考研英语辅导讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章一

Book Knowledge vs. Experience

　　Knowledge can be acquired from many sources. These include books, teachers and practical experience, and each has its own advantages. The knowledge we gain from books and formal education enables us to learn about things that we have no opportunity to experience in daily life. We can study all the places in the world and learn from people we will never meet in our lifetime, just by reading about them in books. We can also develop our analytical skills and learn how to view and interpret the world around us in different ways. Furthermore, we can learn from the past by reading books. In this way, we won’t repeat the mistakes of others and can build on their achievements. 　　

　　Practical experience, on the other hand, can give us more useful knowledge. It is said that one learns best by doing, and I believe that this is true, whether one is successful or not. In fact, I think making mistakes is the best way to learn. Moreover, if one wants to make new advances, it is necessary to act. Innovations do not come about through reading but through experimentation. Finally, one can apply the skills and insights gained through the study of books to practical experience, making an already meaningful experience more meaningful. However, unless it is applied to real experiences, book knowledge remains theoretical and, in the end, is useless. That is why I believe that knowledge gained from practical experience is more important than that acquired from books.

　　参考译文：

　　书本知识与实际经验

　　获得知识的来源有很多，其中包括书本、老师，以及实际经验，而每一种都有其优点。从书本上及正规教育中所获得的知识使我们知道在日常生活中没有机会亲身去体验的事。通过读书，我们可以研究世界各地的资料，还可以向不曾谋面的人学习。我们也可以培养分析的技巧，并学习如何以不同的方式去观察并理解周围的世界。此外，我们可以通过读书，从历史中获取教训。如此一来，就不会再重复别人的错误，并且能够以他人的成就作为我们行动的基础。

　　另一方面，实际经验能够给我们更多有用的知识。大家都说从做中学的效果最好，我也认为的确如此，无论一个人成功与否。事实上，我认为犯错是最好的学习方式。此外，如果想要有新的进展，就必须要付诸行动。想要创新，只靠阅读是不够的，必须要去实践。最后，我们可以将通过读书所获得的技巧和见解应用于实际经验中，使得原本有意义的经验变得更有意义。不过，除非我们能将书本知识运用于实际经验中，否则书本知识终究仍只是理论，毫无用处。那就是为什么我会认为从实际经验中获得的知识比从书本中所得到的知识更为重要。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章二

1. Reading Comprehension

Text  1

    Stratford-on-Avon, as we all know, has only one industry -- William Shakespeare -- but there are two distinctly separate and increasingly hostile branches. There is the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), which presents superb productions of the plays at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre on the Avon. And there are the townsfolk who largely live off the tourists who come, not to see the plays, but to look at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s birthplace and the other sights.

    The worthy residents of Stratford doubt that the theatre adds a penny to their revenue. They frankly dislike the RSC’s actors, them with their long hair and beards and sandals and noisiness. It’s all deliciously ironic when you consider that Shakespeare, who earns their living, was himself an actor (with a beard) and did his share of noise-making.

    The tourist streams are not entirely separate. The sightseers who come by bus -- and often take in Warwick Castle and Blenheim Palace on the side – don’t usually see the plays, and some of them are even surprised to find a theatre in Stratford. However, the playgoers do manage a little sight-seeing along with their playgoing. It is the playgoers, the RSC contends, who bring in much of the town’s revenue because they spend the night (some of them four or five nights) pouring cash into the hotels and restaurants. The sightseers can take in everything and get out of town by nightfall.

    The townsfolk don’t see it this way and the local council does not contribute directly to the subsidy of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Stratford cries poor traditionally. Nevertheless every hotel in town seems to be adding a new wing or cocktail lounge. Hilton is building its own hotel there, which you may be sure will be decorated with Hamlet Hamburger Bars, the Lear Lounge, the Banquo Banqueting Room, and so forth, and will be very expensive.

    Anyway, the townsfolk can’t understand why the Royal Shakespeare Company needs a subsidy. (The theatre has broken attendance records for three years in a row. Last year its 1,431 seats were 94 per cent occupied all year long and this year they’ll do better.) The reason, of course, is that costs have rocketed and ticket prices have stayed low.

    It would be a shame to raise prices too much because it would drive away the young people who are Stratford’s most attractive clientele. They come entirely for the plays, not the sights. They all seem to look alike (though they come from all over) -- lean, pointed, dedicated faces, wearing jeans and sandals, eating their buns and bedding down for the night on the flagstones outside the theatre to buy the 20 seats and 80 standing-room tickets held for the sleepers and sold to them when the box office opens at 10:30 a.m. (466 words)

    Notes: Stratford-on-Avon (阿文河上的)斯特拉福；莎士比亚 (1564 --1616, 英国诗人，戏剧家) 的出生地。superb adj.卓越的，杰出的，极好的。live off (=live on) 靠…为生。sandal凉鞋。take in (=visit) 参观。on the side 附加地，额外地，另外。bring in 从外带入。in a row 连续地。a shame 太过分的事，令人难堪的事，很遗憾。clientele顾客。dedicated adj. 专心工作的，埋头苦干的。flagstone 石板。box office售票口。

1. From the first two paragraphs, we learn that

[A] the townsfolk deny the RSC’s contribution to the town’s revenue.
[B] the actors of the RSC imitate Shakespeare on and off stage.
[C] the two branches of the RSC are not on good terms.  
[D] the townsfolk earn little from tourism.

2. It can be inferred from Paragraph 3 that

[A] the sightseers cannot visit the Castle and the Palace separately.
[B] the playgoers spend more money than the sightseers.
[C] the sightseers do more shopping than the playgoers.  
[D] the playgoers go to no other places in town than the theater.

3. By saying "Stratford cries poor traditionally"(Line 2 Paragraph 4), the author implies that

[A] Stratford cannot afford the expansion projects.              [B] Stratford has long been in financial difficulties.
[C] the town is not really short of money.                      [D] the townsfolk used to be poorly paid.

4. According to the townsfolk, the RSC deserves no subsidy because

[A] ticket prices can be raised to cover the spending.            [B] the company is financially ill-managed.
[C] the behavior of the actors is not socially acceptable.         [D] the theatre attendance is on the rise.

5. From the text we can conclude that the author

[A] is supportive of both sides.                             [B] favors the townsfolk’s view.
[C] takes a detached attitude.                               [D] is sympathetic to the RSC.

Text  2

    Do you remember all those years when scientists argued that smoking would kill us but the doubters insisted that we didn't know for sure? That the evidence was inconclusive, the science uncertain? That the antismoking lobby was out to destroy our way of life and the government should stay out of the way? Lots of Americans bought that nonsense, and over three decades, some 10 million smokers went to early graves.

