Text A Secrets of Straight-A Students课文词汇注-Unit 1 college life
Unit One: College Life
Interpretation of Quotes（引言解释）
⊙ The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means to an education. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Interpretation:
We don’t go to school or college to learn, but to seek the way to learn.
⊙ Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. — W. B. Yeats Interpretation:
Instead of stuffing students with knowledge, real education aims at bringing out what is inside students and cultivating their potential.
⊙ You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him find it within himself. —Galileo Interpretation:
Teaching doesn’t really help anyone, but it helps a person find out what he/she is good at. Text A Secrets of Staight-A Students Section A Discovering the Main Ideas
Exercise 1. Write down the main idea of the following paragraphs in the space provided. ▆ Answers for reference:
1) Para 2: Top students attain academic excellence by mastering a few basic principles that
others can easily learn.
2) Para 3: Top students learn to be organized.
3) Para 4: Top students know how to schedule their time properly.
4) Para 5: Top students are very serious about school and very active in class. 5) Para 6: Students benefit from group study.
Exercise 2: Read the following statements and then decide whether each of them is true or false based on the information in the text. Write T for True and F for False in the space provided before each statement.
1) T 2) T
3) F The student does so in order to save time. 4) T
5) F The student who turns in neat work is a step closer to a high score. 6) T
7) F Encouragement rather than pressure from parents helps students a lot.
Exercise 3: Summarize the basic principles that top students master and apply in their studying and put them down in the space provided. Basic Principles that Top Students Master and Apply a. set priorities b. study anywhere or everywhere c. study at one’s preferred time d. be consistent Section B In-depth Study Good Usage (Para. 1)
conducted major studies super-achieving students top grades
According to him
it is far more important Good Usage (Para. 2)
attain academic excellence
mastering a few basic principles how to set their priorities right
Study time is never compromised for phone calls In other words
placed above recreation In addition
make a point of
he works out every day
a matter of personal preference as soon as
fresh in their minds a main factor
Good Usage (Para. 3) For example
is actively involved in
keeps his things in their proper places files the days notes available for review improving ones memory or retention ability
lead to a full understanding of the author’s message Good Usage (Para.4) schedule their time
pace each assignment or project according to their daily timetable be overwhelmed by the tasks at hand set timetables
prevents them from procrastinating wasting time whispering to friends getting ready to rush out of the class
jot down a two- or three-sentence summary scans the notes refresh her memory Good Usage (Para.5) winning formula
lies in a students ability to hand in neat work turns in neat work
on the way to scoring an A In the classroom context to speak up
to clarify any doubts
demonstrates a student s intellectual curiosity concisely puts it
Better grades come from better understanding. Good Usage (Para.6)
tried different approaches
explained their solutions to one another laboured on their own
frame tentative test questions devise possible test questions Good Usage (Para.7) In the student’s words
The more you practise, the more you learn. Last but not least
lies in the crucial contribution by parents set high standards took pains to explain
Key Words and Expressions for Text A
conduct vt.
carry out or direct; go with and guide or lead 进行；实施；经营；处理；陪伴；引导，带领
e.g. 1. These studies were conducted by four teams that coordinated their work.
2. We are conducting a survey to find out what the customers think of our service. 我们在进行一项调查以了解顾客对我们服务的看法。
Collocations:
conduct a meeting 主持会议
conduct an investigation 进行调查 reveal vt.
make known sth. that was previously secret or unknown 揭示，透露；使（事实等）显露出来
e.g. 1. Details of the murder were revealed by the local newspaper.
2. He didn’t want to reveal his real feelings. 他不想露出他的真实情感。
Collocations:
reveal sth. to sb. 向某人透露某事 reveal sb. to be 显示某人是 make the most of
get the best advantage from 最大限度利用
e.g. 1. Jim studied hard in the training class; he wanted to make the most of his chance to learn.
