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Unit1Learning a foreign language was one of the most difficult yet most rewarding experiences of my life.学习外语是我一生中最艰苦也是最有意义的经历之一。Although at times learning a language was frustrating, it was well worth the effort. 虽然时常遭遇挫折，但却非常有价值。My experience with learning a foreign language began in junior middle school, when I took my first English class. 我学外语的经历始于初中的第一堂英语课。I had a kind and patient teacher who often praised all of the students. 老师很慈祥耐心，时常表扬学生。Because of this positive method, I eagerly answered all the questions I could, never worrying much about making mistakes. 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。I was at the top of my class for two years. 两年中，我的成绩一直名列前茅When I went to senior middle school, I was eager to continue studying English; however, my experience in senior middle school was very different from before. 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。While my former teacher had been patient with all of the students, my new teacher quickly punished those who gave incorrect answers. 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。Whenever we answered incorrectly, she pointed a long stick at us and, shaking it up and down, shouted, No! No! No!每当有谁回答错了，她就会用长教鞭指着我们，上下挥舞大喊：“错！错！错！” It didnt take me long to lose my eagerness to answer questions. 没有多久，我便不再渴望回答问题了Not only did I lose my joy in answering questions, but I also lost my desire to say anything at all in English. 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。However, that state didnt last long. 好在这种情况没持续多久。When I went to college, I learned that all students were required to take an English course. 到了大学，我了解到所有学生必须上英语课。Unlike my senior middle school teacher, my college English teachers were patient and kind, and none of them carried long, pointed sticks! 与高中老师不同，大学英语老师非常耐心和蔼，而且从来不带教鞭！The situation was far from perfect, though. 不过情况却远不尽如人意。As our classes were very large, I was only able to answer a couple of questions in each class period. 由于班大，每堂课能轮到我回答的问题寥寥无几。Also, after a few weeks of classes, I noticed there were many students who spoke much better than I did. 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。I began to feel intimidated. 我开始产生一种畏惧感。So, once again, although for different reasons, I was afraid to speak.虽然原因与高中时不同，但我却又一次不敢开口了。 It seemed my English was going to stay at the same level forever. 看来我的英语水平要永远停步不前了That was the situation until a couple of years later when I was offered an opportunity to study English through an online course. 直到几年后我有机会参加远程英语课程，情况才有所改善。The communication medium was a computer, a phone line, and a modem这种课程的媒介是一台电脑、一条电话线和一个调制解调器。. I soon got access to the necessary equipment, learned how to use the technology from a friend and participated in the virtual classroom 5 to 7 days a week. 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。Online learning is not easier than regular classroom study; 网上学习并不比普通的课堂学习容易。it requires a lot of time, commitment and discipline to keep up with the flow of the course. 它需要花许多的时间，需要学习者专心自律，以跟上课程进度。I worked hard to meet the minimum standards set by the course and to complete assignments on time. 我尽力达到课程的最低要求，并按时完成作业。