Unit 1
1. permanent
2. had assembled
3. discharging
4. meekly
5. apprentice
6. partiality
7. obscure
8.exalted
9.intruding 10. cordially11. ambition 12. gallantly
1. transient
2. faded out
3. blew up
4. ruthless
5. trivial
6. in a twinkling
7. under way
8. tranquil
9. gorgeous 10. for the time being11. conspicuous 12. exalted
1. His dream of becoming a football star faded out as time went by.
2. A Boeing 747 aircraft didn't gain enough height to clear the mountain. In a twinkling, it crashed into the mountain and blew up. No one survived the accident.
3.Students have easy access to the resources in the library, so they are supposed to make the best of it.
4. Titanic, the most luxurious ship in the world at that time, hit an iceberg when she was under way to the US. Consequently, the ship sank into the Atlantic Ocean and thousands of people died in this shipwreck.
5. Every summer, all the tourists pour into this famous beach. They lie packed like sardines on the beach to enjoy the sunbathing.
6. They have been to St. Louis once and have a vague general knowledge of its wonders, but the day of their glory is over now. They lapse into a humble silence and learn to disappear when the ruthless engineer approaches.
A l. A 2.
B 3.
C 4.A 5. B 6.C 7. C 8. C
B l.B 2.D 3.
C 4.C 5. A 6. A 7. B 8. B
Unit 2
i1. advocated 2. extravagant 3. vulnerable4. guru
5. potential
6. dispel
7. shunned
8. acclaimed
9. enthusiasts 10. stave off 11. attendant 12. ventured
ii.1. eradicated 2. enthralled 3. obsolete 4. disproved
5. foster
6. ludicrous
7. apparent
8. avert
9. displaced https://www.doczj.com/doc/d912934947.html,patriots 11.endeavors 12. hailed
IV. Translation
1. Some cyber gurus claim that the Internet will prevent wars, reduce pollution, and combat various forms of inequality.
2. Although the Internet undeniably fosters communications, it will not put an end to war, since wars are by no means caused simply by the failure of different peoples to understand each other adequately.
3.The Internet can help reduce energy consumption and pollution only if doing things online genuinely displaces real-world activities
4.The poor are not shunning the Internet because they cannot afford it. The problem is that they lack the skills to exploit it effectively. Therefore, it makes more sense to aim for
universal literacy than universal Internet access.
5.Thanks to the Internet, income inequality between people doing similar jobs in different countries has been reduced. However, the inequality between information workers in poor countries and their poorest compatriots has been increased.
6.If human nature remains stubbornly unchanged, despite the claims of the techno-prophets, humanity cannot simply invent away its failings.
Reading:cdabca
Unit 4
i 1.Physical 2.accumulation 3.diversity 4.precipitated
5.muscular
6.pathological
7.symptomatic
8.vigorous
9.psychologically10.Anxiety11.restored 12.refreshed
ii1.manifestations 2.resume 3.precipitate 4.consequence
5.diverse
6.a skimpy
7.taxing
8.prolong
9.overlooked
10.vigor 11.enhanced 12.relapse
1. I find that walking along the quiet lake in the evening can provide refreshment from a day’s sedentary job.
2. Exercising and relaxing yourself is often prescribed as an effective cure for fatigue.
3. The less active you are, the faster this aging process accelerates, and the more vulnerable you become to physical and psychological problems.
4. Even if you keep up dieting, you cannot reduce to the point where you achieve the kind of body-shaping you want.
5. People thought he had happy late years during which time he did little but sleep and ate, yet he was often tired and depressed.
6. In the past when hay was baled by hand and laundry scrubbed on a washboard, people seldom complained of tiredness. However, people feel dragged out and complain a lot in the modern time of labor-saving devices and convenient transportation.
Unit 5
i1.uniform2.distinguish/recognize3.ascertained
4.recognized
5.unique
6.outlet
7.tactile
8.rigid
9.secure 10.acquisition 11.fruitful 12.foundation
ii1.determined 2.cumulative 3.innate 4.warped
5.train
6.underlie
7.zest
8.imposed
9.precept
10.a marked 11.forbidding 12. consistency
Supplementary Readings
A 1.A 2.
