15

READING SELECTION A True Height (n./ high：adj.) By David Naster [1] “The greater the obstacle (is), the more glory (you get) in over coming it." (Moliere) [2] “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” (Charles A. Beard) (palm tree/ game hunting) [3] His palms were sweating. He needed a towel to dry his grip. A glass of ice water quenched his thirst but hardly cooled his intensity. The Astroturf he sat on was as hot (heated discussion) as the competition he faced today at the National Junior Olympics. The pole was set at 17 feet. That was three inches higher than his personal best. Michael Stone confronted (faced) the most challenging day of his pole-vaulting career. (job->career) [4] The stands were still filled with about 20, 000 people, even though the final race had ended an hour earlier. The pole vault is truly the glamour event of any track and field competition. It combines the grace of a gymnast with the strength of a body builder. It also has the element of flying, and the thought of flying as high as a two-story (stery) building is a mere (only) fantasy (dream) to anyone watching such an event. Today and now, it is not only Michael Stone's reality and dream -- it is his quest (goal). [5] As long (far) as Michael could remember he had always dreamed of flying. Michael's mother read him numerous stories about flying when he was growing up (in his childhood). Her stories were always ones that described the land from a bird's-eye view. Her excitement and passion for details made Michael's dreams full of color and beauty. Michael had this one recurring dream. He would be running down a country road. He could feel the rocks and chunks of dirt (earth/ soil) at his feet. As (when) he raced (ran) down the golden-lined wheat fields, he would always outrun (surpass) the locomotives passing by. It was at the exact moment he took a deep breath that he began to lift off the ground (took off). He would begin soaring (flying) like an eagle. [6] Where he flew would always coincide with his mother's stories. Wherever he flew was with a keen (sharp) eye for detail and the free spirit of his mother's love. His dad (daddy/ father), on the other hand (on the contrary), was not a dreamer. Bert Stone was a hard-core (practical/ pragmatic) realist. He believed in hard work and sweat. His motto: If you want something, work for it! (believe sb.= think what sb. says is true; believe in /sb./ sth.=trust sb./ behold sth.) [7] From the age of 14, Michael did just that. He began a very careful and regimented (controlled/ disciplined) weightlifting program (project). He worked out every other day (every two days) with weights, with some kind of running work on alternate days. The program (plan) was carefully monitored (supervised) by Michael's coach, trainer and father. Michael's dedication (devotion), determination and discipline were a coach's dream. Besides (In addition to) being an honor student and only child, Michael Stone continued to help his parents with their farm chores (task). Michael's persistence in striving (struggle) for perfection was not only his obsession (favor/ like) but his passion. [8] Mildred Stone, Michael's mother, wished he could relax a bit more and be that "free dreaming" little boy. On one occasion she attempted (tried) to talk to him and his father about this, but his dad quickly interrupted, smiled and said, "(If) You want something, work for it!" [9] All of Michael's vaults today seemed to be the reward for his hard work. If Michael Stone was surprised, thrilled (excited) or arrogant (proud) about clearing the bar at 17 feet, you couldn't tell (didn’t know). As soon as he landed on the inflated landing mat, and with the crowd on its feet, Michael immediately began preparing for his next attempt at flight. He seemed oblivious of the fact he had just surpassed his personal best by three inches and that he was one of final two competitors in the pole-vaulting event at the National Junior Olympics. [10] When Michael cleared the bar at 17 feet 2 inches and 17 feet 4 inches, again he showed no emotion. Constant preparation and determination were his vision (thoughts). As (when) he lay on his back and heard the crowd groan, he knew the other