Lesson 16 The World of Teacher 教师的世界
Words:
associate v. 交往（with)； 关联，联合；n. 伙伴；adj. 准的（比正式的低一级）
association n. 关联，联合；协会
assorted adj. 各式各样的，多样混合的
assuage v. 缓和，减轻（痛苦等）
assume vt. 假定，设想，（想当然地）认为；承担（责任）；采用（....的形式或姿势）
assumption n. 假设；就职
assure vt. 巩固，确保；想...保证，使确信
assuredly adv. 确实地，确信地；自信地，有把握地
astonish vt. 使惊讶
astound vt. 使惊异
astronomical adj. 天文学的
astute adj. 机敏的，精明的
asymmetrical adj. 不均匀的，不对称的
atheist n. 无神论者
athlete n. 运动员
atmosphere n. 大气，大气层；（某一地的）空气
atom n. 原子
atomic adj. 原子的；微子的
atomization n. 原子化；雾化
atone v. 赎罪，补偿
I love to associate with my fellow teachers. We meet at least twice each week at the Faculty association meetings. At these meetings, we ofter talk about our classes over a wonderful snack of assorted fruits. We're a close-knit group, although we're quite different in character.
Jane is one of my most astute coleagues. She teaches a course in astronomical phenomenon. Her students are often astonished when she talks about "black holes" and her theory of the shrinking universe. But she is careful to assuage their concerns. She assures them that her theory is based on a number of assumptions that my turn out to be unture.
My friend Bob teaches nuclear physics. He says it's all about atoms, atomic particles and atomization. I assume he knows what he's talking about. He must know, given how assuredly he speaks about the subject.
Mary teaches religion. However, she is an atheist. She has an excellent sense of humor. She often jokes about how she may end up having ti atone for not believing in God.
Jim is our school's physical education teacher. He's natural athlete and he loves basketball. He never fails to astound us with his ability to dunk a basketball backwards without looking.
Lastly, there's Sally, our teacher of geometry. She likes to talk about symmetrical and asymmetrical triangles. Frankly, it drives me crazy to think about those things. But I like her stimulating personality. She probably knows how to turn a boring subject into a fascinating one.
As for me, I teach art. It brings out my creative side.
我喜欢跟其他老师交往。在每星期的教师协会例会上，我们至少有两次的碰面。会上，我们常常是一面享用各式各样的美味水果，一面谈论各自教授的课程。我们是一个融洽的整体，尽管性情各异。
简是我认识的最机敏的老师之一，她教授关于天文现象的课程。每当她谈起“黑洞”和她的宇宙缩小论，学生们都惊讶不已。但她又会体贴的消除他们的忧虑。她向学生们保证，她的理论是建立在若干假设基础之上的，这些假设将可能被证明是错误的。
我的朋友鲍勃教授核物理学，他说这是一门关于原子、原子微粒和原子化的课程。我认为他对他所谈论的一切已经烂熟于心。他谈起核物理时是如此自信，想必是术业有专攻。
玛丽教宗教，但她自己却是个无神论者。她及其幽默，常常开玩笑说她最终可能要为不信仰上帝而赎罪。
吉姆是我们学校的体育老师。他是名天生的运动员，热爱篮球。我们总是惊讶于她不回头看就能背投中的扣篮技术。
最后还有我们的几何老师莎莉。她喜欢谈论对称和不对称的三角形。坦率地说，考虑那些玩意能把我逼疯。但我喜欢她那种能激励人的性格。她肯定知道如何将一个无聊的话题变得趣味盎然，欲罢不能。
Lesson 17 Life Beyond Injury 走出伤痛的生活
Words:
atrophy n. 萎缩
attach vt. 系，缚
attachment n. 依恋，喜欢；连接物；附件
attain vt. 到达，获得
attend vt. 参加；入学；照顾
attendant n. 侍者，护理人员；adj. 伴随的
attire n. 穿着，装饰（正规服装总称)
attorney n. 代理人，辩护律师
attribute n. 属性，品质；vt. 把....归于，归因于
attrition n. （逐渐的）损耗，磨损；减员
audacious adj. 大胆的，鲁莽的
audacity n. 大胆，鲁莽
audible adj. 听得见的
audit vt. 查账；旁听
audition n. （对艺人的）面试（指试唱、试戏等）
auditorium n. 大礼堂
auger n. 螺丝钻，钻孔机
augment vt. 增加，增大
aura n. 气味，气氛；光轮，光环
aurora n. 极光（南北极的）
I still reacall the accident. I had an audacious attitude back then. I remember being very upset at my brother and telling him,"you have the audacity to call me a coward when you won't even try." Neither of us knew how unstable and heavy that auger bit was.
