Language Point 1
While not exactly a top selling book, The History and Geography of Human Genes is a remarkable collection of more than 50 years of research in population genetics. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Although the book is not, in a real sense, a best seller, The History and Geography of Human Genes is a special and unusual book, which reflects 50 years' effort in the research work on population genetics.
Language Point 2
While not exactly a top selling book, … (Para. 1)
a top selling book: a book that a lot of people buy
Of the ten top selling books this year, six are non-fiction ones. 今年10本最畅销的书中，有6本是非小说类的书籍。
Language Point 3
It stands as the most extensive survey to date on how humans vary at the level of their genes. (Para.1)
Meaning: The book marks itself out as a survey that has so far obtained the fullest information on human genetic evolution.
Language Point 4
…the most extensive survey… (Para.1)
extensive: a. including or dealing with a wide range of information; covering a large area
The baby was put through extensive tests during a 10-day stay but they failed to find any signs of the fits. 他们让这个婴儿住院10天接受了全面的检查，但是没有发现任何突发病的症状。
The function of the victories in providing the regime with even more extensive popular backing seems undeniable. 这些胜利为政权提供了更为广泛的支持，这一点似乎是不可否认的。
Only a small pool remains in the basin of what was once an extensive lake.这个盆地曾经是一个大湖，现在只剩下一个小水池。
Language Point 5
… the most extensive survey to date… (Para.1)
to date: until now
To date, research has focused on the most obvious feature of living things: cell multiplication. 迄今为止研究已集中到生物最明显的特性，即细胞繁殖上。
Considerable evidence shows that, to date, those who have been successful through industrialisation and urbanisation have not been an independent, dynamic and progressive force in Latin America. 大量的证据表明，迄今为止，那些成功经历过工业化和城市化的人已不再是拉丁美洲一股独立的、有活力的、进步的力量。
There is no evidence, to date, that making people belt up turns them into worse drivers. 至今仍没有迹象表明，司机们系安全带会影响驾驶。
Language Point 6
The book's firm conclusion: once the genes for surface features such as skin color and height are discounted, the “races” are remarkably alike under the skin. (Para.1)
Meaning: The book firmly concludes that if the genes for superficial characteristics such as skin color and height are disregarded, all human races are fundamentally alike.
Language Point 7
…skin color and height are discounted, … (Para.1)
discount: v. think or say that sth. is not important or not true
Much of what he says must be discounted; he imagines things. 他说的许多话都是要打折扣的，他喜欢想像。
We can discount Liverpool — they have three injured players. 我们可以不理会利物浦队——他们有三名伤员。
He does not discount the possibility that the stress he was under affected his decision. 他没有忽视这种可能性，即他所受的压力可能影响到他的决定。
n. an amount of money that is taken off the usual cost of sth.
Students get a 15% discount on some theatre tickets. 一些剧院的戏票，学生可以打八五折。
Language Point 8
The variation among individuals is much greater than the differences among groups. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Individuals display a much greater degree of change than groups do.
Language Point 9
The variation among individuals is much greater than the differences among groups. (Para. 1)
variation: n. change in amount or level
Unemployment rates among white-collar workers show much less regional variation than corresponding rates among blue-collar workers.白领工人的失业率与蓝领工人相比，地区性差异要小得多。
The medical tests showed some variation in the baby's heart rate. 医疗检查表明婴儿的心率有些差异。
There are wide variations in the way pensioners have benefited from the system. 靠领养老金度日的人们从这个体制中得益的方式有很大区别。
The research team has a very good record of day-to-day variation in pollution in the atmosphere. 这个研究小组很详细地记录了大气污染每日的变化。
Language Point 10
In fact, there is no scientific basis for theories pushing the genetic superiority of any one population over another. (Para.1)
Meaning: Actually, theories suggesting that one race of people is superior to another have no scientific basis.
Language Point 11
…is much more than an argument… (Para.2)
more than: “having greater value or importance than sth. else” or “not only…, not just…” Please note here “more than” is used in a sentence without an adverbial clause of comparison.
