2013年1月31日 星期四
Fun with Playing Cards 小小紙牌，大大樂趣
| Building Your Vocabulary |
The tango originated in both Argentina and Uruguay.
探戈起源於阿根廷與烏拉圭。
2. version n. 版本
Rachel prefers the book to the movie version.
相較於改拍成電影的那個版本，瑞秋比較喜歡書本身。
3. modern-day a. 現代的，當代的
Modern-day cellphones have many useful built-in functions.
現代的手機有許多好用的內建功能。
4. adopt vt. 採用，採取
After a week's consideration, the boss decided to adopt Mike's suggestion.
經過一星期的考慮後，老闆決定採取麥克的建議。
5. quantity n. 量，數量
There is a small quantity of wine left in the glass.
玻璃杯裡還剩下一點點酒。
6. handmade a. 手工的
This suit is entirely handmade, so it is well worth the price.
這套衣服完全是手工縫製的，所以它很值得這個價錢。
| Phrases for Learning |
My mom wore a string of pearls to the banquet.
我母親戴著一串珍珠項鍊出席那場宴會。
2. be introduced into/to + 地方 被引進某地
The designer brand was introduced to Taiwan's market this past year.
這個設計師品牌在今年稍早的時候被引進了台灣市場。
| Extra Words |
1. miniature a. 小型的
2. tarot n. 塔羅牌（占卜用的紙牌）
3. reading n. 解讀
4. playing card n. 撲克牌，紙牌
5. deck n.（紙牌的）一副
6. suit n.（撲克牌的）花色
7. colonization n. 殖民
2. tarot n. 塔羅牌（占卜用的紙牌）
3. reading n. 解讀
4. playing card n. 撲克牌，紙牌
5. deck n.（紙牌的）一副
6. suit n.（撲克牌的）花色
7. colonization n. 殖民
| Tips In Use |
The use of playing cards was recorded in..., with many adopting their own suits and styles.
（撲克牌的使用在……皆有記載，而且各國還會採用自己的花色和風格。）
本句為使用 with 所引導的『情狀介詞片語』之用法，此種介詞片語乃用來表示句中主詞所處的情形或狀況，其結構有兩種：
1. with + 受詞 + 現在分詞∕過去分詞（用現在分詞時則表主動狀態，用過去分詞時表被動狀態）
Erica came home with a bag loaded with groceries.
（艾芮卡回家時手上拿著一袋滿滿的雜貨。）
2. with + 受詞 + 介詞片語
With a big vase in her hands, Jessica carefully walked up the stairs.
（雙手捧著一個大花瓶的潔西卡小心地走上樓。）
（撲克牌的使用在……皆有記載，而且各國還會採用自己的花色和風格。）
本句為使用 with 所引導的『情狀介詞片語』之用法，此種介詞片語乃用來表示句中主詞所處的情形或狀況，其結構有兩種：
1. with + 受詞 + 現在分詞∕過去分詞（用現在分詞時則表主動狀態，用過去分詞時表被動狀態）
Erica came home with a bag loaded with groceries.
（艾芮卡回家時手上拿著一袋滿滿的雜貨。）
2. with + 受詞 + 介詞片語
With a big vase in her hands, Jessica carefully walked up the stairs.
（雙手捧著一個大花瓶的潔西卡小心地走上樓。）
Guest來啦，要有禮貌喔！
 技術挑戰指數：★★★★ 當有外國朋友到家裡來作客的時候，事先打掃一番是一定要的，如果你的手藝夠好，能夠燒一桌好菜來款待客人那就太棒了！不過，假如你是 泡麵一族，那可得先預定好餐廳，請朋友到外面吃一頓好料的，才不會失禮喔！到了餐廳總是要能夠說一點簡單的英文會話，才不會漏氣，不然就算你想請客，也不知道該怎麼說，那不是很尷尬嗎？ 來聽老美怎麼說？ ex：In Taiwan you are my guest. Let me try to show you a good time in Taiwan. （在台灣你是我的客人。讓我帶你在台灣好好地玩一下。） ex：I will be your host tonight. Let's go out and have a nice time. （今晚我當主人，我們出去享受一下。） ex：Let me pay the bill. （讓我來付賬。） ex：I need to keep track of all my expenses. （我需要掌握我所有的花費。） 情境小撇步 ．Be my guest 悉聽尊便 Be my guest 從字面上來看的意思是，做我的客人，不過其實他的意思是悉聽尊便，也就是請便 的意思，如果你同意別人的說法或是請求的時候，就可以說這句話。 |
別生氣，I'm just saying
| 技術挑戰指數：★★★ 有的時候三五好友聚在一起，聊的話題不外乎自己工作上遇到了什麼麻煩，或者是戀愛的煩惱，等等諸如此類的話題，難免我們會出於好意的給予對方一些建議，不過，因為每個人的思考模式都不一樣，經常好意反而讓對方感到不愉快，覺得你的說法太荒謬了，這時候我們可以說，I'm just saying(我只是說說而已)，讓氣氛緩和下來。 來聽老美怎麼說？Steven：Maybe I could help you get a sales job at my company. 史帝文：或許我可以在我公司幫你弄個業務工作。 Blake： Me? Sales? Are you insane? I'm an artist. Do you really think I would last three days in a sales position? No way! Impossible! Forget it! 布雷克：我？業務？你瘋了啊！我是個藝術家，你以為業務工作我做得了兩、三天嗎？門兒 都沒有！不可能！想都別想！ Steven：Geez, man. I'm just saying. 史帝文：天哪，老兄，我祇是說說而已。 俚語小解析．I'm just saying 我只是說說而已 當別人強烈反對你的意見的時候，與其繼續跟對方爭論，不如用理性的口氣對他說出這句話，表 示自己並沒有惡意，只是個人一點小小的提議，如果無法接受也沒有關係，不必把話放在心上。 |
Helicopter Parents 事必躬親的直升機父母
 by Nadia Chung Hovering parents end up with kids that are not independent. 直升機父母培養出一群無法獨立的草莓族。 A woman labeled "America's Worst Mom" had to defend herself against the embarrassing nickname after she let her nine-year-old son ride on the New York City subway alone. _(1)_ Helicopter parents would certainly disagree. Coined in 1990, the term "helicopter parenting" is used to describe overprotective parents, who are mostly middle-class baby boomers. They hover over their children and are always worried about their academic and professional success. _(2)_ Some helicopter parents even write college essays, edit résumés, and show up at job interviews with them.
一位婦女因為讓 9 歲的兒子獨自搭乘紐約市的地鐵而被封為『全美最糟糕的母親』，她因此得為這個難堪的封號抗辯。她辯解說：『冒這點險是合理的。』但直升機父母一定不同意這種說法。『直升機式的子女教育』一詞創於 1990 年，被用來形容過度保護孩童的父母，這些父母大多是二次戰後嬰兒潮出生的中產階級。他們總離不開子女，一直擔心他們的課業和職場成就。對這些父母來說，替小孩做決定、介入小孩的紛爭和替小孩寫功課是家常便飯。有些直升機父母甚至幫子女寫大學論文、修改履歷，以及陪他們參加工作面試。
No one really doubts the motives of these parents. _(3)_ The excessive investment these parents make in their children's upbringing and achievements may end up having an adverse effect. By doing nearly everything for their children, they limit them to safe situations. This means the kids are kept from learning basic survival skills and how to cope with failure on their own. A study shows that helicopter kids tend to be more self-conscious, more vulnerable, and less open to new ideas. _(4)_
沒有人會質疑這些父母的動機。問題是這些意圖多半源自於父母想提高自己的自尊心。這些父母對小孩的養育和成就過度投入，最後可能產生反效果。替小孩幾乎做好每件事會把他們限制在安全的環境裡。這意味這些孩子無法學習基本的求生技巧，以及靠自己處理失敗。一項研究顯示，直升機小孩較容易自卑，也較脆弱，而且比較無法接受新想法。對他們來說，要成為自立自強而獨立的成人是很不容易的事情，偏偏這是他們父母最終極的目標。
1. helicopter n. 直升機Experts are now offering some advice to helicopter parents. First, act as a coach, not as a rescuer. Second, encourage children to make their own decisions and help them learn to solve problems rather than take care of everything for them. _(5)_ As "America's Worst Mom" argues, "The way kids learn to be resourceful is by having to use their resources." Children fly higher when they are not tied to the ground. 專家有些建議提供給直升機父母。首先，要扮演教練而不是救援者的角色。其次，鼓勵小孩自己做決定，並幫助他們學習如何解決問題，而不要事事幫他們處理好。最後，給他們一些空間和機會從錯誤中學習。就像『全美最糟糕的母親』辯解的：『小孩必須藉由運用自己的機智，才能學習如何應變。』小孩不被束縛，才能飛得更高。 (A) For them, it is hard to become self-sufficient and independent adults, which is their parents' ultimate goal. (B) The problem is that such intentions often stem from a desire on the part of the parents to raise their own self-esteem. (C) It's not uncommon for these parents to make decisions, intervene in conflicts, and do homework for their children. (D) Finally, give them the space and chance to learn from their mistakes. (E) "It was a reasonable risk," she argued.
