词汇课01

  • Tapestry:指代地毯 文章指 帷幕 combination 组合

  • Painting a colorful picture of history : 描绘了多彩的历史绘卷

  • article:文章

  • distinguish:使有别于;看清,认出;区别,分清

This article delves into these traditions, uncovering the customs that define and distinguish these nations.

delves into :深入探讨
这篇文章深入探讨这些传统,发掘这些定义和区分了这些国家的文化习俗

  • blend:v.(使)混合,调和;(使)协调,融合;调制

    • 配制n. 混合物;交融,融合;混合词

  • synonymous:adj.紧密联系的,引起联想的;(词,短语)同义的

  • precision:n.精准 adj.精密设计的

  • commemorate:v.纪念,用以纪念

  • pomp:n.浮夸壮丽

  • pageantry:n.壮观,华丽;露天历史剧

  • quintessential:n.完美的/典型的

  • deeply ingrained:深入人心,根深蒂固

Ingrain--root

  • parliament:n.议会,国会;英国议会

  • it's marked by:以...为标志

  • capture:v.抓捕

  • Executed:v.处决

  • contemporary:n.当代的同代的

  • illustrating:彰显了

  • merge:v.合并

This event blends history with contemporary celebrations,illustrating the UK's ability to merge past and present

这一活动将历史与现代庆祝活动相结合,展示了英国将过去与现在相融合的能力

  • beverage:n.饮料

  • institution:n.制度 机构 团体

Tea is more than a beverage in the UK ; it's a cultural institution

茶不仅仅是饮料,更是一种英国传统

  • dating back to:追溯到:表示某事物或事件的起源或历史可以追溯到某个时间或时期。

  • featuring ... :以...为特色

  • practice:v.练习 /实践 n.措施手段

  • underscores:强调

  • rituals:n.典礼 日常

The tradition of afternoon tea, dating back to the 1840s, is a social event featuring tea, sandwiches,scones,and pastries. It's a practice that underscores the British emphasis on social rituals and their historical roots.

下午茶的传统可以追溯到 19 世纪 40 年代,它是一种以茶、三明治、司康饼和糕点为特色的社交活动。这一习俗体现了英国人对社交礼仪的重视以及其深厚的历史渊源。

  • indigenous:adj.本土的,固有的

  • landscape:n.美景风景 v.美化

  • immigrant:n.移民外来的

  • aboriginal:n.原住民

  • heritage:n.遗产

  • commitment:n.忠诚,献身;承诺,保证;奉献,投入;热情,决心;义务,责任;花费,使用(资金、时间、人力);需要定期支付的款项

  • recognize:v.认识,辨别出;承认,意识到;

  • honoring:vt.崇尚

Canada's cultural landscape is a mosaic of indigenous and immigrant traditions.National Aboriginal Day,for instance,celebrates the heritage,diverse cultures,and achievements of First Nations,.......,This day is marked by ceremonies and fastivals showcasing traditional dance,music,and storytelling,reflecting Canada's commitment to recognizing and honoring its indigenous.

加拿大的文化景观是由本土文化和移民文化共同构成的多样画卷。例如,全国原住民日就旨在庆祝原住民的遗产、多元文化以及成就……这一天会举行各种仪式和节日活动,展示传统的舞蹈、音乐和讲故事等表演,这体现了加拿大致力于认可和尊重其原住民文化的态度。

  • hallmark:trait--feature n.特征特点

  • rodeo:n.比赛

  • exhibition:n.展出表演

  • hospitality:n.热情好客,殷勤款待

  • concert:音乐会

is another hallmark if Canadian tradition. This annual rodeo,exhibition,and feastival held in calgary,Alberta,celebrates the Western heritage and values of hard work, hospitality,and community spirit

这是加拿大传统中的又一特色。每年在阿尔伯塔省卡尔加里举行的这场牛仔竞技、展览和庆典活动,旨在弘扬西部的传统文化和价值观,包括勤劳、热情好客以及团队精神。

  • observe:v.观察到的

  • observed on :在.......庆祝

  • counterpart:n.相对应的人The Foreign Minister held talks with his Chinese counterpart.
    外交部长与中国外交部长举行了会谈。

  • gratitude:n.感激

  • encompassing:adj.包含 v.包含

  • religious:adj.宗教的n.修女

  • secular:adj.非宗教的 世俗的

Thanksgiving in Canada,observed on the second Monday of October,differs from its American counterpart but shares the same spirit of gratitude and family. It's a time for Canadians to gather and give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past yeat,encompassing both religious and secular aspects.

加拿大的感恩节在每年 10 月的第二个星期一举行,与美国的感恩节有所不同,但同样蕴含着感恩和家庭的真谛。这是一个让加拿大人团聚并感谢丰收以及过去一年所获赐福的时刻,其中既包含宗教元素,也包含世俗元素。

  • Melting Pot:n.熔炉

  • Melting:adj.让人同情的 v.融化

  • derived from:来源

  • derive:v.获得/起源于

  • feast:n.宴会,筵席v.饱餐,尽情享用

The United States, often described as a melting pot,has a rich tapestry of traditions derived from its diverse population. Thanksgiving,celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a qunitessential American tradition. Originating as a harvest festival,it's now a time for family gatherings,feasting on turkey and other traditional foods, and reflecting on gratitude.

