宫东风《四级阅读天天练》_CET阅读
1. perseverance
of all the advantageous characteristics to have, i think that perseverance play s the greatest role in one’s success. other characteristics, such as intelligence, confidence, and honesty, are no doubt important, but they do not necessarily guarantee success. perseverance offers no guarantees either, but i believe that this trait offers one more opportunity to succeed.
there are several reasons why perseverance often leads to success. first of all, a man who has perseverance does not give up after a failure. he tries again and can, therefore, learn from his mistakes. second, a persistent person is usually a hard worker, and hard work is an important ingredient in success. last, with perseverance comes a certain amount of confidence - the confidence that one will eventually succeed.
for all of these reasons, i believe that perseverance is the most important characteristic to have. it is easily combined with other traits such as diligence and confidence to increase the chances of success. however, without perseverance, one’s success may be more dependent on luck than anything else.
参考译文：
毅力
我认为一个人能否成功，毅力在所有的优点中扮演了最重要的角色。虽然其他的特点，比如聪明才智、信心和诚实都无疑很重要，但是并不能保证一定能使人成功。虽然有毅力也无法保证能成功，但是我相信这个特质会让人有更多的成功的机会。
有毅力就容易成功的原因有好几个。首先，有毅力的人在失败之后不会放弃。他们会再试一次，因此就能从错误中学习。其次，不屈不挠的人通常都十分努力，而努力就是成功的重要因素。最后，有毅力就会产生一定程度的信心--相信自己终究会成功。
基于这些原因，我认为毅力是必须拥有的最重要的特质。毅力很容易就能和其他特点相结合，比如勤勉与信心，这样便能增加成功的机会。然而，如果没有毅力，一个人的成功可能就会需要多靠运气，而不是其他的特质。
2. learning about life
as we grow, we learn many things about life. some of these lessons are easy and some are difficult. what is the best way to learn them? some believe that they can learn best by listening to the advice of others, while some people believe that it is better to learn through personal experience. both methods have their advantages.
in the first case, learning by listening to others, we have the benefit of learning from others’ mistakes and are thus being able to avoid them ourselves. we can take advantage of the experience and wisdom of our friends and family. this will help us to make better decisions and avoid costly errors. furthermore, the people who know us well can advise us effectively because they understand our strengths and weak nesses. at the same time, they are sometimes able to see situations more objectively than we are.
in the second case, learning through doing, we have the advantage of gaining meaningful experience. we will no doubt better remember the lessons we learn when we enjoy the rewards or suffer the consequences ourselves. moreover, we can often develop other skills through personal experience and can learn from our mistakes.
finally, no two people are exactly alike. therefore, what family and friends think may be suitable for them, but not appropriate for us.
given a choice between these two ways of learning about life, i would still choose the former, learning through the advice of others. this is because i believe i should take advantage of all the resources available, and the experiences of my family and friends are a valuable resource. for example, if i were preparing to take my first trip abroad on my own, the advice of others who have already experienced such a trip could only help me. just as we can learn from history, we can learn from the past actions of those close to us.
of all the advantageous characteristics to have, i think that perseverance play s the greatest role in one’s success. other characteristics, such as intelligence, confidence, and honesty, are no doubt important, but they do not necessarily guarantee success. perseverance offers no guarantees either, but i believe that this trait offers one more opportunity to succeed.
there are several reasons why perseverance often leads to success. first of all, a man who has perseverance does not give up after a failure. he tries again and can, therefore, learn from his mistakes. second, a persistent person is usually a hard worker, and hard work is an important ingredient in success. last, with perseverance comes a certain amount of confidence - the confidence that one will eventually succeed.
for all of these reasons, i believe that perseverance is the most important characteristic to have. it is easily combined with other traits such as diligence and confidence to increase the chances of success. however, without perseverance, one’s success may be more dependent on luck than anything else.
参考译文：
毅力
我认为一个人能否成功，毅力在所有的优点中扮演了最重要的角色。虽然其他的特点，比如聪明才智、信心和诚实都无疑很重要，但是并不能保证一定能使人成功。虽然有毅力也无法保证能成功，但是我相信这个特质会让人有更多的成功的机会。
有毅力就容易成功的原因有好几个。首先，有毅力的人在失败之后不会放弃。他们会再试一次，因此就能从错误中学习。其次，不屈不挠的人通常都十分努力，而努力就是成功的重要因素。最后，有毅力就会产生一定程度的信心--相信自己终究会成功。
基于这些原因，我认为毅力是必须拥有的最重要的特质。毅力很容易就能和其他特点相结合，比如勤勉与信心，这样便能增加成功的机会。然而，如果没有毅力，一个人的成功可能就会需要多靠运气，而不是其他的特质。
2. learning about life
as we grow, we learn many things about life. some of these lessons are easy and some are difficult. what
is the best way to learn them? some believe that they can learn best by listening to the advice of others, while some people believe that it is better to learn through personal experience. both methods have their advantages.
in the first case, learning by listening to others, we have the benefit of learning from others’ mistakes and are thus being able to avoid them ourselves. we can take advantage of the experience and wisdom of our friends and family. this will help us to make better decisions and avoid costly errors. furthermore, the people who know us well can advise us effectively because they understand our strengths and weak nesses. at the same time, they are sometimes able to see situations more objectively than we are.
in the second case, learning through doing, we have the advantage of gaining meaningful experience. we will no doubt better remember the lessons we learn when we enjoy the rewards or suffer the consequences ourselves. moreover, we can often develop other skills through personal experience and can learn from our mistakes.
finally, no two people are exactly alike. therefore, what family and friends think may be suitable for them, but not appropriate for us.
given a choice between these two ways of learning about life, i would still choose the former, learning through the advice of others. this is because i believe i should take advantage of all the resources available, and the experiences of my family and friends are a valuable resource. for example, if i were preparing to take my first trip abroad on my own, the advice of others who have already experienced such a trip could only help me. just as we can learn from history, we can learn from the past actions of those close to us.
in conclusion, i find advantages in both ways of learning. although i prefer to learn by listening to the advice of others, that does not mean i will forgo learning through my own experiences. it does mean, however, that i will approach new experiences with the added benefit of my family and friends’ good advice.
参考译文：
学习人生
在成长过程中，我们会学到生活中的许多事情。其中有些教训很简单，而有些却很困难。什么是获取教训最好的方法？有些人认为，他们可以通过听取别人的建议而获得最好的学习效果，而有些人却认为最好是通过亲身体验来学习。这两种方法各有优点。
第一种方法是听取别人的建议而学习，因为我们可以从别人所犯过的错误中学习，避免再犯相同的错误。我们还可以利用家人和朋友的经验或智慧来帮助我们做出更好的决定，避免犯下代价高昂的错误。此外，因为他们了解我们，知道我们的优缺点，所以能提供有用的建议。同时，他们对于事情的看法有时比我们客观。
第二种方法是从做中学，这样我们可以因为得到宝贵的经验而获益。毫无疑问，当我们因为自己所做的事情而享受成果或承担后果时，我们会对这些教训记忆得更加深刻。此外，通过亲身体验，可以培养其他的技巧，而且也能从错误中学习。最后，没有两个人是完全相同的，因此，家人或朋友的想法也许只适合他们自己，不见得适合我们。
若要我从这两种学习人生的方法中选一个，我仍然会选择前者，也就是从别人的建议中学习。因为我认为，应该利用所有可获得的资源，而家人与朋友的经验就是宝贵的资源。例如，如果我初次要准备自己出国旅行，那么有类似出国旅行经验的人所提供的建议对我就很有帮助。正如我们能从中学习一样，我们也能从周围的人的经验中学习。
总之，我认为这两种学习方法各有优点。尽管我比较喜欢听取别人的建议，但这不表示我就不会亲身去体验。然而，这确实意味着我除了会体验新的经验，同时还要听取家人与朋友提供的忠告，这样才能获得更大的益处。
3. keeping customs
when people move to another country, they not only face a different environment and language, but also different customs. every culture has its own customs, and all of them aver valuable. however, deciding how to deal with the problem of unfamiliar customs is a challenge for many immigrants. some choose to follow the customs of their new country, while others prefer to adhere to their own customs. each of these choices has some advantages as explained below.
when people choose to follow the customs of their adopted country, they may find that it helps them to adapt more quickly to the new society. they have something to discuss and share with their new neighbors, and sharing customs is one way for people to feel closer to one another. thus, following the new customs may help immigrants feel more at home. it may also help them to see the positive things in their new environment and do forget their feelings of homesickness.
on the other hand, those who choose to continue following their own customs may also find that it helps them feel more at home. there are many things to adjust to in another country, and following their traditional customs may help people feel more secure in the new surroundings. more importantly, our customs are a part of us. they are an expression of the culture that has shaped us. this is something that most of us would like to pass down to our children and share with others. sharing our old customs can also bring us closer to our new neighbors.
to sum up, our customs have value and are an important part of our culture. therefore, i don’t believe that we should abandon our traditional customs when we move to another country. at the same time, i believe that we should learn about the customs of our new home and follow those that appeal to us. in this way, we can remember and celebrate our old culture while adapting to our new one.
参考译文：
保存习俗
当人们搬到另一个国家后，不仅要面对不同的环境和语言，还要面对不同的风俗习惯。每种文化都有其风俗习惯，而且都非常重要。然而，如何应付因不熟悉习俗所产生的问题，对许多移民而言都是一项挑战。有些人选择遵从新国家的风俗习惯，有些人则宁可坚守自己国家的风俗习惯。如以下所解释的，这两种选择都有一些优点。
当人们选择遵从他们移入国家的风
俗习惯时，他们可能会觉得这样有助于更快地适应新的社会。和新邻居有话题和聊，有东西可以分享，而且拥有相同的风俗习惯，有助于使移民感到更舒服自在，也会帮助他们看到新环境的优点，忘掉思乡的情绪。
另一方面，那些选择坚持自己本国风俗习惯的人是因为觉得这样做有助于让他们觉得更自在。要适应另一个国家，有很多事要做，而遵从传统的风俗习惯会让人在陌生的环境中觉得较有安全感。更重要的是，风俗习惯是我们的一部分，能表达出塑造我们的文化原貌，这是我们大多数人都想传承给自己的小孩并和他人分享的东西。和新邻居分享我们的传统习俗也可以使我们和新邻居更亲近。
总之，风俗习惯有其价值，并且是我们文化中很重要的一部分。因此，我不认为当我们搬到新的国家时就应该抛弃传统习俗。同时，我认为我们应该学习新家园的风俗习惯，遵从其中那些我们所喜爱的。如此一来，我们一方面能够适应新的文化，同时也能保持并颂扬自己旧有的文化。
4. planning activities
in this busy society, our free time is very valuable to us. it is important that we take some time to relax and renew our energy in order to face the challenges ahead of us. different people like to spend their leisure time in different ways. some like to plan their activities so that they can make the most of the time available while others prefer not to plan anything. both schools of thought have their advantages.
when people carefully plan their leisure time, they will not waste any time on decision making or last-minute preparations. this saves them time and, therefore, makes them feel that they have more free time to enjoy. planning ahead also allows people to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in certain restricted activities. for example, by planning ahead, they can buy tickets for a concert or play that may later be sold out. finally, being better prepared for an activity not only saves time but can make the outing more fun and more meaningful. it is not much fun to make a spontaneous trip to the beach only to find you have left your swimsuit at home.
however, unplanned leisure time also has its advantages. with no commitment to take part in a certain activity or meet a friend at a certain hour, the non-planner can take advantage of last minute changes and opportunities. furthermore, he will not be disappointed should his plans fall through, because he has made none. on the other hand, if someone has looked forward to a baseball game all week, it is very disappointing if it is cancelled due to rain. last but not least, unplanned leisure time can be more relaxing. during the work week, we must all be punctual and face deadlines. some people prefer to make their free time as different from that as possible.
although both planned and unplanned leisure time have their benefits, i still prefer to plan my free time activities. my free time is limited, and so i want to make the best use of it. by planning ahead, i can take part in the activities that i want and spend time with the people i want to see. and in case my plans should be changed by unforeseen circumstances, i can always go to plan b.
