2017年大学英语四级范文背诵60篇

四级作文

1素质教育？应试教育？

【中文提示】

★现今教育为应试教育

★提倡素质教育

★作者看到素质教育的效果

From primary school to college, students, teachers and parents--all are struggling for high scores. This is because the current education system is not aimed at students'quality, but only at developing their ability to perform well on tests. As result, many students, even those with high scores, often do poorly when it comes to the practical application of what they have learned.

Therefore, China is challenging examination-oriented education by advocating quality-oriented education. The alternative will focus on the students' ability as a whole. The exam results will no longer play a key role in evaluating a student.

Personally, I firmly believe in the magic force of this new policy. It seems that I have seen in my mind's eye the more colorful life, the looser environment, yet the more creative minds of the future students. Our education, so to speak, will bring up a new generation.

primary school 小学

scores [skCEs] 得分n.名词

examination-oriented education 应试教育

alternative [C:l5tE:nEtiv] 选择对象；选择余地n.名词

struggle for: 为……努力

2信心－－成功

【中文提示】

★为什么要有自信

★为什么会没有自信

★如何做到有自信

Whatever one does, one should do it with confidence. If one had no confidence, there is little possibility that one would ever achieve anything, especially when one is faced with drawbacks or hardships. This truth seems to be self-evident. However, in reality we do see a lot of people who complain that they lack the ability to do something or that their difficulties are too great to overcome. For some, this might be true. But for many others, this only shows that they have lost heart.

Why do people often feel frustrated even though they are capable of doing something? There are, among others, two main reasons. First, these people do not have a correct estimation of themselves. Second, they over-estimate the difficulties.

It is possible to build up faith in oneself by having the right attitude toward one's own abilities. We should never underestimate our abilities but should believe in the proverb: "Where there is a will, there is a way." Confidence is the premise for fulfilling a task successfully.

over-estimate 评价过高v.动词

underestimate [5QndEr5estimeit] 低估，看轻v.动词

premise [5premis] 前提n.名词

lose heart: 丧气，灰心，泄劲，泄气

3双休日

【中文提示】

★双休日的好处

★问题：课程更多了

★应合理安排时间

The two-day weekend has brought a lot of benefits to college students. It not only offers us more time to get rid of tiredness and have a good rest, but also gives us more chances to take up some hobbies, such as fishing, reading, or gardening. From these activities we can learn many things outside the classroom, which will add to our knowledge.

Despite the convenience it brings us, the two-day weekend has also given rise to quite a few problems. The most serious one is that the weekdays are filled with more lessons, sometimes too many. Because our classes are limited to Monday through Friday, we have to take more lessons each day than in the past. This leaves us little time to catch our breath during the weekdays.

In order to benefit most from the two-day weekend, students should make a good plan for the two-day weekend, not only to take this chance to relax but still set aside enough time to study. By doing so, students can have a good time as well as make progress in studies.

convenience [kEn5vi:njEns] 便利，方便n.名词

progress [5prEu^res] 进步，发展n.名词

get rid of: 摆脱，除去

take up: 拿起，开始从事，吸收，占据

4战争

【中文提示】

★战争造成的影响

★为什么要避免战争

★如何避免战争

War is a terrible thing. Anyone who hears of it is fearful and terrifried. Once engaging in war, large amounts of money are wasted, thousands of lives are sacrificed, and the whole nation is thrown into extreme confusion. Even the victorious country loses more than it gains.

Since war is so terrible, "how do we prevent war" is an important question. Is it possible to prevent war? Surely it is. Though it is beyond our power to prevent war between others, we can at any rate prevent war between our nation and other nations. In order to realize our hope, we must never invade others, and at the same time, prevent others from invading us.

According to my opinion, no country can keep herself from being invaded unless she has effective means of self-defense. Hence we must develop our military strength so that we can make others fear us and consequently dare not to invade us. The world would be, I believe more advanced civilization if people were kind and friendly to one another.

sacrifice [5sAkrifais] 牺牲，献出v.动词

at any rate 无论如何，至少

invade [in5veid] 侵略；侵占v.动词

civilization [9sIvIlaI`zeIFLn;-lI`z-] 文明，文化n.名词

keep...from: 阻止, 隐瞒, 抑制

at any rate: 无论如何, 至少

5一寸光阴一寸金

【中文提示】

★时间比金钱更重要

★原因：时间一去不复返

★要充分利用时间

★浪费时间等于浪费生命

A proverb says: "Time is money." But in my opinion, time is even more precious than money. Why? Because when money is spent, we can earn it back. However, when time is gone, it will never return. This is the reason why we must value time.

It goes without saying that the time for study and work is unusually limited. Hence, even an hour is extremely precious. We should make full use of our time to do useful things. As students we must make efforts to engage in our studies so as to serve our nation and people in the future. But it is a pity that there are a lot of people who do not know the importance of time. They spend their time smoking, drinking and gambling. They do not realize that wasting time is equal to wasting a part of their valuable life.

We should get into the good habit of saving time. Do not put off what can be done today until tomorrow. Laziness will not only bring us failure but also lead us to the road of poverty.

it goes without saying 理所当然，不用说

gambling [5^AmbliN] 赌博n.名词

make use of : 假借; 利用

get into : 习惯，熟悉

6怎样处理贫富差距？

【中文提示】

★收入差距，严重的社会问题

★原因：分配机制；经济发展；教育体系

★措施：改进分配制度；着重关注落后地区；提高教育水平

Most people have realized that the income gap has long been a serious social problem.

There are three reasons why such phenomena have arisen. First, the distribution mechanism of our nation has some innate drawbacks. Second, the disparity of economic development between urban and rural areas as well as the east and the west is too huge to be mended in a short time. Third, the present educational system is far from satisfactory: many children throughout the country drop out of school for various reasons.

Consequently it is important that we take three measures to solve this problem. First of all, the government should constantly improve the distribution mechanism, making it not only transparent but also reasonable. In the second place, during economic development, more emphasis should be placed on the relatively backward areas. Last but by no means least, all people make great efforts to significantly improve our educational level--if we can quickly increase the literacy rate of our nation, the overall situation will fundamentally change.

