  [联想词]

  dreadful a. 1.糟透了的,极不合意的 2.极端的,极其大的 3.可怕的,令人畏惧的

  pathetic a. 1.差劲的,令人生厌的 2.可悲的,可怜的,引起怜悯的

  disastrous a. 1.灾难性的,造成灾害的 2.极坏的,很糟的

  catastrophe n. 大灾难,灾祸

  destructive a. 破坏(性)的,毁灭(性)的

  comic a. 喜剧的,滑稽的

  incident n. 1.发生的事 2.事件,事变

  incidence n.[单]发生率

  incidentally ad.顺便说及,顺便提一句

  indignation n. 愤怒,愤慨,义愤

  indignant a. 愤怒的,愤慨的,义愤的

  [联想词]

  fury n. 1.狂怒,暴怒 2.狂暴,猛烈

  furious a. 1.狂怒的,暴怒的 2.强烈的,激烈的

  dismay n. 1.失望,气馁 2.惊恐,惊愕 vt. 1.使失望,使气馁 2.使惊恐,使惊愕

  hockey n. 曲棍球

  [联想词]

  versus prep. 1.以...为对手,对 2.与...相对,与...相比之下

  federation n. 1.联合会 2.联邦

  suspension n.1.暂停,中止 2.停止参加,暂时剥夺 3.悬架,悬置机构4.悬浮液5.悬,挂,吊

  disturbance n. 1.扰乱,打扰 2.骚乱,混乱 3.心神不安,烦恼

  [联想词]

  harassment n. 1.侵扰,骚扰 2.烦恼,困苦

  patriotism n. 爱国主义,爱国精神,爱国心patriot n. 爱国者,爱国主义者

  patriotic a. 爱国的,有爱国心的,显示爱国精神的

  Unit Six

  Manners Are Practically Non-Existent

  Manners nowadyas in metropolitan cities like London are practically non-existent. It is nothing for a big, strong schoolboy to elbow an elderly woman aside in the dash for the last remaining seat on the tube or bus, much less stand up and offer his seat to her, as he ought. In fact, it is saddening to note that if a man does offer his seat to an older woman, it is nearly always a Continental man or one from the older generation.

  This question of giving up seats in public transport is much argued about by young men, who say that, since women have claimed equality, they no longer deserve to be treated with courtesy and that those who go out to work should take their turn in the rat race like anyone else. Women have never claimed to be physically as strong as men. Even if it is not agreed, however, that young men should stand up for younger women, the fact remains that courtesy should be shown to the old, the sick and the burdened. Are we really so lost to all ideals of unselfishness that we can sit there indifferently reading the paper or a book, saying to ourselves "First come, first served," while a greyhaired woman, a mother with a young child or a cripple stands? Yet this is all too often seen.

  Conditions in travel are really very hard on everyone, we know, but hardship is surely no excuse. Sometimes one wonders what would have been the behaviour of these stuot young men in a packed refugee train or a train on its way to a prison-camp during the War. Would they have considered it only right and their proper due to keep the best places for themselves then?

  Older people, tired and irritable from a days work, are not angels, either -- far from it. Many a brisk argument or an insulting quarrel breaks out as the weary queues push and shove each other to get on buses and tubes. One cannot commend this, of course, but one does feel there is just a little more excuse.

  If cities are to remain pleasant places to live in at all, however, it seems imperative, not only that communications in transport should be improved, but also that communication between human beings should be kept smooth and polite. All over cities, it seems that people are too tired and too rushed to be polite. Shop assistants wont bother to assist, taxi-drivers growl at each other as they dash dangerously round corners, bus conductor pull the bell before their desperate passengers have had time to get on or offer the bus, and so on and so on. It seems to us that it is up to the young and strong to do their small part to stop such deterioration.

  名人名言

  You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you dont try.

