Lovers Turn to Text Message to Say It’s Over 发个短信说分手.
U R dumped—one in seven say they have suffered the same fate as Britney Spears’ ex-husband and been told it’s all over via text message or e-mail, a survey said.
While hiding behind technology might appear a cowardly way of splitting up, it contrasts with the four percent who simply drop all communication with their lovers without notice. "Most of us send e-mails and texts everyday, so it comes as no surprise they are now being used to ditch someone—however distasteful this is," said Rob Barnes, who carried out the survey. "The results show one percent of the population would use a social networking site to dump a partner. It would be interesting to see how this changes as sites such as Facebook and MySpace become more apparent in our everyday lives." One of the most high-profile victims of dumping by text was Kevin Federline, who reportedly received news that pop singer Spears was filing for divorce while being filmed for a television show.
The survey said 15 percent of the 2,194 people questioned had been dumped by text or e-mail, although a quarter of those in the most tech-savvy 18 to 24-year-old age group would choose the traditional method—a letter.
“你被甩了”——每七个人中就有一个称他们遭到过与“小甜甜”布兰妮的前夫同样的命运——通过短信或电子邮件的方式被告知关系就此结束，一项调查如是说。
用科技作挡箭牌可算一种怯懦的分手方式，而与此形成对比的是，有4%的人说也不说一声，就完全断绝与爱人的所有联系。“我们大多数人每天都发送电子邮件和短信，现在用它来与某人分手也就不足为奇了，不管这有多么令人不快，”主持此项调查的罗布?巴恩斯说，“调查结果表明，有1%的人会使用社交网站与情人分手。随着像Facebook和MySpace这样的网站在日常生活中越来越普及，关注这一现象如何变化是很有意思的。”被发短信甩掉的“最大牌的”受害者之一是凯文?费德林，据爆料他是在录制电视节目时收到流行歌星“小甜甜”的短信要求离婚的。
该调查称在受访的2,194人中，有15%曾被恋人发短信或电子邮件甩掉，然而在18到24岁之间这一最具科技头脑的人群中，仍有1/4的人会选择传统的分手方法：写信。Remarks：各位看《英语学习》可是为了学英语的，不是为了学怎么跟情人分手的。如有人因本文遭受损失，恕本刊概不负责！.
How Office Politics Dominates Our Shut-Eye1 英国人：工作压力大，做梦也不忘
Trying to leave work at the office is proving to be a challenge for many British workers, with research revealing that heavy workloads, conflicts and bosses all make an appearance in dreams. Work-related issues are the number one topic featuring in dreams, with colleagues creeping into shut-eye time more than celebrities.2 More than 20 percent polled admitted that they regularly dream about their boss.
According to the research one in three dream about work when they are stressed in their job and a quarter stated that they dream about a colleague if there was a conflict3 with them earlier that day. Of the 2,000 people surveyed, 20 percent dreamed more if they were under pressure or stressed.
The poll found that the average person dreams most nights, with only 12 percent saying they never dream. However, dreams often leave people confused, with 52 percent saying they do not make sense4 and 60 percent wishing they could know what they mean.
Commenting on the survey carried out by One Poll for Premier Inn hotels, dreams expert Davina MacKail said: “This poll shows that whether we are asleep or awake a problem with a colleague or stress at work can really affect us.”
1. shut-eye:〈口〉睡觉。
2. issue: 问题；feature in: 为……主要角色；creep into: 悄悄地进入，潜入。
3. conflict: 冲突。
4. make sense: 有意义，解释得通。
Graduates Sell Advertising Space on Their Faces 英国毕业生出租“脸孔”当广告牌
Two enterprising graduates are selling advertising space on their faces to
pay off a combined student debt of almost ￡50,000.1
Faced with a challenging job market, former Cambridge students Ed Moyse and Ross Harper are painting different company logos on to their faces. Anyone can buy the advertising space, from businesses to individuals or groups, on a day-to-day2 basis. The logos—which can be viewed at https://www.doczj.com/doc/8d17577807.html,—are then seen by everyone they pass
as they go about their daily business.
The graduates, who met on their first day at Selwyn College, Cambridge, started the business on October 1, 2011 and said they made ￡3,500 in the first 10 days. The boys said they are “armed only with massive student debt and a firm grasp of the principles of viral advertising” as they attempt to survive for a year solely on income generated by transforming
themselves into walking advertisements.3
Mr. Harper, 21, from Greenwich, south London, who studied neuroscience, said: “It’s our unconventional way of paying off our student debt.4 The graduate job market is incredibly hostile, and so we thought we’d try and bypass it altogether.5 We’ve seen so many students unsuccessfully applying for jobs, only to eventually settle in a career that they never really wanted. It’s just something a bit different and has taken off6 quite nicely.”
1. enterprising: 有创业精神的；pay off: 付清，还清；debt: 债务。
2. day-to-day: 按日的，一天一天的。
3. massive: 大量的；grasp: 理解，掌握；viral advertising: 病毒式广告（网络公司的一种广告方式，让计算机用户通过电子邮件在不知不觉中收发广告或图文）；此处指在脸上打广告也是一种“病毒式广告”；
solely: 仅仅。
4. neuroscience: （研究大脑的）神经科学；unconventional: 非传统的。
5. hostile: 恶劣的，不利的；bypass: 避开。
6. take off: 突然开始成功。
Bribery in India: A Website for Whistleblowers 印度网站揭露行贿真相
Imagine if you had to pay a bribe to see your newborn baby, get your water supply connected or obtain your driving license. It’s an everyday fact of life in India—but campaigners are now fighting back, using people power and the Internet.
“Uncover the market price of corruption”, proclaims the banner on the homepage of
https://www.doczj.com/doc/8d17577807.html,. It invites people to share their experiences of bribery, what a bribe was for, where it took place and how much was involved. Launched in August, the site gives Indians a chance to vent their frustrations anonymously and shine a spotlight on the impact of corruption on everyday life.
“I did the driving test correctly but still the official said I was driving too slow, I realized his intention so gave him 200 Rupees and got the thing done,” is a typical example of a posting. The website was the brainwave of Ramesh and Swati Ramanathan. Having lived in the US and the UK for several years, they were dismayed on their return to see how widespread corruption had become and decided to do something about it.