It is beyond doubt that the income gaps is a serious problem to any nation at any time. Nevertheless, in such a nation as we have, I firmly believe if all of us shoulder the responsibility, we can deal with this problem successfully.

distribution [7distri5bju:FEn] 分配n.名词

mechanism [5mekEnizEm] 机制n.名词

innate [5ineit] 天生的；先天的adj.形容词

drawback [5drC:7bAk] 缺点n.名词

disparity [dis5pAriti] 不等；不同n.名词

transparent [trAns5pZErEnt] 透明的，易懂的，显而易见的adj.形容词

fundamentally 基本上adv.副词

as well as: 以及，及

drop out of: 掉队,不参与，离去

far from: 远远不; 一点也不

7高校毕业生是否该到西部去？

【中文提示】

★年轻人是否应该投身于西部大开发

★西部大开发提供好机遇：找工作容易；更多的工作机会

★怀疑态度，大城市机会多，去西部风险大

★作者观点，支持去西部发展

Recent years witnessed a profound change in Western China. The whole country combines joint efforts to engage in the exploitation of the western provinces. This vital issue especially attracts youths' attention. However, they have different views on whether they should contribute their part to the modernization of the West after their graduation.

Some students hold that the West offers unprecedented opportunities for young talents. Firstly, it is comparatively easier to launch a career for a newcomer in the West than in such large cities as Shenzhen and Shanghai. Secondly, the West is still underdeveloped, so it offers many more opportunities and is the ideal place to realize one's dreams. Other students, whereas, cast doubt on those points of view. They hold that developed area can provide more chances. To go to the West, they say, is too risky.

Personally, I take the side of the people in the first category. I think that going to the West is a perfect combination of our nation's need and my personal ambition. I believe that an able man should face challenges boldly and not be afraid of hardship.

witness [5witnis] 目睹，见证v.动词

exploitation [7eksplCi5teiFEn] 开发n.名词

unprecedented [Qn5presidEntid] 前所未有的，空前的adj.形容词

newcomer [5nju:7kQmE] 新移民n.名词

whereas [(h)wZEr5Az] 然而，反之conj.连词

boldly 勇敢地，大胆地adv.副词

engage in: 参加；从事

point of view: n. 观点；意见

8电脑游戏

【中文提示】

★电脑游戏的弊端：影响学业；逃课

★原因：电脑游戏推层出新；学生缺乏自控能力；老师监管不够

★解决方法：环境；实现梦想；利用媒体宣传

More and more college students become indulge in computer games. Some of them play video games all night, which will inevitably hinder their studies. Others are even truant to enjoy themselves.

There are three possible reasons to account for this trend. First of all, information technology is developing at a fantastic speed and computer games become more and more advanced and attractive. What's more, many students lack self-control to such an extent that they play for long hours even if they know it is harmful to both their physical and mental health. In the third place, the university authority and teachers are too lenient with the students--they attach great importance to imparting knowledge and more or less overlook students?personality development.

The solutions to this problem seem more than clear on this occasion. By creating a favorable environment, university authorities can help students enjoy learning in and after class. Moreover, university teachers should teach students how to make the best use of their time and energy to realize their dreams. Last but not least, the mass media should also play a positive role in conveying the message that it is not wise for college students to play computer games for long hours.

hinder [5hindE] 阻止；妨碍v.动词

truant [5tru:Ent] 逃学的，懒散的adj.形容词

convey [kEn5vei] 通知；传达v.动词

indulge in: 沉溺于；享受一下

account for: 对……作出解释

9 成人教育热

【中文提示】

★越来越多的成人参加成人教育

★原因：拿学位，拿文凭；学技能；找工作

★有助于自我升值，提高国民教育水平

Nowadays more and more adults especially in cities spend their leisure time trying to improve themselves at school or at college. According to a recent survey, the number of adult students in 2005 is more than 6 times that of 1995.

There are various reasons for this fantastic spurt in adult education. Some people who are employed go back for education to acquire another degree or diploma. To them more knowledge, or rather, more credentials means more opportunities for better jobs and quicker promotion. Other people especially those who are temporarily unemployed go to residential schools, open universities or other training institutions. They are eager to learn new skills since they are anxious to return to the job market.

Adults continue their education for different purposes, but they share a common goal--to improve themselves. And the spurt in adult education, in turn, helps raise the intellectual standard of the whole nation.

spurt [spE:t] 突然的爆发n.名词

diploma [di5plEumE] 文凭，毕业证书n.名词

credentials 证书n.名词

according to : 比照；按照；依据；依照

10自助旅游还是跟团旅游

【中文提示】

★自助旅游的好处：自由，灵活，时间充足

★跟团旅游的好处：食宿，路线安排妥当，安全

★作者选择自助旅游的原因：看风景，了解民俗风情，结交朋友，宝贵经历

When it comes to travel, some people will choose to go on an individual tour while others want to go on a package tour.

Those people who decide to go on an individual tour argue that they love the freedom and flexibility when they travel by themselves--you can stay longer if you enjoy the beautiful scenery there. Furthermore, you will have more chances to communicate with local residents or other tourists from all over the world, which will be an exciting and unforgettable experience. Those people who prefer going on a package tour maintain that you do not have to worry about time, route and accommodation, which enables you to concentrate on the beautiful scenery and enchanting local customs. Moreover, it is safer and less time-consuming than individual touring.

In my opinion, I prefer to go on a individual-tour whenever I go traveling. To begin with, I want to visit not only the scenic spots but also the common people. Second, I enjoy making friends along the route: the communication with them helps expand my vision and widen my horizon. Furthermore, the difficulties I come across during traveling can be part of my life experiences.

flexibility [7fleksE5biliti] 弹性，机动性n.名词

accommodation [E7kCmE5deiFEn] 膳宿n.名词

enchanting [in5tFB:ntiN] 迷人的adj.形容词

vision [5viVEn] 眼力，远见n.名词

horizon [hE5raizn] 范围，视野n.名词

in my opinion: 依我看来

come across: 遇见，碰上；发现

11双学位

【中文提示】

★近年，大学生读双学位成为一种现象

★双学位的好处：学习效率的提高；更多的竞争机会；找到好的工作

★双学位利大于弊

Recently it has become a phenomenon for college students to have two majors at the same time. In this way, they can get double BA degrees when they graduate from the university several years later.

