《人文英语3 》教材文章（中英文对照）
Unit 1
Reading 1
Families Having Fewer Children Nowadays
Most couples who get married or decide to live together generally plan to have children. Several years ago, having big families was common and people thought of this as an advantage. That was mainly because children began working at an early age to help provide for the family. But with the changing times and with the cost of living getting higher every single year, having a big family is no longer considered a practical option. In fact, more and more couples choose to have only one child and some do not have any desire to become parents at all.
Indeed, the trend of having fewer children started a few decades ago. According to the Australian Institute of Family Studies, by 1986, women aged 40 to 44 years, were considerably more likely to have given birth to two children than three children (36% vs. 27%) or four or more children (19%). However, taken together, women were still more likely to have had three or more children than to have had two children (46% vs. 36%).
Two decades ago, women were more likely to have had two children than three or more children — a trend that was most marked in the most recent period (38% vs. 25% in 1996; 38% vs. 22% in 2006). Nowadays, most families in Australia have two children. But the number of women who had given birth to a single child increased progressively from only 8% in 1981 to 13% in 2006, and it should be even bigger nowadays.
The U.S. Census Bureau states that there are approximately 14 million only children in America today. This comprises 20% of the children’s population compared to only 10% around fifty years ago.
如今家庭里孩子数少了
绝大多数已婚夫妇或者住在一起的伴侣都有要孩子的计划。几年前，人们认为有个大家庭司空见惯，而且还被认为是个优势。主要原因在于孩子们很早就出来工作，帮助养家。但是随着时间的推移和生活成本的逐年提高，拥有一个大家庭不再被认为是一个很可行的选择。事实上，越来越多的夫妇选择只生一个孩子，有些人甚至根本不想要孩子。
的确，这种少生孩子的趋势在二三十年前就出现了。根据澳大利亚家庭研究院的研究，截至1986 年，40~44岁年龄段的妇女生两个孩子的（36%）远远多于生三个（27%）或四个（含）以上的（19%）。然而，综合来看，生三个以上孩子的妇女（46%）仍然要多于生两个的（36%）。
二十年以前，生两个孩子的妇女比生三个（含）以上的妇女多，这个趋势在近年来变得更加明显。（两者的数量百分比在1996年分别为38%和25%，在2006年分别为38%和22%。）如今，大多数的澳大利亚家庭中有两个孩子。但只生育一个孩子的妇女数量比例在逐渐增加，从1981年的8%上升为2006年的13%，现在的比例会更大。
据美国人口普查局报道，美国如今有接近1400万的独生子女。这个数占孩子总数的20%，而50 年前仅占10%。
Unit 1
Reading 2
Stop Yelling at Your Kids
Parenting is hard. If you’re a parent, I’m sure that I don’t need to tell you that our job is a tough one. When you’re managing children, it can be difficult to remember that they are still learning. If you find that you are yelling at your kids more often than you want to, here are some ways that can help you reduce the yelling. I’ve been working on this for the past few months and I have to say, it’s been amazing for both the kids and me.
If you are having an argument with your child, you need to make sure you both take the time to really listen. It gives both of you time to think and really listen to each other, which is important. Kids are more likely to listen to you if you listen to them!
One of your biggest struggles is to remind yourself of appropriate expectations. You can’t expect that your youngest acts as responsibly as your oldest. You should lower what you expect — taking into consideration things like their age — it can make a big difference.
You should do your best to take a moment before yelling and take in a deep breath. It makes a world of difference for you. Instead of yelling, you’d better whisper. It can also help diffuse any situation by making things quieter, not louder. Besides, the more time you spend with your kids, the better you’ll get at communicating with them. You’re both more likely to understand each other.
If your children aren’t listening or it seems they only don’t listen to you, you don’t take it personally. You should remind yourself that your kids are still learning and they’re not going to be perfect.
别再对你的孩子大吼大叫
养儿育女不容易。如果你已为人父母，我觉得就不需要告诉你这是一项多么艰巨的任务了。当你在管理孩子的时候，很难时刻记得他们还在学习的过程中。如果你发现自己常常对孩子大吼大叫，而你并不想这样，这里有一些方法也许能帮助你减少这种行为。在过去的几个月里我一直都在探索，我不得不说，这些方法对我和我的孩子们都很有效。
如果你和孩子之间发生争执，你应该确保你们彼此花时间互相倾听对方。给双方时间去思考和认真倾听对方的心声，这是非常重要的。如果你愿意倾听孩子们的心声，孩子们也非常乐意倾听你的想法。
你最大的一个纠结就是提醒自己对孩子要有合理的期望。你不应该期望最小的孩子能和最大的孩子那样，做事认真负责。你应该降低你的期望值，要考虑他们的年龄等因素，这样做会产生很大的变化。
在你发火吼叫之前用一点时间做个深呼吸，会有天壤之别的。不要大声吼叫，而要轻声细语，这样，可以帮助缓和当时的情况。此外，你陪伴孩子的时间越长，你就越能更好地和他们沟通，你们就越容易理解对方。
如果孩子们没有认真倾听或者看上去就是不听你的话，你也不要太在意。你要提醒自己孩子们还在学习的过程中，他们并不完美。
Unit 2
Reading 1
Caring for the Elderly
Caring for the elderly is not an easy task, and there are no hard and fast rules on how it should be done. Here are some tips you can apply to make life easier and happier for both you and the person in your care.