I practiced all the time.我随时随地都在学习。 I carried a little dictionary with me everywhere I went, as well as a notebook in which I listed any new words I heard. 不管去哪里，我都随身携带一本袖珍字典和笔记本，笔记本上记着我遇到的生词。I made many, sometimes embarrassing, mistakes. 我学习中出过许多错，有时是令人尴尬的错误。Once in a while I cried out of frustration, and sometimes I felt like giving up. 有时我会因挫折而哭泣，有时甚至想放弃。But I didnt feel intimidated by students who spoke faster than I did because I took all the time I needed to think out my ideas and wrote a reply before posting it on the screen. 但我从未因别的同学英语说得比我快而感到畏惧，因为在电脑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。Then, one day I realized I could understand just about everything I came across, and most importantly, I could say anything I wanted to in English. 突然有一天我发现自己什么都懂了，更重要的是，我说起英语来灵活自如。Although I was still making many mistakes and was continually learning new ways to say things, I had finally reaped the benefits of all of my hard work.尽管我还是常常出错，还有很多东西要学，但我已尝到了刻苦学习的甜头。Learning a foreign language has been a most trying experience for me, but one that I wouldnt trade for anything. 学习外语对我来说是非常艰辛的经历，但它又无比珍贵。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. 它不仅使我懂得了艰苦努力的意义，而且让我了解了不同的文化，让我以一种全新的思维去看待事物。The most wonderful result of having learned a foreign language was that I could communicate with many more people than before. 学习一门外语最令人兴奋的收获是我能与更多的人交流。Talking with people is one of my favorite activities, so being able to speak a new language lets me meet new people, participate in conversations, and form new, unforgettable friendships. 与人交谈是我最喜欢的一项活动，新的语言使我能与陌生人交往，参与他们的谈话，并建立新的难以忘怀的友谊。Now that I speak a foreign language, instead of staring into space when English is being spoken, I can participate and make friends. 由于我已能说英语，别人讲英语时我不再茫然不解了。我能够参与其中，并结交朋友。I am able to reach out to others and bridge the gap between my language and culture and theirs.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。Unit2The radio clicked on. Rock music blasted orth收音机“咔嗒”一声，摇滚乐就大声地响开了。. Like a shot, the music woke Sandy. 音乐像枪声似的将桑迪吵醒。She looked at the clock; it was 6:15 A.M. 她看了一下钟，早上6点一刻。Sandy sang along with the words as she lay listening to her favorite radio station.她躺在床上，听着她喜欢的电台广播，嘴里哼着歌词。Sandy, shouted her father. Sandy, turn that music off! “桑迪，” 她父亲喊道，“桑迪，把音乐关了！”Steve Finch burst nto her room. 史蒂夫芬奇冲进她的卧室。Why do you have to listen to such horrible uff? “你为什么一定要听这么糟糕的音乐？Its the same thing over and over. 还听了一遍又一遍。Im not sure it is really music, though it does have rhythm.虽然有节奏，可恐怕不是真正的音乐。I like that music, Dad; its my favorite. “我喜欢这种音乐，爸爸。这是我最喜欢的。Listen for a minute; Im sure youll like it. 您听一下吧，您肯定会喜欢的。”Sandy reached for the radio to turn it up louder.桑迪伸手把音乐开得更响。No, no, dont do that. I cant stand it. “别，别开那么响，我受不了Turn that radio down so your mother and I cant hear it. 把收音机音量调低点，这样我和你妈妈就听不到了。Im sure that music is hurting your ears as well as your brain.我敢肯定，那音乐既伤你的耳朵，又伤你的大脑。”Sandy walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. 桑迪走进浴室，打开淋浴喷头。Then she grabbed the soap and washed thoroughly, including her hair. 然后她抓起香皂，浑身上下洗个遍，连头发也洗了。After her shower, Sandy brushed her hair, put on her old, green T-shirt and some jeans. 淋浴后，桑迪梳了梳头发，穿上一件旧的绿色圆领衫和一条牛仔裤。