Although it may bring unfavorable consequences, we can conclude this practice is favorable on the whole. To begin with, most students will become more hardworking and efficient in order to finish the learning tasks satisfactorily. Moreover, with two degrees after graduation, they will stand a better chance in the job market full of fierce competition. As for today's university students, tuition fees are becoming higher and higher. If they can make achievements in study in the university and find a satisfactory job afterwards, it will not be a big problem.

Weighing the pros and cons of such a new trend, we can naturally come to the conclusion that it is beneficial and rewarding. This system not only urges students to work hard, but also prepares them for the coming competition when they enter real society.

phenomenon [fi5nCminEn] 现象n.名词

efficient [i5fiFEnt] 有效率的，能干的adj.形容词

tuition fee 学费

pros and cons 赞成与反对

at the same time: adv. 同时，一齐

on the whole: adv. 大体上，总的来看

12 快速做决定

【中文提示】

★人的一生当中要做很多决定

★有人认为仓促作决定有错

★作者认为，快速决定是最好的

★偶尔快速决定，不一定总是错的

Everyone must make many decisions every day of their life. They range from the trivial--tea or coffee for breakfast--to issues of life-changing importance, such as whom to marry. Some people make decisions quickly, while others take as much time as possible to consider all their options. They tend to think that quick decisions are always wrong, but I disagree.

As a matter of fact, quick decisions are sometimes the best ones. When faced with a difficult choice, it is often our first instinct that is the best. Moreover, when we think too long about a decision we may become confused. And if we worry too much we may become so anxious that we are unable to make any decision at all. Last but not least, some decisions are simply too trivial to spend any time worrying about.

Long consideration does not guarantee that the choice we make will be the right one, and sometimes too much deliberation can even lead us astray. Therefore, I believe it is all right to make a quick decision now and then, it won't always be wrong.

trivial [5triviEl] 琐细的，微不足道的adj.形容词

instinct [5instiNkt] 本能n.名词

guarantee [7^ArEn5ti:] 保证v.动词

deliberation [di7libE5reiFE n] 商议，考虑n.名词

lead sb. astray 引入歧途

make a decision: 决定下来, 作出决定; 下决心

tend to : v. 注意, 趋向

s a matter of fact: adv.事实上；实际上

13从游戏中学习人生

【中文提示】

★游戏不仅是一种娱乐，也是一种学习方式

★从游戏中得到生活感悟

★游戏能锻炼人的能力

Games have played an important role in nearly every culture throughout history. They are not only a source of amusement, but also an important way of learning. Long ago, games simulated real-life situations and developed skills useful in hunting and warfare, important activities at that time. Today, games can still teach us a lot about life.

For example, organized games can teach us how to work as a team and get along with others. Games can also teach us how to win and lose gracefully. In addition, they can instill a sense of sportsmanship and fair play in young people that will be useful in their future endeavors. Finally, although hunting and fighting techniques are no longer essential, games can still help us develop certain practical skills. These skills may be physical or intellectual, such as logical thinking developed by more mentally challenging games.

In short, whatever type of games people play, they get more from them than just entertainment and relaxation. Games can help us develop abilities that will assist us in other activities in life. Therefore, they are an invaluable way of learning about life.

amusement [E5mju:zmEnt] 娱乐，消遣n.名词

simulate [5simjuleit] 模拟，模仿v.动词

instill [in5stil] 逐渐灌输思想v.动词

entertainment [entE5teinmEnt] 娱乐n.名词

invaluable [in5vAljuEbl] 无价的adj.形容词

get along : 融洽相处

be useful : 顶事，管用

14从实践中学习

【中文提示】

★实践是最有效的学习方法

★理由：能记忆犹新；比理论知识更有用；能从中吸取教训

★通过实践获得的知识有意义，所涉及的知识面更广泛

Learning is an essential part of growing, and there are many ways in which we learn. We learn from our parents, from our teachers in school and from our friends. All of these methods of learning have their advantages, but the one that is most effective for me is to learn by doing.

One reason I prefer to learn by doing is because I believe that experience is the best teacher. Knowledge that I gain through experience is the knowledge that I remember best. A second reason is that practical knowledge is often more useful than theoretical knowledge when dealing with problems in everyday life. Third, I can learn from the process itself. Even when I make mistakes, I can learn something from them. Finally, in this way--learning by doing allows me to make my own discoveries.

In conclusion, learning through experience is the best method for me because I can acquire practical knowledge and remember my lessons well. In addition, the knowledge I gain is not only meaningful, but also wider than what I can get from other methods of learning. Therefore, I will continue to try to learn as much as possible by doing things myself.

essential [i5senFEl] 本质的，基本的adj.形容词

advantage [Ed5vB:ntidV] 优势，有利条件n.名词

meaningful [5mi:niNful] 意味深长的adj.形容词

deal with: 发落；经办；经手；应付

in addition: 再加, 加以，此外

15选修课程

【中文提示】

★作者观点，选修课程有益

★能发现学生的天分与兴趣

★激发学生的学习动力

★使学生得到更全面的教育

The requirements of school systems differ from place to place. In some high schools, students follow a strict program of study, while in others they have the freedom to choose some of their courses.

I believe that it would be beneficial for all students to be able to choose some of their courses.

One reason is that choosing from a variety of courses would allow students to explore new areas of study. They may discover a new talent or interest and broaden their horizons. Another reason is that when students choose their own courses they take more responsibility for them and really try to do well. They will be more motivated to learn the material they want to learn. A final reason is that making such choices in high school will help prepare the students for their university lives.