vaulter had missed his final jump. He knew it was time for his final jump. Since the other vaulter had fewer misses (mistakes), Michael needed to clear this vault to win. A miss would get him second place (finish first/ come out first). Nothing to be ashamed of, but Michael would not allow himself the thought of not winning first place. [11] He rolled over and did his ritual of three finger-tipped push-ups along with three Marine-style push-ups. He found his pole, stood and stepped on the runway that led to the most challenging event of his I7-year-old life. [12] The runway felt (was) different this time. It startled (surprised) him for a brief moment. Then it all hit him like a wet bale of hay. The bar was set at nine inches higher than his personal best. That's only one inch off the National record, he thought. The intensity of the moment filled his mind with anxiety. He began shaking the tension from his body. It wasn't working. He became more tense (nervous). Why was this happening to him now, he thought. He began to get (became more) nervous. Afraid would be a more accurate description. What was he going to do? He had never experienced these feelings. Then out of nowhere, and from the deepest depths of his soul, he envisioned (saw) his mother. Why now? What was his mother doing in his thoughts at a time like this? It was simple. His mother always used to tell him when you felt tense, anxious or even scared (frightened), take deep breaths. [13] So he did. Along with (Together with) shaking the tension from his legs, he gently (slightly) laid (put) his pole at his feet. He began to stretch out his arms and upper body. The light breeze that was once there was now gone (stopped). He could feel a trickle of cold sweat running down his back. He carefully picked up his pole. He felt his heart pounding. He was sure the crowd did, too. The silence was deafening. When (suddenly) he heard the singing of some distant robins in flight, he knew it was his time to fly. [14] As he began sprinting (running) down the runway, something felt wonderfully different, yet familiar. The surface below him felt like the country road he used to dream about. The rocks and chunks of dirt, the visions (sight) of the golden wheat fields seemed to fill his thoughts when he took a deep breath, it happened. He began to fly. His take-off was effortless. Michael Stone was now flying, just like in his childhood dreams. Only this time he knew he wasn't dreaming. This was real. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. The air around him was the purest and freshest he had ever sensed. Michael was soaring (flying) with the majesty (grace) of an eagle. [15] It was either the eruption of the people in the stands or the thump of his landing that brought Michael back to earth (reality). On his back with that wonderful hot sun on his face, he knew he could only envision (see) the smile on his mother's face. He knew his dad was probably smiling too, even laughing. Bert would always do that when he got (became) excited, smile and then sort of giggle. What he didn't know was that his dad was hugging his wife and crying. That's right: Bert "If You Want It, Work For It" Stone was crying like a baby in his wife's arms. He was crying harder than Mildred had ever seen before. She also knew he was crying the greatest tears of all: tears of pride. Michael was immediately swarmed with people hugging and congratulating him on the greatest accomplishment of his life. He later went on that day to clear 17 feet 6½ inches: a National and International Junior Olympics record. [16] With all the media attention, endorsement possibilities and swarming herds of heartfelt congratulations, Michael's life would never be the same (as before). It wasn't just because he won the National Junior Olympics and set a new world record. And it wasn't because he had just increased his personal best by 9 1/2 inches. It was simply because Michael Stone is blind. (1, 313 words) ABOUT THE AUTHOR David Naster is an American writer. This text is excerpted from A Third Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Book. EXERCISES I. Reading Comprehension Answer the following questions or complete the following statements. 