The website has evolved into a consumer comparison site where people can also get information and advice in different languages on how to avoid paying bribes. So far, nearly 10,000 bribe experiences have been reported across 347 cities and 19 government departments.
Solving the problem of bribery in India is not going to happen overnight. But https://www.doczj.com/doc/8d17577807.html, shows that ordinary people can be turned from the victims of corruption into part of the solution.
bribery: 行贿，受贿，下文中的bribe为名词，意为“贿赂，用来买通别人的钱财（或物品、好处等）”；whistleblower:（尤指组织内部的）告发者，告密者。
campaigner: 参加（或发起）运动的人，文中指反腐败人士；people power: 人民的（反对）力量。
corruption: 腐败；proclaim: 表明，显示；banner: 横幅；homepage:（互联网的）首页，主页。
该网站邀请人们分享自己的行贿经历、行贿原因、行贿地点以及行贿金额。
vent: 表达，发泄情感（尤指愤怒）；frustration:（frustration: frustration:）；frustration:；挫折，失望；anonymously: 匿名地；spotlight: 公众注意中心。
Rupee: 卢比（印度货币单位）；post: 发贴子。
brainwave: 灵感，妙计。
dismay: 使失望；widespread: 普遍的，广泛的。
evolve into: 逐渐发展成……。
American Dream for Many Is Better Life for Kids美国梦：为孩子打造美好生活
For most Americans giving their children a better life or having a successful business or career is their version of the American Dream, according to a new poll.1
Their children’s welfare was the top pri ority for 53 percent of Americans questioned about the American Dream in a 60 Minutes/Vanity Fair survey.
It surpassed2 job prospects, getting rich overnight, owning a home, doing better than your parents, and becoming famous, which despite reality television was chosen by only three percent.
Americans were evenly split on whether it is a good idea to have a prenuptial agreement3 before getting married. Not surprisingly 60 percent of separated or divorced couples said they thought it was a smart move.
And despite a steady stream of diet books, 56 percent of Americans said they never try to lose
weight and 27 percent said they try to slim down4 once or twice a year.
A whopping 70 percent of Americans said that they would not feel safer if concealed weapons were allowed in classrooms to prevent shootings such as the one that occurred at Virginia Tech in August 2007.5
1. welfare：健康，幸福；priority: 优先考虑的事；60 Minutes/Vanity Fair survey: 美国电视节目“60 Minutes”与《名利场》杂志合办的调查。
2. surpass: 超过，优先于。
3. prenuptial agreement: 婚前协议。
4. slim down: 瘦身。
5. whopping: 庞大的；concealed: 隐藏的；Virginia Tech: （美国）弗吉尼亚理工大学。2007年，美国弗吉尼亚理工大学发生恶性校园枪击案，枪击造成33人死亡，凶手本人开枪自尽。
Save Money but Lose Weight with Korean Banks 韩国银行：减肥存款花样多
Hana Bank, the banking arm of Hana Financial Group, sells an instalment savings product called “S-Line,” a Korean word that means an hourglass figure—just one reflection of the current Korean obsession with being slim and in shape.1
The more calories2 a customer burns, the higher interest rate the bank gives. If a customer loses more than five percent of their weight within a year, or holds a gym3 membership, the bank grants special rates.
The working-out-for-higher-interest savings account has fetched up 400 billion won ($221 million) from nearly 50,000 customers since 2008.4
Other banks take a slightly different tack5. Top lender Kookmin Bank, the banking arm of KB Financial Group Inc, launched a smartphone product, taking advantage of the country’s smartphone boom.6 Customers use this to click on an icon of coffee or a taxi on their smartphone instead of drinking coffee or taking a cab—and directly deposit money.7
Woori Bank sells a bicycle fixed deposit, allowing clients to benefit from vowing to ride a bicycle to commute, as communicated with a written statement, or swiping its credit card for public transportation.8 The bank also provides free bicycle insurance.
For Park, who wants to save money for several years but fears burning a hole in his wallet by following his fitness resolution since many gym memberships in Seoul are expensive,9 such banks’ plans give him guarded hope. “They all sound very good,” Park said, though he added that he’d have to double check and make sure the plans helped him lose where he wants to—and only there.
1. banking arm: 银行业务分部；instalment savings product: 零存整取理财产品；hourglass figure: 沙漏形体型；in shape: 处于良好的健康状况。
2. calorie: 卡路里，热量单位。
3. gym: 体育馆，健身馆。
4. working-out-for-higher-interest: 为了高利息，卖力减肥，work out意为“筋疲力尽”；fetch
up: 产生；won: 韩元，韩国货币单位。
5. tack: 策略，方法。
6. smartphone: 智能手机；boom: 迅速发展，繁荣。
7. icon: 图标；deposit: 存（款），也作名词“存款”。
8. commute: 通勤；swipe credit card for public transportation: 乘公共交通时刷信用卡付费。
9. burn a hole in one’s wallet: 钱在钱包里留不住；fitness resolution: 减肥决心。
The Key to 100 Million Mysteries 一亿个秘密的钥匙
The average Briton has nine keys on their key ring—and no idea what at least two of them are for, according to a study. This suggests that there are more than 100 million “mystery keys” in the country, weighing more than 1,000 tons.
The poll, by Esure insurance, found that the average woman owned 10 keys but didn’t know what two of them did. Men own an average of eight, but again the purpose of two of these is unknown.
The research also found that, while the average bunch comprises nine keys, more than a quarter of those polled owned between 10 and 15 different keys, with a further nine percent of people possessing 21 or more separate keys.
The poll also found that one in five homes had a key hidden within 10 feet of the front door, with the most common hiding place a garden rock, followed by plant pots and door mats.
One in 10 respondents did not bother to change locks after losing a set of keys, and two thirds left a set of keys with neighbours, family or friends.
The over-55s are the most trusting, and frequently leave keys with others, while a third of under-25s said they had never done so.
Secret of Match Success 比赛成功的秘诀
Sports coaches who wear suits on match days and tracksuits1 on training days are more likely to get the best out of their teams, according to new research.
