How the Americans view love

How the Americans view loveAn old song says that“love makes the world go around.”If you watch Americans on Valentine’s Day1), you can believe it. The whole country breaks out with little red hearts. Love-struck people give cards, flowers and candy to their sweethearts2). You might call it an annual3) celebration of love.The American concept of love and romance begins with dating. Young people date in several ways. At first they might have group dates with several boys and girls together. Later, they start going on single dates—just one boy and one girl. Sometimes a boy and a girl will go to a movie. Maybe they will go to a party at a friend’s house. Or they might go out to eat.When two couple go out together, it’s called double dating. A friend might e ven arrange a blind date for you with someone you don’t know. That doesn‘t mean you keep your eyes closed the whole evening. You just don’t know who your partner will be until the time of the date. If someone asks you out on any kind of d ate, and you don‘t want to go, you may politely say, “No, thanks.”Americans view dating differently from people in other culture. American young people see a date as a time just to have fun. They don‘t always have a romantic interest in mind. Someone may go out with one person this week, and another person the next. After a while, a boy and a girl may decide they want to go steady4). This means they think of each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. It also means they don’ t want to date anyone else. Romance is beginning to bloom.Romantic love is very much a part of American culture. Movies, TV shows and books in America all picture people falling in love. Americans know no romance is perfect, but still they try to find the ideal person. Actually, love is a part of every culture, not just American culture. People all over the world search for happiness in a loving relationship. Maybe love does make the world go around.美国人的爱情观有一首老歌中唱道“爱让世界转动”。

Unit 3 An American Love Affair Summary: American people like to move from place to place by driving automobiles. That's why people call America a nation on wheels. Apart from being a useful means of transportation, the modem automobiles offer freedom highly valued by millions of drivers who want to control their own destiny. Even though cars are the cause of death, injury, and pollution movement, and the source of traffic jams and urban sprawl, they will continue to be the essential means of individual transport, because people are reluctant to give up their freedom of movement that it will remain integral to modern life.1. love affair1) a strong enjoyment of stha. Bob's - with aviationb. The - between the two countries.1)a romantic sexual relationship, usually between two people who arenot married to each other.Para 1The author's father enjoyed a middle-class status. He was satisfied with what he had achieved and attemped to rise a higher socio-economic position.2. upward and mobile citizens: people who try to rise from a lower toa higher economic or social-class.3. They defined him...... offered him instant identification on the social-landscape: The cars one drives can immediately and clearly show one's social-economic status."They" Refers to Bricks the author's father drove in his days.Social landscape: the social hierarchythe political/ intellectual, etc landscape: the general situation in which a particular activity takes place.a. She dominated the intellectual -- of Paris.b. A far-reaching change in the political - of the countryc. Look across the literary -- of England4. His Buick were more then mundane transportation modules: his Buick cars not only symbolized his means of transportation tools but also...Para 2 "Love, revere, social amulets, brag, electrify, smart, beast, Black Beauty, mysterious machines" are the words and expressions that show such a feeling (loyalties)5. These loyalties, hard won and supremely valued:The loyalties which are difficult to win and are greatly appreciated means faithfully buying and/or praising a particular brand of carGranite-like foundation: solid, firm or sound foundationGranite: A very hard grey rock, often used in buildingThe special bond we Americans enjoy with our automobiles:a special kind of feeling of love or connection that unites Americans and their cars.6. sculpture:the objects produced in the form of art of making solid objects representing people or animals out of stone, wood, clay, etc. Social amulets:a small piece of jewelry worn to protect against bad luck, disease etc compare car to amulets: Car can be used to elevate/improve/raise or maintain your status in society, to protect you from being looked down upon, help you do whet you wish to do. You treasure cars just as people value their amulets7. acres of: a large amount ofa. -of booksb. acres of space / room.c. - of good adviceColumn-mounted shifte rColumn: sth that has a long thin shapeMount: to be fixed to sth and supported by itShifter: be used to change the gears when your driving8. velocity: the speed at which sth moves in a particular directionlent credence to my nicknaming to smart beast Black Beauty: gave validity to the nickname Black Beauty, which I called my first Buick lend: give sth to ~; give sth a particular qualitya.Fear lent support to my limbsb.A fire ~s cheese to a roomc. Lent the old woman my