B 3.D 4.B 5.C
B 1.B 2.
C 3.
D 4.A 5.D 6.B 7.C 8.B 9.B 10.A
1.It is generally accepted that the upbringing of the child within the home is closely related to the education of the child in school.
2.Jennifer is the chief of personnel for the New York Herald Tribune, where she is also responsible for special editorial work in the field of public relations.
3.It was two years ago that Jeff met Rose at his sister’s birthday party. They have been communicating with each other by e-mail since then; the more Jeff knows Rose, the more he likes her.
4.This new measure is effective not only in providing job opportunities for the laid-off workers, but in limiting price increases.
5.Similarly/Likewise, they insufficiently treated the political and economic background of the conspiracy.
6.Tremendous capital input has met the needs of rapid economic growth on the one hand and has caused the inflation on the other.
Unit 6
i.1. as a matter of fact 2. are plagued 3.versus4. have been reflecting on 5. positive 6. is implementing 7. will enroll 8. has been enriched 9. aspiration
10. academic 11. well-informed12. commitment to
ii. 1. relevance to 2. voiced 3. plague 4. enhance 5. reflected 6. otherwise 7. aspirations
8. rated 9. strenthened 10.has been declining
Key to Supplementary Readings
A 1.D 2.D 3.C 4.
B 5.D 6.B 7.A 8.D
B 1.F 2.F 3.T 4.F 5.F 6.T 7.T 8.F 9.T 10.T
1.Passing the English examination should enhance your chances of getting the post.
2.The discovery of gold in the valleys will enrich the poor mountain area.
3.Only when the police confronted her with evidence did she admit that she had stolen the money.
4.The meeting will afford you an opportunity of hearing good public speakers.
5.An official statement laid to rest the remaining fears about possible redundancies in the industry.
6.Mary’s pretty bright. As a matter of fact, her teacher told me that she’s certain to get a university place this year.
Unit 7
i1.downsized 2.dynamic 3.yield 4.hadguaranteed
5.inflict
6.budget
7.priority
8.accelerating
9.shirk10.vitally 11.jaopardize 12.criteria
ii 1.aggregate 2.excessive 3.scrutiny 4.reap 5.opined 6.casualties 7.inception 8.prosperity 9.paradox10.tangible 11.life expectancy 12.vistas
Key to Supplementary Reading
A 1.
B 2.D 3.
C 4.A 5.
D 6.B
B 1.F 2.F 3.T 4.F 5.T 6.T
1.Black people in the area complained to the government that they had been subjected to repeated racial attacks from the local police officers.
2.The government officials are inclined to apply the science and technology to short-term projects, which is not beneficial to scientific development.
3.The previous manager did not want to invest time and money in training the employees who could leave the company anytime, as a result of which there was a serious talent drain.
4.We are collecting money for repairs to the church roof. If any of you would like to make
a contribution, we shall be most grateful.
5.The scientists are currently focusing on making experiments, in hope of finding effective methods to cure cancers.
6.The speech that the chairman delivered at the conference made much sense to regain the employees’confidence.
Unit 8
i 1. acid 2. shaded 3. knock-on 4. Drain 5. banks 6. spacing 7. band 8. needles
9.filter
10. altitudes 11. variables 12. organism
Ii 1.assessment 2. variations 3. likely 4.Formally 5.subsequent 6.felled 7.virtually 8.numerous 9.stable 10.fertile 11.that decade 12.counterpart
Key to Supplementary Reading
A 1.C 2.A 3.C 4.D 5.C 6.D 7.A 8.A
B 1.
C 2.B 3.A 4.C 5.C 6.
D 7.D 8.B
1.Mexico City is one of the most populated cities in the world.
2.The findings show a substantial difference between the opinions of men and women.
3.I either left my credit card at home or in the car – I can’t remember which.
4.We can’t assume the suspects to be guilty simply because they’re decided to remain silent.