1. 第一題空格應選 (E)
理由: a. 空格前一句提到，一位婦女因為讓 9 歲的兒子獨自搭乘地鐵而被封為『全美最糟糕的母親』，她因此得為這個難堪的封號抗辯（defend）。 b. (E) 選項的句子提到，她辯解（argued）說：『冒這點險是合理的。』前後語意連貫，且 defend 和 argued 兩字互相呼應，故選之。 大補丸: reasonable a. 合理的 例: At this shop, you can buy high quality watches at reasonable prices. （在本店，你可以用合理的價格買到高品質的手錶。） 2. 第二題空格應選 (C) 理由: a. 空格前一句提到，直升機父母總離不開小孩，一直擔心小孩的課業和職場成就。 b. (C) 選項的句子提到，對這些父母來說，替小孩做決定、介入小孩的紛爭和替小孩寫功課是家常便飯，說明直升機父母擔心子女的作法，上下語意連貫，故選之。 大補丸: a. It is not uncommon for sb to V 對某人來說做……並非不尋常∕是常有的事 例: It is not uncommon for dogs to fight over food or territory. （狗為了搶食物或地盤而打架是屢見不鮮的事。） b. intervene vi. 干預，干涉 intervene in... 干預∕干涉…… 例: It's not wise to intervene in an argument between a husband and his wife. （插手干涉夫妻之間的爭論是不智之舉。） c. conflict . 衝突 3. 第三題空格應選 (B) 理由: a. 空格前面一句提到，沒有人會質疑這些父母的動機（motives）。 b. (B) 選項的句子提到，這些意圖（intentions）多半起因於父母想提高自己的自尊心，選項中的 intentions 和上一句中的 motives 形成關鍵字，且前後語意連貫，故選之。 大補丸: a. intention n. 意圖 例:I have no intention of staying up late tonight. （我今晚並沒有熬夜的打算。） b. stem from... 起因於……，源自於…… 例: That country's problems stem from its lack of natural resources. （那個國家的問題來自於自然資源缺乏。） c. on the part of sb 就某人而言 例: The strike expressed anger on the part of the bus drivers. （這次罷工表達了公車司機的憤怒。） d. self-esteem n. 自尊 4. 第四題空格應選 (A) 理由: a. 空格前一句提到，直升機小孩（helicopter kids）較容易自卑、也較脆弱，而且比較無法接受新想法。 b. (A) 選項的句子提到，對他們（them）來說，要變成自立自強而獨立的成人是很不容易的事情，偏偏這是他們父母最終極的目標。這裡的 them 指的就是上一句的 helicopter kids，且兩句語意連貫，故選之。 大補丸: a. self-sufficient a. 自給自足的 例: The Wang family run a self-sufficient farm, so they don't have to buy any food. （王家經營自給自足的農場，所以他們不需要買任何食物。） b. independent a. 獨立的，自主的 be independent of... 不依賴…… 例: Edward has been independent of his parents since he was 18. （艾德華從 18 歲起就不再依賴父母。） c. ultimate a. 最後的，最終的 5. 第五題空格應選 (D) 理由: a. 空格前 3 句提到，專家有些建議提供給直升機父母，並以 First 和 Second 開頭列舉了兩個建議。 b. (D) 選項的句子以 Finally（最後）開頭說，給他們一些空間和機會從錯誤中學習，承接前兩句的 First 和 Second，且語意連貫，故選之。
1. defend vt. 為……辯護
例: Frank defended his friend because he thought she was being treated unjustly. （法蘭克因為他朋友遭到不公平對待而仗義直言。） 2. hover vi.（鳥、直升機）盤旋 hover over... 在……上空盤旋 例: A vulture hovered over the open field, searching for prey. （一隻禿鷹在空曠的野外盤旋，尋找獵物。） 3. investment n. 投資；（精力、時間等的）投入 make an investment in... 投資…… 例: Sam lost a lot of money when he made an investment in that lousy company. （山姆因為投資那家爛公司而虧了不少錢。） 4. adverse a. 相反的；不利的 have an adverse effect on... 對……有不利影響 例: The merger of the two companies had an adverse effect on the stock market. （這兩家公司的合併對股市有不利的影響。） 5. cope with... 處理……（= deal with...） 例: The officials are trying to cope with the aging population. （政府官員正試圖處理人口老化的問題。） 6. vulnerable a. 易受傷害的；脆弱的 be vulnerable to... 易受……的傷害 例: During the summer, older people are more vulnerable to heat stroke. （炎炎夏日裡，老人家比較容易中暑。） 7. resourceful a. 善於應變的，有智謀的 resource n. 應變能力，機智；資源 例: A resourceful worker always finds a way to get the job done. （有應變能力的員工總是找得到完成工作的方法。） 8. be tied to... 被拴在∕綁在∕繫在……上 例: Our dog is usually tied to the fence. （我們家的狗通常都綁在籬笆上。）
2. label vt. 把……稱為 & n. 標籤 be labeled (as)... 被稱為…… 3. subway n. 地鐵 4. coin vt. 創造，發明（新字詞） 5. parenting n. 父母對子女的養育 6. overprotective a. 過分保護的 7. baby boomer n. 第二次世界大戰後出生的嬰兒潮一員 8. academic a. 學術的 9. résumé n. 履歷表 10. motive n. 動機 11. excessive a. 過度的 12. upbringing n. 教養；養育 13. self-conscious a. 自卑的
1. show up 出現
2. limit sb to + N/V-ing 將某人限制在…… |
Humor
Riddles have been around for thousands of years. Americans also enjoy this kind of question-and-answer humor:
--What is black when it's clean and white when it's dirty? A blackboard.
--What asks no questions but gets many answers? A doorbell.
--What starts with T, ends with T and is full of T (tea)? A teapot.
謎語的存在已有幾千年的歷史，但
美國人仍喜歡這種問答式的幽默：
--什麼東西乾淨時是黑的，但弄髒時是
白的？黑板。
--什麼東西不發問，但卻得到許多回
答？門鈴。
--什麼東西以T 開頭，以T結尾，而且
裡面都是T（茶）？茶壼。
People in America like making each other laugh. Even if they are not professional comedians, most people think they have a good sense of humor. A favorite American style of joking around is “pulling somebody's leg.” That means telling someone a story which is untrue—maybe even a“tall tale”—while keeping a straight face. At other times, Americans use funny voices or sound effects to spice up a story. Their body language and facial expressions add to the humor.
美國人喜歡引人發笑，即使不是什
麼專業的喜劇演員，大部分的人都覺得
自己很幽默。美國人最喜歡的一種玩笑
方式是「開別人玩笑，使其信以為真」，
就是板著臉孔正經八百地陳述一件並非
真實的故事——或許甚至是個誇張的故
事。此外，美國人會以滑稽的聲音或音
效為一個故事增加笑料，他們的肢體語
言和面部表情可以使其更好笑。
--What is black when it's clean and white when it's dirty? A blackboard.
--What asks no questions but gets many answers? A doorbell.
--What starts with T, ends with T and is full of T (tea)? A teapot.
謎語的存在已有幾千年的歷史，但
美國人仍喜歡這種問答式的幽默：
--什麼東西乾淨時是黑的，但弄髒時是
白的？黑板。
--什麼東西不發問，但卻得到許多回
答？門鈴。
--什麼東西以T 開頭，以T結尾，而且
裡面都是T（茶）？茶壼。
People in America like making each other laugh. Even if they are not professional comedians, most people think they have a good sense of humor. A favorite American style of joking around is “pulling somebody's leg.” That means telling someone a story which is untrue—maybe even a“tall tale”—while keeping a straight face. At other times, Americans use funny voices or sound effects to spice up a story. Their body language and facial expressions add to the humor.
美國人喜歡引人發笑，即使不是什
麼專業的喜劇演員，大部分的人都覺得
自己很幽默。美國人最喜歡的一種玩笑
方式是「開別人玩笑，使其信以為真」，
就是板著臉孔正經八百地陳述一件並非
真實的故事——或許甚至是個誇張的故
事。此外，美國人會以滑稽的聲音或音
效為一個故事增加笑料，他們的肢體語
言和面部表情可以使其更好笑。
Sometimes, though, people in America make jokes about others. Mothers-in-law, politicians, teachers and ethnic groups are the target of many jokes. Here's one: An absent-minded college professor left a note on his office door that said,“I'II be back in one hour.” When he returned, he read the note and sat down to wait for himself. Get it?
不過，有時候美國人也會取笑他
人，岳母、政客、老師和不同族群的人
都是被取笑的對象。這裡有一個笑話：
一個心不在焉的大學教授在他辦公室門
口留了一張紙條，上面寫著：「我會在
一個小時內回來。」當他回來時，看完
紙條後就坐下來等他自己。你聽懂了
嗎？
不過，有時候美國人也會取笑他
人，岳母、政客、老師和不同族群的人
都是被取笑的對象。這裡有一個笑話：
一個心不在焉的大學教授在他辦公室門
口留了一張紙條，上面寫著：「我會在
一個小時內回來。」當他回來時，看完
紙條後就坐下來等他自己。你聽懂了
嗎？
America is a funny place. lf you need a laugh, it's not far away. Just pick up a newspaper and scan the “funny pages” for your favorite comic strip. Or turn on the TV and watch a comedy show. Mail a smile to a friend by sending a humorous greeting card. And watch for amusing situations around you in real life. Telling stories about funny experiences is a great way to brighten up someone's day. Hey, did you hear about the time . . .
美國是個很有趣的地方，你如果需
要一笑，絕對不成問題。只要拿起報
紙，瀏覽一下遊戲版上你最喜歡的連環
漫畫，或者打開電視看一齣喜劇。寄一
張有趣的祝賀卡給朋友，帶給他一個微
笑。觀察周遭生活中一些有趣的情況，
把一些有趣的經驗告訴別人，這也是個
讓人日子過得更開心的好方法。嘿，你
有沒有聽說，有一次我⋯⋯。
?Word Bank
comedian (n) 喜劇演員
pull somebody's leg (v phr) 開某人玩笑使其信以為真
straight face (n phr) 沒有表情的臉孔；嚴肅的臉
美國是個很有趣的地方，你如果需
要一笑，絕對不成問題。只要拿起報
紙，瀏覽一下遊戲版上你最喜歡的連環
漫畫，或者打開電視看一齣喜劇。寄一
張有趣的祝賀卡給朋友，帶給他一個微
笑。觀察周遭生活中一些有趣的情況，
把一些有趣的經驗告訴別人，這也是個
讓人日子過得更開心的好方法。嘿，你
有沒有聽說，有一次我⋯⋯。
?Word Bank
comedian (n) 喜劇演員
pull somebody's leg (v phr) 開某人玩笑使其信以為真
straight face (n phr) 沒有表情的臉孔；嚴肅的臉
target (n)（被開玩笑的）目標
absent-minded (adj) 心不在焉的
absent-minded (adj) 心不在焉的
comic strip (n phr) 連環圖畫
| The Day's Phrase |
They are more than just delicious
這種水果不只是美味而已
這種水果不只是美味而已
Joe, please swallow your pride and pull over to ask for directions!
喬，請你放下身段，停車問路吧！
Corporate spying - easier than you think
企業間諜活動──比想像中更容易
喬，請你放下身段，停車問路吧！
Corporate spying - easier than you think
企業間諜活動──比想像中更容易
I don't want to get married any time in the near future.