In conclusion, it is my belief that students benefit from being able to choose courses they are interested in. Of course, they shall still take some required subjects, but the addition of elective courses would enable them to receive a more well-rounded education. Furthermore, they might be fortunate enough to discover a lifelong interest at an early age.

beneficial [beni5fiFEl] 有益的adj.形容词

talent [5tAlEnt] 天资，天赋n.名词

responsibility [ris7pCnsE5biliti] 责任，职责n.名词

motivated [5mEutiveitid] 有动机的adj.形容词

well-rounded 全面的综合发展；均衡的adj.形容词

differ from: 不同于；和……不同；和……意见不一致

be able to: 能够

16校园情侣

【中文提示】

★校园里情侣出双入对

★恋爱让人成熟

★引起的负面影响

Have you ever noticed those pairs of young lovers on campus who dine together, go to the reading room together and depart unwillingly in front of the dorm building? They range from age 17 to 22. Far from home and alone, seeking friendship, love and understanding, the boys and girls easily find comfort and appreciation in each other.

On the one hand, love really does good to the young's development. The one with brilliant performance in study can be the encouragement of the other. They compete and learn from each other, making an excellent match. Also in love, those who are accustomed to self-centered ways of thinking learn to take care of others and be considerate of others. They realize their responsibility as well as their importance. In a word, love makes one mature.

However, on the other hand, we cannot ignore the side effects that dating brings to the university young. Love and tenderness take time. Frequently going out on a date may result in frequent absence from class, which will undoubtedly hold up their learning pace. This should be taken seriously by those who indulge in sweet romance.

dorm [dC:m] 寝室，宿舍n.名词

appreciation [E7pri:Fi5eiFEn] 欣赏，仰慕n.名词

accustom [E5kQstEm] 使适应，使习惯v.动词

absence [5AbsEns] 缺席，缺课n.名词

indulge [in5dQldV] 沉溺于，宠坏v.动词

each other: 彼此，互相

take care of: 照顾

17移动电话在学生中的普及

【中文提示】

★学生用手机变得普遍起来

★原因：便宜；方便；代表潮流

Means of modern communication become more and more popular. On streets, if we hear the mobile phone sound, it is no longer surprising to notice the sound ringing from a middle school student. Moreover, the sight of the student with a school bag talking through a mobile phone has also become common, especially among college students.

There are several reasons for this phenomenon. On one hand, mobile phones are much cheaper than before. Some students with a good economic background can afford the machine and the service charge. Besides, it is really convenient for parents to contact their children. On the other hand, owning a little phone is a certain kind of fashion. The young are going after it by nature. So students love it and will try to demonstrate their modernity.

No one can stop the spread of mobile phones, for after all it is one of the signs of a modern society. But students should have a clear mind on how to use it. It ought to be a useful assistant but not a troublemaker.

phenomenon [fi5nCminEn] 现象n.名词

by nature 自然地

demonstrate [5demEnstreit] 证明v.动词

no longer: 不再

after all: 毕竟，终究

18出国留学的优点

【中文提示】

★作作者不赞同出国留学是不好的观点

★原因：出国符合全球化趋势；更具创造力；吸收新文化

★支持出国留学

Nowadays a significant number of students travel abroad to study. Going abroad for further study has become a popular trend. Its benefits and shortcomings have been argued and the majority regard it as a bad phenomenon. But I have a different viewpoint.

As we can see, cultural and economic communication have gone beyond national borders, and traditional boundaries of human society are falling away. Students go abroad and receive new views or ideas in the tendency of globalization.

Next, students pursue their further study under an all-new educational system, which enables them to study much more creatively. With the new technology and experience, when they return to their homeland, they will contribute a lot to this country's development.

Last but not least, as they have learned about different cultures and language environments, they acquire some useful and valuable skills and have a good command of, at least, one foreign language, which will benefit the exchanges of ideology and communications between this country and other nations.

For all the above benefits, priority should be given to studying abroad.

border [5bC:dE] 边界，界线n.名词

ideology [7aidi5ClEdVi, id-] 意识形态n.名词

regard as: 把……认作

at least: 至少

18家教利与弊

【中文提示】

★请家教的好处

★请家教的不足之处

★家教老师难尽其责

★必要时请家教

A recent investigation shows that about 80 percent of pupils have private tutors. People have different attitudes towards home tutoring bacause it has its advantages and disadvantages.

As private tutoring is usually one-to-one, the tutor has a clear picture of the strong points as well as the weak points of the student. When the students meet with difficulties in their study, they can turn to their private tutor if the teacher is taking care of other students in the class. However, private tutoring has its own disadvantages. For one thing, it takes up so much of the students' time that they can hardly find enough time for rest and entertainment, which are essential for their physical and mental health. For another, some teachers, busy shuttling from one family to another, tend to neglect their regular teaching duties. What's more, some teachers are eager to helping students do well on a test, offering the so-called test-taking tips rather than help them make full-grounded improvement.

Therefore, only moderate tutoring can help children to improve their learning especially for those who lack the ability to study by themselves. It is advisable that we should seek help from private tutors when it is necessary.

investigation [in7vesti5^eiFEn] 调查；研究n.名词

tutor [5tju:tE] 指导教师n.名词

shuttling 往返的adj.形容词

advisable [Ed5vaizEbl] 适当的；可取的adj.形容词

take up: 拿起，开始从事，吸收，占据

from...to: 从哪……到哪

19大学生创业

【中文提示】

★大学生开始创业

★大学时开始创业是个理想时期的原因

★前提：确保学业不受影响

With Chinese universities turning out as many as 3 million new graduates a year, the nation is quickly discovering the need to equip its young people not with just knowledge but the courage to build their own enterprises.

Although mixing academics with business can be difficult, college may actually be the ideal time to pursue entrepreneurship. There are several reasons. First of all, college students are often free from the "real-world" concerns like finding a job or buying a house. Many students say they are able to take greater risks and spend more time developing a business. Besides, running a small business can be a valuable learning experience for student entrepreneurs, for example, business strategies, managing human relationship, serving other people and so on. In this way adding entrepreneurial knowledge to the menu of the students' skills toughens them into the nation's future leaders of business development. Last but not least, university undergraduate entrepreneurs can help society create jobs to benefit the overall business environment of the country.

In conclusion, college students should try their hands at innovative undertakings on campus.