5.The main question that faces Chinese economists at present is how to use the price levers and the competition system to direct resources into areas which yield better returns.
6.It is assumed that in the next 20 years, the most surprising development will take place in the space flight. Now space shuttles are being developed and they can be used many times instead of only once.
Unit 9
II. V ocabulary Study
i1.applied2.repentance 3.penetrated 4.monkey-like 5.contrast 6.impressed 7.passionate 8.awakened
9.succeeded10.blossoms 11.expectant 12.oppotunity
ii 1.tussle 2.gushed 3.quivering 4.lingered 5.attempts 6.grope 7.fragrance 8.persisted in 9.flushed 10.vaguely 11.confounded 12.approaching
1.On those days and nights when I was waiting for the results of the Entrance Examination, my heart was filled with wonder. I wondered what the future held for me, of surprise and excitement or disappointment and sorrow.
2.The little girl ran swiftly to catch up with her mother and stretched out her hand to her, crying for more candies and drinks. But the mother persisted that they had bought enough.
3.His wife was sent into the operating room. He walked to and fro in the corridor, smoking one cigarette after another. When he saw the door opened, he felt a thrill of tenseness.
4.Under the gaze of his colleagues, He flushed with embarrassment and bowed his head. He casually took up a newspaper and hid his face behind it, pretending to be reading it.
5.They fixed all their attention on the research project on hand. They believed that as long as they didn’t lose heart, they would succeed in these experiments in time.
6.She had just given birth to an infant when her husband left her. In despair, she shut herself and the infant in a room, claiming that they would perish together. Thank to the policemen who came in time, the mother and the daughter escaped death by a hair’s breath.
Unit 12
V ocabulary Study:
1.proactive
2.disseminate
3.incentive
4.leverage
5.facilitate
6.precedent
7.demonstrated
https://www.doczj.com/doc/d912934947.html,pensation
9.justify 10.implement 11.initiative 12.preventive
Key to Supplementary Readings
DACCB
Translation:
1.Electronic communication tools facilitate information sharing by enabling people to send one another messages,files,data and images.
2.The only way to differentiate yourself form the competition is through service.
3.The less there is to justify atraditional custom,the harder it is to get rid of it.
4.In high school,students should build on their prior knowledge,learning more-varied and more-sophisticated problem-solving techniques.
5.You are not required to simply memorize information. You must be able to demonstrate that you can use that information and apply it in a practical way.
6.A well-balanced life is necessary to live in today’sworle. Without a well-balanced life a person can neither function properly nor develop into a well-rounded individoual.
Unit 14
i 1. recognized 2. credited 3. features 4. expertise
5. considerable
6. supervision
7. flaw
8. recruit
9. twist 10. strain 11. devastate 12. budget
i i 1. let alone 2. spot 3. are supposed to 4. came to light
5. looking into
6. pass on
7. replaced with
8. call on
9. Odd 10. appalling 11. submitted 12. Acute
Key to Supplementary Readings
A 1.A 2.C 3.D 4.C 5.C 6.D 7.D 8.C
B 1.F 2.T 3.F 4.T 5.F 6.T 7.T 8.F
1.All the employees in the company are confident that before too long we will make a wise decision on this.
2.Twenty years ago, because of his unemployment, he couldn’t afford to buy a bicycle, let alone a car.
3.Despite the fact there was almost no hope of finding the missing boy, the search party still went on looking.
4.Unfortunately, George cannot be with us today so I am pleased to accept this reward on his behalf.
5.Currently, the individuals who might have caused the accident are under investigation.
6. It was suggested that as the largest non-public high-tech industry in China, they should devote themselves to the development of their own products instead of simply assembling for foreign companies.
