Words and Expressions

1. dilemma  n.

a situation in which it is difficult to decide what to do, because each choice has its advantages and disadvantages

e.g. The bad weather put us in a dilemma whether to leave or stay.

Collocation:

  be in a dilemma

e.g. I’m in a dilemma about this job offer.

我不知道是否要接受这份工作。

 

2. issue  n.

a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about

e.g. Unemployment is not the issue — the real problem is the decline in public morality.

    I just got a raise, so money’s no longer an issue.

Collocation:

  raise the issue: say that a problem should be discussed

  e.g. We should raise the issue of discrimination with the council.

Synonyms:

  subject, problem

 

3. demanding  a.

needing a lot of ability, effort, or skill

e.g. Climbing is physically demanding, while studying is mentally demanding.

    Many people agree that teaching is a demanding profession.

Derivation:

  demand  n.& v.

 

4. keen adj. interested in sth. or eager to do it

e.g. John is a keen photographer.

Collocations:

  be keen on sth.

  e.g. Daniel’s very keen on tennis.

  be keen to do sth.

  e.g. She’s out of hospital and keen to get back to work.

Synonyms:

  interested, eager

Derivation:

  keenness  n.

 

5. concerned adj. worried about something

e.g. Concerned parents approached the school about the problem.

Collocations:

  be concerned about

  e.g. Ross has never been particularly concerned about what other people think of him.

  be concerned for

  e.g. Rescuers are concerned for the safety of two men trapped in the mine.

  be concerned that

  e.g. He’s concerned that he won’t get his money back.

Derivations:

  concern  n.& v.

  concerning  prep.

 

Sentences:

the pros and cons of having a second child (Paragraph 1)

Explanation: the pros and cons: the advantages and disadvantages

e.g. Before we make a decision, we must weigh up the pros and cons.

After hours’ discussion, everybody at the meeting could see clearly the pros and cons of the proposal.

Paraphrase: the advantages and disadvantages of having one more child

Translation: 生育第二个孩子的利与弊

 

Paragraphs 2-3

Questions

1) What does the writer think of the issue of whether or not to have a second child? (Paragraph 2)

  The writer thinks that the issue is one of the most difficult issues that parents nowadays are confronted with.

2) Why does the writer think that an only child necessarily means a lonely child?  (Paragraph 2)

   As there are no other children in the family for the child to associate with, he may feel lonely at times, especially during vacations.

3) What is the main idea of the third paragraph?  (Paragraph 3)

  The third paragraph states and supports another common argument against having just one child: an only-child may be more spoiled than one with siblings.

 

Words and Expressions

6. concern  n. a feeling of worry about sth. important; sth. that worries you

e.g. His main concern is to be able to provide for his family.

Collocation:

  concern about / over

  e.g. There is growing concern about the effects of pollution on health.

  concern for sb.

  e.g. A government spokesman expressed concern for the lives of the hostages.

 

7. stigma  n. a mark of shame or disgrace; a shameful feeling or reputation

e.g. There is a strong stigma attached to suicide.

   In the past divorce and single parenthood carried a stigma.

   离异和单亲家庭在过去是令人感到羞耻的。

 

8. at times

sometimes but not usually

e.g. At times I wonder if it’s worth all the effort.

Comparison: at no time, at all times

at no time: used to say strongly that something never happened or should never happen

at all times: used especially in official notices or announcements to say what always happens

or should always happen

Practice:

1) _________ did I tell you that you could use my car. (At no time)

2) Identification badges must be worn __________. (at all times)

  3) _________________ even the most talented athletes lose their motivation. (At times)

 

9. sibling  n.

(fml) a brother or sister

e.g. A child with siblings seldom gets lonely.

Most young smokers are influenced by their elder siblings’ smoking habits.

 

10. negotiate  v. discuss sth. in order to reach an agreement, esp. in business or politics

e.g. Union leaders have negotiated an agreement for a shorter working week.

Collocation:

  negotiate with

  e.g. The government refuses to negotiate with terrorists.

Derivations:

  negotiation  n.

  negotiable  adj.

 

11. interact  v.

1) (people) talk to each other and understand each other

e.g. He interacts well with other children in the class.