However, one prerequisite is that they have to assure their studies will not be interfered with.

entrepreneur [7CntrEprE5nE:] 企业家n.名词

entrepreneurial 企业家的adj.形容词

innovative [`InEJveItIv] 创新的adj.形容词

prerequisite [5pri:5rekwizit] 先决条件n.名词

interfere [7intE5fiE] 干涉，干预v.动词

turn out: 驱逐，使外倾，生产

and so on: 等等

20英语能力与高薪

【中文提示】

★以前可以找到好工作的先决条件

★如今，英语成为找到好工作的必要条件

★英语能力的高低直接关系到薪水的多还是少

Hard working, being smooth and slick in handling interpersonal relationships and having professional skills--they were once the prerequisites for good jobs and a promotion. But these days, they are not enough.

When applying for a job, applicants are always required to demonstrate their English capabilities, especially those in the field of foreign trade. They consider communicative competence in English to be a decisive factor in hiring a potential employee. A recent survey conducted by a human resource website, which interviewed thousands of company clerks and government employees in the country's major cities, showed that there was a significant gap between the salaries of people with different proficiencies in English. People with a good command of English have an average yearly income of more than 53,000 yuan (US$6,450) while those with an intermediate level of English have an average yearly income standing around 31,200 yuan (US$3,770). Therefore a good command of English often leads to a higher salary in the job market, which partly explains why many Chinese people are learning English in such unprecedented numbers nowadays.

With the Chinese economy and its society increasingly moving into line with the outside world, proficiency in English has become essential for many careers. Good English capabilities can be a contributing factor to jobseekers professional recognition and career prospect.

slick [slik] 办事圆滑的adj.形容词

prerequisite [5pri:5rekwizit] 先决条件n.名词

competence [5kRmpEtEns] 能力n.名词

intermediate [7intE5mi:djEt] 中间的adj.形容词

unprecedented [Qn5presidEntid] 空前的adj.形容词

recognition [7rekE^5niFEn] 承认，公认n.名词

contribute to: 捐献

21就业？考研？

【中文提示】

★毕业后开始创业所带来的好处

★继续深造也有好处

★做出正确的选择

Will you focus your energy on finding work, or apply for further education and training?

Choosing to pursue a career can lead to a wide range of benefits. Firstly, after eighteen or so years of study, many graduates find the transition from theoretical study to practical work refreshing and excel at their career. Secondly, earning a salary brings material benefits. Thirdly, you may participate in domestic and /or overseas business trips and enjoy a range of company perks, from gym membership to free or subsidised health insurance.

On the other hand if you choose wisely, completing a postgraduate course will bring intellectual and material benefits. For first degree holders, postgraduate study can offer you the chance to pursue extended research, enter the world of work at a higher salary level than your bachelor degree holding colleagues, or acquire vocational training and skills.

While at first it may feel a little daunting to choose between entering the world of work or pursuing a higher education, be assured, your decision can't be wrong if it's well thought out.

theoretical [WiE5retikEl] 理论的adj.形容词

excel [ik5sel] 擅长；胜过v.动词

perk [pE:k] 额外津贴n.名词

subsidised 给予补助金的adj.形容词

daunting 使人畏缩的adj.形容词

apply for: 申请

lead to: 导致，诱致，通连，引出

22大学生结婚

【中文提示】

★校园婚姻成为一种趋势

★反对者认为不理智；有人认为感情成熟与年龄无关

★为什么大学生会选择结婚

★什么才是美好的婚姻

Nowadays, with the green light given to China's education authority, there is a noticeable trend toward campus marriage, which aroused a hot debate among people. Many people are opposed to this "early" marriage, they think that such marriages are not rational, while others maintain that emotional maturity is no respecter of birthdays; it does not arrive automatically at twenty-one or twenty-five. Some achieve it surprisingly early while others never do even at thirty-five.

Many students are marrying as an escape, not only from an unsatisfactory home life, but also from their own problems of isolation and loneliness. Unfortunately, marriage seldom solves one's problems. More often, it magnifies them. Furthermore, their expectations of marriage are too high and essentially utopian, and therefore incapable of fulfillment.

Shall we, then, lament over campus marriage? One cannot generalize. Satisfactory marriages are not determined by time but by the emotional maturity of the partners. As long as young couples can handle properly the issue of students, marriage and family, as long as it is economically feasible, they can get married while being a college student.

trend [trend] 趋势n.名词

arouse [E5rauz] 引起v.动词

rational [5rAFEnl] 理性的adj.形容词

maintain [men5tein] 主张v.动词

maturity [mE5tjuEriti] 成熟n.名词

respecter [ris5pektE] 尊敬者n.名词

magnify [5mA^nifai] 扩大，放大v.动词

utopian [ju:5tEupjEn] 乌托邦的，空想的adj.形容词

lament [lE5ment] 为…感到悲痛v.动词

opposed to: 相反的，对立的

23第二职业

【中文提示】

★第二职业给第一职业构成威胁

★追求第二职业的人的看法

★第二职业产生的问题

★作者观点

With the quickened reform pace, taking up second professions has become a new trend in all walks of life. Now more and more people are taking part-time jobs, which has constituted a serious threat to first professions.

Many people feel positive about the increasing number of people pursuing second professions. They say this is a natural outgrowth of the changing economy and growing market demands. Some people can fully use their energy and time. People also want to increase their income without losing the benefits of the "iron-bowl". However, some people think the trend also creates problems. For example, if a teacher takes up a second profession, it would be unlikely that he can guarantee the high teaching quality. After all, school is a place for teaching, and a teacher's care should be students, not the money.

Personally, I think taking up the second profession can quicken the pace of economic development, enrich our experience and increase our income. However, it is not advisable to spend too much time on it, because we need time to study further and improve our skills to carry out the duty of our profession well. Never overreach ourselves to follow the fashion.

pursue [pE5sju:] 追求，寻找v.动词

iron-bowl 铁饭碗n.名词

take up: 开始花时间（从事某项活动）

so as to: 为的是；以便

24顾客就是上帝

【中文提示】

★市场销售是以消费者为中心的

★原因：分析消费需求

★迎合消费者需求

Common production focuses on the needs of the seller to produce goods and then convert them into money while marketing focuses on the wants of consumers.

