Lesson 3 At War with the PlanetLesson 3 At War with the Planet

I.I.

1.1. Author: Barry Commoner (1917-)Author: Barry Commoner (1917-)

• born May 28, 1917, Brooklyn, N.Y. U.S. born May 28, 1917, Brooklyn, N.Y. U.S. biologist and educator. He studied at biologist and educator. He studied at Harvard University and taught at Harvard University and taught at Washington University and Queens Washington University and Queens College. College.

• Commoner's activist career can be defined as an Commoner's activist career can be defined as an attempt to weave together a larger vision of social attempt to weave together a larger vision of social justice. Since the 1960s, he has called attention to justice. Since the 1960s, he has called attention to parallels between the environmental, civil rights, parallels between the environmental, civil rights, labor, and peace movements, and connected labor, and peace movements, and connected environmental decline with poverty, injustice, environmental decline with poverty, injustice, exploitation, and war, arguing that the root cause exploitation, and war, arguing that the root cause of environmental problems was the American of environmental problems was the American economic system and its manifestations. economic system and its manifestations.

• He was instrumental in pointing out that tHe was instrumental in pointing out that there was a direct association between sochere was a direct association between socioeconomic standing and exposure to enviioeconomic standing and exposure to environmental pollutants and that economics, ronmental pollutants and that economics, not social responsibility, was guiding technot social responsibility, was guiding technological decision making. nological decision making.

2. Cultural notes2. Cultural notes

• 1) Three Mile Island: 1) Three Mile Island: The accident at the The accident at the Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) nuclear Three Mile Island Unit 2 (TMI-2) nuclear power plant near Middletown, Pennsylvania, power plant near Middletown, Pennsylvania, on March 28, 1979, was the most serious in on March 28, 1979, was the most serious in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant U.S. commercial nuclear power plant operating history, even though it led to no operating history, even though it led to no deaths or injuries to plant workers or members deaths or injuries to plant workers or members of the nearby community..of the nearby community..

• But it brought about sweeping changes involving But it brought about sweeping changes involving emergency response planning, reactor operator emergency response planning, reactor operator training, human factors engineering, radiation training, human factors engineering, radiation protection, and many other areas of nuclear protection, and many other areas of nuclear power plant operations. It also caused the U.S. power plant operations. It also caused the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to tighten and Nuclear Regulatory Commission to tighten and heighten its regulatory oversight. Resultant heighten its regulatory oversight. Resultant changes in the nuclear power industry and at the changes in the nuclear power industry and at the NRC had the effect of enhancing safetyNRC had the effect of enhancing safety

2) The 2) The Chernobyl DisasterChernobyl Disaster

• On April 25th -26th, 1986 the World's worst On April 25th -26th, 1986 the World's worst nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl nuclear power accident occurred at Chernobyl in the former USSR (now Ukraine). The in the former USSR (now Ukraine). The Chernobyl nuclear power plant located 80 Chernobyl nuclear power plant located 80 miles north of Kiev had 4 reactors and whilst miles north of Kiev had 4 reactors and whilst testing reactor number 4 numerous safety testing reactor number 4 numerous safety procedures were disregarded. At 1:23am the procedures were disregarded. At 1:23am the chain reaction in the reactor became out of chain reaction in the reactor became out of control creating explosions and a fireball control creating explosions and a fireball which blew off the reactor's heavy steel and which blew off the reactor's heavy steel and concrete lid.concrete lid.

• The Chernobyl accident killed more than 30 The Chernobyl accident killed more than 30 people immediately, and as a result of the high people immediately, and as a result of the high radiation levels in the surrounding 20-mile radiation levels in the surrounding 20-mile radius, 135,00 people had to be evacuated. radius, 135,00 people had to be evacuated.

3)   What happened in Bhopal?3)   What happened in Bhopal?

• On the night of Dec. 2nd and 3rd, 1984, a Union On the night of Dec. 2nd and 3rd, 1984, a Union Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, began leaking 27 Carbide plant in Bhopal, India, began leaking 27 tons of the deadly gas. None of the six safety tons of the deadly gas. None of the six safety systems designed to contain such a leak were systems designed to contain such a leak were operational, allowing the gas to spread operational, allowing the gas to spread throughout the city of Bhopal. Half a million throughout the city of Bhopal. Half a million people were exposed to the gas and 20,000 have people were exposed to the gas and 20,000 have died to date as a result of their exposure. died to date as a result of their exposure.

• More than 120,000 people still suffer from More than 120,000 people still suffer from ailments caused by the accident and the ailments caused by the accident and the subsequent pollution at the plant site. These subsequent pollution at the plant site. These ailments include blindness, extreme difficulty ailments include blindness, extreme difficulty in breathing, and gynecological disorders. The in breathing, and gynecological disorders. The site has never been properly cleaned up and it site has never been properly cleaned up and it continues to poison the residents of Bhopal. continues to poison the residents of Bhopal.

3. Outline of the essay3. Outline of the essay

• 3. Outline of the essay3. Outline of the essay• Part 1 Part 1 (pp. 1)(pp. 1)

• Introduction: people live in 2 worlds, natural world Introduction: people live in 2 worlds, natural world and our own world.and our own world.

• Part 2Part 2 (pp. 2-5): Why the two worlds are at war? (pp. 2-5): Why the two worlds are at war?

• Part 3Part 3 (pp. 6-9) Deal with the first law of the (pp. 6-9) Deal with the first law of the ecosphere and the law governing the relationship ecosphere and the law governing the relationship between man-made object and the surroundingsbetween man-made object and the surroundings

• Part IV.Part IV. (pp. 10-11) The closed cyclical (pp. 10-11) The closed cyclical process of ecosphere and the linear process of process of ecosphere and the linear process of techno-sphere.techno-sphere.