    There are upsetting parallels today, as scientists in one wave after another try to awaken us to the growing threat of global warming. The latest was a panel from the National Academy of Sciences, enlisted by the White House, to tell us that the Earth's atmosphere is definitely warming and that the problem is largely man-made. The clear message is that we should get moving to protect ourselves. The president of the National Academy, Bruce Albert, added this key point in the preface to the panel's report "Science never has all the answers. But science does provide us with the best available guide to the future, and it is critical that our nation and the world base important policies on the best judgments that science can provide concerning the future consequences of present actions."

    Just as on smoking, voices now come from many quarters insisting that the science about global warming is incomplete, that it's OK to keep pouring fumes into the air until we know for sure. This is a dangerous game: by the time 100 percent of the evidence is in, it may be too late. With the risks obvious and growing, a prudent people would take out an insurance policy now.

    Fortunately, the White House is starting to pay attention. But it's obvious that a majority of the president's advisers still don't take global warming seriously. Instead of a plan of action, they continue to press for more research -- a classic case of "paralysis by analysis."

    To serve as responsible stewards of the planet, we must press forward on deeper atmospheric and oceanic research.  But research alone is inadequate. If the Administration won't take the legislative initiative, Congress should help to begin fashioning conservation measures. A bill by Democratic Senator Robert Byrd of West Virginia, which would offer financial incentives for private industry, is a promising start. Many see that the country is getting ready to build lots of new power plants to meet our energy needs. If we are ever going to protect the atmosphere, it is crucial that those new plants be environmentally sound. (421 words)

1. An argument made by supporters of smoking was that

  [A] there was no scientific evidence of the correlation between smoking and death.
  [B] the number of early deaths of smokers in the past decades was insignificant.
  [C] people had the freedom to choose their own way of life.
  [D] antismoking people were usually talking nonsense.

2. According to Bruce Alberts, science can serve as

  [A] a protector.         [B] a judge.           [C] a critic.            [D] a guide.

3. What does the author mean by "paralysis by analysis"(Last line, Paragraph 4)?

  [A] Endless studies kill action.                 [B] Careful investigation reveals truth.
  [C] Prudent planning hinders progress.           [D] Extensive research helps decision-making.

4. According to the author, what should the Administration do about global warming?

  [A] Offer aid to build cleaner power plants.      [B] Raise public awareness of conservation.
  [C] Press for further scientific research.           [D] Take some legislative measures.                                     

5. The author associates the issue of global warning with that of smoking because

  [A] they both suffered from the government's negligence.  [B] a lesson from the latter is applicable to the former.
  [C] the outcome of the latter aggravates the former.       [D] both of them have turned from bad to worse.

Text  3

    It is said that in England death is pressing, in Canada inevitable and in California optional. Small wonder. Americans’ life expectancy has nearly doubled over the past century. Failing hips can be replaced, clinical depression controlled, cataracts removed in a 30-minute surgical procedure. Such advances offer the aging population a quality of life that was unimaginable when I entered medicine 50 years ago. But not even a great health-care system can cure death – and our failure to confront that reality now threatens this greatness of ours.

    Death is normal; we are genetically programmed to disintegrate and perish, even under ideal conditions. We all understand that at some level, yet as medical consumers we treat death as a problem to be solved. Shielded by third-party payers from the cost of our care, we demand everything that can possibly be done for us, even if it’s useless. The most obvious example is late-stage cancer care. Physicians – frustrated by their inability to cure the disease and fearing loss of hope in the patient – too often offer aggressive treatment far beyond what is scientifically justified.

    In 1950, the U.S. spent $12.7 billion on health care. In 2002, the cost will be $1,540 billion. Anyone can see this trend is unsustainable. Yet few seem to try to reverse it. Some scholars conclude that a government with finite resources should simply stop paying for medical care that sustains life beyond a certain age – say 83 or so. Former Colorado governor Richard Lamm has been quoted as saying that the old and infirm “have a duty to die and get out of the way” so that younger healthier people can realize their potential.

    I would not go that far. Energetic people now routinely work through their 60s and beyond, and remain dazzlingly productive. At 78, Viacom chairman Summer Redstone jokingly claims to be 53. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor is in her 70s, and former surgeon general C. Everett Koop chairs an Internet start-up in his 80s. These leaders are living proof that prevention works and that we can manage the health problems that come naturally with age. As a mere 68-year-old, I wish to age as productively as they have.

    Yet there are limits to what a society can spend in this pursuit. I know the most costly and dramatic measures may be ineffective and painful. I also know that people in Japan and Sweden, countries that spend far less on medical care, have achieved longer, healthier lives than we have. As a nation, we may be overfunding the quest for unlikely cures while underfunding research on humbler therapies that could improve people’s lives. (439 words)

1. What is implied in the first sentence?

  A. Americans are better prepared for death than other people. 
  B. Americans enjoy a higher life quality than ever before.
  C. Americans are over-confident of their medical technology. 
  D. Americans take a vain pride in their long life expectancy.

2. The author uses the example of cancer patients to show that ________.

  A. medical resources are often wasted                  B. doctors are helpless against fatal diseases
  C. some treatments are too aggressive                 D. medical costs are becoming unaffordable

3. The author’s attitude toward Richard Lamm’s remark is one of ________.  

  A. strong disapproval        B. reserved consent        C. slight contempt       D. enthusiastic support

4. In contrast to the U.S., Japan and Sweden are funding their medical care ________.

  A. more flexibly            B. more extravagantly       C. more cautiously       D. more reasonably

5. The text intends to express the idea that ________.

  A. medicine will further prolong people’s lives              B. life beyond a certain limit is not worth living
  C. death should be accepted as a fact of life               D. excessive demands increase the cost of health care

Text  4  (课外阅读)

    "The ship sank in minutes ... she went stern first on to her port side and sank very quickly, until just her turrets were visible. She paused then and just disappeared under the sea and was gone." The last moments of the HMS EDIMBURGH, remembered by one of her crew. It was 2 May, 1942. The British cruiser was on her way home from Murmansk. She was carrying a rather unusual cargo in her bomb room -- five and a half tons of gold bullion, payment by the Russians for American armaments.

    For nearly forty years she lay undisturbed, 800 feet down at the bottom of the Barents Sea, beneath the icy waters of the Arctic Circle. After the war she was declared a war grave. This and her depth effectively ruled out the traditional methods of salvaging her cargo. No diver could get down to work on the wreck, and no-one would be allowed to blast her open with explosives and grab what he could. So for years the HMS EDINBURGH remained a treasure infinitely desirable but always beyond reach.

    Enter now Keith Jessop, who felt sure the cargo could be salvaged. A diver himself once, who had done some small-time salvage, Jessop had been doing a lot of research. He had discovered in the Public Record Office the receipt for the gold bars that confirmed that they had been loaded aboard the cruiser. He also found the secret reports informing the Admiralty that the gold was still in the bomb room when the ship sank. So he had official confirmation that this was not another old sea-dog's yarn about buried treasure. More than that, he was convinced he knew how the gold could be recovered from that depth without desecrating a war grave. The answer lay in a technique called saturation diving, developed in the North Sea and elsewhere for the oil exploration business.

