全新版大学英语综合教程2英语课文背诵部分.docVIP

一单元 One way of summarizing(概括,总结)the American position is to state that we value originality(.独创性) and independence(独立,自主) more than the Chinese do. The contrast(差异,对比) between our two cultures 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 comparable(类似的) hurry to promote(促进) creativity. American educators fear that unless creativity has been acquired early, it may never emerge(出现); on the other hand, skills can be picked up(获得,学会) later. However, I do not want to overstate(夸大) my case. There is enormous(巨大的) creativity to be found in Chinese scientific, technological and artistic innovations(革命,新事物) past and present. And there is a danger of exaggerating(夸大,夸张) creative breakthroughs(突破) 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(有根据的), and that the fostering(培养) of skills and creativity are both worthwhile(值得的) goals, the important question becomes this: Can we gather, from the Chinese and American extremes, a superior(优良的) way to approach education, perhaps striking a better balance between the poles of creativity and basic skills? 第二单元：Yet I feel nothing more than(仅仅,不多于) a passing whim to attain(获得,达到) the material things so many other people have. My 1999 car shows the wear and tear(磨损) 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(主要的) outdoors. My minimal(极小的) computer needs can be met at the library. In spite of what I dont have, I dont feel poor. Why? Ive enjoyed exceptionally(罕见的) good health for 53 years. Its not just that Ive been illness-free, its that I feel vigorous and spirited. Exercising is actually fun for me. I look forw