美国常被称为“大熔炉”,其丰富的传统习俗源自其多元化的民族构成。感恩节在每年 11 月的第四个星期四庆祝,是美国不可或缺的传统节日。感恩节最初是一个丰收庆典,如今已成为家庭团聚、享用火鸡及其他传统美食以及表达感恩之情的时刻。

  • patriotic:n.爱国者

  • characterized by:以……为特征

  • ignites:v.点燃

  • pride:n.自豪

Characterized by fireworks,parades,barbecues,and concerts,it's a day that ignites national pride and commemorates American freedom and value

这一天以烟花表演、游行、烧烤和音乐会为特色,它激发了国民的自豪感,也纪念了美国的自由与价值。

  • elaborate:精致的/复杂的

  • iconic:典型的

  • commercials:n.商业广告

  • penchant:嗜好 I have penchant for sth

Another unique American tradition is the Super Bowl Sunday. More than just a championship game of the National Football League, it's a cultural phenomenon encompassing elaborate halftime shows,parties,and iconic commercials.It reflects America's love for sports and its penchant for grand-scale entertainment

另一个独具特色的美国传统便是“超级碗周日”。它不仅仅是一场美国国家橄榄球联盟的冠军赛,更是一种文化现象,包括精心编排的中场表演、派对以及具有标志性的广告。它体现了美国人对体育的热爱以及他们对盛大娱乐活动的偏好。

  • diversity:n.多样化

  • colonial:n.殖民地

  • alongside:与……同等重要

  • contention:n.看法观点

  • contentious:充满争议的

  • interplay:nv.互相影响

  • solemn:adj.严肃的

  • standstill:停滞

词汇课02

  • renown:adj/v.有名的 有声望的

  • is renowned for:以...著称

  • perhaps:adv/n.可能/假定

  • patron saint:守护神

  • encapsulate:v.简要描述,概括

Ireland,with its deep-rooted cultural heritage, is renowned for its unique traditions that have both historical and mythical origins. .....,celebrated on March 17TH, is perhaps the most famous Irish tradition. Originally a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland,it has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, marked by parades,music,dancing,and wearing green.It encapsulates the spirit of the Irish people and their influence on the world

爱尔兰有着深厚的文化底蕴,其独特的传统有着历史和神话的双重起源。……3 月 17 日的这个节日,或许是爱尔兰最著名的传统节日。它最初是爱尔兰守护圣人的宗教节日,后来演变成了全球性的爱尔兰文化庆典,以游行、音乐、舞蹈和身着绿色服装为标志。它体现了爱尔兰人民的精神以及他们对世界的影响力。

  • revere:n.尊重

  • sessions:n.会议

  • gathering:n.集会

  • folklore:n.民间传说

  • be integral to:对....不可或缺

  • integral:adj.必须/n.完整

The Irish tradition of storytelling is a revered cultural practice. Storytelling sessions in pubs and gatherings,where tales of folklore,legends,and family histories are shared, are integral to preserving Ireland's rich oral history and folklore.

爱尔兰的讲故事传统是一项备受尊崇的文化活动。在酒吧和聚会中举行的讲故事活动,人们会分享民间传说、神话故事以及家族历史,这对于传承爱尔兰丰富的口头历史和民间传说至关重要。

  • bidding farewell:告别

  • deceased:n.死者

  • mourning:n/v.哀悼

  • approach:v.接近n.措施

  • bereaved:n.丧失亲属的人

  • acknowledgement:承认

Another significant tradition is the Irish wake, a ceremonial way of bidding farewell to the deceased. It involves a blend of mourning and celebration, reflecting the Irish approach to death as an important part of life. The wake symbolizes the community’s support for the bereaved and their shared acknowledgment of life and death.

另一个重要的传统是爱尔兰的守灵仪式,这是一种向逝者告别的仪式性活动。它融合了哀悼与庆祝的元素,体现了爱尔兰人对于死亡的态度,即将其视为生命中重要的一部分。守灵仪式象征着社区对逝者的支持,以及他们对生与死的共同认可。

  • fusion:n.融合

  • fascinating:引人入胜

  • treaty:n.条约协定

  • found:创办建立

  • bicultural:双重文化

  • foundation:基础/根基

  • recognition:承认

  • identity:n.本体;个性,特性

New Zealand’s cultural traditions are a fascinating blend of Maori and European influences. Waitangi Day, observed on February 6th, commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, New Zealand’s founding document. This day is marked by ceremonies at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, cultural performances, and discussions, symbolizing New Zealand’s bicultural foundation.
The Haka, a traditional Maori war dance, is a powerful expression of New Zealand’s indigenous culture. Performed at various events, including sports matches, it’s a display of pride, strength, and unity. The Haka’s global recognition, particularly before rugby matches, highlights the importance of Maori culture in New Zealand’s national identity.

新西兰的文化传统是毛利文化与欧洲文化相互交融的奇妙结合。2 月 6 日是“瓦特尼日”,这一天是为了纪念 1840 年签署的《瓦特尼条约》,这是新西兰的建国文件。这一天会在瓦特尼条约广场举行仪式、进行文化表演以及开展讨论,象征着新西兰的双文化基础。
哈卡舞是毛利人的传统战舞,是新西兰本土文化的有力体现。它在各种活动中上演,包括体育赛事,是一种展现自豪、力量和团结的表演。哈卡舞在国际上的知名度,尤其是在橄榄球比赛前,凸显了毛利文化在新西兰国家身份中的重要性。

  • cluster:组,簇;星团

  • spectrum:n.范围,幅度

  • racial:adj.种族之间

  • harmony:n.和谐

  • inclusivity:n.包容性

  • compassion:n.共情

  • interconnectedness:n.互联性

  • foster:培养 代养

South Africa, known as the “Rainbow Nation,” offers a spectrum of traditions reflecting its diverse population.
The Day of Reconciliation, observed on December 16th, is a significant day in South Africa’s history, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to racial harmony and unity. It marks the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era of inclusivity and understanding.
The tradition of Ubuntu, a Nguni Bantu term meaning “humanity,” is deeply ingrained in South African culture. It’s a philosophy that emphasizes community, compassion, and the interconnectedness of all people, influencing social behavior and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