  ----Beverly Sills

  metropolitan a.大城市的,大都会的

  [联想词]

  municipal a. 市的,市政的

  courtesy n. 1.谦恭有礼 2.有礼貌的举止(或言词)

  cripple n. 跛子,伤残人 vt. 1.使跛,使受伤致残 2.严重削弱,使陷于瘫痪

  stout a. 1.发胖的,胖而大的 2.结实的,牢固的 3.勇敢的,大胆的,顽强的

  [联想词]

  sturdy a. 1.强壮的,结实的,坚固的 2.坚定的,坚强的

  hardy a. 1.强壮的,坚强的,能吃苦耐劳的 2.耐寒的

  robust a. 强壮的,健康的

  muscular a. 肌肉发达的,强壮的

  fragile a. 1.易碎的,脆的,易损坏的 2.虚弱的,脆弱的

  irritate vt. 1.使恼怒,使烦躁 2.使(身体某部分)不适,使疼痛

  irritable a. 1.易怒的,急躁的 2.(器官等)过敏的

  [联想词]

  aggravate vt. 1.加重,加剧,使恶化 2.激怒,使恼火

  angel n. 1.天使 2.可爱的人

  brisk a. 1.轻快的,生气勃勃的 2.兴隆的,繁忙活跃的 3.寒冷而清新的

  [联想词]

  energetic a. 精力充沛的,充满活力的

  slack a. 1.不活跃的,萧条的,清淡的 2.懈怠的,马虎的 3.松(驰)的

  n. (绳索等)松弛部分 vi.懈怠,懒散

  weary a. 1.疲劳的,疲倦的 2.使人疲劳的,使人厌倦的 vi.(of)厌烦,不耐烦

  shove vt. 1.乱推,挤 2.乱塞,随意做 vi. 用力推,挤 n.猛推

  commend vt. 1.表扬,称赞 2.推荐

  imperative a. 1.必要的,紧急的,极重要的 2.命令的 n. 必要的事,必须完成的事

  growl vi. 1.(动物)发狺狺声 2.低志咆哮着说话

  [联想词]

  howl vi.嚎叫,吼叫,(风)呼啸 n.嚎叫,吼叫,(风)呼啸

  yell vi. 号叫,叫喊 n.号叫,叫喊

  mutter v. n.轻声低语,小声抱怨

  mute a. 1.缄默的,无声的 2.哑的,举说话的 3.(字母)不发声的 vt.消除(声音),减轻声音

  murmur v. n. 小声说话,小声抱怨,咕哝

  buzz n. 嗡嗡声 vi.发出嗡嗡声

  deteriorate vi. 变坏,恶化

  deterioration n. 变坏,恶化,堕落

  [联想词]

  crumble vt. 弄碎 vi. 崩溃,瓦解

  perfection n. 完美,完善

  [联想词]

  intact a. 完整无缺的,未经触动的,未受损伤的


  考研英语名师指导:通过阅读学词汇(一)

  Unit one

  Elementary Schools in early America

  What accounts for the great outburst of major inventions in early America -- breakthroughs such as the telegraph, the steamboat and the weaving machine?

  Among the many shaping factors, I would single out the countrys excellent elementary schools. a labor force that welcomed the new technology. the practice of giving premiums to inventors. and above all the American genius for nonverbal, "spatial" thinking about things technological.

  Why mention the elementary schools? Because thanks to these schools our early mechanics, especially in the New England and Middle Atlantic states, were generally literate and at home in arithmetic and in some aspects of geometry and trigonometry.

  Acute foreign observers related american adaptiveness and inventiveness to this educational advantage. As a member of a British commission visiting here in 1853 reported, "With a mind prepared by thorough school discipline, the American boy develops rapidly into the skilled workman."

  A further stimulus to invention came from the "premium" system, which preceded our patent system and for years ran parallel with it. This approach, originated abroad, offered inventors medals, cash prizes and other incentives.

  In the United States, multitudes of premiums for new devices were awarded at country fairs and at the industrial fairs in major cities. Americans flocked to these fairs to admire the new machines and thus to renew their faith in the beneficence of technological advance.