2. The occasion only comes once in five years, and they naturally make the most of it. 这个机会五年才有一次，他们当然会充分利用。
attain vt.
fml gain or arrive at, esp. after long effort; reach〖正式〗（长期努力后）获得，达到 e.g. 1. He attained fame through many years of hard work.
2. We need to identify the best ways of attaining our goals. 我们需要确定达到我们目标的最好方法。 CF: attain, achieve & accomplish 这三个动词均有“达到、完成”之意。
attain 指努力去达成或实现目标，常指事先没有确信会成功而去追求的目标。例如： * She finally attained her ends. 她终于达到了她的目的。
* Kacy attained the rank of deputy director. 凯茜当上副经理了。
achieve指由于付出努力而理所当然地实现目标、获得成功。例如：
* He will never achieve his objectives if he does not work harder. 如果不加倍努力的话，他永远也实现不了他的目标。 accomplish指完成规定的任务。例如：
* He accomplished the building of the bookcase. 他做完了一个书橱。 to begin with
in the first place; firstly 首先；第一点
e.g. 1. I’m not going; to begin with, I haven’t a ticket, and secondly I don’t like the play.
2. To begin with, John is too young for that kind of job. 首先，约翰做那种工作太年轻了。
in addition (to)
as well (as); besides 除……之外；另外
e.g. 1. In addition to giving a general introduction to computers, the course also provides
practical experience.
2. In addition to my studies, I got involved in lots of other activities. 除了学习以外，我参加了许多其他活动。
make a point of doing sth.
take particular care about sth. 特别注意，重视；总是要做（某事）
e.g. 1. I always make a point of checking that all the windows are shut before I go out.
2. She makes a point of keeping all her shopping receipts. 她总是把所有的购物发票都留起来。
perform vi.
do; carry out (a piece of work, duty, ceremony, etc.), esp. according to a usual or
established method; give, act, or show (a play, a part in a play, a piece of music, tricks, etc.), esp. in the presence of the public 履行，实行，完成；表演
e.g. 1. John has been training very hard and he hopes he will perform better for the 100-metre dash.
2. Some computers can perform over a billion computations a second. 有些计算机一秒钟能完成超过十亿次运算。 CF: perform & conduct
这两个动词均有“做、在行动中执行任务”之意。
perform 指履行义务、职责或执行命令，所执行的任务一般比较困难和复杂。例如： * He wouldn’t promise what he could not perform. 他不会许下无法兑现的承诺。
conduct 指挥、实现、进行，词义接近perform，但强调指导、领导或监督。例如： * The interview was conducted in English. 面试用英语进行。 involve vt.
[(in, with)] (of a situation or action) have as the people or things taking part [常与in或with连用] （情况、行动）使陷入，使卷入；牵涉，涉及
e.g. 1. Fanny is actively involved in the drama association of our college.
2. I didn’t mean to get you so much involved in the matter. 我本不想让你这么深地卷入这件事中来。
file
1. vt. put (papers or letters) in a file 把（文件、信件）汇存起来，把……存卷（归档），存档
e.g. 1) These notes should be carefully filed away for future reference.
2) We file these reports under country of origin. 我们按照原籍国家把这些报告归档保存。
2. n. a box, folder, etc. for storing papers in an ordered way, esp. in an office （办公室内的）文件匣（夹）
3. n. a line of people one behind the other 纵列 4. vi. march in a file 排成纵队前进
e.g. They filed slowly past the grave of their leader. 他们排成一列缓缓地走过他们领袖的坟墓。 advocate vt.
speak in favour of; support (an idea or plan), esp. publicly 拥护，提倡，主张 e.g. 1. The committee doesn’t advocate the use of violence.
2. Many people advocate building more hospitals. 许多人主张增设医院。
schedule
1. vt. [(for) usu. pass.] plan for a certain future time [常与for连用［一般用于被动语态］]排定；预定；把……安排在
e.g. 1) The opening ceremony (开幕式) is scheduled to take place on the coming Thursday.