1)“More than” followed by a noun phrase:
Learning English is more than attending the classes and taking notes.学习英语不只是来上课和记笔记。
He's more than a coach; he's a friend.他不只是一个教练，他更是一位朋友。
2)“More than” followed by a verbal phrase:
We more than waited from morning till night; we were worried. 我们不只是从早一直等到晚，还担心受怕。
She more than suffered from the disease; she was penniless. 她不仅仅是饱受疾病之苦，而且穷得身无分文。
He more than scolded me: he told me what to do next. 他不只是责怪我，还告诉我以后该怎么做。
James more than shouted: he threw the glass at the waiter. 詹姆斯不只是大声喊叫，还把玻璃杯扔向侍者。
3)“More than” followed by an adjective phrase:
She was more than glad to hear the news. 听到这个消息她非常高兴。
His house is more than large and beautiful. 他的房子非常大也非常漂亮。
I was more than frightened when I saw the terrible man. 当我看见那个可怕的人时，感到极度害怕。
The jokes you told me the other day are more than funny. 那天你给我讲的笑话非常有趣。
Language Point 12
The prime mover behind the project, Luca Cavalli-Sforza, a Stanford professor, labored with his colleagues for 16 years to create nothing less than the first genetic map of the world. (Para.2)
Meaning: The leading scientist behind the project, Luca Cavalli-Sforza, a Stanford professor, worked hard with his colleagues for 16 years to produce the first worldwide map of human genes.
Language Point 13
…create nothing less than the first genetic map of the world. (Para.2)
nothing less than: exactly the same as
Please note that “nothing less than” is often used to emphasize how important or undesirable something is. “Nothing less than” is often used in a sentence without an adverbial clause of comparison.
1) “Nothing less than” followed by a noun phrase:
You're nothing less than a murderer! 你简直是一个杀人犯!
A co-educational school offers children nothing less than a true version of society in miniature. 男女同校的学校正是向孩子们提供了一个真实社会的缩影。
The setting up of this plant in three months is nothing less than a miracle.三个月就建成了这个工厂简直就是一个奇迹。
2) “Nothing less than” followed by an adjective phrase:
The present trend is nothing less than alarming. 当前的这种趋势确实令人担心。
His experience is nothing less than magical and I am moved to tears. 他的经历简直太具魔幻色彩，我被感动得流下眼泪。
Language Point 14
The book features more than 500 maps… (Para.2)
feature: v.
1) include a particular person or thing as a special feature
This week's broadcast features a report on victims of domestic violence. 本周广播将对家庭暴力受害者进行一个特别报道。
The film features Damie Moore as a rebellious teenager. 黛米·摩尔在影片中扮演一位性格反叛的少女。
2) have an important part in sth.
A really good salary features highest on her list of what she wants from a job. 一份丰厚收入是她最想从工作中得到的东西。
n. an important and noticeable characteristic of sth.
The school's most notable feature was its air of calm. 安详的校园气氛是这所学校最显著的特点。
Information on employment is a central feature of this training course. 该培训课程最大的特色是它能提供就业信息。
Language Point 15
…by which early humans migrated around the earth. (Para. 2)
migrate v.
1) move from one place to go and live and work in another
Mexican farm workers migrate into the U.S. each year to find work at harvest time. 墨西哥农场工人每年有大批外出去美国，以便能在丰收季节找到工作。
2) (used about animals and birds) travel from one part of the world to another at
the same time every year
In September these birds migrate 2,000 miles south to a warmer climate. 九月这些鸟向气候温暖的南方迁徙2,000英里。
Young salmon migrate long distances but return to their place of birth to breed. 虽然幼小的鲑鱼要远距离迁移，但是它们要回到它们出生的地方繁殖。
These animals migrate annually in search of food. 这些动物为了寻找食物每年迁移。
Language Point 16
Result: the closest thing we have to a global family tree. (Para.2)
Meaning: As a result, we've got something extremely close to a global family tree — how the world populations are related to each other.