  Given this optimistic approach to technological innovation, the American worker took readily to that special kind of nonverbal thinking required in mechanical technology. As Eugene Ferguson has pointed out, "A technologist thinks about objects that cannot be reduced to unambiguous verbal descriptions. they are dealt with in his mind by a visual, nonverbal process. The designer and the inventor are able to assemble and manipulate in their minds devices that as yet do not exist."

  This nonverbal "spatial" thinking can be just as creative as painting and writing. robert fulton once wrote, "The mechanic should sit down among levers, screws, wedges, wheels, etc. , like a poet among the letters of the alphabet, considering them as an exhibition of his thoughts, in which a new arrangement transmits a new idea."

  When all these shaping forces -- schools, open attitudes, the premium system, a genius for spatial thinking -- interacted with one another on the rich U.S. mainland, they produced that american characteristic, emulation. Today that word implies mere imitation. But in earlier times it meant a friendly but competitive striving for fame and excellence.

  invention n. 1.发明,发明物 2.捏造,虚构

  inventor n.发明家,发明者

  [联想词]

  inventory n.1.详细目录 2.存货清单

  breakthhrough n. 1.突围,突破 2.重大成就,惊人发现

  [联想词]

  breakdown n. 1.垮台,破裂 2.衰竭,衰弱 3.损坏,故障 4.分类

  premium n. 1.保险金 2.额外费用 3. 奖品,赠品,额外津贴

  a. 1.高级的,优质的 2.售价高的

  [联想词]

  subsidy n. 津贴,补贴

  verbal a. 1.口头的 2.用言辞的,用文字的

  [联想词]

  vocal a. 发声的,嗓音的

  spatial a. 空间的,与空间有关的

  literacy n.识字,有文化,读写能力

  literate a.1.有读写能力的 2.有文化修养的

  stimulus n. 1.促进 2.刺激

  [联想词]

  provocation n. 1.挑衅,挑拨 2.刺激,激怒

  provocative a. 1.挑衅的,煽动的 2.刺激的

  precede vt. 在...之前,先于

  precedent n. 1.先例,范例,判例 2.惯例

  patent n.专利,专利权

  a.专利(权)的,受专利保护的

  vt.得到...的专利权

  originate vi. 起源于,来自,产生

  vt.创造,创始,开创

  [联想词]

  commence v.开始

  incentive n.刺激,鼓励

  multitude n. 1.大量,许多 2.大众,民众

  ambiguous a.引起歧义的,模式棱两可的,含糊不清的

  [联想词]

  indefinite a. 1.不明确的,含糊的 2.无限期的

  exdplicit a. 1.明确的,明晰的.详述的 2.直言的,毫不隐瞒的,露骨的

  manipulate vt. 1.操纵,控制,影响 2.操作,使用

  lever n. 1.杠杆 2.途径,工具,手段

  vt. 撬动,撬起

  wedge n.楔(子) vt. 把...楔入,塞入

  [联想词]

  groove n. 沟,槽

  hinge n. 铰链

  interact vi. 相互作用,相互影响

  emulation n. 1.竞赛,竞争 2.仿效,仿真

  imitation n. 1.模仿 2.仿制,仿制品 3.赝品

  strive vi. 努力,奋斗,力求

  sculpture n.1.雕刻,雕塑 2.雕刻作品,雕塑品

  [联想词]

  carve vt. 1.切,把...切碎 2.雕刻,刻

  engrave vt. 1.在...上雕刻 2.使铭记,使牢记

  statue n. 雕像,塑像

  bust n. 1.胸像,半身像 2.胸部,胸围

  marble n. 1.大理石

  diploma n. 毕业文凭,毕业证书,资格证书

  [联想词]

  diplomat n. 1.外交官,外交家 2.有交际手段的人,圆滑的人

  perpetual a. 1.永久的,永恒的,长期的 2.无休止的,没完没了的

  Unit Two

  Fight Again Youth Smoking

  Three years ago, appalled by how many children were becoming addicted to cigarettes every year, the Vice President and I committed this administration to stopping the sale and marketing of cigarettes to children. Today, thanks to these efforts and the persistence of state attorneys general, the public health community, and leaders in Congress, we have the best opportunity ever to pass comprehensive anti-smoking legislation that well save millions of our children from a premature, painful, and very preventable death.

