新编英语教程讲义

新编英语教程讲义
Unit 1 Book 4
THIS YEAR IT’S GOING TO BE DIFFERENT
⽂化背景：New Year’s resolutions; Stephen Leacock
语篇特点：幽默、⼝语化的描写
语⾔知识：resolutions; be blessed with; spontaneous; sneak up on; thrown in the sponge; go to reason;
1. Difficult Sentences
1. (LL1-2, Para. 1)
New Year’s resolutions are like anything else—you get out of them what you put in.
What does this sentence mean?
→As the saying goes, “As you sow, so will you reap”, which means whatever a man sows he will reap. The writer intends to convince the reader that making New Year’s resolutions also follows this maxim. The more resolutions you make at the beginning of the year, the better results you will have.
2. (LL5-7, Para. 1)
Pretty clearly, anyone who followed my collection of rules would be blessed with a richer life, boundless love from his family, and the admiration of the community.
Paraphrase this sentence.
→Quite obviously, anyone who was determined to be guided by the rules of self-improvement I collected would be happy and have an eventful life, infinite affection from his family and the respect of the community.
3. (LL2-3, Para. 2)
Be spontaneous in showing affection.
Paraphrase this sentence.
→ Show your love readily and willingly.
4. (LL3-4, Para. 2)
“Don’t ever sneak up on me like that again!”
What does this sentence mean?
→ Never creep up on me like that again!
Why did Maggie react to her husband’s kiss in this way?
→ Probably the husband seldom did this kind of romantic thing (steal a kiss from behind) before.
5. (LL1-2, Para. 3)
A sincere compliment is worth its weight in gold.
Paraphrase this sentence.
→ Whole-hearted and genuine praise is very valuable.
6. (L1, Para. 4)
“It wasn’t my idea to stay out until four a.m.”
What does this sentence mean?
→I didn’t want to remain outs ide until four in the morning! It was your idea!
Was Maggie pleased to hear the “sincere compliment”? Why or why not?
→Maggie was very much annoyed by the “sincere compliment”, because she didn’t look “lovely” at all due to lack of sleep. Therefore, she t hought her husband was speaking sarcastically.
7. (L2, Para. 8)
Roy sure is smart.
What did Sammy mean?
→“Sure” is often used in colloquial American English, meaning “certainly”. “Roy sure is smart” means “Roy certainly is clever.” By making such a remark, Sammy actually suggested that his father was not so bright.
8. (LL2-3, Para. 9)
Meet your child at his own level.
Paraphrase this sentence.
→ Join your children and treat them as your equals. / Speak, act and think as your children do.
9. (L1, Para. 10)
It isn’t either happy.
What should be the normal order of this sentence? What does the sentence mean?
→The normal order of the sentence is: “It isn’t happy, either.” The word “either” in the sentence shows emphasis. The sentence is an example of child talk, meaning “It isn’t happy at all!” or “It’s very unhappy.”
10. (LL4-5, Para. 12)
I’ll bet the fellows are swarming around.
What is the meaning of this sentence?
→The sentence means “I’m sure many young men are after you.”
Do you think it is appropriate for the writer to s ay something about “the fellows swarming around” to Marilyn?
→No, it is inappropriate. And that’s why Marilyn thought she was cross-examined by the writer.
11. (Line 1, Para. 15)
There was a series of shrieks down the hall. I found Gretchen in tears.
Paraphrase this sentence.
→ I heard screams down the hall one after another and I found Gretchen crying.
12. (Line 1, Para. 16)
I suggested that they carve something for their mother—like a salad spoon.
What is the meaning of this sentence?
→The sentence means “I suggested that they should carve something for their mother, for example, a salad spoon, by using the scout knife.”
13. (LL1-2, Para. 19)
The most trivial chore can prove rewarding if approached with zest.
Paraphrase this sentence.
→ The most unimportant light task may turn out to be worthwhile if it is dealt with eagerly and enthusiastically.
14. (LL4-5, Para. 21)
I struck up a conversation with Kit, trying to establish some kind of rapport.
Paraphrase this sentence.
→ I started to have a conversation with Kit in a friendly way and tried my best to achieve close agreement and understanding between us.
15. (L6, Para. 21)
Anybody else would have thrown in the sponge…
What does “throw in the sponge” mean?
→ The idiom “throw in the sponge/towel” comes from boxing. It means “to admit that you have been defeated.”Paraphrase this sentence.
→ Anybody else would have admitted defeat and given up.
16. (LL2-3, Para. 24)
…they had the nerve to say you suggested it.
What does this sentence mean?
→The sentence means “they were rude enough to say that you suggested that they carve my salad spoon”.
17. (L3, Para. 24)
Kit has been in a poisonous mood.
What is the meaning of this sentence?
→ It means that “Kit has been in a very bad temper”.
18. (L1, Para. 26)
You never bothered with small talk before. Why start now?
Paraphrase this sentence.
→ You never troubled yourself to chat with people in the past. Why do you want to start doing it now?
19. (LL2-3, Para. 28)
If the kids do something and you get mad, they know where they stand.
What is the meaning of this sentence?
→It means “If the children do something and you become angry, they know they are wrong”.
20. (L3, Para. 34)
And when I tell you to do something, jump!
What is the meaning of this sentence?
→It means “When I tell you to do something, hurry up and do it”.
2. Words and Expressions
1. (L1 Para. 1) resolution: n. decision or mental pledge to do or not to do something
* She’s always making good resolutions but s he never carries them out.
* He lacked the resolution to get through medical school.
* Courage and resolution are the spirit and soul of virtue. (=勇敢和决⼼是美德的灵魂。