参考译文：
规划活动
在这个忙碌的社会中，空闲时间对我们而言是非常珍贵的。找个时间放松一下并且恢复精力以面对接踵而来的挑战是很重要的。每个人喜欢的休闲方式各不相同。有些人喜欢规划活动以充分利用休闲时间，而有些人却宁愿不做任何规划。这两种想法都各有优点。
当人们仔细规划休闲时间后，就不会浪费时间做决定，或是最后才匆促地准备。这样做能节省时间，因此会让他们觉得可以享有更多的空闲时间。事先规划也让人们可以利用机会去参加某些受限制的活动。例如，假如事先有规划，就可买到晚一点就买不到的会或戏剧演出的门票。最后，为活动做好准备不仅可以节省时间，还能让旅游更添乐趣和意义。当你一时兴起去海边玩，而到达之后才发现泳衣放在家里时，可能就太扫兴了。
然而，对休闲时间不作任何规划也有好处。因为不用参加特定的活动，也没有和朋友相约在某个时间见面，所以不作规划的人就能在最后一刻改变主意并利用机会。而且，假使有人一整个礼拜都在期待能去看棒球比赛，若球赛因雨取消，这实在是一件非常令人失望的事。最后一项要点是，不做的休闲时间能使人更加放松。在工作日，我们必须都很准时，且要面临最后期限的压力。有些人希望空闲时间能尽可能和工作时有所不同。
虽然规划或不规划休闲时间都各有好处，但我还是比较喜欢规划我的休闲活动。我的空闲时间有限，因此要尽量善加利用。事先做好规划，我就能参加想要参加的活动，见我想要见的人。而且假如因非预期的情况而有所改变时，我还可以采用另一个替代方案。
5. learning by doing
learning is an essential part of growing, and there are many ways in which we can learn. we can learn from our parents, from our teachers in school and from our friends. in addition to learning by listening to others, we can also learn by reading or by doing things for ourselves. all of these learning methods 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 things 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, learning by doing allows me to make my own discoveries and, in this way, i not only have a more meaningful learning experience, but often learn things i never expected.
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 that i can get from other learning methods. therefore, i will continue to try to learn as much as possible by doing things myself.
参考译文：
从做中学
学习是成长中非常重要的一部分，而学习的方法有很多。我们可以向父母、学校的
老师和我们的朋友学习。除了让别人来教导我们之外，我们还能看书，或边做边学。这些学习方法都有优点，但对我而言，最有效的方法是从做中学。
我比较喜欢从做中学的其中一个理由是，我认为经验是最好的，从经验中所学到的知识，我记得最牢。第二个理由是，在日常生活中处理问题时，实际的知识比理论更有用。第三，我还能从过程中学习，即使犯错，我还是可以学到一些东西。最后，从做中学能让我自己发现新的事物。如此一来，我不仅能拥有更具意义的学习经验，而且还能学到一些意想不到的东西。
总之，从经验中学习对我而言是最适合的。因为我能获得实用的知识，而且会牢记所学到的教训。此外，我所获得的知识不仅有意义，而且其范围比我用其他方法所学到的还广泛。因此，我会尽可能地从做中学。
6. the influence of clothes
most people wear different types of clothing for different occasions. they may wear a uniform to school or work, a formal suit to a party, and sportswear on the weekends. does what people wear affect their behavior? i believe it does, as can be illustrated by the following examples.
first of all, more formal clothing reminds us that we must behave in a polite and formal way. when we wear a business suit, we may think about our actions more seriously. we not only command more respect, but also give it. the example of “casual fridays” at many companies shows us that more informal clothing can make us behave more informally as well. this practice encourages employees to relax at the office and express themselves more. in addition, when we attend a formal social occasion, such as a wedding, our special clothing makes the event seem more special. we are certain to behave in a more polite manner. finally, wearing a costume allows us to behave in a completely different manner. we may take on the persona of the character we are dressed as, or just let ourselves go while we are “someone else”.
given the above examples, i think it is clear that our clothing influences the way that we behave. this may be because of the way we feel in the clothing itself, or because of the way our clothing leads others to treat us. whatever the reason, there is no doubt that we feel more comfortable when appropriately dressed for the occasion.
参考译文：
服装的影响力
大部分的人在不同的场合会穿不同类型的衣服。他们可能会穿着制服去上学或上班，穿着正式的套装去参加宴会，周末时则穿运动服。穿着会影响人的行为吗？我想会的，下列的例子就可说明这一点。
首先，较正式的服装提醒我们行为举止必须合乎礼仪。当我们穿着西装上班时，我们可能会更谨慎思考自己的行为。我们不但能赢得别人的尊敬，也尊重别人。很多公司“星期五穿休闲服”的做法表明，不正式的服装会让我们的行为变得不正式。这样的做法能鼓励员工在办公室内放轻松，更能表现出自我的风格。此外，当我们参加正式的社交场合，比如婚礼时，我们特别的服装能让婚礼显得更特别，我们的行为举止也一定会表现得更有礼貌。最后，服装穿着会让我们的行为举止完全不一样。我们可能会表现出符合我们穿着打扮的角色的个性，或是通过扮演“别人”来释放自己。
基于上面的这些例子，我认为，穿着会影响我们的行为，这是显而易见的。这可能是因为穿着本身带给我们的感受，或是因为我们的穿着会引导别人如何对待我们。不论理由为何，穿着适合某种场合的服装无疑会让我们觉得比较舒服自在。
7. quick decisions
everyone must make many decisions every day of his life. they range from the trivial - tea or coffee for breakfast - to issues of life-changing importance, such as who 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 with this opinion.
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. this is why people are sometimes told to “go with your gut”. 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. when the consequences of making the “wrong” decision are slight, whether our decision is right or wrong is irrelevant.
for all of these reasons, i cannot agree with the statement that quick decisions are always wrong. 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, for it cannot always be wrong.
参考译文：
仓促的决定
每个人在一生当中，每天都要做很多决定。这些决定包括从一些琐事--如早餐要喝茶还是咖啡--到可以改变一生的重要问题，例如和谁结婚。有些人匆匆做决定，而有些人则尽可能多花时间考虑他们所有的选择。这些人认为，仓促决定一定出错，但我不同意这种看法。
事实上，仓促决定有时候是最好的。当我们面对困难的抉择时，我们的第一知觉经常是最好的。这就是为什么别人会劝我们“跟着你的感觉走”。此外，当考虑一个决定太久时，我们就有可能会变得很困惑。而且如果太担心，我们可能就会变得很焦虑而完全无法做出任何决定。最后一项要点是，有些决定太琐碎了，根本不需要花费太多时间去担心。当做出“错误”决定的后果很微不足道时，无论我们的决定是对还是错，都无所谓。
基于以上种种理由，我不同意仓促决定一定是错的这样的说法。长时间的考虑并不能保证我们所做的选择一定是正确的，而且有时候过于深思熟虑会使我们迷失方向。因此，我认为偶尔仓促决定没什么关系，因为它不一定是错的。
8. people are never satisfied
no matter how much we have, it seems that there is always something more to strive for. it is a rare person who is truly content with his life just as it is. however, i believe that a certain amount of dissatisfaction is a natural part of human nature and is actually beneficial to mankind. after all, it is dissatisfaction with the way things are that pushes us to improve. in my opinion, people will always want something more or something different than what they have.
take edison for example. he was not satisfied with the knowledge he gained from the books and teachers of his time. he still had many questions to which he could not find satisfactory answers. this dissatisfaction led him to
make many important discoveries and they, in turn, contributed greatly to the advancement of mankind. there are many other examples like edison throughout history. in addition, people are competitive. they like to keep up with others, so when one person acquires something desirable, those who know him will want to do the same. furthermore, people like to express themselves and differentiate themselves from others. this leads people to strike out on their own in some way and do or invent something new, which in turn leads to a new fad for the others to follow.
for all of the above reasons, i believe that people will never be truly satisfied with what they have. they will always be striving for something new or better, and it is this process that leads to progress. in the end, some dissatisfaction can be good for us.
参考译文：
人是永远不会满足的
不论我们已经拥有了多少，我们似乎总是努力想追求更多的东西。很少有人会真的对其生活现状感到满意。然而，我认为某种程度的不满足是人之常情，而且实际上对人们有益。毕竟，对事物现状的不满是驱使人类进步的原动力。依我之见，人们总是想要拥有更多，或想拥有不一样的事物。
以爱迪生为例，他从不满足于他当时从书本和身上所得到的知识。他一直有很多问题没有找到令他满意的答案。这样的不满足感促使他有了很多重大的发现，进而对人类的进步贡献良多。纵观，有很多像爱迪生这样的例子。此外，人类会互相竞争，人们喜欢跟别人并驾齐驱。所以有人得到某个令人渴望的东西时，认识他的人也会想要得到。而且，人们还喜欢表现自我，让自己跟别人有所不同。这使人们自发性地去做某些事情，或发明某种新奇的事物，进而创造引领他人跟随的新风潮。
基于以上理由，我认为人们永远不会真的对现状感到满足。人们永远都会努力追求更新或更好的事物，而这样的过程能促使我们进步。对我们而言，某种程度的不满足终究也算是好事。
9. the importance of science and mathematics
a classical education often emphasizes the importance of history and literature. there is no doubt that these are important subjects for all students to study; however, i do not believe that they are any more important than science and mathematics are today. ideally, a student would receive a well-rounded education in which all of these subjects play an important part. therefore, i cannot agree with the statement that literature and history are more important than science and mathematics.
in fact, it can be argued that science and mathematics are becoming increasingly important. in today’s society, technological advances occur rapidly and are usually the result of developments in the fields of science and mathematics. if they do not study these two subjects, students will not be able to contribute to the further development of technology. furthermore, technological advances affect everyone’s life. without a basic understanding of math and science, it is difficult for people to take full advantage of new products and tools. so no matter what one’s field, it is important to study these two subjects.
in my opinion, all subjects can contribute to a good education. no matter what one’s interests or future career, it is best to gain some basic knowledge in as many areas as possible. and finally, given the rapid pace of technological advances in our society, the study of science and mathematics is essential.
参考译文：
和的重要性
传统教育通常会强调和文学的重要性。这些科目无疑非常重要，所有的都应该学习。然而我认为，它们在今日并不如和重要。就理想的情况而言，应该接受通才，因为所有的科目都扮演着重要的角色。因此，我并不同意文学和比和重要的说法。
事实上，我们可以说，科学和数学正变得越来越重要了。在现今的社会中，科技进步快速，而这通常都是科学和数学领域的发展所导致的。如果不学习这两个科目，他们就无法对科技进一步的发展有所贡献。此外，科技的进步影响到每一个人的生活。如果对和没有基本的了解，人们就很难充分利用新的产品和工具。所以，无论一个人的专业领域为何，学习这两个科目都很重要。
依我之见，所有的科目都有助于良好的。不管一个人的兴趣或未来的职业为何，最好尽可能在各种领域中都学得一些基本知识。最后，由于在我们的社会中科技进步非常快速，所以学习和是十分必要的。
10. the pleasure of reading fiction
these days there are many forms of entertainment for us to choose from. watching movies and reading fiction are two of the most popular free time activities. i enjoy both of them, but given the choice, i usually prefer to read f
iction than watch a movie for the following reasons.
first of all, i can read a novel or short story at any time. i do not have to be at a theater or in front of a tv set at a certain time. i can even read when i have only a few spare minutes, for example, while on a bus. i do not have to read the book from start to finish in one sitting. second, i can read anywhere because books are portable. if the weather is fine, i can take my book outdoors, and when it is raining i can go to a coffee shop. most importantly, i can take a more active part when reading a book than when watching a movie. the descriptions in the book require me to use my imagination to visualize the scene and the characters. when reading a book, i create my own interpretation of it, but when watching a movie i can only see the moviemaker’s version of the events.
in conclusion, i prefer reading books to watching movies in my free time because reading gives me greater freedom and inspires my imagination more. both activities allow me to experience a different world, but reading lets me make that world my own.