  This week, in a historic and resounding 19 to 1 vote, a key Senate committee gave its stamp of approval to comprehensive legislation sponsored by Senator John McCain, a Republican, and Senator Fritz Hollings, a Democrat, that would cut youth smoking by half over the next decade. This bill represents a dramatic step forward. It would raise the price of cigarettes, give the FDA full authority to regulate tobacco products, ban advertising aimed at children, and protect tobacco farmers.

  We still have work to do in this legislation. Above all, we need to put in place tough penalties that will cost the tobacco industry if it continues to sell cigarettes to young people. Just this week the Centers for Disease Control released a disturbing report that more than a third of teenagers in the United States now smoke, even though its illegal.

  It is time to hold tobacco companies accountable. Reducidng youth smoking must be veerybodys bottom line. Lets remember -- this is not about politics or money, or seeking revenge against the tobacco industry for past practices. Were not trying to put the tobacco companies out of business. we want to put them out of the business of selling cigarattes to kids. This weeks progress in the Senate shows we have real momentum in both parties to do just that.

  Therere still maly issues to be worked out and many long nights ahead. But we have within our grasp one of the most important public health victories our nation has ever achieved.

  Finally, lit me just pause a moment to observe the 30th anniversary of the death of one of Americas greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King. His dream, deeply rooted in the American Dream, is a dream for all Americans. Let us here at home always strive to heed Dr. Kings words and live up to his legacy.

  -------- Bill Clinton

  appall vt.使惊骇,使大吃一惊

  [联想词]

  terrify vt.使害怕,使惊吓

  outrage vt.激起...的义愤,激怒

  n.1.义愤,愤慨 2.暴行,骇人听闻的事件

  addict n.1.有瘾的人 2.入迷的人

  vt.使成瘾,使入迷

  [联想词]

  cocaine n.可卡因

  toxic a.有毒的,中毒引起的

  persistent a. 1.坚持不懈的,执意的 2.持续的

  persistence n.1.坚持不懈,执意 2. 持续性,持续状态

  [联想词]

  stubborn a. 1.顽固的,执拗的,倔强的 2.难对付的,难于克服的

  legislation n.1.法律,法规 2,立法的,法律的制定

  [联想词]

  legitimate a. 1.合情合理的 2.合法的,法律认可的

  judicial a. 1.司法的,法庭的,审判的 2.明断的,公正的

  sue vi.1.控告,起诉 2.要求,请求 vt.控告,起诉

  prosecute vt.1.对...提起公诉,告发,检举 2.继续从事 vi.起诉,告发

  defendant n.被告

  invalid a.1.无效的,作废的 2.无可靠依据的 n.病弱者,残疾者

  testify vi.1.作证,证明 2.表明,说明 vt.作证,证明

  testimony n.1.证词 2.见证,证明

  premature a.1.比预期时间早是 2.不成熟的,仓促的

  authority n.1.权力,管辖权 2.官方,当局 3.当权者,行政管理机构 4.权威,专家

  authoritative a.1.权威性的,可信的 2.专断的,命令式的

  authorize vt.授权,批准

  [联想词]

  definitive a. 1.最可靠的,权威性的 2.决定性的

  accountable a. 负起责任的

  revenge n.报复,报仇

  momentum n.1.动力,冲力,势力 2.动量

  [联想词]

  impetus n.1.推动,促进,刺激 2.推动力

  strive vi.努力,奋斗,力求

  heed vt.留心,注意,听从

  legency n.遗赠的财物,遗产

  deadly a.1.致死的,致命的 2.不共戴天的,殊死的 3.极度的,十足的 ad.非常,极度地]

  [联想词]

  drastic a.1.极端的,严厉的 2.激烈的,迅猛的

  epidemic n.1.流行病 2.流传,流行 a.流行性的,流传极广的

  lure vt.吸引,引诱,诱惑

  Unit Three

  Beauty Is Meaningless

  A young man sees a sunset and, unable to understand or to express the emotion that it rouses in him, concludes that it must be the gateway to a world that lies beyond. It is difficult for any of us in moments of intense aesthetic experience to resist the suggestion that we are catching a glimpse of a light that shines down to us from a different realm of existence, different and, because the experience is intensely moving, in some wqy higher. And, though the gleams blind and dazzle, yet they do convey a hint of beauty and serenity greater than we have known or imagined. Greater too than we can describe, for language, which was invented to convey the meanings of this world, cannot readily be fitted to the uses of another.

