Language Point 1
I know you’ve written a lot about how language changes when we talk about the two sexes … (Para.1)
talk about: say or speak about 谈论
We talked about our studies. 我们谈了谈学习的事。
We need to talk about the plans for the weekend. 我们需要谈一谈周末的计划。
Language Point 2
I know you’ve written a lot about how language changes when we talk about the two sexes … (Para.1)
Meaning: I know you’ve written a lot about the changes in the words we use when we talk about men and women.
sex: n.
1) [C] male or female 男性，女性；雄性，雌性
There are members of both sexes in the team. 队里男女队员都有。
He’s always found it difficult to get on with the female sex. 他总觉得难以和女性相处。
2) [U] gender 性别
Do you mind what sex your baby is? 你在乎生男孩还是生女孩吗？
Note: female 和male只用于表示生物的性别。
Language Point 3
I find it very interesting. ((Para.2)
Note: 词组very interesting是宾语补足语，补足宾语it的意义。类似的表达方式还有：
I find that book very difficult to understand. 我觉得那本书很难懂。
We didn’t find the film funny(可笑的). 我们不觉得这部电影有意思。
Language Point 4
That used to suggest a man, not a woman. (Para.2)
Meaning: In the past, people always used that word to refer to a man, not a woman.
Note: 注意不要混淆used to do sth. 和 be used to (doing)
sth., 前者只指过去经常发生的事；后者可指过去、现在或将来的事，强调习惯于做什么。
I used to live on my own. 我以前是一个人住的。
I’m used to living on my own. 我习惯一个人住。
Language Point 5
That used to suggest a man, not a woman. (Para.2)
suggest: vt.
1) say sth. indirectly 暗示
Are you suggesting that I am wrong? 你的意思是我错了？
Are you suggesting that I’m too old for the job? 你是不是暗示我干这工作岁数太大？
2) put forward an idea for consideration 建议；提出（想法等）
Can anybody suggest ways of raising more money? 谁能提出筹集更多款项的方法？
It was a mistake to suggest Paris as a meeting place. 提出将巴黎作为会晤地点是一个错误。
Language Point 6
Actually, I prefer to be called “Doctor”. (Para.2)
Meaning: In fact, I like it better if people call me “Doctor”.
actually: ad.
1) in fact 实际上
He said he was going to work, but actually he went to the cinema. 他说去工作，实际上去看电影了。
Actually, the two problems have quite a lot in common. 实际上，这两个问题有许多相同之处。
2) even 居然；竟然
He actually wants me to cook his meal for him! 他居然要我替他烧饭！
He not only invited me in, but he actually gave me a drink! 他不但请我进去，而且竟然请我喝了杯酒！
Note: actually 常用于对话中，用来引起别人的注意或有礼貌地更正别人。
Actually, I wanted to show you something. Have you got a minute? 其实我想让你看件东西，你有时间吗？
I don’t agree about the book. I think it’s quite good, actually. 我不同意对这本书的评价。其实我觉得这本书不错。
Language Point 7
Actually, I prefer to be called “Doctor”. (Para.2)
prefer to: choose one rather than another; like one better than another 更喜欢
You go to the cinema if you want. I’d prefer to stay in tonight. 如果你喜欢的话，可以去看电影。今晚我宁愿留在家里。
Maria prefers not to walk home on her own at night. 玛丽亚不愿在晚上独自回家。
Note: 注意prefer的不同用法：
prefer: vt. like one thing or person better than another 更喜欢
Would you prefer tea or coffee? 你爱喝茶还是爱喝咖啡？
I prefer country life to city life. 我喜欢农村生活胜过城市生活。
Helen prefers going by train to flying. 海伦宁愿乘火车而不愿乘飞机。
Helen prefers to go by train rather than to fly. 海伦不愿乘飞机而愿乘火车。
My parents would prefer me to study law(法律) at university. 父母认为我还是在大学读法律好。
My parents would prefer it if I studied law at university. 如果我在大学读法律父母会更赞成。
My parents would prefer that I studied law at university. 父母会更赞成我在大学读法律。
Language Point 8
… English has several special words that … (Para.4)
special: a.
