Language Point 1
Gail and I imagined a quiet wedding. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Gail and I planned to have (or: thought about having) a wedding without many people or without much activity.
imagine: vt. (Here) plan to have, think about having ...
We imagine a quiet holiday at home for this summer after a busy year. 忙碌了一年,
我们打算今年夏天在家过个安静的假期。
If “imagine” is followed directly by a verb or a “noun + verb” structure, the verb should be in the -ing form. Examples:
It’s hard to imagine living in a place where there are no telephones or cars. 很难想象生活在一个没有电话、没有汽车的地方会是个什么样子。
She couldn’t imagine living in a small town like this; she likes big cities. 她无法想象竟会住在这么一个小城镇里; 她喜欢大城市。
I can’t imagine George being unfair to anyone. 我不能想象乔治竟然会对谁都不公正。
Language Point 2
… we had experienced the usual ups and downs of a couple learning to know, understand, and respect each other. (Para. 1)
Meaning: Like any other couples who were learning to know, understand, and respect each other, we had had both happy and unhappy periods.
Language Point 3
… the usual ups and downsof a couple…(Para. 1)
ups and downs: a mix of good experiences and bad experiences
Life is full of ups and downs. 人生充满了欢乐与痛苦。
He has seen the ups and downs in the history of the relations between the two countries. 他经历了两国关系史上的圆缺阴晴。
Language Point 4
But through it all we had honestly confronted the weaknesses and strengths of each other’s characters. (Para. 1)
Meaning: But in experiencing all the ups and downs we had honestly faced and tried to deal with the weak sides and good sides of each other’s characters.
through: prep. from the beginning to the end of
I have read halfway through the article but found it uninteresting. 这篇文章我已看了一半, 可是觉得它枯燥无味。
The company is going through a very difficult period. 公司正处于十分困难的时期。
Language Point 5
… had honestly confronted the weaknesses and strengths of each other’s characters. (Para. 1)
weaknesses and strengths: weak points and strong points
It’s important to know your own weaknesses and strengths. 了解自己的缺点和优点很重要。
the weaknesses and strengths of her theory 她的理论的不足和长处
character: n. all the qualities that make a person or place different from other people or places
He has a strong but gentle character. 他的性格坚强而温柔。
The twins look the same but have very different characters. 这对双胞胎长得很像，但性格很不同。
An aim not to show feeling is supposed to be part of the British national character. 感情不外露被认为是英国国民性格的一部分。
Language Point 6
Our racial and cultural differences enhanced our relationship and taught us a great deal about tolerance, compromise, and being open with each other. (Para. 2)
Meaning: Our racial and cultural differences helped to better our relationship and taught us a great deal about how one recognizes and respects the beliefs or practices of the other (that is, tolerance), how one settles differences between us by sharing decision responsibilities (that is compromise) and being honest with each other.
Language Point 7
Our racial and cultural differences enhanced our relationship and taught us a great deal about tolerance, compromise, and being open with each other. (Para. 2)
tolerance: n.
1) [U] willingness or ability to accept sth., quality of allowing other people to say and do as they like, even if you do not agree or like it
Try and show some tolerance. 试一试表现得宽容些。
It’s a culture in which there is absolutely no tolerance of disagreement. 在这种文化里，持有异议是绝对不容许的。
This period in history is not famous for its religious tolerance. 历史上的这个时期并不是以宗教上的宽容为特征的。
2) [U] the ability to bear sth. unpleasant, or to continue existing in spite of bad conditions
My tolerance of heat is greater after having lived in the Far East for a couple of years. 在远东住了几年后, 我耐热的能力增强了许多。
Many old people have a very limited tolerance to cold. 许多老人的耐寒能力十分有限。
compromise: n.
A compromise is a situation in which people accept something slightly different from what they really want, because of situations or because they are considering the wishes of other people. Examples:
He asked $1,500 for his old car, but I thought it was only worth $1,000. We finally reached a compromise and I paid $1,250. 他开价1,500美元出售他那辆旧车，可我觉得那车只值1,000美元。我们双方最后达成妥协，我付了1,250美元。
Both sides are determined to get what they want, and there seems to be no possibility of compromise. 双方都决心要得到各自所要求的东西，似乎没有妥协的可能性。
“Compromise” can be used as an intransitive verb with a related meaning.