南非被称为“彩虹之国”,其众多传统习俗反映了该国多元化的民族构成。
12 月 16 日是“和解日”,这是南非历史上的一个重要日子,象征着这个国家对种族和谐与团结的承诺。这一天标志着种族隔离制度的终结以及一个包容与理解的新时代的开始。
“乌班图”这一纳吾尼班图语词汇意为“人道”,其传统深深扎根于南非文化之中。这是一种强调社群、同情心以及所有人之间相互联系的哲学理念,它影响着社会行为,并培养了集体责任感。

  • culinary:adj.饮食上的

  • vibrant:adj.充满活力的,充满生机的

  • demonstrate:v.证明

  • appreciate:v.欣赏

  • distinctiveness:n.特殊性

  • apart:拆开 分开

In conclusion, the cultural traditions of English-speaking countries are as varied as they are vibrant,
each reflecting the unique history, values, and spirit of their people. From the historical ceremonies of the United
Kingdom to the indigenous celebrations of New Zealand, these traditions not only offer a window into the soul of
each nation but also demonstrate the rich diversity that characterizes the English-speaking world. As we explore
these traditions, we gain deeper insights into the cultural tapestry that binds these nations together, while also
appreciating the distinctiveness that sets each one apart.

总之,英语国家的文化传统既丰富多样又充满活力,
每一种都反映了其人民独特的历史、价值观和精神。从英国的历史庆典到新西兰的本土庆祝活动,这些传统不仅让我们得以窥见每个国家的灵魂,还展现了英语世界丰富的多样性。在探索这些传统的过程中,我们能更深入地理解将这些国家紧密联系在一起的文化织锦,同时也能领略到每个国家的独特之处。

词汇课03

  • over = more than

  • trillion billion million = 万亿 十亿 百万

  • hypertension = 高血压

  • stroke = 中风

  • what is call = 所谓的

According to the World Health Organization over
a billion adults around the world suffer from high blood pressure. It
is now taking steps to fight against what is called a silent killer. High
blood pressure can lead to strokes and a heart attack.

据世界卫生组织称,全球有超过 10 亿成年人患有高血压。它
现在正在采取措施来对抗所谓的“无声杀手”。高的
血压过高可能会导致中风和心脏病发作。

  • sickness < diseases <= illness (tumor/cancer)

  • globally = around the world

  • kidney failure = 肾衰竭

  • lung = 肺

  • heart = 心

  • guts = 内脏

  • gut = 肠子 胆子

  • liver = 肝

  • go hand in hand with = has a close relationship with

  • diabetes = 糖尿病

  • obesity = 肥胖

  • organized = adj/v 组织 有序

  • soon enough = 高频

Almost 10 million people die of these two diseases every year. They are the number one causes of
death globally. High blood pressure also leads to kidney failure, blindness and other illnesses. It often
goes hand in hand with diabetes and obesity, which increases heath risks even further.
As the WHO reports, people in developing countries in Africa suffer more from high blood pressure than
people in developed countries. The reason is that health care in the developed world is much better
organized and people go to the doctor soon enough.

每年约有 1000 万人死于这两种疾病。它们是全球范围内导致死亡的首要原因。高血压还会引发肾衰竭、失明以及其他疾病。它往往与糖尿病和肥胖症相伴出现,这进一步增加了健康风险。
据世界卫生组织报告,非洲发展中国家的人群中高血压患者比发达国家的人群更多。原因在于发达国家的医疗保健体系组织得更为完善,人们也会及时就医。

  • red flag = a warning sign

  • Although , = while....,... = Though...,... = Despite = In spite of

  • regularly = adv.经常性的

  • nicotine = 尼古丁

It is a warning sign from your body that something is not OK. Although people may live with high blood
pressure for years without even knowing it, it is important to check your blood pressure regularly and take
the necessary steps.

这是你的身体发出的一个警示信号,表明可能存在某种问题。尽管有些人可能多年都未曾察觉自己患有高血压,但定期测量血压并采取必要的措施是非常重要的。

  • vaping = 电子烟/水烟(都什么年代 还在抽传统香烟!)

The WHO says that you can reduce your blood pressure by changing your living habits. Eating a balanced
diet, exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol and nicotine are some things that you can do
without consulting a doctor.

世界卫生组织表示,通过改变生活习惯可以降低血压。保持均衡饮食、定期锻炼、避免饮酒和吸烟,这些都是无需咨询医生即可采取的措施。

词汇课04

  • malnutrition = 营养不良

  • malign = 恶性的

  • benign = benefit

  • nutrition = 营养

  • disorder = 混乱/紊乱

It occurs when a person eats too little or too much, or has an unbalanced diet. In most cases malnutrition means undernourishment, a lack of food and not enough calories. It is widespread in developing countries.

营养不良发生在一个人吃得过少或过多,或者饮食不均衡的时候。在大多数情况下,营养不良意味着营养不足,即食物摄入量不足和热量摄入不足。这种情况在发展中国家很普遍。

  • concentrate = 集中注意力

  • concentrate on = focus on

  • nutrient = 营养素

  • minerals = 矿物质

  • proteins = 蛋白质

  • negative = pessimistic = 消极的

  • positive = optimistic = 积极的

  • physical = 身体上的 - physics = 物理课

  • physician = 内科医生

  • surgeon = 外科医生

  • function = n.功能 v.运转

  • deficiency = n.缺乏

  • calcium = n.钙

Malnutrition happens when people lack nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Not enough proteins can have
negative effects on a person’s growth and lead to physical problems. Vitamins are important for good
health and the functioning of your body. A lack of them can cause major problems. Vitamin
A deficiency may lead to eye problems and blindness. A lack of calcium leads to a bad growth
of bones and teeth. Iron deficiency can affect the brain and lead to a lower IQ rate. It can make children
less active and not able to concentrate.