Establish a routine.
Organize the performance of daily activities in a routine manner, so that they are performed in the same way and at the same time every day. This routine will establish a sense of structure and increase feelings of control and safety. However, this routine can be broken with unplanned events occasionally, as elderly people may find the routine structure too boring and restrictive.
Get to know them.
It is important that you get to know the elderly in your care, their daily habits, likes and dislikes, etc. The better you know the person, the higher the quality of care you can provide.
Treat them with respect.
If elderly people do not have your respect, they will feel like they are being pushed around or asked to do things that they don’t want to. This can lead to a bad relationship. By treating elderly persons in your care with respect, you can develop a strong bond with them. Besides, you can talk to them like adults, show your love and respect, which will not only make them feel good, but may also gain you their respect in return.
Mental stimulation.
It is better to try to keep them occupied with challenging games, like crosswords or chess, which will keep their minds sharp. They like to discuss world events and their life histories with you. This will give the elderly people a feeling of self-worth and make them feel needed.
Social interaction.
Organize and encourage social interaction. Remaining connected to other people and the world is important for the elderly. It keeps the elderly feeling more engaged. Encourage them to talk to other residents or participate in games, discussions or day trips. Help them to develop a strong relationship with a neighbor. It is important for the elderly to talk to others and make friends.
关爱老人
关爱老人不是一件容易的事，该如何做，缺乏严格的规则。这里有一些建议，可以让你和你关爱的老人相处得更加轻松和愉快。
建立日常惯例
以常规方式组织日常活动，以便每天在相同时间以相同方式来完成这些活动。这种惯例会形成一种按部就班的感觉，并增加控制感和安全感。然而，由于老人可能认为这样的惯例安排既枯燥又受限制，所以这种惯例偶尔会被计划外的事情所打破。
逐渐了解老人
逐渐去了解你所关爱的老人，了解他们的日常习惯与好恶，这点很重要。你越了解老人，你给他们提供的关爱质量就越好。
以尊重的态度对待他们
如果老年人得不到尊重，他们就会感到被人摆布或者被要求做他们不想做的事。这会导致糟糕的关系。以尊重的态度对待你所关爱的老人，你会和他们形成牢固的关系。此外，你可以像和成年人那样与他们谈话，表达你的爱和尊重。这不仅能让他们感觉良好，还能使你获得他们对你的尊重。
进行心理刺激
最好让他们总是忙于具有挑战性的游戏，比如填词游戏或下棋，这会让他们的头脑保持灵活。他们喜欢和你讨论世界大事和生活经历。这会让老年人感觉有自我价值和被需要的感觉。
参与社交活动
组织并鼓励老年人参与社交活动。与其他人及外界保持联系，对于老年人来说非常重要。这会让老年人会感到更加投入。鼓励他们与其他居民聊天或参与游戏、讨论或一日游活动。帮助他们与邻居建立牢固的关系。与他人聊天并交朋友对于老年人来说是很重要的。
Unit 2
Reading 2
Demand for Elderly Care Services in China Is Rising Continually
The number of elderly people aged above 60 has increased. Demand for elderly care services in China will continue to rise due to the increased aging population. The number of elderly people aged above 60 was over 200 million in 2012, and will be 300 million in 2025 and 400 million in 2034, according to the experts.
It will be a tough challenge for China to deal with, due to the increasing rates of urbanization and a decreasing birth rate. The Chinese people will be facing a big challenge if we do not have enough money when we get older.
The United Nations defines an aging society as one that has 10 percent of its population at or above the age of 60.
When most developed countries were classed as an aging society, their gross domestic product (GDP) per capita stood at between 5,000 to 10,000 U.S. dollars or above. However, China became an aging society in 2001, and its GDP per capita was only 1,000 U.S. dollars. It was 6,000 U.S. dollars in 2012. China’s economic foundation for an elderly society is fragile.
On September 13, 2013, the State Council issued a guideline to speed up the development of China’s elderly care services, hoping to complete a social care network for its elderly by 2025.