Language Point 17
The information needed to draw that tree is found in human blood: various proteins that serve as markers to reveal a person's genetic makeup. (Para.3)
Meaning: It's found that the different proteins in human blood provide the necessary information to draw that global family tree, for they can tell us about a person's genetic structure.
Language Point 18
…various proteins that serve as markers to reveal a person's genetic makeup. (Para.3)
serve as: fulfil the purpose of (sth.)
The judge said that the fine would serve as a warning to other motorists who drove without due care and attention. 法官说罚款会是对其他疏忽、冒失的驾驶者的一种警告。
In the absence of anything better the box would serve as a table. 在没有更好的东西的情况下，这箱子可以当桌子用。
Language Point 19
…to reveal a person's genetic makeup. (Para.3)
reveal: v. show sth. that previously could not be seen
I can now reveal that the new director is to be James Johnson. 我现在可以向大家透露，詹姆斯·约翰逊将出任新院长。
He pulled back his sleeve and revealed the scar on his arm. 他撩起袖子，露出了胳膊上的伤疤。
A slight trembling of his hands revealed his growing excitement. 他的手微微颤抖了一下，显示他越来越激动了。
Language Point 20
…the authors assembled profiles… (Para.3)
assemble: v.
1) bring people or things together as a group; come together as a group
He has refused to come to any kind of conclusions until he has assembled all the information he thinks relevant. 他拒绝在收集到所有相关信息之前下任何结论。
The members of the tour group assembled at the airport for departure. 旅行团的成员们在机场集合准备出发。
2) fit together all the separate parts of sth., for example a piece of furniture
The shelves are easy to assemble. 这些架子很容易装配。
It's one of those beds that you have to assemble yourself. 这种床需要你自己来装配。
Language Point 21
And to ensure the populations were "pure", the study was confined to groups that were in their present locations as of 1492, before the first major movements from Europe began — in effect, a genetic photo of the world when Columbus sailed for America. (Para.3)
Meaning: And to make sure the survey participants were not mixed with outsiders, the study was limited to districts where people had been living since 1492 and were not affected by the first major movements from Europe due to Columbus's discovery of America. In fact, what the scientists drew was a genetic map of the world in 1492.
Language Point 22
And to ensure the populations were "pure", … (Para.3)
ensure: v. make sure that sth. happens or is definite
Following the plane crash, the airline is taking further steps to ensure public safety on its aircraft. 坠机事件后，航空公司正在进一步采取措施以确保乘客安全。
Their 1-0 victory today has ensured the German team a place in the World Cup Final. 今天1比0的胜利确保了德国队进入世界杯决赛。
Language Point 23
…the study was confined to groups …(Para.3)
be confined to: be restricted or kept within certain limits or time
So far, fighting has been confined to the capital city. 到目前为止，战斗仍没有超出首都的范围。
Disasters of this sort were confined to neither traditionally flooded land nor the winter months. 这种灾难不只发生在洪水泛滥的地区，也不只发生在冬季。
Language Point 24
…that were in their present locations as of 1492, … (Para.3)
as of /from: (used when a new rule, system, or situation will start from) starting from
As of the first of July, all back seat passengers must wear seat belts. 从7月1日起，所有后座上的乘客必须系安全带。
The new timetable will come into effect as of January 2003. 新的时间表将从2003年1月起生效。
Language Point 25
…in effect, a genetic photo of the world … (Para.3)
in effect: in fact
What the management is saying, in effect, is that they are going to stop providing company cars. 管理层的实际意思是，他们将停止提供公司公用车子。
In effect, the security of major professions was undermined for ever.事实上，一些主要职业的安全性被永远破坏了。
Language Point 26
…he was confronted by an angry farmer waving an axe. (Para.4)
confront: v. face sb., esp. in an unfriendly or dangerous situation; face sth. difficult bravely
When they'd confronted him with proof of his criminal activities, he knew that he had to tell the truth. 当他们拿出他的犯罪证据与他当面对质时，他知道他不得不说真话了。
Opening the door, he found himself confronted by a dozen policemen with guns. 一打开门，他发现十几个警察正用枪对着他。
He prepared for the questions he expected to confront during the interview. 他为这次访谈中可能要面对的问题作了准备。
Language Point 27
One of them jumps right off the book's cover: a color map of the world's genetic variation has Africa at one end of the range and Australia at the other. (Para.5)
Meaning: One of the discoveries was right on the book's cover — a color map of world's genetic change, showing that Australians are most distant from the Africans in genes.