Then I felt the numbing pain of the auger bit crushing my back. I can still see the ambulance attendants, in their clean white attire, attending to my injury. I think my voice was barely audible. The doctors were able to attach supporting metal pins to my spine, but I've yet to walk. My whole body seems to be in a state of atrophy. But I've never given up to hope. One of my strongest attributes is patience. Someday, I'll attain the use of my legs again.
Fortunately, my attorney helped me to obtain compensation for my injuries. The extra money helps to augment my monthly income. I still work as an accountant, auditing the books of small companies. But I only work part-time, and later this year, I plan to retire. It looks like my company will reduce its staff through attrition.
I'd like to spend more time with my family now. I have a strong attachment to my wonderful and energeic daughter. Everyone loves her. It's as though she emits an aura. This afternoon, I'll be taking her to the school auditorium so that she can attend an audition for a part in the school play. Next winter, we'll be taking a trip to Alaska to see the aurora borealis!
我还记得那次事故的场景。当时我态度鲁莽。我记得我很恼火我的弟弟，还跟他说：“你自己都没试过，怎么能厚颜无耻的叫我胆小鬼！”我们两个都不知道钻孔机的钻头会那么不结实，又那么重。
然后，钻孔机钻头压断了我的后背，我痛的几乎麻木了。我现在还能回想起穿干净白大褂的随车（救护车）救护人员，他们照料我的伤势。我想当时我得声音肯定小的没人能听见。虽说医生能在我的脊椎上，绑些金属支撑钉，我还是不能走路。我的整个身体似乎出于萎缩状态，但我从没放弃希望。我最坚强的品质之一就是有耐心。总有一天，我将会再次获得一双能走路的腿。
幸亏我的律师帮我拿到了伤害赔偿金，这笔钱增加了我的月收入。我还在做会计，替一些小公司查账。不过，我只是兼职。我打算下半年退休，因为我所在的那家公司似乎要通过自然减员来精简编制。
Lesson 18 A Change of Pace 改变步调
Words:
auspice n. 前兆；（s）赞助，支持
auspicious adj. 预示成功的，有利的，幸运的
authentic adj. 真迹的，真的；可靠的，确实的
authenticate vt. 证明（某物）为真
authoritative adj. 权威性的，可信的；（有）权威的，官方的
authority n. 权力，极限；（某领域的）权威人士；authorities 当局
authorize vt. 授权，批准
autobiography n. 自传
autocrat n. 独裁者
automated adj. 自动化的
automatic adj. （尤指机器）自动（化)的；（人）无意识的，机械的
automaton n. 机器人
autonomous adj. 自治的，独立的
autonomy n. 自治权，自治
auxiliary adj. 辅助的；补充的
available adj. 自由的，有空的；可利用的，可得到的；有资格干某事的；愿意感某事的
avalanche n. 雪崩
avant-garde n. 先锋派（艺术流派之一）；先锋，前卫
avenge vt. 复仇，报复
average adj. 一般的，通常的；平庸的；n. 平均水平；平均数；vt. 平分为
Joining the Peace Corps is an auspicious start to a career in the Foreign Service. Peace Corps volunteers perform charitable function in developing countries under the auspices of the U.S. Government. They primarily serve as auxiliary advisers or teachers. Most volunteers are average citizens just looking for a change of peace.
Every volunteer receives a uniform. It's clean but far from avant-garde. You also receive a handbook. It's an authoritative manual for survival in your host country.
The handbook contains some useful tips for staying out of trouble in a foreign country:
1. Always respect the authorities in your host country.
2. Don't authorize anyone to use your identification card.
3. When crossing a mountain pass in the winter, beware of avalanche conditions.
4. Be alert for possible attacks by terrorists trying to avenge a loss.
5. Make certain that anything valuable you buy is authentic.
6. Always authenticate large bills before accepting them.
Some assignments are dangerous. You might be sent to a country with an autocrat for a ruler. You may need to work near an area where rebels are fighting to obtain autonomy. Some regions are already autonomous but are fighting to retain control.