He asked more than I was willing to pay, so we compromised on a price in between. 他的要价超出我愿意付的数额,结果我们达成妥协, 商定了一个居中的价格。
The government has compromised with other party leaders over the date of the next general election. 政府与其它党派领导人就下届大选日期达成了妥协。
Language Point 8
... and being open with each other. (Para. 2)
open: a. willing to talk honestly, frank
Let’s be open with each other. 让我们彼此开诚布公吧。
He is a very frank and open person. 他是个很坦诚的人。
Language Point 9
Gail sometimes wondered why I and other blacks were so involved with the racial issue, ... (Para.2)
Meaning: Gail sometimes expressed a wish to know why I and other blacks gave so much time, energy and attention to the racial issue.
(be / get) involved with: give a lot of time, effort, or attention to ...
He was involved with working out a plan. 他专心致志地在制订计划。
Language Point 10
… she seemed to forget the subtler forms of racial hatred in American society.(Para.2)
Meaning: She seemed to forget the forms of American racial hatred that are not so obvious.
subtle: a. slight, not obvious, not easy to notice, understand or explain
There are subtle differences in meaning between these two words. 这两个词词义有细微的差别。
His attempt to offer us a bribe is not exactly subtle. 他对向我们行贿的意图并不遮遮掩掩。
Prejudice can take subtler forms than this. 偏见可能表现得比这更隐晦。
hatred: n. a very strong feeling of not liking someone or something
She looked at me with an expression of hatred. 她面带憎恨的表情看着我。
Language Point 11
Gail and I had no illusions about what the future held for us as a married, mixed couple in America. (Para.3)
Meaning: Gail and I were not idealistic about what the future would offer us in America as a married couple, one being black and the other being white.
illusion: n. [C] false idea, belief or impression
I have no illusions about his ability ; he is just no good. 我对他的能力并不存在幻想；他不怎么样。
The sun appears to go round the Earth, but that is only an illusion.太阳似乎是在围绕地球旋转，然而那只是一种错觉。
This word is often used in the phrase: “be under an illusion”, which means : “believe wrongly”. This phrase is usually followed by a that-clause.
We are all under the illusion that the country is doing well economically, but in fact it is in serious difficulty. 我们都误以为这个国家经济状况良好, 但是实际上它正处于严重的困难之中。
Language Point 12
Gail and I had no illusions about what the future held for us as a married, mixed couple in America. (Para.3)
hold: vt. own, be able to contain or offer
Hold in this sense can also be used figuratively.
He holds a half share in the business. 他在这个企业中拥有一半的股份。
The cinema holds 500 people.这电影院能容纳500人。
Life holds many surprises for us. (喻) 人生中有许多意想不到的事情。
married: a. If you are married, you have a husband or wife.
Her married life was exceptionally happy. 她的婚后生活十分幸福。
a married woman 一位已婚妇女
mixed couple: a couple of different races
Language Point 13
… our mutual trust and respect. (Para.3)
mutual: a.
1) (of feeling or an action) felt or done by each to the other
Their working together was based on mutual respect, trust and understanding. 他们的合作是建立在相互尊重、信任和理解的基础上的。
mutual hatred 相互憎恨
to give mutual support and encouragement 相互支持和鼓励
2) shared by two or more people
mutual interests 共同的利益
The plan was ended by mutual agreement. 双方均同意终止这一计划。
Lynn and Phil met through a mutual friend. 林恩和菲尔是通过共同的朋友相识的。
I like her, and I hope the feeling is mutual. 我喜欢她，我希望她也喜欢我。
Language Point 14
We wanted to avoid the mistake made by many couples of marrying for the wrong reasons, …(Para.4)
Meaning: Many couples got married for the wrong reasons. We had learned a lesson from them and we wanted to live a different married life.
Language Point 15
… they overlooked serious personality conflicts in the expectation that marriage was an automatic way to make everything work out right. (Para. 4)
Meaning: They ignored serious personality conflicts. They hoped that everything would go right automatically when they lived their married life.
overlook: vt.