Then she put on her makeup and went to the kitchen. 接着她化好妆，走进了厨房As usual, she didnt know what to have for breakfast, so she grabbed a glass of milk and ate a piece of toast while standing by the sink. 和往常一样，她不知道早餐该吃什么，便抓了杯牛奶，站在洗涤槽旁吃烤面包。Just then, her mother, Jane, entered the kitchen.就在此时，她妈妈简走进了厨房。Sandy, why dont you sit down and eat your breakfast? It isnt healthy to eat standing up.“桑迪，你怎么不坐下吃饭？ 站着吃饭对身体不好。”I know, Mom, but I dont have time to sit down and eat.“我知道，妈妈，可我没时间坐着吃。”Did you finish your homework, dear?“昨天做作业了吧，宝贝？”Yes.Did you brush your teeth?“刷过牙了？”Mom, I havent finished eating breakfast yet. Ill brush my teeth when Im done.“妈妈，我还没吃完饭呢。吃完了再刷。”Sandy, why are you wearing that old T-shirt? Its disgusting.“桑迪，你怎么穿那件旧圆领衫呢？ 难看死了。”Mom, please stop.“妈妈，请别这样。”Stop what, dear?“别怎么样？”Stop buggingme.“别这样烦我。Sandy, are you wearing eyeliner?“桑迪，你怎么描起眼线来了？”Yes, Mom, Ive been wearing eyeliner for months. Isnt it pretty? “我是描了，妈妈。我都描了几个月了。难道不漂亮？”Sandy Finch, youre too young to wear that much makeup.“桑迪芬奇，你还小，不能化这么浓的妆。”Mom, Im fifteen. Im old enough to wear makeup.“妈妈，我都15岁了，到了可以化妆的年龄了。 Believe me, all the girls at school wear makeup. Some have tattoos and pierced ears, and noses and tongues, too. 给您说实话吧，学校的女孩子都化妆，有些还文身，有的还戴耳环、鼻环、舌环呢。Mom, I dont have time to talk about this nowIm late. Ive got to go. See you later.妈妈，我现在没时间给您说，我快迟到了，得走了。再见。”Sandy kissed her mother quickly on the cheek, picked up her books, and boltedout of the house.桑迪匆匆吻了一下妈妈的脸颊，拿起书冲出了屋子。After Sandy had left for school, Jane Finch sat down in peace and quiet to drink her coffee. 桑迪离家上学后，简芬奇平静地坐下来喝咖啡。Soon her husband joined her.没过一会儿，她丈夫走了进来Would you like some coffee, Steve? asked Jane.“史蒂夫，喝点咖啡吧？”简问道。No, thanks, honey. My stomach feels upsetlike its full of knots. “不，谢谢，亲爱的。我胃不舒服，心乱如麻。Its probably that awful music that wakes me up every morning. 可能是因为那讨厌的音乐每天早上把我吵醒。I dont think Im old-fashioned, but hearing those tuneless, offensive yrics repeatedly makes my blood boil.我想我还不至于老得落伍吧，可没完没了地听那毫无韵律、令人讨厌的歌曲实在让我生气。”You know, honey, different music appeals to different generations, reasoned Jane. “你知道，亲爱的，不同年龄的人喜欢不同的音乐，” 简劝说道。Remember some of the music we listened to?“还记得我们听过的一些音乐吗？”Steve smiled. Youre right. Maybe eating breakfast will help me get rid of some of the knots in my stomach.史蒂夫笑了，“你说得有道理。也许吃点早饭能让我感觉好一点。Did you notice how much makeup our fifteen-year-old daughter was wearing this morning? I cant believe I didnt notice. “你注意到了吗，今天早晨我们15岁的女儿都化了什么样的妆？I suppose we should feel lucky because makeup is our biggest problem with her. 我真不敢相信自己以前没有注意到。Ive seen other teenagers walking around town with tattoos and piercings all over their bodies.我想我们应该感到幸运，因为我们女儿的最大问题还只是化妆。What worries me, said Steve, is that music could have a negative influence on Sandy. “令我担心的是，”史蒂夫说，“那种音乐对桑迪可能有负面的影响。I dont know whats happening to our little girl. 我不知道我们的女儿到底怎么回事。Shes changing and Im concerned about her.她在变，我很担心她。Makeup, terrible musicwho knows what will be next?化妆品，糟糕的音乐，谁知道以后还会有什么花样？ We need to have a talk with her. The news is full of stories about teenagers in trouble whose parents hardly know anything about their problems. 我们得和她谈谈。新闻里报道的尽是惹上麻烦的青少年，可他们的父母却不知道自己的孩子有什么问题。Oh, I dont think her music is so terrible. ” “哦，我倒不认为她的音乐如此糟糕。