中国老人关爱服务需求不断增长
60岁以上老年人口数量已经增长。在中国，由于老年人口数量不断增长，对老年人关爱服务的需求也将会持续增加。根据专家统计，2012年60岁以上老年人口的数量超过2亿，到2025年和2034年将分别达到3亿和4亿。
由于城镇化率的不断提高和人口出生率的不断下降，老龄人口增长对于中国来说是一个艰巨的挑战。当我们中国人变老的时候，如果没有足够的金钱，将会面临很大的挑战。
联合国把老龄化社会定义为60 岁（含）以上老人达到总人口的10%。
大多数发达国家被界定为老龄化社会时，其人均国内生产总值为5000~10000 美元，或者更高。然而，2001年中国开始步入老龄化社会，其人均国内生产总值仅有1000美元。2012年达到6000美元。中国老龄社会的经济基础是脆弱的。
2013年9月13日，国务院已经颁布了加快中国老年人关爱服务的发展纲要，希望到2025年建设完成老年人社会关爱网。
Unit 3
Reading 1
A Safer Community
The Wichita Falls Police Department is trying to help curb crime in neighboring communities throughout the city. On Saturday Wichita Falls Police gave a free two-hour presentation to help locals keep their community crime free.
More than 20 people showed up at the Martin Luther King Center in east Wichita Falls to be part of the presentation.
Wichita Falls Police Officer Jeff Hughes said that they wanted to make sure the folks out there were aware they were doing everything to take away the opportunity from a bad guy.
Hughes reminded those in attendance that their homes could be an open invitation to criminals. One of the biggest ways to prevent crime, according to Hughes, is to use CPTED, also known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.
“The biggest site, that we are dealing with now, that we are endorsing fully, is Nextdoor and it’s simply just nextdoor.com.”
The site is free and it helps locals set up a virtual community that they can interact with from the comfort of their own home.
“With www.nextdoor.com it all happens in a web based program where if you send something out it gets to that group or that person instantly, and they will get an alert on their phone or an email,” said Hughes.
According to Hughes, he has already seen a positive impact locally from the site and hopes it can continue to expand in Wichita Falls.
一个更加安全的社区
威奇塔福尔斯警局镇正努力遏制整个城市相邻社区犯罪的发生。本周六，该警局的警察就如何保持社区零犯罪记录给当地居民做了两小时的免费讲座。
当日，20多人来到位于威奇塔福尔斯东部的马丁路德金中心，参加了讲座。
以威奇塔福尔斯警局的警官杰夫·休斯说，他们想让所有人都意识到警察正在尽一切努力不给坏人留有任何机会。
休斯警官提醒在场的人们，他们的家园对犯罪分子来说，可是很有吸引力的。（言下之意，家庭要做好防盗保护。）根据休斯警官的建议，最好的预防措施就是使用CPTED，即通过环境设计预防犯罪。
休斯警官说：“我们现在正在搭建的最大的网站，也是我们全力支持的，就是nextdoor.com这个网站。”
该网站是免费的，旨在帮助当地居民建立一个虚拟社区，在这个社区里居民可以足不出户，互相联动。
“在www.nextdoor.com网站上，你通过网络程序向任何人或群组发送任何消息，他们的电话或电子邮件里会马上会收到一个提醒。”修斯说。
休斯警官认为，他已经从网站上看到了对当地产生的积极效应，并希望可以在威奇塔福尔斯市继续推广使用。
Unit 3
Reading 2
Making Your Home a Safer Place
We all tend to think that we are safe in our homes, but unfortunately, many homes are not as safe as they are supposed to be. It is impossible to make your home 100% burglar-proof but there are ways to improve your home safety.
Always lock the door and windows when you go out for work or even if you are inside the house. The burglars can take advantage of the opportunity in a minute.
Be suspicious of strangers. You can never know who is pretending to conduct a research or who is using it as a disguise to see if your home is worth breaking in.
Never leave valuables or cash in visible places. Hide them out of sight because they may attract burglars.
Do not leave the door key under planters, doormats or similar hiding places. The burglars know exactly where to look for it.
Teach your children not to open the door or answer the phone when they are home alone. Although it is better to make an impression that your house is not empty, children may unintentionally reveal too much, for example, when the home is empty.
Consider install an alarm system. A loud sound alarm usually drives the burglars away before they can steal anything from your home.
Make sure you have good lighting outside during the night. Well-lit homes are deterring the burglars because they increase the risk of being noticed while sticking around the house or trying to break in.