1) not usual or common 特殊的，特别的
You are a very special person. 你是个很独特的人。
Are you doing anything special tonight? 今晚你有什么特别的事吗？
Teachers should take care of children with special educational(教育的) needs. 教师应该照顾那些需要特殊教育的孩子。
2) for a particular purpose 专门的，特设的
There is a special train to Beijing at 1 p.m. 下午1点有一班到北京的专列。
There is a special tool(工具) for doing that. 做那个活儿要用专门的工具。
Language Point 9
What do you call a woman poet? (Para.4)
poet: n. [C] a person who writes poems 诗人
Keats was a well-known English poet. 济慈是著名的英国诗人。
She has read all those poets. 这些诗人的作品她全读过。
Language Point 10
Now these words aren’t used too often, but they are present in the language. (Para.6)
Meaning: Now we don’t use these words often, but they do exist in the language.
Language Point 11
… because they feel as if these words make them less important than men. (Para.6)
Meaning: … because they think that these words make them seem less important than men.
feel as if: feel as it would be 感觉似乎
He felt as if he had been there before. 他觉得那个地方似曾相识。
I feel as if the day would never end. 我感觉好像白天永远过不完。
I feel as if we’ve never parted. 我感觉我们好像从未分开过。
Language Point 12
For example, if you say... (Para.8)
for example: let me give you an example 例如，譬如
Do you speak any other languages, for example, French or English? 你会说其他语言吗，例如法语或英语？
In many countries, China, for example, family life is much more important than here. 很多国家都比我们这里更重视家庭生活，比如中国。
Language Point 13
…if you say the word “actress”… (Para.8)
actress: n. [C] a woman whose job is to act in a play, film or television program 女演员
The actress wanted to play the part of an old woman in the play. 这位女演员想在剧中扮演一个老妇人的角色。
She is the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. 她是好莱坞片酬最高的女演员。
Language Point 14
…people don’t always think of a serious artist. (Para.8)
think of: call to mind; remember 想起；记得
Will you think of me after I’ve left? 我离开以后你会想起我吗？
I can’t think of her name right now. 我一时想不起她的名字。
Language Point 15
They might think of some silly, beautiful woman who’s more worried about her hair than she is about the play. (Para.8)
Meaning: They might think of a foolish, good-looking woman who is worried about her hairstyle, but not so worried about the success of the play.
Note: 此句中的some意为“某一个”，而不是“一些”。类似的用法还有：
For some reason he didn’t accept the prize. 出于某种原因他没有接受这个奖。
silly: a. showing a lack of good sense; foolish 愚蠢的，愚昧的，傻乎乎的
I’m not wearing that hat –– I’d look silly in it. 我不戴那顶帽子，戴上它会很傻。
How silly of me! I’ve left the key in the room. 我真傻，竟把钥匙忘在房间里了。
It was silly of you to leave the door open when you went out. 你出去的时侯没关门，太傻了。
Language Point 16
They might think of some silly, beautiful woman who’s more worried about her hair than she is about the play. (Para.8)
beautiful: a.
1) having beauty; giving great pleasure to the mind or senses 美丽的，优美的
What a beautiful day! 今天的天气真好！
Some girls are pretty(漂亮), but very few are beautiful. 有些姑娘可以算好看，但称得上美丽的却很少。
Note: 形容人长得漂亮时，指女性一般用 beautiful 和 pretty，指男性一般用 handsome 和 good-looking。
2) very good 极好的
Her English is as beautiful as her Chinese. 她的英文说得和中文一样好。
He did a beautiful job of cleaning the classroom. 他打扫了教室，活儿干得很漂亮。
Language Point 17
But when you say “actor” — that’s not silly at all. (Para.8)
Meaning: But when you say “actor”，people will not think of a foolish person; they always think of a serious artist.