1) fail to notice or realize how important something is, miss
You have overlooked several of the mistakes in this work. 你忽略了这项工作中的几个错误。
The secretary is very careful and never overlooks any little points. 秘书是个很细心的人,从不放过任何细小问题。
2) pretend not to notice; forgive
We’ll overlook your bad behavior this time, but don’t do it again. 这一次我们不计较你的错误行为，但是切勿再犯了。
She overlooked his offensiveness and tried to pretend nothing had happened. 她没有计较他的无礼，并尽量装作没事的样子。
3) have or give a view of (a place) from above
Her bedroom has large windows overlooking a lake. 她的卧室有几扇对着湖面的大窗子。
Language Point 16
… in the expectation that marriage was an automatic way to make everything work out right. (Para. 4)
expectation: n. firm belief or hope that something will happen
Notice that this word is very often used in some set phrases.
We thought Mary would pass, but contrary to (or: against) (all) expectation(s), she didn’t. 我们都以为玛丽能通过考试, 但与我们预期相反, 她没通过。
John has succeeded beyond expectation (or: beyond our expectations). 约翰的成就超出了我们的预料。
They closed the windows in expectation of rain. 他们预料天要下雨, 就关上了窗户。
I usually enjoy his films, but the latest one didn’t come up to (or: live up to) my expectations. 我一向喜欢他的电影, 但是最近的一部并不像我期望的那样好。
Language Point 17
… to make everything work out right. (Para. 4)
work out:
1) have as a result, turn out, happen or progress in a certain way.
In this sense, the verb phrase is intransitive.
How the situation will eventually work out only time can tell. 情况最后将会是怎样，只有以后才能知道。
Things will work out well if you will just be patient. 如果你耐心点, 事情会有个圆满的结果的。
2) find by reasoning or figuring
In this sense, the verb phrase is transitive.
Have you worked out the answer? 你已经得出答案来了没有?
She had worked out that it would cost over 100 dollars. 她已经算出来那要花100多元。
The police couldn’t work out how the thieves had entered the building. 警察查不出窃贼是怎么进入那幢建筑物的。
Language Point 18
That point was emphasized by the fact that Gail’s parents, after thirty-five years of marriage, were going through a bitter and painful divorce, … (Para.4)
Meaning: That point was made particularly true when Gail’s parents, after thirty-five years of marriage, were experiencing a bitter and painful divorce.
go through: experience
The country has gone through too many wars. 这个国家经历了太多的战争。
go through hardships 历尽千辛万苦
We went through difficulties while working on this project. 执行这一计划时我们遇到了许多困难。
Language Point 19
... Gail’s parents, after thirty-five years of marriage, were going through a bitter and painful divorce, … (Para.4)
divorce: n. formal ending of a marriage by law
She got a divorce from him last year. 她去年和他离了婚。
This word can also be used as a verb (either transitively or intransitively) with a related meaning. Examples:
It was such a shame when Martha and Jamie divorced. 玛莎和杰米离婚了，真是可惜！
She divorced her husband after so many years of unhappiness. 经过这么多年不愉快的生活后, 她终于与丈夫离了婚。
The judge divorced Mr. and Mrs. Jones. 法官判琼斯夫妇离婚。
This verb can also be used in a figurative sense. For example:
It is difficult to divorce political affairs from sport. 把体育和政治完全分开是很困难的。
Language Point 20
… for a time had a negative effect on our budding relationship. (Para.4)
Meaning: For a certain time (their divorce) had a bad effect on our relationship that had just begun to develop.
for a time: for a certain period; temporarily
The professor stayed in London for a time. 那位教授曾一度住在伦敦。
For a time the police thought she might be guilty. 警方曾一度认为她可能有罪。
bud: vi. produce buds
The trees are budding early this year. 今年树木发芽早。
The unusually cold winter has caused many plants to bud late this year. 异常寒冷的冬天使今年许多植物推迟了发芽。
Here in this sentence, “budding” is used in its figurative sense, meaning “starting to
develop”. An example:
a budding writer 初露头角的作家
Language Point 21
When Gail spread the news of our wedding plans to her family she met with some resistance. (Para.5)
Meaning: When Gail told her family of our wedding plans, her family expressed their views opposed to the wedding.
meet with: experience
I met with some difficulties in suffering the net. 在网上冲浪时我遇到了一些困难。
In addition, if something such as an idea, plan, or new book meets with or is met with a particular reaction, it gets that reaction from people.