• Part V.Part V. (pp. 12-14) The consistent and (pp. 12-14) The consistent and harmonious nature of ecosphere as contrasted harmonious nature of ecosphere as contrasted to the rapid change and variation of the to the rapid change and variation of the techno-sphere.techno-sphere.

• Part VI.Part VI. (pp. 15-16) The consequences of (pp. 15-16) The consequences of failure of the ecosphere and the techno-sphere.failure of the ecosphere and the techno-sphere.

• Part VII.Part VII. (pp. 17-21) The danger for us to (pp. 17-21) The danger for us to take sidestake sides

• Part VIII.Part VIII. (pp. 22-23) The importance of (pp. 22-23) The importance of interplay.interplay.

II. Discourse analysisII. Discourse analysis• Guide to ReadingGuide to Reading• 1. abridge: 1. abridge: vt.vt. To make shorter by using fewer wordsTo make shorter by using fewer words..• e.g.e.g.• The story was The story was abridgedabridged from the original work. from the original work.• The rights of citizens must not be abridged.The rights of citizens must not be abridged.

公民权利不能擅予削减。公民权利不能擅予削减。

He decided to He decided to abridgeabridge his stay here after he recei his stay here after he received a letter from home.ved a letter from home.他接到家信后决定缩短在这里的逗留时间他接到家信后决定缩短在这里的逗留时间。。

• 2. watershed2. watershed: : n.n. an event marking a unique or an event marking a unique or important historical change of course or one important historical change of course or one on which important developments depend; (= on which important developments depend; (= landmark; turning point)landmark; turning point)

• e.g.e.g.

• Leaving her first job was a Leaving her first job was a watershedwatershed in her li in her life.fe.辞去她的第一份工作是她生活中的一个转辞去她的第一份工作是她生活中的一个转折点。折点。

• Her visit to India proved to be a Her visit to India proved to be a watershedwatershed in in her life.her life.她的印度之行成了她一生的转折点。她的印度之行成了她一生的转折点。

• 3. elaborate (on):3. elaborate (on): vi. vi. To express at greater length or iTo express at greater length or in greater detail; (≈clarify)n greater detail; (≈clarify)

• e.g.e.g.

• Please Please elaborateelaborate your plan. your plan.请做出详细的计划请做出详细的计划 ..

• Can you Can you elaborateelaborate on that, Mr. fox. on that, Mr. fox.福克斯先生，那个问题能否请您详细阐述一下？福克斯先生，那个问题能否请您详细阐述一下？

• It takes cunning workmen to make such It takes cunning workmen to make such elaborateelaborate fur furniture.niture.能工巧匠才能制作如此精致的家具。能工巧匠才能制作如此精致的家具。

4. remedy: 4. remedy: to relieve or cure (a disease or to relieve or cure (a disease or disorderdisorder

• e.g.e.g.

• Aspirin may Aspirin may remedyremedy a headache. a headache.阿斯匹林可治头痛。阿斯匹林可治头痛。

• If I made a mistake, I will try to If I made a mistake, I will try to remedyremedy it. it.我如果有错的话我如果有错的话 ,, 我会改正的。我会改正的。

• Is there a sovereign Is there a sovereign remedyremedy for this condition? for this condition?在这种情况下有没有万全之策在这种情况下有没有万全之策 ??

5. as such: 5. as such: （（ in and of itself, per se)in and of itself, per se) 本身本身 ,,确切地说确切地说

• e.g.e.g.

• Wealth, Wealth, as suchas such, doesn’t matter much, doesn’t matter much..•（财富本身并不重要．）（财富本身并不重要．）• I don’t have a nervous breakdown I don’t have a nervous breakdown as suchas such, it , it

was more a reaction to overwork.was more a reaction to overwork. （我不是真（我不是真的得了精神上的病，那只是工作过度的反的得了精神上的病，那只是工作过度的反映．）映．）

6. instigate6. instigate: serve as the inciting cause for : serve as the inciting cause for (( ＝＝ promote, inspire, incite; ≈cause, stimulate)promote, inspire, incite; ≈cause, stimulate)

• e.g.e.g.• The antigovernment gangsters The antigovernment gangsters instigatedinstigated a reb a reb

ellion.ellion.

• My children finallyMy children finally instigated instigated me to buy a lapt me to buy a laptop.op.

• instigator: instigator: 教唆犯；煽动者教唆犯；煽动者

Part 1 Part 1 ( para.1) two worlds, natural world ( para.1) two worlds, natural world and our own worldand our own world

• 1. occur, happen, take place1. occur, happen, take place• You can say an event You can say an event occursoccurs. However, you only use . However, you only use

occuroccur to talk about events which are not planned. to talk about events which are not planned. And And occuroccur is a fairly formal word. In conversation, is a fairly formal word. In conversation, you usually say that an event you usually say that an event happenshappens..

• You do not say that a planned event “You do not say that a planned event “occursoccurs” or ” or ““happenshappens”. You say that it ”. You say that it takes placetakes place..

• e.g.e.g.

• Mrs. Weaver had been in the milking shed Mrs. Weaver had been in the milking shed when the explosion when the explosion occurred.occurred.

• You might noticed what You might noticed what happenedhappened on Friday. on Friday.

• The first meeting of this committee The first meeting of this committee took placetook place on 9 January.on 9 January.

Occur to; happen toOccur to; happen to

Error correction:Error correction:

1)1) She no longer cared what She no longer cared what happened tohappened to her. her.

2)2) I wonder what’s I wonder what’s occurred tooccurred to Jane. Jane.

3)3) The idea/thought had never The idea/thought had never happened tohappened to me. me.