Sports scientists at the University of Portsmouth studied the effect a coach’s appearance had on the players’ impressions of their competence2. Dr. Richard Thelwell said: ‘‘We have found that the clothing that coaches wear can have a direct effect on the players’ perceptions3 of the coach’s ability. Players look to their coach to provide technical skills, to motivate them and to lead them. A coach in a suit suggests strategic prowess4 which is obviously ideal for a match. In our study, coaches wearing a suit were perceived as being more strategically competent than those wearing sporting attire5. However, when wearing sporting attire, they were perceived to be more technically competent than those in a suit.’’
Dr. Thelwell said: ‘‘First impressions can have a powerful and long-lasting effect, no matter how quickly those judgments were made. From the research, we know that sportsmen and women make snap decisions about their opponents based on first impressions.6 Such impressions then often influence the expectations of the performance outcome that ultimately results in success
or failure. In coaching it is vital a strong rapport7 develops between the coach and the athlete. Sportsmen and women have to be willing to be persuaded to push the boundaries physically and mentally because the coach believes they can push harder or even because the coach just tells them to but, to date,8 very little research has been done on what happens in those first few moments, and more importantly whether the athlete is prepared to go along with the ideals of the coach.’’
1. tracksuit:（训练时穿的）长袖运动服，田径服。
2. competence: 能力，技能。
3. perception: 认识，看法。
4. prowess:（某活动或领域的）杰出才能，高超本领。
5. attire:（尤指华丽或正式的）服装。
6. snap: 迅速的；opponent: 对手。
7. rapport: 融洽的关系，和谐的关系。
8. push the boundaries: 努力突破；to date: 迄今为止。
Rich Women Prefer Attractive Older Men 多金女青睐魅力熟男
Psychologists in Scotland have found that as women become more financially independent, they want an older, more attractive male partner.
Studies have previously found that women place greater emphasis on whether a man can provide for them, while men place more importance on good looks. The new study revealed that as women earn more and become more independent, their tastes actually change.
The study was conducted online with 3,770 heterosexual1 participants, about equal numbers of men and women, who were asked questions about their background and personal situation, and their level of financial independence. Participants ranked a series of criteria such as physical attraction, financial prospects and sense of humor in order of importance, with these results matched against their income and financial independence.2
The finding suggests that greater financial independence gives women greater confidence in choosing their partner. Instinctive preferences for material stability and security become less important, physical attractiveness becomes more important, and the age of a woman’s partner also increases.
The popular stereotype3 of powerful women adopting male patterns of behavior is strongly questioned by these new results.
1. heterosexual: 异性恋的。
2. criteria: criterion的复数形式，标准，尺度；match against: 与……相比。
3. stereotype: 固定的看法。
British Food No Longer a Turn-off1 for Tourists 英国食物重获游客青睐
Foreigners have for decades branded British food as bland and unhealthy, but a new survey
suggested the country’s culinary reputation is changing—although the French remain unimpressed.2
A survey of 26,000 people in 36 countries by VisitBritain, the national tourism body, found that
a majority of people in 27 nations disagreed with the statement that “British food is very bad”.
Russia, Estonia3 and Egypt were the most enthusiastic about British food, while Spain, Italy, Japan and France—the latter has long been skeptical about the culinary delights of its neighbour—were the least impressed.
The researchers also asked would-be travellers their views on what for many is the classic British dish—a breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon and black pudding, with the possible addition of mushrooms and grilledtomatoes.4
Asked how much they agreed with the statement, “I’ve always wanted to try a full English breakfast”, only the Irish and the Germans were ambivalent5, and among the keenest were visitors from Russia, Brazil and India.
1. turn-off: 令人倒胃口的东西，令人厌烦的事物。
2. brand: 加污名于……，谴责；bland: 淡而无味的；culinary: 烹饪的。
3. Estonia: 爱沙尼亚，波罗的海沿岸三国之一。
4. would-be: 想要成为……的；grill: 烤。
5．ambivalent: 态度模糊的，不确定的。
Background Noise “Makes Food Taste Bland1”飞机餐难吃怪噪音
The blandness of airline meals has long been a complaint among passengers—but research suggests that the chefs may not be to blame.
A study has found that high levels of background noise can diminish the sensitivity of people’s palates, making food taste less appealing.2 Experts believe that the roar of an aircraft’s jet engines could explain why diners are so often left unimpressed by the food dished up by cabin crew.3 The researchers also discovered that pleasant sounds can increase people’s enjoyment of meals. The findings could help restaurateurs choose the right music and ambience to enhance diners’ experiences.4
Blindfolded volunteers were given a range of foods including flapjacks and cheese crackers to try while being played different levels of white noise.5 Their responses indicated that people had a less acute sense of the sweetness and saltiness of foods the louder the noise was played.6 However, participants had a heightened sense of the crunchiness of foods the noisier it became.7 Researcher Dr. Andy Woods said: “Our research has revealed that flavours can taste less strong in loud background noise. In addition, just as enjoyable music can enhance the eating experience, if you dislike the background noise it can reduce your liking of that food. Based on these findings, a salad bar chain wanting to serve crunchy salads may find that they benefit from louder music, whereas a restaurant that serves salty food could consider turning the background music down to reduce the need for additional sodium in their food.”8
He said it intends to undertake more research to explain the findings. It is thought that
background noise may distort the brain’s ability to accurately gauge the senses.9 “We could ultimately work out the perfect soundtrack10 to enhance any meal,” added Dr. Wood s.
1. bland:（食物）淡而无味的。
2. diminish: 减弱；palate: 味觉；appealing: 吸引人的。
3. roar: 咆哮声，轰鸣声；jet engine: 喷气发动机；dish up: 提供；cabin crew: 机舱乘务人员。
4. restaurateur: 餐馆老板；ambience: 环境，氛围；enhance: 提高，增进。
5. blindfolded: 被蒙住眼睛的；flapjack: 煎饼，烤饼；cheese cracker: 奶酪薄脆饼干；white noise: 白噪音，用以掩盖其他杂音的声音。
6. acute: 敏锐的；saltiness: 咸味。
7. heightened: 更强烈的；crunchiness: 嘎吱嘎吱声，下文的crunchy为形容词，表示“发嘎吱嘎吱声的”。
8. salad bar chain: 连锁沙拉吧，沙拉吧指（餐馆或超市中的）沙拉自助柜或凉拌菜自助长条桌；sodium: 钠。
9. distort: 扭曲，使不正常；gauge: 判断，估计。
10. soundtrack: （电影）配乐。
Short Breaks Make People Happier than One Long Holiday 休短假比休长假更开心
Taking frequent short breaks is better for you than one long holiday, research has found. Psychologists believe that people who use their holiday allowance in bursts rather than all in one go are happier.1 People who take so-called mini-breaks2 have more happy memories than those who holiday for an extended period of time, they claimed.