2) (things) have an effect on each other and work together

e.g. Social and economic factors are interacting to produce a recession.

Derivations:

  interaction: n.

  interactive: adj.

 

Sentences:

1. Many single-child parents feel a stigma associated with their decision to have only one child. (Paragraph 2)

Paraphrase: Many single-child families have a strong sense of shame in their decision to have only one child.

Translation: 许多只有一个小孩的父母都为自己只生一个小孩的决定感到羞愧。

2. … this may lead to the child feeling lonely at times, …? (Paragraph 2):

Explanation: lead to sb. doing sth.: cause sth. to happen to sb. or cause sb. to do sth.

 e.g. His actions could lead to him losing his job.

Paraphrase: … such a situation will probably result in the child having a sense of loneliness from time to time, …?

Translation: 这样一种环境可能经常会让孩子感到孤独。

 

3. Another common argument against having just one child is that an only child may be more spoiled than one with siblings. (Paragraph 3):

Explanation: spoil: make sb., esp.a child, selfish from having too much attention or prais 

Paraphrase: Another reason some people usually hold against having only one-child is that an only child is more likely to be given too much love and care than one that has brothers and/or sisters.

Translation: 另外一个常用于反驳只养育一个孩子的理由是：一个孩子获得的溺爱要比那些有兄弟姐妹的孩子多得多。

 

4. respect the give-and-take involved in many relationships (Paragraph 3):

Paraphrase: realize the importance of cooperation and mutual understanding between themselves and other people in various situations

Translation: 认识到在各种关系中合作与相互了解的重要性

 

Paragraphs 4-5

Questions

1) What examples and statistics are given to show that more and more parents have decided to

have only one child?  (Paragraph 4)

   In the US, for example, 14 percent of women between 18 and 34 plan to have just one child, and this percentage is expected to rise. The same trend can be seen in the UK. According to the Family Policy Studies Center, the overall number of British children being born each year has declined. In Japan, the average number of children born per family had declined to 1.42 by 1996, while the latest statistics cite less than one child.

2) What is the main idea of Paragraph 5?  (Paragraph 5)

   Paragraph 5 supplies two most typical reasons for the steady increase of the number of parents who have chosen to have only one child.

 

12. decline: v.

1) decrease in quantity or importance

e.g. Spending on information technology has declined.

2) become gradually worse in quality

e.g. Do you think standards of education have declined in recent years?

Synonym:

decrease

Derivation:

  decline: n.

 

13. cite: v.

1) mention something as an example, esp. one that supports or explains an idea or a situation

e.g. Several factors have been cited as the cause of the student unrest.

2) give the exact words of something that has been written, esp. in order to support an opinion or

prove an idea

e.g. The writer cited many quotations from different scholars.

Synonym:

  quote

Derivation:

  citation: n.

 

14. overwhelming: adj.

1) having such a great effect on you that you feel confused and at a loss what to do

e.g. She felt an overwhelming desire to hug her child.

    The sheer size of the place seems overwhelming and confusing at first.

2) (numbers, odds, etc.) very large

e.g. An overwhelming majority of the members were against the idea.

Derivation:

  overwhelm: v.

 

15. elect to do sth. : (fml) choose to do something

e.g. You can elect to delete the message or save it.

Translation:

  Purchasers can elect to pay in monthly installments.

  购买者可选择按月分期付款。

   

16. prime: adj. main; most important

e.g. Smoking is the prime cause of lung disease.

    Our prime concern is providing jobs for all young school leavers.

Synonym:

  major

Derivations:

  prime: n.

  prime: v.

 

17. equivalent: adj. having the same value, purpose, etc. as a person or thing of a different kind

e.g. We could give you an equivalent amount in company shares.

Collocation:

  be equivalent to

  e.g. This is a qualification which is equivalent to degree.

Comparison: equivalent, equal

  equal: being the same in size, value, amount, number, etc. as something else

  e.g. Jennifer cut the cake in to six equal pieces.

Derivation:

  equivalence: n.