  That all great art has this power of suggesting a world beyond is undeniable. In some moods, Nature shares it. There is no sky in June so blue that it does not point forward to a bluer, no sunset so beautiful that it does not waken the vision of a greater beauty, a wision which passes before it is fully glimpsed, and in passing leaves an indefinable linging and regret. But, if this world is not merely a bad joke, life a vulgar flare amid the cool radiance of the stars, and existence an empty laugh braying across the mysteries, if these intimations of a something behind and beyond are not evil humour born of indigestion, or whimsies sent by the devil to mock and madden us , if, in a word, beauty means something, yet we must not seek to interpret the meaning. If we glimpse the unutterable, it is unwise to try to utter it, nor should we seek to invest with significance that which we cannot grasp. Beauty in terms of our human meanings is meaningless.

  intense a. 1.强烈的,剧烈的,紧张的 2.认真的,专注的 3.热情的,热切的

  intensify v. (使)增强,(使)加剧

  aesthetic a. 1.美学的,审美的 2.悦目的,雅致的

  gleam vi.1.闪亮,闪烁 2.闪现,流露 n.1.闪光,闪亮 2.闪现,流露

  [联想词]

  sparkle vi.1.发光,闪耀,闪烁 2.活跃,焕发 n.1.发光,闪耀,闪烁 2.活力,生气

  glitter vi. 闪闪发光,闪耀 n.闪光,灿烂的光辉 2.耀眼,辉煌

  dazzle vt. 使眩目 n.1.耀眼的光 2.令人赞叹的东西

  serenity n. 1.平静,安详 2.晴朗,明朗

  denial n. 1.否认 2.拒绝

  undeniable a.不可否认的

  vulgar a. 1.粗野的,下流的 2.庸俗的,粗俗的

  [联想词]

  boscene a. 1.淫秽的,下流的 2.可憎的,可恶的

  flare vi. 1.(火焰)闪耀 2.突发,突然发怒 n.闪光信号,照明弹

  [联想词]

  erupt vi. 1.(火山等)喷发 2.(战争等)爆发,突然发生

  ignite vt. 点燃,引发

  radiant a. 1.容光焕发的,喜形于色的 2.光芒四射的,光辉灿烂的 3.辐射的

  [联想词]

  radiate v. 1.发出(光或热),辐射 2.流露,显示

  radioactive a. 放射性的,有辐射的

  bray vi. 1.(驴)叫 2.以响而粗的声音说(或笑)

  whimsy n. 1.怪念头,离奇的想法 2.稀奇古怪

  [联想词]

  bizare a. 怪诞的,奇形怪状的

  weird a. 1.古怪的,离奇的 2.怪诞的,神秘可怕的

  mock vt. 1.嘲笑,嘲弄 2.(为了取笑)模仿 vi.嘲笑,嘲弄

  a. 1.模拟的,学习的 2.假的,假装的



相关文章


考研网报已一周 报名人数较去年同期有下降
考研班教授旗号招生 宣传语违反广告法
就业难 让九成新生预备加入考研大队伍
考研英语名师指导:通过阅读学词汇(二)
考研英语名师指导:通过阅读学词汇(三)
复习参考:考研短文写作常用句型和练习
考研英语名师指导:通过阅读学词汇(一)
西藏08少数民族高层次骨干人才研招报名启动
担心就业难 部分高校九成大一新生打算考研
澳大利亚华人论坛
考好网
日本华人论坛
华人移民留学论坛
英国华人论坛