1. How did Michael Stone feel when he confronted the most challenging day of his pole-vaulting career? A. Very intense. B. Extremely hot. C. Quite competent. D. Cool inside. 2. According to the text, why does pole-vaulting attract so many people? A. Because it is the last event of the sports meeting. B. Because it is a combination of grace and strength. C. Because it is the quest of all young athletes. D. Because it is thought of as a flying dream coming true. 3. According to the text, Michael's recurring colorful dream _____. A. was a reflection of what he was in the day B. reflected his desire to be a top pole-vaulting athlete C. originated from his mother's excitement and passion for details D. inspired him to strive for reaching his life's goal 4. The sentence "Michael's dedication, determination and discipline was a coach's dream." probably means that _____. A. a coach's dream is realized in Michael's dedication, determination and discipline B. with dedication, determination and discipline, a coach can fulfill his dream C. a coach dreamed of being as dedicated, determined and disciplined as him D. his personal qualities made him an ideal athlete for any coach 5. What was Michael's reaction after he had surpassed his best personal record? A. He wasn't aware of the fact. B. He didn't show any emotion. C. He tried his best to calm down. D. He was thrilled and arrogant. 6. Michael developed a habit of _____. A. being oblivious of any success he had made B. not allowing himself to make any mistakes C. doing push-ups before stepping on the runway D. drinking a cup of ice water before competition 7. It can be inferred that the National record was _____. A. 17 feet and 934 inches B. 17 feet and 4 inches C. 17 feet and 634 inches D. 17 feet 7 inches 8. How did Michael shake off his fear before he cleared the height for championship? A. He followed his mother's advice and took deep breaths. B. He heard his mother in the crowd and was encouraged. C. He relaxed for some time and stretched out his arms and upper body. D. He was greatly relieved by the singing of some distant robins in flight. 9. What's the probable meaning of the word "regimented" in the sentence of "he began a very careful and regimented weightlifting program'? A. Long and tedious. B. Slow and hard. C. Planned and controlled. D. Intense and fast. 10. What does the title "True Height" imply? A. It is the highest point that man can reach. B. This height had been a National record. C. The height has been Michael's life goal. D. It is an unusual height achieved by a blind. II. Vocabulary A. Read the following sentences and decide which of the four choices below each sentences is closest in meaning to the underlined word. 1. He has got the key to the apartment eventually. And on the way home he could envision the smile on he wife's face. (This is key to the lock) A. foresee B. imagine C. memorize D. recall 2. She opened the refrigerator and took a bottle of cold mineral water to quench her thirst. A. ease (n./ vt./ to ~the pain) B. grip C. release D. query 3. "Man's ingenuity (creativity) has outrun his intelligence." (Joseph Wood Krutch) A. outwitted B. excelled (胜过,超过,优于) C. output (n./vt.) D. exceed 4. After that, the airhostess continued to demonstrate (show) how to inflate the life-jacket in an emergency. A. blow up B. take up C. break up D. make up 5. The unsuccessful democratic candidate seemed oblivious of the fact that he stood for no chance in running for governor. A. preoccupied B. thrilled C. insensitive D. (be) unaware (of sth.) 6. Most of the citizens in that country have already felt the pressure of soaring inflation because of the changes in economic policy after the financial crisis in Asia. A. rising B. roaring C. progressing D. amounting (mount to …) 7. When men are most sure and arrogant, they are commonly most mistaken. A. polite B. (obey->)obedient C. proud D. courteous 8. This untutored mathematician had an obsession with numbers. A. imagination B. (be addicted to sth.) addiction C. hatred D. sense 9. You should not be afraid to aim high in the quest for an improvement in your income. A. (pursue->) pursuit (n.) B. belief C. claim D. realization 10. She was blinded by the glitter and the glamour of her own life. A. spectacle (spectacular) B. brilliance C. hardship D. defeat B. Choose the best word or expression from the list given for each blank. Use each word or expression only once and make proper changes where necessary. strive for coincide with glamour ritual persistence swarm with work out motto fantasy recurring 1. It's to participate and support anything that encourages charities to strive for the highest standards. 