4)4) It It happened tohappened to him that he hadn’t eaten him that he hadn’t eaten anything since the night before.anything since the night before.

5)5) It It occurred tooccurred to him to tell the director the him to tell the director the problem.problem.

2. exempt; except2. exempt; except

• exempt: exempt: to release from obligationto release from obligation

• except: except: to leave out, omitto leave out, omit

• e.g.e.g.

• He is He is exemptexempt from punishment about this thing. from punishment about this thing.关于此事对他已免于处分。关于此事对他已免于处分。

• No one is No one is exemptexempt from talking nonsense; the mistake from talking nonsense; the mistake is to do it solemnly.is to do it solemnly.谁也难免会讲些废话，错就错在一本正经地讲。谁也难免会讲些废话，错就错在一本正经地讲。

• No admittance No admittance exceptexcept on business. on business.非公莫入。非公莫入。

• I have no other wish I have no other wish exceptexcept to pass the examin to pass the examination.ation.我除了要通过考试之外，没有别的心愿。我除了要通过考试之外，没有别的心愿。

• I like her I like her exceptexcept when she is angry. when she is angry.除了她发怒的时候除了她发怒的时候 ,, 我挺喜欢她。 我挺喜欢她。

Part 2 Part 2 (pp. 2-5) (pp. 2-5) Why two worlds are at warWhy two worlds are at war??

• 1. breach:1. breach:

• If you If you breachbreach an agreement, a law, or a an agreement, a law, or a promise, you break it. (=violate)promise, you break it. (=violate)

• If someone or something If someone or something breachesbreaches a barrier, a barrier, they make an opening in it, usually leaving it they make an opening in it, usually leaving it weakened or destroyed (formal). (=rupture)weakened or destroyed (formal). (=rupture)

•

• e.g.e.g.

• Traders whoTraders who breach breach the rules could face the rules could face a fine of up to $ 10,000.a fine of up to $ 10,000.

• The enemy’s fierce attack finally The enemy’s fierce attack finally breachedbreached the walls of the city. the walls of the city.

• 2. On planetary scale, the division between t2. On planetary scale, the division between the two worlds has been breached: he two worlds has been breached:

• Globally, the two worlds are no longer separatGlobally, the two worlds are no longer separated, having nothing to do with each other.ed, having nothing to do with each other.

• This is a transitional sentence, linking up the fThis is a transitional sentence, linking up the following part with the first paragraph.ollowing part with the first paragraph.

3. unwitting: 3. unwitting: adjadj..

• If you describe a person or their actions as If you describe a person or their actions as unwittingunwitting, you mean the person does , you mean the person does something or is involved in something without something or is involved in something without realizing it. (=unintentional; ≠witting)realizing it. (=unintentional; ≠witting)

• e.g.e.g.

• We are We are unwittingunwitting victims of the unfair system. victims of the unfair system.

• I feel sorry for my I feel sorry for my unwittingunwitting interruption of interruption of their private conversation.their private conversation.

4. …even droughts, floods, and heat weaves 4. …even droughts, floods, and heat weaves may become unwitting acts of man:may become unwitting acts of man:

• What people do may unintentionally What people do may unintentionally cause droughts, floods and heat weaves.cause droughts, floods and heat weaves.

• 55. . Like the Creation, the portending global Like the Creation, the portending global events are cosmic…(pp.3):events are cosmic…(pp.3):

• Like the Creation of the universe, events that Like the Creation of the universe, events that happen in this world may have vast effects, happen in this world may have vast effects, especially on the relationship between the especially on the relationship between the planet Earth and the sun.planet Earth and the sun.

6. portend6. portend: : to serve as an omen or a to serve as an omen or a warning of;warning of;

• e.g.e.g.

• Black clouds Black clouds portendportend a storm. a storm. 乌云是暴风乌云是暴风雨的前兆。 雨的前兆。

What do these strange events What do these strange events portend?portend?这些奇怪的事件预示着什么这些奇怪的事件预示着什么 ??

ItIt portends portends the approach of a violent revolutionar the approach of a violent revolutionary storm.y storm.预示一场猛烈的革命风暴的来临预示一场猛烈的革命风暴的来临 ..

7. exert: 7. exert: exercise; put to useexercise; put to use• e.g.e.g.• His teachings still His teachings still exertexert a strong influence. a strong influence.

他的教导仍在产生巨大影响。他的教导仍在产生巨大影响。• You'll have to You'll have to exertexert yourself more if you want yourself more if you want

to pass your exam.to pass your exam.你若想考试及格你若想考试及格 , , 就必须更加努力就必须更加努力 ..

• To achieve this goal, you must have ambition; To achieve this goal, you must have ambition; likewise you need to likewise you need to exertexert great efforts. great efforts.要实现这一目标要实现这一目标 ,, 你必须有雄心壮志你必须有雄心壮志 ,, 同时同时还得十分努力。还得十分努力。

8. largely: 8. largely: for the most part; mainly;for the most part; mainly;on a large scaleon a large scale

• e.g.e.g.• His successes were His successes were largelylargely due to luck. due to luck.

他的成功主要靠运气。他的成功主要靠运气。• He lived high and expended He lived high and expended largely.largely.

他生活讲究，花费很大。 他生活讲究，花费很大。 • One's upbringing One's upbringing largelylargely determines success in l determines success in l

ife.ife.一个人的教养封一生事业的成功具有决定性一个人的教养封一生事业的成功具有决定性的影响。的影响。

9. fluctuate9. fluctuate: : vary irregularly; be unstable, have vary irregularly; be unstable, have ups and downs (= swing)ups and downs (= swing)

• e.g.e.g.• The stock market The stock market fluctuatesfluctuates all the time. all the time.