Most assignments are not dangerous. In my first assignment, I was sent to a small Latin American country to help build an automated water supply system. The only difficult I had in that country was cooking for myself. It's too bad they haven't invented an automaton that can make breakfast in the morning.
If you're available for at least a full year of service, you can apply to join the Peace Corps. Acceptance is not automatic. Perhaps at the end of your service, you will be able to write an autobiography of your adventures abroad.
加入（美国）和平队可谓外事生涯吉利的开端。在美国政府的支持下，和平队志愿者前往广大发展中国家执行慈善任务，主要是作为助理顾问或教师。大多数志愿者都是想改变人生步调的寻常百姓。
每位志愿者都会拿到一套制服。制服很干净，但远谈不上前卫。你还会拿到一本手册，这是一本教你在东道国如何生存的权威指南。
手册中包含一些关于如何在国外避免麻烦的好建议：
1. 始终不渝地尊重所在国的政府当局。
2. 不要授权任何人使用你的身份证。
3. 冬天过关隘时，小心雪崩状况。
4. 警惕恐怖分子为所受损失而可能采取的报复性攻击。
5. 确保所购买的贵重物品真实可靠。
6. 在接受任何大额票据时，一定要证明其真实性。
有些任务很危险。你可能会被派到一个由独裁者统治的国家。你的工作地点附近可能会有反叛者为获得自治权而奋起抗争。有些地区虽已取得自治权，但为掌握控制权仍在战斗。
大多数任务并不危险。我的第一个任务就是被派到一个拉美小国，帮助当地人修建自动供水系统。我在该国遇到的唯一困难就是得自己做饭。真可惜，他们没有发明能做饭的机器人。
Lesson 19 Facing Your Fear 直面你的恐惧
Words:
averse adj. 反对的，不愿意的
aversion n. 厌恶，憎恨
avert vt. 避免，规避
aviation n. 航空，航空学
aviator n. 飞行家
avid adj. 渴望的，热心的
avocation n. 副业，嗜好
avow v. 公开承认，公开宣称
awareness n. 意识
awkward adj. 笨拙的，不灵活的
axis n. 轴，轴心
baby-sitter n. 担任临时保姆，代人照顾婴儿者
bachelor n. （文、理）学士；单身汉
backbone n. 骨干，支柱；脊椎，中枢；骨气；坚毅，毅力
backdrop n. 舞台背景，背景
badge n. 徽章，证章（以示身份）
badger v. 一再烦扰，一再要求；n. 獾（一种动物）
baggage n. 行李
bait v. 以饵引诱（动物），把饵装上；n. 诱饵，引诱物
balance n. 平衡；vt. 使....平衡，使....均衡
I'm averse to flying. It's not that I don't have a backbone. In fact, I am otherwise very brave. I wear a police badge everyday and I arrest dangerous criminals. My aversion to aviation dates back to when I was a child.
When I was years old, my baby-sitter took me on a short flight to visit my mom. We flew in a small plane. The weather conditions were very bad that day. Halfway to our destination, we hit a terrible storm. The aviator lost control of the plane. The powerful wind made the plane to several barrel rolls. It was like me were in a ball that was spinning on an axis. After a few seconds, the avaitor regained control and averted a disaster.
I avowed never to fly in a small plane again. That story should serve as a dufficient backdrop for my fear of flying.
However, I'm an avid fisherman. In fact, fishing is my avocation. To me, there's nothing like putting bait on you hook and casting it in a peaceful stream. No phones to ring, no supervisors to badger you. I'm still a bachelor, so I have plenty of time for fishing. The problem is that now, the best fishing spots are accessible only by small planes.
Thus, I find myself looking rather awkward today as I stumble and stagger towards the small plane that awaits me. Why am I flying when I know how dangerous it is? Is this fishing spot really so great? My awareness of the danger is suppressed only by my thoughts of fabulous fishing. But I can hardly keep my balance as I struggle forward with my baggage.
Just like any other fear, you have to face it one step at a time.