让你的家成为一个更加安全的地方
我们总是以为待在家中是安全的，但遗憾的是，很多时候家并不像人们想象的那样安全。让你的家百分百防盗是不可能的，但还是有很多方法可以提高家的安全性。
外出上班甚至即使在家，也永远记住要锁好门窗。入室盗窃者可以在瞬间就抓住可乘之机。
要当心陌生人。你根本不知道哪些人在假装进行调研，或者只是把它作为幌子来查看你家是否值得破门而入。
不要把贵重物品或现金放在显眼之处。把它们存放在不易被发现的地方，否则会引起盗窃者的注意。
不要把钥匙放在花盆、门垫或类似的存放之处，抢劫者清楚地知道从哪儿找钥匙。
教育孩子独自在家的时候不要打开房门或接电话。最好是让盗窃者以为家中有人，但孩子无意之间会透漏出一些信息，比如家里什么时候没有人。
考虑安装一个防盗报警系统，响亮的报警声通常可以迫使盗匪在盗窃之前仓皇而逃。
确保屋外夜间有良好的灯光。家里灯火通明对盗贼是个威慑，因为当盗贼在房子周围逗留或者企图破门而入的时候，灯光会增加他们被发现的概率。
Unit 4
Reading 1
Crime Prevention
The law defines youthful offenders (age 18 or under) as “delinquent” if they commit offenses. As for the same offenses, the court would consider an adult as a “criminal”. “Status offenders” are juveniles who commit offenses appropriate only to juveniles, such as truancy from school. Here are a few ideas to help prevent your children from becoming delinquent.
Keep your children in school to help prevent delinquency. Minor offenses, such as truancy, can lead to more serious offenses. Make clear to your children your expectations about their school attendance. Meet with school officials if necessary.
Exercise adequate supervision. Juveniles rarely commit serious offenses while under the supervision of an adult. Seek the assistance of your local service agencies if you feel you cannot control your children. Attend parenting classes, or join a local support group if you are having trouble understanding how to exercise discipline.
Educate your children about the dangers of drugs. Drug offenses and addiction can have serious consequences for your children. Let your children know you will not tolerate drug use. Stay informed about drug use trends in children.
Get your children involved in after-school recreational activities, sports, community service or other positive activities. Young people with positive outlets for their energy are more likely to do well in school and avoid the problems of delinquency.
Know who your children’s friends are. Show an interest in your children’s social life and peer groups. Peer pressure may have a bad effect on teenagers and young people. Do not allow your children to associate with juvenile delinquents.
预防犯罪
法律规定，18岁以下（含18岁）的未成年人违法，称为“少年犯”。同样的违法情形，法庭会将成人视为“罪犯”。“不良青少年”指存在不良行为的青少年，这些行为仅限于青少年，如逃学。以下这些方法可以预防你的孩子违法。
让孩子坚持去上学可以预防犯罪。轻微的不良行为如逃学可以导致严重的犯罪。让孩子明白你期望他们去上课。如果有必要，约见学校管理人员。
加强监管。在成人的监管下，青少年鲜有严重的罪行发生。如果你感到对管教孩子束手无策时，可以寻求当地服务机构的支持。如果你在理解如何管教孩子方面有困难，可以参加家长学校或者加入当地的咨询机构。
让孩子了解毒品的危害。毒品犯罪和吸食成瘾会给你的孩子带来严重的后果。向孩子表明你对毒品是零容忍的态度。及时了解孩子们沾染毒品的趋势。
鼓励孩子参与课外活动、体育项目、社区服务或者其他有益的活动。能够正面释放精力的年轻人在学校里能够表现更好，而且能够避免犯罪问题。
了解孩子结交的朋友。关注孩子的社交生活和伙伴。同伴之间的压力有时会对青少年和年轻人带来负面的影响。不要让孩子跟未成年犯来往。
Unit 4
Reading 2
Steps to Prevent Internet Crimes
The Internet has been a common part of our daily life. As millions of people have access to the Internet, criminals look for potential victims online. Children are especially vulnerable to online predators. Criminals may lure them into inappropriate chat rooms or ask them to go out, which may do them great harm. Here are a few ideas to protect yourself and your family from becoming a victim of Internet crimes.
Install anti-spyware and antivirus software. Anti-spyware helps prevent spyware from being used. Installing antivirus software helps prevent your computer from being infected with a virus.
Turn on your firewall. This helps prevent hackers from getting information such as passwords to bank accounts and other information they could use to steal funds or steal your identity.
Help your children choose the websites they go to. Set rules and limits for your children to use the Internet. Use software that blocks out certain inappropriate websites in case you can’t keep an eye on all the time.
Talk with your children about Internet crimes. Tell children to talk to you about anything that happens inappropriate to them online.
Use secured websites when purchasing items online and giving credit card numbers. When you are suspicious of the website, check it out before you pay any money.
Report suspected Internet crimes. You can contact your local police office to report Internet crimes and they will send a special agent to look into the matter.