    After endless problems a salvage team set off from northern Norway in early May, 1981. By now, the success of the operation was out of Jessop's hands. As the director of operations put it: "It's like searching London for someone in thick fog with only a torch to see with."

    Undaunted (=fearless), however, when they reached the search area in the Barents Sea they lowered the sonar equipment overboard to scan the seabed for likely large objects. Incredibly, on their first sweep, something large was traced out on the sonar chart. Experience suggested it was a wreck and, miraculously, it turned out to be the HMS EDINBURGH.

    In many ways, the finding of the wreck was the most dramatic moment of the whole mission. A dream had turned into reality. The problem was no longer if, but how. What had started as a gamble became a hard commercial risk. The recovery of the gold was still going to be immensely difficult; indeed, the deepest salvage of its kind had never been attempted. But the journey's end was now in sight.  (495 words)

    Notes: stern n. 船尾；port side 左舷一边；turret 炮塔；cruiser巡洋舰；rule out 排除；salvage vt.打捞；Admiralty 海军部； sea-dog (贬) 海员；desecrate vt. 亵渎；trace out 画出轮廓；turned out to be 结果是；be in sight 看得见，遥遥在望。

1. When the HMS EDINBURGH sank __________.

   A. she was on her way back to England         B. she went down with all the members of her crew
   C. she had been missing for several days        D. she turned upside-down before disappearing under the water

2. The ship lay undisturbed for nearly 40 years because __________.

   A. no explosives were strong enough to blast her open     B. no traditional methods of salvaging were feasible
   C. no diver was allowed to approach a war grave           D. no diver could stand the icy temperatures of the sea

3. Keith Jessop was convinced that the stories about the HMS EDINBURGH were true because _________.

   A. he had documentary evidence to prove his case         B. he had been told the stories by a reliable old sea-dog
   C. he had been sent a secret report from the Admiralty      D. he had been doing some diving in that area himself

4. When the salvage team began their attempts to locate the wreck __________.

   A. they found their equipment would not operate in thick fog    
   B. they were assisted by some sophisticated scanning equipment
   C. their expensive equipment was almost wrecked on the seabed
   D. their sonar equipment was washed overboard by the heavy seas

5. The finding of the wreck meant that _________.

   A. their problems were now at an end                  B. their dream of getting the gold had come true
   C. their mission had now been fulfilled                 D. their promise of success might now be realized

 

Text  2  Word  Study

1. argue  argue against …据理反对; 证明……是不能成立的: 1) All the evidence argued against the theory that the disease was transmitted by water. 所有证据都证明这个理论是不能成立的: 这种疾病是由水传播的。  2) Father argued fiercely against any increase in expenditure for the children’s birth-day party. 父亲据理反对增加孩子们生日聚会的花费。 argue about 争论关于某事：I won’t argue about the matter.  argue sb. into doing sth. 通过争论使某人做某事：We argued him into surrendering the control of the chain company. 我们通过争论使他放弃对链锁公司的控制。 同根词 argument n. 辩论，争论；论点，论据。argumentation  n. 立论，论证；辩论，争论。argumentative  adj. 爱争论的，好辩论的。

2. sure adj. 确实，无疑，有把握：I think he’s coming, but I’m not quite sure. You are sure of a warm welcome. 你一定会受到热烈欢迎。You’re sure to fail if you do it that way. You seem very sure of yourself, young man. 小伙子，你未免太自信了吧！  常用成语：for sure肯定： One thing is sure. We’ve won a great victory. I think he lives there but I couldn’t say for sure. 我想他住在那里，但我不能肯定。 make sure 确保： I think the door is locked, but I’d better go and make sure. 我想门已经锁了，但我最好还是去查一下。 to be sure 当然：He’s clever, to be sure, but not very hard-working. 当然，他很聪明，但是不怎么勤奋。

3. critical adj. 决定性的，关键的；危急时刻的。 be critical of 批评的, 爱挑毛病的: 1) Don’t be so critical of everyone else. (不要对别人如此挑剔。)  2) If you really understood the difficulties facing the government, you wouldn’t be so critical of its spending reductions.（如果你真地理解政府面临的困难, 你就不会对其削减开支的做法如此挑剔。）

Text  3  Word  Study

1.press vt./vi. 1) 按，压，踩：Press the button to start the engine. (请按按钮起动发动机。)  I don’t like shoes that press. (我不喜欢紧的鞋。)  2) 熨烫 vt.：Will you press my trousers for me before tomorrow?  3) (人群)挤，涌：The people were pressing so hard against the President’s car that they almost overturned it.  4) 敦促，催逼：His daughters pressed Shelley to join them.  It’s no use pressing him; he doesn’t like to be hurried.  The matter does not press. (这件事不紧迫。)  The police pressed the students back behind the barriers. (警察迫使学生退到路障后面。)
press n. 新闻界，舆论，报章杂志（和the连用）：Defend the freedom of the press. (维护新闻自由。)  The press will give us a great backing. (舆论会大力支持我们的。)  The meeting was reported by the press. 
同根词：pressing  adj. 紧迫的，急待解决的：Is the matter pressing?   Their attention ought to be focused on the more pressing problems.  The professor is returning on account of pressing duties at home.
常用成语：1) be pressed for time (money) 缺乏时间、金钱：We are pressed for time. We must hurry up. (我们时间不够。我们必须赶紧。)  2) press ahead with 加紧（努力）：We must press ahead with our efforts to reach an agreement.   3) press for 急切要求： They are pressing for reforms. (他们急切要求改革。)  Everyone began pressing him for details. (人人都要求他说明细节。)

2.opt v. (=decide to do sth.; choose) 决定做某事，选择：He opted to go Paris rather than London. （他决定去巴黎而不是伦敦。） Fewer students are opting for science courses nowadays. (现在选修理科的学生少了。) 
同根词：option n. 选择余地；选择权：1) You have the option of leaving or staying.   2) Every voter should exercise his option.  optional 可选择的；选修的：You don’t have to have this radio in your new car; it’s an optional extra.

3. imagine vt. 想象。同根词：imaginable(可以想象出的)；imaginary（假想的）； imaginative（有想象力的）：1) He is the most suitable person imaginable. (他是可以想象出的最合适的人。)  2) The story is not real; it is only imaginary. （这个故事不是真实的，只是假想的。）  3) The artist’s imaginative use of color delighted the critics. (这位画家富有想象力的使用色彩使这些评论家兴高采烈。)  image影像，偶像，雕像。imagination n. 想像力：He has plenty of imagination.