His speech met with a cold acceptance. 他的演讲受到冷遇。
resistance: n. against or refusing to accept something
There has been a lot of resistance to this new law.这项新法律遭到很多人的反对。
The idea met with some resistance. 那个意见遭到了某种形式的反对。
Language Point 22
Her mother, Deborah, all along had been supportive of our relationship. … (Para.5)
Meaning: Her mother, Deborah, had been in support of our relationship from the beginning.
all along: throughout a period of time
I suspected all along that she was lying. 我一直怀疑她在撒谎。
I knew the truth all along. 实情我始终是清楚的。
supportive: a. giving encouragement, help, etc. especially to someone in difficulty
Mary was so supportive of me when I was fired last year. 我去年被解雇时, 玛丽给了我极大的支持。
Notice that after the adjective “supportive” we use an of-phrase.
Language Point 23
Instead of congratulations upon hearing our news, Deborah counseled Gail to be really sure she was doing the right thing.(Para.5)
Meaning: When Deborah heard our plans, she did not express her congratulations but advised Gail to be really sure that it was the marriage she did want.
congratulations: n. [pl.] If you offer someone your congratulations, you congratulate them on something nice that has happened to them or something admirable that they have done.
to offer one’s congratulations on her success 对她的成功表示祝贺
Congratulations on your marriage! 恭喜你们喜结良缘!
upon: prep. (the same as “on”) immediately after, directly after (and often as a result of)
Upon (or: On) hearing the news, she burst into tears. 一听到这个消息, 她就放声大哭起来。
He got a good job upon (or: on) graduation. 他刚毕业就找到了一个好工作。
Language Point 24
... Deborah counseled Gail to be really sure she was doing the right thing. (Para.5)
counsel: vt.
1) advise
counsel sb. to go at once劝某人立刻去
She counseled them not to accept his explanation. 她建议他们不要接受他的解释。
This verb can also be followed directly by a noun as an object.
They counseled patience (caution). 他们建议要耐心 (谨慎)。
2) give advice and support to
The school is now providing a service to counsel students with drug problems. 学校向有吸毒问题的学生提供咨询服务。
Language Point 25
So it was all right for me to date him, but it’s wrong for me to marry him. (Para.6)
Meaning: So it was acceptable for me to have a romantic relationship with him, but the relationship should not develop into marriage.
date: have planned social meetings with
She has been dating him for several months, but it is still not very serious. 她跟他约会已经几个月了, 但他们的关系还不是十分认真的。
Language Point 26
Is his color the problem, ...? (Para.6)
Meaning: Is it his black skin color that makes our marriage unacceptable?
Language Point 27
Gail subsequently told me … (Para.6)
subsequently: ad. afterwards
He escaped from prison but was subsequently recaptured. 他从监狱中逃了出来，但是接着又被抓了回去。
Subsequently, they heard that he had left the country. 后来，他们听说他已经离开了这个国家。
Please notice that this word is not to be confused with “consequently”, which means “as a result, therefore”. Compare:
The old school was sold and subsequently turned into a private house. 这所旧学校被买下来后改建成了私人住宅。
The bank refused to help the company; consequently, it went out of business. 银行拒绝帮助这家公司, 公司因此破产了。
Language Point 28
… I harbored reservations about a mixed marriage, prejudices you might even call them. (Para.7)
Meaning: I had doubts whether a marriage between a white and a black would work out well, which you might even call prejudices.
harbor: vt. have (feelings, thoughts, images, etc.) in one’s mind over a long period of time
He harbors a secret hatred against his father. 他对他的父亲暗怀憎恨。
For years he harbored a secret wish to become a painter. 多年来他暗暗希望自己能成为一名画家。
The girl still harbors the idea of going abroad. 那女孩依然抱着出国的念头。
reservations: n. If you have reservations about something, you have doubts about it or you are not sure that it is entirely good or right.