营养不良是指人体缺乏营养物质、维生素和矿物质。蛋白质摄入不足会对人的生长发育产生负面影响,并导致身体出现各种问题。维生素对于保持良好的健康状况和身体机能至关重要。缺乏维生素可能会引发严重的问题。维生素 A 缺乏可能导致眼部问题甚至失明。缺钙会影响骨骼和牙齿的正常生长。缺铁会影响大脑发育,导致智商降低。这会使儿童变得不活跃,无法集中注意力。

  • immune system = 免疫系统

  • transmission = 传播

  • viruses = 病毒

  • dependence = reliance = 依赖

Malnutrition increases the risk of diseases and weakens the immune system.
It affects the transmission of viruses, including HIV. It is especially widespread among women,
children and older people. Children can be at risk even before birth because they depend on the
mother’s nutrition.

营养不良会增加患病风险并削弱免疫系统。
它会影响病毒的传播,包括艾滋病毒。营养不良在妇女、儿童和老年人中尤为普遍。
儿童甚至在出生前就可能面临风险,因为他们依赖母亲的营养。

  • account for 对什么负责;占比;导致

  • mortality = 死亡 mortality 死亡率 mortal = 凡人; It is the main cause of child mortality

  • famine = 饥荒

  • drought = 干旱

  • affordable = adj.便宜的

One of the major causes of malnutrition in developing countries is famine and drought which lead to
the unavailability of food. Many countries in the Third World to not have enough land to grow food on or do
not know how to use it. They do not have the money to afford imported food. In other countries the
government neglects the importance of agriculture and does not help farmers.

发展中国家营养不良的主要原因之一是饥荒和干旱,这会导致食物供应不足。许多第三世界国家没有足够的土地来种植粮食,或者不知道如何利用这些土地。他们没有钱购买进口食品。而在其他一些国家,政府忽视了农业的重要性,也不帮助农民。

  • diarrhea = 腹泻

  • indigestion = 消化不良

  • properly = 正确的

In places with a lack of or dirty drinking water diseases, like diarrhea, lead to indigestion of food.
Digestive disorders may also be causes of malnutrition. People eat properly but their body
cannot digest the food. In the Third World many mothers do not breastfeed their children,
thus weakening the immune system.

在饮用水缺乏或水质不洁的地区,诸如腹泻之类的疾病会导致食物消化不良。
消化系统紊乱也可能导致营养不良。人们饮食正常,但身体却无法消化食物。在第三世界国家,许多母亲不给孩子进行母乳喂养,从而削弱了孩子的免疫系统。

  • decay = 退化

  • fragile = vulnerable = 脆弱的 - delicate = 精致的/易碎的

  • dizzy = 眩晕

  • cholesterol = 胆固醇

  • obese = too fat

In developed countries obesity is the most widespread form of malnutrition. Obese
people consume more calories than they need. This may lead
to diabetes and contribute to heart problems and high blood pressure. Too many
fats in your diet can lead to high cholesterol levels.

在发达国家,肥胖症是导致营养不良的最常见形式。肥胖的
人们摄入的热量往往超过了身体所需的量。这可能会导致糖尿病,并增加患心脏病和高血压的风险。太多饮食中的脂肪可能会导致胆固醇水平升高。

  • enrich = v.丰富

  • emphasize = stress(n.压力) = 强调

  • aid = 援助 = assistance

Solutions and Treatment
One way to help avoid malnutrition is to enrich food with vitamins. For example, milk is enriched
with Vitamin D. In Third World countries schools must try to teach children the right
eating habits and emphasize eating vegetables and fruit. Governments and other institutions
must do their part in educating the population to eat the right things. The World Health Organization
and other groups try to help the poorest of these countries with financial aid and other support.

解决方法与治疗措施
避免营养不良的一种方法是通过添加维生素来改善食物的营养成分。例如,牛奶会添加维生素 D。在第三世界国家,学校必须努力教导孩子们正确的饮食习惯,并强调食用蔬菜和水果。政府和其他机构也必须尽自己的职责,教育民众正确饮食。世界卫生组织
而其他一些组织则试图向这些国家中最贫困的人群提供财政援助及其他形式的支持。

词汇课05

  • start out = 创始

  • gradually(adv) - gradual(adj) = 逐渐的

  • graduation = n.毕业

  • over the years = 许多年来

  • from ... to ... = 从...到...

  • appliances = n.电器

  • application = n.申请/软件

  • e-readers(e->electrical)

Amazon.com is the world's largest Internet company. It started out as an online bookstore in the middle of the 1990s and grew gradually over the years. Today Amazon sells almost everything from CDs and DVDs to sportswear and electrical appliances. The company also produces its own tablets and e-readers and lets users upload their own photos and oth files to the Amazon-based cloud.