4. fund n. 基金，积累的一笔专款：Hard up families receive cash subsidies from the welfare funds. (经济困难的家庭从福利基金中得到现金补贴。)  fund (复数) 资金，存款，现款，钱：Through lack of funds the scheme fell through. (由于缺乏资金，这项计划失败了。)  They ought to be furnished with the necessary funds. (他们应该得到这些必要的资金。)
fund vt. 资助，为…提供资金：1) We are hoping that the government will fund the project. (我们正在盼望政府给这个项目提供资金。)  2) The university scientists’ research for a cure of this disease is being funded by the government. (这座大学的科学家为治疗这种疾病所进行的研究正得到政府的拨款。)
同根词：overfund vt. 为…提供过量资金。underfund vt. 对…提供资金不足。

Text  4   Word Study

1.rule out (=exclude, eliminate; make impossible, prevent, forbid) 把…排除在外，不把…考虑在内；使不可能，禁止。例如：The regulations rule out anyone under the age of eighteen.(这些规章排除了18岁以下的任何人。)  The possibility of suicide was ruled out.（自杀的可能性被排除了。）  I’m sure that the doctor would rule out visits from you as much too exciting for the patient.（我确信，医生会禁止你们去探望，因为这样会使病人过分兴奋。）

2. present adj. 1) 在场，出席：Every member of the class was present.  2) 存在：Carbon is present in many minerals.   3) 现在的：At the present moment he is supposed to be in Paris.
present n. 现在：I live in the present, not in the past.   常用成语： at present 目前：At present we are living in New York.  for the present 暂且：For the present we had better do nothing.
present n. 礼物：I am just going out to get some presents for my sister.
present vt. 1) 赠送：He carried a copy out into the kitchen and presented it to Maria.   2) 颁发，递交：The principal will present the diplomas.   3) 提出 (论点，看法等)：The speaker presented arguments for his side.  4) 呈现出，显露出：Although he may be troubled, he always presents a calm smiling face.   5) present itself (机会等)出现:  A good opportunity has presented itself for doing what you suggested.                                                  

3. thought 思想，思考。
常用成语： give thought to 思考。例如：You will easily solve the problem only if you will give a bit of thought to it.
at the thought of 一想到…。 例如：I was delighted at the thought of seeing you again.
in thought 在沉思中。 例如：A.作表语：He was in deep thought. (=He was deep in thought.)     B.作状语：He walked slowly back towards the site in deep thought.
on second thoughts 经过再三考虑。例如：But on second thoughts I made up my mind to travel without any food with me. 
同根词：thoughtful 深思的，思考的；体贴人的，关切的。       thoughtless 考虑不周的；不体贴别人的。

4. adjust (to) vt./vi. 调整，校正，（使）适应。例如：1) The desks and seats can be adjusted to the height of any child.  2) I must adjust my watch, it’s slow.          3) Astronauts in flight must adjust to weightlessness.
同根词：adjustable 可调节的。例如：An adjustable electric lamp can be placed in various positions.
adjustment  n.  调整，调节，适应。 例如：They have made a most satisfactory adjustment to their environment.

5. 否定副词：barely (=only just; scarcely) 仅够；几乎没有。例如：1) We barely had time to catch the train.   2)He was so weakened by the disease that he could barely stand up.
scarcely (only just; hardly) 仅仅；几乎不。例如：1) I scarcely know him.   2) Scarcely had she entered the room when the phone rang. 
hardly (=only just; scarcely) 仅够；几乎没有。例如：He can hardly arrived yet. (他大概还没有到。)
rarely (not often, seldom) 不常，很少。例如：Only rarely do I eat in restaurants.

6. let down (=disappoint; fall short of the expectation of ) 使…失望；辜负…的期望。例如：Don’t let me down. I need your help.
let in (=allow to enter) 让…进来。例如：Let me in.     
let off 放（枪、炮、烟火等）；宽恕，从宽处理。例如：The mother said she would let off her son washing the dishes if he could finish his assignment before supper. (1995年试题)   
let alone 不干涉，不管；更不用说。例如：1) Since she is angry, we might as well let her alone. (既然她生气了，我们不妨不要管她。) （1981年试题）  2) Countless divorced politicians would have been elected out of office years ago had they even thought of a divorce, let alone gotten one. (无数离婚的政治家，如果那时即使想到要离婚，更不用说真的离婚了，本来就会落选的。)

II. Writing: (提纲式议论作文)   

Directions: In this part, you are to write an essay of 160 -- 200 words within 30--35 minutes entitled“Importance of Confidence”. Your essay should be based on the information given in the outline below:

1.Importance of confidence

2.Reasons for lack of confidence

3.Necessity to build up confidence
信心的重要性

    一个人不管做什么事, 他应该充满信心地去做。如果他没有信心, 当他面临困难时，他取得成功的可能性就很小。这个道理似乎明白无误。 然而, 在现实中我们确实看到许多人总是抱怨说, 他们缺乏办事的能力, 或者说, 形势对他们来说太严峻因此无法对付。对于有些人来说, 这可能是对的。但是对许多其他人来说, 这只能表明他们已经失去信心。

    为什么有些人即使能够办得到的事也常常感到灰心呢? 我认为有两点原因。首先, 这些人对自己没有一个正确的估计。例如，面对研究生入学考试，有些人往往丧失信心并退却了。其次, 还有一种可能, 就是他们往往夸大他们所遇到的困难。他们似乎觉得这些困难大得克服不了。他们看不到，只要他们刻苦努力，所有的障碍都是能够突破的。

    依我看, 一个人只要对自己的能力有正确的态度, 就有可能建立对自己的信心。 我们既不应过高估计我们的能力, 也不应该过低估计我们的能力。常言道: "有志者事竟成"。只要有信心, 我们一定能完成任何面临的任务。

The Importance of Confidence

    Whatever one does, he should do it with confidence. Without confidence, it is almost impossible for him to achieve anything, when he is faced with difficulties. In reality, however, we do see a lot of people who always complain that they are lacking in (=lack) the ability to do something or that the situation is too critical for them to deal with. For some, this might be true. But for many others, this only shows that they have lost confidence.

    Why do some people often feel frustrated even though they are capable of doing something? I think there are two main reasons. In the first place, they don’t have a correct estimate of themselves. For example, in the face of the postgraduate entrance examination, some of us tend to lose heart and give in. Secondly, there is another possibility that they often exaggerate the difficulties they meet with. It seems to them that the hardships are too great to get over. They can’t see that all the barriers can be broken through only if they make painstaking efforts.