• The old man The old man fluctuated between hope and fefluctuated between hope and fearar.(.( 忽喜忽忧忽喜忽忧 ))

• Prices Prices fluctuatefluctuate from year to year. from year to year.物价年年波动。物价年年波动。

10. govern: 10. govern: direct or strongly influence the direct or strongly influence the behavior of; rulebehavior of; rule

• e.g.e.g.

• You should You should governgovern your temper your temper你应该控制你的情绪。你应该控制你的情绪。

• GovernGovern by supply and demand, price is the invisible by supply and demand, price is the invisible hand in economicshand in economics在经济生活中，价格是看不见的手，取决於供给在经济生活中，价格是看不见的手，取决於供给与需求关系。 与需求关系。

• Who are the men who really Who are the men who really governgovern in this country? in this country? 谁是这个国家 的真正统治者谁是这个国家 的真正统治者 ??

• 11. tamper:11. tamper: vi. vi. to interfere in a harmful manneto interfere in a harmful mannerr; ; intrude in other people's affairs or business; iintrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere in an unwanted waynterfere in an unwanted way

• e.g.e.g.• Don’t Don’t tamper withtamper with my affairs. (interfere; med my affairs. (interfere; med

dle)dle)• Someone Someone tampered withtampered with the documents on m the documents on m

y desk. y desk. (( 篡改）篡改）• He got the permission by He got the permission by tampering wittampering wit

hh an official. an official. （贿赂）（贿赂）

12. We have been… unaware, … of the 12. We have been… unaware, … of the potentially disastrouspotentially disastrous … …

• Notice the structure of the sentence. It could Notice the structure of the sentence. It could be reconstructed in the following way:be reconstructed in the following way:

• Like the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, we have been Like the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, we have been tampering with this powerful force, unaware tampering with this powerful force, unaware of the potentially disastrous consequences of of the potentially disastrous consequences of our actions.our actions.

• It means: We have been doing things without It means: We have been doing things without knowing that they may have serious effects on knowing that they may have serious effects on the planet Earth. the planet Earth.

• 13. swirl:13. swirl: n.n. the shape of something rotating ra the shape of something rotating rapidly; pidly; v.v. turn in a twisting or spinning motion;turn in a twisting or spinning motion;

• e.g.e.g.

• Jane today wears a nice hat with aJane today wears a nice hat with a swirl swirl of of lace around it.lace around it.

• A A swirl swirl of dust forced the girl to cover her of dust forced the girl to cover her face with her hands.face with her hands.

• The poor man was The poor man was swirledswirled away by the away by the current.current.

• 14. But this image, now repeatedly thrust 14. But this image, now repeatedly thrust before us in photographs, posters, and before us in photographs, posters, and advertisements, is misleading.(advertisements, is misleading.( pp.4.): pp.4.):

• The Earth we see in photos, posters, and ads, The Earth we see in photos, posters, and ads, which appears so beautiful, is not the true which appears so beautiful, is not the true reflection of the world we live in.reflection of the world we live in.

Part III( paras.6-9)Part III( paras.6-9)

1.1. One of the basic laws of the ecosphere can be One of the basic laws of the ecosphere can be summed up as “ Everything is connected to summed up as “ Everything is connected to everything else. “ (para.6):everything else. “ (para.6):

The first law is that in ecosphere, every The first law is that in ecosphere, every component is related to other components, component is related to other components, thus forming an elaborate network.thus forming an elaborate network.

2. elaborate: 2. elaborate: adj.: adj.: Planned or executed with painsPlanned or executed with painstaking attention to numerous parts or details. taking attention to numerous parts or details. (( 精心制作的）精心制作的）

e.g.e.g. I'm sure you look more charming in them than I'm sure you look more charming in them than

any one we shall see in the most any one we shall see in the most elaborateelaborate din dinner toilette. ner toilette.

The tablecloth is very expensive, because if the The tablecloth is very expensive, because if the elaborateelaborate lace patterns lace patterns

• 3. aquatic: 3. aquatic: adj. adj. relating to or consisting of or relating to or consisting of or being in water;being in water;

• e.g.e.g.

• Boats are Boats are aquaticaquatic vehicles. vehicles.

• Water lilies are Water lilies are aquaticaquatic plants. plants.

• Fish are Fish are aquaticaquatic animals. animals.

• 4. Photosynthesis 4. Photosynthesis n.n. [ U ] [ U ] 光合作用光合作用• The production of special sugar-like substanceThe production of special sugar-like substance

s that keep plants alive, caused by the action of s that keep plants alive, caused by the action of sunlight on Chlorophyll.( =the green matter in sunlight on Chlorophyll.( =the green matter in leaves); the way green plants make their own fleaves); the way green plants make their own food.ood.

• Photosynthetic adj.Photosynthetic adj.

• 5. habitat:5. habitat: n. n. the area or environment where an the area or environment where an organism or ecological community normally organism or ecological community normally lives or occurs (= home ground)lives or occurs (= home ground)

• e.g.e.g.

• The polar bear’s The polar bear’s habitathabitat is the icy waters of the is the icy waters of the Arctic.Arctic.

• I prefer to see animals in their natural I prefer to see animals in their natural habitathabitat, , rather than in zoos.rather than in zoos.

• 6. The fish is not only, existentially, a fish, b6. The fish is not only, existentially, a fish, but also an element of this network, which deut also an element of this network, which defines its functions. ( para. 6):fines its functions. ( para. 6):

• • The function of the fish is determined by the The function of the fish is determined by the

role it plays in the ecological network.role it plays in the ecological network.