II) Match each one on the left with its correct meaning on the right 1. motivation 2. pursue 3. mark up 4. procurement 5. intangible 6. cargoroyalty 商务英语阅读习题（一） I) Comprehension 1. What is international trade? 2. What are the major motivations for private firm to operate international business? 3. What measures do most companies usually adopt to avoid wild swings in the sales and profits? 4. Pleas give the four major modes chosen by most companies when entering into international trade. 5. Could you find any difference between Direct Investment and Portfolio Investment? If you can, please tell the main reasons. 6. What is MNE? What are its synonyms? 7. What limits a firm's sales? A. to make continual efforts to gain sth. B. the action of obtaining, esp. by efforts of careful attention. C. which by is its nature can not be known by senses, not clear and certain, not real. D. the goods (freight) carried by a ship, plane or vehicle. E. the amount by which a price is raised. F. profit, interest- G. the net value of assets or interest, invest. 8. equity 股本，资产净值 H. not needing other things or people, taking decisions alone. 9. yield I. a share of the profits. 10. independent J. need or purpose. 2. A 3.E 4.B 5. C 6.D 7.1 8.G 9.F 10.H HI) Fill in the blanks with the words or expressions given below and if necessary, put the word in the right form. A. orientation B. diversify C. seek out D. differentiate...from E. take advantage of F. undergo G. bring about H. correspond L abandon J. amount to K. Come after L. approach 1. That factory is trying to B its products to sell in different markets. 2. A successful businessman is always skilled in E every possible opportunity. 3. Reforming and opening to the world has G great changes in our lives. 4. Can you D this kind of operating the others? 5. Private firm going in for international business have a profit A 6. He I his company and family and went away with all the money. 7. The L of winter brings cold weather. 8. The manager's words J a refusal to the proposal.
新世纪研究生公共英语教材听说（上） 听力原文 Lesson 1 Music 1. M: By the way, Jane, did you talk to the consultant顾问about our new health program? W: I contacted联系his office but his secretary said he would （be out for）试图得到lunch until two. Q: What does the woman mean? B. she couldn’t talk to the consultant before two 2. W: We need to let everyone know about the charity [?t??riti] n. 慈爱concert, but we don't have much money for advertising. M: How about using the school radio station? They broadcast free public service服务announcements. 通告Q: What does the man suggest they do? c. Ask the school radio station for help 3. W: I don't understand why this self-study自学book doesn't have answers to the questions. M: But it does. You can find them at the back of the book. Q: What does the man say about the self-study book? d. the book does include the answer 4. M: The new sales manager says he has never met you before. W: We've been introduced about three times. He seems a little forgetful. Q: What do we learn about the new sales manager? B. He probably has a poor memory 5. M: Have you had the brakes[breik] n制动器; 闸; 刹车. and tires checked? And do you have enough money? W: I have taken care of everything. And I'm sure it's going to be a wonderful极好的, 精彩的, 绝妙的trip. Q: What's the woman going to do? D. spend some time travelling 6. M: I've had my new stereo立体声for a whole week, but I haven't yet figured out想到how to record music. W: Didn't an instruction manual [?m?nju?l] 手册形式的，像手册的；教范性质的come with it? Q: What does the woman imply? B the man should refer to the instruction manual 7. W: I want to pay you for that long-distance call I made. But, I suppose you haven't gotten your phone bill yet, M: Oh, but I have. Q: What does the man mean? A he has received his telephone bill. 8. M: Professor Smith assigned us three more novels to read. W: He must think you don't have any other classes. Q: What can be inferred about Professor Smith? B he assigns too much work 9. M: Let's go watch the fireworks烟花tonight. W: I have tickets to the theater. Q: What plan does the man has that night? B he’ll go and watch the fireworks 10. M: I am exhausted筋疲力尽的. I stayed up熬夜the whole night studying for my history midterm exam. W: Why do you always wait till the last minute? Q: What can be inferred about the man? A he had bad study habits 11. M: I'll be coming straight from work, so I'll have to pack包装；捆扎a change of clothes. W: It's only a barbecue [?bɑ:bikju:] (常用于室外的)金属烤架. Jeans and T-shirts will be fine. Q: What does the woman imply? D Casual dress will be appropriate 12. W: I'm going to the snack [sn?k] 小吃; 点心; 快餐bar for a cup of coffee. Would you like me to bring you back something? M: Not from the snack bar, but could you pick up a paper for me? Q: What does the man mean? C he wants her to get him a newspaper 13. M: I don't understand how this budget was calculated[?k?lkjuleit] 计算, 估计, 核算. W: Let me have a look, OK? Q: What does the woman mean? C she’ll try to s ee what method was used 14. W: We need a fourth player for tennis this morning. Do you want to join us? M: I've got a class at nine, but Carol is free and she is really good.
