新视野大学英语 读写教程第二册 unit8-a

Unit 8

Section A

Pre-reading Activities

First Listening

Please listen to a short passage carefully and prepare to answer some questions.

Second Listening
Listen to the tape again. Then answer the following questions with your own experiences.
1) How do young students and older teachers see the role of education differently?
2) What is "quality of life" and how can it be improved?
3) According to the writer, what must educators prepare students for?

There's a Lot More to Life than a Job

It has often been remarked that the saddest thing about youth is that it is wasted on the young.
Reading a survey report on first-year college students, I recalled the regret, "If only I knew then what I know now."
The survey revealed what I had already suspected from informal polls of students both in Macon and at the Robins¹ Resident Center: if it (whatever it may be) won't compute² and you can't drink it, smoke it or spend it, then "it" holds little value.
According to the survey based on responses from over 188,000 students, today's college beginners are "more consumeristic and less idealistic" than at any time in the seventeen years of the poll.
Not surprising in these hard times, the students' major objective "is to be financially well off. Less important than ever is developing a meaningful philosophy of life." Accordingly, today the most popular course is not literature or history but accounting³.
Interest in teaching, social service and the humanities is at a low, along with ethnic⁴ and women's studies. On the other hand, enrollment⁵ in business programs, engineering and computer science is way up.
That's no surprise either. A friend of mine (a sales representative for a chemical company) was making twice the salary of college instructors⁶ during her first year on the job — even before she completed her two-year associate degree.
"I'll tell them what they can do with their (music, history, literature, etc.)," she was fond of saying. And that was four years ago; I tremble to think what she's earning now.
Frankly⁷, I'm proud of the young lady (not her attitude but her success). But why can't we have it both ways? Can't we educate people for life as well as for a career? I believe we can.
If we can not, then that is a conviction against our educational system — kindergarten, elementary, secondary and higher. In a time of increasing specialization, a time when 90 percent of all the scientists who have ever lived are currently alive, more than ever, we need to know what is truly important in life.
This is where age and maturity⁸ enter. Most people, somewhere between the ages of 30 and 50, finally arrive at the inevitable⁹ conclusion that they were meant to do more than serve a corporation, a government agency, or whatever.
Most of us finally have the insight that quality of life is not entirely¹⁰ determined¹¹ by a balance sheet. Sure, everyone wants to be financially comfortable, but we also want to feel we have a perspective on the world beyond the confines of our occupation; we want to be able to render service to our fellow man and to our God.
If it is a fact that the meaning of life does not dawn until middle age, is it then not the duty of educational institutions to prepare the way for that revelation? Most people, in their youth, resent the Social Security deductions¹² from their pay, yet a seemingly few short years later find themselves standing¹³ anxiously by the mailbox.
While it's true all of us need a career, preferably a prosperous one, it is equally true that our civilization has collected an incredible amount of knowledge in fields far removed from our own. And we are better for our understanding of these other contributions — be they scientific or artistic¹⁴. It is equally true that, in studying the diverse wisdom of others, we learn how to think. More importantly, perhaps, education teaches us to see the connections between things, as well as to see beyond our immediate¹⁵ needs.
Weekly we read of unions that went on strike for higher wages, only to drive their employer out of business. No company, no job. How shortsighted in the long run.
But the most important argument for a broad education is that in studying the accumulated wisdom of the ages, we improve our moral sense. I saw a cartoon recently which depicts¹⁶ a group of businessmen looking puzzled as they sit around a conference table; one of them is talking on the intercom: "Miss Baxter," he says, "could you please send in someone who can distinguish right from wrong?"
In the long run that's what education really ought to be about. I think it can be. My college roommate, now head of a large shipping¹⁷ company in New York, not surprisingly was a business major. But he also hosted a classical music show on the college's FM station and listened to Wagner as he studied his accounting.
That's the way it should be. Oscar Wilde had it right when he said we ought to give our ability to our work but our genius to our lives.
Let's hope our educators answer students' cries for career education, but at the same time let's ensure that students are prepared for the day when they realize their shortsightedness. There's a lot more to life than a job.
Words: 821