2. What the employee wants to know and understand does not necessarily coincide with what the organization needs him to know and understand. 3. His prescription for success "If you want something, work for it" could be taken as a motto for rule. 4. So many of our dreams, however, are mixtures of fact and fantasy that I do not feel any great reliance can be placed on what seem to be insights into our former lives when we are asleep. 5. This highlights one of the recurring dilemmas in education, that is the difficulty of quantitatively measuring many of the desired outcomes of the education process. 6. Within minutes the area was swarming with officers who began searching a nearby wood. 7. In order to make his body fit he works out (carry out) at a gym or swims twice a week. *8. She was blinded by the glitter and the glamour of her own life. 9. This will mean always dressing in the same way and making it into a ritual. ( a mean person/ transportation means) 10. Susan was determined to become a doctor and her persistence (is) paid off. III. Cloze There are ten blanks in the knowing passage. Read the passage carefully and choose the right word or phrase front the list given below for each of the blanks. Change the form if necessary. fundraising bowling alternate organizations program bring together unlike take place pattern after emphasis Special Olympics is an international program (project) of year-round sports training and athletic competition for people with mental retardation (智障). It places equal 1 emphasis on both training and competition. Special Olympics was founded in 1968 by American civic worker Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of former president John F. Kennedy. The 2 program serves more than 1 million athletes in more than 140 countries. Special Olympics Games are 3 patterned after (copied/ imitated) the Olympic Games and feature (establish) more than 20 summer and winter sports, including 4 bowling gymnastics, skiing, soccer, swimming, tennis, and track and field. 5 Unlike the Olympic Games, Special Olympics competitions are held throughout the year, with more than 5, 000 events taking place annually. Chapters （组委会）throughout the world hold their own Games each year or every two years. Chapters and programs in Canada, the United States, and other countries join together every two years for the World Games, which _6 alternate between competitions for winter and summer sports. The 1999 World Summer Games were held in the so-called Triangle region of North Carolina and Chapel Hill. The 2001 World Winter Games 7 take place in Anchorage, Alaska. Additional Special Olympics programs have been developed in recent years. Special Olympics Unified Sports 8 bring together athletes with and without mental retardation to train and compete on the same team. Special Olympics is financed primarily by grassroots 9 fundraising efforts, which are directed by state chapters and national programs. Individuals, 10 organizations corporations, and foundations also contribute to Special Olympics programs. IV. Translation Put the following puts into Chinese. 1. His palms were sweating. He needed a towel to dry his grip. A glass of ice water quenched his thirst but hardly cooled his intensity. The Astroturf he sat on was as hot as the competition he faced today at the National Junior Olympics. 他的手心在出汗。他需要一条毛巾擦一擦撑杆的握柄。一杯冰水使他不再感到口渴，却很难缓解他的紧张感。他坐在阿斯特罗牌的人造草皮上，草皮就像今天全国少年奥运会中的这场比赛一样热。 2. All of Michael's vaults today seemed to be the reward for his hard work. If Michael stone was surprised, thrilled or arrogant about clearing the bar at 17 feet, you couldn't tell. 今天在撑杆跳中的一切表现似乎是辛苦锻炼的回报。迈克尔·斯通跃过了17英尺高的横杆，却看不出他是惊喜、激动还是洋洋自得。 3. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. The air around him was the purest and freshest he had ever sensed. Michael was soaring with the majesty of an eagle. 