参考译文：
阅读小说的乐趣
现在有很多娱乐形式可供我们选择。看电影和读小说是两种最受欢迎的休闲活动，我两种都很喜欢。但如果要从中选择，我通常宁愿读小说而不是看电影。理由如下。
首先，我可以在任何时间读长篇或短篇小说，我不需要在特定的时间待在电影院里或坐在电视机前。我甚至还可以在只有几分钟的空闲时间里读小说，例如在公车上。我不需要从头到尾一口气读完整本书。第二，因为书本携带方便，所以我随处都可以读。如果天气晴朗，我可以带书到户外，而下雨时我可以去咖啡厅。最重要的是，跟看电影比起来，阅读书籍时我能够扮演更主动的角色。对于书中的描述，我必须运用想象力，想象场景和人物。阅读书籍时，我可以创造我自己的诠释方法。但是看电影时，我只能看到电影制作人对于事情的看法。
总之，有空的时候，我宁愿看书而不看电影。因为看书能给我较大的自由，更能激发我的想象力。两种活动都能让我体验不同的世界，但是阅读让我可以创造一个属于自己的世界。
11. money and success
most people dream of being a success in life. however, this does not mean the same thing to everyone. many equate success with financial success and believe that only those who earn a lot of money can be considered successful. but there are other ways to measure success. in my opinion, it is definitely possible to be successful without earning a lot of money as long as one lives a meaningful life.
some people find meaning in life simply by doing something they enjoy. they may or may not become wealthy, but they are very likely to lead a happy life. others find meaning by making a contribution to the society. they may set a world record, cure a disease, create a beautiful work of art, or bring more convenience to everyday life. still others find satisfaction in educating others, helping the poor, or raising a family. when the ones they nurture do well, they feel successful. riches, on the other hand, do not guarantee happiness or meaning. no matter how wealthy a man is, he is unlikely to feel his life has been a true success if he is unhealthy, alone, or simply bored.
to sum up, there are many ways to measure a person’s success, and material wealth is just one of them. some people really do find satisfaction and meaning in amassing a fortune for themselves and their heirs, and for them, this is a good way to measure their success. but for other people, it is important to adhere to a more personal definition of success. however, we measure our won success, we must set our own goals and then strive to reach them. only in this way can we truly consider ourselves successful.
参考译文：
金钱与成功
大部分人都会梦想成为成功的人。然而，对每个人而言，成功的意义并不相同。很多人把成功视为金钱上的成功，并认为只有赚很多钱的人才是成功的。但是，还有其他方式可以用来衡量成功。依我之见，就算没有赚很多钱，只要过着有意义的生活，也是成功的。
有些人只要做自己喜欢做的事情就能找到生命的意义。他们可能会变得有钱，也可能不会，但他们很可能会过着快乐的生活。有些人通过为社会做贡献而找寻到意义。他们可能创造世界记录、治愈疾病、创作出优美的艺术品，或者为日常生活带来更多便利。还有些人在别人、帮助穷人或养育子女的同时得到满足感。当他们养育的子女表现优异时，他们就觉得很有成就感。另一方面，财富并不保证会带来快乐或意义。不论一个人多有钱，如果他不健康、孤单一人，甚至觉得无聊，就不可能觉得自己的生活很成功。
总之，衡量一个人的成功的方式有很多，而物质上的财富只是其中之一。有些人真的会在为自己或其继承人积累财富的过程中找到满足及意义。对这些人而言，这是衡量成功的好方法。但对其他人而言，坚持个人对成功的定义更重要。不论我们如何衡量自己的成功，我们都必须设定自己的目标，然后努力去达到。惟有如此，我们才能真正取得自己想要的成功。
12. school uniforms
some high schools require their students to wear uniforms, while other schools allow students to wear what they like. both of these policies have certain advantages and disadvantages. however, i believe that it is better to require students to wear uniforms to school for the following reasons.
first, requiring school uniforms equalizes students. those who come from poorer families and cannot afford expensive and fashionable clothes will not feel uncomfortable among their peers. second, when students are dressed the same way, they feel more as though they are part of a group. this can encourage pride in their school and in each other. third, students do not have to worry about what to wear to school, which can save them time and help them focus on their studies. and finally, school uniforms can save students and their families money as well.
given the above, i think most people would agree that requiring school uniforms is a good idea. although students are not as free to express themselves through their clothing, i believe that the advantages of uniforms outweigh this concern. school uniforms allow students to worry less about their appearance a
nd concentrate more on their schoolwork.
参考译文：
学校制服
有些学校要求学生穿制服，而有些学校则允许学生穿自己喜欢的衣服。这两种政策都各有里利弊。然而，我认为最好要求穿制服上学，理由如下。
首先，穿制服能使学生一律平等。那些家境较贫寒、买不起昂贵、时髦衣服的学生在之间就不会觉得不自在。其次，当学生穿得都一样时，他们会容易觉得自己是群体的一份子，这样可以激励大家以学校为荣，以彼此为荣。第三，学生不需要烦恼该穿什么衣服上学，这样可以节省时间，帮助他们专注于学业。最后，学校制服也可以节省及其家人的金钱。
基于上述理由，我认为大多数的人都会同意要求学生穿学校制服是个不错的主意。虽然学生不能自由地通过穿着来表现自己，但我认为制服的优点胜过这一项考虑。学校制服让不需要担心自己的外表，而且更能专注于学业。
13. elective courses
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. in my opinion, elective courses are an important part of a complete high school education. therefore, i believe that it would be beneficial for all students to be able to choose some of their courses.
one reason for my belief 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 to prepare the students for their university lives, when they will have to make many such decisions.
in conclusion, it is my belief that students benefit from being able to choose courses they are interested in. of course, they must 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.
参考译文：
选修课程
学校制度的要求各地都不同。在有些中学，必须遵守非常严格的课程，而在有些中学，则有选择部分课程的自由。依我之见，选修课程是完整的中学的重要一环。因此，我认为，让所有能够自己选择部分课程对他们是很有益处的。
我之所以会这样认为，原因之一在于，开放各种课程让学生选择可以使他们有机会探索新的学习领域。他们或许会发现自己的天分或兴趣，并拓展自己的视野。另一个原因是，当学生自行选修课程时，他们要为自己负更大的责任，并且真的要努力好好表现。他们会更有动力去学习自己想学的内容。最后一个理由是，在中学时期做这样的选择能帮助学生对大活有所准备。因为上大学后，他们将必须做很多这样的决定。
总之，我认为，会因为能够选修自己感兴趣的课程而获益。当然，他们仍然必须修一些必修科目，但增加了选修科目将使他们能够接受更多元化的。此外，他们也许能够很幸运地在早年就发现自己终生的兴趣。
14. an important change at school
a school is an important place to student. it is where they spend the majority of their time during their school years. therefore, it is important that the school provide a good environment for the students to develop both mentally and physically. for this reasons, if i could make one change to the school i attend, i would add a large, modern gymnasium.
one reason i support the building of a modern gym is that physical education class is very important to the well-being of students. it provides us not only with exercise, but with a break from the mental rigors of our studies. however, without a large enough gym, we must often cancel our p.e. class when the weather is bad and more classes must share the indoor space. a new gym would solve this problem. another reason i would like to have a new gym is that more modern athletic facilities would allow us to practice a wider variety of sports. this would appeal to those students who are not physically active because they find the current sports that we play boring or difficult. in developing the lifelong habit of exercise, it is important for everyone to find something he enjoys. finally, a big, new gymnasium could be used for other events as well, such as class assemblies and performances.
for the reasons given above, i believe that a large, modern gymnasium would be a valuable addition to my school. it would encourage more students to exercise and allow them to do so on a more regular basis. in addition, it could be used by many school organizations and clubs for a variety of purposes. therefore, i believe it is a practical suggestion.
参考译文：
学校的重大改变
学校对学生而言是个重要的地方，它也是学生在求学期间待的最久的地方。因此，学校应该提供一个良好的环境供发展身心，这是很重要的。基于这个理由，如果我能改变我所就读的学校的话，我会增设一座大型的现代化体育馆。
我支持兴建一座现代化体育馆的理由是，体育课对学生的健康是非常重要的。体育课不仅让我们有机会运动，还能让我们远离耗尽心力的学业，以获得暂时的舒解。然而，如果没有一座足够大的体育馆，我们常会因为天气不好或者其他更多的班级要共用室内空间而取消体育课。一座新的体育馆就能解决这个问题。另一个我想拥有一座新体育馆的理由是，更现代化的体育设施能让我们从事更多各式各样的运动，如此便能吸引那些认为现在的体育活动过于无聊或困难而不太热衷于运动的。在培养终生运动的习惯时，让每个人都能找到自己所热爱的运动是很重要的。最后，一个大型且新颖的体育馆也可用来举办其他大型活动，如班级集会或各种表演。
基于以上理由，我认为增添一座典型且现代化的体育馆对我的学校而言是很有价值的。这会鼓励更多运动，而且还能让他们更多地运动。此外，它还可以供许多校内团体或社团举办各种不同性质的活动。因此，我认为这是个相当实用的建议。
15. advertising
advertising is a very big business these days. billions of dollars are spent every year to persuade customers to buy one brand of product rather than another. we are all exposed to such advertisements every day and their effect on us 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. these ads not only try to sell things that people do not really need, but promise something that cannot be bought. finally, if there is new information about a product or development, people will hear about it through word of mouth, and in my opinion, this is a more reliable source of information.
while it can be argued that advertising is sometimes useful to consumers who may want to compare different brands, i believe its overall effect is to get people to buy things that they don’t need. 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.
参考译文：
广告
广告业如今已成为非常大的产业。每年花在广告上的经费有好几十亿美元，以说服顾客买某个品牌的产品而不买别的家的。我们每天都接触这一类广告，它们对我们的影响是不可否认的。虽然某些广告的确提供了关于新产品的有用资讯，但我认为，它们的主要功用就是鼓励大家去买一些不是真的很需要的东西。
首先，大多数的广告并不会介绍一个全心的产品。相反，广告设计的用意是要说服消费者某家公司的产品比另一家好。其次，当推出一项新产品时，广告的目的常是制造对这项产品真的是必需品，无论是否真的如此。第三，很多广告都是形象广告，目的是要将奢侈品销售给大家。这种广告会暗示，买了此类产品的消费者会得到其他的东西，如快乐、尊敬或爱。这些广告不只会试着销售一些人们并不是真的需要的东西，而且也会保证你得到某样买不到的东西。最后，如果有与产品或开发相关的新资讯，人们会口耳相传。我认为，这才是比较可靠的资讯来源。
虽然友人认为广告有时能够帮助那些想要比较不同品牌产品的消费者，但我认为，广告整体的效果就是要人们购买自己不需要的东西。这并不是说广告都是骗人的。它们的目的只是要让消费者对这项产品产生需求。因此，我们都应该用批判性的眼光来看待广告，以免买到不需要的东西。
16. playing games teaches us about life
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, children often play games in which they take on adult roles. this kind of play helps them to prepare for their future lives. move 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 all their future endeavors. finally, although hunting and fighting techniques are no longer as essential, games can still help us develop certain practical skills. these skills may be physical or intellectual, such as the logical thinking developed by more mentally challenging games.
in short, whatever type of game people play, they get more from it 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.