Psychologists suggested that holidaymakers break up extended time away by doing some work in the middle of their break saying this would make them more appreciative of their time away from the office.3 The explanation is that people’s enjoyment wanes as they become accustomed to their holiday lifestyle.4
Prof. Ariely, who teaches at Duke University in North Ca rolina, said: “On a long vacation, day seven is less good than day one because it’s not as exciting. That’s why in general, going away four times [a year] provides more benefit than you would expect, and going away for one week provides less benefit than y ou would expect.”
However, other experts disagree. Tim Harford, the author of Dear Undercover Economist, said that taking an increased number of trips would only increase the stress associated with travelling to and from a holiday destination. He said: “If you pack three times as many holidays into the same amount of leave, you can expect three times as much trouble. It’s not obvious to me that it’s worth it.”
1. holiday allowance: 容许的假期；in bursts: 一阵一阵地；in one go: 一口气。
2. mini-break: 短暂假期。
3. holidaymaker: 度假者；appreciative: 感激的，承认有价值的。
4. wane: 减弱，变少；become accustomed to: 对……变得习以为常。
Attractive Women Overlooked for Certain Jobs? “男性工作”：美女也没便宜占
Too hot to be an engineer or prison guard?
Good looks can kill a woman’s chances of snaring jobs considered“masculine,”1 according to a study by the University of Colorado Denver Business School.
Attractive women faced discrimination2 when they applied for jobs where appearance was not seen as important. These positions included job titles like manager of research and development, director of finance, mechanical engineer and construction supervisor.3
They were also overlooked for categories like director of security, hardware salesperson, prison guard and tow-truck driver.4
“In these professions being attractive was highly detrimental to women,” researcher Stefanie Johnson said in a statement, adding that attractive women tended to be sorted into positions like receptionist or secretary.5
“In every other kind of job, attracti ve women were preferred. This wasn’t the case with men which shows that there is still a double standard when it comes to gender 6.”
While the researchers found good-looking women were ruled out7 for certain jobs, they found that attractive men did not face similar discrimination and were always at an advantage.
But Johnson said beautiful people still enjoyed a significant edge8 when it came to the workplace.
They tended to get higher salaries, better performance evaluations, higher levels of admission to college, and more favorable judgments in trials.9
“In every other kind of job, attractive women were preferred,” said Johnson, who chided those who let stereotypes affect hiring decisions.10
1. snare:（用陷阱、罗网等）捕捉，此处指找工作；masculine: 适于男性的。
2. discrimination: 差别对待，歧视。
3. director of finance: 财务总监；construction supervisor: 施工监理。
4. director of security: 保安部主管；tow-truck: 吊拖车，托运车。
5. detrimental: 有害的，不利的；receptionist:（诊所、事务处等的）接待员。
6. gender: 性别。
7. rule out: 把……排除在外。
8. edge: 优势。
9. performance evaluation: 业绩评价；trial: 审判。
10. chide: 责备；stereotype: 成见。
Britons Spend Six Months of Their Lives Discussing Weather 英国人一生六个月谈天气Famously weather-obsessed1 British people spend on average six months of their lives talking about whether it’s going to rain or shine, according to a survey published recently.
Speculation about whether it’s going to be wet, complaints about the cold and exclamations
about the heat are also the first points of conversation with strangers or business acquaintances for 58 percent of Britons,2 it said.
The study of 2,018 adults by pollsters ICM found Britons talk about the weather for about 49 hours every year and the subject comes up more often than work, TV, sport or gossip.3 Nineteen percent of over 65s questioned also believe they can predict the weather as well as a professional weatherman.4
The most usual explanation for the fascination with weather is that it is so changeable here—although this does not explain why other meteorologically challenged countries are not similarly interested.5
Whatever the reason, “these findings prove that we really are a nation obsessed by our climate,”said Paul Llewellyn of Lloyds TSB Insurance, which commissioned6 the poll.
1. weather-obsessed: 对天气着迷的。
2. speculation: 猜测；exclamation: 大呼小叫；
acquaintance: 熟人。
3. pollster: 民意调查分析机构；gossip: 流言蜚语。
4. over 65s: 65岁以上的老人；weatherman: 天气预
报员。
5. fascination: 着迷，强烈爱好；meteorologically challenged: 气象状况不稳定的。
6. commission: 委托进行。
Queen Elizabeth II Wants a Pay Rise 女王要求涨工资
The Queen is demanding her first pay rise in 20 years to plug a looming ￡6 million deficit in the royal household’s finances.1
Palace officials have warned the Treasury they need a dramatic rise in the ￡7.9 million annual civil list to maintain spending on state duties.2 The request is politically explosive at a time when the new coalition is imposing draconian ￡6 billion public sector cuts to bring down Britain’s record deficit.3 The ￡7.9 million grant covers the cost of the official royal household, from banquets and furnishings to housemaids and footmen.4
The Queen’s treasurer Sir Alan Reid has told Government officials that the monarch’s expenditure is running at ￡6 million more than the annual allowance. The shortfall is being met by an emergency reserve which is due to run out in 2012—the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.5 The civil list is negotiated every ten years and the Government has to report to Parliament on the grant by July 3 at the latest. Courtiers say the Queen should, at least, expect an increase to her annual funding which takes account of inflation over the past two decades.6 Prices have soared7 by 80 percent in that time.
The current level of the civil list was agreed by former prime minister John Major in 1990, and frozen by Tony Blair in 2000.
Palace officials have since been dipping into a surplus accumulated in the 1990s, which peaked
with a cash reserve of ￡35 million.8 However, this is down to ￡14 million and due to run out in 2012. One royal courtier said: “The Queen has only been able to manage by very prudent financial management and by drawing on reserves.”9
The monarchy costs more than ￡41.5 million a year in public funds, equivalent to 69p a year for each taxpayer—excluding the cost of security. About 70 percent of the ￡7.9 million civil list expenditure goes on staff salaries. It also pays for official functions such as garden parties, receptions and entertainment.