I have some reservations about his story. 我对他说的不大相信。
Language Point 29
… prejudices you might even call them. (Para.7)
prejudice: n. unreasonable dislike or like of one group of people or thing over another
A judge must be free from prejudice. 法官不应存有偏见。
This word can also be used as a verb with a related meaning. For example:
She is prejudiced against (= has a prejudice) French wine because she is Italian. 她对法国酒存有偏见, 因为她是意大利人。
Your bad spelling may prejudice (= make weak, harm) your chances of getting the job.你糟糕的拼写可能会使你丧失获得这个工作的机会。
Language Point 30
… intelligent young guy. (Para.7)
guy: n. a man. It is an informal word.
I was working with a guy from Manchester. 我与一个曼彻斯特来的家伙在一起工作。
Language Point 31
... my friends talk... (Para. 7)
talk: vi. speak about other people’s actions and private lives, tell stories
Don’t park your car outside my house; you know how people talk! 别把你的车停在我的房子外边, 你想想人家会怎么说!
Language Point 32
When we met I saw him as my beloved, intelligent, charming, and caring. (Para.7)
Meaning: When we met I regarded him as the one I loved because he was smart, attractive and caring.
see ... as: imagine, regard or perceive ... as
His father saw him as a man who could not make a living for himself. 他父亲把他看作是个连自己也养不活的人。
I see it as my duty to find him a job. 我把帮他找份工作看作自己的责任。
Many girls have normal body weight, but they see themselves as being fat. 许多女孩体重正常, 但是她们自己认为胖了。
Women are sometimes seen as less effective managers. 有时候人们认为妇女不大会理财。
Sometimes “as” can be replaced by “to be”, but keeps the same meaning. For example,
the last example can be rewritten as:
Women are sometimes seen to be less effective managers.
beloved: n. & a. (a person who is) dearly loved
It was a gift from my beloved.这是我爱人送给我的礼物。
His beloved wife died. 他的爱妻去世了。
Language Point 33
… ours was an ideal marriage with every indication that it would last forever. (Para.7)
Meaning: Our marriage was perfectly good and it was very likely that it would last forever.
In this sentence “every” has a very commonly used meaning: “as much as possible” or “total; entire”. Examples:
There is every chance that she will succeed. 她完全有机会取得成功。
There is every reason to believe that he is telling the truth. 有充分理由相信他说的是真话。
The airline takes every possible measure to ensure the safety of its passengers. 航空公司采取一切措施保障旅客安全。
indication: n. a sign that suggests or indicates something
There are various indications that another financial crisis is coming soon. 种种迹象表明即将爆发新的金融危机。
There are some indications that interest rates will soon fall. 某些迹象表明不久利率将下调。
Language Point 34
We’ve been through so much together. (Para.8)
Meaning: We’ve experienced so many things together.
Language Point 35
We’ve seen each other at our worst many times. (Para.8)
Meaning: We have had many times when we behaved as unpleasantly as possible towards each other
at one’s worst: when one is behaving as unpleasantly as possible
This was his mother at her worst: her voice was sharp and loud, and she was to be angry at anyone. 这是他母亲脾气最坏的时候: 说话声音又尖又高, 对谁都会发脾气。
Language Point 36
… time will only confirm what we feel deeply about each other.(Para.8)
Meaning: In the future our deep love of each other will be supported by the truth of facts in the future.
confirm: vt.
1) show that something is definitely true
The recent airplane crash confirms my belief that stronger safety rules are needed. 最近的坠机事件使我更坚信我们需要更加健全的安全法规。
X-rays have confirmed that he has not broken any bones. X光检查证明他没有任何骨折。
The announcements confirmed that the election would take place on June 20th. 公告证实选举将于6月20日举行。
Everything you have just said confirms for us the view that nobody can be trusted. 你刚才所说的一切向我们证实了一个观点：谁都不能信任。
2) make (a plan or meeting) certain, often by telephone or writing
a note asking us to confirm when we would be arriving 要求我们确定何时抵达的便条
I’d like to confirm a reservation for a double room on the first of July. 我想确认一下预订7月1日一间双人房。
Language Point 37
But I still think that waiting won’t hurt. (Para.9)
Meaning: But I still think it is wise to wait (to make sure that you are doing the right thing); but I still think it’ll do you good not to be in haste.