2) He is scheduled to leave for London next Monday. 他预定下星期一动身去伦敦。
2. n. a planned list or order of things to be done, dealth with, etc. 预定要做事情的安排；计划（表）；程序表；日程表 Collocations:
on schedule 按照时间表，准时
ahead of / behind schedule 提前/落后于时间表
be scheduled for June / Monday, etc. 安排在六月/周一等
be scheduled for release / publication / completion, etc. 计划发布/出版/完成等 be scheduled to do sth. 计划做某事
overwhelm vt.
[usu. passive] give too much of a thing to sb. [常用于被动语态]使受不了，使不知所措 e.g. 1. We were all overwhelmed by grief when we heard the news that over 4000 people lost
their lives during the earthquake.
2. I was quite overwhelmed by all the flowers and letters of support I received. 我收到的所有鲜花和支持信件使我激动得不能自已。
at hand
rather fml near in time or place 〖较正式〗即将到来，在手边，在近处
e.g. 1. When she writes, she always keeps a dictionary at hand so as to ensure that she uses
every word correctly and appropriately.
2. Always have your reference books near at hand. 要经常把参考书摆在手边。
polish vt.
improve by practicing; make smooth, bright, and shiny by continual rubbing （通过练习）改进，改善；擦亮
e.g. 1. I’ll need to polish (up) my French if I’ m going to France for my holiday.
2. Please polish your shoes with a brush. 请用刷子把你的鞋擦亮。
take down
write sth. down in order to make a record of it 记录
e.g. 1. Anything you say will be taken down, and may be used in evidence.
2. He asked his secretary to take down every word he said. 他让他的秘书记下他说的每一句话。
refresh one’s memory
remind oneself / sb. of facts by referring to notes, etc. （借助笔记等）使自己（某人）想起
e.g. 1. In the middle of his speech he had to refresh his memoy by looking at his notes.
2. I looked the word up in the dictionary to refresh my memory of its exact meaning. 我在词典里查了这个单词，以便更清楚地记得它的确切意思。
promote vt.
help the progress of (sth.); encourage or support 提倡；促进；助长 e.g. 1. The organization works to promote friendship between nations.
2. The Prime Minister’s visit will promote the cooperation between the two countries. 首相的访问将促进两国间的合作。
lie in
(of abstract things) exist in the form of (sb. or sth.) 在于
e.g. 1. The problem lies in the fact that they do not have a competent leader.
2. Our strengths lie in problem solving. 我们的优势在于解决问题的能力。
on the way to
about to obtain sth.; in the course of becoming or doing sth. 正在获得；正在变成；正在做
e.g. 1. I’m now out of hospital and well on the way to recovery.
2. A closed economy will not put a country on the way to prosperity. 闭关自守的经济不会使一个国家富起来。
speak up
give one’s opinion freely and clearly 畅所欲言，清楚地表明看法
e.g. 1. You should never be frightened of speaking up your beliefs under any circumstances.
2. If you thought that wasn’t fair, why didn’t you speak up? 如果你认为那不公平，为什么不说出来？
clarify vt.
fml make clearer and easier to understand, esp. by explaining and giving more details 〖正式〗澄清，讲清楚，阐明
e.g 1. If you don’t understand, ask the speaker to clarify the point.
2. I hope that what I say will clarify the situation. 我希望我说的话能讲清楚这一情况。
demonstrate vt.
prove or make clear (a fact), esp. by reasoning or providing examples; show or describe clearly （以推理或举例等）论证，证明，证实
e.g. 1. Galileo demonstrated that objects of different weights fall at the same speed.
2. Our troops demonstrate remarkable courage. 我们的队伍表现出无比的勇敢。
approach
1. n. [ C (to)] a method of doing sth. or dealing with a problem [常与to连用]方法；步骤 e.g. 1) She took a wrong approach in solving the problem; that was why she failed.