• 7. Indeed, in the evolutionary sense, a good 7. Indeed, in the evolutionary sense, a good care of the network – the microorganisms acare of the network – the microorganisms and plants, for example – preceded the fish, nd plants, for example – preceded the fish, which could establish itself only because it fiwhich could establish itself only because it fitted properly into the preexisting system.( ptted properly into the preexisting system.( para. 6): ara. 6):

• The fish could play its role because it becamThe fish could play its role because it became a necessary link with the processes precedie a necessary link with the processes preceding it and the processes following it in the ecng it and the processes following it in the ecological system.ological system.

• 8. A car, for example, imposes itself on the n8. A car, for example, imposes itself on the neighborhood rather than being defined by iteighborhood rather than being defined by it…(para. 7):…(para. 7):

• A car does not respond to its environment bA car does not respond to its environment but insists on its own needs being met...ut insists on its own needs being met...

• 9. fit in/into:9. fit in/into: to find a time when something to find a time when something can happen without causing problemscan happen without causing problemse.g.e.g.

• The gear doesn’t The gear doesn’t fit intofit into the machine. the machine.

• How is the extra work getting to How is the extra work getting to fit intofit into the the schedule?schedule?

• Nancy tried to Nancy tried to fitfit her holidays her holidays in within with Alex’s. Alex’s.

10.10. impose… on/upon…: impose… on/upon…: compel to behave in a compel to behave in a

certain waycertain way (=enforce; ≈ compel)(=enforce; ≈ compel)

• e.g.e.g.

• Did you think, child, because you have been Did you think, child, because you have been able to able to imposeimpose upon your father, that you upon your father, that you could could imposeimpose upon me? upon me?

• It was now their turn to It was now their turn to imposeimpose some limit on some limit on that sort of science, which had lots of that sort of science, which had lots of influence on our habitat.influence on our habitat.

11. accommodate 11. accommodate v.v. ::have enough space forhave enough space for

• e.g.e.g.

• Are there enough shelves to Are there enough shelves to accommodate accommodate all all our books ?our books ?

• A flat can A flat can accommodateaccommodate a family of five. a family of five.

Part IV ( Paras. 10-11)Part IV ( Paras. 10-11)

• 1. respire:1. respire: v. to breathe in and out; inhale v. to breathe in and out; inhale and exhaleand exhale

• e.g.e.g.

• Say Say respires respires when she reaches the top of when she reaches the top of the hill.the hill.

• 2. excrete:2. excrete: to get rid of waste material to get rid of waste material from your body through your bowels, from your body through your bowels, your skin etc.your skin etc.

• e.g.e.g.• The skin The skin excretes excretes sweat.sweat.• Certain plants Certain plants excreteexcrete a sweet juice, a sweet juice,

apparently for the sake of eliminating apparently for the sake of eliminating something injurious from their sap.something injurious from their sap.

3. mold3. mold: n. any of various fungi that often cause : n. any of various fungi that often cause disintegration of organic matter disintegration of organic matter (( 能引起有机能引起有机物质分解的真菌物质分解的真菌 ))

e.g. Throw that bread away. It has been kept for e.g. Throw that bread away. It has been kept for so many days, and there’s so many days, and there’s moldmold on it. on it.

• Crops and the animals to which they are Crops and the animals to which they are fed are eaten by people; their waste is fed are eaten by people; their waste is flushed into the sewer system, altered in flushed into the sewer system, altered in composition but not in amount at a composition but not in amount at a treatment plant, and the residue is treatment plant, and the residue is dumped into rivers or the ocean as waste – dumped into rivers or the ocean as waste – which upsets the natural aquatic which upsets the natural aquatic ecosystem.( para.11 ):ecosystem.( para.11 ):

• People, after digestion, excrete the waste wPeople, after digestion, excrete the waste which is flushed into the sewer system. The sehich is flushed into the sewer system. The sewage gets to a treatment plant which modifiwage gets to a treatment plant which modifies it, but it is still waste after being processees it, but it is still waste after being processed. The waste does not reenter the life cycle bd. The waste does not reenter the life cycle but disturbs the natural processes wherever iut disturbs the natural processes wherever it is dumped. The residue of the waste will go t is dumped. The residue of the waste will go into rivers, oceans and will have harmful effinto rivers, oceans and will have harmful effect on the aquatic ecosystem.ect on the aquatic ecosystem.

Part V ( Paras 12-14)Part V ( Paras 12-14)• 1.1. compatiblecompatible - able to exist and perform in harmonio - able to exist and perform in harmonio

us or agreeable combination (= agreeable)us or agreeable combination (= agreeable)• e.g.e.g.• People admired this People admired this compatiblecompatible married coupl married coupl

e.e.• Accuracy is not always Accuracy is not always compatiblecompatible with haste. with haste.

忙中难免出错。忙中难免出错。• This printer is This printer is compatiblecompatible with most microco with most microco

mputers.mputers.这台打印机是与大多数微型电子计算机兼这台打印机是与大多数微型电子计算机兼容的容的 ..

• 2.2. trial and errortrial and error:: A method of reaching a corA method of reaching a correct solution or satisfactory result by trying out rect solution or satisfactory result by trying out various means or theories until error is sufficievarious means or theories until error is sufficiently reduced or eliminated.ntly reduced or eliminated.

• e.g.e.g.

• He learned technical skills by He learned technical skills by trialtrial andand error.error.他通过不断摸索掌握技能。他通过不断摸索掌握技能。

• I finally found the right key after lots of I finally found the right key after lots of trialtrial aandnd error.error.经过反复试验，我终于找到了正确的方法。经过反复试验，我终于找到了正确的方法。

• 3. 3. tune: tune: vv. . adjust for (better) functioning (= adjust for (better) functioning (= tune uptune up))

• e.g.e.g.• The repairman The repairman tunedtuned the engine carefully. the engine carefully. • Idioms:Idioms:• tune in tune in • tune outtune out• tune uptune up

• 4. leave to (one's) own devices: 4. leave to (one's) own devices: To allow to To allow to do as one pleases.do as one pleases.