    In my opinion, one should build up faith in oneself as long as he has a right attitude towards his own abilities. We should neither underestimate nor overestimate our abilities. As a proverb says, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” With confidence we can certainly cope with any task we are confronted with.  (237 words)

    背记重点词语汉英对照：1.困难：difficulty, hardship, barrier。  2.面临：be faced with, be confronted with。3.克服(困难)：overcome, get over, break through (difficulties)。4.我认为，我觉得：I think … , It seems to me that …。5.对…丧失信心：lose confidence in …。获得对…信心：gain confidence in …。缺乏对…信心：lack confidence in …。树立对…信心：create (=establish) confidence in …。增强某人做…的信心和决心：strengthen one’s confidence and determination to do sth.。6.顺利解决：deal with … successfully, cope with…。 7.有了…就能…：with …, … can …。 8. 夸大：exaggerate, overestimate。 9.可以毫不夸张地说…：It is no exaggeration to say that …。

    Put the following sentences from Chinese into English:

1. 不管你买得起多少，我们都欢迎（感激）。 

2.他们面临许多问题时，往往丧失信心。

3.他们常常夸大他们遇到的困难。

4. 我们常常看到一些人缺乏克服困难的勇气。

5. 可以毫不夸张地说，只要有信心和决心, 我们一定能完成任何面临的任务。

作业： 1. 认真复习本单元内容；阅读文章要反复看几遍；词汇工作要天天背记。

       2. 攻读“复习指导”语法结构和词汇（介词、短语动词和词汇）；

       3. 把作文要英汉对照，注意英汉表达的差异；注意短文的框架结构和常用句型；

       4. 背记单词要注意词的多义性和搭配关系，要勤查牛津词典或朗文词典。

赠言：不要被别人的成功所煎熬，也不要为自己的失落而沮丧。你或许已经浪费了许多宝贵的时光。认定一个奋斗目标，执著地追求吧。滴水穿石，贵在坚持。-- 朱泰祺。
Text  1 参考译文

    正如我们大家所知道的，阿文河上的斯特拉福小城只拥有一个行业，即威廉 莎士比亚，可是却拥有两个截然不同的、日益敌视的分支。一个分支就是皇家莎士比亚公司(RSC)；这家公司提供阿文河上的莎士比亚纪念剧院演出的优秀剧本。还有一个分支则是这个小城的市民，他们大多靠旅游者为生，这些旅游者到这里来不是看戏而是参观Anne Hathaway的小屋、莎士比亚出生地和其他的名胜景点。

    斯特拉福城可敬的居民们怀疑剧院是否给他们带来什么收入。他们坦城表示不喜欢皇家莎士比亚公司的演员，这些人留着长发、蓄着胡须，穿着凉鞋，吵吵嚷嚷。当你想到莎士比亚自己就是一位蓄着胡须的演员并且也曾吵吵嚷嚷，可现在又在为他们谋生时，这是多么有趣的讽刺啊。

    游客并未完全分流。乘公共汽车来并且常常顺便参观沃里克城堡和布伦亨宫殿的观光客通常并不看戏，他们中有的人甚至惊讶地发现在斯特拉福有一座剧院。然而，来看戏的人看戏之余的确会参观一些地方。皇家莎士比亚公司认为，正是这些看戏的人带来了这个城镇的大部分收入，因为他们花钱在旅馆过夜（其中有些人住4 – 5夜），在餐厅就餐。而旅游者可能参观各处，但在夜幕降临前离开城镇。

    城镇居民并不这样看待这个问题；地方议会也没有直接拨款给皇家莎士比亚公司。斯特拉福向来就哭穷。然而，城里的每个旅馆似乎正在加建一个侧厅或鸡尾酒大厅。希尔顿正在那里建造自己的旅馆。你可以确信，这个新旅馆将装饰有哈姆雷特汉堡酒吧、里尔休息厅、班库宴会厅等等，而价格将十分昂贵。

    不管怎样，小镇居民无法理解为什么皇家莎士比亚公司需要拨款补贴。(该剧院已连续3年打破上座率记录。去年该剧院1431个座位全年有94%的上座率，而今年将会更好。) 当然，其原因是费用急剧上升而票价一直偏低。

    把票价抬得太高也不是好事，因为这样做会把那些斯特拉福最有吸引力的年轻顾客赶跑。这些人完全是为看戏而不是为观光来的。他们看起来很相似（尽管来自五湖四海）：瘦削、尖脸、表情专注、穿着牛仔裤和凉鞋、吃圆面包并晚上睡在剧院外面的石板上，在上午10点半售票口开门时买20张座位票和80张专为这些人出售的站票。

Text  2 参考译文

    你是否记得那些年代？那时科学家争辩说，吸烟会夺去我们的生命，但是怀疑论者坚持说，我们现在还不能肯定。他们说，证据还不确凿，科学上还没有定论。他们还说，反对吸烟的游说是要摧毁我们的生活方式，政府不应该介入。许多美国人接受了那些谬论，因而30多年来，大约1,000万吸烟者过早地走向坟墓。

    如今，又有令人心烦的类似事情发生，因为科学家一批又一批地试图唤醒我们注意地球变暖这种日益增长的威胁。最近的事情是，得到白宫支持的国家科学院的一次专家论坛告诉我们，地球的大气肯定在变暖，而且这个问题主要是人为的。清楚的信息是，我们应该行动起来保护我们自己。科学院院长Bruce Alberts补充说，专家论坛报告的前言中这一关键的论点是：“科学从来也不能回答所有的问题。但是科学确实能够给我们提供对未来的最好的指导。重要的是，我们的国家和全世界，在有关目前的行动所产生的未来后果上，应该把重要的政策建筑在科学所能提供的最佳判断的基础上。”

    就像在吸烟问题上一样，现在来自许多方面的意见认为，关于地球变暖的科学论据是不全面的，在我们没有定论以前向大气中排放二氧化碳（烟气）是没有问题的。这是一项危险的游戏，因为到有了百分之百的证据时，那可太晚了。随着这种危险日益明显并且与日俱增，一个有远见卓识的民族现在最好能拿到一份保险单。

    幸运的是，白宫正开始关注这个问题。可是，很明显，总统的大多数顾问仍然没有认真对待地球变暖。他们不是拿出一项行动计划，而是继续要求做更多的研究 – 这是“由于分析而停止工作”的最典型的例子。

    要当好地球的负责管理者，我们必须继续不断地进行更深入的大气和海洋研究。但是单靠研究还不够。如果美国政府不愿采取立法行动，那么国会应该协助着手制订环保措施。西弗吉尼亚州的民主党参议员Robert Byrd提出的一份议案是一个很好的开端，因为这个议案将对私营工业提供财政奖励。许多人看到，我国正准备建造许多新的电站来满足我们的能源需求。如果我们打算要保护大气，那么重要的是，这些新的发电厂在环保方面应该是靠得住的。