参考译文：
从游戏中学习人生
自古以来，游戏几乎在每一种文化中都扮演着很重要的角色。它们不只是娱乐的来源，也是一种重要的学习方式。很久以前，游戏模拟真实生活的情境，以便在当时的重要活动，如打猎和战斗中培养有用的技巧。现在，游戏仍然可以教导我们许多与生活有关的事情。
举例来说，在游戏中，小朋友经常扮演大人的角色，这种游戏能帮助他们为未来的生活做准备。有组织的游戏可以教我们如何像团队一样工作以及如何与其他人相处。游戏同时也可以教我们如何优雅地面对输赢。此外，游戏可以灌输给年轻人运动家精神以及公平比赛的观念，而这些观念在他们未来努力的过程中是很有用的。最后，虽然打猎和战斗技巧不再那么必要，游戏仍然可以帮助我们发展一些实用的技巧。这些技巧可能是体能上或智力上的技巧，例如玩较费脑力的益智游戏就可以培养逻辑思考的能力。
总之，无论人们玩什么游戏，他们获得的不只是娱乐和放松。游戏可以帮助我们培养有助于我们 在日常生活中参加其他活动的能力。因此，游戏是学习生活很宝贵的方法。
17. save the forests
these days we often talk about the importance of our natural resources. in many countries they are disappearing at a rapid rate and environmentalists are urging people everywhere to protect their air, water, forests, wildlife, and
so on. it is difficult to choose just one natural resource to save, but in my opinion, saving the forests should be the top priority.
first of all, forests help to preserve other natural resources such as water, air, and animals. without forests, the land cannot hold water as well. this means that in a heavy rain hillsides will collapse, causing great damage. not only that, but without the protection of trees, the nutrient-rich topsoil will be washed away and nothing will be able to grow on the land. trees also help to clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. and, of course, forests are the natural habitat of many wild animals. without them, these animals will not be able to survive. another reason to preserve our forests is that large numbers of trees can help to mitigate the greenhouse effect by absorbing solar radiation. and finally, forests are a place where people can get close to nature, and if they learn to love nature, they will want to preserve all the earth’s natural resources.
all of the earth’s natural resources are important, and we should all work to save them. the reason that i choose the forests as most important is because they help us in so many ways. by saving the forests, i believe we can save the planet.
参考译文：
拯救森林
如今，我们经常讨论天然资源的重要性。在许多国家，天然资源正在快速消失中。环保人士向全世界的人呼吁要保护空气、水、森林、野生动植物等资源。只选一样资源加以保护是很困难的，但依我之见，应该要优先考虑拯救森林。
首先，森林有助于保存其他的天然资源，比如水、空气和动物。如果没有森林，土壤就无法涵养水分。这意味着下大雨的时候，山坡会崩塌，造成极大的损害。不仅如此，如果没有树木的保护，富含养分的表土层就会被冲刷掉，土地就长不出任何东西。树木还会吸收二氧化碳，制造氧气，有助于净化空气。而且森林是很多野生动物的自然栖息地，如果没有森林，这些动物将无法生存。另外一个要保护森林的理由是，大量的树木可以吸收太阳辐射，以此缓和温室效应的影响。最后一点，森林是人类可以接近大自然的地方，如果人类学会爱护大自然，就会想保存地球上所有的天然资源。
地球上所有的天然资源都很重要，我们应该共同努力去拯救它们。我选择森林为最重要的资源，是因为森林很多方面都对我们有益。通过拯救森林，我相信我们也能够拯救地球。
18. the most important change of the 20th century
there were a great many changes in the twentieth century. they affected everything from the political composition of the world to how long we can expect to live. as a result, our lives are very different from those of our great-grandparents. it is difficult to say which of these great changes should be remembered most but, in my opinion, the invention of the computer is a good candidate, for it has affected our lives in so many ways.
one effect of the computer has been its impact on communication. thanks to the internet and computer-controlled satellites, it is now quick and cost-effective to communicate over great distances. this has made the world smaller and has had a great influence on business, leading to greater productivity worldwide. another great effect of the computer is that it has changed the way we live our daily lives. it has made it a simple task to find and manage information and has brought us countless conveniences. most of us deal with computers in one way or another every day. finally, the development of computer technology has made possible a host of other scientific advances. computers are used to save lives in hospitals, find new sources of energy under the sea and explore outer space. there seems to be no end to what computers can help us do.
in short, the computer has had such a great impact on so many areas of our lives that i feel its invention was the most memorable change of the twentieth century. no other product or event has affected so many people. its influence is felt around the world and will only continue to grow in the future.
参考译文：
20世纪最重要的改变
20世纪有很多重要的变革。从结构到人类平均寿命的长短，这些变革的影响层面很广泛。因此，我们与上上代的生活有极大的差异。很难说有那些重大的变革是应该被牢记的，但就我而言，电脑的发明是个不错的选择，因为它在很多方面都影响了我们的生活。
电脑影响的其中一个层面就是对通讯的冲击。由于互联网与电脑控制卫星的出现，现在远距离的通讯已经非常快速而且划算。这使得世界变得更小，而且对商业有很大的影响，也让全球的生产力增加了。电脑的另一个影响是，它改变了我们的日常生活方式。电脑让寻找及管理成为简单的事情，这带给我们非常多的便利。我们大部分的人每天或多或少都会使用电脑。最后，电脑科技的发展造就了许多其他上的进步。电脑被用来救活医院里的病人、寻找海底的新能源以及探索外太空。电脑的好处似乎是多到数不清。
总之，电脑对欧文们生活的许多层面都造成了很大的影响，因此我认为这项发明是20世纪最值得纪念的变革。没有其他产品或事件曾影响这么多人。它的影响力在世界各地都可以感受得到，而且在未来还会持续不断地增强。
19. staying healthy
there is no denying the importance of health. without it, it is difficult to live a happy life no matter how much money or success one has. however, many people neglect their health. they develop unhealthy habits such as smoking or overeating, lead sedentary lives or succumb to the pressures of modern life. as a result, they develop serious but preventable diseases. in order to maintain our good health and lead lives that are as fulfilling as possible, it is important to take some steps. those mentioned below are what do to stay healthy.
the first step i take is to keep regular hours and stick to a healthy, balanced diet. this is not always easy to do in today’s fast-paced society, but it is the basis of good health. our bodies need sufficient nutrition and rest in order to
function well and resist illness. the second step i recommend is to get regular exercise. this does not mean we have to run marathons or join expensive fitness centers. studies have shown that even moderate exercise, such as walking, can have great benefits for our health if done on a regular basis. third, i suggest seeing a doctor for an annual checkup. most of us not think too much about our health until we feel that something is wrong. however, a doctor can often diagnose problems before they become serious enough to be apparent to us. last but not least, i take time to relax and renew my spirits and mental energy every day. this is just as essential as physical exercise because or mental state often has a profound influence on our physical health. as the saying goes, “a sound mind in a sound body.”
there are many things that we can do to stay healthy. the above steps are only a few suggestions. the important thing is to value our health and not neglect it. this means making healthy habits a part of our everyday life. there is no need to dwell on our health or take precautions against every disease known to man. if we simply develop a healthy way of living we are bound to live healthier, more satisfying lives.
参考译文：
保持健康
健康的重要性是不可否认的。如果不健康，一个人不管多有钱或多有成就，都很难过着快乐的生活。然而，很多人都忽视了自己的健康。他们养成了诸如抽烟或饮食过度的坏习惯，整天坐着不动，向现代生活的压力屈服，因而得了严重的、但原本可预防的疾病。为了保持健康，过上能充分发挥自我能力的生活，采取一些步骤是很重要的。下列提到的便是我用来维持健康的方法。
我所采取的第一个步骤是作息规律并保持健康均衡的饮食。在现今节奏快速的社会，这种做法未必容易，可是这却是良好健康的基础。我们的身体需要足够的营养和休息才能够维持正常的运作并抵抗疾病的威胁。我推荐的第二个步骤是规律运动。这并不是说我们得跑马拉松，或是加入收费昂贵的健身中心。研究显示，就酸是像走路这种适度的运动，只要规律地做，也能对我们的健康有很大裨益。第三，我建议去看医生，每年做一次健康检查。我们大部分人除非感觉身体不舒服，否则根本不会太注意自己的健康。然而，医生可以在我们发觉自己病情恶化之前先诊断出哪里有毛病。最后一项要点是，我每天会花时间好好放松，以此来恢复我的精神和脑力。因为我们的心理状态通常对身体健康有很深渊的影响，所以和体能运动一样，放松也是很重要的。俗话说：“健全的心灵，在于健全的身体。”
我们可以用很多方法来保持健康，以上的步骤只是一些建议而已。最重要的还是要珍惜自己的健康，不要忽视它。也就是说，要让健康的习惯成为每天生活的一部分。不过也没必要一天到晚想着健康问题，或是想采取一切预防疾病的措施。只要我们养成健康的生活方式，就一定可以过着健康而且更令人满意的生活。
20. volunteering
a community is made up of a group of people. and it depends on those people for its existence. it is possible for people to live in close proximity and fail to be a community. that is because the word community implies communal action. it is neighbors working together to create a better place to live. therefore, it is important for us all to contribute our efforts to our community. if i have several hours of time each month to do so, i will work toward creating and preserving green spaces in my community.
i feel that preserving green space is a worthy endeavor that would be of great value to my community. it is especially important because i live in an urban community. the open spaces and parks are limited in the city and are too often sacrificed for further development. working to protect these spaces and to establish new parks would be a way to conserve one of the community’s scarce resources. furthermore, providing green spaces for the residents of my neighborhood would increase the feeling of community and improve relationships among neighbors. this is because attractive parks would encourage people to get out and socialize with others in a relaxed atmosphere. in addition, by beautifying the neighborhood, it would provide the residents with more contact with nature. this would encourage them to exercise and lead healthier lives.
the above are just some of the advantages of having green spaces and parks in a community. because it is so beneficial to the community, that is how i will choose to devote my free time. in this way, i hope to make a meaningful contribution to my neighborhood and to my neighbors.
参考译文：
担任义工
社区是由一群人组成的，其存在也依赖这一群人。人们有可能住得很近，但却不能形成一个社区。因为社区这个字有共同行动的意思，也就是邻居们须共同努力去创造一个更好的生活环境。因此，大家都要为我们的社区贡献一己之力，这是很重要的。如果我能每个月贡献几小时的时间，我会努力创造并保留我们社区的绿地。
我觉得保留绿色空间对社区很有价值，而且是值得努力的事。因为我住在市区，所以这一点显得格外重要。城市里的空地和公园不但有限，而且还常常被牺牲以作进一步发展之用。努力保护这些空间并且兴建新的公园是一个保存社区稀有资源的方法。此外，提供附近居民绿色空间，也可以增进社区居民的感情，并改善邻居之间的关系。因为有吸引人的公园，大家就会想出去走走，在轻松的气氛下和其他人互相来往。此外，通过美化邻近地区，可以让居民有更多机会接触大自然。这会使他们更想运动，过更健康的生活。
上述只是社区保有绿色空间和公园的一部分好处。因为这对社区益处很多，所以我打算把空闲时间都花在这上面。我希望能通过这种方式为我的社区及邻居做些有意义的贡献。
of all the advantageous characteristics to have, i think that perseverance play s the greatest role in one’s success. other characteristics, such as intelligence, confidence, and honesty, are no doubt important, but they do not necessarily guarantee success. perseverance offers no guarantees either, but i believe that this trait offers one more opportunity to succeed.
there are several reasons why perseverance often leads to success. first of all, a man who has perseverance does not give up after a failure. he tries again and can, therefore, learn from his mistakes. second, a persistent person is usually a hard worker, and hard work is an important ingredient in success. last, with perseverance comes a certain amount of confidence - the confidence that one will eventually succeed.
for all of these reasons, i believe that perseverance is the most important characteristic to have. it is easily combined with other traits such as diligence and confidence to increase the chances of success. however, without perseverance, one’s success may be more dependent on luck than anything else.