短期之內我並不想結婚。
短期之內我並不想結婚。
Corporate spying - easier than you think
企業間諜活動──比想像中更容易
企業間諜活動──比想像中更容易
As a general rule, always show respect to people older than you.
就一般而言，總要尊敬比你年長的人。
就一般而言，總要尊敬比你年長的人。
Own an elephant for a day at this unique farm
在獨一無二的牧場裡，當一天的大象飼主
在獨一無二的牧場裡，當一天的大象飼主
If you don't clean your room you can kiss watching television goodbye.
如果你不整理你房間，你就不用看電視了。
如果你不整理你房間，你就不用看電視了。
Sharing the Love 分享父母的愛
 As the only child in her family, 10-year-old Anna never felt alone because her parents loved her a lot. She was their top priority1, so she always got her way. However, things changed when Anna's mother told her she was going to be a big sister and had to become more mature.
Anna didn't want to share her parents' love, but after her mother delivered her baby brother, their focus shifted to him. Anna felt neglected and very jealous. One day, out of curiosity, she leaned over the crib2 and took a good look at her baby brother. He was so tiny and cute that Anna couldn't resist gently touching his chubby3 cheeks. This made him open his eyes and grin at her. At that moment, Anna's heart melted, and she never gave a second thought to sharing her parents' love. |
| Building Your Vocabulary |
After joining the army, Darren became more mature.
從軍以後，達倫變得更加成熟穩重。
2. deliver vt. 生下（嬰兒）
Mrs. Wang delivered a healthy baby girl this morning.
王太太今天早上產下一名健康的女嬰。
3. shift vi. & vt. 轉移
Betty quickly shifted topics when she saw the manager coming over.
當貝蒂看到經理走過來時，她便立刻轉移話題。
4. neglect vt. 忽視，忽略（本文中以過去分詞作形容詞用）
Frank was so busy that he neglected his girlfriend.
法蘭克忙碌到忽略了他的女朋友。
5. lean vi. 屈身，傾身
I leaned over and rested my head on my dad's shoulder.
我傾身過去把頭靠在我爸的肩膀上。
6. grin [ grIn ] vi. 咧著嘴笑，露齒而笑
The actress grinned as soon as she saw the camera.
那位女演員一看到鏡頭就燦爛地微笑，露出一口皓齒。
| Phrases for Learning |
Nobody ever stood up to the school bully, so he always got his way.
因為沒有人敢挺身對抗那個校園惡霸，所以他總是為所欲為。
2. out of curiosity
出於好奇
Ron told Anna he had something to show her, so she followed him out of curiosity.
榮恩告訴安娜他有東西要給她看，於是她便好奇地跟著他走。
| Extra Words |
1. priority n. 優先考量的事
2. crib n. 嬰兒床
3. chubby a. 圓胖的
2. crib n. 嬰兒床
3. chubby a. 圓胖的
| Tips In Use |
...and she never gave a second thought to sharing her parents' love.
（……她從此再也毫不遲疑地願意把父母的愛跟他分享。）
"second thought"除了用於上句之中，表示『毫不遲疑』之外，還可以出現於下列用法：
1. "have second thoughts"表『改變主意；對原先想法產生動搖』。
Bill had second thoughts about quitting his job after hearing my opinion.
（聽完我的意見後，比爾對辭職這件事改變了主意。）
2. "on second thought"表『經再次考慮後』。
On second thought, maybe I should sell my car and start walking to work.
（再三考慮後，也許我該賣掉車子，改成走路上班。）
（……她從此再也毫不遲疑地願意把父母的愛跟他分享。）
"second thought"除了用於上句之中，表示『毫不遲疑』之外，還可以出現於下列用法：
1. "have second thoughts"表『改變主意；對原先想法產生動搖』。
Bill had second thoughts about quitting his job after hearing my opinion.
（聽完我的意見後，比爾對辭職這件事改變了主意。）
2. "on second thought"表『經再次考慮後』。
On second thought, maybe I should sell my car and start walking to work.
（再三考慮後，也許我該賣掉車子，改成走路上班。）
Groundhog Day 超人氣氣象主播——土撥鼠菲爾
 by Carrie Kellenberger Is it spring yet? 超人氣氣象主播——土撥鼠菲爾 告訴我們，春天來了嗎？ After a freezing cold December and snow-covered January, people are ready for a little bit of sunshine. They _(1)_ Punxsutawney Phil to determine when the spring will be ushered in on Groundhog Day. Every year, the people of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania gather to watch this famous groundhog make his _(2)_.
經過寒冷的 12 月和白雪皚皚的 1 月，人們已準備好迎接初陽。在土撥鼠節這天，他們依賴龐斯塔維尼市的土撥鼠『菲爾』來判定春天何時到來。每年賓州龐斯塔維尼市的市民都會聚在一起，觀看這隻大名鼎鼎的土撥鼠預測春天的到來。
How did this furry mammal get the honor of being able to forecast the weather? Although the origins are unclear, the tradition _(3)_ 1887. Groundhog Day comes from an ancient European story _(4)_ a sacred animal, such as a badger or a bear, was able to predict the weather. German _(5)_ known as the Pennsylvania Dutch brought the tradition to the United States. However, no one there is really sure why a groundhog received the honor of _(6)_ the arrival of spring.
這隻毛茸茸的哺乳動物是如何有這個榮幸來預測天氣呢？雖然其來源已不可考，但這項傳統可以追溯到西元 1887 年。土撥鼠節來自一則古老的歐洲故事，故事內容是說像是獾或熊等神聖的動物能預測天氣。德國移民（也就是德裔賓州人）把這項傳統帶入美國。然而，沒有人確切知道為什麼土撥鼠有這個榮幸可以預測春天的來臨。
Nevertheless, every February 2, Phil's keepers _(7)_ him up from a deep winter's sleep. He is brought outside in front of thousands of people to look for his shadow and determine the weather for the next few weeks. If Phil sees his shadow, he will go back to sleep for another six weeks. If he doesn't, it means that spring is soon _(8)_.
不過，菲爾的飼養員每到 2 月 2 日就會把牠自冬眠中喚醒。牠會被帶到洞穴外，在數千人面前尋找自己的影子，好預測之後幾個星期的天氣。如果菲爾看得到自己的影子，就會回去再冬眠 6 個星期；要是牠看不到自己的影子，就代表春天的腳步近了。
This fun celebration has been performed for well over a century _(9)_ the fact that spring usually arrives around March 20. Punxsutawney Phil has been predicting the weather for more than 120 years, and in that time he has seen his shadow 97 times. In the end, it doesn't really _(10)_ whether Phil goes back to sleep or not. Everyone knows he or she will have to wait a few more weeks for spring to officially arrive. 儘管春天通常在 3 月 20 日左右來臨，但這項有趣的儀式已傳承了一個多世紀。龐斯塔維尼市的土撥鼠菲爾也預測天氣達 120 多年之久，其中牠有 97 次看見自己的影子。到頭來，菲爾有沒有睡回籠覺一點也不重要。每個人都知道自己得再等幾個星期，春天才會大駕光臨。 (A) matter (B) in spite of (C) immigrants (D) wake (E) look to (F) heralding (G) prediction (H) on its way (I) in which (J) dates back to