hurt: v. cause harm or difficulty (to)
These new laws will hurt a lot of companies. 这些新的法规会给许多公司造成损害。
Have another drink; one more drink won’t hurt. 再来一杯；多喝一杯不会有问题。
Language Point 38
Gail’s father, David, whom I had not yet met personally, approached our decision with a father-knows-best attitude. (Para.10)
Meaning: I had not yet met Gail’s father, David, face to face. He dealt with our decision in a way that seemed he was the most experienced in finding out the truth.
approach: vt. begin to consider or deal with
There are several ways of approaching this problem. 处理这个问题有几种办法。
The bank has approached the issue in a practical way. 银行方面以务实的方式解决了这个问题。
Language Point 39
Why the haste? (Para.10)
Meaning: Why do you want to get married in such a hurry?
This is an elliptical question (省略式问句). Another example in this reading passage is:
Then why the rush? (Para. 12) 干吗匆匆忙忙的?
In why-questions we often have ellipsis (省略). More examples:
Why bother waiting any longer? (= Why should we bother waiting any longer?) 为什么我们还得费工夫等下去呢?
Why not? 干吗不?
Why not make one for yourself instead of buying one? (= Why do you not make one for yourself instead of buying one?) 干吗不自己做一个而要去买呢?
Language Point 40
What’s his citizenship status? (Para.10)
Meaning: Which country is he lawfully accepted as belonging to?
Language Point 41
… when he learned of my problems … (Para.10)
learn of: find out about something. Examples:
I learned of the accident only yesterday. 我是昨天才听说这次事故的。
It was only after his death that she learned of his affair with Betty. 她是在他死后才得知他同贝蒂的风流事的。
Language Point 42
… he immediately suspected that … (Para.10)
suspect: vt. believe (esp. something bad) to be true or likely
He seems poor, but I suspect that he has quite a lot of money. 他看上去很穷，可是我怀疑他很有钱。
We suspect they’ll be a little late. 我们揣想他们会晚来一会儿。
I suspect they are very disappointed. 我猜想他们会很失望。
Compare:
doubt: believe that something is probably not true or possible.
I doubt that he’ll come. 我怀疑他是不会来了。
I doubt what he said. 我不太相信他说的话。
Language Point 43
… that’s harsh…(Para.11)
Meaning: You are unkind to say so and you don’t understand.
harsh: a.
1) cruel, severe, showing a lack of sympathy
His family wouldn’t survive the harsh winter. 他一家人将无法熬过这个冬天。
That is a very harsh punishment to give a young child. 那样去惩罚一个幼儿很残忍。
2) unpleasantly rough or sharp, esp. to the senses
The noise is too harsh to the ear. 那种噪声十分刺耳。
I don’t like the color of that dress; it’s too harsh. 我不喜欢那件衣服的颜色 ，太刺眼了。
Language Point 44
Then why the rush? Buy time, buy time … (Para.12)
Meaning: Then why do you want to get married so soon? Delay your decision about marriage that seems too soon.
buy time: delay an action or decision that seems to be coming too soon
She tried to buy time by doing a lot of talking. 她企图以滔滔不绝的谈话来拖延时间。
Language Point 45
… he made it very clear… (Para.13)
Meaning: He told me about that very clearly.
Language Point 46
… I should not hesitate to cancel our plans. (Para.13)
Meaning: (He told me that) I should not think twice if I want to cancel our marriage plan.
hesitate: vi. pause slightly while someone is doing or saying something, or just before one does or says it, usually because one is uncertain, embarrassed, or worried about it
In case you need something, please don’t hesitate to ask me. 如果你需要什么东西, 请只管对我说。
We do not hesitate to give our lives for our country, let alone suffer some hardships. 我们能不惜为国献身,更不必说吃点苦了。
Though she hesitated for a moment, she finally went in and asked to see a dress that was in the window. 尽管她迟疑了片刻, 但最后还是进了店, 并且要求给她拿一件陈列在橱窗里的衣服看看。
cancel: vt. stop something from happening
The Russian foreign minister yesterday cancelled his visit to Washington. 俄罗斯外长昨天取消了他对华盛顿的访问。
She cancelled her order. 她取消了定货。
Language Point 47
Her father proceeded to quote statistics showing … (Para.14)
Meaning: After that, her father continued trying to persuade her to change her mind by using statistics to support his point that showed …
proceed: vi.