arm as she couldn't walk easilyd. The community lent fall support to the mayor's plane. He lent his skill to the companyf . His soft accent -s a kind of warmth to his words.g. The Duke's presence lent the occasions a certain air of dignityAfter the mysterious machine piloted by the Green Hornet inside the recesses of the family Philco: after the mysterious machine (the car) driven by the Green Hornet (The Green Hornet was a cartoon figure). Philco was a brand of radio. Inside the recesses of the family Philco refers to the sounds the program produced through the radio to help people imagine a mysterious car being driven by the main characterPilot: guide an aircraft, spacecraft, or ship as its pilotPara3 The difference between cars and other high tech products lies in the fact that cars enjoy anthropomorphic status9. fail: (a part of machine or an organ in your body) stops workinga.The patient's heart -edb.One of the plane's engines -edc.The brakes --edd.The radio is ~ing (becoming less loud)e.The electric light has -ed; we can't see.…lament their passing at trade-in-time: feel sorry about having to get rid of a current car when it’s time to bay a new one.lament:1)E xpress feelings of great sadness about stha. The nation -ed the death of its great war leaders.b. ~ing the passing of the good old days.2) Express annoyance or disappointment about sth you think is unsatisfactory or unfaira. ~ folly/carelessnessc.The article ~s the decline of popular televisionTrade-in (AmE): a used item, often a car, given to reduce the price of the new one that you are buying; (part exchange) BrE.a. trade-in price/value/figureb. He preferred to keep his old sedan rather than acquire sth slightly newer on a trade-in.Para 4 Environmentalists and social engineers see/look at automobiles natively. The author gives the example of the Drake of Wellington to illustrate how the privileged classes did not encourage common people to have the freedom to move around.Automobiles are the cause of many problems ---- ugly image of theautomobiles commonly accepted. They are the cause of death, injury, and pollution movement. Therefore they should be abandoned as soon as possible.10. the pass to paradise is overlaid with the shining rails of mass transit: public transportation by means of bus, light rail; or subwayThe shining rails of mass transit prevent us from being pleasant, comfortableoverlay1) to be thinly covered with sth.a. broken slabs overlaid with rubbleb. Iron overlaid with rust2) add outer appearance to sth that hides its real charactera.His ordinarily cheerful face was overlaid with gloom11.behind the wheels: behind the steering wheel of carsfevered (only before n.) (literary) extremely excited or worried, feverish a. a ~ mass meetingc.f. feverish: very excised or worried about sth.a. a ~ glanceb. She felt ~ with success.b.They waited in a state of - anxiety for their mothers to come home. See: realize there is going to be a problem before it actually happens a. The oil-exporting states ~ great benefit from it.c.I see many years of trouble aheaddenounce sb/sth as: express strong disapproval of sb. or sth, esp. in publica. He ~d the waste of public money as `criminally negligent'b. ~ sb for neglect of dutyinsolent chariots: reveal that critic don’t have passion for cars12. unsettle: make sth change a lot in a short period of timea. A lusty shock ~d a rock up the mountain.b.Violence ~d the government.c.His life is still ~d.the privileged classes: the elite classesprivileged: having a special advantage or a chance to do sth there most people cannot doa. We are - to live on a very precious planet.b. The Republic was in the hands, therefore, of a ~ class.d.They belong to that - group of people who enjoy the "good life.”13. …noted for his disdain for the great unwashed: known for his contempt for the people of lower classesnoted: well known, esp. because of some special quality or abilitya. a ~ scholarb. a town ~ for its potteryc. The island is ~ as a summer resort.d. Several - authors attended the reception.e.Holland is - for bulbs and windmills.disdain1) have no respect for sb or sth, and believe they are unimportanta.They --ed him for the coward he was.b. Despite his misfortunes he --ed all help or pity.c. You make enemies of all whom you }.2) - to do/doing sth refuse to do sth because you are too proud to do.a. She ---ed to answer his rude remark.b. -to reply to an insect.the great unwashed ignorant or low-class (group)14. the accepted party line the official view taken by a political party. Here refers to the view taken by the public.line(usually singular) an attitude or belief, esp. one that is stated publicly.a. What's the candidate's - on abortion?the party line the official opinion of a political party.a. By supporting Roberson, she's going directly against the party-.take a firm /hard /strict/strong/tough etc line on have a very strict attitude towards stha. a judge notorious for taking a tough line on drug users.displace1) force out of the usual place.a.Some of the objects on the table had been --d by the thief.2) make a group of people or animals have to leave the place where they normally live.a. Many of the inhabitants were -d by the rising flood waters.3) take the place of sth or sb.a.Coal is being -d by natural gas as a major source of energy.b.Tom has -d Harry in Mary's affections.contemptible so