Language Point 28
Because Australia's native people and black Africans share such superficial characteristics as skin color and body shape, they were widely assumed to be closely related. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Because Australia's native people and black people have in common some apparent characteristics like skin color and body shape, people popularly think, although having no proof that, they are closely related.
Language Point 29
Because Australia's native people and black Africans share such superficial characteristics as skin color and body shape, … (Para. 5)
superficial: a.
1) appearing to be true or real until looked at more carefully
There are superficial similarities between the two cars, but actually they're quite different.乍一看两辆车差不多，但实际上区别很大。
2) only on the surface, not deep
Thankfully, the majority of injuries are superficial and, with a little care, heal quickly. 令人欣慰的是，大部分伤口都只是皮外伤，稍加护理就可以很快痊愈了。
The car was completely wrecked in the accident, but the driver only received superficial injuries. 虽然汽车在事故中彻底毁了，但司机只受了点轻微外伤。
3) having no depth of understanding or feeling
I only have a superficial knowledge of the subject.我对那个主题只知道一些皮毛。
The interviewer asked rather superficial questions.采访者问了一些肤浅的问题。
Language Point 30
… they were widely assumed to be closely related. (Para.5)
assume: v.
1) think or accept that sth. is true but without proof of it
If you are rude to other people your child will assume that this kind of behavior is acceptable. 如果你对别人不礼貌，你的孩子就会认为这样做是可行的。
In other academic areas it is assumed that the teacher knows more than the student. 在其他学术领域，人们都想当然地认为老师总是比学生知道的多。
2) (fml.) pretend to have a particular feeling or quality
When socializing with his co-workers he would assume a hearty manner. 和他的同事相处时，他会装出一副真诚的态度。
She usually assumed that look just before he succeeded in reducing her to tears. 在他使她流下眼泪之前，她通常会装出那副神态。
Assuming a carefree air, he ran to the end of the spring board and dived into the water. 他装出一副无忧无虑的神情，跑向跳板的一端，跳入了水中。
Language Point 31
But their genes tell a different story. (Para.5)
Meaning: But the genes from Australians and Africans prove the wide assumption wrong.
Language Point 32
…most closely resemble their neighbors, … (Para.5)
resemble: v. look like or be similar to another person or thing
It was not possible to change direction suddenly, yet the damage to education was obvious as campuses sometimes resembled market-places rather than institutions of higher learning. 突然改变方向是不可能的，但是校园有时更像个集市而不是高等教育机构，这对教育的危害很明显。
What she saw was the face of a stranger who resembled her: mouth pulled out of shape, skin white, hair without colour. 她看见一张很像她的陌生人的脸，嘴巴拉扯得变了形，肤色苍白，头发没有光泽。
Compare:
bear resemblance to; take after
Paul's features bore a strong resemblance to his father's. 保罗的五官非常像他的父亲。
I'm afraid that you'll find it hard to adapt, as the situation of the country bears little resemblance to that of our country. 该国的国情与我国相差悬殊，恐怕你不容易适应。
The London of the 1990s bears little resemblance to the London of my youth. 20世纪90年代的伦敦和我年轻时的伦敦不太一样。
The boy takes after his father: he has the same red hair, big feet, and quick temper. 这男孩长得像他父亲：同样的一头红发，大大的脚，脾气暴躁。
Language Point 33
What the eye sees as racial differences — between Europeans and Africans, for example — are mainly a way to adapt to climate as humans move from one continent to another. (Para.5)
Meaning: The different appearances of Europeans and Africans as we see them, for instance, are mainly a way of environmental survival when they move from one continent to another.