1. They look to Punxsutawney Phil to determine when the spring will be ushered in on Groundhog Day.
理由: a. 空格前有主詞 They（他們），空格後有受詞 Punxsutawney Phil，可知空格內應置入複數形的及物動詞或片語及物動詞。 b. 符合上述條件的選項有 (D) wake（喚醒）和 (E) look to（仰賴），但 wake 須與介副詞 up 並用，形成 wake up.../wake...up 之用法，故 (D) 不可選；look to 置入後符合語意，故選 (E)。 c. look to sb/sth (for...) 仰賴∕指望某人∕某事物（獲得……） 例: Whenever I'm in trouble, I know that I can always look to my sister for help. （每當我遇上麻煩，我知道我永遠都可以找我老姐幫忙。） 2. Every year, the people of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania gather to watch this famous groundhog make his prediction. 理由: a. 空格前有所有格 his（他的），可知空格內應置入名詞。 b. 選項中的名詞計有 (A) matter（事情）、(C) immigrants（移民）、(D) wake（緊隨而來的事），以及 (G) prediction（預報），然僅 prediction 置入後符合語意，表賓州龐斯塔維尼市的市民會聚在一起，觀看這知大名鼎鼎的土撥鼠『預測』春天的到來，可知應選 (G)。 c. prediction n. 預報，預言 3. Although the origins are unclear, the tradition dates back to 1887. 理由: a. 空格前有主詞 the tradition（這項傳統），空格後有表時間的名詞 1887（西元 1887 年），可知空格內應置入第三人稱單數形的及物動詞或片語及物動詞。 b. 選項中僅 (J) dates back to（回溯至……）符合上述，置入後亦符合語意，表這項傳統可以『追溯到』西元 1887 年，故選之。 c. date back to + 時間 追溯至……（時間） date back + 一段時間 追溯至……（一段時間）前 例: My grandmother's antique table dates back to the early 1800s. （我祖母的古董桌可追溯至 19 世紀初。） 例: Those invaluable paintings date back 500 years. （這些貴重的畫作可追溯至 500 年前。） 4. Groundhog Day comes from an ancient European story in which a sacred animal, such as a badger or a bear, was able to predict the weather. 理由: a. 空格前後均為句構完整的句子，可知空格內應置入連接詞以連接兩句，或置入關係副詞，引導形容詞子句，修飾空格前的先行詞 an ancient European story（一則古老的歐洲故事）。 b. 選項中的 in which 可等於關係副詞 where，符合用法，故選 (I)。 例: Roy miraculously survived the crash in which his car was flattened by a truck. （羅伊的車被卡車壓扁，但他本人卻奇蹟似地在撞車中逃過一劫。） 5. German immigrants known as the Pennsylvania Dutch brought the tradition to the United States. 理由: a. 空格前有形容詞 German（德國的），可知空格內應置入名詞。 b. 選項中的名詞有 (A) matter（事情）、(C) immigrants（移民），以及 (D) wake（緊隨而來的事），然僅 immigrants 置入後符合語意，表德國『移民』把這項傳統帶入美國，可知應選 (C)。 c. immigrant n.（移入的）移民 emigrant n.（移出的）移民 例: This area of town is mostly populated by immigrants from Africa. （鎮上這個地方居住的大多是非洲移民。） 6. However, no one there is really sure why a groundhog received the honor of heralding the arrival of spring. 理由: a. 空格前有介詞 of，空格後有名詞 the arrival of spring（春天的來臨），可知空格內應置入形容詞或現在分詞。 b. 符合上述的選項僅有 (F) heralding（預示……的來臨），置入後亦符合語意，表沒有人確切知道為什麼土撥鼠有這個榮幸來『預測』春天的來臨，故選之。 c. herald vt. 預告，預示……的來臨 例: Sirens heralded the approach of the ambulance. （警笛聲預示救護車在接近當中。） 7. Nevertheless, every February 2, Phil's keepers wake him up from a deep winter's sleep. 理由: a. 空格前有主詞 Phil's keepers（菲爾的飼養員），空格後有受詞 him（他）和介副詞 up，可知空格內應置入及物動詞。 b. 符合上述條件的選項僅有 (D) wake，置入後符合語意，亦與 up 形成下列固定用法； wake...up/wake up... 叫醒…… 例: My mother usually wakes me up at six o'clock every morning. （我媽媽通常早上 6 點叫我起床。） c. 根據上述，故選 (D)。 8. If he doesn't, it means that spring is soon on its way. 理由: a. 空格前主詞 spring（春天）、be 動詞 is 和 副詞 soon，可知空格內應置入形容詞、分詞、地方副詞或地方副詞片語作主詞補語。 b. 選項中僅 (H) on its way（正在路上）為地方副詞片語，置入後亦符合語意，表要是牠沒看到自己的影子，就代表春天的腳步近了，故選之。 c. be on its/the way 正在路上；即將到達 on one's way (to + 地方名詞) 某人正在（往某地的）路上 例: Experts say that economic recovery is on its way. （專家表示經濟即將復甦。） 例: While on our way to the bookstore, we ran into some old friends. （去書店的途中，我們和幾位老友不期而遇。） 9. This fun celebration has been performed for well over a century in spite of the fact that spring usually arrives around March 20. 理由: a. 空格前為一完整的句子，空格後有名詞詞組 the fact that spring usually arrives around March 20（春天通常在 3 月 20 日左右來臨這個事實），可知空格內應置入介詞或片語介詞，引導其後的名詞形成副詞片語，修飾空格前的句子。 b. 符合上述的選項僅有 (B) in spite of（儘管……），置入後符合語意及用法，故選之。 c. in spite of the fact + that 子句 儘管…… = despite the fact + that 子句 例: In spite of the fact that they always argue, they are still good friends. （儘管他們老是吵個不停，他們還是好朋友。） 10. In the end, it doesn't really matter whether Phil goes back to sleep or not. 理由: a. 空格前有作主詞的代名詞 it（代替其後 whether 引導的名詞子句）和助動詞 does，可知空格內應置入原形不及物動詞。 b. 選項中僅剩 (A) matter（有關係、要緊）為不及物動詞，置入後亦符合語意，表菲爾有沒有睡回籠覺一點也不『重要』，故選之。 c. matter vi. 有關係，要緊 It doesn't matter + if/whether/疑問詞引導的名詞子句 ……無關緊要 例: It doesn't matter what you wear as long as you come to the party. （你穿什麼都不要緊，只要人來參加派對就好。）
注意: 此處的 freezing 作副詞用，修飾形容詞 cold（冷的），freezing cold 表『冷得快要結凍似的』；也可以用 biting 來修飾 cold，biting cold 表『好像皮膚被咬感到刺痛般地冷』。freezing 及 biting 均為現在分詞作副詞，有 very（很）的意味，修飾其後的形容詞。其他常見的此類用法尚有：scorching/boiling hot（極熱的，熱得好像要燒焦似的）、hopping mad（氣瘋了，氣得好像要跳腳似的）等。 例: I don't want to go outside because it's freezing cold today. （我不想出去，因為今天外面超冷的。） 例: I don't think it's a good idea to play basketball outside on such a scorching hot day. （我覺得這麼大熱天在外面打籃球實在不是個好主意。） 2. determine vt. 決定；判定 例: Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing. （基因決定每樣生物的種種特徵。） 3. usher vt. 迎接；開創 & n. 領座員 usher in... 迎接……的到來；開創∕帶來…… 例: The creation of the Internet has ushered in a new era in communication. （網際網路的發明開創了通訊的新紀元。） 4. forecast vt. & n. 預測 三態為：forecast, forecast(ed), forecast(ed)。 例: The weatherman forecasted rain for tomorrow. （氣象播報員預報明天會下雨。） 5. predict vt. 預測 例: The famous designer predicts that mini- skirts will be back in style next year. （那位名設計師預測迷你裙明年將再度蔚為流行。） 6. nevertheless adv. 不過，然而 例: Your suggestion may not work; nevertheless, I'd like to thank you. （你的建議可能行不通，不過我還是要謝謝你。） 7. officially adv. 正式地 例: David and Judy have officially announced their engagement. （大衛和茱蒂正式宣佈了他們訂婚的消息。）
1. groundhog n. 土撥鼠
答案： 1. (E) 2. (G) 3. (J) 4. (I) 5. (C) 6. (F) 7. (D) 8. (H) 9. (B) 10. (A)2. mammal n. 哺乳動物 3. origin n. 起源 4. sacred a. 神聖的 5. badger n. 獾 6. keeper n. 飼養員 |
Island of the Dolls墨西哥鬼娃之島
 How would you feel if you came across an abandoned island with thousands of ragged1 dolls and doll parts nailed2 to trees everywhere? The Island of the Dolls is a strange place started by Don Julián Santana. This man lived all by himself without electricity and many of the conveniences of modern life. Even though Santana passed away in 2001, his family maintains the island with donations from curious people wanting to take pictures of the dolls.  如果您偶然發現一座荒廢小島，島上有上千隻破舊娃娃及娃娃的身體部位被人釘在各處的樹上，這時您會作何感覺？鬼娃之島這個詭異的地方是由唐‧朱力安‧桑塔那一手打造出來的。這名男子在此獨自隱居，還過著既沒電力也缺乏現代生活中許多便利設施的生活。雖然桑塔那於2001年去世，但他的家人仍透過想為這些娃娃拍照的好奇民眾所捐贈的金錢來維護島上的一切。 Many people thought Santana was a lunatic3, but his family tells a different story. They say that Santana believed the island was haunted by a little girl that drowned in one of the canals4 nearby. He told his relatives that her spirit was restless, so he fished dolls out of the canals and local trash bins and then nailed them up on trees all around the island. It was said that he did this to protect himself from evil as well as make the spirit of the young girl happy. Starting with only one doll, Santana soon transformed the Island of the Dolls into a doll-covered shrine5, not to mention a creepy tourist attraction.
許多人都覺得桑塔那是個瘋子，但是他的家人卻有一套不同的說法。他們說桑塔那相信一個在附近運河裡溺死的小女孩一直在這座島上陰魂不散。他跟他的親戚說女孩的靈魂無法安息，所以他會從運河中和當地的垃圾桶裡撈出娃娃，然後把它們釘在島上各處的樹上。據說他這麼做是為了要保護自己免受邪靈侵害，同時也能讓小女孩的靈魂得到寬慰。桑塔那從僅有一隻娃娃開始，不但很快就將整座鬼娃島變成一座佈滿娃娃的聖地，更別提還將這裡改造成一個令人毛骨悚然的觀光景點。
1. Why did Santana nail dolls up on a lot of trees around the island?
(A) To ask for donations from curious people wanting to take photos of the dolls. (B) To please the spirit of the girl that drowned in a nearby canal. (C) To keep himself from being disturbed by his relatives. (D) To create a world-famous haunted6 tourist attraction. 1. 桑塔那為何要將娃娃釘在島上各處的許多樹上？ (A) 要請想拍下娃娃照片的好奇民眾捐錢。 (B) 要取悅在附近一條運河裡溺死的小女孩的靈魂。 (C) 要讓自己免受親戚的打擾。 (D) 要打造一個舉世聞名的鬧鬼觀光勝地。 2. Which of the following is NOT true? (A) Santana believed the island was haunted by a girl's restless spirit. (B) Santana led an isolated life on the island. (C) The dolls were collected from the canals and trash bins. (D) The first doll belonged to the girl that drowned in the canal. 2. 下列何者為非？ (A) 桑塔那相信女孩無法安息的靈魂在島上久久不散。 (B) 桑塔那在島上過著與世隔絕的生活。 (C) 這些娃娃是從運河和垃圾桶裡收集來的。 (D) 第一隻娃娃是屬於在運河裡溺死的那個女孩的。 答案：1. (B) 2. (D)
1. maintain vt. 維持，維護
Jerry's 10-year-old scooter is well maintained and still runs like new. 傑瑞那台車齡十年的機車保養得很好，騎起來仍像新的一樣。 2. haunt vt.（鬼魂）經常出沒於；（某事）縈繞於心 Joseph was haunted by the memory of the terrible accident. 那場可怕的意外事故在喬瑟夫的腦海中揮散不去。 3. fish vt. 撈出；找出；掏出 Fred fished a piece of candy out of his pocket to give it to the crying girl. 弗雷從他的口袋裡掏出一顆糖果送給那個哭泣的女孩。 4. creepy a. 令人毛骨悚然的 The abandoned cabin was so creepy that no one dared to enter. 這間廢棄的小木屋令人感到毛骨悚然，因此沒人敢踏進一步。 5. disturb vt. 干擾，打擾 Don't disturb your father while he is working. 不要在你父親工作時去打擾他。 6. isolated a. 與外隔絕的；偏僻的 The isolated mountain village took days to reach. 要到達那座偏僻的山村得花上好幾天的時間。
We transformed our yard into a beautiful garden. 我們把家裡的院子變成了一座美麗的花園。 2. belong to... 屬於…… It is wrong to take things that don't belong to you. 拿走不屬於你的東西是不對的。
1. ragged a. 破舊的
2. nail vt. 釘 3. lunatic n. 瘋子 4. canal n. 運河 5. shrine n. 聖地；神壇 6. haunted a. 鬧鬼的
It was said that he did this to...