 

Sentences:

1. …, 14 percent of women between 18 and 34 plan to have just one child, and this percentage is expected to rise. (Paragraph 4)

Explanation: Use percent only with a number, e.g. 30 percent, 9 percent, etc. If you mean “an amount expressed as part of a total,” use percentage.

e.g. A high percentage of the population was illiterate.

Translation: 在18至34岁的女性中，14%的女性希望生育一个孩子，而且这一比例预计会更高。

 

2. while latest statistics cite less than one child (Paragraph 4)

Paraphrase: while latest statistics show that the average number of children born per family has declined to less than one child

然而最新的统计数据表明平均每个家庭孩子出生率已经低于一

 

Paragraph 6

Questions

1) What advantages of having only one child are argued for by advocates of single-child families?

With just one child, there is no potential for family arguments arising from favoritism or sibling jealousy. The child can receive more quality time and attention from parents, which will increase their self-esteem, independence and confidence.

 

Words and Expressions

18. advocate: n. someone who publicly support someone else or something

e.g. He is a strong advocate of “English only” in class.

Synonym:

  support: [U] the people who support something

  supporter: [C] someone who supports something

Derivation:

  advocate: v.

 

19. potential: n. the possibility that something will develop in a certain way, or have a particular

effect

e.g. The potential for abuse in such a system is enormous.

Synonym:

  potentiality: (fml) possibility

Derivations:

  potential: adj.

  potentiality: n.

 

20. arise: v. begin to happen

e.g. A crisis has arisen between the two countries.

Collocation:

  arise from: be caused or started by a situation, event, etc.

  e.g. Can we begin by discussing matters arising from the last meeting?

Comparison: arise, rise

  rise: increase in number, amount or value

Practice:

  1) House prices are likely to _________ towards the end of this year. (rise)

  2) During the night a great storm _________. (has arisen)

 

21. jealousy: n. anger and unhappiness because someone has something you wish you had

e.g. Polly felt a sharp pang of jealousy when she saw Paul with Suzanne.

Derivation:

  jealous: adj.

 

22. self-esteem: n. the feeling of being satisfied with your own abilities, and that you deserve to

be liked or respected

e.g. You ought to raise your self-esteem.

    Playing a sport can boot a girl’s self-esteem.

Synonym:

self-respect

Antonym:

  self-doubt: the feeling that you and your abilities are not good enough

 

Paragraph 7

Questions

1) Does the writer give a definite answer to the question of whether or not to have a second child? Why?

   No. As the circumstances affecting each set of parents are unique, it is impossible to give a definite answer whether or not to have a second child.

2) What is the writer’s advice given to single-child parents?

  The writer’s advice is as follows: The important thing, in the end, is to make a decision that both you and your spouse feel confident about.

 

Words and Expressions

23. unique: adj. the single one of its kind

e.g. Each person’s fingerprints are unique.

Comparison: unique, only

  unique: having features or qualities that make it different from anything else

  only: being the only one of something available in a particular place at a particular time

Practice:

1) She was the _________ woman doctor in the district. (only)

2) I am in a rather _________ position, as my job is different from anyone else's. (unique)

Derivation:

  uniqueness: n.

 

24. spouse: n. (fml) a husband or wife

e.g. The writer’s opinion is that you make a decision that both you and your spouse feel confident  about.

e.g. He never mentioned his spouse.

 

Sentence:

The circumstances affecting each set of parents are unique, … (Paragraph 7)

Paraphrase: The conditions that affect parents’ decisions concerning child-birth vary from family to family, …

Translation: 那些影响父母做出决定的因素各不相同。

 

Activity: A Debate

Directions: Work in pairs and have a debate on the pros and cons of having a second child. You should use the following words and expressions in your debate.

dilemma   demanding   be keen to   be concerned about   sibling   overwhelming

elect to   prime   equivalent  arise   jealousy   self-esteem   unique   spouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section Four Consolidation Activities

I . Vocabulary 

1 Phrase practice

1. demanding jobs= jobs needing a lot of attention or effort 费力的工作

e.g. Being babysitter is really a demanding job, which requires love, patience and the skills.