《研究生英语综合教程上》1-6单元练习参考答案 Unit One Planning Your Future Career Reading Focus Traits of the Key Players Text Exploration Task 2 1. B 2. A 3. D 4. B 5. D 6. B 7. C 8. B 9. B 10. B Vocabulary in Action Task 1 1. A 2. C 3. B 4. C 5. D 6. D 7. D 8. C 9. A 10. D 11. A 12. B Task 2 1. public (c) 2. discipline (b) 3. strength (a) 4. reference (a) 5. strength (d) 6. public (a) 7. demonstrated (b) 8. discipline (c) 9. reference (c) 10. personality (a) 11. disciplining (d) 12. demonstrates (a) 13. public (d) 14. reference (b) 15. personality (c) Task 3 1. employment 2. paid 3. adjust
4. setting 5. discouraged 6. credit 7. cite 8. demonstrate 9. teamwork 10. rules Translation Practice Paragraph One “一年365天，一周7天，一天24小时，生意始终在进行。这意味着一年365天，一周7天，一天24小时，竞争也同样在进行。”豪特说，“公司取胜的方法之一，就是要更快到达‘目的地’！这就是说，你不仅要把所有能支持公司快速运转的功能都调动起来，而且还得知道如何决定‘目的地’是哪里。这样，不仅对那些行动快速的人们，也对那些思维敏捷并有勇气按自己的想法行事的人们都提出了要求。这需要全公司各部门的运作，而不仅仅是管理部门的工作。” Paragraph Two 最后，职业地位包含对职业标准的遵守。很多律师通过在行业内外把自己塑造成一个具有良好职业道德的典范来找到自我价值。对那些在所有职业行为中都表现出极度正直和谦逊有礼的律师来说，当管理阶层对他们理应受到的特别尊重表示肯定时，便又获得了另一种形式的精神报酬。 Unit Two Arts of the Table Reading Focus Culinary Delights in China
第五册 1.The Internet's speed, vast resources, and its ability to directlycommu-nicate with others are itsgreatestbenefits. Because the Internet uses the quickness of computers to transmit its data, information cantrave-l attre mendous speeds. Speed is not the only benefit. The Internet us-es hun dreds ofthousands ofcomputers allconnected to each other to store vast amounts of information. And finally, because the Internet allowsindividuals to have specific electronic mail addresses, people ca-n easily communicate with oneanother. 2.With the 21 st century coming, people have increasingly realized file importance of acquiringround easyinformation. If a nation can mak-e effective use of all the information it will benefit In the fields of Scientificresearch, education, economic development, etc. What the nati on needs to do is to establish anation-wide"information network",so as to link up scientists, businessmen, educators, etc. If such a network isset up, itwill promote the second information revolution in the cou-nt ry. 3.With the development of a market economy in China, techniques of sales promotion have beenmore andmore widely employed. The popula rity of varied and numerous promotional activities such asdiscounts, bonuses, and promotional parties has grown steadily. The reason is tha t they not only helpmanufacturers andbusinesses earn higher and quick er profits, but also help consumers become acquainted with theproducts involved and get some practical benefits. However, if these techniques are used to promoteproducts of inferiorquality, both the manufacturers and the businessmen will be made to pay for that. 4.Work is not only a means of sustaining life. More importantly, it is the way through which peopledisplaytheir talent, realize their ambitions, build relationships and establish social status. If youunderstand thisintr insic value of work, then however dull or hard work may be, it beco mes bearable if it helpsbuild up areputation, whether in the world at l arge or only in one's own circle. Updating one's aim is one of the mostessential elements of self-fulfillment in the long run, and form ost people this comes chieflythrough their work.In that sense, work is the most vigorous, vivid sign of life --in individuals and in civilization s. 5.America was once troubled by employment crisis. Now in this land, there areemployees, those who have lost their jobs and those who will never find a job. For decades, thegovernment took no notice of t he changes in its economic base and their effect on employmentand lif estyle. As a result, many people lost job opportunities. Many expert came up with variousideas to address unemployment. However, what is most important now is to stimulateconsumption. 