（據說他這麼做是為了要……） "It is said + that 子句"表『據說……』，本句的句型為"It is + 過去分詞 + that 子句"，其它常見的相同用法尚有： 1. It is rumored + that 子句 謠傳…… 2. It is reported + that 子句 據報導…… 3. It is believed + that 子句 一般相信…… 4. It is expected + that 子句 一般預料…… 5. It is estimated + that 子句 據估計…… 注意: 在"It is + 過去分詞 + that 子句"句構中，可將 that 子句中的主詞移至句首，形成"主詞 + be + 過去分詞 + to + 原形動詞"的句構。前後主詞時態不同時，to 之後則須接"have + 過去分詞"。 It is believed that eating vegetable helps reduce the risk of cancer. = Eating vegetable is believed to help reduce the risk of cancer. （一般相信，吃蔬菜有助於降低罹癌的風險。） |
The Year of the Rabbit兔年兔腳行大運
 by Timothy Laird Rabbits have meant many things to many people in many countries over the years. 長久以來，在許多國家中，兔子的象徵意義對許多人來說各不相同。 Rabbits do not just bring colored eggs to children. A common superstition surrounding the rabbit is that its foot can bring good luck and ward off evil. Wearing a rabbit's foot was common practice in the early days of English-speaking countries, especially for hunters or gamblers because they always relied on a bit of luck. Not any rabbit's foot would do, though. It had to be the left hind foot, and to activate the magic, they had to rub the foot several times.
兔子不只會帶彩繪的蛋給小孩。一個和兔子有關的普遍迷信是兔腳可以帶來好運並驅逐邪靈。早期在英語系國家裡，人們身上戴著兔腳是很常見的作法，尤其是對獵人或賭徒而言，因為他們總是需要一點好運。不過，不是任何一隻兔腳都可以。必須是左後腳才行，而且這個魔法要靈光，還得先摩擦兔腳幾下才行。
The correlation between a rabbit's foot and good fortune could possibly be derived from traditional folk magic practiced by African and Native Americans. The rabbit's foot was commonly used during their magic rituals, so by association, the totem was believed to have magical powers. Another theory was that the rabbit's foot acted as a lucky charm because the bone actually came from a witch instead of a rabbit. Witches were widely known to be powerful and could change into various animal forms, such as black cats and rabbits.
兔腳和好運的關聯可能來自於非裔美人和美國原住民的傳統民間魔法。他們的魔法儀式裡經常用到兔腳，由於這個關聯，這項圖騰因而被認為具有神奇的力量。另一個理論認為兔腳被用來當作幸運符，是因為兔腳的骨頭其實是女巫的，而不是兔子的。女巫是眾所皆知具有神奇力量的人，而且她們能化身為黑貓和兔子等各種動物的樣貌。
In the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is the year of the rabbit. Like its Western counterpart, the rabbit in China and the surrounding Asian nations has quite a positive image. People born under the sign of the rabbit are usually thought to be good-natured and extremely easy to get along with. They are also considered team players and reliable in getting their tasks done on time. Despite the trouble they may cause farmers, rabbits have become symbolic of fortune while also warming people's hearts as cute pets. 在中國的 12 生肖裡，2011 年是兔年。和西方的兔子一樣，兔子在中國和鄰近亞洲國家中也有著相當正面的形象。在兔年出生的人通常被認為脾氣很好，而且非常容易相處。他們也被視為是具有團隊精神、可以準時將分內工作完成的可靠人物。儘管兔子可能會給農夫帶來麻煩，但牠們已經成為好運的象徵，同時也是可以溫暖人心的可愛寵物。 1. What is the first paragraph of Day 1 about? (A) Rabbits are present in folklore from many countries. (B) Rabbits are pests despised by people worldwide. (C) The Moon Rabbit is unique to Chinese culture. (D) It's very fashionable to keep a rabbit as a pet. 1. 第一天文章的第一段主旨為何？ (A) 許多國家的民間故事裡都有兔子。 (B) 全世界的人都討厭兔子這種有害的動物。（只有對園丁和農夫而言，因為牠們會吃作物） (C) 玉兔是中華文化獨有的。（中國與日本都有不同版本關於玉兔的故事） (D) 養兔子當寵物是很新潮的事。 題解: 根據 2 月 4 日文章第一段，兔子普遍存在於我們的文化裡，而且在中外歷史上都佔有一席之地。在中國和日本的民間傳說中都有不同版本的玉兔故事。在西方，復活節兔子和春天的關係已有數百年之久，由此可知，(A) 應為正選。 2. What is the link between rabbits and Easter? (A) Rabbit stew is always served on Easter Sunday. (B) All Christians love hunting for rabbits. (C) Rabbits reproduce during the spring, when Easter is celebrated. (D) Rabbits are linked to Santa Claus. 2. 兔子和復活節的關聯為何？ (A) 復活節的那個星期天總是會有燉兔肉這道菜。 (B) 所有的基督徒都喜歡獵兔子。 (C) 兔子在春天繁殖，剛好是復活節的時候。 (D) 兔子和聖誕老公公有關。 題解: 根據 2 月 4 日文章第三段，兔子和復活節扯上關係和復活節慶祝耶穌基督復活有關，由於兔子在初春時會生下很多小兔子，牠們便成了繁殖力的象徵，故選 (C)。 3. Why would someone want a rabbit's foot? (A) It's the tastiest part of the animal. (B) It can bring a bit of good fortune. (C) To increase one's skill when doing magic tricks. (D) It brings the wearer protection from black cats. 3. 為什麼有人會想要兔腳？ (A) 它是兔子身上最好吃的部分。 (B) 它可以帶來一點好運。 (C) 為了在變魔術時增進技巧。 (D) 戴著它可以防止黑貓攻擊。 題解: 根據 2 月 5 日文章第一段，早期在英語系國家裡，人們身上戴著兔腳是很常見的作法，尤其是對獵人或賭徒而言，因為他們總是需要一點好運，可知應選 (B)。 4. People born in the year of the rabbit are _____. (A) devoted to helping the environment (B) selfish and arrogant (C) always behind schedule (D) easy-going and sociable 4. 在兔年出生的人 _____。 (A) 致力於保護環境 (B) 自私且自大 (C) 總是進度落後 (D) 很隨和而且合群 題解: 根據 2 月 5 日文章第三段，在兔年出生的人通常被認為脾氣很好，而且非常容易相處。他們也被視為是具有團隊精神、可以準時將分內工作完成的可靠人物，由此可知，(D) 應為正選。
1. hind a. 後面的
2. rub vt. 摩擦 3. ritual n. 儀式 4. association n. 聯想 5. totem n. 圖騰 6. lucky charm n. 幸運符 7. witch n. 女巫，巫婆 8. zodiac n. 黃道帶；十二生肖∕星座 9. good-natured a. 和藹的，和善的 10. fashionable a. 流行的 11. stew n. 燉肉 12. reproduce vi. 繁殖 13. fortune n. 好運，幸運 14. arrogant a. 傲慢的 15. easy-going a. 隨和的 16. sociable a. 合群的；善交際的
The rabbit's foot was commonly used during their magic rituals, so by association, the totem was believed to have magical powers.
= ... so by association, it was believed that the totem had magical powers. It seems/appears + that 子句 似乎…… It is believed + that 子句 一般相信…… 注意: 在上述句構中，that 子句中的主詞可往前移位置於句首，而因時態不同有下列變化： a. that 子句的動詞時態與 seems, appears, is believed 相同時，to 之後接原形動詞。 主詞 + seem(s)/appear(s) to + 原形動詞 ＊ seem 之後的句構若為 "to be + N/adj." 時，to be 可予以省略。 主詞 + is/are believed + to + 原形動詞 例: It seems that Alan is kind, but he is actually rather mean. → Alan seems (to be) kind, but he is actually rather mean. （艾倫看起來似乎人很好，實際上卻很壞。） 例: It is believed that a monster lives in the lake. → A monster is believed to live in the lake. （據信湖裡住著一隻怪物。） b. that 子句的動詞時態與 seems, appears, is believed 不同時，to 之後接『have + 過去分詞』。 主詞 + seem(s)/appear(s) to + have + 過去分詞 主詞+ is/are believed + to have + 過去分詞 例: It seems that we have overestimated the difficulty of the project. → We seem to have overestimated the difficulty of the project. （我們似乎高估了這項專案的困難度。） 例: It is believed that Sherry came into a large inheritance. → Sherry is believed to have come into a large inheritance. （大家都認為雪莉繼承了一大筆遺產。）
1. superstition n. 迷信
superstitious a. 迷信的 例: The superstition states that if you break a mirror, you'll have seven years of bad luck. （有個迷信說如果打破鏡子，就會倒霉 7 年。） 例: Many Westerners are superstitious about Friday the thirteenth. （許多西方人對 13 號星期五這個日子相當迷信。） 2. ward off.../ward...off 避開……，驅逐…… 例: In the movie, the woman wore a garlic necklace to ward off the vampires. （電影中，那個女人戴著大蒜項鍊來驅趕吸血鬼。） 3. rely on... 依賴……；依靠…… 例: Sam has to rely on notes a lot because he is rather forgetful. （山姆必須常依賴筆記，因為他相當健忘。） 4. activate vt. 啟動；使活動 例: Jack activated the security system before he left the office. （傑克離開辦公室前啟動了保全系統。） 5. correlation n. 相互關係，相關性 例: A survey shows that there's a correlation between money and happiness. （一項調查研究顯示，金錢跟快樂之間有相關性。） 6. be derived from... 源自於…… 例: Many English words have been derived from Latin ones. （許多英文字都源自拉丁文。） 7. act as... 作為……；充當…… = serve as... 例: An umbrella can act as a cane when you go hiking in the mountains. （當你到山上健行時，傘可以充當柺杖使用。） 8. change into... 轉變為…… = turn into... 例: The small caterpillar changed into a colorful butterfly. （這隻小毛毛蟲變成了色彩鮮豔的蝴蝶。） 9. counterpart n. 相對應的人、事、物 例: Our CEO will discuss the contract with his Japanese counterpart tomorrow. （我們執行長明天將與日方的執行長討論合約事宜。） 10. get along with... 和……相處（融洽） 例: A person with a high EQ tends to get along with other people well. （情緒商數高的人通常能跟人處得很好。） 11. reliable a. 可靠的，可信賴的 例: Mark's stability makes him a very reliable friend. （馬克穩重的個性使他成為非常值得信賴的朋友。） 12. on time 準時 例: Thanks to Albert's help, I was able to finish the work on time. （多虧艾伯特的幫助，我能準時把工作做完。） 13. despise vt. 鄙視 = look down on/upon... 例: Tim despises everyone around him because he is a snob. （提姆因為自負傲慢，所以瞧不起周圍的人。） 14. be unique to... 為……所特有 例: Kiwis are unique to New Zealand and can't be found anywhere else in the world. （鷸鴕為紐西蘭所特有，其他地方都找不到。） 15. be devoted to + N/V-ing 獻身於∕致力於…… = be dedicated to + N/V-ing 例: We are all devoted to making this program work for the benefit of the children. （為了兒童福利，我們都致力推動這項計劃。） 16. behind schedule 進度落後 on schedule 按照進度；按時 ahead of schedule 進度超前 例: The plane took off and landed on schedule. （該班機準時起飛及降落。） 例: I plan to finish this project ahead of schedule so I'll have some time to relax. （我計劃提早完成這項專案，才有時間放鬆一下。） |
| 難句分析 |
＊ Not any rabbit's foot would do, though.
