Unit5 Passage A This IS M.I.T
I. Background
Education is not an end, but a means to an end. In other words, we do not
educate children only for the purpose of educating them; out purpose is to fit
them for life. As soon as we realize this fact, we will understand that it is
very important to choose a system of education which will really prepare children
for life. It is not enough just to choose the first system of education one
finds; or to continue with one's old system of education without examining it
to see whether it is in fact suitable or not.
In fact, when we say that all of us must be educated to fit us for life, it
means that we must be educated in such a way that, firstly, each of us can do
whatever job is suited to his brain and ability and, secondly, that we can realize
that all jobs are necessary to society, and that it is very bad to be ashamed
of one's work, or to scorn, someone else's . Only such a type of education can
be called valuable to society.
M.I.T is a famous institution of higher education in the world. It was founded
in 1865.It has attached much attention to the application as well as the acquisition
of knowledge. Research is encouraged with relevance to the practical world .
In this passage, the writer gives us a brief introduction to MIT.: its aim,
guiding principle, how it is organized into and how the aim and principle have
been carried out.
II. Pre-reading Questions
1. The five academic school comprising MIT are.
a. Architecture and planning b. Engineering
c. Humanities and Social Science. d. management
e Science
2．In order to get a degree , an M I T student must complete the requirements
in his /her departmental program which consists of two essential parts. They
are:
a. a grouping of subjects in the department's areas of professional interest;
b. additional opportunities for students to take subjects of their choice-electives.
3. Students at M I T can use their elective time.
a. to follow special interests;
b. to broaden their educational background;
c. to prepare for advanced study in some professional field;
d. To prepare for graduate study in some area in which M I T gives no undergraduate
degree.
e. To prepare for advanced study in an interdisciplinary field.
4.In what cases does a student have to consult his/her teacher?
a. (Para.6) In planning his academic program.
B. (Para.9) In following a program departing form an approved curriculum.
C. (Para .11) In planning a program for an open BS.
III.Structures
Para 1. The writer tells us when and who founded M I T and its purpose of
education
Para 2. The introduction of M. I T'S guiding principle of education and its
size
Para3-5 The introduction of how students study and get degrees
Para6-9 With the help of the faculty counselor, each student has considerable
freedom to design a program around his own particular background, interests,
abilities and future goals
Para 10. The introduction of subjects for four-year studies students
Para 11 The purpose of open degrees is to encourage interdisciplinary advanced
studies.
IV.Notes on the Text
1. L1 On February 20m1856,four ears after approval of its founding charter...
: On February 20,1865 , four year after its founding charter was officially
agreed to ….. 1865 年2月20日，四年前获准创建。
founding charter: the formal written document giving the principles , aim
, form of the Institute of be founded.建校许可证
approval of 赞成， 认可（反义词 disapproval of）
e.g. The new proposals have won the approval of the board.
新建议得到董事会的认可。
He spoke with disapproval of your behavior .
他谈到你的行为时很不以为然。
2. L3 The event marked the end of an extended effort… :. The opening of the
institute indicated the end of a long and continued effort.这件事标志着他所作的长期努力的结束。
extend: to reach, stretch or continue 延伸，延续
e.g. The hot weather extended into October.
炎热的天气一直持续到十月份。
They extended the railway to the next town.
他件把铁路延伸到了下一个城镇。
cf. extent (n) 范围、面积，程度
e.g. From the moon you can see the full extent of Sahara desert.
从月球上能看到撒哈拉沙漠的全貌。
I agree with what you say to some extent .
我在某种程度上同意你所说的。
e.g. The company has expanded its operation .
这家公司扩大了经营范围。
3. L4-5… relevant to the times and to the country's need, where young men and
women wound be educated in the application as well as the acquisition of knowledge:
related to the times and to the country's need, where young men and women would
be educated not only in the acquisition of knowledge but also in the application
of knowledge.
与时代和国家需要均相适应的全新的教育机构，在那里，青年男女不仅可以获和知识，而且在实际应用上可以得到培养。
relevant to : directly connected with the subject . 有关的
e.g. His nationality isn't relevant to whether he's a good lawyer.
他的国籍与他是否是一位好律师无关。
What you say is relevant to the subject.