It begins with first analyzing the preferences and demands of consumers and then producing goods that will satisfy them. This eye-on-the-consumer approach is known as the marketing concept, which simply means that instead of trying to sell whatever is easiest to produce or buy for resale, the makers and dealers first endeavor to find out what the consumer wants to buy and then go about making it available for purchase. This concept does not imply that business is benevolent or that consumer satisfaction is given priority over profit in a company. Successful merchants and producers, however, recognize that the surest route to profit is through understanding and catering to customers. A striking example of the importance of catering to the consumer presented itself in mid-1985, when Coca Cola changed the flavor of its drink. The non-acceptance of the new flavor by a significant portion of the public brought about a prompt restoration of the Classic Coke, which was then marketed alongside the new.

In a market of sellers and buyers, the orientation of all the business transactions lies in the demand of customers. So King Customer rules!

convert [kEn5vE:t] 转变；变换v.动词

preference [5prefErEns] 偏爱n.名词

endeavor [in5devE] 努力，尽力v.动词

benevolent [bi5nevElEnt] 慈善的adj.形容词

orientation [7C(:)rien5teiFEn] 方向，定位n.名词

convert into: 转变；转化；转换

bring about: 引起；导致；造成；带来

25成功的面试＝好工作

【中文提示】

★为什么面试是一个最重要的环节

★面试成功的技巧：搜集信息；注意细节；询问结果

★知己知彼才能百战百胜

The job interview is the single most important part of getting a job. It's your chance to show your future bosses how much you fit in the position; furthermore, you also can obtain an explicit impression of the company and the employer. It gives the potential employee and potential employer a chance to learn more about each other.

Here are some tips you should follow in order to have a successful job interview. For the first thing, gather as much information on the company as you can before the interview. You must impress the interviewer with your knowledge about the company and the industry. Secondly, there are some details about personal behaviours you should pay attention to during the interview. For example, offer up your firmest handshake; make eye contact; sit up straight; smile; speak up--but never interrupt; nod; be prepared for common questions; etc. One last great tip about the interview is, don't think it's the end of the interview when you walk out of the interview room. Send a thank-you letter or make a follow-up phone call after the interview.

As long as you pay attention to the above aspects when you are to have a job interview, you will be confident to succeed in the interview and get the job you love.

explicit [iks5plisit] 明确的，清楚的adj.形容词

interrupt [7intE5rQpt] 打断，中断v.动词

pay attention to: 注意

succeed in: 成功；达成

26 与老板“亲密接触”

【中文提示】

★跟老板打好交道是个必胜的法宝

★以老板的角度看问题

★提高抱怨的技巧

★和老板建立起良好的关系

Consciously working with your superior to obtain the best results for you, your boss and the company is a definite winning strategy. But how does this work, exactly?

One way is to help your boss see that you are looking at issues from his or her perspective--not just from your own. So if your boss is saying NO to your killer idea because there are insufficient funds, don't just grouse. Ask your boss what's needed to move forward and how you can help.

Whatever the boss' concerns, address them--meaningfully and quickly. Because by solving the boss's concerns, you subtly influence him or her to work more on yours.

Another key is in improving how to complain. Most complaints are caused by broken commitments, stated or otherwise. Therefore, when making a complaint, it's essential that you are able to: Clearly and crisply state your complaint and its impact without getting defensive or aggressive. If your complaint is properly addressed, be sure to say, "Thank you." If it's not, say, "Thank you for trying. Now what else can we do about this problem?"

Developing a good relationship with your boss is vital for a low-stress, high-reward working life and you are in control.

consciously 有意识地adv.副词

perspective [pE5spektiv] 判断事物的方法；眼力n.名词

insufficient [7insE5fiFEnt] 不足的，不够的adj.形容词

defensive [di5fensiv] 自卫的adj.形容词

aggressive [E5^resiv] 侵略性的，攻击性的adj.形容词

vital [5vaitl] 至关重要的adj.形容词

superior to: 质量或价值更好的

27 怎么叫老板加薪

【中文提示】

★找业内人士确认平均薪水

★预先做后备计划

★更加努力工作

After working at the same job for some time, most people feel that they deserve a raise in pay. Just because you think you deserve a raise doesn't mean that anyone else agrees with you.

The first thing to do is to check with people in a similar field as you to see how much the average raise is. If you go in asking for too much or too little they will either think you are greedy or that you have no self worth. List any and all of your accomplishments and contributions to the company.

As your boss usually will want to lower your request by a little, make your request slightly higher than the amount that you would be happy with. If your boss rejects your request, have a backup plan ready. Ask if instead of a increase in your salary that you would like more paid vacation time, stock options, or maybe a membership to the local gym.

Finally once you get your raise do not think that you can let up in the amount of work you do. In fact you should try to do a few extra things to show your boss that you really did deserve the raise you received.

deserve [di5zE:v] 应受，值得v.动词

accomplishment [E5kCmpliFmEnt] 成就，完成n.名词

reject [ri5dVekt] 拒绝，否决v.动词

let up 停止，放松

ask for: 邀请

let up: 减弱；停止；放松

28办公室恋情

【中文提示】

★办公室恋情成为一种普遍现象

★办公室恋情的优点：节省时间；深入了解

★不利因素：容易产生摩擦；影响到工作效率

Office romance is fairly common these days as we spend a third or more of our lives in the office or other places of work. It is a non-threatening environment where we have an opportunity to meet potential dating partners and learn more about them than just what they look like.

There are many issues--both positive and negative--to consider before engaging in office romance. One of the positive aspects is time efficiency, since you no longer need to search for a significant other in the evening. A second advantage to dating someone in the workplace is that since you spend so many hours together at work, you already have an idea of what they are like. This can save you from lots of headaches down the road.

Office romances also have their drawbacks. The fact that couples are in constant contact with one another day and night may cause friction within the relationship, as everyone needs "alone time" to pursue hobbies or hang out with friends. Besides, office romances may interfere with individuals abilities to perform their professional duties. There is obvious potential for conflicts of interest between office situations and relationships.