预防网络犯罪的步骤
网络已成为我们日常生活中的一部分。由于成百上千万人们具备了上网条件，犯罪分子会在线物色潜在的受害者。儿童尤其容易成为网络猎手的受害者。罪犯或是诱惑儿童进入不适宜的聊天室，或是诱骗他们出来，这些都会对儿童带来严重危害。下面一些方法可以保护你和你的家人不受网络犯罪的侵害。
安装反间谍和防病毒软件。反间谍软件可以预防间谍软件的使用。安装防病毒软件可以防止电脑中毒。
启动防火墙，这样可以防止黑客获取您的个人信息，如登陆银行账户的密码以及其他可能会盗取你的资金和身份的信息。
帮助你的孩子选取他们适宜浏览的网站。为孩子使用网络制定规则并且进行一定限制。万一有时你无暇留意，可以利用软件阻止一些不良网站。
跟孩子讲讲有关网络犯罪的事，要求孩子把他们在网上碰到的任何不宜的情况告诉你。进行在线购物和提供信用卡信息时，确保使用安全网站。当你觉得网站可疑时，在支付之前应该好好核查。
在线购物并使用信用卡号码时，要使用安全的网站。如果怀疑网站安全，付账前务必核查清楚。
及时报告可疑的在线犯罪线索。你可以向当地警局报告网络犯罪，他们会安排专人进行调查。
Unit 5
Reading 1
Public Speaking
Public speeches are speeches delivered in public for a special purpose such as open class lectures or seminars in a university, religious preachings in the church, speeches at meetings or conferences, the inaugural address of the president elect, etc. In terms of mode, there are impromptu speeches, extemporaneous speeches, speeches from reciting, speeches from manuscript, but many of the speeches are written to be spoken before an audience. Most of these have something in common: to define, to explain something in order to arouse the interest of the audience and to obtain their support, approval or consent. For those purposes, the speaker will have to appear to be friendly to the audience in order to identify himself with them and to evolve their emotional support. At the same time he will have to use every means to make his speech persuasive, engaging and convincing.
Public speeches are delivered orally, but they are often well prepared in writing and delivered on formal occasions. So they are strongly influenced by the characteristics of the written language. For instance, they are often polite in tone, formal in style. Big and abstract words, noun phrases, complete sentences, complicated sentence structures, parallelisms and rhetorical devices are often found in public speeches. Generally speaking, the language used in public speeches is formal in style, clear and vivid in tone, and persuasive in purpose.
As far as type is concerned, there are: the informative speech, the persuasive speech, the entertaining speech and stimulating speech.
Generally speaking, there are four ways to deliver a speech: reading from a manuscript, reciting from memory, impromptu speaking, and extemporaneous speaking.
公开演讲
公开演讲是为了某一特定目的而公开进行的演讲，如大学里的公开课讲座或研讨会、教堂里的布道、会议上的演说、当选总统的就职演说等。就方式而言，有即兴演讲、脱稿演讲、背诵演讲、按手稿演讲，但是大多数演讲稿都是在演讲前写好的。多数演讲有一些共同之处：界定或解释某件事情，为了激发听众的兴趣，得到他们的支持、赞成或同意。为了这些目的，演讲者必须表现友好，与听众打成一片，并逐渐得到他们的情感支持。同时，演讲者还必须想方设法使他的演讲具有说服力、耐人寻味、令人信服。
公共开演讲是通过口头表达的，但通常都是认真完成稿件后才在正式场合进行演讲。因而明显受到书面语言特征的影响。例如，演讲通常采用礼貌语气，风格上比较正式。公开演讲常常会使用大而抽象的词汇、名词短语、完整的句子、复杂的句型、并列结构和较多修辞手段等。总的说来，公开演讲中所使用的语言文体比较正式，语气清晰生动，说服力强。
就类型而言，有信息型演讲、劝说型演讲、娱乐型演讲和激励型演讲。
一般来说，演讲方式有四种：按手稿演讲、背诵演讲、即兴演讲和脱稿演讲。
Unit 5
Reading 2
A Speech — Better Lives for All
In today’s society, working people can seldom find time to relax in their busy schedules. They often work overtime because of too much work waiting in queue, which ends up causing a lot of physical and mental problems. Fortunately, more and more people are now aware that relaxation and stress-relief are necessary for life. One’s health should never be sacrificed for a need to work hard. Indeed, finding time to relax makes people work more efficiently.
Many people plan trips to spend their free time traveling with their loved ones. This may have been a luxury in the past, but it has become more common in recent years. Traveling at home and abroad has now become convenient and affordable.
Going jogging and going to the gym after work have also become more popular, as they are rather convenient ways to exercise and stay fit. Exercising helps relax your body and has been shown to relieve mental stress as well. This demand for recreation and leisure service has also stimulate the economy, as new businesses are created to meet these needs.
In sum, working hard is important, but having a good quality of life can actually facilitate your success at work. Knowing when and how to relax should be a part of well-balanced lifestyles. Take a walk outdoors, visit the gym, or go jogging. You will find that your time was not wasted, even if it was not spent working in your office.