But in any case, youre right. We need to have a talk with Sandy, said Jane. 但不管怎么说，你还是说得对，我们需要和桑迪谈谈，” 简说道。As Jane Finch drove to work, she thought about her Sandy. 去上班的路上，简芬奇一面开着车，一面想着她的桑迪。She knew what she wanted to say, what she had to say to Sandy. 她知道自己想说什么，得对桑迪说什么。She was so glad that she and Sandy could still talk things over. 她和桑迪之间还可以进行交流，这令她很高兴。She knew she had to have patience and keep the lines of communication with her daughter open. 她知道自己得有耐心，得保持自己和桑迪之间沟通的渠道畅通。She wanted to be there as an anchor for her, but at the same time she would give her freedom to find her own identity她想在桑迪的身边，做她的保护人，同时又给她寻找自我的自由。When I was growing up, I was embarrassed to be seen with my father. 在我还未成年时，如果有人看到我和父亲在一块儿，我就会觉得难堪。He was everely crippled and very short, and when we walked together, his hand on my arm for balance, people would stare. 他腿瘸得很厉害，个子又矮。我们一起走路时，他的手搭在我臂上以保持平衡，人们就会盯着看。I would nwardly struggle at the unwanted attention. 对于这种讨厌的注视，我打心眼里感到别扭。If he ever noticed or was bothered, he never let on. 即使父亲注意到这些或感到不安，他也从不表露出来。It was difficult to coordinate our stepshis halting, mine impatientand because of that, we didnt say much as we went along. 我们的步伐难以协调一致他常常停下脚步，而我的步子却显得不耐烦。正因为如此，我们一路很少说话。But as we started out, he always said, You set the pace. I will try to adjust to you.但每次出门时，他总说：“你按你的步速走，我跟着你。”Our usual walk was to or from the subway on which he traveled to work. 我们通常就在地铁口和家门口之间来回，那是他上班的路线He went to work sick, and despite nasty weather. 他生病或天气恶劣时也坚持上班，几乎从不缺勤。He almost never missed a day, and would make it to the office even if others could not. 他总是准点到办公室，即使别人做不到。It was a matter of pride. 这是件可以引以为荣的事。When snow or ice was on the ground, it was impossible for him to walk, even with help. 当路上覆盖冰雪时，即使有人搀扶，他也难以行走。At such times my sisters or I would pull him through the streets of Brooklyn, N.Y., on a childs wagon with steel runners to the subway entrance. 这种时候，我或者我的姐妹们就用一辆带有钢轮的儿童推车拉着他穿过纽约布鲁克林的街道到地铁站口。Once there, he would cling to the handrail until he reached the lower steps that the warmer tunnel air kept free of ice. 一到那儿，他就紧抓着地铁口的扶手一直往下走，因为地铁内比较暖和，下面几级台阶没有冰雪。In Manhattan the subway station was in the basement of his office building, and he would not have to go outside again until we met him in Brooklyn on his way home. 曼哈顿的地铁站直通他们办公楼的地下室，他不用出站（就可到办公室）。下班回家时，我们会去布鲁克林的地铁站口接他。When I think of it now, I am amazed at how much courage it must have taken for a grown man to subject himself to such shame and stress. And at how he did itwithout bitterness or complaint. 现在回想起来，我不禁惊叹：像他那样一个成年人，得有多大的勇气才能承受这样的屈辱和压力，而当时他却显得毫无痛苦，也没怨言。He never talked about himself as an object of pity, nor did he show any envy of the more fortunate or able.他从不说自己可怜，也从不表现出对那些比他幸运或健康的人的羡慕。What he looked for in others was a good heart, and if he found one, the owner was good enough for him. 他从别人那儿寻找的是一颗“好心”。一旦找到了，那人在他心目中就是个大好人。Now that I am older, I believe that is a proper standard by which to judge people, even though I still dont know precisely what a good heart is. 现在我长大了，我相信这是判断一个人的标准。虽然我还没有确切理解什么是“好心”，But I know at times I dont have one myself. 但我知道自己有时候并没有这么一颗“好心”Unable to engage in many activities, my father still tried to participate in some way.