看护婴儿确实是一项费力的工作，它需要爱心、耐心，还有技巧。

 

2. with regard to = in connection with; on the subject of 关于，至于

e.g. With regard to your health, you must quit smoking right now. 考虑到你的健康，你必须马上戒烟。

   With regard to the financial difficulties, the company decided to cut its expense. 考虑到财政困难，公司决定压缩支出。

 

3. stigma =sign of shame; feeling of being ashamed 耻辱，受到侮辱

e.g. The stigma has deprived him of all joy and fun in those days. 那些日子里，他心中的耻辱使他的生活没有了任何快乐。

 

4. give-and-take =willingness of each person to satisfy others’ wishes 妥协，互让

e.g. Give-and-take is the secret of successful friendship. 付出和给予是成功的友谊的秘密。

 

2. Word / Phrase comparison 

1.

with regard to: in connection with

e.g. I am writing to you with regard to your letter of 15 March.

for the purpose of: why you do sth. or why sth. exists

e.g. I came to Brighton for the express purpose of seeing you.

in view of: used to introduce the reason for a decision, action or situation  

e.g. In view of his conduct, the club has decided to suspend him.

in accordance with: according to a rule, system, etc.

e.g. Use this product only in accordance with the manufacture’s instructions.

2.

ensure: to make certain that sth. happens

e.g. We must ensure the purity of drinking water.

entertain: to keep a group of people interested or enjoying themselves

e.g. We hired a magician to entertain the children.

enable: to make it possible for someone to do something, or for something to happen

e.g. Our main goal is to enable healthy change and growth.

enquire: if you enquire about something, you ask for information about it

e.g. He was so impressed that he enquired the young shepherd’s name.

 

3.

associate with (sb.): to spend time with someone, esp. someone that other people disapprove of

e.g. He may have been associating with the criminals.

care about: if you care about something, you feel that it is important and are concerned about it

e.g. Does anybody know we’re here, does anybody care about it?

be concerned with: to be about a particular thing or person

e.g. Today’s lesson is concerned with punctuation.

touch: to have an effect on someone or something, especially by changing or influencing them

e.g. He has touched the lives of many people.

 

4.

at times: sometimes

e.g. Life is hard at times.

in time: before the time by which it is necessary for something to be done

e.g. Will you be able to finish it in time?

on time: at the correct time or the time that was arranged

e.g. Jack was worried about whether he’d be able to get there on time.

sometime: at a time in the future or the past which is not known or not stated

e.g. We really should meet sometime soon to discuss the details.

5.

result in: to cause a particular situation to happen

e.g. The fire resulted in damage to their property.

result from: if a situation or problem results from a particular event or activity, it is caused by it  

e.g. His difficulty in walking results from a childhood illness.

 

6.

cite: if you cite something, you quote it or mention it, especially as an example or proof of what you are saying

e.g. She cites a favorite poem by George Herbert .

site: a place where something is, was, or where something happened, is happening, or will happen  

e.g. The council hasn’t yet chosen the site for the new hospital.

sight: the physical ability to see

e.g. Anne’s sight is very good for someone of her age.

borrow: if you borrow something that belongs to someone else, you take it or use it for a period of time, usually with their permission

e.g. He wouldn’t let me borrow his clothes.

7.

despite: without taking any notice of or being influenced by; not prevented by

e.g. I still enjoyed the week despite the weather.

in spite of: despite,regardless of; not being prevented by (sb./sth.)  

e.g. In spite of his injury, Ricardo will play in Saturday’s match.

 

8.

equivalent: if one amount or value is the equivalent of another, they are the same

e.g. The equivalent of two tablespoon of polyunsaturated oils is ample each day.

same: exactly like another or each other

e.g. She was wearing exactly the same dress as I was.

related to: things that are related are connected in some way

e.g. Police now believe that the three crimes could be related to each other.

different to: Things are unlike in nature or quality or form or degree.

e.g. My approach is totally different to his.

 

 

3. Synonym / Antonym

Give synonyms or antonym s of the word underlined in each sentence in the sense it is used.

1. A concern that is often heard with regard to single children is whether one child necessarily means a lonely child.

Synonyms: only, sole

 

2. Another common argument against having just one child is that an only child may be more spoiled than one with siblings.