2) I’ve just read an interesting book which has a new approach to Shakespeare. 我刚读了一本有趣的书，它采用了一种新的方法来研读莎士比亚。
2. n. [C (to)] a way of getting in [常与to连用]通路，入口
e.g. All approaches to the town were blocked. 通往该镇的所有道路都被封锁了。 3. n. [U (of)] the act of coming nearer and nearer [常与of连用]靠近；接近；临近 e.g. Our approach drove away the wild animals. 我们一走近，野兽全都跑开了。 4. v. come near or nearer (to) in space, time, quality, or quantity 走近；靠近，接近
e.g. The time is approaching when we will have to leave. 我们要离开的时刻越来越近了。 on one’s own
without help 独立地，无援地
e.g. 1. Although she is still rather weak after the operation, she can now live on her own.
2. I can’t carry it on my own; it’s too heavy. 我一人拿不动，这东西太重了。
base on
[usu. pass.] use as grounds, evidence, etc. for sth. else ［一般用于被动语态］以某事物为另一事物的根据﹑证据等
e.g. 1. He based his research results on his own practical experiences in the countryside.
2. I feel he’s doing something wrong, but I’ve got nothing to base it on. 我感到他做错了什么事，可我又没有证据。
confirm vt.
give support or certainty to (a fact, belief, statement, etc.), e.g. by providing more proof or by stating that sth.thing is true or correct 证实；进一步确定
e.g. 1. It has been confirmed that Barbara will play the principal part in the new movie.
2. I just want to confirm that all the arrangements have been made. 我要确认所有计划都安排好了。
devise vt.
plan or invent, esp. cleverly策划；想出；设计；发明
e.g. 1. Long-term objectives must be devised if you want to run your business successfully.
2. A vehicle was devised a few years ago which permitted movement over difficult land and could fly for a short distance.
几年前人们设计了一种交通工具，它能在难于行走的地面上行动并能短距离飞
行。
employ vt.
fml use〖正式〗使用
e.g. 1. The police had to employ force to enter the building.
2. We employ different technical tools for the reception and evaluation of the heat energy. 我们使用不同的技术工具接收和测量热能。
assign vt.
[(to)] give as a share or duty [常与to连用]分配；分派，指派 e.g. 1. He was assigned to work in a research centre in the army.
2. We’ve assigned Chris to the advertising campaign. 我们已经把广告宣传的工作布置给了克里斯。
undertake vt.
(undertook, undertaken) take up or accept (a duty or piece of work, esp. one that is difficult or needs effort) 承担，接受（责任、艰苦的工作等）
e.g. 1. She undertook responsibility for the failure in our marketing project.
2. If you undertake the project, you are bound to encounter difficulties. 如果你承接这项工程的话，免不了会遇到许多困难。 Collocations:
undertake a task 承担一项任务
undertake to do sth. 承担做某事的任务 pressure vt. & n.
(try to) make (sb.) do sth. by using strong or unfair influence; forceful influence; strong persuasion 对……施加压力；压力
e.g. 1. We shouldn’t be pressured into making hasty decision; instead, we must take all things into consideration.
2. The chairperson accepted our proposal under pressure. 主席在压力下接受了我们的提议。 Collocations:
pressure sb. into doing sth. 迫使某人做某事 pressure sb. to do sth. 迫使某人做某事 take pains to do sth.
take great care or make a careful effort to do sth. 煞费苦心（做）；（为……）费尽心机
e.g. 1. He took great pains to learn Spanish because he wanted to travel in South America.
2. Do you think it worthwhile to take such pains to do this job? 你这么费心做这事，你觉得值得吗？
motivate vt.
provide (sb.) with a (strong) reason for doing sth. 激发，激励，使……产生动机 e.g. 1. The new plan is devised to motivate employees to work more efficiently.