亚马逊公司是全球最大的互联网公司。它于 20 世纪 90 年代中期以在线书店起家,多年来逐渐发展壮大。如今,亚马逊几乎销售所有商品,从 CD、DVD 到运动服装和电器应有尽有。该公司还生产自己的平板电脑和电子阅读器,并允许用户将照片和其他文件上传到亚马逊云服务。

  • all over the world = 全球各地

  • operate = 运行运转

  • operation = 表演

  • operator = 操作员

  • garage = 停车场

  • range = 范围

  • reviews = n. 综述;评论;复习(review 的复数);复核

  • shares = 份额股份/分享

Amazon.com was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994. It first operated out of a small garage in Washington state. Within a year
Amazon offered hundreds of thousands of books. People could not only order books from an online catalogue but also write their
own reviews. In 1997 Amazon.com started trading shares on the NASDAQ stock exchange. By 2000 it made over
a billion dollars in sales.

亚马逊公司由杰夫·贝佐斯于 1994 年创立。起初,它在华盛顿州的一个小车库里运营。一年之内,亚马逊就提供了数十万种书籍。人们不仅可以通过在线目录订购书籍,还可以撰写自己的书评。1997 年,亚马逊公司开始在纳斯达克证券交易所上市交易股票。到 2000 年,其销售额已超过 10 亿美元。

  • buck = 亿美元

  • dime = 一分钱/某人

  • rivals = 对手

  • rivalry = 竞争者

  • via = 介词 通过 = by = through

  • coworker = 同事 = colleague

As time went on Amazon.com grew gradually. It bought many of its rivals and today cooperates with other companies and lets
them sell their products via the Amazon website.

随着时间的推移,亚马逊公司逐渐发展壮大。它收购了众多竞争对手,如今还与其他公司合作,允许它们通过亚马逊网站销售自己的产品。

  • go a step further = 向前迈一步

  • dominate = v.主宰支配

  • on demand = 更具需求 demand(需求)

  • store = v.储存 n.商店

In 2007 Amazon went a step further. It surprised the electronics world with a revolutionary eBook reader, the Kindle, which
today dominates the market. In 2011 a tablet computer followed, the Amazon Fire. In the following years the company started
selling music downloads and videos on demand. Amazon customers can store everything they buy on their private cloud and
download it anytime they want.

2007 年,亚马逊又迈出了更大的一步。它凭借一款革命性的电子阅读器——Kindle,震惊了整个电子行业。如今,这款产品在市场上占据着主导地位。2011 年,亚马逊又推出了一款平板电脑——亚马逊 Fire。在接下来的几年里,该公司开始销售音乐下载服务和点播视频服务。亚马逊的客户可以将他们购买的所有内容存储在自己的私有云中,并随时进行下载。

  • a number of = 很多

  • the number of = 数量

  • visionary = 有远见的

  • ambitious - ambition = 野心

  • take risk = 冒险

  • downturn = 下降

  • personalize = 个性化 = individualize

  • urban = 城市

  • urbanize = 城市化

Today, Amazon.com serves 20 million customers every day. Its annual income is over 34 billion dollars.
There are a number of reasons for Amazon's success. One of them is company founder Jeff Bezos himself. TIME magazine's "Man
of the Year" of 1999 is a visionary, an ambitious businessman who is not afraid of taking risks, even if it means a downturn for the
company at first. Amazon's website tries to personalize the buying experience for its customers. It knows what you want and what
you are interested in.

如今,亚马逊公司每天为 2000 万客户提供服务。其年收入超过 340 亿美元。
亚马逊取得成功的诸多原因中,公司创始人杰夫·贝佐斯本人功不可没。《时代》杂志 1999 年的“年度人物”就是一位有远见卓识、雄心勃勃的商人,他敢于承担风险,即便这意味着公司初期会出现下滑。亚马逊的网站致力于为顾客提供个性化的购物体验。它能了解您的需求和兴趣所在。

  • retailer = 零售商

  • expect = 期望

  • monopoly = 垄断

Although Amazon.com is the biggest internet retailer in the world it is often criticized. Economic experts say that Amazon is
turning Internet business into a monopoly. Others point out the bad working conditions for Amazon employees.
Amazon is a business empire that sells almost anything cheaper and faster than anyone else.

尽管亚马逊公司是全球最大的网络零售商,但它却常常受到批评。经济专家称亚马逊正在将互联网业务变成垄断。还有人指出亚马逊员工的工作条件恶劣。亚马逊是一个商业帝国,几乎任何东西都比其他商家卖得更便宜、更快捷。

词汇课06

  • petrol - petroleum - oil = 石油

  • regulate = v.管理

  • get together = 聚会

  • twice a year = 一年两次

  • agree on = 达成一致

It was founded in Bagdad in 1960 and has currently 11 members. OPEC's aim is to regulate the amount of oil that member nations produce and to keep prices at a steady rate. The countries get together twice a year and agree on how much oil each country is allowed to produce. OPEC's headquarters are in Vienna, the capital of Austria.

石油输出国组织于 1960 年在巴格达成立,目前有 11 个成员国。该组织旨在调控成员国的石油产量,并保持油价稳定。成员国每年会面两次,商定每个国家的石油生产配额。石油输出国组织的总部设在奥地利首都维也纳。

  • control over = 控制支配

Before OPEC was created, there were large oil companies that controlled the world’s oil production. They wanted to sell as much oil as possible and did not let governments influence their decisions. Oil - rich countries, especially in the Middle East, wanted more control over the oil that they produce. As a result, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Venezuela founded OPEC. In the following years Qatar, Indonesia, Libya, Algeria, Nigeria, Ecuador, Angola and the United Arab Emirates also become members.