• e.g.e.g.

• Parents should Parents should leave their children to their leave their children to their ownown devicesdevices for an hour in the afternoon. for an hour in the afternoon.

• 5.5. Left to their own devices, ecosystems are Left to their own devices, ecosystems are conservative… ( para.12):conservative… ( para.12):

• If the ecosystems are not upset by outside If the ecosystems are not upset by outside intrusion, they will remain the same with very intrusion, they will remain the same with very little change.little change.

• 6. 6. In contrast to the ecosphere, the technospIn contrast to the ecosphere, the technosphere is composed of objects and materials thhere is composed of objects and materials that reflect a rapid and relentless process of cat reflect a rapid and relentless process of change and variation. (para.13.):hange and variation. (para.13.):

• The characteristics of the objects and materials The characteristics of the objects and materials in the technosphere are of rapid change and grin the technosphere are of rapid change and great variety.eat variety.

7. Model T Ford: = 7. Model T Ford: = Ford Model TFord Model T

• The The Ford Model TFord Model T was an was an automobileautomobile produced by produced by Henry FordHenry Ford's 's Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company from 1908 through from 1908 through 1927. The model T set 1908 as the historic 1927. The model T set 1908 as the historic year that the automobile came into popular year that the automobile came into popular usage. It is generally regarded as the first usage. It is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, the car which "put affordable automobile, the car which "put America on wheels“. America on wheels“.

• 88. . array: array: n.n. an orderly arrangement an orderly arrangement (≈arrangement)(≈arrangement)

• e.g.e.g.• He turned and strode away, across the dewy He turned and strode away, across the dewy

fields, and disappeared beyond fields, and disappeared beyond an array ofan array of trees. trees.

• The tiled floor was thick with dust, and The tiled floor was thick with dust, and aa remarkable remarkable array ofarray of miscellaneous objects miscellaneous objects was veiled in the same grey covering. was veiled in the same grey covering.

• 1010. . biodegradable: biodegradable: adj. adj. tech tech able to be brokeable to be broken down into harmless products by the natural an down into harmless products by the natural action of living things (e.g. ction of living things (e.g.

• bacteria) bacteria) 生物分解生物分解• e.g.e.g.

• A biodegradable detergentA biodegradable detergent is welcomed at th is welcomed at the market.e market.

Part VI ( Paras. 15 – 16 )Part VI ( Paras. 15 – 16 )

1.1. with respect to: with respect to: concerningconcerning

e.g.e.g.

Handle students administration Handle students administration with respect twith respect too humanity.( humanity.( 坚持以人为本做好学生工作坚持以人为本做好学生工作 ))

With respect toWith respect to the present situation, I am afrai the present situation, I am afrai

d that I am not able to tell you our decision rigd that I am not able to tell you our decision right now. ht now.

22. . at first glance:at first glance: on initial on initial consideration(= at first sight)consideration(= at first sight)

• e.g.e.g.

• At first glanceAt first glance the plan seemed unworkable. the plan seemed unworkable.

• I feel like a new man; and although I feel like a new man; and although at first at first glanceglance I might be mistaken for a Safety Deposit I might be mistaken for a Safety Deposit Vault, I beg you to remember that my Brains are Vault, I beg you to remember that my Brains are still composed of the same old material. still composed of the same old material.

• 3.3. Yet nearly every modern technology has Yet nearly every modern technology has grave faults, which appear not as a failure tgrave faults, which appear not as a failure to accomplish its designed purpose but as a so accomplish its designed purpose but as a serious impact on the environment. erious impact on the environment. ( para. 1( para. 15):5):

• The fault of most modern technology is not witThe fault of most modern technology is not with its failure to meet the designed purpose,h its failure to meet the designed purpose,

• but with its adverse effect on the environment.but with its adverse effect on the environment.

• 4. 4. emitemit: : v.v. give off, send forth, or discharge; as give off, send forth, or discharge; as of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.; (= give of light, heat, or radiation, vapor, etc.; (= give out, give off)out, give off)

• The ozone layer blocks some harmful rays The ozone layer blocks some harmful rays which the sun which the sun emitsemits..

• The chimney The chimney emittedemitted a cloud of smoke. a cloud of smoke.

• 5. contaminate5. contaminate - make impure; (= pollute) - make impure; (= pollute)

• e.g.e.g.

• The industrial wastes The industrial wastes contaminated contaminated the lake. the lake.

• Don't drink the water--it's Don't drink the water--it's contaminatedcontaminated..

• 6.6. Regard only as a failure in the plant’s function, Regard only as a failure in the plant’s function, the accident at Chernobyl amounts to a serious the accident at Chernobyl amounts to a serious butbut local fire that destroyed the plant. local fire that destroyed the plant.

• Notice the position of the word “but”. Normally Notice the position of the word “but”. Normally we can say “…amount to merely a serious local we can say “…amount to merely a serious local fire that…”. If so, the tune is rather flat and pale. fire that…”. If so, the tune is rather flat and pale. Here the author employs the writing skill -- Here the author employs the writing skill -- “anticlimax”“anticlimax” to achieve the sarcastic tone. to achieve the sarcastic tone.

anticlimaxanticlimax• e.g.e.g.