Antonyms: uncommon, unusual, extraordinary, exceptional

 

3. Many people believe that a single child will not have learned to negotiate with others, and respect the give-and-take involved in many relationships.

Synonyms: honor, admire, esteem

 

4. Despite these arguments, the number of parents choosing to have only one child is increasing in many parts of the world.

Antonyms: decrease, diminish, lessen

 

5. This has led to government concerns about supporting an increasing population of elderly people in the future.

Synonyms: worries, anxiety

 

6. For some single-child parents, the pressures of devoting time and energy to a second child can seem too overwhelming.

Antonyms: insignificant, weak, feeble, powerless

 

7. For other parents, the financial burden of having a second child may be the prime consideration.

Synonyms: first, chief, main, primary, principal, foremost, leading

 

8. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question of whether or not to have a second child.

Antonyms: fortunately, luckily

 

4. Word derivation

Fill in the blank in each sentence with an appropriate form of the given word in brackets.

1. She is famous for her advocacy of human rights. (advocate)

2. When the time for parting came, he shook hands with everyone respectfully. (respect)

3. It is estimated that China has enormous potential for economic development in the coming year. (potentially)

4. The job of a surveyor is to examine the condition of a building, or to measure and record the details of an area of land. (survey)

5. The British Air Force succeeded despite overwhelming odds against them. (overwhelm)

6. The association between the two companies dates back to the last century. (associate)

7. There is no English equivalent for “bon appetite,” so we have adopted the French expression. (equivalence)

8. I thought his remark was highly inappropriate, given the circumstances. (appropriate)

    

9. advocate (v.) 提倡，主张，拥护

   advocation (n.) 拥护，支持，辩护

      advocator (n.) 提倡者，拥护者

   advocatory (a.) 拥护者的，有关拥护者的

   advocacy (n.) 拥护，主张，辩护

   Chinese-English translation

10. 你支持禁止汽车在市中心通行这一主张吗？

       Do you advocate banning cars in the city center?

    2) 小说的历史价值在于对人文精神的关怀上。

    The historical value of the novel lies in its advocation of humanism.

    3) 作为全球化的积极推动者，这个国家得到了巨大的回报。

    As the active advocator of globalization, the country has been greatly rewarded.

     

    2.respect (v.) 尊敬，尊重；遵守

    respectable (a.) 人格高尚的，值得尊敬的

     respectful (a.) 恭敬的，礼貌的

     respective (a.)分别的，各自的

    Chinese-English translation

    1）你应该尊敬你的老师。

    You need to respect your teachers.

    2）他是个受人尊敬可信赖的人。

    He is respectable and reliable.

    3) 他们和经理站开了一些距离，以示尊敬。

    They stood at a respectful distance from the manager.

    4) 下课后，学生们各自回家。

    The students returned to their respective homes after class.

     

    3.  potential (n.) 可能性，潜能

    potent (adj.) 有效的，强有力的，有权势的

    e.g. It is the most potent poison. 这是最厉害的毒药。

    One has unlimited potential waiting to be explored. 人们有着无尽的潜能等待发掘。

     

11. survey（v.）监督，监视

    surveillance (n.) 监督，监视

    surveyor (n.) 测量员，检验员

    e.g. It is impossible to survey the will of the people in such short time 想要在这么短时间内完成民意调查是不可能的。

    The surveyor announced that all the walls were completely sound. 检查员宣布所有墙壁均完好无损。

    Surveillance video captures a woman with the kidnapped boy. 监视器拍摄到了一名妇女带着这名被绑架的男孩。

     

12. overwhelm (v.) 压倒，淹没，受打击

    overwhelming (adj.) 压倒性的，势不可挡的

       overwhelmingly (adv.) 压倒性地，不可抵抗地

    e.g. No difficulty can overwhelm the brave. 勇敢的人是不会被困难打倒的。

       She felt an overwhelming desire to see her boy. 她无比渴望见到自己的儿子。

       Chinese youth overwhelmingly want personal computer. 中国的年轻人非常渴望拥有个人电脑。

     