unacceptable that you have no respect for the people involved.a.They were portrayed as - cowards.b.A-liar.c.One - action.c.f. contemptuous showing that you feel that sb or is not importantand deserves no respecta. She threw him a - look.b. Be - of sb for having done sth.Contempt a feeling that sb or sth is not important and deserves no respect.a. His - for his fellow students was quite obvious.c.Treat sb's "goodwill" with-Clutter: a large number of things that are scatter somewhere in an untidy waya.The house is in a –b.His desk is always full of ~c.drive-in (only before noun) a restaurant, cinema etc allows you to buy food or watcha film without leaving your car (n. adj.)a. a fast food –b.a ~ moviec.the convenient-window at the bank.junk-food (informal) food that is not healthy because it contains a lot of fat, sugar, or carbohydrate.Para 5Automobiles have contributed to the expansion of many metropolitan areas because they make monumental population shifts possible, thus resulting in expanding cities.The last sentence implies that people will continue to move in large numbers by means of automobiles no matter how worried environmentalists are about it.15 monumental population shifts large-scale population movement (from cities to suburbs)monumental1)(only before noun) extremely large, bad, good, impressive, etc.a. a - oakjb. have a job to doc. There was a traffic jam on the freeway2) (achievement, piece of work, etc) is very important and influential, and is usually based on many years of worka. a - contribution to the field of medicineb. Charles Darwin's - "The Origin of Species"d.The Oxford English Dictionary is a – production16. layout the way in which sth such as a town, garden, or building is arranged.a.We visited all the sections of Shanghai to better understand the -of the city.17. while environmentalists fret, the multitudes drive on while environmentalists worry about the effects of cars, the majority of people continue to drive them unconcernedly.multitude (formal or literary) a very large number of people or thingsa. a - of possible interpretationsb. These systems are capable of performing -s of tasks.the multitude(s) ordinary people, esp. when they are thought of as not being very well educateda. Political power has been placed in the band of the ~b.The novel appeals to the ~Para 6The author mentions a series of statistics to support his idea expressed in the last sentence of the previous para "While environmentalists fret, the multitudes drive on".Therefore in terms of organization this para. is a supporting para.18. wheel put sth that has wheels (drive)a. -the bike to the nearest repairing-shop.c.The patient was --ed into the operating room.hop(aboard ) a plane/bus/ train, etc: (AmE. inf) get on a plane, bus, train, etc, esp. after suddenly deciding to do so.a.So we -ped a bus to station that night.motor home a large vehicle with beds, a kitchen, toilet etc built into it used for traveling and holidays.roll move on wheels; or make sth that has wheels movea. We watched as the bus -ed slowly backwards down the hillb. The car --ed awayb.The. train --ed in two hours late.19 pour flow quickly and in large amountsa.Bleed --ed down her face.b.Light from outside --ed into the hall.c.Traffic -ed along the wide roads.d.Messages of congratulation came -ing in.e.The crows were -ing out of the football ground.20 stock car a car that has been made strong so that it can compete in a race where cars often crash into each other.Para 7 The author deals with the problem caused by automobiles: "Cars hurt people"; The possible solution: "Automobiles have been made much safer by means various technological advances."21 body structure (door beams) the main structure of a vehicle not including the engine, wheels etc.passenger packaging make sth into a material ready to be sold or movedair bags a bag in a car that fills with air to protect the driver or passenger in an accidentdisc=disk =parking discanti-lock braking system (ABS)a piece of equipment that makes a vehicle easier to control when you have to stop very suddenly22 fatality a death in an accident or a violent attacka.The accident caused severalb. the -rate (figure)d.There were many -ies from influenza during the epidemic.farm implements plows, threshing machines and other faming tools and equipmentimplements a tool or instrument, esp. a fairy large one with no motora. A spade is an-for digging.b. A pail , an axe, and a broom are -s.d.That factory makes agricultural -s.Para 823. micro-process deal with slightlytune make an engine work as well as possible.a.He had the engine of his motorbike -d at the garage.b.How long has it been since you have had a mechanic tune this engine?Para 9The problem caused by automobiles: cars are the source of traffic jams and urban sprawl.Millions of drivers are reluctant to give up their freedom of movement because they highly value their freedom and want to control their own destiny. In the world today people have fewer and fewer choices and this is their own choice, though it is not perfect.24. urban sprawl urban expansionsprawl a large area of buildings that are spread out in an untidy and unattractive way.a. a vast - of industrial development.b.New houses -ed over the countryside outside the city.c. A -ing town is one that is spreading out in all directions.25. by used to show the amount, a rate or quantitya. rent