NEW WORDS

formal
a. 1. following accepted rules of behavior 正式的；合乎礼仪的
2. in appearance; by name only 形式上的，名义上的

informal
a. not formal 不正式的，不拘形式的，随便的

poll
n. 1. [C] a survey of public opinion 民意测验，民意调查
2. (also pl.) the giving of written choices at an election 选举投票

resident
a. 1. having a home in a place 居住的，居留的
2. attached to and working regularly for a particular organization 住校的，住院的，住在任所的
n. [C] a person who lives or has his/her home in a place 居民，定居者

▲compute
v. count (sth.); work (sth.) out 估算，算出，计算

■consumeristic
a. believing in spending money and buying goods 消费主义的

accordingly
ad. 1. for the reason; so 因此，所以
2. in a manner that is suggested by what is known or has been said 按照所说的情况

▲humanity
n. 1. (pl.) subjects concerned with human culture 人文学科（尤指文学、语言、历史和哲学）
2. [U] human beings as a whole; people 人的总称，人类
3. [U] kind-heartedness 仁慈，仁爱，善心

▲ethnic
a. of a national or racial group that has a common cultural tradition （有共同文化传统的）民族的，种族的；部落的

▲enroll
v. become or make (sb.) a member (of sth.) （使）成为……的成员，注册

enrollment
n. 1. [C] the number of people enrolled¹⁸ 注册或登记的人数
2. [U] enrolling¹⁹ or being enrolled 登记，注册，入会

salary
n. [C] a fixed²⁰ amount of money given every week, month, or year as pay for an employee 薪金，薪水

kindergarten
n. [C, U] a school for very young children 幼儿园

elementary
a. 1. of or in the beginning stage; related to primary schools 初级的；小学的
2. simple or easy; basic 简单的，基本的，基础的

secondary
a. 1. (of education or a school) for children over 11 years old （教育、学校）中等的
2. less important than related things 次要的

specialize
vi. (in) give particular attention to (a subject, product, etc.) 专攻，专门研究（某课题、产品等）

specialization (英specialisation)
n. [U, C] specializing 专业化，专门化

corporation
n. [C] a business company 公司

agency
n. 1. [C] a government organization 政府机构
2. [C] a business or place of business providing a service 经销处，代理处

confine
n. (pl.) limits, borders 界限，范围
vt. keep sb./sth. within certain limits 把……限制于

occupation
n. 1. [C] a job; employment 工作，职业
2. [C] a way of spending time; an activity done in one's spare time 日常活动，消遣

render
vt. 1. give 给予，提出
2. cause sb./sth. to be in a particular state 使得，使成为

institution
n. 1. [C] (building of an) organization, (sometimes) an organization for helping²¹ people with special needs 机构；慈善机构，社会福利机构（如孤儿院、养老院）
2. [C] a custom, system or organization that has existed for a long time and is accepted as an important part of a particular society 制度，习俗

▲revelation
n. 1. [U] making known sth. that was secret or hidden 泄露，揭示，展示
2. [C] sth. which is revealed 所揭露的事，惊人的新发现

preferable
a. preferred; more suitable 更可取的，更合意的，更好的

preferably
ad. rather than anything, anywhere, etc. else 更可取地，宁可

civilization (英civilisation)
n. [U, C] a human society with its highly developed social organizations, or the culture and way of life of a society or country at a particular period in time 文明，文化

incredible
a. impossible or very difficult to believe 难以置信的

contribution
n. [C, U] action of giving (money, support, help or ideas) towards a particular aim or purpose; sth. given towards a particular aim or purpose 捐助（物），贡献（物），奉献

artistic
a. 1. of art or artists 艺术的，美术的；艺术家的
2. skillful and attractive 富有艺术性的，精美的，精彩的

wisdom
n. 1. [U] experience and knowledge; quality of being wise 经验与知识，智慧，睿智
2. [U] good judgment²² 正确判断，贤明

weekly
ad. once a week or every week 一周一次地，每周地
a. happening once a week or every week 一周一次的，每周的
n. [C] a newspaper or magazine which is published once every week 周报，周刊

union
n. 1. [C] a club formed by uniting people or groups; an organization of employees 协会，俱乐部；工会
2. [C] (the act or instance of) uniting or being united 联合，合并

accumulate
v. collect a large number of things over a long time; gradually increase in number or amount 累积，积累

cartoon
n. 1. [C] an amusing drawing in a newspaper or magazine 漫画，幽默画
2. [C] a film made by photographing a series of gradually changing drawings 动画片