) 2. (L3 Para. 1) self-improvement: n.
improvement of one’s condition through one’s own efforts
V ocabulary Extension:
self-confidence n. ⾃信
self-control n. ⾃制⼒
self-criticism n. ⾃我批评
self-conceit n. ⾃负
self-centered adj. 以⾃我为中⼼的；只顾⾃⼰的
self-conscious adj. 害羞的；忸怩的
self-determination n.（国家、民族的）⾃决权；⾃主
self-discipline n. ⾃我约束⼒；律⼰
self-esteem n. ⾃尊⼼
self-educated adj. ⾃学的
self-evident adj. 显⽽易见的；不⾔⽽喻的
self-respect n. ⾃尊；⾃重
3. (L6 Para. 1) be blessed with: to have a special ability, good quality, etc.
* Fortunately my parents are both blessed with good health.
* His brother is blessed with an inquisitive mind.
* Peter had not been blessed with a sense of humor.
* 墨菲夫⼈有7个孩⼦，真有福⽓。

(=Mrs. Murphy is blessed with 7 children.) blessing: n. something good that you feel very grateful or lucky to have
* Rivers are a blessing for an agricultural country.
* The fine weather has been a blessing for farmers.
* 所幸你的孩⼦住得这么近。

(=It’s a blessing that you r children live so near.)
* Having someone you can confide in is a real blessing. (=有个你可以说说⼼⾥话的⼈真是件幸事。

)
4. (L1 Para. 2) kitchen sink: n. a large basin in the kitchen for washing things
5. (L2 Para. 2) spontaneous: adj. acting immediately from natural feelings
* I joined in the spontaneous applause.
* Both sides burst into spontaneous cheers at the skilful play.
* He was suddenly filled with tears of spontaneous emotion. (=他突然激动得热泪盈眶。

) 6. (L3 Para. 2) sneak: v. to move somewhere quietly and secretly; to take something secretly or
illegally
* While his parents were busy, John sneaked off to play.
* She managed to sneak him another piece of cake.
* 他偷了钱后从房⼦⾥溜了出去。

(=He stole the money and sneaked out of the house.) * 我们偷偷地带⼀些⽐萨饼进电影院吧。

(=Let’s sneak some pizz a into the cinema.) sneak up: to get very near someone before they notice you
* He sneaked up behind her.
* Don’t sneak up on me like that! (=别那样蹑⼿蹑脚地⾛近我！)
* 汤姆喜欢溜到妹妹⾝后吓她⼀⼤跳。

(=Tom loves sneaking up on his sister to frighten her.)
7. (L3 Para. 2) shriek: v. to shout in a loud high voice because you are frightened, excited or
surprised
* Cecilia stood in the doorway shrieking abuse at him.
* Everyone was shrieking with laughter in the bar.
* 她看到⼀条蛇时尖声⼤叫起来。

(=She shrieked when she saw a snake.)
shriek: n. a loud high sound made because you are frightened, excited, angry, etc.
* “This is the best birthday present I’ve ever had,” said Linda with a shriek of delight.
* 突然⼀声可怕的尖叫吓得过路的⼈都愣住了。

(=A sudden terrible shriek froze the passenger to the spot.)
8. (L1 Para. 3) compliment: n. an expression of praise, admiration or respect
* Mary is used to receiving compliments on her appearance.
* You can do no harm by paying a woman compliments.
* Mum says I’m stubborn, but I’ll take that as a compliment.
* 他对我的烹调技术赞不绝⼝。

(=He kept paying me compliments on my cooking.)
9. (L1 Para. 4) look: interj. to emphasize a point before making a statement (often when the
speaker is a little angry)
(L3 Para. 5) say: interj. to attract attention or to express surprise
(L4 Para. 6) there: interj. to express a feeling of success or triumph
这三个词在课⽂中都做感叹词(interjection)⽤，属于美式⼝语中的常见表达。