参考译文：
毅力
我认为一个人能否成功，毅力在所有的优点中扮演了最重要的角色。虽然其他的特点，比如聪明才智、信心和诚实都无疑很重要，但是并不能保证一定能使人成功。虽然有毅力也无法保证能成功，但是我相信这个特质会让人有更多的成功的机会。
有毅力就容易成功的原因有好几个。首先，有毅力的人在失败之后不会放弃。他们会再试一次，因此就能从错误中学习。其次，不屈不挠的人通常都十分努力，而努力就是成功的重要因素。最后，有毅力就会产生一定程度的信心--相信自己终究会成功。
基于这些原因，我认为毅力是必须拥有的最重要的特质。毅力很容易就能和其他特点相结合，比如勤勉与信心，这样便能增加成功的机会。然而，如果没有毅力，一个人的成功可能就会需要多靠运气，而不是其他的特质。
2. learning about life
as we grow, we learn many things about life. some of these lessons are easy and some are difficult. what is the best way to learn them? some believe that they can learn best by listening to the advice of others, while some people believe that it is better to learn through personal experience. both methods have their advantages.
in the first case, learning by listening to others, we have the benefit of learning from others’ mistakes and are thus being able to avoid them ourselves. we can take advantage of the experience and wisdom of our friends and family. this will help us to make better decisions and avoid costly errors. furthermore, the people who know us well can advise us effectively because they understand our strengths and weak nesses. at the same time, they are sometimes able to see situations more objectively than we are.
in the second case, learning through doing, we have the advantage of gaining meaningful experience. we will no doubt better remember the lessons we learn when we enjoy the rewards or suffer the consequences ourselves. moreover, we can often develop other skills through personal experience and can learn from our mistakes.
finally, no two people are exactly alike. therefore, what family and friends think may be suitable for them, but not appropriate for us.
given a choice between these two ways of learning about life, i would still choose the former, learning through the advice of others. this is because i believe i should take advantage of all the resources available, and the experiences of my family and friends are a valuable resource. for example, if i were preparing to take my first trip abroad on my own, the advice of others who have already experienced such a trip could only help me. just as we can learn from history, we can learn from the past actions of those close to us.
1. perseverance
of all the advantageous characteristics to have, i think that perseverance play s the greatest role in one’s success. other characteristics, such as intelligence, confidence, and honesty, are no doubt important, but they do not necessarily guarantee success. perseverance offers no guarantees either, but i believe that this trait offers one more opportunity to succeed.
there are several reasons why perseverance often leads to success. first of all, a man who has perseverance does not give up after a failure. he tries again and can, therefore, learn from his mistakes. second, a persistent person is usually a hard worker, and hard work is an important ingredient in success. last, with perseverance comes a certain amount of confidence - the confidence that one will eventually succeed.
for all of these reasons, i believe that perseverance is the most important characteristic to have. it is easily combined with other traits such as diligence and confidence to increase the chances of success. however, without perseverance, one’s success may be more dependent on luck than anything else.
参考译文：
毅力
我认为一个人能否成功，毅力在所有的优点中扮演了最重要的角色。虽然其他的特点，比如聪明才智、信心和诚实都无疑很重要，但是并不能保证一定能使人成功。虽然有毅力也无法保证能成功，但是我相信这个特质会让人有更多的成功的机会。
有毅力就容易成功的原因有好几个。首先，有毅力的人在失败之后不会放弃。他们会再试一次，因此就能从错误中学习。其次，不屈不挠的人通常都十分努力，而努力就是成功的重要因素。最后，有毅力就会产生一定程度的信心--相信自己终究会成功。
基于这些原因，我认为毅力是必须拥有的最重要的特质。毅力很容易就能和其他特点相结合，比如勤勉与信心，这样便能增加成功的机会。然而，如果没有毅力，一个人的成功可能就会需要多靠运气，而不是其他的特质。
2. learning about life
as we grow, we learn many things about life. some of these lessons are easy and some are difficult. what
is the best way to learn them? some believe that they can learn best by listening to the advice of others, while some people believe that it is better to learn through personal experience. both methods have their advantages.
in the first case, learning by listening to others, we have the benefit of learning from others’ mistakes and are thus being able to avoid them ourselves. we can take advantage of the experience and wisdom of our friends and family. this will help us to make better decisions and avoid costly errors. furthermore, the people who know us well can advise us effectively because they understand our strengths and weak nesses. at the same time, they are sometimes able to see situations more objectively than we are.
in the second case, learning through doing, we have the advantage of gaining meaningful experience. we will no doubt better remember the lessons we learn when we enjoy the rewards or suffer the consequences ourselves. moreover, we can often develop other skills through personal experience and can learn from our mistakes.
finally, no two people are exactly alike. therefore, what family and friends think may be suitable for them, but not appropriate for us.
given a choice between these two ways of learning about life, i would still choose the former, learning through the advice of others. this is because i believe i should take advantage of all the resources available, and the experiences of my family and friends are a valuable resource. for example, if i were preparing to take my first trip abroad on my own, the advice of others who have already experienced such a trip could only help me. just as we can learn from history, we can learn from the past actions of those close to us.
in conclusion, i find advantages in both ways of learning. although i prefer to learn by listening to the advice of others, that does not mean i will forgo learning through my own experiences. it does mean, however, that i will approach new experiences with the added benefit of my family and friends’ good advice.
参考译文：
学习人生
在成长过程中，我们会学到生活中的许多事情。其中有些教训很简单，而有些却很困难。什么是获取教训最好的方法？有些人认为，他们可以通过听取别人的建议而获得最好的学习效果，而有些人却认为最好是通过亲身体验来学习。这两种方法各有优点。
第一种方法是听取别人的建议而学习，因为我们可以从别人所犯过的错误中学习，避免再犯相同的错误。我们还可以利用家人和朋友的经验或智慧来帮助我们做出更好的决定，避免犯下代价高昂的错误。此外，因为他们了解我们，知道我们的优缺点，所以能提供有用的建议。同时，他们对于事情的看法有时比我们客观。
第二种方法是从做中学，这样我们可以因为得到宝贵的经验而获益。毫无疑问，当我们因为自己所做的事情而享受成果或承担后果时，我们会对这些教训记忆得更加深刻。此外，通过亲身体验，可以培养其他的技巧，而且也能从错误中学习。最后，没有两个人是完全相同的，因此，家人或朋友的想法也许只适合他们自己，不见得适合我们。
若要我从这两种学习人生的方法中选一个，我仍然会选择前者，也就是从别人的建议中学习。因为我认为，应该利用所有可获得的资源，而家人与朋友的经验就是宝贵的资源。例如，如果我初次要准备自己出国旅行，那么有类似出国旅行经验的人所提供的建议对我就很有帮助。正如我们能从中学习一样，我们也能从周围的人的经验中学习。
总之，我认为这两种学习方法各有优点。尽管我比较喜欢听取别人的建议，但这不表示我就不会亲身去体验。然而，这确实意味着我除了会体验新的经验，同时还要听取家人与朋友提供的忠告，这样才能获得更大的益处。
3. keeping customs
when people move to another country, they not only face a different environment and language, but also different customs. every culture has its own customs, and all of them aver valuable. however, deciding how to deal with the problem of unfamiliar customs is a challenge for many immigrants. some choose to follow the customs of their new country, while others prefer to adhere to their own customs. each of these choices has some advantages as explained below.
when people choose to follow the customs of their adopted country, they may find that it helps them to adapt more quickly to the new society. they have something to discuss and share with their new neighbors, and sharing customs is one way for people to feel closer to one another. thus, following the new customs may help immigrants feel more at home. it may also help them to see the positive things in their new environment and do forget their feelings of homesickness.
on the other hand, those who choose to continue following their own customs may also find that it helps them feel more at home. there are many things to adjust to in another country, and following their traditional customs may help people feel more secure in the new surroundings. more importantly, our customs are a part of us. they are an expression of the culture that has shaped us. this is something that most of us would like to pass down to our children and share with others. sharing our old customs can also bring us closer to our new neighbors.
to sum up, our customs have value and are an important part of our culture. therefore, i don’t believe that we should abandon our traditional customs when we move to another country. at the same time, i believe that we should learn about the customs of our new home and follow those that appeal to us. in this way, we can remember and celebrate our old culture while adapting to our new one.
参考译文：
保存习俗
当人们搬到另一个国家后，不仅要面对不同的环境和语言，还要面对不同的风俗习惯。每种文化都有其风俗习惯，而且都非常重要。然而，如何应付因不熟悉习俗所产生的问题，对许多移民而言都是一项挑战。有些人选择遵从新国家的风俗习惯，有些人则宁可坚守自己国家的风俗习惯。如以下所解释的，这两种选择都有一些优点。
当人们选择遵从他们移入国家的风
俗习惯时，他们可能会觉得这样有助于更快地适应新的社会。和新邻居有话题和聊，有东西可以分享，而且拥有相同的风俗习惯，有助于使移民感到更舒服自在，也会帮助他们看到新环境的优点，忘掉思乡的情绪。
另一方面，那些选择坚持自己本国风俗习惯的人是因为觉得这样做有助于让他们觉得更自在。要适应另一个国家，有很多事要做，而遵从传统的风俗习惯会让人在陌生的环境中觉得较有安全感。更重要的是，风俗习惯是我们的一部分，能表达出塑造我们的文化原貌，这是我们大多数人都想传承给自己的小孩并和他人分享的东西。和新邻居分享我们的传统习俗也可以使我们和新邻居更亲近。
总之，风俗习惯有其价值，并且是我们文化中很重要的一部分。因此，我不认为当我们搬到新的国家时就应该抛弃传统习俗。同时，我认为我们应该学习新家园的风俗习惯，遵从其中那些我们所喜爱的。如此一来，我们一方面能够适应新的文化，同时也能保持并颂扬自己旧有的文化。
4. planning activities
in this busy society, our free time is very valuable to us. it is important that we take some time to relax and renew our energy in order to face the challenges ahead of us. different people like to spend their leisure time in different ways. some like to plan their activities so that they can make the most of the time available while others prefer not to plan anything. both schools of thought have their advantages.
when people carefully plan their leisure time, they will not waste any time on decision making or last-minute preparations. this saves them time and, therefore, makes them feel that they have more free time to enjoy. planning ahead also allows people to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in certain restricted activities. for example, by planning ahead, they can buy tickets for a concert or play that may later be sold out. finally, being better prepared for an activity not only saves time but can make the outing more fun and more meaningful. it is not much fun to make a spontaneous trip to the beach only to find you have left your swimsuit at home.
however, unplanned leisure time also has its advantages. with no commitment to take part in a certain activity or meet a friend at a certain hour, the non-planner can take advantage of last minute changes and opportunities. furthermore, he will not be disappointed should his plans fall through, because he has made none. on the other hand, if someone has looked forward to a baseball game all week, it is very disappointing if it is cancelled due to rain. last but not least, unplanned leisure time can be more relaxing. during the work week, we must all be punctual and face deadlines. some people prefer to make their free time as different from that as possible.
although both planned and unplanned leisure time have their benefits, i still prefer to plan my free time activities. my free time is limited, and so i want to make the best use of it. by planning ahead, i can take part in the activities that i want and spend time with the people i want to see. and in case my plans should be changed by unforeseen circumstances, i can always go to plan b.