actor: n. [C] a person, esp. a man, who acts on the stage, on TV, or in films演员； 男演员
He is not only a good actor but also a good cook(厨师). 他不仅是一名出色的演员，还会做一手好菜。
The actor wants to act the part of Hamlet. 这位演员想演哈姆雷特这一角色。
Language Point 18
That’s a serious word, a respectable word. (Para.8)
Meaning: That’s not a funny word, but a good, proper word.
respectable: a. showing qualities that are socially accepted 受人尊敬的；体面的；正派的
Wear something respectable to the party! 赴宴要衣着得体！
I must go and put on a clean shirt to make myself look respectable. 我得去换件干净的衬衫，让自已看上去体面一些。
Language Point 19
That’s why I might call myself a professor … (Para.10)
professor: n. [C] a university teacher of the highest level (大学) 教授
She’s a professor of English at Beijing University. 她是北京大学的英语教授。
This morning in my English class, the professor actually said so. 在今天早上的英语课上，教授真是这样说的。
He became a professor at the age of forty. 他40岁当上了教授。
Language Point 20
That’s a very good example of how the language has changed in recent years, partly as a result of the women’s movement. (Para.14)
Meaning: That’s a very good example of how the language has become different in recent years. In some way it is the result of the women’s liberation (解放) movement.
good: a.
1) having pleasant qualities良好的；令人满意的
He is a good person to work for. 他是一个值得为之工作的人。
He suggests that his exam results will be good. 他暗示他的考试结果会很好。
2) useful or suitable 有用的；适合的，相宜的
It’s a good time to take the medicine now. 现在正是吃药的时间。
The young man was angry because his father said he was good for nothing. 那个年轻人很生气，因为他父亲说他毫无用处。
Language Point 21
…partly as a result of the women’s movement. (Para.14)
partly: ad. in some way or to some degree 部分地；在一定程度上
The accident was partly my fault(过错)and partly the other driver’s(司机). 这次事故我要负一部分责任，另一位司机也有一部分责任。
I love Italy, partly because of the people.我喜欢意大利，部分是因为那里的人民。
The road was partly closed because of the fog(雾). 由于有雾，这条路有一段被封闭了。
part: n. [C; U] some, but not all of sth.; one of the pieces of sth. 部分
We spent part of the day on the beach(海滩). 我们这一天部分时间是在海滩上度过的。
Which part of China do you come from? 您是中国什么地方的人？
Language Point 22
…partly as a result of the women’s movement. (Para.14)
as a result of: because of 因为, 由于
I didn’t see him as a result of my secretary’s (秘书) mistake. 由于我秘书的失误，我没有见到他。
She was late as a result of the snow. 由于下雪，她来迟了。
Language Point 23
We’ve changed dozens of words describing jobs. (Para.16)
describe: vt. say what sb. or sth. is like or what happened 描述，叙述
He was, she thought, just describing his job. 她想他只不过是在描述他的工作。
Can you describe the man you saw? 你能不能形容一下你见过的那个人？
The professor described the sex differences clearly in class. 教授在课上对性别差异做了详细的描述。
Language Point 24
Policeman, chairman, mailman … (Para.16)
mailman: n. (= postman) a man who takes letters and parcels to people (男)邮递员
“It must be the mailman,” she said. 她说，“准是邮递员来了。”
Has the mailman come yet this morning? 今天早晨邮递员来过了吗？
Language Point 25
Now we say police officer, and chairperson… (Para.17)
officer: n. [C]
1) a policeman (= police officer) 警察，警官
Officer Jones, will you help me? 琼斯警官,你会帮助我吗?