a house - a monthb. I was paid - the day.c. come -hundredsd. This book sold-the millions.e. The enemies attacked the fort - the thousands.f. He buys them - the dozen.f.sell - the poundthe podlike constriction of mass transit a situation in which you are confined in a very small space (crowded) while taking public transportation.Pod1) apart of a space vehicle that can be separated from the main part.2) a long narrow seed container that grows on various plants, esp. peas and beans.a. a pea –26. jammed mawjam block the place so that it is difficult to move.a. I could not get through because traffic was completely jammed by the crowd.b. The accident jammed the main road for three hours.maw1) (formal) sth which seems to swallow things completelya. Millions of dollars were poured into the - of defense spending.b. Iron ore and coal pour into the - of the steel mill.2) (literary) an animal's mouth or throat.compare Manhattan to maw - has a great holding capacity27. outrageous(ly) extremely unusual and slightly amusing or shockinga. The princess spent an -amount on clothes.c.The cost of the repairs was –Heaven (only) knows (spoken)1) used to say that you do not know and cannot imagine what is happening or what will happena. Wt he ever succeed? Heaven knows!b. We used to keep in touch, but heaven knows what they are all doing now.2) used to emphasize what you are sayinga. I just could not get him to stop gambling although heaven knows I tried hard enough.b.-you have been working long enough.Para 10 Automobiles continue to be the essential means of individual transport because the modem automobiles offer such freedom that it will remain integral to modern life.28. short of except fora. - calling a meeting, I don't know how we can get our plan approved.c. He will do anything ~ murders to achieve his ends.d. - what is dishonorable, I'll do anything to help you.d.Nothing - a disaster will prevent our accomplishing this.integral forming a necessary part of stha. Steal is an- part of a modem skyscraper.c. Effective communication is an - part of being a teacher.d. Her talents are - to the team's good performance.e. The arms and legs are - parts of a human body.f. You help is an - part of one plan.29. tear up1) destroy a piece of paper or cloth by breaking it into small piecesa. Crying, she tore up his letter.2) damage or ruin a place, esp. by he behaving violently.3) suddenly decided to stop being restricted by a contract, etc.a. A contract cannot be torn up at will.c.tear up an agreement/contract, etc.level knock down or destroy a building or area completely.a. The house was -led by the fire.b. The storm -led the trees.c. The bombing raid -led a large part of the town.d.The buildings were -led by the earthquake.Para 11the conclusion the author has made about the future of automobiles: We will live with the automobiles despite all the problems it has brought with it.30 now (that) (conj.) because of sth or as a result of sth.a.- they've got to know each other a little better, they get along just fine.b.- you're here, way not have a drink.c.- they're taken matters into their hands, the pace of events hasquickened.d.- we are alone, we can speak freely.e.I had better tell you the truth, - we have begun talking about it.the genie is out of the bottle automobiles caused many problems: cars hurt people; pollute environment; are the source of traffic jams and urban sprawl.jam stand for automobileschallenge sth difficult that tests your strength, skill, or ability, esp. in a way that is interesting.a. face a - (ready to deal with one)b.meet a - /rise to a - (successfully deal with one)integrate join in the life and customs of the group or society that you live in so that you are accepted by them; combine things that work well together in order to make an effective systema. -traditional Chinese medicine with western medicine.b. help the individual - into the community.c. The different ideas have been --d into one uniform plan.d. Many young people successfully -d themselves into their new surroundings.e. Immigrants are quickly A into the community.f. One of the attractive features of the course was the way the practical work had been~d with the theoretical aspects of the subject.integrate it into a population?Automobiles are parts of American's life. They are accepted by most Americans.integrate it into a global ecosystem deal with problems caused by automobiles, death, pollution, traffic jams and urban sprawl. make them accepted by people, environment.ecosystem all the animals and plants in a particular area, and the way inwhich they are related to each other and to their environment. *************************************************。

In English, love refers to a variety of different feelings, states, and attitudes, ranging from pleasure ("I loved that meal") to interpersonal attraction ("I love my partner"). "Love" may refer specifically to the passionate desire and intimacy of romantic love, to the sexual love of eros, to the emotional closeness of familial love, to the platonic love that defines friendship,or to the profound oneness or devotion of religious love, or to a concept of love that encompasses all of those feelings. This diversity of uses and meanings, combined with the complexity of the feelings involved, makes love unusually difficult to consistently define, compared to other emotional states.