• "Seldom has a city gained such world renown, "Seldom has a city gained such world renown, and I am proud and happy to welcome you to and I am proud and happy to welcome you to Hiroshima, a town known throughout the worlHiroshima, a town known throughout the world for its---oysters."d for its---oysters."这里是广岛市长说的话，作者本意为市长这里是广岛市长说的话，作者本意为市长会说广岛之所以闻名于世是因为那场骇人会说广岛之所以闻名于世是因为那场骇人听闻的大灾难（原子弹爆炸），谁知道市听闻的大灾难（原子弹爆炸），谁知道市长却说广岛是因牡蛎而出名。这里用了突长却说广岛是因牡蛎而出名。这里用了突降法的修辞手法，起到讽刺的作用。降法的修辞手法，起到讽刺的作用。

7. resultant7. resultant: : adj.adj. resulting, esp. as the total resulting, esp. as the total outcome of more or less opposed forcesoutcome of more or less opposed forces• e.g.e.g.

• Use shaded skylights to compensate for any Use shaded skylights to compensate for any reresultant sultant loss of natural daylight. loss of natural daylight. 运用带有遮阳的天窗以弥补自然光的损失运用带有遮阳的天窗以弥补自然光的损失。。

• If the syllabus was accepted by the majority of If the syllabus was accepted by the majority of students , it would be unnecessary to answer alstudents , it would be unnecessary to answer all l resultantresultant complaints. complaints. 如果课程规划当初 如果课程规划当初 得到了大多数同学接受，那么就没有必要得到了大多数同学接受，那么就没有必要回答由此而来的抱怨。回答由此而来的抱怨。

8. 8. acknowledgeacknowledge: : vv. declare to be true or admit . declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of; (= admit)the existence or reality or truth of; (= admit)

• e.g.e.g.I I acknowledgeacknowledge that her criticism is just. that her criticism is just.

我承认她的批评是公正的。我承认她的批评是公正的。He is unwilling to He is unwilling to acknowledgeacknowledge defeat. defeat.

他不愿认输。 他不愿认输。 I passed her in the street but she didn't even I passed her in the street but she didn't even acknoackno

wledgewledge me when I smiled. me when I smiled.我在街上遇到她，可是当我向她微笑时，她我在街上遇到她，可是当我向她微笑时，她却连招呼都没有向我打一个。却连招呼都没有向我打一个。

• 99. . unmet: unmet: adj.adj. not satisfied or fulfillednot satisfied or fulfilled

• e.g.e.g.

How can one know what needs are How can one know what needs are involved in conflict situations? How can involved in conflict situations? How can one know what human needs are being one know what human needs are being met and met and unmetunmet? ?

10. mortgage:10. mortgage: 按揭按揭

• e.g.e.g.

• I have bought a house by paying my I have bought a house by paying my mortgagemortgage in monthly installment. in monthly installment. 我以我以每月分期付款偿每月分期付款偿还还按揭按揭购买了一套房子．购买了一套房子．

• PrimaryPrimary mortgage mortgage loan notes loan notes ．．一手楼按揭一手楼按揭贷款须知． 贷款须知．

• 11.11. In the technosphere, debts are repaid frIn the technosphere, debts are repaid from within and, at least in theory, are always om within and, at least in theory, are always capable of being paid off, or, in some cases, capable of being paid off, or, in some cases, canceledcanceled. (Para.16):. (Para.16):

• In the economic field, debts are repaid with In the economic field, debts are repaid with the production of goods. Debts are required the production of goods. Debts are required to be repaid, unless they are canceled.to be repaid, unless they are canceled.

Part VII Part VII ( Paras. 17-21)( Paras. 17-21)1.1. In terms ofIn terms of :With regard to; from the point o :With regard to; from the point o

f view off view of

e.g.e.g.

InIn termsterms ofof cash outlay, the sum is peanuts. cash outlay, the sum is peanuts. 从花费来看从花费来看 ,, 这笔钱乃区区小数 这笔钱乃区区小数

Think Think ofof it it inin termsterms ofof an investment. an investment.从投资的角度来考虑那件事从投资的角度来考虑那件事 ..

It is difficult to express it It is difficult to express it inin termsterms ofof science. science.要用科学的字眼来表达它是很困难的要用科学的字眼来表达它是很困难的。。

2. Interplay 2. Interplay ( of , between) ( of , between) nn.:.:the action or effect of two or more things on the action or effect of two or more things on each other (= interaction)each other (= interaction)

• e.g.e.g.

• I’m interested in the I’m interested in the interplayinterplay between practic between practical and theoretical linguistics. al and theoretical linguistics.

• The problems result from the The problems result from the interplayinterplay of the of the ecosphere and the technosphere.ecosphere and the technosphere.

• Classroom teaching is the Classroom teaching is the interplayinterplay between t between the teacher and the student.he teacher and the student.

• 3.3. Of course, as in a conventional war, the Of course, as in a conventional war, the issues can be simplified by taking sides; issues can be simplified by taking sides; ignoring the interests of one combatant or ignoring the interests of one combatant or the other. But this is done only at the cost of the other. But this is done only at the cost of understandingunderstanding.(Para.18):.(Para.18):

• If we take sides in the war of the two worlds, If we take sides in the war of the two worlds, we are doing so at the risk of failing to have a we are doing so at the risk of failing to have a clear understanding of the nature and cause of clear understanding of the nature and cause of the war. Thus, we lose the chance to really the war. Thus, we lose the chance to really solve the grave environmental crisis. solve the grave environmental crisis.

• 4. take sides: 4. take sides: to support one person, group, or oto support one person, group, or opinion over anotherpinion over another

• e.g.e.g.