2. Every manager must motivate and encourage his employees. 每个管理者都必须激励和鼓励他的雇员。 Difficult Sentences for Text A
1. … it is far more important for a student to know how to make the most of his or her innate abilities. (Para. 1)
Q: What does this sentence imply?
A: Being bright doesn’t necessarily make one a top student. What is of more importance is that he / she learns how to make the best use of the abilities that he / she is born with.
2. The students at the top of the class attain academic excellence by mastering a few basic principles that others can easily learn. (Para. 2)
Q: According to the above sentence, how can one become a top student?
A: Anyone can be a top student if he / she adopts some basic principles that are not difficult for others to learn.
3. Study time is never compromised for phone calls, television programmes or snacks. (Para. 2) Q: Please paraphrase this sentence.
A: They never give up study time to make phone calls, watch television or have snacks, for it would be against their principles to do so.
4. According to one professor, the student who turns in neat work is already on the way to scoring an A. (Para. 5)
Q: What does this sentence imply?
A: One professor said that the student who turns in a piece of neat work is likely to get a very
good score. Extended Questions
▇ Extended questions (Para. 1)
Q: Do you think one needs to be bright to become a top student?
A: Not necessarily so. Diligence and better use of one’s innate abilities are very important. ▇ Extended questions (Para. 2)
Q: Based on your own study habits, do you agree with the views of those students interviewed? A: (Open.) ▇ Extended questions (Para. 4)
Q1: Reflect on your own study habits. What are some of your own learning strategies in terms of
getting organized? A1: Possible answers are:
l previewing lessons before class; l reviewing lessons after class; l taking good notes in class;
l ensuring a fixed amount of time for study on a daily basis; l finishing assignments or projects days before the deadline; l scanning the notes taken in class before the next day’s class;
Q2: Do you think good learning strategies are important in your studies?
A2: Good strategies are certain to enhance learning, e.g. advance organizers, selective attention,
self-management, repetition, note-taking, grouping, contextualization, inferencing, and cooperation. ▇ Extended questions (Para. 5)
Q: What is the possible reason to account for the idea that “the student who turns in neat work is
already on the way to scoring an A”?
A: A piece of neat work reflects, to some extent, the effort the student has made in doing his work.
Furthermore, a piece of neat work may have some psychological impact on the professor who reads it. Normally people tend to give a higher score to a piece of neat work, other things being equal. ▇ Extended questions (Para. 6)
Q1: What does the word “labour” reveal about studying on one’s own?
A1: When someone labours to do something, that person does it with difficulty. By using
“labour” to describe studying on one’s own, the writer emphasizes the value of group study. Q2: Which do you prefer, study in a group or studying alone?
A2: Possible answers: I prefer group study because I may learn better by discussing homework
and problems together with my partners.
I don’t like group work, as I feel I’m most efficient when studying alone. ▇ Extended questions (Para.7)
Q1: Do you believe in the saying “The more you practise, the more you learn.”? Why? A1: Possible answers: I agree with the saying “The more you practise, the more you learn.”
However, I also hold the value of thorough understanding rather than mechanical memorization.
Q2: Do you think parents play an influential role in the academic life of a child?