Besides all the aforementioned, the bottom line is if you truly fall in love with someone, will you really care where he/she works?

potential [pE5tenF(E)l] 潜在的adj.形容词

drawback [5drC:7bAk] 缺点n.名词

friction [5frikFEn] 摩擦n.名词

aforementioned [E`fR:9menFEnd] 前面讲到的adj.形容词

fall in love: 相爱；爱上

29 如何舒缓工作压力

【中文提示】

★办公时间怎样舒缓压力：小憩，做一些简单的事情

★不同的时间段做不同的工作

★听音乐来舒缓压力

The time you spend at the office may be the most stressful part of your day, but it doesn't have to be. You have a greater ability to shape your office environment than you may realize. Take breaks throughout the day. It will help clear your mind and relieve pressure. Something as simple as going to the water cooler for a drink may do the trick.

Enroll in a noontime or an after-work exercise class. This will give you a chance to unwind and a way to relieve stress. To help your workday go smoothly, try pacing your activities: Do more demanding work in the morning, when your energy level is higher, and easier work later in the day, when you may be tired.

Try listening to music recordings, such as a pounding surf or songbirds, to help you relax. Use headphones if youl be listening to them in the middle of the workday. If your stress comes from job insecurity, take stock of yourself. Update your resume, and remind yourself of your skills and strengths. Also, make sure you keep up with new developments in your field. This will make you valuable to employers.

do the trick 获得成功

enroll [In5rEJl] 加入；入会v.动词

relieve [ri5li:v] 减轻，缓解v.动词

pounding [5paundiN] 打击n.名词

insecurity [7insi5kjuEriti] 不安全感n.名词

make sure: 查明；弄确实

keep up with: 赶得上

30 广告

【中文提示】

★广告的真正影响

★广告设计的用意和目的是什么

★应该以判断的眼光看待广告

We are all exposed to advertisements every day and their effect cannot be denied. While it is true that some advertisements do provide useful information about new products, I believe that their primary effect is to encourage people to buy things that they don't really need.

First of all, most advertising does not introduce a brand-new product. Instead, it is designed to persuade consumers that one company's product is superior to that of another company. Second, when a product is new, the advertising is often designed to create demand for it. In other words, its goal is to convince potential buyers that this new product is really necessary, whether or not it actually is. Third, many advertisements are image ads, designed to sell people luxury products. The ads imply that by buying such products the consumer will gain something else such as happiness, respect or love.

That is not to say that the advertisements are deceptive. They are simply designed to create a need for the product among consumers. Therefore, we should all look at advertisements with a critical eye in order to avoid buying things that are not necessary.

be exposed to 接触

deny [di5nai] 否认；否定v.动词

superior [sju:5piEriE] 较好的，出众的adj.形容词

luxury product 奢侈品

deceptive [di5septiv] 不实的；欺骗的adj.形容词

expose to: （使）暴露

in order to: 为了……起见；以……为目的

31打折销售，不再有效

【中文提示】

★原因：消费者变理智；怀疑打折背后的真相

★销售方面应发展新技术

Discounts are a much-used means of attracting customers and promoting the sales of some products. However, after years of craze about discounts, it is rapidly losing its appeal.

There are several reasons for this. First, customers are more mature and sensible when buying. They are more careful about their money and have a more reasonable budget. Second, customers begin to suspect what is behind the attractive appearance of discount. How much money are the articles on sale really worth? And how much more money may the sellers earn if they sell them at original prices? Therefore discounts seem to them more like a trap than a good bargain.

In my view, discounting is not a cure-all for sellers. Some sensible enterprises wisely stick to improving quality and adding more variety to their products as their market strategy. And above all, I should say, as customers become more and more mature, the sellers have to come out with new techniques to adapt themselves to the ever-changing customer-oriented market.

promote [prE5mEut] 促进v.动词

appeal [E5pi:l] 请求，吸引力n.名词

sensible [5sensEbl] 明智的adj.形容词

budget [5bQdVit] 预算n.名词

bargain [5bB:^in] 便宜货n.名词

cure-all 灵丹妙药n.名词

adapt [E5dApt] 使适应v.动词

on sale: 出售

above all: 尤其是；最重要的是

31存钱还是花钱？

【中文提示】

★传统思想：存钱；现代思想：花钱

★作者观点，鼓励花钱

★消费带来的好处

Most people, especially people rooted in old Chinese traditions, tend to save money. However, more and more people with modern ideas tend to spend money and even use their future money by applying to the bank for loans.

As for me, I am of the opinion that people should be encouraged to spend their money. And I think it is of far-reaching significance. In the first place, consuming helps the circulation of currency and speeds up our production. Besides, with active consumption and production, there will be an impetus to the development of our economy. Moreover, with the thriving of our economy, people's living standards will be improved and certainly their income will be increased, that is people will have more money to enjoy themselves.

From what has been discussed above, we may draw the conclusion that spending money plays an important role in the development of our economy, so we should encourage people to spend more of their money instead of depositing all of their money in the bank.

apply [E5plai] 申请v.动词

circulation [7sE:kju5leiFEn] 流通v.动词

impetus [5impitEs] 刺激，推动力n.名词

thriving 繁荣n.名词

deposit [di5pCzit] 将（钱）存入银行v.动词

speed up: 加速；增速

instead of: 代替

32 幸运数字真的幸运吗？

【中文提示】

★有人认为幸运数字能带来好运

★有人认为运气与数字无关

★作者认为，运气是靠自己努力的成果

Some people take it for granted that some lucky numbers can bring them good luck. For instance, the so-called lucky number "8" is widely used now because it is sounds like "getting rich" in Chinese and is believed to bring good fortune.

Yet many others don't think so. They think that numbers have nothing to do with luck. They regard numbers simply as mathematic symbols for counting. They are anything but a mystery. They laugh at those who think numbers can bring good luck.

I'm in favor of the latter opinion. I think in this modern-day society, we mustn't count on so-called lucky numbers to fulfill our wishes. Whether we can have good luck depends on ourselves. If we work hard, good luck will come to us.

mathematic [9mAWL`mAtIk] 数学的adj.形容词

mystery [5mistEri] 神秘的事物n.名词

in favor of 赞同，有利于

take it for granted: 认为当然；想当然

in favor of: 赞同；支持

32 犯罪率日益上升

【中文提示】

★犯罪率日益上升

★原因：分配的不均；暴力片的负面影响；失去信念和信任；经济和政治原因

★大家共同努力，使社会更加美好

It is known to all that crime is on the rise. The means of committing a crime are numerous and varied. Murder and robbery, not to speak of theft, are often seen. What causes a crime rate to rise? I think the reasons are as follows:

First, there exist the unfairness in distribution. More work does not result in more pay. Tycoons are not hard-working people but profiteers. Some government officials abuse power and make public money their own.

