全新版英语背诵段落及翻译

一单元

One way of summarizing the American position is to state that we

value originality and independence more than the Chinese do.The contrast between our two c ultures can also be seen in terms of the fears we both harbor.Chinese teachers are fearful that if skills are not acquired early,they may never be acquired;there is,on the other hand,no com parable hurry to promote creativity.American educators fear that unless creativity has been ac quired early,it may never emerge;on the other hand,skills can be picked up later. However,I do not want to overstate my case.There is enormous creativity to be found in Chin ese scientific,technological and artistic innovations past and present.And there is a danger of exaggerating creative breakthroughs in the West.When any innovation is examined closely,its reliance on previous achievements is all too apparent(the"standing on the shoulders of giants "phenomenon).

But assuming that the contrast I have developed is valid,and that the fostering of skills and cr eativity are both worthwhile goals,the important question becomes this:Can we gather,from t he Chinese and American extremes,a superior way to approach education,perhaps striking a b etter balance between the poles of creativity and basic skills?

美国人的立场可以概括起来这么说，我们比中国人更重视创新和自立。我们两种文化的差异也可以从我们各自所怀的忧虑中显示出来。中国老师担心，如果年轻人不及早掌握技艺，就有可能一辈子掌握不了；另一方面，他们并不同样地急于促进创造力的发展。美国教育工作者则担心，除非从一开始就发展创造力，不然创造力就有可能永不再现；而另一方面，技艺可于日后获得。

但我并不想夸大其辞。无论在过去还是在当今，中国在科学、技术和艺术革新方面都展示了巨大的创造力。而西方的创新突破则有被夸大的危险。如果仔细审视任何一项创新，其对以往成就的依赖则都显而易见（“站在巨人肩膀之上”的现象）。

然而，假定我这里所说的反差是成立的，而培养技艺与创造力两者都是值得追求的目标，那么重要的问题就在于：我们能否从中美两个极端中寻求一种更好的教育方式，它或许能在创造力与基本技能这两极之间获得某种较好的平衡？

第二单元

Yet, I feel nothing more than a passing whim to attain the material things so many other people have.My 1999 car shows the wear and tear of 105,000 miles.But it is still dependable.My apartment is modest but quiet and relaxing.My clothes are well suited to my work, which is primarily outdoors.My minimal computer needs can be met at the library.

In spite of what I don't have,I don't feel poor.Why?I've enjoyed exceptionally good health f or53years.It's not just that I've been illness-free,it's that I feel vigorous and spirited.Exercising is actually fun for me.I look forward to long,energizing walks.And I love the"can do"attitude t hat follows.

I also cherish the gift of creativity.When I write a beautiful line of poetry,or fabricate a joke that tickles someone,I feel rich inside.I'm continually surprised at the insights that come throu gh my writing process.And talking with so many interesting writer friends is one of my main so urces of enjoyment.