虽说很多活动父亲都不能参加，但他还是试着以某种方式来参与。When a local baseball team found itself without a manager, he kept it going. 当地一个棒球队缺少一个经理时，是他使球队正常运转He was a knowledgeable baseball fan and often took me to Ebbets Field to see the Brooklyn Dodgers play. 他是一个见多识广的棒球迷，常常带我到埃贝茨球场，观看布鲁克林道奇队的比赛。He liked to go to dances and parties, where he could have a good time just sitting and watching. 他喜欢参加各种舞会和聚会，虽然在那儿他只能坐着观看，却也能享受一番乐趣On one occasion a fight broke out at a beach party, with everyone punching and shoving记得在一次沙滩聚会上，进行了一场殴斗，人人挥拳上阵，相互推撞。He wasnt content to sit and watch, but he couldnt stand unaided on the soft sand.他不满足只是坐着观看，然而在松软的沙地上如果没人帮助，他又站不起来。In frustration he began to shout, Ill fight anyone who will sit down with me! Ill fight anyone who will sit down with me!于是在极度无助的情况下，他高声喊道：“谁坐下来和我对打! 谁愿意坐下来和我对打!Nobody did.没有人坐下来和他对打。But the next day people kidded him by saying it was the first time any fighter was urged to take a dive before the fight began. 第二天，人们和他开玩笑，说是第一次听到拳击手在开打之前，就有人要求他倒地服输。I now know he participated in some things through me, his only son. 如今我知道他是通过我，他唯一的儿子，间接地参与了一些事情。When I played ball (poorly), he played too. When I joined the Navy, he joined too. 我打球时（球技很糟），他也“打”；后来我加入海军，他也“加入”了。And when I came home on leave, he saw to it that I visited his office. 我休假回家时，他一定要让我去参观他的办公室。Introducing me, he was really saying, This is my son, but it is also me, and I could have done this, too, if things had been different. Those words were never said aloud. 在介绍我时，虽然没有说出口，但他实际上在说：“这是我儿子，但也是我。如果我没瘸，我也会和他一样。”He has been gone many years now, but I think of him often. 如今父亲已去世多年，但我时常想起他。I wonder if he sensed my reluctance to be seen with him during our walks. 不知他当时是否留意在我们同行时，我不愿意被人看到。If he did, I am sorry I never told him how sorry I was, how unworthy I was, how I regretted it. 若他确实注意到了，那我真惭愧当时没能对他说我是多么对不起他，我是多么不孝，我有多么后悔。I think of him when I complain about trifles, when I am envious of anothers good fortune, when I dont have a good heart.现在，每当我因一些琐事而怨天尤人的时候，每当我嫉妒别人运气比我好的时候，每当我没有一颗“好心”的时候，我就会想起他。At such times I put my hand on his arm to regain my balance, and say, You set the pace. I will try to adjust to you.每逢此时，我就设想自己将手搭在他的臂上，重新找回自己的平衡，我会说：“你按你的步速走，我跟着你。”Uit4Research shows we make up our minds about people through unspoken communication within seven seconds of meeting them. 有研究显示，我们对他人的判断是根据我们最初遇到他们的七秒钟里所进行的无声交流形成的。Consciously or unconsciously, we show our true feelings with our eyes, faces, bodies and attitudes, causing a chain of reactions, ranging from comfort to fear. 无论是有意识还是无意识，我们都会用我们的眼神、面部表情、形体动作和态度来表现我们的真实情感，从而使他人产生从舒适到害怕等一连串反应。Think about some of your most unforgettable meetings: an introduction to your future spouse, a job interview, an encounter with a stranger.想想那些让你最为难忘的会面：被介绍给你未来的妻子或丈夫、一次求职面试、与陌生人的一次邂逅。Focus on the first seven seconds. What did you feel and think? 将注意力集中在最初的七秒钟，你当时有何感想？How did you read the other person? 你是如何“解读”他人的？How do you think he read you? 你认为他又是如何解读你的？You are the message. 你本人就是信息。For 25 years Ive worked with thousands who want to be successful. 25年来，我在工作中和数千个想要成功的人打过交道。Ive helped them make persuasive presentations, answer unfriendly questions, communicate more effectively. 我帮助他们，使他们所作的演讲有说服力，教他们如何回答不友好的提问，以及如何与人更有效地沟通。