Language Point 34
…to adapt to climate…(Para.5)
adapt to: change one's behavior or sth. in order to deal more successfully with a new situation
In deeper waters, dwells an astonishing range of creatures adapting well to great pressures, extreme darkness, and a food supply only available there. 在深水区居住着种类惊人庞大的生物，它们能适应巨大的压力，极度的黑暗和有限的食物。
Old buildings and streets, well cared for and adapted to today's needs, vastly enhance the quality of life. 古老的建筑和街道被很好地维护和调整以适应今天的需要，这大大地提高了我们的生活质量。
Language Point 35
The same map, in combination with ancient human bones, confirms that Africa was the birthplace of humanity and thus the starting point of the original human movements. (Para.6)
Meaning: The same genetic map, together with the study of ancient human bones, firmly proves that Africa was the origin of human races and therefore the starting point of human migration.
Language Point 36
…in combination with ancient human bones, … (Para.6)
in combination with: together with, in conjunction with
By using persuasion in combination with threats, she achieved great political success. 她采取利诱和威胁并用的方式，获得了政治上的巨大成功。
The artist uses photographs in combination with solid objects to produce this strange effect. 这位艺术家用图片加实体的方法，创造出了这种奇异的效果。
Language Point 37
The same map, in combination with ancient human bones, confirms that… (Para.6)
confirm: v.
1) state or show that sth. is definitely true or correct, esp. by providing evidence
British Gas has confirmed that a gas escape from a fractured main was the likely cause of an explosion which demolished an Edinburgh tenement, killing two people. 英国天然气公司已经确认，从一根断裂的总管道里泄露的天然气及有可能是爱丁堡一起爆炸事故的原因，这起爆炸摧毁了一栋公寓房，导致两人死亡。
As soon as I looked at the accounts my worst fears were confirmed — we were heavily in debt. 我一看账目，就知道我最担心的事确实发生了——我们已负债累累。
2) make a position, an agreement, etc. more definite or official; establish sth. firmly
When I phoned to confirm my flight, I was told there was a strike at the airport. 我打电话去确认航班时，却被告知机场发生了罢工。
Let me confirm that the money has arrived in your account. 让我核实一下钱是否已进入了你的户头。
Language Point 38
Those findings, plus the great genetic distance between present-day Africans and non-Africans, indicate that the split from the African branch is the oldest on the human family tree. (Para.6)
Meaning: Those study results, as well as the great genetic difference between today's Africans and non-Africans, suggest that the first branch on the human family tree is separated from the Africans.
Language Point 39
…indicate that the split from the African branch is the oldest on the human family tree. (Para.6)
indicate: v. be a sign of sth.; show that sth. is possible or likely
I think these responses indicate that there is a general feeling of dissatisfaction among voters of all age groups. 我想这些回应表明各个年龄层的投票者都有一种普遍的不满情绪。
I'm afraid the circumstances do seem to indicate that Richard committed suicide. 种种迹象表明理查德恐怕是自杀。
Mr. Meacher indicated that a Labour government would be likely to set up new industrial courts presided over by judges with experience in industrial relations. 米彻先生表示，工党政府将可能成立一个新的工业法庭，由一些在劳资关系方面经验丰富的法官组成。
Language Point 40
The genetic maps also shed new light on the origins of populations that have long puzzled scientists. (Para.7)
Meaning: The genetic maps also contribute to scientists' better understanding of where some races of people came from, which they've been finding very hard to solve.