• I never I never taketake sidessides. . 我从不偏袒哪一方。我从不偏袒哪一方。• A parent shouldn't A parent shouldn't taketake sidessides when children sta when children sta

rt quarrelling with each other.rt quarrelling with each other.当孩子们吵架时，父母都不该插手盲目袒护当孩子们吵架时，父母都不该插手盲目袒护自己的孩子。 自己的孩子。

• 5.5. mediate: mediate: To resolve or settle (differences) by workTo resolve or settle (differences) by working with all the conflicting partiesing with all the conflicting parties

• e.g.e.g.• He He mediated mediated a settlement between labor and a settlement between labor and

management.management. 他在劳资双方间通过调停达成他在劳资双方间通过调停达成和解。和解。

• He tried to He tried to mediatemediate between two warring cou between two warring countries. ntries. 他试图在两个交战国之间进行斡旋他试图在两个交战国之间进行斡旋

• The dispute was settled by The dispute was settled by mediationmediation..• 爭端已被調解了。爭端已被調解了。

• 6. concoct:6. concoct: If you concoct an excuse, If you concoct an excuse, explanation, or account, you invent one that is explanation, or account, you invent one that is false or misleading.false or misleading.

• e.g.e.g.

• The child The child concoctedconcocted a story about having been a story about having been attacked. attacked.

• He He concocted concocted a plan to get rich quickly. a plan to get rich quickly.

• He had to hastilyHe had to hastily concoct concoct an excuse. an excuse.

7.7. allotallot; ; allocateallocate

• allot: allot: share (a larger number or amount)share (a larger number or amount)• allocate: allocate: assign for a specific purposeassign for a specific purpose• e.g.e.g.• The school board will The school board will allocateallocate funds for the baseb funds for the baseb

all team. all team. • The school board will The school board will allotallot funds among the depar funds among the depar

tments according to need. tments according to need. • They allotThey allot the profits of the business by the end of the profits of the business by the end of

a year. a year. 他们年终分配红利他们年终分配红利

• 8. inducement: 8. inducement: act or means of persuadingact or means of persuading

• e.g.e.g.

• Reward is an Reward is an inducementinducement effort. effort.报酬使人们努力工作。报酬使人们努力工作。

• He hasn‘t much He hasn‘t much inducementinducement to study English. to study English.他没有学习英语的兴趣。他没有学习英语的兴趣。

• They have little They have little inducementinducement to work harder. to work harder.没有什么可以使他们更加努力工作没有什么可以使他们更加努力工作 ..

• 9.9. endow: endow: give qualities or abilities togive qualities or abilities to (= (= empowerempower; ≈; ≈givegive ) )

• e.g.e.g.

• Nature has Nature has endowedendowed the wolf the wolf withwith the the means of catching its food.means of catching its food.

• 1010. . thrust: thrust: the essence; the pointthe essence; the point

• e.g.e.g.

• The whole The whole thrustthrust of the project was to make of the project was to make money. money.

• What was the What was the thrustthrust of his argument? of his argument?他的论据的要点是什麽他的论据的要点是什麽 ??

Part VIII Part VIII (Paras. 22 -23)(Paras. 22 -23)

• 11. . bewilderingbewildering - causing bafflement (= - causing bafflement (= unclear)unclear)

• e.g.e.g.

• The play was at the same time a The play was at the same time a bewilderingbewildering and an exciting experience.and an exciting experience.

• The reason for their actions is The reason for their actions is bewilderingbewildering to to this day. this day.

• 2. as yet2. as yet - used in negative statement to descri - used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point obe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time (= thus far, till now, yer up to the present time (= thus far, till now, yet)t)

• e.g.e.g.

• We are We are asas yetyet unable to say when the train will unable to say when the train will arrive. arrive. 我们还说不上火车什么时候到达。 我们还说不上火车什么时候到达。

• We should be responsible for the generation We should be responsible for the generation asas yetyet unborn. unborn. 我们应该对下一代负责。我们应该对下一代负责。

IV. AssignmentIV. Assignment

• Translate the following passage from Chinese into Translate the following passage from Chinese into Chinese:Chinese:

• The early snows fall soft and white and seem to heal the The early snows fall soft and white and seem to heal the • landscape. There are as yet no tracks through the drifts, no landscape. There are as yet no tracks through the drifts, no • muddied slush in the roads. The wind sweeps snow into the muddied slush in the roads. The wind sweeps snow into the • scars of our harvest time haste, smoothing the brow of hill, scars of our harvest time haste, smoothing the brow of hill, • hiding furrow and cog and trash in the yard. Snow muffles hiding furrow and cog and trash in the yard. Snow muffles • the shriek of metal and the rasp of motion. It covers our flintiethe shriek of metal and the rasp of motion. It covers our flintie

r purposes and brings a redeeming silence, as if a curtain has r purposes and brings a redeeming silence, as if a curtain has • fallen on the strivings of a year, and now we may stop, look infallen on the strivings of a year, and now we may stop, look in

ward, and rediscover the amber warmth of family and ward, and rediscover the amber warmth of family and conversation.  conversation. 

• At such times, locked away inside wall and woolenAt such times, locked away inside wall and woolen, lulled by the sedatives of wood-smoke and , lulled by the sedatives of wood-smoke and 

• candlelight, we recall the competing claims of candlelight, we recall the competing claims of • nature. We see the branch and bark of trees, rather tnature. We see the branch and bark of trees, rather t

han the sugar-scented green of their leaves. We han the sugar-scented green of their leaves. We • look out the window and admire the elegance of look out the window and admire the elegance of • ice crystal, the bravely patient tree leaning leafless ice crystal, the bravely patient tree leaning leafless 

into the wind, the dramatic shadows of the into the wind, the dramatic shadows of the • stooping sun. We look at the structure of things, stooping sun. We look at the structure of things, • the geometry of branch and snowflake, family and the geometry of branch and snowflake, family and 

deed. deed. 

• Thank you!Thank you!