A2: Yes, I think my parents play an influential role in my academic life in terms of family
environment, parents as role models, and parenting skills, etc. ▇ 课文参考译文
优等生的秘诀
1 一位研究教育的老师针对成绩优异的学生做过重点研究，发现最聪明的学生不见得总能得高分。根据这位教授、其他教育专家以及优等生们自己的观点，懂得如何充分发挥自己的潜能对于学生来说更为重要。
2 在班上名列前茅的学生之所以学习优秀，是因为他们掌握了几个人人都可以轻易学到的基本原则。首先，优等生知道如何决定轻重缓急。他们从来不会为了打电话、看电视或者吃零食而牺牲学习时间。换言之，学习总是摆在娱乐之前。另外，优等生们总是注意随时随地学习。有位成绩优异的学生同时也是优秀的运动员，每天利用户外训练时间背生物学术语。而另一位学生则利用每天早上刷牙时间记一个新单词。所有受访的学生无一例外都认为，在什么时间学习完全是个人偏好问题。有些人在夜深人静时学习效果最好，有些人则喜欢趁着自己还能清晰地记得上课所讲的内容，一放学回家就开始学习。尽管如此，所有优等生都一致认为，如果想任何时候都表现优秀，一个主要的因素就是要持之以恒。
3学生还必须学会有条理。举个例子，有一位优等生在学校乐队、田径队、橄榄球协会和辩论小组里都很活跃。他透露，他之所以把东西放得井井有条是因为他浪费不起到处找东西的时间。还有一位学生喜欢把当天的笔记马上整理出来并放进用不同颜色标记的文件夹里，以便临近考试时能随时用来复习。优等生们提倡的另一个技巧是有效的阅读，其中包括快速阅读，提高记忆能力以及主动提出问题以便充分理解作者的意思。
4 对于学生们来说，合理安排时间也同样重要。他们必须懂得如何根据每天的时间表和学习能力来安排做作业和项目的速度，不至于让手头的工作压得喘不过气。能制定时间表不仅让学生能够腾出更多时间来复习和完善功课，而且还能防止他们拖拖拉拉。成绩优异的学生认为，他们成功的一大秘诀就是上课时做好笔记，供复习时使用。有个学生透露，她把从课文上摘抄的内容记在笔记本的一边，把课堂笔记写在另一边。这样，就可同时复习到两方面的内容。她还透露，她不会浪费下课铃响前的几分钟跟朋友交头接耳，准备随时冲出教室。相反，她会利用这几分钟用两三句话概括那节课的要点，然后在下次上课前浏览这些笔记，加深印象。
5 老师们提倡的致胜秘诀是尽力让自己的作业整洁。有位老师说，学生交上整洁作业就已向高分迈进了一步。在课堂上大胆发言和提问也同样重要，这或许是学生澄清疑问的最好办法。课堂参与还能反映一个学生的求知欲。有个学生概括得好，“好成绩来自透彻的理解”。 6 在一所世界顶级大学进行的一项实验证明了小组学习的价值所在。研究表明，学生们如果一起讨论家庭作业和问题，尝试不同的解决办法，并且互相解释各自的答案，分数就会比那些单独用功的学生要高。实验也证明了学生间互相进行模拟测试或自我测试的好处。这就是说，学生们根据笔记设计可能的试题，在考试前一天相互之间进行书面测试或自测。专家们证实，那些能设计模拟试题的学生，往往会在正式考题中发现很多相同的试题，自然能得高分了。
7 优等生使用的另一个技巧是超额完成规定的家庭作业。一位学生透露，老师若是布置五道题，她会做上十道。用她的话说，“练习是学习的一部分。练得越多，学到的也越多。”最后一点同样不容忽视：所有的专家和优秀学生都认为，优等生们之所以成功，父母的功劳至关重要。从孩提时起，父母就给他们灌输学习的重要性，为他们制定高标准，并且引导他们达到这些标准。在学习方面他们给孩子以鼓励，而不是代劳。这些父母从不给孩子施加压力，永远都温柔慈爱，不厌其烦地解释和激励。他们使孩子们铭记肩负的责任，而孩子们则将其付诸实践。 Useful Expressions Useful Expressions from Text A Chinese Equivalences it is far more important 更为重要 how to set one’s priorities right a matter of personal preference keep one’s things in their proper places according to one’s daily timetable be overwhelmed by the tasks at hand turn in neat work demonstrate … intellectual curiosity clarify doubts try different approaches in one’s words set high standards take pains to explain
如何决定轻重缓急 个人偏好问题 把东西放得井井有条 根据每天的时间表 让手头的工作压得喘不过气 交上整洁的作业 反映……求知欲 澄清疑问 尝试不同的方法 用某人的话说 制定高标准 不厌其烦地解释