Text  3 参考译文

    在英国死亡据说是急待解决的的，在加拿大死亡据说是不可避免的，在美国死亡据说是可以选择的。难怪，美国人的预期寿命在过去100年中几乎翻了一翻。有病的髋关节可以置换，临床的忧郁症可以控制，白内瘴可以在30分钟的外科手术中剥离。医学的进步提高了老年人的生活质量，这是50年前我进入医学界时所无法想象的。但是即使最好的健康保健体系也无法避免死亡 － 我们没有正视这一现实现在使我们自己的伟大蒙上了一层不祥的阴云。

    死亡是正常的；从遗传学上讲，即使环境再理想，我们也要解体死亡。我们在某种程度上都懂得这一点，可是作为医疗消费者我们把死亡作为一个有待解决的问题来对待。由于我们受到第三付款人（指纳税人）的保护免交保健费用，所以我们要求可能为我们所做到的一切，即使这样做是徒劳的。最明显的例子是晚期癌症的治疗。医生们由于无力治愈这种疾病而灰心失望并且又担心病人失去希望，因而常常提出一些大胆的治疗方案，这种方案远远超出了科学上能证明其正确的范围。

    1950年，美国在医疗保健上花了$127亿。2002年，这笔费用将达到$15400亿。任何人都明白，这一趋势是无法承受的。然而几乎无人愿意去试图逆转这一趋势。有些学者得出结论说，财力有限的政府就应该停止为超出一定年龄，譬如83岁左右，的人延续生命而支付医疗费用。用科罗拉多前任州长Richard Lamm的话来说，年老而体弱多病的人有义务告别人世、不再挡道，这样，年轻健康的人就能发挥出他们的潜力。

    我不会如此极端地来谈这个问题。精力充沛的人通常能工作到60岁或60岁以上，而且仍然工作得很好。78岁时，Viacom 公司董事长Summer Redstone 开玩笑地说，他是53岁。最高法院Sandra Day O’Connor法官是70多岁，而前任外科总监C. Everett Koop 80多岁还主持了一个互联网的开业。这些头头们是活生生的证据，证明预防有效，并且证明我们可以处理好随着年龄自然来临的健康问题。作为仅68岁的人，我希望变老时能和他们一样健康地工作。

    然而，一个社会在医疗保健方面所能支付的费用总是有限的。作为医生，我知道，最花钱的、最戏剧性的保健措施可能是徒劳和痛苦的。我还知道，在日本和瑞典这样一些在医疗保健方面开支少得多的国家中，老百姓的寿命比我们更长更健康。作为一个国家，我们可能在寻求不太可能的药物和疗法方面投入的资金太多，而在研究更简单的能够改善人们生活的医疗方法上花的钱太少。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章三

Living Longer

　　In the past it was not uncommon for a man to die at forty, having lived a full life. But now we consider a lifespan of forty years to be very short. It is not unusual for people to live into their eighties and nineties, and some even reach 100. What’s more, people are living long, healthy lives and are active well into their “golden years”.　　Mankind’s longevity is due mainly to advances in science and technology. Medical breakthroughs have eradicated many fatal diseases that were once common. Perhaps more importantly, better general health means that people are less likely to contract infections in the first place. Better health also helps people prevent slowly debilitating conditions, such as heart disease, which can take their lives at an early age. And as civilization has advanced, our living environment and sources of food have become more sanitary. Furthermore, work is now safer and not as taxing on the human body. We do not wear out after just a few years of very hard work.
There are many reasons why people are now living longer than ever before. But what is more important is that they are living better as they live longer. It is my opinion that we have scientific and technological development to thank for this progress.

参考译文：

活得更久
　　以前的人活到40岁就过完一生而死亡是很平常的。但是现在，我们认为40岁的寿命很短。人们活到八十几岁、九十几岁，有些甚至到100岁，是很平常的。而且，人们还能活得久而且又健康，精力充沛地迈入他们的“黄金时代”（退休期）。
　　人类会长寿主要是因为科学及科技的进步。医学上的重大突破已经根除了以前十分普遍的致命疾病。而更重要的也许是，大众健康的改善首先意味着人们不大可能得传染病。人们变得更健康也有助于预防罹患一些会使身体状况日益衰弱的疾病，例如心脏病。这些疾病常会夺走年轻的生命。又因为文明的进步，我们的生活环境以及食物来源已经变得比较卫生。此外，现在的工作比较安全，且对人体而言没有那么繁重。我们不会因为只辛苦工作几年就变得疲惫不堪。
　　现代人比以前长寿的原因有很多，但更重要的是，人们活得更久，而且也活得更好。我的看法是，我们的进步得益于科学和科技的发展。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章四
The Media and Famous People

　　In almost every form of media, including television, newspapers and magazines, a great deal of attention is paid to the personal lives of celebrities. It seems that the public cannot get enough of this kind of news. However, I believe that the media have a responsibility to present a balanced view of the world, as well as respect the lives of public figures. Therefore, I believe that the media pay too much attention to the personal lives of famous people.
　　For people who are fascinated with the lives of public figures there are some forms of media devoted exclusively to this topic. They can satisfy their curiosity by buying fan magazines and watching TV shows devoted to entertainment news. The general media should present all types of information because people have different interests. Furthermore, the practice of dwelling on the private lives of celebrities can lead people to pay more attention to these matters than they otherwise would. Perhaps most importantly, the media should respect the privacy of every individual, including public figures. They may have chosen to be in the public eye, but that does not give the public the right to know everything about them. Moreover, many stories about celebrities are untrue; they are only gossip reported to increase sales of magazines and other media. They are unfair to the famous and mislead the public.
　　For all of these reasons, I believe that the media should pay more attention to matters other than the private lives of public figures. In this way, they can appeal to a wider audience and encourage people to develop other interests. In my opinion, the media currently pay too much attention to the private lives of public figures.

　　参考译文：
媒体与名人
　　几乎每一种媒体，包括电视、报纸和杂志，都把许多焦点放在名人的私生活上。一般大众似乎对这种新闻一直很感兴趣。然而，我认为媒体有责任以公正无偏袒的观点报导时事，以及尊重公众人物的生活。因此，我认为媒体的确过度关注名人的私生活。
　　因为有些人对于公众人物的私生活十分着迷，所以有些媒体就专做这个主题。通过购买针对歌迷或影迷所发行的杂志和观看电视节目的娱乐新闻，就能满足这些歌迷和影迷的好奇心。一般媒体应该提供所有类型的资讯，因为人们的兴趣各不相同。此外，老是强调名人的私生活，会使人们比平常更注意这些事情。或许最重要的是，媒体应该尊重个人的隐私，包括公众人物的隐私。他们可能选择公开露面或上传播媒体，但那并不表示大众有权知道他们的一切。此外，许多关于名人的报导并不真实；那些报导只不过是被用来增加杂志销售量以及其他媒体业绩的八卦传闻。那些不实的报导不仅对名人不公平，也会误导大众。
　　基于这些理由，我认为媒体应该多注意公众人物私生活以外的事情。如此一来，媒体就能吸引更广大的受众群，并且鼓励人们培养其他的兴趣。依我之见，目前的媒体的确过度关注公众人物及他们的私生活。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章五
Human Activity and the Earth