一切仿佛都慢了下来，他从未感到周围的空气如此纯净、如此清新。迈克尔用鹰一般的傲岸身姿腾空而起。 4. It was either the eruption of the people in the stands or the thump of his landing that brought Michael back to earth. 要么是看台上山鸣海啸般的欢呼，要么是他落地时的砰然之声，使得迈克尔回过神来。 5. Michael was immediately swarmed with people hugging and congratulating him on the greatest accomplishment of his life. 迈克尔立刻被蜂拥而至的人们围住，人们拥抱他，祝贺他取得一生中最出色的成绩。 6. The light breeze that was once there was now gone. He could feel a trickle of cold sweat running down his back. He carefully picked up his pole. He felt his heart pounding. He was sure the crowd did, too. The silence was deafening. When he heard the singing of some distant robins in flight, he knew it was his time to fly. 刚才的那阵微风已经过去了。他能感觉到冷汗在后背上一滴一滴地流淌着。他小心翼翼地拿起撑杆。他感到心在砰砰地跳，他相信观众也是如此。全场鸦雀无声。听到远处飞翔的知更鸟鸣时，他知道该是他起飞的时候了。 7. With all media attention, endorsement possibilities and swarming herds of heartfelt congratulations, Michael's life would never be the same. 有大众媒体的关注，或许还有赞助，以及纷至沓来的由衷祝贺，迈克尔的生活将从此改变。 Practice and discussion 1. The passage begins with a description. Can you depict the situation in your own words? 2. What an important role did Michael's mother play in his childhood? 3. What were the differences between Michael's mother and father in personality? In what different ways did they contribute to the growth of their son? 4. Why does the author quote Michael's father's mottos three times in the passage? 5. Why doesn't the author mention the fact that Michael was blind until the end of the story? 6. What role do you think a father and a mother should play respectively in the growth of their children? Do you have any personal experiences? (Either in a child's perspective or parents'). Vocabulary [How To Increase Your Word Power] 1. grip: n. a part, such as a handle, that is designed to be grasped and held柄，把手: grab; grasp/ Everything has two handles. 2. obstacle: n. sth. that prevents action or slows progress障碍; optical: ; OCR: optical character recognition; omnipage/ finereader 3. quench: v. to slake; satisfy使缓和，满足 4. pole-vaulting: n. 撑杆跳: fishing pole; North pole 5. stand: n. an open-fronted building at a sports ground with rows of seats看台; stand up: fruit stand; stand for sth./ Newspaper stand 6. glamour: n. the exciting and charming quality of sth. unusual or special, with a magical power of attraction魅力，风度; magician 7. gymnast: n. a person who is skilled in doing certain physical exercises体育运动员; gymnasy 8. quest: n. a long search; an attempt to find sth.探索，探寻; to question sb. 9. chunk: n. a thick piece or lump with a usu. irregular shape大块，大部分 10. outrun: v. to run faster or further than比…跑得快 11. locomotive: n. a railway engine机车，火车头; motivate: urge/ encourage 12. soar: v. to rise rapidly猛增，聚生 13. hard-core: adj. unlikely to change死硬的，顽固不化的; stubborn 14. regiment: v. to put into systematic order; systematize严格而统一地管理[组织]；系统化 15. alternate: adj. happening by turns; first one and then the other交替，轮流的; alterative(n.): choice 16. obsession: n. a fixed and often unreasonable idea with which the mind is continually concerned困扰，固定的想法；成见; prejudice 17. thrilled: adj. excited greatly非常激动的; thriller 18. arrogant: adj. unpleasantly proud, and lack of respect for other people傲慢，自大的 19. inflate: v. to fill until swelled with air or gas; blow up（使）充气，膨胀; inflation; inflatable cushion 20. oblivious: adj. not noticing; unaware遗忘的，健忘的; forgettable-unforgettable/ forgetful (person) 21. ritual: n. the prescribed order of a religious ceremony典礼，（宗教）仪式，礼节; prescription 22. bale: a large tightly tied mass of esp. soft material ready to be taken away大包，大捆 23. push-up: n.: [体]俯卧撑 24. envision: v. to picture in the mind; imagine想象，预想; foresee; able->enable sb. to do sth. 25. trickle: v. to flow or fall in drops or in a thin stream滴流; drop-drip; stream->river 26. sprint: v. to run at top speed, esp. for a short distance全速短跑; at high voice; at high cost 27. eruption: n. the act or process of erupting爆发，火山灰 28. thump: n. a blow with a blunt object重击，抽打; thumb->thumbing 29. runway: n. a strip of level, usually paved ground on which aircraft take off and land跑道 30. giggle: v. to laugh with repeated short, spasmodic sounds哈哈地笑 31. swarm (with): v. to be full of充满，包围; 32. heartfelt: adj. deeply or sincerely felt; earnest衷心的，真诚的，诚挚的; mind->brain; insincere: adj. 33. coincide with: to happen at the same time; be in agreement巧合; an incident 34. work out: to exercise锻炼身体; work out: figure out 35. strive for: to struggle hard to get sth.