▲depict
vt. show (sb./sth.) as a picture; describe (sth.) in words 描绘，描述

puzzle
v. 1. (make one) feel confused or slightly worried because one cannot understand sth. （使）困惑，（使）为难
2. (make one) think hard about sth. in order to understand it （使）苦思
n. 1. [C] a game or toy in which parts must be fitted together correctly, intended to amuse or exercise the mind 智力测验，智力玩具，谜
2. [C] a question that is difficult to understand or answer 难题，难解之事

conference
n. [C, U] (meeting for) discussion or exchange of views 会议，讨论（会）

■intercom
n. [C] a system by which one can talk through a machine to sb. in a near place 内部通话系统

distinguish
vt. 1. recognize the difference between (people or things) 辨别，识别
2. (oneself) behave or perform noticeably well 表现突出

classical
a. (of music) serious and traditional in style 古典的

■FM (abbreviation for frequency modulation)
n. [U] a radio system of broadcasting 调频

PHRASES AND EXPRESSIONS
if only
(used to express a strong wish) （用来表示强烈的愿望）但愿，真希望

according to
as stated by (sb.) or in (sth.) 根据

be well off
be in a good position, esp. financially 经济充裕，富裕

at a low
at a low level or figure 处于低水平（或数字）

be fond of
have a great liking²³ for sb./(doing) sth. 很喜欢，很喜爱

be proud of
take pride in 为……感到自豪

arrive at
reach (sth. such as a place or conclusion) 达成，得出

be meant to do
be supposed to do 应做

read of
find out about (sb./sth.) by reading 通过阅读发现（或查明）

go on strike
be engaged in/start a strike 举行罢工

in the long run
after a long period; in the end 从长远的观点来看；终究，最后

PROPER NAMES

Macon
梅肯（美国乔治亚州中部城市）

Robins Resident Center
罗宾斯住宿中心

Baxter
巴克斯特

Oscar Wilde
奥斯卡·王尔德（爱尔兰作家、诗人，19世纪末英国唯美主义的主要代表）

1 robins   

n.知更鸟，鸫( robin的名词复数 )；（签名者不分先后，以避免受责的）圆形签名抗议书（或请愿书）

参考例句：

• The robins occupied their former nest. 那些知更鸟占了它们的老窝。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》
• Benjamin Robins then entered the fray with articles and a book. 而后，Benjamin Robins以他的几篇专论和一本书参加争论。 来自辞典例句

2 compute   

v./n.计算，估计

参考例句：

• I compute my losses at 500 dollars.我估计我的损失有五百元。
• The losses caused by the floods were beyond compute.洪水造成的损失难以估量。

3 accounting   

n.会计，会计学，借贷对照表

参考例句：

• A job fell vacant in the accounting department.财会部出现了一个空缺。
• There's an accounting error in this entry.这笔账目里有差错。

4 ethnic   

adj.人种的，种族的，异教徒的

参考例句：

• This music would sound more ethnic if you played it in steel drums.如果你用钢鼓演奏，这首乐曲将更具民族特色。
• The plan is likely only to aggravate ethnic frictions.这一方案很有可能只会加剧种族冲突。

5 enrollment   

n.注册或登记的人数；登记

参考例句：

• You will be given a reading list at enrollment.注册时你会收到一份阅读书目。
• I just got the enrollment notice from Fudan University.我刚刚接到复旦大学的入学通知书。

6 instructors   

指导者，教师( instructor的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The instructors were slacking on the job. 教员们对工作松松垮垮。
• He was invited to sit on the rostrum as a representative of extramural instructors. 他以校外辅导员身份，被邀请到主席台上。

7 frankly   

adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说

参考例句：

• To speak frankly, I don't like the idea at all.老实说，我一点也不赞成这个主意。
• Frankly speaking, I'm not opposed to reform.坦率地说，我不反对改革。