* Look, I’ve had enough of this. I’m going home.
* Say, look at that girl over there.
* There! I’ve passed all the levels in this game.
10. (L2 Para. 6) escapement mechanism: device in a clock or watch to regulate the movement 钟
表齿轮的擒纵轮
11. (L2 Para. 11) doctor’s kit: a bag or box containing doctor’s instrument and medicine; a set of
toys for children to play doctor game
V ocabulary Extension:
first-aid kit repair kit shaving kit golfing kit
12. (L4 Para. 12) come now: (old-fashioned) an expression used to encourage the person spoken to,
or persuade him or her.
* Come now, you can do it yourself.
* Come now, things aren’t as bad as you said.
13. (L5 Para. 12) swarm: v. move in a large group or in large numbers
* Lots of photographers were swarming around the actress.
* 球迷们涌到球场上进⾏庆祝。

(=Fans swarmed onto the pitch to celebrate.)
swarm: n. a large group of insects or people moving together
* Swarms of tourists shoved through the square.
* ⼤批警察包围了这栋楼。

(=Swarms of police officers surrounded the building.)
be swarming with: If a place is swarming with people, insects, or animals, it is full of them.
* The beach is swarming with bathers.
* The room was hot and stuffy, and swarming with flies.
* 蜜蜂在花园⾥成群地飞来飞去。

(=The garden was swarming with bees.)
14. (LL2-3 Para. 15) scout knife: a kind of knife used by Boy Scout
Boy Scout 童⼦军
15. (L2 Para. 18) smart: adj.
1. intelligent
* The smart kids get good grades and go off to college.
2. trying to seem clever in a disrespectful way
* Don’t get smart with me, young man.
3. well-dressed
* Chris was looking smart in his new grey suit.
4. fashionable
* He often dines in that smart restaurant.
16. (L2 Para. 19) approach:
1. v. to deal with a situation/problem in a particular way
* We need to find the best way to approach this problem.
* 政府倾向于采取多种⽅法来处理这个问题。

(=Governments tend to approach the issue from different angles.)
2. v. to move closer to someone or something
* She heard footsteps approaching from behind.
* Winter is fast approaching.
* 选举的⽇⼦临近了。

(=The day of the election approached.)
3. n. a particular way of thinking about or dealing with something
* We need a fresh approach to sports in education.
* As a writer she takes a completely new approach to the classic horror story.
* 他以⼀种轻松的态度⾯对⽣活。

(=He has a relaxed approach to life.)
17. (L2 Para. 19) zest: n. [U] enthusiasm, eagerness, energy and interest
* He approached every task with a boundless zest.
* He retired from professional chess because he had lost the zest for winning.
* 他从未失去对⽣活的热情。

(=He never lost his zest for life.)
18. (L4 Para. 21) strike up: establish (a relationship/conversation with someone)
* It’s not easy to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.
* He gets really jealous if his girlfriend strikes up a friendship with another man.
* 我们从⼀见⾯起就相处得很融洽。

(=We struck up a good rapport with each other as soon as we met.)
19. (L5 Para. 21) rapport: friendly agreement and understanding between people
* Andy is always in rapport with his neighbors.
* Mother and daughter usually have a great rapport.
* 许多医⽣与病⼈之间关系融洽和睦。

(=Many doctors develop an excellent rapport with their patients.)
20. (L2 Para. 24) impossible: adj. Someone who is impossible behaves in a very unreasonable and annoying way.
* You are impossible! Yesterday you said you didn’t like carrots, and today you won’t eat potatoes!
* ⼩孩⼦有时是不可理喻的。

(=Young children are impossible at times.)
21. (L4 Para. 24) cross-examine: question someone very closely and severely, especially on court
* The lawyer cross-examined the witnesses of the opposing side to test the truth of their evidence.
* She cros-examined her husband in detail.
V ocabulary Extension:
cross-country adj. 越野的cross-legged adj. 盘着腿的
crossroads n. ⼗字路⼝crosstalk n. 相声
crosswalk n. ⼈⾏横道crossword n. 纵横填字游戏
22. (L3 Para. 35) sprawl:
1. vi. to sit, lie or fall with the arms and legs spread out loosely
* He was sprawling in an armchair in front of the TV.
2. vi. to stretch over or across something in an ugly and untidy way
* The suburbs sprawl across two hilltops.
3. vt. (usually in passive) spread (oneself) out loosely
* They were sprawled out in front of the fire.
* The students were sprawled out on the grass.
Useful Expressions
1. 有关⾃我完善的书籍books on self-improvement
2. 有幸拥有更加充实丰富的⽣活be blessed with a richer life
3. 蹑⼿蹑脚地⾛向某⼈sneak up on sb.
4. 按孩⼦的⽔准与他们打交道meet the children at their level
5. 缓和局势ease the situation
6. 为某⼈做⼼脏⼿术perform open-heart surgery on sb.
7. 充满热情地着⼿做某事approach sth. with zest
8. 建⽴⼀种融洽的关系establish a kind of rapport
9. 认输，投降throw in the sponge
10. 好意思、有胆量做某事have the nerve to do sth.
11. 随便聊聊make small talk
12. ⽐⽐划划地阐述观点illustrate one’s point with gestures
13. 懒散地躺在地上sprawl on the floor。