英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable1024 - 乱起英文名，后果很严重

 Topic1 Weird¹ English names Chinese people give themselvesThe Washington Post has carried an opinion piece on its website saying the adoption² of unconventional English names in China and other parts of East Asia is the source of perennial³ fascination⁴ and mirth among expats.

The article mentioned a humorous report on a satirical Chinese Web site done in the style of China's state broadcaster CCTV that offers advice to Chinese on how to choose their English names.

It says any young Anglophone who teaches English in the region could rattle⁵ off a host of perplexing names he or she had to call out during class.

Is it a valid⁶ concern? Is it true many Chinese have weird English names?

Topic2 Is Cheating OK?

Men are tired so it is OK for them to cheat. This slogan is printed on boards which are held by 6 guys in a so-called performance art activity in Chengdu recently. They all wear sunglasses and facial masks during the performance and claim they want to justify⁷ men who are busy but can't get enough care and love.

Is it OK to cheat?

Topic3 Mistress TerminatorMany marriage counselors⁸ would receive customers whose other half is having an affair. Usually, the counselors just help their customers by engaging in conversations with them.

However, some marriage counselors in Chongqing seem to think talking is not effective enough. So they approach the mistresses and try to end the affairs using different strategies.

Is there a need for such kind of service?

Topic4 Unisex Public Restrooms were Set up in ShanghaiMany moms who have sons and dads who have daughters may have experienced such an embarrassment⁹ when taking their children out alone: the mom or the dad wants to go to the restroom but no one could take care of the child, while it is not appropriate to bring the boy or the girl into the female or the male public restrooms because others may feel annoying.

Shanghai is trying to solve the problem by building up unisex public restrooms in many public areas. The unisex public restrooms are equipped with toilets both for men and women, even another set of mini toilet for children.

Is it necessary to set up such restrooms?

1 weird   

adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的

参考例句：

• From his weird behaviour,he seems a bit of an oddity.从他不寻常的行为看来，他好像有点怪。
• His weird clothes really gas me.他的怪衣裳简直笑死人。

2 adoption   

n.采用，采纳，通过；收养

参考例句：

• An adoption agency had sent the boys to two different families.一个收养机构把他们送给两个不同的家庭。
• The adoption of this policy would relieve them of a tremendous burden.采取这一政策会给他们解除一个巨大的负担。

3 perennial   

adj.终年的；长久的

参考例句：

• I wonder at her perennial youthfulness.我对她青春常驻感到惊讶。
• There's a perennial shortage of teachers with science qualifications.有理科教学资格的老师一直都很短缺。

4 fascination   

n.令人着迷的事物，魅力，迷恋

参考例句：

• He had a deep fascination with all forms of transport.他对所有的运输工具都很着迷。
• His letters have been a source of fascination to a wide audience.广大观众一直迷恋于他的来信。

5 rattle   

v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓

参考例句：

• The baby only shook the rattle and laughed and crowed.孩子只是摇着拨浪鼓，笑着叫着。
• She could hear the rattle of the teacups.她听见茶具叮当响。

6 valid   

adj.有确实根据的；有效的；正当的，合法的

参考例句：

• His claim to own the house is valid.他主张对此屋的所有权有效。
• Do you have valid reasons for your absence?你的缺席有正当理由吗？

7 justify   

vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护

参考例句：

• He tried to justify his absence with lame excuses.他想用站不住脚的借口为自己的缺席辩解。
• Can you justify your rude behavior to me?你能向我证明你的粗野行为是有道理的吗？

8 counselors   

n.顾问( counselor的名词复数 )；律师；（使馆等的）参赞；（协助学生解决问题的）指导老师

参考例句：

• Counselors began an inquiry into industrial needs. 顾问们开始调查工业方面的需要。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
• We have experienced counselors available day and night. ) 这里有经验的法律顾问全天候值班。） 来自超越目标英语 第4册

9 embarrassment   

n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫

参考例句：

• She could have died away with embarrassment.她窘迫得要死。
• Coughing at a concert can be a real embarrassment.在音乐会上咳嗽真会使人难堪。