在欧佩克成立之前,有一些大型石油公司掌控着全球的石油生产。它们想要尽可能多地销售石油,并且不让政府影响其决策。石油资源丰富的国家,尤其是中东地区的国家,希望对本国生产的石油拥有更多控制权。因此,伊朗、伊拉克、沙特阿拉伯、科威特和委内瑞拉成立了欧佩克。在接下来的几年里,卡塔尔、印度尼西亚、利比亚、阿尔及利亚、尼日利亚、厄瓜多尔、安哥拉和阿拉伯联合酋长国也成为了其成员。

  • sank = 沉陷(sink 的过去式)

  • recession = 衰退

In the 1960s, OPEC did not have much power. This changed in 1973 when the third Arab-Israeli war started. The United States and a few European countries supported Israel. As a form of punishment, OPEC nations, influenced by the Arab countries, stopped selling oil to the West. Within the next six years oil prices rose to ten times the price of the early 1970s. OPEC countries became rich with so-called petrodollars; the West sank into deep recession because they needed OPEC’s oil.

在 20 世纪 60 年代,欧佩克(石油输出国组织)的影响力并不大。这种情况在 1973 年发生了改变,当时第三次阿拉伯-以色列战争爆发。美国和少数几个欧洲国家支持以色列。作为惩罚措施,受阿拉伯国家影响的欧佩克成员国停止向西方国家出售石油。在接下来的六年里,油价涨到了 20 世纪 70 年代初价格的十倍。欧佩克国家凭借所谓的“石油美元”变得富有;而西方国家则陷入了严重的经济衰退,因为他们依赖欧佩克的石油。

  • aftermath = 余波(在...之后)

  • alternative = n.替代品

  • diminished = v.减弱

  • quota = 配额

  • agreement = 协议

  • hit ... hard = 使...受打击

  • several times = 好多次

In the aftermath of the energy crisis of the 1970s, western countries started looking for alternative forms of energy in order to become more independent from OPEC and the oil-producing nations. In 1986, oil prices dropped to the lowest rate in history. Oil-producing nations lost much of their income. In the 80s and 90s OPEC’s power diminished, often because of conflicts and internal arguments and because member states could not agree on production quotas. Some OPEC countries did not keep agreements and produced more oil, thus lowering prices.
After 2000, oil prices began to rise again and reached an all-time high in 2007. The financial crisis of 2007 and 2008 hit world economy hard and oil prices fell once again. Since the Arab Spring of 2011, prices have gone up and down several times.

在 20 世纪 70 年代能源危机之后,西方国家开始寻找替代能源形式,以减少对欧佩克及产油国的依赖。1986 年,油价跌至历史最低点。产油国的收入大幅减少。在 20 世纪 80 年代和 90 年代,欧佩克的影响力逐渐减弱,这往往是因为冲突、内部争论以及成员国无法就产量配额达成一致。一些欧佩克成员国没有遵守协议,增加了石油产量,从而导致价格下降。
2000 年之后,油价再次开始上涨,并在 2007 年达到了历史最高点。2007 年和 2008 年的金融危机对世界经济造成了沉重打击,油价再次下跌。自 2011 年的“阿拉伯之春”以来,油价多次上下波动。

  • reserve = n.储备 储存 v.预定 保留

  • quarrel = n/v 争端 争吵

  • cartel = 垄断联盟

  • remain = 保持 系动词 - is

Today OPEC still controls about 60% of the world’s oil reserves and produces 40% of the world’s oil. Saudi Arabia is the most powerful member of the group, because it has the largest reserves. Even though there have been quarrels in the cartel in the last 5 decades it remains a powerful organization.

如今,石油输出国组织(OPEC)仍掌控着全球约 60% 的石油储量,并生产全球 40% 的石油。沙特阿拉伯是该组织中最具影响力的成员国,因为它拥有最大的石油储量。尽管在过去 50 年里该卡特尔内部出现过争执,但它仍是一个强大的组织。

词汇课07

  • virtual = 虚拟的

  • adventure = n/v.冒险 娱乐方式

  • advance = n/v.进步 前进

  • powerful and attractive alternative to more passive adventures like watching TV. = 一种比看电视这类较为被动的消遣方式更富吸引力且充满活力的选择。

  • survey = n/v.调查

A research report says that virtual worlds can be important places where children practice what they will do in real life. They are also a powerful and attractive alternative to more passive adventures like watching TV. The research was done with children using the BBC's Adventure Rock virtual world, aimed at those aged 6 - 12. It surveyed and interviewed children who were the first to test the game.

一份研究报告指出,虚拟世界可以成为孩子们练习未来在现实生活中将要采取行动的重要场所。此外,它还是一种比单纯观看电视这类更被动的活动更具吸引力的替代选择。这项研究是针对使用英国广播公司“冒险岩”虚拟世界的 6 至 12 岁儿童进行的。研究对首批试玩该游戏的儿童进行了调查和访谈。

  • board = n.板 v.登上载具

  • creative studios = 创意工作室

Children explore the world alone but they use message boards to share what they find and what they do in the different creative studios (they find around the virtual space.)

孩子们独自探索这个世界,但他们会在留言板上分享自己所发现的事物以及在不同的创意工作室(这些工作室遍布虚拟空间各处)中的所作所为。

  • at times = 有时候

  • explores = 探索者

  • social climber = 社交攀登者

  • eager = adj.热切的 渴求的

  • eager to do = 渴望做某事 = long to

  • work = v.工作 运转 起作用 n.作品

At times children were explorers and at others they were social climbers eager to connect with other players. Some were power users looking for more information about how the virtual space really worked. The children could try all kinds of things without having to be afraid of the consequences that would follow if they tried them in the real world. They learned many useful social skills and played around with their identity in ways that would be much more difficult in real life.

