英语博客：Analysis time, - Quiet Books.

 　　This following paragraph was taken from a home magazine that focuses on storage and using spaces well in the home.

　　It might seem, in this age of electronic books and computer tablets¹, that a library is an outdated² (1)room to include in a home. But, it could be argued(2), that it is because we have so much noise and technology in our lives that we need a quiet room of books. Libraries are places of peace. When we are in them we need to whisper (3)and walk quietly. Sometimes they are the perfect place to go to when we want to be alone, or perhaps when we need time to think. In such moments(4), books are the perfect companions - not a TV and certainly not a computer. Books are silent and respectful³(5) and their weight and even their smell can be comforting. Even though we are all attached to(6) e-books, most of us still have many real books in different parts of the house. Why not put them all in one place, and make that place special, cozy⁴, and quiet. It would be a place to enjoy a new book, or an old favorite.

　　1. 'Outdated' is a funny combination⁵ of two words which together mean 'old fashioned' or 'no longer fashionable'.

　　a. Our house is so outdated; it's not historic⁶, nor is it modern. It's just out of fashion.

　　b. Some people thinkt that curtains are outdated, but I think they are an important part of decor.

　　2. 'It could be argued' is like saying 'you could say' or 'the point could be made that...'

　　a. He is the laziest music student, but one could argue that he's the most talented.

　　b. The building is impressive⁷, you could say that it is over-the-top.

　　3. 'To whisper' is one of my favorite verbs; it just means to talk very, very quietly. I like it because it sounds like its meaning.

　　a. Grandma is asleep; you should whisper.

　　b. The library rule is that everyone whispers.

　　4. 'In such moments' is like saying 'at times like these', or 'on these occasions⁸'.

　　a. National holidays can bring us together. On these occasions we can enjoy being with family and friends.

　　b. Being stuck in an airport is no fun. At times like these it's really handy⁹ to have an iPhone.

　　5. 'Respectful' has a meaning that is easy to imagine: full of respect. It only has one meaning.

　　a. He is very respectful; he always listens carefully to whatever anyone says.

　　b. I wish they would be more respectful in this public area.

　　6. 'To be attached to' is an interesting expression which means that a person likes something very much. You can visualize¹⁰ the meaning of being connected to the thing you like.

　　a. I know my car is really old, but I'm very attached to it.

　　b. My neighbor is so attached to her five cats that she takes them everywhere, even to her doctor's apppointments!

　　Join me on my FACEBOOK page called Anna Fromacupofenglish; you are all welcome. Feel free to email me your questions and comments to [email protected] or [email protected] and I promise to send you an email.

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1 tablets   

n.药片( tablet的名词复数 )；（木、竹）简；碑；一块肥皂

参考例句：

• The tablets may make you feel drowsy. 这药片可能会使你昏昏欲睡。
• Take two tablets with water before meals. 每次两片，饭前用水冲服。

2 outdated   

adj.旧式的，落伍的，过时的；v.使过时

参考例句：

• That list of addresses is outdated,many have changed.那个通讯录已经没用了，许多地址已经改了。
• Many of us conform to the outdated customs laid down by our forebears.我们许多人都遵循祖先立下的过时习俗。

3 respectful   

adj.恭敬的，对...表示尊敬的

参考例句：

• He is respectful to his elders.他对长辈很尊敬。
• She received guests with a respectful attitude.她恭恭敬敬地接待了客人。

4 cozy   

adj.亲如手足的，密切的，暖和舒服的

参考例句：

• I like blankets because they are cozy.我喜欢毛毯，因为他们是舒适的。
• We spent a cozy evening chatting by the fire.我们在炉火旁聊天度过了一个舒适的晚上。

5 combination   

n.组合，合并，联合；

参考例句：

• He carried on the business in combination with his friends.他与朋友们合伙做生意。
• The materials can be used singly or in combination.这些材料可以单独使用也可以混合用。

6 historic   

adj.历史上著名的，具有历史意义的

参考例句：

• This is a historic occasion.这是具有重大历史意义的时刻。
• We are living in a great historic era.我们正处在一个伟大的历史时代。

7 impressive   

adj.给人深刻印象的，感人的

参考例句：

• This cinema is so impressive that we can't help crying.这影片如此感人以至我们禁不住流下泪来。
• The suit made him look especially impressive.他穿上这套衣服真精神。

8 occasions   

n.机会( occasion的名词复数 )；时刻；原因；需要

参考例句：

• The prosecution stated that intercourse had occurred on several occasions. 控诉方称发生过数次性交。
• He has been late on numerous occasions. 他已经迟到过无数次了。

9 handy   

adj.方便的；手边的，近便的；手巧的

参考例句：

• A few more traveler's checks may come in handy on holiday.多带几张旅行支票，度假时会有用的。
• She is a handy girl who can turn her hand to anything.她是个心灵手巧的姑娘。

10 visualize   

vt.使看得见，使具体化，想象，设想

参考例句：

• I remember meeting the man before but I can't visualize him.我记得以前见过那个人，但他的样子我想不起来了。
• She couldn't visualize flying through space.她无法想像在太空中飞行的景象。