= Not any rabbit's foot would work, though.
（不過，不是任何一隻兔腳都可以。）
答案：1. (A) 2. (C) 3. (B) 4. (D)
= Not any rabbit's foot would work, though.
（不過，不是任何一隻兔腳都可以。）
答案：1. (A) 2. (C) 3. (B) 4. (D)
Self-reliance
As American settlers moved west in the early and mid-19th century, they had to learn to depend on themselves. They didn't have all the comforts of their homes back East. These brave pioneers had to build their own houses, invent new farm tools and make clothes and household items out of the resources available. As a result, Americans developed a “can-do” spirit and an optimism about their ability to handle any challenge. They would jokingly say that a difficult problem can be solved immediately; an impossible one may take a little longer.
十九世紀初期與中期，當定居美國
東部的居民往西部遷移時，他們必須學
會凡事倚靠自己。他們無法再享有跟東
部家中同樣的舒適，這些勇敢的拓荒者
必須自己蓋房子、發明新的農具、並且
利用手邊有限的物資來做衣服和家庭用
品。因此，美國人便養成了一種「做得
到」的精神和樂觀的態度——相信他們
有能力處理任何的挑戰。他們開玩笑地
說，難題可以立即獲得解決，而不可能
的難題只是需要花多一點時間而已。
The American writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed the American pioneer spirit in his 1841 essay, “Self-Reliance.” In this essay, Emerson stated that people should be independent, not conforming to the opinions of others. Emerson believed that each person should be content and at peace within himself. This philosophy of self-reliance and individualism shaped the thinking of many Americans.
美國有一位作家與哲學家愛默生，
在一八四一年所寫一篇題為「獨立自主」
的散文中，表達了這種美國的拓荒精
神。愛默生在這篇文章裡說，人都應該
獨立自主，不要去附和別人的意見，愛
默生認為每個人心中都應該感到滿足而
平安。這種獨立與個人主義的哲學影響
了很多美國人的想法。
America's philosophy of self-reliance has produced a nation of do-it-yourselfers.
Americans have long been proud of their ability to invent, build and fix things for themselves. For example, it's almost part of the “macho male” image for men to work on their own cars or build things with wood. Auto parts stores and home improvement centers offer them everything they need to do the job right.
美國這種獨立自主的哲學造就了一
個「自己動手做」的國家。美國人一向
對他們能夠發明、建造和修理東西的能
力感到自豪。舉例來說，能幹的男子漢
形象包括了男人自己動手修車或做木
工，汽車零件商店與家事工具店裡提供
了他們所需要的各種工具，以便幫助他
們把工作做好。
Most bookstores in America include do-it-yourself books on topics ranging from repairing
washing machines to planting a garden. Of course, not all Americans are handymen;
some are all thumbs. But Americans like to believe they can do many things on their own.
美國大多數的書店都有
「自己動手做」的書籍，內容五花八門，
從修理洗衣機到闢一個花園應有盡有。
當然，並不是所有的美國人都能自己動
手做，有些人還是笨手笨腳的。不過，
美國人喜歡相信，他們可以自己動手做
很多的事。
Even though Americans often try to “pull themselves up by their own bootstraps,” they still need to depend on others. The early pioneers traveled together in wagon trains and settled in communities to support each other. And many Americans realize that they have to rely on God, too. But to Americans, even God expects people to be self-reliant. A famous quote by Benjamin Franklin expresses this idea well: “God helps those who help themselves.”
雖然美國人經常試著要靠自己的力
量打拼，他們有時候還是需要倚靠別
人。早期的拓荒者隨著篷車隊一同旅
行，在社區內定居下來互相扶助。很多
美國人知道，他們也必須仰賴上帝。不
過，美國人認為，即使上帝也是希望人
可以獨立自主。富蘭克林有一句名言，
把這種想法表達得淋漓盡致：「天助自
助者。」
Even though Americans often try to “pull themselves up by their own bootstraps,” they still need to depend on others. The early pioneers traveled together in wagon trains and settled in communities to support each other. And many Americans realize that they have to rely on God, too. But to Americans, even God expects people to be self-reliant. A famous quote by Benjamin Franklin expresses this idea well: “God helps those who help themselves.”
雖然美國人經常試著要靠自己的力
量打拼，他們有時候還是需要倚靠別
人。早期的拓荒者隨著篷車隊一同旅
行，在社區內定居下來互相扶助。很多
美國人知道，他們也必須仰賴上帝。不
過，美國人認為，即使上帝也是希望人
可以獨立自主。富蘭克林有一句名言，
把這種想法表達得淋漓盡致：「天助自
助者。」
?Word Bankoptimism (n) 樂觀（主義）
conform (v) 使一致；遵從
individualism (n) 個人主義
macho male (adj phr) 像能幹的男子漢般的
handyman (n) 很會動手做東西的人
all thumbs (adj phr) 笨手笨腳的
pull oneself up by one's own bootstraps (n phr) 獨立奮鬥成功
pull oneself up by one's own bootstraps (n phr) 獨立奮鬥成功
Apps for Mac and a brand new operating system ... What else does the tech giant have in store?
除了麥金塔應用程式，還有全新作業系統??科技鉅子蘋果公司還有沒有其他法寶？
十九世紀初期與中期，當定居美國
東部的居民往西部遷移時，他們必須學
會凡事倚靠自己。他們無法再享有跟東
部家中同樣的舒適，這些勇敢的拓荒者
必須自己蓋房子、發明新的農具、並且
利用手邊有限的物資來做衣服和家庭用
品。因此，美國人便養成了一種「做得
到」的精神和樂觀的態度——相信他們
有能力處理任何的挑戰。他們開玩笑地
說，難題可以立即獲得解決，而不可能
的難題只是需要花多一點時間而已。
The American writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed the American pioneer spirit in his 1841 essay, “Self-Reliance.” In this essay, Emerson stated that people should be independent, not conforming to the opinions of others. Emerson believed that each person should be content and at peace within himself. This philosophy of self-reliance and individualism shaped the thinking of many Americans.
美國有一位作家與哲學家愛默生，
在一八四一年所寫一篇題為「獨立自主」
的散文中，表達了這種美國的拓荒精
神。愛默生在這篇文章裡說，人都應該
獨立自主，不要去附和別人的意見，愛
默生認為每個人心中都應該感到滿足而
平安。這種獨立與個人主義的哲學影響
了很多美國人的想法。
America's philosophy of self-reliance has produced a nation of do-it-yourselfers.
Americans have long been proud of their ability to invent, build and fix things for themselves. For example, it's almost part of the “macho male” image for men to work on their own cars or build things with wood. Auto parts stores and home improvement centers offer them everything they need to do the job right.
美國這種獨立自主的哲學造就了一
個「自己動手做」的國家。美國人一向
對他們能夠發明、建造和修理東西的能
力感到自豪。舉例來說，能幹的男子漢
形象包括了男人自己動手修車或做木
工，汽車零件商店與家事工具店裡提供
了他們所需要的各種工具，以便幫助他
們把工作做好。
Most bookstores in America include do-it-yourself books on topics ranging from repairing
washing machines to planting a garden. Of course, not all Americans are handymen;
some are all thumbs. But Americans like to believe they can do many things on their own.
美國大多數的書店都有
「自己動手做」的書籍，內容五花八門，
從修理洗衣機到闢一個花園應有盡有。
當然，並不是所有的美國人都能自己動
手做，有些人還是笨手笨腳的。不過，
美國人喜歡相信，他們可以自己動手做
很多的事。
Even though Americans often try to “pull themselves up by their own bootstraps,” they still need to depend on others. The early pioneers traveled together in wagon trains and settled in communities to support each other. And many Americans realize that they have to rely on God, too. But to Americans, even God expects people to be self-reliant. A famous quote by Benjamin Franklin expresses this idea well: “God helps those who help themselves.”
雖然美國人經常試著要靠自己的力
量打拼，他們有時候還是需要倚靠別
人。早期的拓荒者隨著篷車隊一同旅
行，在社區內定居下來互相扶助。很多
美國人知道，他們也必須仰賴上帝。不
過，美國人認為，即使上帝也是希望人
可以獨立自主。富蘭克林有一句名言，
把這種想法表達得淋漓盡致：「天助自
助者。」
Even though Americans often try to “pull themselves up by their own bootstraps,” they still need to depend on others. The early pioneers traveled together in wagon trains and settled in communities to support each other. And many Americans realize that they have to rely on God, too. But to Americans, even God expects people to be self-reliant. A famous quote by Benjamin Franklin expresses this idea well: “God helps those who help themselves.”