8 maturity   

n.成熟；完成；(支票、债券等)到期

参考例句：

• These plants ought to reach maturity after five years.这些植物五年后就该长成了。
• This is the period at which the body attains maturity.这是身体发育成熟的时期。

9 inevitable   

adj.不可避免的，必然发生的

参考例句：

• Mary was wearing her inevitable large hat.玛丽戴着她总是戴的那顶大帽子。
• The defeat had inevitable consequences for British policy.战败对英国政策不可避免地产生了影响。

10 entirely   

ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地

参考例句：

• The fire was entirely caused by their neglect of duty. 那场火灾完全是由于他们失职而引起的。
• His life was entirely given up to the educational work. 他的一生统统献给了教育工作。

11 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。

12 deductions   

扣除( deduction的名词复数 )； 结论； 扣除的量； 推演

参考例句：

• Many of the older officers trusted agents sightings more than cryptanalysts'deductions. 许多年纪比较大的军官往往相信特务的发现，而不怎么相信密码分析员的推断。
• You know how you rush at things,jump to conclusions without proper deductions. 你知道你处理问题是多么仓促，毫无合适的演绎就仓促下结论。

13 standing   

n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的

参考例句：

• After the earthquake only a few houses were left standing.地震过后只有几幢房屋还立着。
• They're standing out against any change in the law.他们坚决反对对法律做任何修改。

14 artistic   

adj.艺术(家)的，美术(家)的；善于艺术创作的

参考例句：

• The picture on this screen is a good artistic work.这屏风上的画是件很好的艺术品。
• These artistic handicrafts are very popular with foreign friends.外国朋友很喜欢这些美术工艺品。

15 immediate   

adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的

参考例句：

• His immediate neighbours felt it their duty to call.他的近邻认为他们有责任去拜访。
• We declared ourselves for the immediate convocation of the meeting.我们主张立即召开这个会议。

16 depicts   

描绘，描画( depict的第三人称单数 )； 描述

参考例句：

• The book vividly depicts French society of the 1930s. 这本书生动地描绘了20 世纪30 年代的法国社会。
• He depicts the sordid and vulgar sides of life exclusively. 他只描写人生肮脏和庸俗的一面。

17 shipping   

n.船运（发货，运输，乘船）

参考例句：

• We struck a bargain with an American shipping firm.我们和一家美国船运公司谈成了一笔生意。
• There's a shipping charge of ￡5 added to the price.价格之外另加五英镑运输费。

18 enrolled   

adj.入学登记了的v.[亦作enrol]( enroll的过去式和过去分词 )；登记，招收，使入伍（或入会、入学等），参加，成为成员；记入名册；卷起，包起

参考例句：

• They have been studying hard from the moment they enrolled. 从入学时起，他们就一直努力学习。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• He enrolled with an employment agency for a teaching position. 他在职业介绍所登了记以谋求一个教师的职位。 来自《简明英汉词典》

19 enrolling   

v.招收( enrol的现在分词 )；吸收；入学；加入；[亦作enrol]( enroll的现在分词 )；登记，招收，使入伍（或入会、入学等），参加，成为成员；记入名册；卷起，包起

参考例句：

• They lashed out at the university enrolling system. 他们猛烈抨击大学的招生制度。 来自辞典例句
• You're enrolling in a country club, Billy. 你是注册加入乡村俱乐部了，比利。 来自辞典例句

20 fixed   

adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的

参考例句：

• Have you two fixed on a date for the wedding yet?你们俩选定婚期了吗？
• Once the aim is fixed,we should not change it arbitrarily.目标一旦确定，我们就不应该随意改变。

21 helping   

n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的

参考例句：

• The poor children regularly pony up for a second helping of my hamburger. 那些可怜的孩子们总是要求我把我的汉堡包再给他们一份。
• By doing this, they may at times be helping to restore competition. 这样一来, 他在某些时候,有助于竞争的加强。

22 judgment   

n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见

参考例句：

• The chairman flatters himself on his judgment of people.主席自认为他审视人比别人高明。
• He's a man of excellent judgment.他眼力过人。

23 liking   

n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢

参考例句：

• The word palate also means taste or liking.Palate这个词也有“口味”或“嗜好”的意思。
• I must admit I have no liking for exaggeration.我必须承认我不喜欢夸大其词。