Graham Smith, of Republic, which campaigns for an elected head of state, said the request was a “national disgrace”. He said: “The palace is demanding more money because it has been wasteful, secretive and incompetent.” But Edward Leigh, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee which monitors the royal finances, said: “The Queen needs substantially more money to carry out her duties and responsibilities. The Queen and the Royal Family do a fantastic job considering their very small resources.”
1. plug: 堵塞（漏洞）；loom: （战争、威胁等）阴森地逼近。
2. Treasury: （英国）财政部；civil list: 皇室费，王室专款。
3. explosive: 爆炸性的，极有争议的；coalition: 结合，联合，此处指由英国保守党和自由民主党新结成的联合政府；draconian: 严厉的，残酷的；public sector: （英国）政府资助（或控制）的企业（或社会慈善事业等）。
4. grant: 授予物（如土地、权利、补助金等）；footman: 男仆。
5. shortfall: 不足之数，差额；emergency reserve: 紧急预备费；the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year: 女王登基“钻石年”，指女王登基60周年。
6. courtier: 侍臣；take account of: 考虑到；inflation: 通货膨胀。
7. soar: 猛增。
8. dip into a surplus: 动用剩余款项；peak: 达到最高点。
9. prudent: 节俭的，善于经营的；draw on: 动用。
小学三年级上学期英语阅读理解专项训练 第一题： It is eight o 'clock. The children （孩子们） go to school by car every day, they are going to school on foot. It is ten o ' clock. Mrs. Sawyer usually （通常）stays at home in the morning, but this morning, she is going to the shops. It is four o ' clock in the afternoon, Mrs. Sawyer usually drinks tea in the living room. But this afternoon, she is drinking tea in the garden. It is six o ' clock, In the evening, the children usually do their homework, but this evening, they are not doing their homework. At the moment, they are playing in the garden. It is nine o ' clock. Mr. Sawyer usually reads his newspaper at night（晚上）. But he' s not reading his newspaper tonight. At the moment, he ' s reading an interesting （有趣的）book. 小题1:The children go to school _____ every day. A．by car B．on foot C ．by bike D ．by bus 小题2:Mrs. Sawyer is going to ___ this morning 。A．staying at home B．go shopping C．drinking tea D．watching TV 小题3:Mrs. Sawyer usually drinks tea in the evening at _____ i n the living room. A．8:00 B．16:00 C．18:00 D．21:00 小题4:Are the children doing their homework at the moment? A．Yes, they do. B ．No, they don ' t. C．Yes, they are. D．No, they aren ' t 第二题： Mike is a good student. He gets up at six thirty every day. Helikes to wear his blue sweater. He goes to school at seven fifteen. He has English class at eight o ' clock. He likes English very much. He has lunch at home. In the afternoon, he always plays football on the school playground. He does homework after dinner. He goes to bed at nine o ' clock.
一.课题由来：随着英语的漫长发展，趣味英语由语法口语中演变而来。还有在各种以英语为母语的国家的地方方言融入了现代英语形成了趣味英语。 二.课题研究的目的：通过对趣味英语的了解，对此得出一个提高英语兴趣的一种方式。既能达到开展研究性学习活动的目标，也能让更多的人了解趣味英语，让趣味英语得到更多人的关注，更能增强我们自身的社会实践能力。
三.主要研究方法：资料法 四.研究成果的形式：论文报告、成果展示（如下） 1. 利用英语的单词的词性以及单词的多种意思组成的趣味英语句子.培养我们对英语的更深一步认识与了解。 (1). Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you. 麻烦没来找你，就别去自找麻烦。 第一、四个trouble是动词，第二、三个trouble是名词。 (2). I think that that that that that student wrote on the blackboard was wrong. 我认为那个学生写在黑板上的那个“that”是错的。 第一个that是连词，引起宾语从句；第二、五个that是指示代词“那个”；第三个that在这儿相当于名词；第四个that是关系代词，引起定语从句。 (3). I know. You know. I know that you know. I know that you know that I know. 我知道。你知道。我知道你知道。我知道你知道我知道。 (4). We must hang together, or we'll be hanged separately. 我们必须团结在一起，否则我们将被一个个绞死。 这是一句双关语。前面的hang together是“团结一致”的意思，后面的hanged是“绞死”的意思。 (5). The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog. 那只敏捷的棕色狐狸跳过了一只懒惰的狗。
2011高考英语课外阅读材料 【每两天一篇—阅读+单词学习】 Unit One: How to Improve Your Study Habits TEXT Want to know how to improve your grades without having to spend more time studying? Sounds too good to be true? Well, read on... How to Improve Your Study Habits Perhaps you are an average student with average intelligence. You do well enough in school, but you probably think you will never be a top student. This is not necessarily the case, however. You can receive better grades if you want to. Yes, even students of average intelligence can be top students without additional work. Here's how: 1. Plan your time carefully. Make a list of your weekly tasks. Then make a schedule or chart of your time. Fill in committed time such as eating, sleeping, meetings, classes, etc. Then decide on good, regular times for studying. Be sure to set aside enough time to complete your normal reading and work assignments. Of course, studying shouldn't occupy all of the free time on the schedule. It's important to set aside time for relaxation, hobbies, and entertainment as well. This weekly schedule may not solve all of your problems, but it will make you more aware of how you spend your time. Furthermore, it will enable you to plan your activities so that you have adequate time for both work and play. 2. Find a good place to study. Choose one place for your study area. It may be a desk or a chair at home or in the school library, but it should be comfortable, and it should not have distractions. When you begin to work, you should be able to concentrate on the subject. 