1) start to do something, often after doing something else first
As soon as he came in, he proceeded to tell us all his troubles. 他一进来就把所有的烦恼全告诉了我们。
2) advance, move in a particular direction, go on
The interview proceeded in a most friendly environment. 会见是在极其友好的气氛中进行的。
quote: vt. state something because it supports what one is saying.
The writer frequently quoted Shakespeare. 这位作者经常引用莎士比亚作品里的话。
He quotes the Bible. 他引用《圣经》里的话。
Language Point 48
... who were having marital difficulties. (Para. 14)
Meaning: who were having difficulties in married life.
Language Point 49
… thought about the hardships …(Para.15)
hardship: n. severe suffering and discomfort, difficult conditions of life, such as lack of money, loss of job
A strong man will bear hardship without complaining. 一个坚强的男子会毫无怨言地承受艰难困苦而不抱怨。
During the war we suffered many hardships. 在战争期间，我们遭受了许多艰难。
They tolerated cold, hunger and other hardships. 他们忍受寒冷、饥饿及其他种种磨难。
She’s seen a lot of hardship in her life, but things are better now. 她一生历尽艰辛，但现在情况好了。
Language Point 50
Dad, are you a racist? (Para.16)
Meaning: Dad, do you believe that some people are not as good as us because they belong to a particular race?
This question shows the daughter’s challenge and not agreeing with her father’s attitude.
racist: n. person who believes that other races are not as good as their own and, therefore, treats them unfairly
a racist theory 种族主义理论
He is a racist who refuses to employ blacks. 他是个种族主义者，拒绝雇佣黑人。
Language Point 51
But you have to be realistic. (Para.17)
Meaning: But you have to consider this matter in a practical way. There is difference between what you think it is and what it is in reality.
realistic: a. If you are realistic about a situation, you recognize and accept its true nature and try to deal with it in a practical way. Examples:
It’s only realistic to admit that something, sometime, will go wrong. 承认有时会出现差错是一种现实的态度。
She gave us a realistic estimate of our chances. 她对我们成败的机会作了一个现实的估计。
Language Point 52
That’s idealistic. (Para.19)
Meaning: That’s not practical and naive.
idealistic: a. trying to live according to high principles or perfect standards, often in a way that is not practical or shows a lack of understanding of the real world
Language Point 53
People can be very cruel toward children from mixed marriages. (Para.19)
Meaning: People can on purpose cause distress to the children whose parents are not the same color.
Language Point 54
If we had to resolve all doubt before we acted, very little would ever get done. (Para.20)
Meaning: If we take action only after we are sure that everything is very safe, then we can achieve almost nothing.
resolve: vt.
1) find a solution to (a problem, crisis, etc.), end (a difficulty, etc.)
We need to resolve this difference quickly. 我们需要很快解决这一分歧。
The couple resolved their differences and made an effort to get along. 这对夫妻解决了他们的矛盾，并努力和睦相处。.
They hoped the crisis could be resolved peacefully. 他们希望这场危机能和平解决。
We must find a way to resolve these problems before it’s too late. 我们一定要抓紧时间找到解决这些问题的办法，否则就来不及了。
2) decide; determine
The company resolved to take further actions against the thieves. 公司决定采取进一步的防盗措施。
She resolved that she would never speak to him again. 她打定主意，再也不同他讲话了。
Language Point 55
… it’s never too late to change your mind. (Para.21)
Meaning: You can change your mind any time, however soon or late.
Other examples with the pattern “never too… to (do)”:
One is never too old to learn. (= No one is so old that he cannot learn.) 活到老，学到老。
It is never too late to mend. (proverb) （谚）亡羊补牢，未为晚也。