Second, the influence of violence and horror films on young people has a negative effect. The films and songs about love, revenge and friendship teach young people to give kindness for kindness, hatred for hatred and tit for tat.

Third, people tend to lose faith and belief. The traditional revolutionary education has somewhat been abandoned. People talk less about patriotism but more about making money. Money-oriented people are cold and indifferent to each other.

There are many social and economic reasons that cause crime rate to rise. However, I believe, with the joint efforts of people, we are sure to make a better world to live in.

on the rise 处于上升趋势

numerous [5nju:mErEs] 许多的adj.形容词

distribution [7distri5bju:FEn] 分配n.名词

abuse [E5bju:z] 滥用v.动词

revenge [ri5vendV] 报复n.名词

hatred [5heitrid] 憎恨n.名词

tit for tat 针锋相对，以牙还牙

abandon [E5bAndEn] 放弃，遗弃v.动词

patriotism [5pAtriEtizEm, 5pei-] 爱国精神n.名词

tit for tat: 针锋相对；一报还一报

33为何旅游如此火热？

【中文提示】

★旅游在中国越来越受欢迎

★原因：思想观念的变化；收入的增加；旅游资源的开发

★旅游的好处

In recent years, tourism has become more and more popular with Chinese people. People discuss tourist plans with each other, book train and plane seats well ahead of time, lest they should all be booked up.

The first reason of this tourist craze should be attributed to the change within people's mind. People like to relax themselves during their holidays. Enjoying oneself from time to time is replacing the previous belief in continuous hard work. The second reason is the swelling of their wallets, which enables people to afford tourist expenses. In response to the travelers' needs, local authorities try to exploit their own characteristic tourist resources in order to make profit on tourism. As a result, tourism becomes more and more popular.

I also enjoy touring, both for relaxation and enrichment of knowledge. I hope we will be provided with more and more scenic spots and interesting holiday resorts.

tourism [5tJErIz(E)m] 旅游业；观光n.名词

book [buk] 预订，定票v.动词

craze [kreiz] 时尚，风行一时的事；狂热n.名词

be attributed to 归因于

swelling [5sweliN] 增大；膨胀n.名词

exploit [iks5plCit] 开发v.动词

resort [ri5zC:] 度假胜地n.名词

be attributed to: 把（某事）归因于，认为是……的结果

as a result: 结果；效果；后果

34 彩票热

【中文提示】

★各种各样的彩票吸引着人们

★买彩票的原因：实现百万富翁的梦想；为社会做贡献

★只要控制其范围，彩票将会起到有利作用

Nowadays, caught by the magic charm of the lottery, many luck triers are fond of buying all kinds of lottery tickets, such as computer lottery tickets, welfare tickets, and sports tickets. They hope to realize their colorful and fanciful dreams by doing so. As a matter of fact, most people simply can't tear themselves away from the lottery wheels. Some even spend hundreds of yuan weekly trying their luck at becoming rich. Why do so many people try their luck on lottery tickets? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

The primary reason for the majority of fortune-seekers is that they hope to own a car, a luxurious house, or even become a millionaire overnight if ever someday the lucky star should shine upon them. Therefore, so many people are addicted to playing the lottery and they waste a lot of

money on collecting. On the other hand, many people buy lottery tickets because they regard it as an interesting way to make donations to society. The lottery is a kind of public campaign which benefits the whole society. Thanks to the participation of so many people, a great deal of money is raised to promote our public welfare. In this way the heavy burden on the government is greatly relieved.

The effect of lottery, we cannot generalize. It may mislead people but it also does much good to the whole nation as long as we practice it within reasonable limits.

lottery tickets 彩票

welfare [5welfZE] 福利n.名词

donation [dEu5neiFEn] 贡献，捐款n.名词

participation [pB:7tisi5peiFEn] 参与n.名词

be addicted to: 有瘾的；上瘾的，沉溺于

as long as: 假如；如果；只要

34 人造美女

【中文提示】

★人造美女热是不可避免的

★外科在中国的普及

★现在的中国人讲求时尚

★外科整容的例子发人深省

Following the rapid development of the social economy, people have become much wealthier and have more money to chase after beauty. The artificial beauty craze seems to be almost inevitable. Yet, upcoming artificial beauty contests have aroused some public interest. Maybe it is the prosperity of the Western-taste-inspired beauty economy in China.

Not so long ago, beauty contests were strictly banned in China when the nation extolled the spartan style of living and rejected even simple makeup as vanity and bourgeois. Today, corrective surgery is ubiquitous from modern Chinese cities to backwater rural towns.

It seems paradoxical, but it has become a reality in China today. While fad-obsessed women want everything going into their stomachs to be natural, they are, on the other hand, increasingly seeking artificial means to recreate their outward appearances.

The upcoming event does include an exhibition of plastic surgery, on which both successful and unsuccessful cases will be displayed. Yang Y ang, a college student in a southwestern city, spent 800 yuan at a less scrupulous beauty parlor to have a luscious big mouth. But the operation failed her. She can hardly smile now because she says, "my face hurts when I open my mouth."

artificial [7B:ti5fiFEl] 人造的adj.形容词

inevitable [in5evitEbl] 不可避免的adj.形容词

extol [iks5tCl] 赞美v.动词

spartan [5spB:tEn] 简单的，朴素的adj.形容词

bourgeois [bE5dVCis] 资产阶级n.名词

ubiquitous [ju:5bikwitEs] 普遍存在的adj.形容词

paradoxical [7pArE5dCksikEl] 荒谬的adj.形容词

fad-obsessed 迷恋时尚的adj.形容词

parlor [5pB:lE] 店营业室n.名词

luscious [5lQFEs] 迷人的，性感的adj.形容词

chase after: 追赶；追逐；追捕

35交通问题

【中文提示】

★世界各地面临着交通堵塞的困扰

★全球各大城市如何解决这一难题：地铁；出租车