演讲：让生活更美好
在当今社会，上班族很少能在繁忙的工作日程中找到时间去放松一下。他们经常加班，因为太多的工作一个接一个地等着他们去完成，结果引发了身体和精神方面的诸多问题。幸运的是，越来越多的人现在意识到放松和减压对于生活是必需的。永远不应该为了努力工作的需要而牺牲人的健康。事实上，抽出时间去放松一下会提高工作效率。
许多人计划和亲人们利用闲暇时间去旅行。这在过去可能很奢侈，但近年来已经比较普遍。现在，在国内外旅游已经很方便而且能够负担得起了。
下班后去慢跑和去健身房也更受欢迎，因为这些都是便捷的锻炼形式和保持健康的方法。锻炼有助于放松身体，也可以缓解精神压力。这些娱乐和休闲服务的需求也刺激了经济，新的商机伴随着这些需求应运而生。
总之，努力工作是重要的，但拥有好的生活质量实际上可以帮助你在工作上获得成功。懂得何时和如何放松应该是均衡生活方式的一部分。出去户外散步，去健身房，或去慢跑。你会发现即使你不在办公室工作，你的时间也没有被浪费掉。
Unit 6
Reading 1
Importance of Learning a Foreign Language
There are a number of reasons why we should learn a foreign language. Learning another language is important for both work and travel. It is also important for making real connections with other people. Lastly, it can give us a greater understanding of our own language.
Learning a foreign language would definitely enhance our chances of getting a job. When we work in a foreign country, it will benefit us immensely if we can speak its language. We would be able to work with all different types of employees, and this will give us a long-term career success.
Speaking a foreign language gives us understanding of a country’s culture; it enables us to see how other people see the world around them. If we travel or work in a foreign country, think how much easier everything would be if we could speak the local language. It would be easier to find different places, ask for directions, and even order food.
Finally, if we speak a foreign language we will actually improve our own first language. Other languages open our minds to new ways of thinking. For example, Inuits have more words to describe snow and ice as it is such an important part of their lives.
Language is what makes us human. It is how we share our thoughts with the world. Without language, there would be no way to communicate and express ourselves. The more languages we know, the more ways we have to communicate and express ourselves. 8 This is why learning many languages should be important, and why one language simply won’t do.
学习外语的重要性
学习外语有很多种原因。学习另外一门语言，对工作和旅游都很重要。想要与其他民族的人进行交流，学习外语也很重要。此外，学习外语还能帮助我们进一步了解自己的母语。
学习外语肯定会提高我们找到工作的几率。当我们在国外工作时，会讲该国的语言将会非常便利。我们可以与不同类型的员工一起工作，这将带来长期的职业生涯成就。
掌握一门外语可以帮助我们知晓一个国家的文化，了解其他国家人民的世界观。当我们在异国工作或旅行时，会说当地语言可以使事情变得简单。找地方、问路和点餐时都会很方便。
最后，如果能掌握一门外语，我们的母语水平也会有所提升。其他语言会拓展我们的思维方式。例如，因纽特人有更多的词汇来描绘雪和冰，因为冰雪是他们日常生活的重要组成部分。
语言使我们区别于其他动物。语言是我们与世界交流想法的方式。没有语言，我们将无法与人沟通和表达自我。我们懂的语言越多，沟通和表达方式就会越多。这也是我们学习多门语言的重要性，也是为什么学习单一语言所做不到的。
Unit 6
Reading 2
English, the Global Language
English is spoken as a native language by around 377 million people, and as a second language by around 375 million speakers in the world. Speakers of English as a second language will soon outnumber those who speak it as a first language. Around 750 million people are believed to speak English as a foreign language. English has an official or a special status in 75 countries with a total population of over 2 billion.
The domination of the English language globally is a sure thing. English is the language of international communications, business, tourism, education, science, computer technology, media and the Internet. Surprisingly, 70% of all information stored in the Internet is in English.
British colonialism in the 19th century and American capitalism and technological progress in the 20th century were undoubtedly the main causes for the spread of English throughout the world. From the fifteenth century, the British began to sail all over the world and became explorers, colonists and imperialists. They took the English language to many places. For the last hundred years, the U.S.A. has played a leading role in most parts of the world. The Hollywood film industry also attracted many foreign artists in quest of fame and fortune and the number of American films produced every year soon flooded the market.
However, the future of English as a global language will depend very largely on the political, economic, demographic and cultural trends in the world.