雖然美國人經常試著要靠自己的力
量打拼，他們有時候還是需要倚靠別
人。早期的拓荒者隨著篷車隊一同旅
行，在社區內定居下來互相扶助。很多
美國人知道，他們也必須仰賴上帝。不
過，美國人認為，即使上帝也是希望人
可以獨立自主。富蘭克林有一句名言，
把這種想法表達得淋漓盡致：「天助自
助者。」
?Word Bankoptimism (n) 樂觀（主義）
conform (v) 使一致；遵從
individualism (n) 個人主義
macho male (adj phr) 像能幹的男子漢般的
handyman (n) 很會動手做東西的人
all thumbs (adj phr) 笨手笨腳的
pull oneself up by one's own bootstraps (n phr) 獨立奮鬥成功
pull oneself up by one's own bootstraps (n phr) 獨立奮鬥成功
| The Day's Phrase |
除了麥金塔應用程式，還有全新作業系統??科技鉅子蘋果公司還有沒有其他法寶？
I thought we made a square deal. It is a good business decision.
我認為我們的交易很公道。這項決定是筆不錯的生意。
People who own a Rolls Royce own a status symbol--everyone knows that they are very rich.
擁有勞斯萊斯的人也擁有某種地位的表徵──每個人都知道他們很有錢。
我認為我們的交易很公道。這項決定是筆不錯的生意。
People who own a Rolls Royce own a status symbol--everyone knows that they are very rich.
擁有勞斯萊斯的人也擁有某種地位的表徵──每個人都知道他們很有錢。
Discover innovative ideas in small towns that are slowly but surely making a difference
一探小鎮的創新點子，正逐步穩紮穩打地改變現況
The star from V TV stole the show. She was wonderful.那個V電視台的明星搶盡鋒頭。她表演得真棒。
一探小鎮的創新點子，正逐步穩紮穩打地改變現況
The star from V TV stole the show. She was wonderful.那個V電視台的明星搶盡鋒頭。她表演得真棒。
A small people group in India is more unique than we realized
印度一小群人口遠比人們所想像的還更獨特
印度一小群人口遠比人們所想像的還更獨特
He always looks forward to this day each year. It's a red-letter day.
他一向很期待每年的這一天。今天是個節日啊。
他一向很期待每年的這一天。今天是個節日啊。
Diamonds save the world, water is found on the moon, and teamwork facilitates surgery
一探為何鑽石能拯救世界、月球上有水，以及團隊合作如何有助於外科手術
"This box of candy is for you, Tina. Sweets for the sweet. Happy Valentine's Day!" James said.
「這盒糖果是給妳的，蒂娜。甜蜜的東西送給甜蜜的人。情人節快樂！」詹姆斯說。
一探為何鑽石能拯救世界、月球上有水，以及團隊合作如何有助於外科手術
"This box of candy is for you, Tina. Sweets for the sweet. Happy Valentine's Day!" James said.
「這盒糖果是給妳的，蒂娜。甜蜜的東西送給甜蜜的人。情人節快樂！」詹姆斯說。
My boyfriend and I are going to paint the town red tonight. He has made a lot of fun plans for us.
我的男朋友和我今晚要狂歡一番。他已經替我們計劃了很多好玩的事
我的男朋友和我今晚要狂歡一番。他已經替我們計劃了很多好玩的事
Hotline to Help關鍵熱線，即刻救援
 With lots of recent teen suicides1 in the US, it is hard not to wonder if something could have been done to prevent them. Where can a person turn for help if they have an emotional crisis or have reached the breaking point2? The answer lies in hotlines3. These are special phone numbers that people can call if they need emergency counseling4 immediately. Most are available 24 hours a day and have trained volunteers and professional counselors.
The first crisis hotlines were created to help individuals thinking about committing suicide. An English priest named Chad Varah realized the need to reach out after he attended a funeral for a 14-year-old girl. She killed herself because she feared that she had gotten a sexually transmitted disease when she experienced her first period5. That had changed Varah's life, and in 1953, he founded The Samaritans6 to help those that had nowhere else to turn. The service caught on and spread throughout the UK, into the US, and even to Australia and Tasmania. 史上第一組緊急專線是設立來幫助有自殺念頭的人。一位名叫查德‧瓦拉的英國牧師在參加完某位十四歲少女的喪禮後，瞭解到適時伸出援手的必要性。這名少女在第一次月經來潮時，因為害怕自己得了性病而自殺。這件事改變了瓦拉的一生，於是在1953年，他創立了撒瑪利亞會以幫助那些求助無門的人們。後來這個機構的服務十分受歡迎，還進而擴展至英國、美國，甚至澳洲和澳洲的塔斯馬尼亞島。 By the mid-1970s, suicide hotlines existed in most major cities in the US. Now, many of them have expanded their services to help people with all kinds of emotional crises. There are hotlines for runaway children, victims of domestic violence, and people dealing with gender identity issues. The good thing is that these crisis hotlines have toll-free7 numbers, which means callers can get the help they need for free. 到了1970年代中期，自殺防治專線（編按：現今亦稱生命線）在美國各大主要城市都有設立。如今，這些專線所提供的服務有許多都已經擴大到協助有各種情緒危機的人們。這些專線的服務對象包括逃家的孩童、家暴受害者，以及面臨性別認同問題的人。有一項優點是這些緊急專線都有免付費號碼，意思就是撥打者可以不花任何費用就能得到他們所需要的服務。
1. emotional a. 情緒（上）的，情感（上）的
My best friend provided emotional support at a very distressing time for me. 我最好的朋友在我非常低潮的時候給予我情感上的支持。 2. emergency n. 緊急情況（本文中作形容詞用） I got a call about an emergency at home, so I had to leave in the middle of the meeting. 我接到一通從家裡打來的緊急電話，所以我必須中途離開會議。 3. transmit vt. 傳播；傳送（本文中以過去分詞作形容詞用） The French Open will be transmitted live via satellite. 法國網球公開賽會透過衛星實況轉播。 4. runaway a. 逃跑的；失控的（僅用於名詞前） The cowboy caught the runaway horse with a rope. 那個牛仔用套索套住了那匹失控的脫韁野馬。 5. domestic a. 涉及家庭的 In comparison to the past, there is more sharing of domestic responsibilities nowadays. 與過去相比，如今家中的責任會更平均地分攤。
1. lie in... 在於∕存在於……
Children's future development lies in good education. 孩童未來的發展在於良好的教育。 2. reach out (to...) （對……）伸出援手 Local social workers try to reach out to foreign spouses. 本地社工們試著對外籍配偶伸出援手。 3. catch on 受到歡迎；蔚為流行 It didn't take very long for the latest fashion trend to catch on. 這個最新的時尚潮流沒多久就蔚為一股風潮。
1. suicide n. 自殺（本文中亦作形容詞用）
2. breaking point n.（壓力爆發的）臨界點 3. hotline n. 專線電話，熱線 4. counseling n.（專業）輔導，諮詢 counselor n. 輔導人員，顧問 5. period n. 月經（期） 6. Samaritan n. 助人為樂者（更常寫為 a good Samaritan） 7. toll-free a. 免付費的
The answer lies in hotlines.
（答案就是緊急專線。） 對於求助無門或徬徨在人生十字路口的人們來說，緊急專線可說是一項很重要的救命資源，因為也許藉由幾個按鍵，一通電話便能挽回一條生命。有鑑於此，以下列舉在台灣可撥打的幾條專線。 1. 1995 生命線（自殺防治專線） 2. 0800-788995 衛生署安心專線（自殺防治） 3. 113 衛生署全國婦幼保護專線 4. 0800-088885 內政部外籍配偶諮詢專線 5. 02-23921970 台灣同志諮詢熱線 6. 165 警政署反詐騙專線 ...he founded The Samaritans... （……他創立了撒瑪利亞會……） Samaritan 一字的典故是源自聖經路加福音中的寓言故事『好心的撒瑪利亞人』。寓言中，一個猶太人遭強盜打劫，受了重傷躺在路邊。一位祭司和一名利未人路過時竟不聞不問，惟有一個撒馬利亞人經過時，不顧種族隔閡，心懷慈悲地照顧他，並在離開時出錢讓猶太人住進旅店。因此，這個字成了西方基督教文化中一個很著名的用語，意為『助人為樂者』。 |
I suggest今晚吃火鍋！
| 技術挑戰指數：★★★★ 開會的時候，你是否經常不發一語？主管拋出問題，要大家一起腦力激盪尋求解決之道，但是你左思右想就是腦袋空空，或是害怕講錯話被大家嘲笑，只好沉默不語。上禮拜才裝肚子痛，昨天又裝喉嚨痛，一直裝傻下去也不是辦法啊！勇敢一點，說出自己的意見，放膽的說 I suggest ...，相信總有一天你的建議會被採納的。 來聽老美怎麼說？ex：I suggest you that you consider the ideas I have presented. I think you will see they make sense. 我建議各位考慮我所提出的想法。我想你們會明白這些想法的確有道理。 ex：I hope you will accept the three core ideas and remember them as you begin your new project. 我希望各位接受這三個主要的概念，並且在各位展開新專案時將這些想法謹記在心。 ex：I encourage you to remember these four ideas so that you can do a better jobselling the new line of products. 我鼓勵各位將這四個概念記牢，這樣各位在銷售這一系列新產品時會有更好的表現。 ex： I challenge you to improve your management skills using the ideas I have presented here. 我激勵各位以我在此介紹的點子改善你們的管理技巧。 情境小撇步 ．suggest 的用法： 1. 主詞 ┼ suggest that ┼ 主詞 ┼ 原型動詞： I suggest Sandy study hard. (我建議珊蒂用功讀 書。)雖然Sandy為第三人稱單數，但在這個句型中，後面的動詞不能為 studies，必須使用原 型動詞。 2. suggest ┼ 動名詞：I suggest buying a new TV. (我建議買一台新的電視機。) I suggest trying these. (我建議嘗試看看這些。) |
If you幫我，I will請你吃大餐