3. Skim before you read. This means looking over a passage quickly before you begin to read it more carefully. As you preview the material, you get some idea of the content and how it is organized. Later when you begin to read you will recognize less important material and you may skip some of these portions. Skimming helps double your reading speed and improves your comprehension as well. 4. Make good use of your time in class. Listening to what the teacher says in class means less work later. Sit where you can see and hear well. Take notes to help you remember what the teacher says. 5. Study regularly. Go over your notes as soon as you can after class. Review important points mentioned in class as well as points you remain confused about. Read about these points in your textbook. If you know what the teacher will discuss the next day, skim and read that material too. This will help you understand the next class. If you review your notes and textbook regularly, the material will become more meaningful and you will remember it longer. Regular review leads to improved performance on test. 6. Develop a good attitude about tests. The purpose of a test is to show what you have learned about a subject. The world won't end if you don't pass a test, so don't worry excessively about a single test. Tests provide grades, but they also let you know what you need to spend more time studying, and they help make your knowledge permanent. There are other techniques that might help you with your studying. Only a few have been mentioned here. You will probably discover many others after you have tried these. Talk with your classmates about their study techniques. Share with them some of the techniques you have found
盐城市初中英语课外阅读推荐书目 七年级上学期 必读： 1.《初中英语读本》7A 译林出版社 2.《新理念英语阅读》七年级第1册上海外语教育出版社 选读： 1.《新理念英语阅读》七年级第2册上海外语教育出版社 2.《趣文短篇》七年级上册上海外语教育出版社 3. 津津有味?读经典《皇帝的新装》译林出版社 4. 津津有味?读经典《伊索寓言》译林出版社 5. 津津有味?读经典《黑骏马》译林出版社 6. 津津有味?读经典《格林童话选》译林出版社 7. 津津有味?读经典《亚洲民间故事》译林出版社 8.《动物总动员》上海外语教育出版社 9.《田园寻趣》上海外语教育出版社 10.《绚烂鱼世界》上海外语教育出版社 11.《人体探秘》上海外语教育出版社 12.《阅读精华文库》七年级上译林出版社 13.《快乐英语阅读》七年级年级?第1-3卷[升级版] 译林出版社 七年级下学期 必读： 1.《初中英语读本》 7B 译林出版社 2.《新理念英语阅读》七年级第3册上海外语教育出版社 选读： 1.《新理念英语阅读》七年级第4、第5册上海外语教育出版社 2.《趣文短篇》七年级下册上海外语教育出版社 3. 津津有味?读经典《柳林风声》译林出版社 4. 津津有味?读经典《怪医杜立德》译林出版社 5. 津津有味?读经典《快乐王子》译林出版社 6. 津津有味?读经典《原来如此的故事》译林出版社 7. 津津有味?读经典《森林王子》译林出版社 8. 津津有味?读经典《爱丽丝漫游奇境》译林出版社 9.《企鹅大家庭》上海外语教育出版社 10.《马戏乐园》上海外语教育出版社 11.《游戏天地》上海外语教育出版社 12.《节庆假日》上海外语教育出版社 13.《畅游野生动物园》上海外语教育出版社 14.《快乐英语阅读》七年级?第4-6卷[升级版] 译林出版社 15.《阅读精华文库》七年级下译林出版社 八年级上学期 必读： 1.《初中英语读本》8A 译林出版社
研究性学习课题报告 课题英语趣味收集 指导老师刘彩会 组长王佳丽 人员分工 姓名班级任务 王佳丽高一（1）总体规划 杨旭高一（1）收集资料 辛玉高一（1）收集资料 郭爽高一（1）整理资料 张大卫高一（1）论文总结 杨越帆高一（1）活动总结 胡家庆高一（1）资料打印 研究时间：2011.4-2011.5 一.课题由来：随着英语的漫长发展，趣味英语由语法口语中演变而来。还有在各种以英语为母语的国家的地方方言融入了现代英语形成了趣味英语。 二.课题研究的目的：通过对趣味英语的了解，对此得出一个提高英语兴趣的一种方式。既能达到开展研究性学习活动的目标，也能让更多的人了解趣味英语，让趣味英语得到更多人的关注，更能增强我们自身的社会实践能力。
三.主要研究方法：资料法 四.研究成果的形式：论文报告、成果展示（如下） 1. 利用英语的单词的词性以及单词的多种意思组成的趣味英语句子.培养我们对英语的更深一步认识与了解。 (1). Never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you. 麻烦没来找你，就别去自找麻烦。 第一、四个trouble是动词，第二、三个trouble是名词。 (2). I think that that that that that student wrote on the blackboard was wrong. 我认为那个学生写在黑板上的那个“that”是错的。 第一个that是连词，引起宾语从句；第二、五个that是指示代词“那个”；第三个that在这儿相当于名词；第四个that是关系代词，引起定语从句。 (3). I know. You know. I know that you know. I know that you know that I know. 我知道。你知道。我知道你知道。我知道你知道我知道。 (4). We must hang together, or we'll be hanged separately. 我们必须团结在一起，否则我们将被一个个绞死。 这是一句双关语。前面的hang together是“团结一致”的意思，后面的hanged是“绞死”的意思。 (5). The quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog. 那只敏捷的棕色狐狸跳过了一只懒惰的狗。
英语美文欣赏50 Run Through the Rain 雨中奔跑 She had been shopping with her Mom in Wal-Mart. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful brown haired, freckle-faced image of innocence. It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of rain gutters, so much in a hurry to hit the Earth, it has no time to flow down the spout. 她和妈妈刚在沃尔玛结束购物。这个天真的小女孩应该6岁大了，头发是 美丽的棕色，脸上有雀斑。外面下着倾盆大雨。雨水溢满了檐槽，来不及排走，就迫不及待地涌涨上地面。 We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of the Wal-Mart. We all waited, some patiently, others irritated, because nature messed up their hurried day. I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I get lost in the sound and sight of the heavens w ashing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memories of running, splashing so carefree as a child come pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day. 我们都站在沃尔玛门口的遮篷下。大家都在等待，有人很耐心，有人很烦 躁，因为老天在给他们本已忙碌的一天添乱。雨天总引起我的遐思。我出神地 听着、看着老天冲刷洗涤这世界的污垢和尘埃，孩时无忧无虑地在雨中奔跑玩 水的记忆汹涌而至，暂时缓解了我一天的焦虑。 Her voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were all caught in, "Mom, let's run through the rain." she said. 小女孩甜美的声音打破了这令人昏昏欲睡的气氛，“妈妈，我们在雨里跑吧。”她说。 "What?" Mom asked. “什么？”母亲问。 "Let's run through the rain!" She repeated. “我们在雨里跑吧，”她重复。 "No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit." Mom replied. “不，亲爱的，我们等雨小一点再走。”母亲回答说。 This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's run through the rain." 过了一会小女孩又说：“妈妈，我们跑出去吧。” "We'll get soaked if we do." Mom said. “这样的话我们会湿透的。”母亲说。 "No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm."