奋斗，力求; strike->be/ go on strike NOTES Astroturf: a trademark used for an artificial grass-like ground covering阿斯特罗人工草坪，用于人工制作的草状地面覆盖物 READING SELECTIOWI B Harry Potter By J. K. Rowling [1] The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large, square houses of Privet Drive. Cars that were usually gleaming stood dusty in their drives and lawns that were once emerald green lay parched and yellowing -- or the use of hosepipes had been banned due to draught. Deprived of their usual car-washing and lawn-mowing pursuits, the inhabitants of Privet Drive had retreated into the shade of their cool houses, windows thrown wide in the hope of tempting in a non-existent breeze. The only person left outdoors was a teenage boy who was lying flat on his back in a flowerbed outside number four. [2] He was a skinny, black-haired, bespectacled boy who had the pinched, slightly unhealthy look of someone who has grown a lot in a short space of time. His jeans were torn and dirty, his T-shirt baggy and faded, and the soles of his trainers were peeling away from the uppers. Harry Potter's appearance didn't endear him to the neighbors, who were the sort of people who thought scruffiness ought to be punishable by law, but as he had hidden himself behind a large hydrangea bush this evening he was quite invisible to passers-by. In fact, the only way he would be spotted was if his Uncle Vernon or Aunt Petunia stuck their heads out of the living-room window and looked straight down into the flowerbed below. [3] On the whole, Harry thought he was to be congratulated on his idea of hiding here. He was not, perhaps, very comfortable lying on the hot, hard earth but, on the other hand, nobody was glaring at him, grinding their teeth so loudly that he could not hear the news, or shooting nasty questions at him, as had happened every time he had tried sitting down in the living room to watch television with his aunt and uncle. [4] Almost as though this thought had fluttered through the open window, Vernon Dursley, Harry's uncle, suddenly spoke. [5] 'Glad to see the boy's stopped trying to butt in. Where is he, anyway?" [6] "I don't know," said Aunt Petunia, unconcerned. "Not in the house." [7] Uncle Vernon grunted. [8] "Watching the news..." he said scathingly. "I'd like to know what he's really up to. As if a normal boy cares what's on the news -- Dudley hasn't got a clue what's going on; doubt he knows who the Prime Minister is! Anyway, it's not as if there'd be anything about his lot on our news? [9] "Vernon, shh!" said Aunt Petunia. "The window is open!" [10] "Oh – yes-- sorry, dear." [11] The Dursleys felt silent. Harry listened to a jingle about Fruit 'n' Bran breakfast cereal while he watched Mrs. Figg, a batty cat-loving old lady from nearby Wisteria Walk, amble slowly past. She was frowning and muttering to herself. Harry was very pleased he was concealed behind the bush, as Mrs. Figg had recently taken to asking him round for tea whenever she met him in the street. She had rounded the corner and vanished from view before Uncle Vernon's voice floated out of the window again. [12 ] "Dudders out for tea?" [13 "At the Polkisses'," said Aunt Petunia fondly. "He's got so many little friends, he's so popular ..." [14] Harry suppressed a snort with difficulty. The Dursleys really were astonishingly stupid about their son, Dudley. They had swallowed all his dim-witted lies about having tea with a different member of his gang every night of the summer holidays. Harry knew perfectly well that Dudley had not been to tea anywhere; he and his gang spent every evening vandalizing the play park, smoking on street corners and throwing stones at passing cars and children. Harry had seen them at it during his evening walks around the Little Whinging; he had spent most of the holidays wandering the streets, scavenging newspapers from bins along the way. [15] The opening notes of the music that heralded the seven o'clock news reached Harry's ears and his stomach turned over. Perhaps tonight -- after a month of waiting -- would be the night. (679 words) Reading Comprehension Answer the following questions or complete the following statements. 