Language Point 41
…shed new light on the origins of populations… (Para.7)
shed light on: make a problem, etc. easier to understand
But a better understanding of how it works could also shed light on other questions concerning the development of sensory nerve cells. 但是更好地理解它的运作也能帮助我们弄清有关感官神经细胞发育的其他问题。
Scientists working in the Gobi desert have shed new light on the life of dinosaurs. 在戈壁滩上工作的科学家们对恐龙的生活有了新的认识。
In addition, the research is expected to shed light on the social consequences of cities' changing economic roles. 另外，这一研究也希望弄清城市不断变化的经济角色所带来的社会影响。
Language Point 42
… that have long puzzled scientists. (Para.7)
puzzle: v. make sb. feel confused because they do not understand sth.
I am writing as I'm puzzled as to why you have released the man who planted a bomb on a plane and killed 115 people but have imprisoned a girl for taking part in a peace march. 我写信是因为对你们的行为感到困惑——释放了在飞机上安放炸弹导致115人死亡的那个人，而关押了一个只是参加和平示威游行的女孩。
What puzzles me is why they didn't take her advice. 他们为何不接受她的忠告，这使我大惑不解。
n. sth. that is difficult to understand or explain
In 1953 the intricate puzzle of DNA's structure was solved in a Cambridge laboratory. 1953年DNA结构的复杂难题在剑桥大学的实验室里迎刃而解。
Language Point 43
…the Khoisan people are directly descended from the most primitive human ancestors. (Para.7)
be descended from: have sb. as an ancestor
She always claimed her family was descended from the ancient Kings of Egypt. 她总声称她的家族是古埃及国王的后裔。
The University of Edinburgh's most famous dropout, Charles Darwin, pointed out that human beings are descended from animals. 查尔斯·达尔文，这位爱丁堡大学最著名的退学者，指出人类是动物的后裔。
Language Point 44
But their genes beg to differ. (Para.7)
Meaning: But their genes tell a different story.
Language Point 45
The most distinctive members… (Para.8)
distinctive: a. having a quality or characteristic that makes sth. different and easily noticed
Their work will require strict adherence by the dancers to a distinctive style of dance and gesture, which is designed to communicate thoughts, moods, emotions and actions. 他们的工作将要求舞蹈演员严格坚持独特风格的舞步和舞姿，借以传达思想、情绪、情感和行为。
The building's most distinctive feature is its enormous dome-shaped roof. 这幢建筑的最大特色是它那巨大的圆形屋顶。
You will play your part in helping to preserve a distinctive type of beer for future generations to enjoy. 你们要尽职去帮助保持一种啤酒的独特风格，以便后代更好地享用。
Compare:
distinct: a. clearly noticeable; that certainly exists
There is a distinct smell of cigarettes every time he comes into the room. 他每次进房间，就明显有一股香烟味。
There is a distinctive smell in the room. 房间里有一种特殊的气味。
Language Point 46
Their language is of unknown origin and cannot be placed within any standard classification. (Para. 8)
Compare "unknown" with "infamous":
unknown: not known; not famous
infamous: shameful, notorious
The show was such a success that she went from an unknown actress to a star overnight. 演出非常成功，使她从一个默默无闻的女演员转眼成了一位明星。
The firm was almost unknown ten years ago but now it is famous for its high-quality products. 这家公司10年前无人知晓，但现在因其高质量的产品而著名。
His action in cheating poor, sick and elderly people of their savings was described by the judge as infamous. 法官把他这种欺诈穷人、病人和老人的存款的做法称为无耻。
Language Point 47
In addition to telling us about our origins, genetic information is also the latest raw material of the medical industry, … (Para.9)
Meaning: Apart from telling us about where we come from, genetic information can also be used for the medical purpose.
Language Point 48
Activists for native populations fear that the scientists could exploit these peoples: genetic material taken from blood samples could be used for commercial purposes without adequate payment made to the groups that provide the DNA. (Para.9)
Meaning: Activists for native populations worry that the scientists could take advantage of these peoples, getting DNA information from their blood samples to gain profit without paying them enough.
Language Point 49
…the scientists could exploit these peoples…(Para.9)
exploit: v.