有时孩子们是探索者,有时他们又是渴望与他人交流的社交攀爬者。有些孩子是高手玩家,他们想要更多地了解这个虚拟空间的实际运作方式。孩子们可以尝试各种各样的事情,而不用担心如果在现实世界中尝试这些会带来什么样的后果。他们学到了许多有用的社交技能,并以在现实生活中难以实现的方式探索和塑造自己的身份。

the consequences that would follow = 随之而来的后果

  • engaging = adj.迷人的v.参与

  • urge sb. to do sth. = 鼓励某人做某事

  • Criticize = v.批评

According to the study what children liked about virtual worlds was the chance to create content such as music, cartoons and videos.
The publishers of the report say that virtual worlds can be a powerful, engaging and real interactive alternative to more passive media. They urged creators of virtual spaces for children to get young people involved very early on because they really do have good ideas to add and they are very good critical friends.

根据这项研究,孩子们喜欢虚拟世界的原因在于能够创作诸如音乐、卡通和视频等内容。
该报告的发布者表示,虚拟世界可以成为一种强大、引人入胜且具有真实互动性的替代品,能够取代更为被动的媒体形式。他们敦促为儿童创建虚拟空间的创作者尽早让孩子们参与进来,因为孩子们确实有很多好的想法可以加入进来,而且他们也是非常出色的批判性伙伴。

词汇课08

  • nurse = n.护士/v.哺乳

  • n.breath - v.breathe - take a breath = 深吸一口气

  • exhale = v.呼气

  • inhale = v.吸气

  • chamber = n.小房子 v.把...关入...

  • mammal = n. 哺乳动物

  • species = n.物种

  • respiratory = adj.<正式>呼吸的

  • enable sb to do sth = 使某人做某事

  • voluntary = adj.自愿的,自发的,主动的;n.志愿者

  • conscious = adj.意识到的 = n.consciousness

  • dwarf;overshadow = v.相形见绌

  • afford to do = 承受的起

  • drown = v.溺死

  • drought = n.旱灾

  • potential = adj/n. 潜在的

  • hemisphere = n.半球

  • so that = 以便

  • a lapse of time = 一段时间的流逝 n.失误v.流逝

Whales are mammals, so in many ways, they are just like human beings. The most important difference is that humans and whales live in different environments and whales have a special respiratory system that enables them to stay underwater for several minutes without breathing oxygen. For this reason, they are said to be voluntary breathers., because of whales underwater environment, That is they must be conscious breathers. They think about every breath they take and come up to the surface of the water to breathe through blowholes on top of their heads.
What is outstanding about whales is the way they can sleep. While all mammals sleep, Whales cannot afford to become unconscious for long because they may drown. The only way they can sleep is by remaining partially conscious. It is believed that only one hemisphere of the whale's brain sleeps at a time, so they rest but are never completely asleep. They can do so most probably near the surface so that they can come up for air easily.

鲸鱼是哺乳动物,所以在很多方面,它们和人类很相似。最重要的区别在于人类和鲸鱼生活在不同的环境中,鲸鱼拥有特殊的呼吸系统,这使它们能够在水下数分钟不呼吸氧气。因此,它们被称为自主呼吸者,因为鲸鱼生活在水下环境中,也就是说它们必须是有意识地呼吸。它们会思考每一次呼吸,并浮出水面通过头顶的喷气孔呼吸空气。鲸鱼的突出之处在于它们的睡眠方式。虽然所有哺乳动物都会睡觉,但鲸鱼不能长时间失去意识,否则可能会溺水。它们唯一的睡眠方式就是保持部分清醒。据信,鲸鱼的大脑每次只有一个半球处于睡眠状态,所以它们在休息但从未完全入睡。它们很可能在靠近水面的地方睡觉,这样就能轻松浮出水面呼吸空气。

词汇课09

  • rainfall = n. 降雨;降雨量

  • climate = n.气候;气候区;氛围,局势

  • biology = n.生物学

  • biodiversity = n. 生物多样性

  • type = v.打入输入 n.种类

  • substantial = adj.大量的

  • equator = n.赤道

  • degree = n.度数 程度

  • typically = adv.典型的 通常 = generally

Rainforests are forests characterized by biodiversity and high rainfall, with annual rainfall between 250 and 450 centimeters (98 and 177 in). There are two types of rainforest: tropical rainforest and temperate rainforest. Tropical rainforests are characterized by a warm and wet climate with no substantial dry season: typically found within 10 degrees north and south of the equator in areas such as South America, Southeast Asia and Sub - Saharan Africa. Temperate rainforests, however, are only found in few temperate regions around the world such as Europe, North America and East Asia.

雨林是具有生物多样性且年降雨量在 250 至 450 厘米(98 至 177 英寸)之间的森林。雨林分为两种类型:热带雨林和温带雨林。热带雨林气候温暖湿润,没有明显的旱季,通常位于赤道南北 10 度以内的地区,比如南美洲、东南亚和撒哈拉以南非洲。然而,温带雨林仅分布在世界少数温带地区,如欧洲、北美洲和东亚。

  • temperate = adj. 温带的,(气候)温和的

  • temperature = n.温度

  • temporary = adj.暂时的

  • regional = adj.区域性的

  • antibiotics = n.抗生素;抗生学

  • organism = n.生物有机物

  • microorganism = n.微生物

  • macro = 宏观 - micro = 微观

  • jewels = n.珠宝 极品

  • pharmacy = n.药店

  • medicine = n. 药物,药剂;医疗 ;魔法v. 用药物治疗,给……用药

  • responsible = adj.对...负责

  • turnover = n.流通 营业额

Around 40% to 75% of all biotic species are indigenous to the rainforests. It has been estimated that there may be many millions of species of plants, insects and microorganisms still undiscovered in tropical rainforests. Tropical rainforests have been called the "jewels of the Earth" and the "world's largest pharmacy", because over one quarter of natural medicines have been discovered there. Rainforests are also responsible for 28% of the world's oxygen turnover; that is why tropical forests are also called "Earth's lungs."