6.The crime of identity theft is on the rise. Recent surveys show there are currently 10 millionvictims each year, greatly exceeding our earlie r estimates. Using a variety of methods, criminalssteal Social Security numbers, driver's license numbe~, credit card numbers, and other piece s ofan individual's information such as date of birth. They use this inf ormation to buy as many thingsas they can in their victim's name in as short a time as possible. Identity theft is a serious crime.People wh ose identities have been stolen can spend months or even years cleani ng up the messthe thieves have made of their credit record. 7.Let's assume you are a sports fan. What is your first reaction when you find in your e-mailan attachment called "Anna Kournikova.jpg.vbs'? Curiosity tempts you to open the documentto have a look at the Rus sian tennis star. But if you open it, the virus will be activated andwill copy the attachment to every e-mail address in your "Outlook Express ", spreading the virus evenfarther. E-viruses, which flood the Intemet t hrough dubious e-mails with fancy bait, makeproduction of anti-virus p rograms a profitable business. 8.Changes in the American family structure are evidenced by increased rates of separation anddivorce. In certain areas of the country these tr ends have resulted in a growing number ofsingleparentfamilies and rem arried parents. This does not indicate, however, that the institution ofm arriage is crumbling. It is estimated that four ont of five divorced cou ples eventually remarryother people. These shifts in family relationship s may be interpreted as a breakdown or as anadaptation of the Americ an family to changing roles, attitudes, and values. The changes,accordi ng to the more traditional viewpoint, represent a breakdown in the fa mily structure, adisintegration of values, and a decline of morality. 第六册 1.While he shared his generation’s horror of war and was once called the “spiritual father”of appeasement. Keynes never, in fact, enterained the delusion that Hitler could be pacified. He hated the NAZI regime, never visited Germany after 1933.Instead,as Britain’s chief negotiator in contact with the Allies against Hitler. He pursued vigorously the com mon interest between London and Washington. 2.Some people wrongly believe that the United States is a land of opp ortunity, and that everbody enjoys equal opportunities. With various dr eams in mind,many well-trained professionals steadily mignate to the United States insearch of a good life.Some of them are even willing to live any life there. They would rather live in poverty there than en -joy a relativeprosperity at home. Therefore,lawers and doctors from C entral America may be found washing cars or waiting on tables in Mi ami. 3.Just as the 21st century requires a more diffused and safer balance Of interest in what needs to be an increasingly multilateral global villa ge, there is a risk of economic, institutional and political power being centralized in the European Community, and that a new bout of econ omic empire building may occur. 4.The path led straight through a wide stream.She could no longer risk disorientation by circling such obstacles.She took off her clothes and, with her belongings in ayion bag held above her head. She stepped into the chilling, neck-deep water. Minutes later she emerged. shaking uncontrollbably.But after warming herself by a small fire and re-dress ing, she set off with increased confidence.The limits of her physical capacity were expanding.