Much of the free-love tradition is an offshoot of anarchism, and reflects a civil libertarian philosophy that seeks freedom from state regulation and church interference in personal relationships. According to this concept, the free unions of adults are legitimate relations which should be respected by all third parties whether they are emotional or sexual relations. In addition, some free-love writing has argued that both men and women have the right to sexual pleasure. In the Victorian era, this was a radical notion. Later, a new theme developed, linking free love with radical social change, and depicting it as a harbinger of a new anti-authoritarian, anti-repressive sensibility.

美国人如何表达爱英语作文Love is a universal feeling that transcends language and culture, yet the ways in which people express this profound emotion can vary significantly across different societies. In America, love is expressed in diverse and multifaceted ways, influenced by cultural values, social norms, and personal experiences. Understanding how Americans convey love can provide insight into their relationships and societal values.One of the most common ways Americans express love is through verbal communication. Phrases such as "I love you," "You mean the world to me," and "I care about you" are frequently heard in romantic relationships, friendships, and even in familial contexts. These direct declarations of love are often accompanied by affectionate gestures, such as hugs and kisses, reinforcing the emotional intensity behind the words. For many Americans, expressing love verbally isessential for nurturing relationships and creating emotional intimacy.In addition to verbal expressions, acts of service play a significant role in demonstrating love in American culture. Many individuals show their affection by performingthoughtful actions for their loved ones, such as cooking a meal, running errands, or helping with chores. These acts reflect a commitment to caring for one another and highlight the importance of support in relationships. The phrase "actions speak louder than words" resonates strongly here, as many Americans believe that what one does often conveys love more effectively than what one says.Gift-giving is another prominent way Americans express love, particularly during special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. Thoughtful presents, whether big or small, are often seen as tangible symbols of affection.The sentiment behind the gift can carry significant meaning,as it shows the recipient that the giver has taken the time to think about their likes and interests. From handmade items to elaborate surprises, the act of giving and receiving gifts serves to strengthen the bonds between individuals.Moreover, physical touch is an essential aspect of expressing love in American culture. Whether it’s holding hands, cuddling, or simply giving a reassuring pat on the back, physical affection plays a vital role in relationships. Many Americans value the comfort and security that comes from physical closeness, using it as a language of love that enhances emotional connections.Finally, spending quality time together is perhaps one of the most cherished expressions of love in America. Whetherit's a casual dinner, a weekend getaway, or simply watching a movie at home, dedicating time to one another reinforces the importance of shared experiences in building strongrelationships. This aspect reflects the American value of prioritizing interpersonal connections despite busy schedules.In conclusion, expressions of love in American cultureare diverse and nuanced, encompassing verbal affirmations,acts of service, gift-giving, physical affection, and quality time. These various forms of expression highlight the importance of love as a cornerstone of human relationships, reflecting a deep-seated belief in the value of connectionand emotional intimacy. Understanding these expressions provides insight into the importance Americans place on lovein their everyday lives.。