Excuse me, officer, is this the way to the railway station(火车站)? 警察先生，请问这条路到火车站吗？
2) a person who has an official position of importance 官员
Her brother is a local(当地) government officer. 她的哥哥是当地政府的一名官员。
Language Point 26
…but what about mailman? (Para.17)
“What about” is used in the following ways:
1)when you ask for information or for sb.’s opinion (询问消息或意见) ……呢
What about the other problem? 另外那个问题呢？
I’m going to have chicken. What about you? 我吃鸡，你呢？
What about your new book? 你的新书呢？
2) when you suggest sth. (提出建议) ……怎么样
What about stopping here for a picnic(野餐)? 在这儿停下来野餐如何？
What about going to the cinema tonight? 今天晚上去看场电影怎么样？
Language Point 27
Mail carrier. (Para.18)
mail: n. [U]
1) letters or parcels sent or received by post 邮件
Is there any mail for me? 有我的信吗？
Mail’s come, dear. 邮件已经来了，亲爱的。
2) the way of sending and receiving letters, parcels, etc.; post 邮政
I’ll send it by first-class mail. 我要用快件寄发。
This letter is too important to send by mail. 这封信太重要了，不能用邮递方式送去。
Note: 美式英语多用 mail，英式英语一般用 post。
vt. post 邮寄
I’ll mail the money to you. 我会把钱寄给你。
This letter was mailed in Shanghai yesterday.这封信昨天在上海寄出。
Language Point 28
Mail carrier. (Para.18)
carrier: n. [C] a person that carries sth. 运送物品的人
He worked as a carrier between schools in the city. 他在这座城市的学校之间送信。
The mail carrier brings newspapers to my door every morning. 每天早晨邮递员会把报纸送到我家门口。
Language Point 29
We’ve removed -man from these words because … (Para.18)
Meaning: We no longer add -man to these words because…
remove: vt.
1)get rid of 除去
His words removed doubts(疑虑) in her mind(心头). 他的话打消了她的疑虑。
He removed the dirt from his shoes. 他去除了鞋上的尘土。
2) take away 拿走；脱掉
Please remove your shoes before you come into the room. 请先脱鞋再进房间。
The picture was removed from the wall. 那幅画已经从墙上拿下来了。
Language Point 30
We’ve removed -man from these words because, after all, both … (Para.18)
after all: in spite of everything 毕竟，终究
They haven’t finished the work yet; it is too hard for them after all. 他们还没有完成工作，毕竟这对他们来说太难了。
She doesn’t understand. After all, she’s only two. 她不懂，毕竟她才两岁。
Language Point 31
I suppose. But not everyone would agree with you. (Para.19)
Meaning: I think you are right, but I’m not so sure that others will agree with you.
I suppose: I think that something is true or will happen, but I’m not so sure. 我猜想 (表示不肯定)
He’s about ten years old, I suppose. 他大概10岁吧。
I suppose it’s all right, but I’m not so sure. 我认为没有问题，但我没有把握。
Language Point 32
I suppose. But not everyone would agree with you. (Para.19)
agree with: have the same idea as (another person) 同意
I agree with you. 我同意你的意见。
For once, she agreed with Dad. 总算有一次她同意了爸爸的看法。
Language Point 33
… men and women have the same abilities. (Para.20)
ability: n. [U; C] the fact of having the skill, power to do sth. 能力，才能
It’s beyond(超出)my abilities. 这事非我能力所及。
She has the ability to pass the exam, but she must work harder. 她能够考及格，但必须加倍努力才行。
A person of his ability will have no problem getting a job. 以他的能力，要找工作并非难事。
Language Point 34
… language and the difference between the sexes are also a part of a people’s culture. (Para.20)
Meaning: …the difference between men and women and this difference shown in language are also a part of a nation’s culture.
culture: n. [C;U] the customs, beliefs, art or other products of a particular group of people at a particular time 文化
She is studying the Chinese language and culture. 她正在研究汉语和中国文化。
The aim of the meeting is to bring together people from many different cultures. 这次会议的目的就是将许多文化背景各异的人聚在一起。
Language Point 35
If you travel to other cultures, you’ll find all sorts of amazing things. ((Para.20)
Meaning: If you go to other countries with different cultures, you will find all kinds of surprising things.