五年级英语课外阅读 TTA standardization office【TTA 5AB- TTAK 08- TTA 2C】
快乐英语阅读四年级第二卷测试题 班级姓名 一，选择题。(24) ( ) is a rooster. ( ) man is . . ( ) last,the man will feel . ( ) Jane feels ill,she always . the doctor a lollipop ( ) doctor shines a torch to for Jane’s shoes under the bed. in Jane’s ears. at Jane. ( )’s mother . in a school a doctor not good ( )’s mother when Jane is ill. Jane to have some lollipops. the doctor. Jane to take some medicine ( ) lives in . US ( )’s mother is a . ( ) is a .
high school(高中)student school(小学)student school(初中)student. ( ) usually goes to school . bike car foot ( ) are people in Sam’s family. 二，判断题。(46) 1.Tim’s home is not far from his school. ( ) 2.Tim goes to school by bike. ( ) 3.Tim put ink on the teacher’s chair. ( ) 4.It is good that Tim did it. ( ) 5.Tim is very naughty(淘气的). ( ) 6.Knife and fork are dinnerware. ( ) 7.We use a spoon to cut up the food. ( ) 8.The dinnerware in the town wanted to live in peace and help each other. ( ) 9.The other dinnerware began to dislike the chopsticks because they were not helpful. ( ) 10.It is hard to work together in pairs all the time,so the chopsticks give up. ( ) 11.The lion has got fruity breath. ( ) 12.The monkey told the truth to the lion,but was eaten by him. ( ) 13.The rabbit lied to the lion,and the lion was very happy. ( ) 14.The fox has really got a cold. ( ) 15.The lion is the king of the forest. ( ) 16.The lion didn’t eat the fox because he was satisfied with his answer. ( ) 17.Amy wants to go to Xinhua Bookshop first. ( ) 18.The History Museum is not far from here. ( )
美联英语提供：英语阅读：如何选择正确的英语课外阅读材料 小编给你一个美联英语官方试听课申请链接：https://www.doczj.com/doc/8d17577807.html,/?tid=16-73374-0我们常说的英语阅读就是读者利用相关的英语知识和非英语知识去解读包含一定英语知识和非英语知识的阅读材料。英语知识是指读者英语语音、词汇、语法以及篇章知识的总和，而非英语知识是指读者英语知识以外的背景知识，即直接或间接获取的知识经验的总和。 在培养学生的英语语言综合运用能力听说读写过程中，阅读能力的提高对于英语学习者来说是重中之重。诚如刘润清教授所总结的那样“正式的外语教学与其他学科教学一样，要想真正掌握一门外语，需要大量的阅读，有独立的思维过程和分析总结过程”。 课外阅读是高中英语教学的必要补充。高中英语大纲明确指出：要提高学生的阅读能力，单纯通过教科书的课文教学是远远不够的，还要根据学生的具体情况，有计划地指导学生在课外阅读一定数量的课外读物。理由是：第一，现行的课文教学篇目少，篇幅短，不能保证充分的阅读活动;第二，精读教学担负着语言知识教学的任务，所以，课文生词和新的语言结构的密度大，不适用于流畅阅读的训练;第三，精读实际上综合训练，大量的时间用于为语言点的掌握而安排的听、说、读、写操练上，读的专门训练不够。因此，大纲的指出实际上对我们的外语教师提出了更高的、更全面的要求。 我们的理解是，这里的课外阅读即泛读，让学生独立阅读，但又不是“放羊式”的阅读，而是在教师有计划的指导下进行的课外阅读。因此，我们认为泛读既是阅读材料的问题，也是阅读方法的问题，老师应做到以下几点： 首先，给学生选择时应掌握以下原则：(1)思想性强,内容健康; (2)材料难易适合学生的实际水平; (3)题材涉及面广，材料新颖，具有趣味性; (4)文章体载多样化; (5)语言地道、规范。
小学生英语课外阅读故事（五篇） 时间很重要： As a young man, Al was a skilled artist, a potter with a wife and two fine sons. One night, his older son developed a severe stomachache. Thinking it was only some common intestinal(肠的) disorder, neither Al nor his wife took the condition very seriously . But the boy died suddenly that night. Knowing the death could have been avoided if he had only realized the seriousness of the situation, he always felt he was guilty. To make matters worse, his wife left him a short time later, leaving him alone with his six-year-old younger son. The hurt and pain of the two situations were more than Al could stand, and he turned to alcohol for help. In time Al became an alcoholic. As the alcoholism progressed, AL began to lose everything he possessed -- his land, house, etc. Finally Al died alone in a small bar. Hearing of Al's death, I thought, "What a totally wasted life! What a complete failure! " As time went by , I began to revalue my earlier rough judgement . I knew Al's now adult son, Ernie. He is one of the kindest, most caring , most loving men I have ever known. I saw the love between Ernie and his children, thinking that kindness and caring had to come from somewhere . I hadn't heard Ernie talked much about his father. One day, I worked up my courage to ask him what on earth his father had done so that he became such a special person.