全球通用语言——英语
世界上以英语作为母语的人接近3.77 亿, 而作为第二语言的人约有3.75亿人。英语作为第二语言的人数将很快超过作为母语的人数。把英语当成外语的人据说有7.5亿人。英语在75个国家占据一定官方地位或特别地位，约占20亿人口。
英语全球化的主导地位已经不容置疑，英语是国际交流、商务、旅游、科技、电脑技术、媒体和网络等方面通用语言。令人惊讶的是，70% 的网络信息都是用英语存储的。
19世纪的英国殖民主义以及20世纪的美国资本主义与技术进步，无疑都是推动英语在全球范围内传播的主要原因。15世纪以来，英国人就开始航游世界并成为探索险者、殖民者、帝国主义者。他们将英语传播到许多地区。在上个世纪，美国在世界的大部分地区发挥主导作用。好莱坞蓬勃的电影产业也吸引了许多追逐名利的外国艺术家，每年大量美国影片如洪水般涌入市场。
然而，英语作为全球语言的未来很大程度上还将取决于全球的政治、经济、人口和文化等方面的发展趋势。
Unit 7
Reading 1
Free Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs)
A class with hundreds or even thousands of students might sound like a teacher’s worst nightmare. But a big idea in higher education these days is Massive Open Online Courses, or MOOCs.
Some universities offer free, non- credit MOOCs available to anyone in the world. Others charge for courses and provide credits. The idea is still developing. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology started its first MOOC in 2012. The school plans to offer many free, non-credit courses through a project called MITx. Many Chinese universities are beginning to offer free MOOCs now, too.
Nowadays, MOOCs almost cover every topic, like computer science, technology, mechanics, engineering, languages, etc.
Generally speaking, there are no formal education requirements for these free online courses. Students watch short videos. Then, they take informal, ungraded quizzes after the videos each week for certain weeks. Quizzes are part of the lecture program to keep students engaged and keep them thinking, for students to be able to check that they understood what was covered. They can repeatedly watch the videos and take the quizzes whenever they want. Students receive homework. They can join online groups to exchange questions and answers about the courses. The teachers hold virtual office hours to answer questions that the students have posted. They also present their own questions and observations.
Some supporters claimed that there are things that we can do better in the online format.
We can certainly deliver high-quality education to many students at a much lower cost.
免费大规模在线开放课程（慕课）
一堂课有成千上万学生，这听起来是老师最可怕的噩梦。但是，近来在高等教育领域产生一个伟大构想——大规模在线开放课程，也称慕课。
一些高校向全世界所有人提供免费的无学分在线开放课程。一些高校则提供收费的有学分课程。这个构想仍在不断发展。麻省理工学院于2012年开设了最早的一堂慕课。该校计划通过一个名为MITx的项目，提供大量免费的无学分课程。现在，许多中国高校也开始提供免费慕课。
如今，慕课几乎涉及所有主题，如计算机科学、技术、机械、工程、语言等。
一般来说，这些免费在线课程没有正式的教学要求。学生观看短视频。然后，他们每周参加非正式的不分级测验，并持续几周。小测验是讲座课程的一部分，可以吸引学生参与，不断思考，并且检验自己是否理解了所学内容。他们可以随时反复看录像并做测验。学生也有作业。他们加入在线小组，交流与课程相关的问题和答案。老师们提供虚拟办公时间回答学生发帖中的问题。他们也提出自己的问题和见解。
一些支持者声称，有些事情在线情况下可以做得更好。我们一定能够以更低成本为更多学生提供高质量的教育。
Unit 7
Reading 2
Apple Enters a New Market
Apple has entered the textbook market. The tech giant introduced iBooks textbooks in 2012 when it announced its iBooks 2 platform. They are digital books in a variety of subjects from astronomy to zoology, science, math, history, geography, etc.
Apple developed its iPad-based textbooks in conjunction with major textbook publishers. The company offers a collection of textbooks for high school students. Apple claims it offers a “new textbook experience” and suggests its interactive iBooks textbooks are “the next chapter in learning”.
It sounds like good news for pupils and students. Think of it. No more carrying heavy backpacks full of textbooks. Every textbook you require can be stored on your iPad. No more having to buy expensive textbooks which you will only use for a year or two and then sell or give away.
Instead of boring old textbooks which are quickly out of date you can have an interactive learning experience. You can play videos, examine geometrical problems in 3D, listen to music and commentary, make notes and mark passages electronically. You can also share stuff on social networking sites with fellow students.
And the rest, as they say, is history. Will Apple revolutionize learning? That remains to be seen.