参考译文：
规划活动
在这个忙碌的社会中，空闲时间对我们而言是非常珍贵的。找个时间放松一下并且恢复精力以面对接踵而来的挑战是很重要的。每个人喜欢的休闲方式各不相同。有些人喜欢规划活动以充分利用休闲时间，而有些人却宁愿不做任何规划。这两种想法都各有优点。
当人们仔细规划休闲时间后，就不会浪费时间做决定，或是最后才匆促地准备。这样做能节省时间，因此会让他们觉得可以享有更多的空闲时间。事先规划也让人们可以利用机会去参加某些受限制的活动。例如，假如事先有规划，就可买到晚一点就买不到的会或戏剧演出的门票。最后，为活动做好准备不仅可以节省时间，还能让旅游更添乐趣和意义。当你一时兴起去海边玩，而到达之后才发现泳衣放在家里时，可能就太扫兴了。
然而，对休闲时间不作任何规划也有好处。因为不用参加特定的活动，也没有和朋友相约在某个时间见面，所以不作规划的人就能在最后一刻改变主意并利用机会。而且，假使有人一整个礼拜都在期待能去看棒球比赛，若球赛因雨取消，这实在是一件非常令人失望的事。最后一项要点是，不做的休闲时间能使人更加放松。在工作日，我们必须都很准时，且要面临最后期限的压力。有些人希望空闲时间能尽可能和工作时有所不同。
虽然规划或不规划休闲时间都各有好处，但我还是比较喜欢规划我的休闲活动。我的空闲时间有限，因此要尽量善加利用。事先做好规划，我就能参加想要参加的活动，见我想要见的人。而且假如因非预期的情况而有所改变时，我还可以采用另一个替代方案。
5. learning by doing
learning is an essential part of growing, and there are many ways in which we can learn. we can learn from our parents, from our teachers in school and from our friends. in addition to learning by listening to others, we can also learn by reading or by doing things for ourselves. all of these learning methods 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 things 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, learning by doing allows me to make my own discoveries and, in this way, i not only have a more meaningful learning experience, but often learn things i never expected.
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 that i can get from other learning methods. therefore, i will continue to try to learn as much as possible by doing things myself.
参考译文：
从做中学
学习是成长中非常重要的一部分，而学习的方法有很多。我们可以向父母、学校的
老师和我们的朋友学习。除了让别人来教导我们之外，我们还能看书，或边做边学。这些学习方法都有优点，但对我而言，最有效的方法是从做中学。
我比较喜欢从做中学的其中一个理由是，我认为经验是最好的，从经验中所学到的知识，我记得最牢。第二个理由是，在日常生活中处理问题时，实际的知识比理论更有用。第三，我还能从过程中学习，即使犯错，我还是可以学到一些东西。最后，从做中学能让我自己发现新的事物。如此一来，我不仅能拥有更具意义的学习经验，而且还能学到一些意想不到的东西。
总之，从经验中学习对我而言是最适合的。因为我能获得实用的知识，而且会牢记所学到的教训。此外，我所获得的知识不仅有意义，而且其范围比我用其他方法所学到的还广泛。因此，我会尽可能地从做中学。
6. the influence of clothes
most people wear different types of clothing for different occasions. they may wear a uniform to school or work, a formal suit to a party, and sportswear on the weekends. does what people wear affect their behavior? i believe it does, as can be illustrated by the following examples.
first of all, more formal clothing reminds us that we must behave in a polite and formal way. when we wear a business suit, we may think about our actions more seriously. we not only command more respect, but also give it. the example of “casual fridays” at many companies shows us that more informal clothing can make us behave more informally as well. this practice encourages employees to relax at the office and express themselves more. in addition, when we attend a formal social occasion, such as a wedding, our special clothing makes the event seem more special. we are certain to behave in a more polite manner. finally, wearing a costume allows us to behave in a completely different manner. we may take on the persona of the character we are dressed as, or just let ourselves go while we are “someone else”.
given the above examples, i think it is clear that our clothing influences the way that we behave. this may be because of the way we feel in the clothing itself, or because of the way our clothing leads others to treat us. whatever the reason, there is no doubt that we feel more comfortable when appropriately dressed for the occasion.
参考译文：
服装的影响力
大部分的人在不同的场合会穿不同类型的衣服。他们可能会穿着制服去上学或上班，穿着正式的套装去参加宴会，周末时则穿运动服。穿着会影响人的行为吗？我想会的，下列的例子就可说明这一点。
首先，较正式的服装提醒我们行为举止必须合乎礼仪。当我们穿着西装上班时，我们可能会更谨慎思考自己的行为。我们不但能赢得别人的尊敬，也尊重别人。很多公司“星期五穿休闲服”的做法表明，不正式的服装会让我们的行为变得不正式。这样的做法能鼓励员工在办公室内放轻松，更能表现出自我的风格。此外，当我们参加正式的社交场合，比如婚礼时，我们特别的服装能让婚礼显得更特别，我们的行为举止也一定会表现得更有礼貌。最后，服装穿着会让我们的行为举止完全不一样。我们可能会表现出符合我们穿着打扮的角色的个性，或是通过扮演“别人”来释放自己。
基于上面的这些例子，我认为，穿着会影响我们的行为，这是显而易见的。这可能是因为穿着本身带给我们的感受，或是因为我们的穿着会引导别人如何对待我们。不论理由为何，穿着适合某种场合的服装无疑会让我们觉得比较舒服自在。
7. quick decisions
everyone must make many decisions every day of his life. they range from the trivial - tea or coffee for breakfast - to issues of life-changing importance, such as who 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 with this opinion.
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. this is why people are sometimes told to “go with your gut”. 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. when the consequences of making the “wrong” decision are slight, whether our decision is right or wrong is irrelevant.
for all of these reasons, i cannot agree with the statement that quick decisions are always wrong. 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, for it cannot always be wrong.
参考译文：
仓促的决定
每个人在一生当中，每天都要做很多决定。这些决定包括从一些琐事--如早餐要喝茶还是咖啡--到可以改变一生的重要问题，例如和谁结婚。有些人匆匆做决定，而有些人则尽可能多花时间考虑他们所有的选择。这些人认为，仓促决定一定出错，但我不同意这种看法。
事实上，仓促决定有时候是最好的。当我们面对困难的抉择时，我们的第一知觉经常是最好的。这就是为什么别人会劝我们“跟着你的感觉走”。此外，当考虑一个决定太久时，我们就有可能会变得很困惑。而且如果太担心，我们可能就会变得很焦虑而完全无法做出任何决定。最后一项要点是，有些决定太琐碎了，根本不需要花费太多时间去担心。当做出“错误”决定的后果很微不足道时，无论我们的决定是对还是错，都无所谓。
基于以上种种理由，我不同意仓促决定一定是错的这样的说法。长时间的考虑并不能保证我们所做的选择一定是正确的，而且有时候过于深思熟虑会使我们迷失方向。因此，我认为偶尔仓促决定没什么关系，因为它不一定是错的。
8. people are never satisfied
no matter how much we have, it seems that there is always something more to strive for. it is a rare person who is truly content with his life just as it is. however, i believe that a certain amount of dissatisfaction is a natural part of human nature and is actually beneficial to mankind. after all, it is dissatisfaction with the way things are that pushes us to improve. in my opinion, people will always want something more or something different than what they have.
take edison for example. he was not satisfied with the knowledge he gained from the books and teachers of his time. he still had many questions to which he could not find satisfactory answers. this dissatisfaction led him to
make many important discoveries and they, in turn, contributed greatly to the advancement of mankind. there are many other examples like edison throughout history. in addition, people are competitive. they like to keep up with others, so when one person acquires something desirable, those who know him will want to do the same. furthermore, people like to express themselves and differentiate themselves from others. this leads people to strike out on their own in some way and do or invent something new, which in turn leads to a new fad for the others to follow.
for all of the above reasons, i believe that people will never be truly satisfied with what they have. they will always be striving for something new or better, and it is this process that leads to progress. in the end, some dissatisfaction can be good for us.
参考译文：
人是永远不会满足的
不论我们已经拥有了多少，我们似乎总是努力想追求更多的东西。很少有人会真的对其生活现状感到满意。然而，我认为某种程度的不满足是人之常情，而且实际上对人们有益。毕竟，对事物现状的不满是驱使人类进步的原动力。依我之见，人们总是想要拥有更多，或想拥有不一样的事物。
以爱迪生为例，他从不满足于他当时从书本和身上所得到的知识。他一直有很多问题没有找到令他满意的答案。这样的不满足感促使他有了很多重大的发现，进而对人类的进步贡献良多。纵观，有很多像爱迪生这样的例子。此外，人类会互相竞争，人们喜欢跟别人并驾齐驱。所以有人得到某个令人渴望的东西时，认识他的人也会想要得到。而且，人们还喜欢表现自我，让自己跟别人有所不同。这使人们自发性地去做某些事情，或发明某种新奇的事物，进而创造引领他人跟随的新风潮。
基于以上理由，我认为人们永远不会真的对现状感到满足。人们永远都会努力追求更新或更好的事物，而这样的过程能促使我们进步。对我们而言，某种程度的不满足终究也算是好事。
9. the importance of science and mathematics
a classical education often emphasizes the importance of history and literature. there is no doubt that these are important subjects for all students to study; however, i do not believe that they are any more important than science and mathematics are today. ideally, a student would receive a well-rounded education in which all of these subjects play an important part. therefore, i cannot agree with the statement that literature and history are more important than science and mathematics.
in fact, it can be argued that science and mathematics are becoming increasingly important. in today’s society, technological advances occur rapidly and are usually the result of developments in the fields of science and mathematics. if they do not study these two subjects, students will not be able to contribute to the further development of technology. furthermore, technological advances affect everyone’s life. without a basic understanding of math and science, it is difficult for people to take full advantage of new products and tools. so no matter what one’s field, it is important to study these two subjects.
in my opinion, all subjects can contribute to a good education. no matter what one’s interests or future career, it is best to gain some basic knowledge in as many areas as possible. and finally, given the rapid pace of technological advances in our society, the study of science and mathematics is essential.
参考译文：
和的重要性
传统教育通常会强调和文学的重要性。这些科目无疑非常重要，所有的都应该学习。然而我认为，它们在今日并不如和重要。就理想的情况而言，应该接受通才，因为所有的科目都扮演着重要的角色。因此，我并不同意文学和比和重要的说法。
事实上，我们可以说，科学和数学正变得越来越重要了。在现今的社会中，科技进步快速，而这通常都是科学和数学领域的发展所导致的。如果不学习这两个科目，他们就无法对科技进一步的发展有所贡献。此外，科技的进步影响到每一个人的生活。如果对和没有基本的了解，人们就很难充分利用新的产品和工具。所以，无论一个人的专业领域为何，学习这两个科目都很重要。
依我之见，所有的科目都有助于良好的。不管一个人的兴趣或未来的职业为何，最好尽可能在各种领域中都学得一些基本知识。最后，由于在我们的社会中科技进步非常快速，所以学习和是十分必要的。
10. the pleasure of reading fiction
these days there are many forms of entertainment for us to choose from. watching movies and reading fiction are two of the most popular free time activities. i enjoy both of them, but given the choice, i usually prefer to read f
iction than watch a movie for the following reasons.
first of all, i can read a novel or short story at any time. i do not have to be at a theater or in front of a tv set at a certain time. i can even read when i have only a few spare minutes, for example, while on a bus. i do not have to read the book from start to finish in one sitting. second, i can read anywhere because books are portable. if the weather is fine, i can take my book outdoors, and when it is raining i can go to a coffee shop. most importantly, i can take a more active part when reading a book than when watching a movie. the descriptions in the book require me to use my imagination to visualize the scene and the characters. when reading a book, i create my own interpretation of it, but when watching a movie i can only see the moviemaker’s version of the events.
in conclusion, i prefer reading books to watching movies in my free time because reading gives me greater freedom and inspires my imagination more. both activities allow me to experience a different world, but reading lets me make that world my own.