　　There is no doubt that human activity has an effect on the planet. We see the evidence of mankind’s endeavors all around us. While some of man’s accomplishments, such as the building of transportation systems and the consistent supply of potable water, have made Earth a better place for people to live, they have not come without cost. Overall, it seems that human activity harms the Earth more than it benefits it.
　　For example, the transportation systems that benefit mankind also create pollution and use up valuable energy resources. While we cannot do without transportation these days, we cannot ignore the fact that it has an adverse effect on the planet. Furthermore, those advances that benefit people do not benefit al the life on Earth. Deforestation endangers many animals, and mankind’s great thirst for water and other resources leads to the extinction of many plant forms. In addition, accomplishments such as the supply of potable water to a community are only response to problems that mankind created in the past. It was man that made the water unfit to drink in the first place. Finally, the damage that human activity causes will eventually have a negative effect on people. They will also suffer the effects of pollution and diminishing natural resources.
　　In conclusion, it seems apparent that man’s activity benefits primarily himself, not the Earth. Moreover, those benefits are only short-term advantages, and man will also suffer the negative effects of his activity in the future. The Earth does not have an inexhaustible supply of resources, so every effort should be made to conserve resources and limit the impact of human activity on the planet.

　　参考译文：
人类活动与地球
　　人类活动无疑会对地球造成影响。我们周围随处可见人类活动的迹象。虽然人类某些成就，如运输系统的建立以及饮用水持续的供应等，使得地球成为一个更适合的人类居住的地方，但这些成就的取得也付出了代价。总体上，对地球而言，人类的活动似乎弊多于利。
　　例如，运输系统对人类有利，却会制造污染，并用尽珍贵的能源。现在我们虽然不能没有运输工具，却也不能忽视运输工具对地球有不良影响的事实。此外，使人类获益的这些进步不一定能使地球上所有生物都获益。砍伐森林危及许多动物，而人类对水和其他资源的需求极大，因而导致许多植物绝种。再者，像供应社区饮水的这类成就，就只是人类在为过去所制造的问题做出回应而已。是人类自己首先使水变得不适合饮用的。最后，人类活动所导致的损害终究会对人类本身产生负面的影响。污染及日益减少的天然资源所造成的影响也会使人类受害。
　　总之，人类的活动显然主要仅对人类自己有利，但却对地球不利。而且，那些益处是短暂的，将来人类还是会因自己的行为所造成的负面影响而受害。地球上的资源并不是取之不尽、用之不竭的，所以我们应该尽全力保存资源，限制人类活动对地球的冲击。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章之六
The Advantages of Saving Money

　　Everyone must work to live, but many people are fortunate enough to make more money than they immediately need. What should they do with this extra income? While it is tempting for people to spend it all on things they desire, I believe it is better to save at least a portion of the extra income for the future.
　　By saving money, people give themselves more security. They cannot predict the future; perhaps one day they will be jobless. At a time like this their savings can spare them a great deal of suffering and help to see them through the hard time. In addition, saving money allows people to build up a larger sum. They can then buy something more worthwhile than the small things they can but if they spend the money right away. For example, they may be able to buy a house with their savings. Finally, he practice of saving helps people develop the habit of setting goals and planning for their future. In this way they are bound to lead more meaningful and successful lives.
　　Most people would like to enjoy their money immediately. Nobody likes to wait for the things that he wants. However, if we learn to save our money, we can gain more advantages in the future. We will lead more secure and, thus, happier lives. We will also be able to buy the things we truly want but cannot afford right now.

参考译文：
存钱的好处
　　每个人都必须工作以求生存，但是有许多人很幸运，能够赚得比他们立即需要的还要多的钱。他们应该如何处理这些额外的收入呢？尽管把钱全花在自己想买的东西上是很诱人的，但我认为最好至少把一部分的额外收入存起来，以备将来之需。
　　通过存钱，人们能获得更多的安全感。未来是无法预测的，或许有一天我们会失业。碰到像这样的情况，存款可以让我们免去许多痛苦，帮助我们渡过难关。此外，存钱可以使人积累较多的钱，可以用于买更有价值的东西，比马上把钱花掉所能买到的东西更有用。例如，我们可以用存款买房子。最后，存钱能帮助我们培养设定目标及为未来作计划的习惯。如此一来，我们一定会过着更有意义并且更成功的生活。
　　大部分的人会想要马上享用手边的钱。没有人想等到以后再买想要的东西。然而，如果我们学会存钱，未来可以获得更多的好处。我们将过着更有安全感而且更快乐的生活。我们也能购买我们真正想要但现在无法负担的东西。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章七
Never, Never Give Up

　　We often hear people say, “Never give up.” These can be encouraging words and words of determination. A person who believes in them will keep trying to reach his goal no matter how many times he fails. In my opinion, the quality of determination to succeed is an important one to have. Therefore, I believe that we should never give up.
　　One reason is that if we give up too easily, we will rarely achieve anything. It is not unusual for us to fail in our first attempt at something new, so we should not feel discouraged and should try again. Besides, if we always give up when we fail, we will not be able to develop new skills and grow as people. Another reason we should never give up is that we can learn from our mistakes only if we make a new effort. If we do not try again, the lesson we have learned is wasted. Finally, we should never give up because as we work to reach our goals, we develop confidence, and this confidence can help us succeed in other areas of our lives. If we never challenge ourselves, we will begin to doubt our abilities.
　　In short, it is important that we do not give up when working for our goals. Whether we succeed in the end or not, we will learn something, and what we learn will help us to become better, more confident people. Furthermore, if we give up, we have non chance of attaining our goals, but if we keep trying, there is always a chance that we will succeed one day.