13. associate（v.）结交，交往

    association (n.) 协会，联盟，社团

    associative (adj.) 联合的，联想的，组合的

    associator (n.) 社员，伙伴，会员

    e.g. Many people associate dark clouds with depression and bad luck. 许多人把乌云与沮丧和厄运联系起来。

    The anti-smoking association launches a new campaign in the campus. 禁烟协会在校园里发动了一场新的运动。

    His associative ability impressed me a lot. 他的联想能力使我印象深刻。

    The associators are working hard together for their common goal. 会员们为了他们共同的目标团结奋斗。

     

14. equal (adj.) 相等的，胜任的，平等的

    equality (n.) 平等，相等

    equation (n.) 等式，方程式

    equivalent (adj.) 相等的，等价的，同意义的

       equivalence (n.) 等值，相等

    e.g. Woman and man should enjoy equal pay for the same job. 男性女性应当同工同酬。

    I would sacrifice my life for equality and freedom. 为了平等和自由我宁愿牺牲生命。

    The equation of happiness and wealth is dangerous. 将幸福与财富等同是很危险的。

    He changed his pounds for the equivalence amount in dollars. 他把英镑兑换成等值的美元。

     There is no equivalence of parental love for kids. 对孩子而言，父母之爱是无可替代的。

     

15. appropriate ( adj.) 适当的

    appropriately (adv.) 适当地

    inappropriate (adj.) 不适当的，不相称的

    e.g. Appropriate table manner is required in a formal banquet. 正式聚会要求得体的餐桌礼仪。

    Parents need to handle their emotion appropriately. 父母应当妥当处理自己的情绪。

    It is inappropriate to put the knife into the mouth at the table. 就餐时不应当将叉子放入口中。

     

II. Grammar 

1. Simple prepositions and complex preposition

1) The prepositions, such as in, of, at, and to, are all single words. We call them SIMPLE PREPOSITIONS.  

2) COMPLEX PREPOSITIONS consist of two- or three-word combinations acting as a single unit. Here are some examples: according to, but for, except for, in terms of, in point of, with regard to, in the case of, etc.

 

Practice

Complete the following sentences with the appropriate complex prepositions listed below.

 

regardless of   but for    in terms of    except for    according to   in case of

 

1. ___________ a few spelling mistakes, it is on the whole a good composition.

2. We would have arrived two hours ago _____________ the traffic jam.

3. ____________ money, they’re quite rich.

4. They divided themselves into three groups _____________ age.

5. ___________ fire, open this safety door.

6. ___________ danger, he climbed the tower.

 

Keys:

1. Except for

 (“Except for” means “not including”. It is used to show that a general statement made in the main part of the sentence is not completely true.)

2. but for

 (“But for” means “except for the effects of”.)

3. In terms of

(“In terms of” means “in the circumstance of”.)

4. according to

(“According to” means “as determined by”.)

5. In case of

(“In case of” means “if there should happen to be”.)

6. Regardless of

 (“Regardless of” means “in spite of”.)

 

2. Conjunctions

Conjunctions are used to express a connection between words. There are two types of conjunctions. COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS (or simply COORDINATORS) connect elements of equal syntactic status.

e. g. Paul and David 

I play tennis but I don't play well.

meat or fish 

On the other hand, SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS (or SUBORDINATORS) connect elements of unequal syntactic status.  

e.g. I left early because I had an interview the next day. 

I'll be home at nine if I can get a taxi. 

 

Practice

In each sentence, insert an appropriate conjunction from the list below.

 

 

 

 

1. Many exam candidates lose marks simply __________ they do not read the questions properly.

2. Bill works __________ foreman at Whiting’s Corporation.

3. ________ the sun was shining, he went out wearing a coat.

4. ________ I hear that tune, it makes me think of my former classmates.

5. Take your passport with you ____________ you go.

6. It’s a long time ________ I last heard from Albert.

7. Plant your fig-tree _________ there is plenty of sunshine.

8. Take your medicine regularly __________ you won’t get well.

 

Keys:

1. because

2. as  (“As” means “in the capacity of” while “like” means “in the manner of.”)

3. Although

4. Whenever

5. wherever

6. since  (“Since” introduces a past date, moment, event, a point of time while “for” introduces a period of time.)

7. where

8. or else