Unit 13 The Business of Making Money Exercises 1. Questions on the text: 1)What are the latest developments in private equity in recent years Compared to the 1980s, the targets of today’s private equity groups are much bigger in size. In recent years, the private equity industry has raised record money and its share of mergers and acquisitions has grown massively. The industry has also become a byword for money-making skills but its wealth has also brought many enemies. 2)According to the article, what are the main inconveniences for a company to be a publicly quoted company The main inconveniences for a publicly quoted company include: its executives have to face intrusive media coverage; it has to obey strict and long corporate-governance codes; it also has to face the threats of activist investors and short sellers and the scrutiny by some politicians. 3)What are the main reasons for a company to get listed on a stockmarket Traditionally there are three main reasons to get a company’s share listed on a stockmarket. The first is to raise capital, either to expand the business or to allow the founders to realise their wealth. The second is to help retain staff, who can be offered share options as an incentive to stay and work hard. The third involves prestige; customers, suppliers and potential employees may be reassured (and attracted) by the apparent seal of approval given by a public listing. Meanwhile, being publicly listed gives a company better access to fund investors and retail investors. 4)Why are companies in the Anglo-Saxon economies reluctant to borrow from banks Companies in the Anglo-Saxon economies were reluctant to borrow from banks because their often felt nervous about the possibility of the sudden withdrawal of credit from the banks, due to a change in lending policy, new management or an economic downturn. 5)According to the article, what are the main sources for today’s companies to raise money (including equity capital and debt) Nowadays the main sources for companies to raise money are: first, equity market; second, banks, though much less important than they used to be; third, bond market; fourth, private equity. 6)How do private-equity firms respond to the problems identified by Professor Jensen with regard to public companies Professor Jensen argued that the structure of a public company creates an inherent conflict between investors and the managers they hire to run the business, particularly with regard to the use of free cash flow. He also argued
新世纪研究生公共英语教材阅读B课文原文及翻译 Unit1 Party Politics Judith Martin 1. Etiquette at an office party? Why, these people have been socializing happily every working day of their lives, give or take a few melees, rumors, and complaint petitions. All it takes to turn this into holiday merriment is a bit of greenery looped around the office—the staff will soon be looped, too. Surely it is enough that the annual Christmas party has the magic ingredients: time off from work, free food and drink, and a spirit of fun replacing such ugly work realities as sexual harassment. 2. Furthermore, partygoers figure, it offers relief from such pesky obligations as thanking anyone or being kind to wallflowers because there really aren?t any hosts. Nobody has to pay (that same Nobody who generously provides the telephone line for long-distance personal calls), and so nobody?s feelings need be considered. 3. This is all pure hospitality—there for the taking, like the office-supplied felt-tipped pens everyone has been pocketing all year. Out of the natural goodness of its corporate heart and the spirit of the holiday season, the company wishes only to give its employees a roaring good time, and the employees, out of loyalty and the thrill of getting to know their bosses off-duty as equals, delight in the opportunity. 4. For those still dimly aware of the once-standard give-and-take of real social life, this no-fault approach to business entertaining seems a godsend. In the now-rare domain of genuine society, hosts are supposed to plan and pay for the entertainment of their guests, on their own time and in their own houses. Guests have strict duties, as well—from answering invitations to cooperating with all arrangements, even to the extent of pronouncing them perfectly lovely. 5. Business entertaining appears to remove the burdens of time, effort, money, individual responsibility—and the etiquette connected with them. The people who do the planning are paid for their trouble, so those who benefit need not consider they have incurred a debt. Why, the annual Christmas party ought to be an inspiration to lower-level employees to work their way into realms where company-sponsored partying can be enjoyed all year long. 6. Not so fast. Flinty Miss Manners does not recognize any holidays from etiquette. (Employees, if not employers, should consider themselves lucky that she is only on the Party Committee, not the one that might take up ethical questions about those pens and calls.) Office parties differ from private ones but are no freer from rules. 7. If it were indeed true that everyone has a better time without etiquette, Miss Manners could easily be persuaded to take the day off. But having long served on the Office Party Etiquette Cleanup subcommittee, she is aware that things generally do not go well when there is no recognized etiquette and everyone is forced to improvise. 8. Let us look at all this spontaneous, carefree fun: There being no proper place for the boss, he or she hangs around the door, concerned about mixing with everyone. It might discourage hospitable bosses to see guests staring at them in horror and then slithering in by a side door. But etiquette?s solution of having everyone greeted in a receiving line was rejected as too stiff. So one can hardly blame employees for recalling a long-ingrained principle of the workplace: Seeing the boss and having a good time are best not scheduled at the same time. 9. Desperate to make the time count, the boss grabs the nearest available person and starts