1. It can be learned from the text that the weather was _____. A. very hot and dry B. very humid and hot C. very hot and windy D. very cool and windy 2. What did the people in the neighborhood think about Harry Potter? A. He was much liked by them for his thriftiness. B. He was a nuisance because he was an untidy boy. C. They missed him very much for his long absence. D. They hated him and tried to send him to prison. 3. What did Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia feel about Harry's absence? A. Vernon was happy while Petunia was worried. B. Vernon was angry white Petunia was happy. C. Vernon was happy while Petunia didn't care. D. Vernon was worried while Petunia was angry. 4. What could have happened if Harry had been at home then? A. He could have been enjoying a cup of tea. B. He could have sat comfortably in the living room. C. He could have been congratulated for what he had done. D. He could have been scolded for watching TV. 5. According to the text, Harry Porter's uncle and aunt _____. A. hated him and drove him out of the house B. disliked him and treated him badly C. loved him but felt pitiful on him D. pitied him but could not help him out 6 What kind of program would Harry Potter like to watch on TV? A. Advertisement. B. Movie. C. News. D. Soap opera. 7. According to the text, Mrs. Egg A. had been looking for Harry for a long time B. was an old lady coming from afar C. was a lonely but very pleasant woman D. had been quite friendly towards Harry 8. According to the text, Dudley A. was a bad boy and constant liar B. was a stupid boy who often lied C. was a nice boy loved by his patents D. was a smart boy spoiled by his parents 9. Harry Porter was sure that Dudley hadn't been invited to tea because _____. A. he had been told by some friends about Dudley B. Dudley was right there with Harry at that time C. he had witnessed what he had been usually doing D. Dudley had told Harry what he would be doing then 10. What was Harry Potter doing outside the house? A. He was trying to escape from the police who wanted to arrest him. B. He was waiting for Dudley in order to teach him a lesson. C. He was running away from home because he had done something bad. D. He was waiting for something that was to be told at 7 o'clock news. VOCABULARY ITEMS 1. drowsy: adj. dull with sleepiness; sluggish困倦而迟钝的，懒怠的 2. gleam: v. to cause to emit a flash of light使闪光，闪耀 3. emerald: n. a brilliant green to grass-green transparent variety of beryl, used as a gemstone祖母绿 4. parch: v. to make extremely dry, especially by exposure to heat烤干，焦干 5. hosepipe: n. a piece of rubber or plastic tube水管 6. bespectacled: adj. wearing eyeglasses戴眼镜的 7. pinch: v. to squeeze between the thumb and a finger捏，挤，掐 8. endear: v. to make beloved or very sympathetic使亲密，使钟爱 9. scruffiness: n. being shabby or untidy肮脏，不整洁，破旧 10. hydrangea: n. any of various shrubs of the genus Hydrangea[植]八仙花属，绣球花 11. grind: v. to crush, pulverize, or reduce to powder by friction especially by rubbing between two hard surfaces碾碎，压碎，挤碎 12. flutter: v. to move quickly and lightly飘动，颤动 13. grunt: v. to make short deep round sounds in the throat, as if the nose were closed咕哝，哼哼 14. scathingly: adv. being bitterly denunciatory; being harshly critical严厉地，尖刻地，刻薄地 15. jingle: v. to make a tinkling or ringing metallic sound叮当响 16. suppress: v. to put an end to forcibly; subdue镇压，制服 17. snort: n. a sound of rough noise by blowing air down the nose喷鼻声 18. dim-witted: adj. slow to learn or stupid迟钝，愚蠢的 19. gang: n. a group of adolescents who band together, especially a group of delinquents团体，帮派 20. vandalize：v. to destroy or deface (public or private property) willfully or maliciously破坏，故意或恶意地破坏或毁损 21. scavenge: v. to feed on, or search for sth. among waste or unwanted清除（污物），打扫（街道等），在废弃物中搜索可用之物 22. bin: n. a container or enclosed place for storage箱子，垃圾箱 23. herald: v. to give a sign or indication of sth. to come预报，宣布 24. butt in: to interrupt by speaking插话（嘴） 课文参考译文 第＋五课A 真正的高度 戴维· 纳斯特 [l］困难越大，战胜困难就越令人感到自豪。