大约 40% 至 75% 的所有生物物种都原产于热带雨林。据估计,在热带雨林中可能还有数百万种尚未被发现的植物、昆虫和微生物物种。热带雨林被誉为“地球的瑰宝”和“世界上最大的药房”,因为在那里已经发现了超过四分之一的天然药物。热带雨林还为全球 28% 的氧气循环做出了贡献;这就是为什么热带森林也被称为“地球的肺”。

  • i have gut to do sth = 我有勇气做某事

  • as well as = 和,以及,还有:用于连接两个或更多的事物,表示它们都是同等重要的或同样存在的。

  • timber = n.森林资源 木材

  • hides = n. 兽皮

  • leather = n. 皮,皮革

  • rubber = n.橡皮擦/橡胶

  • tourism destinations = 旅游目的地

  • tourist attraction = 吸引游客的地方/风景名胜

  • ecosystem = n.生态糸统

Rainforests produce many items that we all use in our daily lives. Tropical rainforests provide timber as well as animal products such as meat and hides. Other common rainforests products include chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, rubber, medicine, and pineapples. Rainforests also have value as tourism destinations and for the ecosystem services provided.

热带雨林为我们日常生活中使用的许多物品提供了原材料。热带雨林不仅提供木材,还提供诸如肉类和兽皮之类的动物制品。其他常见的雨林产品包括巧克力、糖、肉桂、橡胶、药品和菠萝。热带雨林还具有作为旅游目的地的价值,以及为生态系统服务做出贡献的价值。

  • yet = adv.还没有 conj.然而

词汇课10

  • be born on = 在...时候出生

  • innovator = n.创新者

  • innovate = v.创新

  • innovation = n.创新 新技术

  • be noted for = 因...被关注到

  • showman = n.表演者

  • particularly = especially = adv.尤其

Walt Disney was born on December 5, 1901. Disney became one of the best - known motion picture producers in the world. He is particularly noted for being a film producer and a popular showman, as well as an innovator in animation and theme park design.

沃尔特·迪士尼于 1901 年 12 月 5 日出生。迪士尼成为了世界上最为知名的电影制片人之一。他尤其以电影制片人、受欢迎的表演家以及动画和主题公园设计方面的创新者而闻名。

  • be famous for = 以...而闻名

  • entertainment = n.娱乐

  • universe = 宇宙/世界

  • on budget = 在预算内

  • budget airline = 廉价航空

  • scratch = v.挠/抓

  • started from scratch = 白手起家

  • rag = n.破布/v.嘲笑

  • from rag to rich = 从穷到富

When Disney asked for a larger budget for his popular Oswald series, Mintz refused and Disney had to quit. Later, Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney started from scratch and co-founded Walt Disney Productions, now known as The Walt Disney Company. Today, this company has annual revenues of approximately U.S. $35 billion. This succes is largely due to a number of the world's most famous fictional characters he and his staff created including Mickey Mouse, a character for which Disney himself was the original voice.

当迪士尼要求为他广受欢迎的“奥西德”系列动画片增加预算时,明茨拒绝了,于是迪士尼只好放弃。后来,迪士尼和他的兄弟罗伊·O·迪士尼从头开始,共同创立了沃尔特·迪士尼制作公司,也就是如今的华特·迪士尼公司。如今,这家公司每年的营收约为 350 亿美元。这一成功很大程度上归功于他和他的团队创造的众多世界著名虚构角色,其中包括米老鼠,而迪士尼本人就是米老鼠的原声配音者。

  • nomination = n.提名

  • nominee = n. 被提名者

  • resort = n.旅游胜地v.诉诸,求助于

Disney won 26 Academy Awards out of 59 nominations, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. He is also the namesake for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks in the United States, as well as the international resorts in Japan, France, and China.

迪士尼在 59 次提名中获得了 26 项奥斯卡奖,其中包括创纪录的单年四次获奖,这使他获得的奖项和提名数量超过了任何其他个人。他还以自己的名字命名了美国的迪士尼乐园和华特·迪士尼世界主题公园,以及日本、法国和中国的国际度假区。

  • inaugurate = v.开幕

  • inauguration = n.就职典礼

  • intricate = adj. 错综复杂的

Disney died of lung cancer in Burbank, California, on December 15, 1966. The following year, construction began on Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. His brother Roy Disney inaugurated The Magic Kingdom on October 1, 1971.The following is a list of some of Walt Disney best quotes:"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.""I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter.""I do not like to repeat successes, I like to go on to other things.""I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn't know how to get along without it.""If you can dream it, you can do it.""The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing."

迪斯尼于 1966 年 12 月 15 日在加利福尼亚州伯班克因肺癌去世。次年,位于佛罗里达州的沃尔特·迪斯尼世界度假区开始建设。他的兄弟罗伊·迪斯尼于 1971 年 10 月 1 日为“魔法王国”举行了开幕仪式。以下是一些沃尔特·迪斯尼最经典的名言:“只要我们有勇气去追求梦想,所有的梦想都能成真。”“我总是倾向于从积极的角度看待生活,但我也足够现实,知道生活是一个复杂的事情。”“我不喜欢重复成功的事,我喜欢去做其他的事情。”“我一生都面临着激烈的竞争,如果没有这些竞争,我不知道该如何生活。”“如果你能梦想到,你就能做到。”“开始行动的方法就是停止空谈,开始行动起来。”

  • up against = 对抗

  • get a along = 继续

不会做游戏