2013-2014-1研究生英语Unit4资料.ppt

2013 English for Graduates * We got into the pool, and the teacher had us put on brightly colored water wings to help us stay afloat. One of the other students, May, had already taken the beginning class once before, so she took a kickboard and went splashing off by herself. The other student, Jerry, and I were told to hold on to the side of the pool and shown how to kick for the breaststroke. One by one, the teacher had us hold on to a kickboard while she pulled it through the water and we kicked. Pretty soon Jerry was off doing this by himself, traveling at a fast clip across the short end of the pool. * Things were not quite that easy for me, but the teacher was very patient. After a few more weeks, when I seemed to have caught on with my legs, she taught me the arm strokes. Now I had two things to concentrate on, my arms and my legs. I felt hopelessly uncoordinated. Sooner than I imagined, however, things began to feel “right” and I was able to swim! It was a wonderful free feeling— like flying, maybe —to be able to shoot across the water. * Learning to swim was not easy for me, but in the end my persistence paid off. Not only did I learn how to swim and to conquer my fear of the water, but I also learned something about learning. Now when I am faced with a new situation, I am not so nervous. I may feel uncomfortable to begin with, but I know that as I practice being in that situation and as my skills get better, I will feel more and more comfortable. It is a wonderful, free feeling when you achieve a goal you have set for yourself. * . * 9. prevalent widespread in a particular area or at a particular time 流行的；盛行的；普遍的 the social ills prevalent in society today. 当今社会盛行的社会弊病。 Colds are prevalent in the winter. 伤风在冬季很普遍。 A prevalent fashion of dress, including garments, accessories, and hairstyle. 服饰一种流行的穿着样式，包括衣服、装饰和发型 * 10. threshold a point of entry or beginning 入门；开端；开始 She was on the threshold of a dazzling career. 她正要开始灿烂的职业前程。 Ill never cross the threshold