all sorts of: all kinds of 各种各样的
She’s got all sorts of problems at the moment. 她现在有各种各样的难题。
sort: n. [C] a group of things that are similar in some way; type 种类，类别
What sort of music do you like? 你喜欢哪种音乐？
That’s the sort of car I’d like to have. 这正是我想要的那种车。
Note: “sort of” can also be used when you are not sure about sth. (用以表示对某事无把握)
It’s sort of long and thin, a bit like a pencil. 那个东西好像是细长的，有点像铅笔。
Language Point 36
… I found out that in Japan, for example, men and women use different word endings. (Para.22)
find out: discover 发现
How did you find out that he didn’t mail the letter? 你是怎么发现他没有把信寄出去的？
Has she found out that you broke(打破) the window? 她知道窗户是你打碎的了吗？
Language Point 37
… I found out that in Japan, for example, men and women use different word endings. (Para.22)
ending: n. [C]
1) the last part of a word 词尾
When nouns end in -ch or -sh or -x, the plural ending is -es, not -s. 以-ch，-sh，-x结尾的名词，复数词尾是-es而不是-s。
In many cases, we can tell what part of speech(词性) a word is from its ending. 在很多情况下，我们可以从一个词的词尾判断出它的词性。
2) the end of a story, film, play, etc. 结局, 结尾
The actors and actresses brought the play to its close with a perfect happy ending.男女演员们以一个完美幸福的结尾结束整场戏的演出。
I was pleased that the film had a happy ending.我很高兴，影片的结局是个大团圆。
A good beginning makes a good ending. 有好的开端就有好的结局。
Language Point 38
So if a man wants to sound more pleasant… (Para.22)
Meaning: So if a man wants to sound nicer and more friendly …
sound: vi. give a specific impression when heard 听起来
His voice didn’t sound quite natural(自然). 他的声音听起来不自然。
He sounded angry when I spoke to him on the phone. 我跟他通电话的时候，听声音他好像生气了。
You sound like my mother. 你的语气像我妈妈一样。
a. healthy and strong 健康的
He is still sound in mind(智力)and body. 他身心都很健康。
The doctor said the patient’s(病人) heart was sound. 医生说病人的心脏没问题。
Language Point 39
… instead of -ka. (Para.22)
instead of: in place of 代替，取代
He’s been playing football all the afternoon instead of studying. 他踢了一下午足球，没有学习。
Can you come at 7:30 instead of 8:00? 你别八点钟来了，改在七点半来行吗？
instead: ad. in place of sth.; as another choice 代替，更换
It’s too wet(潮湿) to go for a walk; let’s go swimming instead. 天气太潮湿，不适宜去散步，我们改去游泳吧。
I couldn’t go, so my husband went instead. 我去不了，所以我先生代我去了。
Language Point 40
Ka sounds more like a man, more direct. (Para.22)
Meaning: Ka sounds more like the way a man talks, more honest.
Language Point 41
… talk like a woman in certain situations. (Para.23)
situation: n. [C] a set of circumstances or state of affairs 形势，情况，状况，局面
Susan is in a difficult situation –– she can’t decide what to do. 苏珊处境困难——她不知如何是好。
Perhaps you haven’t made the situation very clear. 或许你没有把情况讲清楚。
The situation in that country is serious. 该国形势严峻。
Language Point 42
Hard to believe. (Para.23)
Meaning: It is difficult for one to believe that.
believe: vt. feel sure that sth. is true or right 相信
He said he hadn’t taken any money, but I didn’t believe him. 他说他连一分钱也没有拿过，但我不相信他。
You can’t believe anything she says. 你不能相信她说的任何事。
Language Point 43
What other interesting customs are there? (Para.23)
custom: n. [C; U] established habitual ways of doing things 风俗，习俗
It is a custom to give presents at Christmas(圣诞节). 在圣诞节赠送礼物是一种习俗。
I feel it difficult to get used to this country’s customs. 我感到很难适应这个国家的风俗习惯。
Language Point 44
You’ll have to wait for my next book! (Para.24)
wait for: stay until sb. or sth. comes等，等候
If I’m late, please wait for me. 万一我晚了，请等我一会儿。
We waited for 20 minutes for the bus. 我们等了20分钟公共汽车才来。