| 技術挑戰指數：★★★ 早上一進辦公室，椅子都還沒坐熱，就被老闆叫進辦公室，啪！老闆一臉嚴肅的把你昨天拼命趕完的工作報告丟到桌上，想都不用想一定是要你重做了。偏偏昨晚又跟朋友熬夜唱歌，精神不濟不知如何是好，這時只好向你的同事討救兵。為了表示你的感激之意，你可以對他說 If you help me, I will buy you dinner. (如果我的忙，我就請你吃晚餐。) 來聽老美怎麼說？ex：If you reduce the price by five percent, I will increase our order to 750 units. （如果你降低價格百分之五，我會增加我們的訂貨量到七百五十套。） ex：I will customize your order, if you order more than 3,000 pieces. （如果您的訂貨量超過三千個，我會依您個別的要求特別製作。） ex：If you would customize the product for us, I could accept the deal. （如果你們願為我們特別製作產品，我們可以接受這筆交易。 ex：I can offer a significant discount, if you sign a long-term contract. （如果你簽訂長期合約的話，我可以提供很大的折扣。） 俚語小解析．If的句型是一種假設語氣，主要有以下兩種說法： 1. If ..., 未來式 If you study, you will pass the exam. (如果你有唸書，就可以通過考試。) 2. If ..., 情態動詞+ v. If you get up early, you will not be late. (如果你早起，就不會遲到。) |
Fortune Telling and Soda Selling
 by Matthew Brown Japan has been ahead of the rest of the world in vending machine technology for years. 無所不能，無所不賣的日本販賣機 多年來，日本製造販賣機的科技早已領先群倫。 "They are so convenient, I wish I had one in my room," says an 18-year-old in Tokyo. _(1)_ Vending machines are hugely popular in Japan, with about one for every 50 people and 2.5 million units for drinks alone. _(2)_
東京一名 18 歲少女說：『它們這麼方便，我真希望自己房裡也有一台。』她說的是販賣機，而且有這種想法的不只她一人。販賣機在日本非常普及，約每 50 人可以分配到一台，而且光是專賣飲料的販賣機就有 250 萬台。這個數據甚至不包括販售其他像是香菸、玩具、鮮花、冷凍香蕉、熟食，以及任何你想得到的物品的販賣機。
With so many variations, companies really have to be imaginative to make their vending machines stand out. Showing that they care, Coca-Cola made some that give out free drinks in case of an earthquake. _(3)_
有這麼多販賣機種類，販賣機公司勢必得發揮想像力，才能讓自家的機器脫穎而出。可口可樂公司為了表示關心大眾，特別推出一些販賣機，會在發生地震時免費供應飲料。另外還有一款內建麥克風的特別機種，幫助科學家在一座偏遠村落裡錄下稀有鳥類的叫聲。
The newest development in vending machine technology comes from a machine at a train station in Tokyo. It has a camera and software that figures out a shopper's age and sex. _(4)_ For example, one shopper reported that the vending machine offered her three different choices, with one being her favorite. She also said that it would come in handy when she couldn't make a decision. According to the company that operates the machine, consumers' pictures are deleted immediately, but general information about who is buying from the machine is gathered and used by the company. _(5)_ With this kind of technology, it seems anything is possible with vending machines. 目前擁有最新科技的一款販賣機則位於東京火車站內。這台販賣機配備有攝影機和軟體，能辨別消費者的年齡和性別。利用這些資訊，機器能猜出消費者想買什麼東西，就彷彿能看出他們心裡在想什麼似的。舉例來說，一位消費者說這台販賣機提供她 3 個選購建議，其中一個恰好是她最喜歡的。她還說當自己無法決定要買什麼時，這項服務就非常好用。根據經營該販賣機的公司表示，消費者的照片會被立即刪除，但是關於是誰在這台販賣機買東西的一般性資料則會被收集起來，供該公司使用。然而，消費者對這點似乎不以為意，因為他們覺得這台新奇的機器非常有意思。有了這種科技，販賣機簡直無所不能。
(A) That figure doesn't even include the ones that sell other products like cigarettes, toys, flowers, cold bananas, cooked meals, and just about anything else you can think of.
(B) With that information, the machine guesses what the shopper wants to buy almost as though it were trying to read his or her mind.
(C) Then there is an unusual model with a microphone inside to help scientists record the sounds of rare birds in a small remote village. (D) However, this doesn't seem to bother customers because they are so excited about the strange new machine. (E) She's talking about vending machines, and she's not the only one.
1. 第一題空格應選 (E)
理由: a. 空格前一句提到，東京一名 18 歲（an 18-year-old）的少女說：『它們（They）這麼方便，我真希望自己房裡也有一台。』 b. 選項 (E) 的句子提到，她（She）說的是販賣機（vending machines），而且有這種想法的不只她一人，這裡的 She 和 vending machines 就是指上一句的 an 18-year-old 和 They，且前後語意連貫，故選之。 大補丸: vending machine n. 自動販賣機 2. 第二題空格應選 (A) 理由: a. 空格前一句中提到，日本光是專賣飲料的販賣機就有 250 萬台（2.5 million units）。 b. 選項 (A) 的句子提到，這個數據（The figure）甚至不包括販售其他像是香菸、玩具、鮮花……物品的販賣機，其中 The figure 指的就是上一句的 2.5 million units，且前後語意連貫，故選之。 大補丸: a. figure n. 數字 b. include vt. 包括 例: A diet that includes a variety of foods is the healthiest one to have. （包含各種食物的飲食是最健康的。） 3. 第三題空格應選 (C) 理由: a. 空格前兩句提到，販賣機公司得發揮想像力，才能讓自家的機器脫穎而出。而可口可樂公司為了表示關心大眾，特別推出一些販賣機，會在發生地震時免費供應飲料。 b. (C) 選項的句子則接著說，另外還有一款內建麥克風的特別機種，幫助科學家在一座偏遠村落裡錄下稀有鳥類的叫聲，是販賣機公司發揮想像力的另一個實例，延續上一句，繼續舉例別出心裁的販賣機，故選之。 大補丸: a. model n. 型號，樣式 b. microphone n. 麥克風 c. rare a. 罕見的 d. remote a. 偏僻的 4. 第四題空格應選 (B) 理由: a. 空格前兩句提到，東京有一台最新科技的販賣機配備有攝影機和軟體，能辨別消費者的年齡和性別（a shopper's age and sex）。 b. 選項 (B) 的句子接著說，利用這些資訊（that information），機器能猜出消費者（the shopper）想買什麼東西，就彿能猜出他們心裡在想什麼似的，其中 that information 指的就是上一句的 age and sex，且皆有關鍵字 shopper，兩句語意連貫，故選之。 大補丸: read one's mind 看出∕看透某人的心思 例: You have to tell me when something is wrong because I can't read your mind. （有事不對勁時你得告訴我，因為我沒辦法看出你的心思。） 5. 第五題空格應選 (D) 理由: a. 空格前一句說，經營該販賣機的公司表示，消費者的照片會被立即刪除，但是一般性的資料則會被收集起來，供該公司使用。 b. (D) 選項的句子則接著說，然而消費者對這一點（this）似乎不以為意，因為他們覺得這台新奇的機器非常有意思。選項中的 this 乃指前一句中所提到的，他們的資料被該公司收集、使用這件事，前後語意連貫，故選之。 大補丸: a. bother vt. 困擾，煩擾 例: What bothers me most about the manager is that he loses his temper over the smallest matters. （我最受不了我們經理的地方是他會因為很小的瑣事而發脾氣。） b. be excited about... 對……感到興奮 例: My brother and I were excited about getting a new puppy. （我和我弟弟因為收到新的小狗而興奮不已。） |
| 精解字詞片語 |
1. imaginative a. 富於想像力的
imaginary a. 想像中的
imaginable a. 想像得到的（常與最高級並用）
例: Dean Koontz is an imaginative writer of horror stories.
（狄恩‧昆斯是個富有想像力的恐怖小說作家。）
例: Luke's imaginary friend Bob disappeared when he grew up.
（路克長大後，他幻想出來的朋友鮑伯就消失了。）
例: For me, the most terrifying creatures imaginable are crying babies.
（對我來說，最可怕的生物莫過於哭個不停的嬰兒。）
2. stand out 脫穎而出，引人注目
例: The red dress you're wearing will definitely stand out at the party.
（妳身上穿的紅色洋裝絕對會在派對上引人注目。）
3. give out... 分發……
例: Sarah helps by giving out food to people at the homeless shelter.
（莎拉去遊民之家幫忙分發食物給他們。）
4. in case of... 萬一∕以防∕倘若……
例: In case of a fire, calmly walk to the emergency exits.
（萬一發生火災，要冷靜地往緊急逃生門移動。）
5. figure out... 弄清楚……
例: The scientists are trying to figure out how the mysterious disease spreads.
（科學家們正試著找出這怪病的傳染途徑。）
6. come in handy 隨時會用得到∕派上用場
例: You should always carry an umbrella in your purse; it may come in handy one day.
（你應該隨身在包包裡放把傘，因為有一天可能派上用場。）
7. delete vt. 刪除
例: I accidentally deleted an important document from my laptop.
（我不小心刪掉筆電裡一份重要的文件。）
imaginary a. 想像中的
imaginable a. 想像得到的（常與最高級並用）
例: Dean Koontz is an imaginative writer of horror stories.
（狄恩‧昆斯是個富有想像力的恐怖小說作家。）
例: Luke's imaginary friend Bob disappeared when he grew up.
（路克長大後，他幻想出來的朋友鮑伯就消失了。）
例: For me, the most terrifying creatures imaginable are crying babies.
（對我來說，最可怕的生物莫過於哭個不停的嬰兒。）
2. stand out 脫穎而出，引人注目
例: The red dress you're wearing will definitely stand out at the party.
（妳身上穿的紅色洋裝絕對會在派對上引人注目。）
3. give out... 分發……
例: Sarah helps by giving out food to people at the homeless shelter.
（莎拉去遊民之家幫忙分發食物給他們。）
4. in case of... 萬一∕以防∕倘若……
例: In case of a fire, calmly walk to the emergency exits.
（萬一發生火災，要冷靜地往緊急逃生門移動。）
5. figure out... 弄清楚……
例: The scientists are trying to figure out how the mysterious disease spreads.
（科學家們正試著找出這怪病的傳染途徑。）
6. come in handy 隨時會用得到∕派上用場
例: You should always carry an umbrella in your purse; it may come in handy one day.
（你應該隨身在包包裡放把傘，因為有一天可能派上用場。）
7. delete vt. 刪除
例: I accidentally deleted an important document from my laptop.
（我不小心刪掉筆電裡一份重要的文件。）
| 單字小舖 |
2. variation n. 變化
3. operate vt. 操作
答案： 1. (E) 2. (A) 3. (C) 4. (B) 5. (D)
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