参考译文：
阅读小说的乐趣
现在有很多娱乐形式可供我们选择。看电影和读小说是两种最受欢迎的休闲活动，我两种都很喜欢。但如果要从中选择，我通常宁愿读小说而不是看电影。理由如下。
首先，我可以在任何时间读长篇或短篇小说，我不需要在特定的时间待在电影院里或坐在电视机前。我甚至还可以在只有几分钟的空闲时间里读小说，例如在公车上。我不需要从头到尾一口气读完整本书。第二，因为书本携带方便，所以我随处都可以读。如果天气晴朗，我可以带书到户外，而下雨时我可以去咖啡厅。最重要的是，跟看电影比起来，阅读书籍时我能够扮演更主动的角色。对于书中的描述，我必须运用想象力，想象场景和人物。阅读书籍时，我可以创造我自己的诠释方法。但是看电影时，我只能看到电影制作人对于事情的看法。
总之，有空的时候，我宁愿看书而不看电影。因为看书能给我较大的自由，更能激发我的想象力。两种活动都能让我体验不同的世界，但是阅读让我可以创造一个属于自己的世界。
11. money and success
most people dream of being a success in life. however, this does not mean the same thing to everyone. many equate success with financial success and believe that only those who earn a lot of money can be considered successful. but there are other ways to measure success. in my opinion, it is definitely possible to be successful without earning a lot of money as long as one lives a meaningful life.
some people find meaning in life simply by doing something they enjoy. they may or may not become wealthy, but they are very likely to lead a happy life. others find meaning by making a contribution to the society. they may set a world record, cure a disease, create a beautiful work of art, or bring more convenience to everyday life. still others find satisfaction in educating others, helping the poor, or raising a family. when the ones they nurture do well, they feel successful. riches, on the other hand, do not guarantee happiness or meaning. no matter how wealthy a man is, he is unlikely to feel his life has been a true success if he is unhealthy, alone, or simply bored.
to sum up, there are many ways to measure a person’s success, and material wealth is just one of them. some people really do find satisfaction and meaning in amassing a fortune for themselves and their heirs, and for them, this is a good way to measure their success. but for other people, it is important to adhere to a more personal definition of success. however, we measure our won success, we must set our own goals and then strive to reach them. only in this way can we truly consider ourselves successful.
参考译文：
金钱与成功
大部分人都会梦想成为成功的人。然而，对每个人而言，成功的意义并不相同。很多人把成功视为金钱上的成功，并认为只有赚很多钱的人才是成功的。但是，还有其他方式可以用来衡量成功。依我之见，就算没有赚很多钱，只要过着有意义的生活，也是成功的。
有些人只要做自己喜欢做的事情就能找到生命的意义。他们可能会变得有钱，也可能不会，但他们很可能会过着快乐的生活。有些人通过为社会做贡献而找寻到意义。他们可能创造世界记录、治愈疾病、创作出优美的艺术品，或者为日常生活带来更多便利。还有些人在别人、帮助穷人或养育子女的同时得到满足感。当他们养育的子女表现优异时，他们就觉得很有成就感。另一方面，财富并不保证会带来快乐或意义。不论一个人多有钱，如果他不健康、孤单一人，甚至觉得无聊，就不可能觉得自己的生活很成功。
总之，衡量一个人的成功的方式有很多，而物质上的财富只是其中之一。有些人真的会在为自己或其继承人积累财富的过程中找到满足及意义。对这些人而言，这是衡量成功的好方法。但对其他人而言，坚持个人对成功的定义更重要。不论我们如何衡量自己的成功，我们都必须设定自己的目标，然后努力去达到。惟有如此，我们才能真正取得自己想要的成功。
12. school uniforms
some high schools require their students to wear uniforms, while other schools allow students to wear what they like. both of these policies have certain advantages and disadvantages. however, i believe that it is better to require students to wear uniforms to school for the following reasons.
first, requiring school uniforms equalizes students. those who come from poorer families and cannot afford expensive and fashionable clothes will not feel uncomfortable among their peers. second, when students are dressed the same way, they feel more as though they are part of a group. this can encourage pride in their school and in each other. third, students do not have to worry about what to wear to school, which can save them time and help them focus on their studies. and finally, school uniforms can save students and their families money as well.
given the above, i think most people would agree that requiring school uniforms is a good idea. although students are not as free to express themselves through their clothing, i believe that the advantages of uniforms outweigh this concern. school uniforms allow students to worry less about their appearance a
nd concentrate more on their schoolwork.
参考译文：
学校制服
有些学校要求学生穿制服，而有些学校则允许学生穿自己喜欢的衣服。这两种政策都各有里利弊。然而，我认为最好要求穿制服上学，理由如下。
首先，穿制服能使学生一律平等。那些家境较贫寒、买不起昂贵、时髦衣服的学生在之间就不会觉得不自在。其次，当学生穿得都一样时，他们会容易觉得自己是群体的一份子，这样可以激励大家以学校为荣，以彼此为荣。第三，学生不需要烦恼该穿什么衣服上学，这样可以节省时间，帮助他们专注于学业。最后，学校制服也可以节省及其家人的金钱。
基于上述理由，我认为大多数的人都会同意要求学生穿学校制服是个不错的主意。虽然学生不能自由地通过穿着来表现自己，但我认为制服的优点胜过这一项考虑。学校制服让不需要担心自己的外表，而且更能专注于学业。
13. elective courses
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. in my opinion, elective courses are an important part of a complete high school education. therefore, i believe that it would be beneficial for all students to be able to choose some of their courses.
one reason for my belief 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 to prepare the students for their university lives, when they will have to make many such decisions.
in conclusion, it is my belief that students benefit from being able to choose courses they are interested in. of course, they must 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.
参考译文：
选修课程
学校制度的要求各地都不同。在有些中学，必须遵守非常严格的课程，而在有些中学，则有选择部分课程的自由。依我之见，选修课程是完整的中学的重要一环。因此，我认为，让所有能够自己选择部分课程对他们是很有益处的。
我之所以会这样认为，原因之一在于，开放各种课程让学生选择可以使他们有机会探索新的学习领域。他们或许会发现自己的天分或兴趣，并拓展自己的视野。另一个原因是，当学生自行选修课程时，他们要为自己负更大的责任，并且真的要努力好好表现。他们会更有动力去学习自己想学的内容。最后一个理由是，在中学时期做这样的选择能帮助学生对大活有所准备。因为上大学后，他们将必须做很多这样的决定。
总之，我认为，会因为能够选修自己感兴趣的课程而获益。当然，他们仍然必须修一些必修科目，但增加了选修科目将使他们能够接受更多元化的。此外，他们也许能够很幸运地在早年就发现自己终生的兴趣。
14. an important change at school
a school is an important place to student. it is where they spend the majority of their time during their school years. therefore, it is important that the school provide a good environment for the students to develop both mentally and physically. for this reasons, if i could make one change to the school i attend, i would add a large, modern gymnasium.
one reason i support the building of a modern gym is that physical education class is very important to the well-being of students. it provides us not only with exercise, but with a break from the mental rigors of our studies. however, without a large enough gym, we must often cancel our p.e. class when the weather is bad and more classes must share the indoor space. a new gym would solve this problem. another reason i would like to have a new gym is that more modern athletic facilities would allow us to practice a wider variety of sports. this would appeal to those students who are not physically active because they find the current sports that we play boring or difficult. in developing the lifelong habit of exercise, it is important for everyone to find something he enjoys. finally, a big, new gymnasium could be used for other events as well, such as class assemblies and performances.
for the reasons given above, i believe that a large, modern gymnasium would be a valuable addition to my school. it would encourage more students to exercise and allow them to do so on a more regular basis. in addition, it could be used by many school organizations and clubs for a variety of purposes. therefore, i believe it is a practical suggestion.
参考译文：
学校的重大改变
学校对学生而言是个重要的地方，它也是学生在求学期间待的最久的地方。因此，学校应该提供一个良好的环境供发展身心，这是很重要的。基于这个理由，如果我能改变我所就读的学校的话，我会增设一座大型的现代化体育馆。
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我支持兴建一座现代化体育馆的理由是，体育课对学生的健康是非常重要的。体育课不仅让我们有机会运动，还能让我们远离耗尽心力的学业，以获得暂时的舒解。然而，如果没有一座足够大的体育馆，我们常会因为天气不好或者其他更多的班级要共用室内空间而取消体育课。一座新的体育馆就能解决这个问题。另一个我想拥有一座新体育馆的理由是，更现代化的体育设施能让我们从事更多各式各样的运动，如此便能吸引那些认为现在的体育活动过于无聊或困难而不太热衷于运动的。在培养终生运动的习惯时，让每个人都能找到自己所热爱的运动是很重要的。最后，一个大型且新颖的体育馆也可用来举办其他大型活动，如班级集会或各种表演。
基于以上理由，我认为增添一座典型且现代化的体育馆对我的学校而言是很有价值的。这会鼓励更多运动，而且还能让他们更多地运动。此外，它还可以供许多校内团体或社团举办各种不同性质的活动。因此，我认为这是个相当实用的建议。
15. advertising
advertising is a very big business these days. billions of dollars are spent every year to persuade customers to buy one brand of product rather than another. we are all exposed to such advertisements every day and their effect on us 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. these ads not only try to sell things that people do not really need, but promise something that cannot be bought. finally, if there is new information about a product or development, people will hear about it through word of mouth, and in my opinion, this is a more reliable source of information.
while it can be argued that advertising is sometimes useful to consumers who may want to compare different brands, i believe its overall effect is to get people to buy things that they don’t need. 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.
参考译文：
广告
广告业如今已成为非常大的产业。每年花在广告上的经费有好几十亿美元，以说服顾客买某个品牌的产品而不买别的家的。我们每天都接触这一类广告，它们对我们的影响是不可否认的。虽然某些广告的确提供了关于新产品的有用资讯，但我认为，它们的主要功用就是鼓励大家去买一些不是真的很需要的东西。
首先，大多数的广告并不会介绍一个全心的产品。相反，广告设计的用意是要说服消费者某家公司的产品比另一家好。其次，当推出一项新产品时，广告的目的常是制造对这项产品真的是必需品，无论是否真的如此。第三，很多广告都是形象广告，目的是要将奢侈品销售给大家。这种广告会暗示，买了此类产品的消费者会得到其他的东西，如快乐、尊敬或爱。这些广告不只会试着销售一些人们并不是真的需要的东西，而且也会保证你得到某样买不到的东西。最后，如果有与产品或开发相关的新资讯，人们会口耳相传。我认为，这才是比较可靠的资讯来源。
虽然友人认为广告有时能够帮助那些想要比较不同品牌产品的消费者，但我认为，广告整体的效果就是要人们购买自己不需要的东西。这并不是说广告都是骗人的。它们的目的只是要让消费者对这项产品产生需求。因此，我们都应该用批判性的眼光来看待广告，以免买到不需要的东西。
16. playing games teaches us about life
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, children often play games in which they take on adult roles. this kind of play helps them to prepare for their future lives. move 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 all their future endeavors. finally, although hunting and fighting techniques are no longer as essential, games can still help us develop certain practical skills. these skills may be physical or intellectual, such as the logical thinking developed by more mentally challenging games.
in short, whatever type of game people play, they get more from it 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.