　　参考译文：
永不放弃
　　我们常听到人们说：“永远不要放弃。”这句话可能是要鼓励别人，也可能是表示自己的决心。相信自己的人，不管经历多少次失败，都会不断试着要达到目标。我认为，有成功的决心是每个人都应该有的重要特质。因此，我认为我们应该永不放弃。
　　其中一个理由是，如果我们太轻易放弃，就几乎无法完成任何事。我们第一次尝试新事物会失败，这是很平常的事，所以我们不应感到气馁，而应该要再试一次。而且，如果我们总是一失败就放弃，就无法培养新技能并且不断地成长。我们应该永不放弃的另一个原因是，只有再努力一次才能从错误中学习。如果我们不再试一次，那么我们所学到的教训就白白浪费了。最后，我们应该永不放弃，因为当我们努力达到目标的时候，我们就会培养出自信，而这种自信将有助于我们在生活的其他领域中获得成功。如果我们不挑战自我，我们就会开始怀疑自己的能力。
　　简言之，当我们努力追求目标时，永不放弃是很重要的。不管最后有没有成功，我们都会学到一些东西，而我们所学到的东西，将会使自己成为一个更好、更有自信的人。而且，如果放弃的话，我们就没有机会达到目标。但是如果能不断地尝试，总有一天我们一定会有机会成功的。

The Effects of Technology on Learning

　　The technological advances of the last few years have been amazing. Never before have students had such a wide variety of resources to help them in their studies. Those who can take advantage of these resources have the opportunity to learn about more subjects and to acquire more in-depth knowledge. In my opinion, students can indeed learn more and learn more quickly with the help of modern technology.
　　The piece of technology most important as a learning tool must be the computer. Paired with the Internet, it allows students to research topics more quickly and thoroughly and to write up their findings more rapidly as well. Furthermore, advances in many fields are being made so fast these days that it is impossible four textbooks to keep up. Technology allows students to keep abreast of the latest developments. Also, it cannot be denied that many students enjoy using such resources in their studies. Because of this, they are more likely to pursue subjects in greater depth.
　　For all these reasons, I believe that technology is of great benefit to today's students. Of course, it is still possible to learn without the aid of such devices, but I believe that those students who are fortunate enough to have access to technological resources should take every advantage of them.

参考译文：
科技对学习的影响
　　近几年来，科技方面的进步相当惊人。学生从来没有过这么多各种各样的资源来帮助他们学习。能够利用这些资源的人有机会学习更多的课题，并获得更深入的知识。依我之见，有了现代科技的协助，学习确实能够学得更多，而且学得更快。
　　科技上最重要的学习工具非电脑莫属。电脑搭配互联网的使用，使得学生能够更快速、更彻底地研究他们的课题，也能更迅速地详细写出他们的发现。此外，目前许多领域都进步神速，教科书根本不可能跟得上，而科技让学生能够跟得上最新的发展。并且，不可否认的是，许多学生在学习时也非常喜欢使用这样的资源。这样，他们较有可能更深入地研究各种课题。
　　基于这些理由，我相信科技对现今的学生有极大的帮助。当然，没有这些设备的协助也是有可能学习的。但我认为，那些有幸能够使用科技资源的学生都应该善于利用这些资源。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章九
Saving Land for Endangered Animals

　　There is only so much land on the earth, and so what we can do with it is limited. Some people believe that human needs for farmland, housing and industry should come first, while others believe that some land should be set aside for endangered animals. I am of the opinion that we should reserve some land for the world’s animals for the following reasons.
　　First, mankind’s need for land is constantly growing. If the demand is not checked in some way, humans will eventually develop all of the earth’s available land. At that time, mankind will have no more room to grow, and all the wild animals will have disappeared, as well as other valuable resources. Second, humans are able to innovate and can use the land that they already possess in more efficient ways. Animals are unable to do this. Once their land is taken away from them they will die. Third and last, endangered animals are an important part of the biodiversity of our planet. If they disappear, we cannot predict what the effect will be. Therefore, we should treat such animals as a valuable resource to be protected.
　　To sum up, the world’s endangered animals are an important resource and we should protect them by setting aside some land for them. Although mankind’s need for land continues to grow, people are intelligent and inventive enough to put the land they have to better use. In this way, we can have enough land for farming, housing and industry, and preserve the biodiversity of the planet at the same time.

　　参考译文：
保留土地给濒临绝种的动物
　　地球上的土地就只有这么多，所以我们可以利用土地的方式有限。有些人认为人类对于耕地、居住以及工业的需求应该摆在第一位，但是有人则认为，有些土地应该留给濒临绝种的动物。我的看法是，基于下列的理由，我们应该保留一些土地给地球上的动物。
　　首先，人类对土地的需求在不断增加。如果这些需求不以某种方式来加以抑制，人类最后将会开发完地球上所有可用的土地。到那时候，人类将没有栽种作物的空间，而且全部的野生动物将会和其他宝贵的资源一样消失殆尽。其次，人类可以创新并且以更有效率的方式来使用已经拥有的土地，动物则无法做到这一点。一旦土地被剥夺，它们就会死亡。第三点，也是最后一点，濒临绝种的动物是我们地球上物种多元性的重要组成部分。如果它们消失了，我们无法预测将会造成什么样有影响。因此，我们应该把这些动物视为需要保护的珍贵资源。
　　总之，全世界濒临绝种的动物都是一项重要的资源，我们应该加以保护，并且保留一些土地给它们。虽然人类对于土地的需求在持续增加，但人类很聪明，而且具有创造力，能够更充分利用所拥有的土地。如此一来，我们会有足够的土地耕种、居住，并用来发展工业，而且能同时保持地球物种的多元性。

考研英语讲义:推荐背诵的十篇精选文章之十
An Important Skill

　　The world today is a very competitive place. Therefore, it is necessary to develop some skills to increase one’s chances of success. Many skills, for example, leadership, a second language, and technical skills such as computer programming, are very useful today. However, I believe that the most useful skill is the ability to communicate well with others.
　　It is impossible to overstate the importance of good communication skills. In today’s society we have to work cooperatively with others. A good communicator finds it easier to put forth his ideas clearly. In this way there will be fewer misunderstandings, which can lead to bad feelings as well as lost time and effort. In addition, a person with good communication skills is a good mediator and negotiator. He or she can play a valuable role in resolving disputes and enhancing cooperation. This means that a good communicator is often a natural leader. Finally, with good communication skills, it is easier to persuade others to accept your point of view. Having your views and plans approved of by others is a vital step on the way to success.
　　For all the above reasons, it is my belief that strong communication skills are the most important to have. Good communication is important in all situations, so a skillful communicator will always be in high demand. "

　　参考译文：
一项重要的技能
　　现今的世界竞争十分激烈，因此，必须培养一些技能以增加自己成功的机会。许多技能，如领导能力、第二语言能力，以及技术能力，如电脑程式设计等，现在都非常有用。然而，我认为最有用的技能是擅长和别人沟通的能力。
　　良好的沟通技巧，其重要性再怎么强调也不为过。在现今的社会中，我们必须与他人合作。擅长沟通的人比较容易能将自己的意见清楚地表达出来。如此一来，便能减少误会，以免造成不良的感觉，甚至浪费时间和力气。此外，具有良好沟通技巧的人会是一个优秀的调停者与协商者，在解决纷争、加强合作时可以扮演重要的角色。这就表示，善于沟通的人常常就是天生的领导者。最后，具有良好的沟通技巧使你比较容易说服别人来接受你的观点，而你的意见和计划能被别人认同是迈向成功很重要的一步。
　　基于上述理由，我相信，卓越的沟通技巧是最重要的必备技能。良好的沟通在所有的情况中都非常重要。所以，善于沟通的人总是非常受欢迎的。

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