我很反感坐飞机，倒不是因为我没骨气。事实上，除了坐飞机外，我相当勇敢。每天我都戴着警徽，逮捕凶险的罪犯。我对飞行的反感还要从我小时候说起。
8岁时，我的临时保姆带我做短途飞机去看妈妈，我们搭的是一架小飞机。那天天气相当糟糕。才飞了一半的路程，我们就撞上了暴风雨，结果飞机完全不停飞行员使唤。强劲的风力弄得飞机翻了好几个横滚，简直就像个绕轴心旋转的球。几秒钟后，飞行员重新控制住飞机，方才避免了异常灾难。
我发誓再也不坐飞机了。这个故事足以作为我惧怕坐飞机的背景。
然而，我却非常热衷于钓鱼。事实上，钓鱼是我的一大嗜好。对我来说，给鱼勾上饵然后将鱼钩投进宁静的小溪是再美不过的事了：没有电话在叮铃作响，没有主管来烦你。我有是个单身汉，因此有充足的时间来钓鱼。现在，问题在于最好的钓鱼地点都只有乘坐小飞机才能到达。
于是乎，我跌跌撞撞地走向正在等我的小飞机，一面觉得自己今天尤为笨拙。我干吗明知有危险，还要照飞不误呢？这个钓鱼的地方真的很棒吗？唯有想想钓鱼的美好才能让我忘却危险的意识。但在拉着行李往前赶时，我几乎无法保持平衡。
Words:
bald adj. 秃头的，光秃的
bald eagle 秃头鹰（美国国鸟）
balk vi. 阻碍；犹豫，不愿做
ballot n. 选票
ban vt. 禁止；查禁
banal adj. 陈腐的
band n. 乐队；队；（光或颜色的）带；vi. 联合，集合
bandanna n. 大手帕
bandit n. 强盗
bandleader n. 乐队指挥
bandmaster n. 乐队指挥
bang n. 发出砰的一声，重击
bankrupt adj. 破产了的
bankruptcy n. 破产
banner n. 旗帜，标语
banquet n. 宴会，盛会
banter n. (善意的)取消，逗弄；v. 善意地与人开玩笑
bar n. 酒吧；snack bar 快餐店；条，棒；栅
barb n. (鱼钩等的)倒钩；倒刺
Initially, I balked at my editor’s request that I cover the presidential elections in San Rico. San Rico was known for its bandits. Just one year ago, we had been banned from traveling there because of the danger. This year, the government promised political reforms and crime control.
Could thing have changed so much in only one year? Not in my mind. I imagined the worst. I anticipated burly bald man wearing bandannas, riding around on motorcycles and harassing voters. I pictured a bankrupt candidate, making a banal speech to a bored crowd, and claiming that his bankruptcy would not interfere with his government duties. I even expected the ballot box to be wrapped in barbed wire, with blood dripping from some of the barbs. What I didn’t expect was a bandmaster and the bang of a drum!
When our foreign press plane arrived in San Rico, we were greeted by a cheering crowd and a marching band. There was even a bald eagle. The bandleader led us from the plane, through the throngs of smiling people, and into the packed center of the city. There was big red banners hanging from every building, encouraging people to vote. Secure voting booths stood on every corner with people standing in long lines to cast their ballot. I had never seen so much enthusiasm for an election.
It was a new and exciting beginning for the people of San Rico. I reported it all in my story and faxed it back to my editor. After attending a wonderful banquet, I found myself sitting at a bar, listening to the banter about the election.
一开始主编让我报道圣黎各举行的总统选举时，我犹豫不决。圣黎各以其土匪之多闻名。一年前，当地政府就是因为太危险才禁止人们来圣黎各旅游的。今年，政府承诺进行政治改革同时打击犯罪。
仅一年的时间情况就会有所改观吗？我看未必。我做了最坏的打算：我指望看到些戴大手帕的高大秃顶男人，他们骑着摩托车四处骚扰投票者；我想象着一个破产的候选人的样子，人们不耐烦的听着他乏味的演说，他还一面声明破产不会影响他执政；我甚至能看到裹着钢丝网的投票箱，血液正从倒钩上一滴滴落下来。但我万万没想到会有乐队指挥和击鼓声！
当外报记者搭乘的飞机到达圣黎各时，迎接我们的是欢呼的人群和行进中的乐队，甚至还有一直秃头鹰。乐队指挥领着我们走下飞机，穿过面带微笑的人们，来到人山人海的市中心。每座建筑物上都挂有鼓励人们投票的红色大标语。每一条街道拐角处都有安全的投票亭，在那里，人们排着长队等候投票。我还从未见过对选举这般热衷的场面。
对圣黎各人民而言，这是一个崭新而又令人兴奋的开端。我全面报道了这一切，然后将稿子传真给主编。参加完一个丰盛的晚宴后，我在一家酒吧坐了下来，听人们戏说今天的选举。