参考译文：
从游戏中学习人生
自古以来，游戏几乎在每一种文化中都扮演着很重要的角色。它们不只是娱乐的来源，也是一种重要的学习方式。很久以前，游戏模拟真实生活的情境，以便在当时的重要活动，如打猎和战斗中培养有用的技巧。现在，游戏仍然可以教导我们许多与生活有关的事情。
举例来说，在游戏中，小朋友经常扮演大人的角色，这种游戏能帮助他们为未来的生活做准备。有组织的游戏可以教我们如何像团队一样工作以及如何与其他人相处。游戏同时也可以教我们如何优雅地面对输赢。此外，游戏可以灌输给年轻人运动家精神以及公平比赛的观念，而这些观念在他们未来努力的过程中是很有用的。最后，虽然打猎和战斗技巧不再那么必要，游戏仍然可以帮助我们发展一些实用的技巧。这些技巧可能是体能上或智力上的技巧，例如玩较费脑力的益智游戏就可以培养逻辑思考的能力。
总之，无论人们玩什么游戏，他们获得的不只是娱乐和放松。游戏可以帮助我们培养有助于我们 在日常生活中参加其他活动的能力。因此，游戏是学习生活很宝贵的方法。
17. save the forests
these days we often talk about the importance of our natural resources. in many countries they are disappearing at a rapid rate and environmentalists are urging people everywhere to protect their air, water, forests, wildlife, and
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so on. it is difficult to choose just one natural resource to save, but in my opinion, saving the forests should be the top priority.
first of all, forests help to preserve other natural resources such as water, air, and animals. without forests, the land cannot hold water as well. this means that in a heavy rain hillsides will collapse, causing great damage. not only that, but without the protection of trees, the nutrient-rich topsoil will be washed away and nothing will be able to grow on the land. trees also help to clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. and, of course, forests are the natural habitat of many wild animals. without them, these animals will not be able to survive. another reason to preserve our forests is that large numbers of trees can help to mitigate the greenhouse effect by absorbing solar radiation. and finally, forests are a place where people can get close to nature, and if they learn to love nature, they will want to preserve all the earth’s natural resources.
all of the earth’s natural resources are important, and we should all work to save them. the reason that i choose the forests as most important is because they help us in so many ways. by saving the forests, i believe we can save the planet.
参考译文：
拯救森林
如今，我们经常讨论天然资源的重要性。在许多国家，天然资源正在快速消失中。环保人士向全世界的人呼吁要保护空气、水、森林、野生动植物等资源。只选一样资源加以保护是很困难的，但依我之见，应该要优先考虑拯救森林。
首先，森林有助于保存其他的天然资源，比如水、空气和动物。如果没有森林，土壤就无法涵养水分。这意味着下大雨的时候，山坡会崩塌，造成极大的损害。不仅如此，如果没有树木的保护，富含养分的表土层就会被冲刷掉，土地就长不出任何东西。树木还会吸收二氧化碳，制造氧气，有助于净化空气。而且森林是很多野生动物的自然栖息地，如果没有森林，这些动物将无法生存。另外一个要保护森林的理由是，大量的树木可以吸收太阳辐射，以此缓和温室效应的影响。最后一点，森林是人类可以接近大自然的地方，如果人类学会爱护大自然，就会想保存地球上所有的天然资源。
地球上所有的天然资源都很重要，我们应该共同努力去拯救它们。我选择森林为最重要的资源，是因为森林很多方面都对我们有益。通过拯救森林，我相信我们也能够拯救地球。
18. the most important change of the 20th century
there were a great many changes in the twentieth century. they affected everything from the political composition of the world to how long we can expect to live. as a result, our lives are very different from those of our great-grandparents. it is difficult to say which of these great changes should be remembered most but, in my opinion, the invention of the computer is a good candidate, for it has affected our lives in so many ways.
one effect of the computer has been its impact on communication. thanks to the internet and computer-controlled satellites, it is now quick and cost-effective to communicate over great distances. this has made the world smaller and has had a great influence on business, leading to greater productivity worldwide. another great effect of the computer is that it has changed the way we live our daily lives. it has made it a simple task to find and manage information and has brought us countless conveniences. most of us deal with computers in one way or another every day. finally, the development of computer technology has made possible a host of other scientific advances. computers are used to save lives in hospitals, find new sources of energy under the sea and explore outer space. there seems to be no end to what computers can help us do.
in short, the computer has had such a great impact on so many areas of our lives that i feel its invention was the most memorable change of the twentieth century. no other product or event has affected so many people. its influence is felt around the world and will only continue to grow in the future.
参考译文：
20世纪最重要的改变
20世纪有很多重要的变革。从结构到人类平均寿命的长短，这些变革的影响层面很广泛。因此，我们与上上代的生活有极大的差异。很难说有那些重大的变革是应该被牢记的，但就我而言，电脑的发明是个不错的选择，因为它在很多方面都影响了我们的生活。
电脑影响的其中一个层面就是对通讯的冲击。由于互联网与电脑控制卫星的出现，现在远距离的通讯已经非常快速而且划算。这使得世界变得更小，而且对商业有很大的影响，也让全球的生产力增加了。电脑的另一个影响是，它改变了我们的日常生活方式。电脑让寻找及管理成为简单的事情，这带给我们非常多的便利。我们大部分的人每天或多或少都会使用电脑。最后，电脑科技的发展造就了许多其他上的进步。电脑被用来救活医院里的病人、寻找海底的新能源以及探索外太空。电脑的好处似乎是多到数不清。
总之，电脑对欧文们生活的许多层面都造成了很大的影响，因此我认为这项发明是20世纪最值得纪念的变革。没有其他产品或事件曾影响这么多人。它的影响力在世界各地都可以感受得到，而且在未来还会持续不断地增强。
19. staying healthy
there is no denying the importance of health. without it, it is difficult to live a happy life no matter how much money or success one has. however, many people neglect their health. they develop unhealthy habits such as smoking or overeating, lead sedentary lives or succumb to the pressures of modern life. as a result, they develop serious but preventable diseases. in order to maintain our good health and lead lives that are as fulfilling as possible, it is important to take some steps. those mentioned below are what do to stay healthy.
the first step i take is to keep regular hours and stick to a healthy, balanced diet. this is not always easy to do in today’s fast-paced society, but it is the basis of good health. our bodies need sufficient nutrition and rest in order to
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function well and resist illness. the second step i recommend is to get regular exercise. this does not mean we have to run marathons or join expensive fitness centers. studies have shown that even moderate exercise, such as walking, can have great benefits for our health if done on a regular basis. third, i suggest seeing a doctor for an annual checkup. most of us not think too much about our health until we feel that something is wrong. however, a doctor can often diagnose problems before they become serious enough to be apparent to us. last but not least, i take time to relax and renew my spirits and mental energy every day. this is just as essential as physical exercise because or mental state often has a profound influence on our physical health. as the saying goes, “a sound mind in a sound body.”
there are many things that we can do to stay healthy. the above steps are only a few suggestions. the important thing is to value our health and not neglect it. this means making healthy habits a part of our everyday life. there is no need to dwell on our health or take precautions against every disease known to man. if we simply develop a healthy way of living we are bound to live healthier, more satisfying lives.
参考译文：
保持健康
健康的重要性是不可否认的。如果不健康，一个人不管多有钱或多有成就，都很难过着快乐的生活。然而，很多人都忽视了自己的健康。他们养成了诸如抽烟或饮食过度的坏习惯，整天坐着不动，向现代生活的压力屈服，因而得了严重的、但原本可预防的疾病。为了保持健康，过上能充分发挥自我能力的生活，采取一些步骤是很重要的。下列提到的便是我用来维持健康的方法。
我所采取的第一个步骤是作息规律并保持健康均衡的饮食。在现今节奏快速的社会，这种做法未必容易，可是这却是良好健康的基础。我们的身体需要足够的营养和休息才能够维持正常的运作并抵抗疾病的威胁。我推荐的第二个步骤是规律运动。这并不是说我们得跑马拉松，或是加入收费昂贵的健身中心。研究显示，就酸是像走路这种适度的运动，只要规律地做，也能对我们的健康有很大裨益。第三，我建议去看医生，每年做一次健康检查。我们大部分人除非感觉身体不舒服，否则根本不会太注意自己的健康。然而，医生可以在我们发觉自己病情恶化之前先诊断出哪里有毛病。最后一项要点是，我每天会花时间好好放松，以此来恢复我的精神和脑力。因为我们的心理状态通常对身体健康有很深渊的影响，所以和体能运动一样，放松也是很重要的。俗话说：“健全的心灵，在于健全的身体。”
我们可以用很多方法来保持健康，以上的步骤只是一些建议而已。最重要的还是要珍惜自己的健康，不要忽视它。也就是说，要让健康的习惯成为每天生活的一部分。不过也没必要一天到晚想着健康问题，或是想采取一切预防疾病的措施。只要我们养成健康的生活方式，就一定可以过着健康而且更令人满意的生活。
20. volunteering
a community is made up of a group of people. and it depends on those people for its existence. it is possible for people to live in close proximity and fail to be a community. that is because the word community implies communal action. it is neighbors working together to create a better place to live. therefore, it is important for us all to contribute our efforts to our community. if i have several hours of time each month to do so, i will work toward creating and preserving green spaces in my community.
i feel that preserving green space is a worthy endeavor that would be of great value to my community. it is especially important because i live in an urban community. the open spaces and parks are limited in the city and are too often sacrificed for further development. working to protect these spaces and to establish new parks would be a way to conserve one of the community’s scarce resources. furthermore, providing green spaces for the residents of my neighborhood would increase the feeling of community and improve relationships among neighbors. this is because attractive parks would encourage people to get out and socialize with others in a relaxed atmosphere. in addition, by beautifying the neighborhood, it would provide the residents with more contact with nature. this would encourage them to exercise and lead healthier lives.
the above are just some of the advantages of having green spaces and parks in a community. because it is so beneficial to the community, that is how i will choose to devote my free time. in this way, i hope to make a meaningful contribution to my neighborhood and to my neighbors.
参考译文：
担任义工
社区是由一群人组成的，其存在也依赖这一群人。人们有可能住得很近，但却不能形成一个社区。因为社区这个字有共同行动的意思，也就是邻居们须共同努力去创造一个更好的生活环境。因此，大家都要为我们的社区贡献一己之力，这是很重要的。如果我能每个月贡献几小时的时间，我会努力创造并保留我们社区的绿地。
我觉得保留绿色空间对社区很有价值，而且是值得努力的事。因为我住在市区，所以这一点显得格外重要。城市里的空地和公园不但有限，而且还常常被牺牲以作进一步发展之用。努力保护这些空间并且兴建新的公园是一个保存社区稀有资源的方法。此外，提供附近居民绿色空间，也可以增进社区居民的感情，并改善邻居之间的关系。因为有吸引人的公园，大家就会想出去走走，在轻松的气氛下和其他人互相来往。此外，通过美化邻近地区，可以让居民有更多机会接触大自然。这会使他们更想运动，过更健康的生活。
上述只是社区保有绿色空间和公园的一部分好处。因为这对社区益处很多，所以我打算把空闲时间都花在这上面。我希望能通过这种方式为我的社区及邻居做些有意义的贡献。
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