苹果进军新市场
苹果已进军教材市场。这个科技巨头在2012年iBooks 2平台的发布会上正式推出iBooks教科书。这些是数字图书，涉及各种内容，包括天文学、动物学、科学、数学、历史、地理等。
苹果公司和主要的教材出版商一起开发了基于iPad的教材。苹果公司已经推出了一套高中电子教材。苹果宣称它提供的是一种“教科书全新体验”，并暗示这种互动式的电子教科书将开启“学习的新篇章”。
对于中小学生而言，这听起来是个好消息。试想，不用再背装满课本的沉重的书包。你所需要的所有教科书都可以储存在你的iPad里。也不用再买那些昂贵的课本，这些课本你只会用一两年，然后要么卖掉，要么送人。
用电子教材代替即将过时的乏味的老式教材，给人一种交互性强的学习体验。你可以播放视频，通过3D形式来研究几何难题，听音乐和评论，做电子笔记和在段落上做标注。你还可以与同学在社交网站分享资料。
正如他们所说，其他的东西都已经成为历史。那么，苹果会引领学习的革命吗？让我们拭目以待吧！
Unit 8
Reading 1
Lifelong Learning & Distance Education
The term “lifelong learning” is very popular nowadays. It describes the need for people to continue their education and training throughout their lives. Lifelong learning is more and more important for everyone because people are now facing different career choices in changing economies. It is believed lifelong learning is a crucial response to the challenges of the global knowledge economy.
Currently, most universities have reacted to the era of lifelong learning by adding new programs and services for adults who seek to combine employment with part-time study. Special arrangements have been developed for these students but the core activity of the university, providing teaching to full-time young undergraduates, often goes on much as before.
Lifelong learning is both formal and non-formal; and the boundaries between face-to-face teaching and distance education are increasingly blurred.
By making learning possible anytime and anywhere, distance education is a powerful tool for supporting lifelong learning. Technology-based teaching is creating new educational systems that anyone from anywhere can access. The key challenge for universities is to evolve from a teacher-centered model of education to a student-centered model. The challenge for governments is that they have to develop new funding approaches and new quality assessment procedures.
终身学习和远程教育
现在，“终身学习”这个词非常流行。这反映了人们对继续教育和培训的终生需求。终身学习对每个人来说都越来越重要，因为在不断变化的经济环境中，人们正面临不同的职业选择。终身学习被认为是应对全球知识经济挑战的关键所在。
当前，为了应对终身学习时代的需求，很多大学都为那些希望将工作和业余学习结合起来的成年人增设新课程和新服务。学校针对这些学生做了特别的教学安排，但是大学的核心任务仍然是为年轻的全日制学生提供教学，和以往一样照常进行。
终身学习既是正式学习，又是非正式学习。同时，面授教学和远程教学的界限变得越来越模糊。
远程教育可以让学习随时随地发生，是支持终身学习的强有力工具。以技术为支撑的教学正在创造新的教育体系，任何人在任何地方都可以进行学习。对于大学的主要挑战是从以教师为中心的模式转变为以学生为中心的模式。而各级政府所面临的挑战则是必须建立新的资助方式和新的质量评估流程。
Unit 8
Reading 2
Lifelong Education in a Learning Society
As we enter the 21st century, the information age, your ability to expand your mind and strive for continuing education is critical to your success. By dedicating yourself to lifelong learning, you can leapfrog ahead of your competition.
The highest paid people in America today work an average of 59 hours per week. They read an average of 2-3 hours per day. They belong to industry associations and organizations that encourage individuals to dedicate themselves to lifelong learning with current information and ideas in their fields. Continuing education for them means that they attend annual meetings and go to every session available that has new insights that can help them to be more effective.
Lifelong learning is the minimum requirement for success in your field. Since information and knowledge in every field is doubling every 2-3 years, this means that your knowledge has to double every 2-3 years as well.
Knowledge is the primary source of value in our world today and your ability to expand your mind and devote yourself to lifelong learning is the key to breaking any success barriers that may be in front of you.
You can acquire information and strive for lifelong learning by just reaching out your hand and picking it up in the form of books, articles, tapes, face-to-face training, and online courses or MOOCs. I hope you are making room for continuing education in your life.
学习型社会中的终身教育
随着我们进入21 世纪这个信息时代，开拓思维与参与继续教育的能力对于成功至关重要。活到老学到老，你才可以超越你的竞争对手。
当前，美国收入最高的人群平均每周工作59小时。这些人平均每天阅读2~3小时。他们属于行业协会或组织，鼓励个人致力于终身学习，了解各自领域的最新信息和理念。对他们而言，继续教育意味着参加各种年度会议，出席每一个能带来新理念的会议，这些新理念能帮助他们变得更有效率。
终身学习是你事业成功的最低要求。由于每个领域中的知识和信息每两到三年就增加一倍，这就意味着你的知识也得每两到三年翻倍。
知识是我们当前社会中价值的主要来源，而开拓思维和积极参与终身学习的能力则是清除成功路途上障碍的关键所在。
你只需要从书本、文章、磁带、面授培训、在线课程、慕课等方式中进行选择，便可获取信息，并进行终身学习。我希望你在生活中为继续教育留点空间。
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