The secret has always been you are the message. 而所有这一切的秘诀都在于要懂得你本人就是信息。Others will want to be with you and help you if you use your good qualities. 如果你能利用你的优点，别人就会愿意跟你在一起，并且愿意帮助你。They include: physical appearance, energy, rate of speech, pitch and tone of voice, gestures, expression through the eyes, and the ability to hold the interest of others. 这些优点包括：外表、活力、语速、语音语调、手势、眼神，以及使他人对你保持兴趣的能力。Others form an impression about you based on these. 别人对你的印象就是根据这些因素形成的。Think of times when you know you made a good impression.想想有哪几次你确切知道你给人留下了好印象。What made you successful? 你成功的原因又是什么？You were committed to what you were talking about and so absorbed in the moment you lost all self-consciousness. 那是因为你对你所谈论的事情非常投入，你当时完全沉浸其中，以至于完全没有了羞涩的感觉。Be yourself. 保持自我。Many how-to books advise you to stride into a room and impress others with your qualities. 许多指导性的书籍会建议你大步走进一个房间，用你的优点给别人留下深刻印象。They instruct you to greet them with power handshakes and tell you to fix your eyes on the other person. 他们会教你以 “有力的握手”问候他人，并且告诉你要用双眼注视对方。If you follow all this advice, youll drive everyone crazyincluding yourself. 可你如果遵循了所有这些建议，你会让所有的人都受不了包括你自己。The trick is to be consistently you, at your best. 诀窍在于要始终如一地保持自我，保持最佳状态的自我。The most effective people never change from one situation to another. 给人印象最深的那些人从不随着情境的变化而改变自己。Theyre the same whether theyre having a conversation, addressing their garden club or being interviewed for a job. 无论是在与人交谈时，在园艺俱乐部上发表演说时，还是在求职面试中，他们的表现都是一样的They communicate with their whole being; the tones of their voices and their gestures match their words. 他们全身心地与人交流；他们的音调和手势与他们说的话保持着一致Public speakers, however, often send mixed messages. 然而，演说家常常会传递一些混合不清的信息。My favorite is the kind who say, Ladies and gentlemen, Im very happy to be herewhile looking at their shoes. 我最喜欢用来作例子的一类演说家是那些边看自己的鞋子边说“女士们、先生们，我很高兴来到这里”的人。They dont look happy.他们看上去并不高兴。They look angry, frightened or depressed. 他们看上去气愤、恐惧或沮丧。The audience always believe what they see over what they hear. 听众总是相信自己的亲眼所见胜过耳闻。They think, Hes telling me hes happy, but hes not. 他们会想，“他告诉我他很高兴，可他并不是这样。Hes not being honest. 他并没有说实话。Use your eyes.用你的眼睛。Whether youre talking to one person or one hundred, always remember to look at them. 不管你是和一个人交谈，还是对一百个人发表讲话，始终记住你要看着他们。Some people start to say something while looking right at you, but three words into the sentence, they break eye contact and look out the window. 有些人在开始说话时会直视你，但一句话刚说了几个字，他就会中断与你目光的接触，把目光移向窗外。As you enter a room, move your eyes comfortably; then look straight at those in the room and smile. 当你走进房间时，目光从容地扫视；然后直视房间里的人，并对他们微笑。Smiling is important. It shows you are relaxed. 微笑是很重要的，它表明你很放松。Some think entering a room full of people is like going into a lions cage.有人认为走进一个有很多人的房间就像走进一个狮子笼。I disagree.我不同意这种说法。If I did agree, I certainly wouldnt look at my feet or at the ceiling.就算我同意，我也肯定不会看着自己的脚或是天花板。Id keep my eyes on the lion! 我会注视那头狮子。Lighten up. 别太当真。Once in a staff meeting, one of the most powerful chairmen in the entertainment industry became very angry over tiny problems, scolded each worker and enjoyed making them fear him. 一次在员工会议上，一位娱乐业最有影响的董事长由于一些微不足道的问题大发雷霆，责备每一位员工，为能使员工害怕自己而感到满足。When he got to me, he shouted, And you, Ail
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