― 莫里哀 [2]当天空黑暗到一定程度的时候你就会看到那满天闪烁的星星。― 查尔斯· A · 比尔德 [3］此刻，他的手掌正在冒汗。他需要一块毛巾来擦干手掌和他紧握着的撑杆。一杯冰水解除了他的干渴，但是却不能使他那紧张的心冷静下来。他感到那块坐在身下的阿斯特罗草皮和他今天将面临的全国青少年奥林匹克运动会上的竞争一样炽热。横竿被设置在17 英尺的位置，这比他个人的最好成绩要高出3 英寸。迈克尔· 斯通正面临着他撑杆跳高生涯中最富有挑战性的一天。 [4］虽然竞赛决赛己经结束一个多小时了，看台上的观众还有两万多人。撑杆跳是田径比赛中真正具有魅力的项目。它将体操的优美和身体的力量结合起来。它还具有飞翔的因素，而且观众一想到运动员能飞到两层楼那么高就觉得真不可思议。此时此刻不仅是迈克尔· 斯通的现实和梦想，还是他的探索。 [5］在迈克尔的记忆里，他一直梦想着能够飞翔。在他的成长过程中，妈妈读了许多关于飞翔的给他听。她的故事为他描述的总是飞翔时俯瞰大地的情景。每当她读到细节的时候，她就充满了兴奋和激情，这使得迈克尔的梦想也充满了迷人的色彩和美丽。迈克尔不停地重温着这样一个梦想：他沿着乡村小道飞奔，他能感觉到脚下的岩石和大块的泥土。当沿着镶着金边的麦浪奔跑的时候，他总会超过从身边经过的火车。就在那一刻，他会深深地吸一口气，然后猛地腾空而起，像一只雄鹰一样高高地“飞翔”。 [6］无论“飞”向何处，他都会飞到妈妈为他讲述的那些故事里；无论“飞”向姻奋何方，妈妈的关爱之情都会追随到那里。但是，另一方面，他的爸爸却不是一个爱做梦的人。伯特· 斯通是一位现实主义的铁杆分子。他坚信做事要付出艰辛的努力和汗水。他的座右铭是：“如果你想得到什么，那么就努力去干吧！" [7］从14 岁起，迈克尔就是这么做的。他首先是从一项谨慎而系统的举重训练开始的。他每隔一天练举重，每隔另一天练跑步。这个训练项目是在他的教练，也就是他爸爸小心翼翼的监督下进行的。迈克尔的献身精神、决心和自律精神是教练最喜欢的。此外尽管迈克尔· 斯通是个优秀学生和家里唯一的孩子，他还帮助父母做些农活。迈克尔坚持做到完美，不仅因为他执著还因为他充满激情。 [8］迈克尔的妈妈米尔德里德· 斯通希望他能放松点，做一个自由梦想的孩子。有一次她想把这一想法告诉迈克尔和他爸爸，但他爸爸很快打断她，笑着对迈克尔说“如果你想得到什么，那么就努力去干吧！" [9］如今迈克尔在撑杆跳高方面所取得的成绩看起来都是对他艰苦训练的回报。迈克尔· 斯通对跳过17 英尺的横竿是否感到惊讶、激动甚或是傲慢自大，你无从知晓。当他一落到充气垫上，观众们立即站了起来。但是，迈克尔却又立刻开始为下一次“飞翔”做准备了。他似乎忘记了超过自己最好成绩3 英寸的这个事实，并且，他似乎也忘记了在这场全国青少年奥林匹克运动会的撑杆跳高比赛中，他是仅剩的两名竞争者之一。 [10]当迈克尔跳过了17 英尺2 英寸，并且又跳过了17 英尺4 英寸的时候，他仍旧像刚才一样平静。他所要的是不懈的准备与坚定的决心。他仰面躺着，从人群中发出的一阵叹息声里，他知道另一位竞争者的最后一跳己经失败了。他也清楚，此刻，是他进行最后一跳的时候了。由于另一位竞争者失误较少，迈克尔需要跳过这个高度才可以赢。任何一点失误都使他只能屈居亚军。虽然，这没有什么可以感到羞耻的，但是，迈克尔不允许自己有这种不想赢冠军的想法。 [11]他起身做三个手指支撑俯卧撑，再做三个海军陆战队式俯卧撑。他捡起自己的撑竿，站了起来，走上了通向他17 岁生命中最有挑战意义的跑道。 [12］这一次他感到跑道有些不同。这使他震惊，但很快就恢复了镇静。跑道在他脚下就像一大捆湿草。现在横杆比他个人最佳成绩还高9 英寸。他想这比全国记录只高一英寸。这一刻的紧张气氛让他感到焦虑。他开始努力摆脱这种紧张的状态，但是却不管用。相反他变得更加紧张。他想为什么会这样呢？他的神经也开始紧张起来。也许，用恐惧来描述他此刻的心情会更准确吧！下一步该怎么办呢？要知道，他从没有经历过这种感觉啊！然后不知从何处，或许是从他灵魂的最深处吧，他想到了他的妈妈。为什么是现在？在这个时刻妈妈来到心里做什么？很简单，过去他的妈妈经常告诉他说，当感到紧张、担忧甚至是恐惧的时候，就做一次深呼吸。 [13]于是，他按照他妈妈所说的去做了。顿时，那种紧张的感觉从他的腿上消失了，他轻轻地把撑杆放在他的脚下，开始伸展双臂，挺直上身。刚才的那阵微风已经过去了。他能感觉到冷汗在后背上一滴一滴地流淌着。他小心翼翼地捡起他的撑杆。他感到他的心脏在剧烈地跳动着。他确信所有观众也和他一样。这时，整个赛场的寂静似乎淹没了一切。然后，他听到了远处儿只飞翔着的知更鸟在唱歌，他意识到他飞翔的时刻到来了。 [14]当他沿着跑道开始疾速奔跑的时候，他感到有些东西与往昔是那么的不同，但却又是那么的熟悉。他感到他脚下的路面就像是他经常梦到的乡下土路，那些岩石和大块的泥土以及那金黄色的麦浪此刻一下充满了他的思绪。他做了一次深呼吸，然后，他的梦想终于实现了― 他开始“飞”起来了！迈克尔· 斯通的“起飞”一点儿也没费力气，就像是在他童年时的梦幻中一样，他飞了起来。但是，他知道这次他可不是在梦中，眼前所发生的一切都是真实的。在他的周围，万事万物好像都在以慢动作运动着，而且，他从来都没有感觉到周围的空气像现在这么纯净，这么新鲜。迈克尔就像是一只威武的雄鹰一样在翱翔着。 [15]也许是因为看台上观众那震耳欲聋的欢呼声，抑或是因为迈克尔从高空中落到充气垫子上的撞击，迈克尔重新回到了现实之中。他仰面躺在充气垫子上，明媚的阳光照耀着他的脸庞，此刻，他能想象得到的只有那绽开在妈妈脸上的微笑。他知道，他的爸爸可能也在微笑着，甚至可能是开怀大笑。伯特激动时总是这样，先微笑然后咯咯地大笑。然而，迈克尔不知道的是他的爸爸正紧紧地拥抱着妻子激动地哭泣呢！的确，那个老是说：“如果你想得到什么，那么就努力去干吧”的伯特· 斯通先生就像是一个小孩一样正伏在妻子的怀里嚷泣着。他的妻子米尔德里德还从来都没有看见过丈夫哭得这么厉害呢！她心里非常清楚，他流了这么多的泪是因为那是自豪的泪！迈克尔立刻被蜂拥而至的人们围住，人们与他拥抱，祝贺他生命中迄今为止所取得的最大成就！那天。他后来的那一跳一举越过了17 英尺6 . 5 英寸的高度，那是一项全国乃至全世界的青少年奥林匹克运动会记录。 [16]随着媒体的关注以及可能会发生的高薪签约还有那蜂拥而至的衷心祝贺，迈克尔今后的生活将会随之改变，再也不会像以前那样平静了。当然，这一切并不只是因为他赢得了全国青少年奥林匹克运动会撑杆跳高的冠军并创造了一项世界记录，也不只是因为他把自己的最好成绩提高了9 . 5 英寸，而只是因为迈克尔· 斯通是一个盲人。 第＋五课B 哈里· 波特 J . K ．罗琳 [1]夏季以来最炎热的一天终于快要结束了，女贞路上那些方方正正的大房子笼罩在一片令人昏昏欲睡的寂静中。平日里光亮照人的汽车，这会儿全都灰扑扑地停在车道上，曾经葱翠欲滴的草地，己变得枯黄― 由于旱情，浇水软管己被禁止使用。女贞路上的居民，平常的消遣就是擦车和割草，现在这两件事都做不成了，只好躲进他们阴凉的房子里，把窗户开得大大的，指望能吹进一丝并不存在的凉风。只有一个人还待在户外，这是一个十多岁的男孩，这时他正平躺在女贞路4 号外面的花坛里。 [2]他是一个瘦瘦的男孩，黑头发，戴着眼镜，看上去有些赢弱，略带病态，似乎是因为在很短的时间里个头蹿得太快。他身上的牛仔裤又破又脏，T 恤衫松松垮垮，己经褪了颜色，运动鞋的鞋底与鞋帮分了家。哈里· 波特的这副模样，是无法讨得邻居们喜欢的。他们那些人认为，破旧邀遏应该受到法律制裁。不过他这天傍晚藏在一大丛绣球花后面，过路人都不会看见他。实际上，只要他的姨父弗农或姨妈佩妮从起居室的窗户探出脑袋，径直朝下面的花坛里望，他还是有可能被他们看见的。 [3]总的来说，哈里觉得他能想到藏在这里真是值得庆幸。躺在炎热的硬邦邦的泥土上也许并不舒服，但另一方面，这里不会有人狠狠地瞪着他，把牙齿咬得咯咯直响，害得他听不清新闻里讲的是什么，也不会有人连珠炮似的问他一些烦人的问题。每次他想坐在客厅里跟姨妈姨父一块儿看看电视，他们总是搅得他不得安宁。[4 ］就好像他的这些想法插上翅膀，飞进了敞开的窗户，哈里的姨父弗农· 德斯利突然说起话来。 [5] “谢天谢地，那小子总算不来探头探脑了。呢，他到底上哪儿去了？" [6] “不知道，”佩妮姨妈漠不关心地说，“反正不在家。” [7］弗农姨父不满地嘟嚷道。 [8 ] “看新闻… … ”他刻薄地说，“我倒想知道他到底有什么打算。一个正常的男孩，谁会去关心新闻啊… … 达力就对时事一无所知，我怀疑他连首相是谁都不知道！甭管怎么说，新闻里怎么会有跟他命运有关的… … ” [9] “弗农，嘘！”佩妮姨妈说，“窗户开着呢！" [10] “哦― 是的― 对不起，亲爱的。” [11]德斯利夫妇不说话了。哈里听着一段关于水果麦鼓早餐麦片的广告，一边望着费格太太― 住在离这儿不远的紫藤路上的一个脾气古怪、养着很多猫的老太太慢吞吞地走过去。她皱着眉头，嘴里念念有词。哈里心想幸亏自己藏在灌木丛后面，因为最近费格太太在街上一碰到哈里，就要邀请他过去喝茶。她拐过街角不见了，这时候弗农姨父的声音又从窗口飘了出来。 [12]“达达出去喝茶了？" [13]“到波奇斯家去了。”佩妮姨妈慈爱地说，“他交了这么多小朋友，大家都这么喜欢他… … ” [14]哈里拼命控制自己，才没有从鼻子里哼出声来。德斯利两口子在对待他们的宝贝儿子达力的问题上，真是愚蠢得出奇。达力在暑假的每个晚上都编造愚蠢的谎话，说是到他那帮狐朋狗友中的某个人家去喝茶，而他们居然就信了。哈里知道得很清楚，达利压根儿就没去什么地方喝茶，他和他那些哥们儿每天晚上都在游乐场毁坏公物，在街角抽烟，朝过路的汽车和孩子扔石子儿。哈里晚上在小惠金区散步时，曾看见过他们的这些行径。这个暑假的大部分时间他都在街头游荡，沿路从垃圾箱里捡出报纸翻看。 [15]七点钟新闻开始的序曲传到了哈里的耳朵里，他紧张得连五脏六腑都翻腾起来。也许就是今晚― 等了一个月了― 应该就在今晚。