2012高考英语课外阅读材料 【每两天一篇—阅读+单词学习】 Unit One: How to Improve Your Study Habits TEXT Want to know how to improve your grades without having to spend more time studying? Sounds too good to be true? Well, read on... How to Improve Your Study Habits Perhaps you are an average student with average intelligence. You do well enough in school, but you probably think you will never be a top student. This is not necessarily the case, however. You can receive better grades if you want to. Yes, even students of average intelligence can be top students without additional work. Here's how: 1. Plan your time carefully. Make a list of your weekly tasks. Then make a schedule or chart of your time. Fill in committed time such as eating, sleeping, meetings, classes, etc. Then decide on good, regular times for studying. Be sure to set aside enough time to complete your normal reading and work assignments. Of course, studying shouldn't occupy all of the free time on the schedule. It's important to set aside time for relaxation,
作业32 B1U1 编制：邵明允姓名：班级：I Cloze A Night with the Homeless Every Saturday night my family and I go out and feed the homeless people in the city of Orlando. We want to see 1 it is like in the life of a homeless person. One special thing I like to 2 is that my family and I do not eat before we begin our journey so we know how it feels to be 3 . We all get together in the 4 and prepare the food. Some of the meals are sandwiches and cookies and a bottle of water. Sometimes my mom 5 a steaming hot delicious meal. We then 6 them all up to feed 30 or more people. Before my family and I get into the car we ask God for protection in a family 7 . A lot of people 8 homeless people. Not all homeless people are drug addicts or bad people. Some are really nice; some of them just had 9 things happening to them. 10 when my family and I went out on the street we had to earn their 11 , because a lot of people are 12 to them for no good reason. But 13 they see us every week they 14 us. We even know some of their names. We all have to remember that these are people with 15 . Some of them shake our hands for giving them food. Some of them do really funny dances because they are happy. We have become really close 16 the man named Tony and his wife. They have all of their personal 17 in shopping carts. After we 18 them several times he has told us a lot about his life. He graduated from Harvard University. He 19 teach French and Spanish. After we finished feeding the homeless, it makes me 20 what I have at home. I love feeding the homeless, and making a difference in someone's life. 1. A. what B. how C. whether D. why 2. A. talk B. imagine C. mention D. remind 3. A. thirsty B. hungry C. homeless D. helpful 4. A. hall B. yard C. kitchen D. street 5. A. buys B. takes C. brings D. prepares 6. A. make B. pack C. press D. add 7. A. prayer B. ceremony C. party D. adventure 8. A. disappoint B. misunderstand C. ignore D. dislike 9. A. terrible B. normal C. personal D. common 10. A. At last B. At least C. At first D. At once 11. A. trust B. thanks C. admiration D. love 12. A. generous B. cruel C. unfriendly D. merciful 13. A. in case B. now that C. for fear D. provided that 14. A. care for B. believe in C. agree with D. worry about 15. A. sympathy B. courage C. feelings D. determination 16. A. to B. by C. of D. with 17. A. belongings B. clothes C. groceries D. goods 18. A. departed B. saved C. helped D. greeted 19. A. would B. used to C. was to D. ought to 20. A. remember B. realize C. recognize D. appreciate II Reading comprehension A Wind, water, fire and ice — these powerful natural forces have shaped the land of America in the past. They are still changing it today. The Colorado River slowly cut down through stone to make the Grand Canyon（大峡谷） Long ago, ice sheets cut Yosemite Valley and the Great Lakes, and glaciers (冰川) are still on the move in Alaska. Wind and rainstorm hit the land from time to time. Fires sometimes burn down forests and destroy the homes of wild animals: This happened in Yellowstone Park in 1988. Dead volcanic (火山的) mountains such as Haleakala on Maui and Carter Lake in Oregon are beautiful to look at. But there are several active volcanoes in the US, especially along the Pacific Coast. There are also many earthquakes in this area. Scientists can do nothing to control earthquakes or volcanoes. This was shown clearly on May 18,1980. At 8:32 that morning, Mount St Helens in Washington state broke out. The top of the mountain was blown off. Over 60 people —campers, scientists, journalists, forest workers —were killed. Hundreds of square miles of forests were knocked down. In towns over 100 miles away, day suddenly became night. An ash cloud hid the sun for many hours. Towns and fields in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho were covered with dirty gray ash. Scientists knew that Mt St Helens might erupt (喷发) soon. But no one could say when. And no one expected the terrible strength of the eruption. Many people were surprised and unready. Harry R. Truman, 84 , owned a small hotel in Mt St Helens. Scientists had asked people to move away because the volcano was becoming dangerous. But Harry R. Truman would not leave his home. Now it is
XX趣味英语手抄报资料 分手时该说什么 爱情并不一定都会走向婚姻，有的人会有大团圆结局，也有人会伤心分手。这一次我们就来看看这些伤心的事情用英语怎么表达。 1. I'm over you. 我跟你之间完了。 还记得前几天我们讲过一个 I'm all over you，意思是“我对你非常着迷”。但是 I'm over you. 意思就完全不同了。你要是说 I'm over you. 就是说“我跟你之间完了，我不想再和你有任何的瓜葛”。一字之差，意思就完全不一样了。 2. I had a falling out with my boyfriend. 我不理我男朋友了。 Falling out 就是说二个人可能因为吵架或是其它原因而不讲话或是不理对方了。当你说 falling out with my boyfriend 时，有时候是暂时性的 (可能以后还会和好)，但是大多数的时候是说“你和你的男朋友真正吹了”。我们把恋爱叫 fall in love，那结束一段恋情就叫 fall out of love (从爱情中掉出来)，有点幻想破灭的味道在里面。但是要注意，没有人会说 I fall out with my boyfriend. 而只能说 I had a falling out with my boyfriend.
3. We decided to break up. To be more precise, he dumped me. 我们决定分手，但更确切一点说，是他把我给抛弃了。 Break up 是指男女朋友之间分手，Jennifer Aniston 的新电影就叫做The Break-up。当然这种说法并没有区分谁抛弃谁。如要说明是“谁抛弃谁的”，则可以说 I broke up with my boyfriend (我和我男朋友分手了) 或是更明确一点用 dump 这个词。英文中的“倒垃圾”就是 dump trash，大型的垃圾收集箱就叫 dumpster。想想被抛弃的人好像是垃圾一样被倒掉，真是有够可怜的。 有时分手也可以用 end our relationship 表示，例如If our relationship is going to end, I don't want it to end up like this.(如果我们真的要分手，我也不希望是以这种方式分手。) 4. That's a heart-breaking story. 那真是个令人心碎的故事。 一讲到伤心，大家都会想到 sad 这个词。但在讲到男女之间的关系时，老美特别喜欢用 heart-broken 这个词。这就是指那种令人心碎的感觉。他们常讲I am heart-broken 或是 I am broken-hearted. 就是说“我的心碎了(通常是跟男女之间有关)”。当然，你也可以用动词break my heart. 例如My boyfriend really broke my heart.