1) treat a person or situation as an opportunity to gain an advantage for oneself
Although nobody wishes to be exploited with low wages and very difficult conditions, it is frankly better to find the ways and means of presenting yourself somehow, than not perform at all. 尽管没人愿意经受低工资和恶劣条件的剥削，但是想方设法去表现自己总比什么都不做好得多。
2) use sth. well in order to gain as much from it as possible
Russia could exploit its position as a major oil producer to push up world oil prices. 俄罗斯能够利用其重要产油国的地位来提升世界油价。
The main banks exploited yesterday's thin market to launch another assault on the dollar. 几家主要的银行利用昨天疲软的市场对美元发起了又一轮攻击。
Language Point 50
Cavalli-Sforza stresses that his mission is not just scientific but social as well. (Para. 10)
Meaning: Cavalli-Sforza stresses that his task is not only of scientific importance but also of social significance.
Language Point 51
Cavalli-Sforza stresses that his mission is not just scientific but social as well. (Para. 10)
mission: n. an important task or purpose
Your mission is to send back information about the enemy's movements.你的任务就是要发回关于敌人行动的情报。
His mission in life is to expand the horizons of those around him. 他人生的使命就是帮助周围的人拓宽视野。
Less than two days after the bombing started, he talked about America's post-war "healing" mission. 轰炸开始不到两天，他就谈到了美国战后的"康复"使命。
Language Point 52
Cavalli-Sforza stresses that his mission is not just scientific but social as well. (Para. 10)
not just… but…as well: not only… but also
The government radio not only reported the demonstration, but announced it in advance as well. 政府电台不仅报道了这次示威游行，而且事先做了预告。
Some parents are not only concerned with safety but skeptical of the educational value of such strips as well. 有些父母不仅关心这些连环画的安全性，还对它们的教育价值表示怀疑。
Language Point 53
The study's ultimate aim, he says, is to "weaken conventional notions of race" that cause racial prejudice. (Para.10)
Meaning: He says that the study's final and most important goal is to prove unconvincing the traditional views of race which only lead to unfair judgement.
Language Point 54
The study's ultimate aim, … (Para.10)
ultimate: a. most extreme or important, fundamental, final
The debate should not, however, centre on cost, but should hinge on the ultimate benefit to the nation. 辩论不应该集中在费用问题上，而应该围绕国家的最终收益进行。
Although other people can advise him, the ultimate decision about who to employ lies with Andrew. 虽然其他人可以向安德鲁提建议，但是最终决定雇用谁取决于他。
The ultimate objectives of this strategy were of course not different from those of previous post-war governments. 这一战略的最终目标当然和以前的战后政府的策略没什么区别。
Language Point 55
…is to "weaken conventional notions of race" that cause racial prejudice. (Para.10)
conventional: a. following what is traditional or considered to be normal, sometimes too closely
The house was built with conventional materials but in a totally new style.这房子是用传统的材料建造的，但风格却是全新的。
He insisted that his dancers told their own story by using the many conventional gestures familiar to theatregoers throughout Europe. 他坚持要他的舞蹈演员用许多传统的舞姿传达他们自己的故事，这些舞姿是全欧洲那些戏院常客们所熟悉的。
They're such a conventional family — they must have been horrified when their son dyed his hair pink.他们是一个很传统的家庭——看到他们的儿子把头发染成粉红色肯定会感到骇然。
Language Point 56
…is to "weaken conventional notions of race" that cause racial prejudice. (Para.10)
prejudice: n. an unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, esp. when formed without enough thought or knowledge
Many women still encounter deep-seated prejudice in the workplace which prevents them from achieving top positions. 许多妇女在工作场合仍遭受到根深蒂固的偏见，这妨碍了她们晋升到高级职位。
Although racial prejudice has not yet disappeared, skin colour no longer acts as a bar to career advancement. 虽然种族歧视还没消失，但肤色已不再是晋升的障碍。