你所说的与这主题有关。
(opposite 反义词 irrelevant to)
"the times" means the particular period of time the institution
belonged to.那个时代
behind the times 落后时代的后头
move with the times 随着时代前进
sign of the times 时代的特征
4. L6-9 A distinguished natural scientist, he emphasized, too, the importance
of basic research, and believed that professional competence was best acquired
by a mixture of teaching and research and attention to real world problems.
Being/As a famous and respectable natural scientist, he also stressed the importance
of basic research, and believed that professional competence was best gained
by a combination of teaching and research and attention to real world problems.
作为一名卓越的自然科学家，他还强调基础研究的重要性。他认为获行专业知识能力最好的办法是教研结合并注重于现实世界里的各种问题。
dstinguished : having excellent quality or great fame and respect.
卓越的；著名的；受人尊敬的
e.g. He's a distinguished politician .
他是一位卓越的政治家。
He is distinguished for his scientific achievements.
他以其科学成就而闻名。
5. L11…with relevance to the practical world as a guiding principle….:
and relevance to the real world problems is regarded as a guiding principle
而数学科研与现实科研与世界紧密结合都是它的指导原则。
with 独立主格结构（with +N+ C），除了可以和并列句互相替换使用外，还可以和定语从句或状语从句互相替换使用。"with + N+C"中的"C"可以是名词、形容词、副词、动词不定式、动词的-ing形式或介词短语等。
E.g. With the old man leading, they started toward the mountains.(Led by the
old man , they started toward the mountains.)
在老人的带领下，他们往山里走去。
She felt more uneasy with the whole class staring at her.
（She felt more uneasy because the whole class stared at her/ The whole class
staring at her, she felt more uneasy.）
全班都盯着瞧她，她更不自在。
with relevance to : with/in relation to 与……有关联，与……相适应
e.g. Education remains important , with relevance to the economic construction
as a main guiding principle.
教育始终十分重要，而与经济建设相适应是其主要的指导原则。
6. Ll2 ….privately funded university …. university financially supported by
individual persons 私人资金开办的
7. L12-13 It is broadly organized into five academic schools…..
It is generally divided into five academic schools…….
主要分为五个专业学院
"school"refers to "institution" or university department
学院
e.g. the School of Law 法学院
He went to medical school for three years.
他在医学院读了三年。
organize…into : divide….into把…分成
e.g. She organized the class into four groups. 她把全班分成四个组。
8 L16 degree programs: programs leading to a degree 攻读学位的大纲
9 L17 By and large , each student pursues a degree in one of the departments:
Usually, each student studies for a degree in one of the departments.
基本上，每个学生都在其中的一个系里攻读学位。
by and large: usually; mostly 基本上，大体上
e.g. By and large , your plan is a good one .
就整个来说，你的计划是好的。
Sometimes my job is boring, but by and large I quite enjoy it.
有时，我的工作很枯燥，但基本上我还很喜爱。
相同的结构：
here and there 四处，随处
now and then 时而，偶尔
back and forth 来回，反复
heart and soul 全心全意
day and night 日夜
off and on 断断续续，到处
over and over 一再地，再三地
high and low 到处
pursue: to continue steadily with ; carry on 继续从事，进行
e.g. She is pursuing her studies at the university .
她在大学继续深造
The students showed great enthusiasm in pursuing the new learning.
学生们对继续深造春观出极大热情
cf. pursue: to follow in order to catch, kill etc. 通辑，近来
e.g. The police are pursuing an escaped prisoner.
警方正在追捕一名越狱逃犯。
10.L18 ….on the basis of satisfactory completion of requirements in each program
.
在圆满完成各大纲要求的基础上
on the basis of : from the facts , principles, etc 根据；在…基础上
e.g. Is it safe to predict the result on the basis of one opinion poll？
根据一次民意测验来预测结果可靠吗？
表示相同意义的短语有：
according to in accordance with
based on in the light of
on the grounds of
11. L19 in part: partly ; to some extent 部分地；在某种程度上
e.g. The accident was due in part to careless , but mainly to bad luck.
这次事故发生的原因在某种程度上是粗心大意，但主要还是运气不好。
We planted the garden in part with flowers. But in large part we planted vegetables.
我在花园里种了些花，但大部分种蔬菜。
12. L21 considerable time: a great deal of time 相当多的时间
considerable: fairly large or great 相当大/多的
e.g. She has considerable influence with the president .
她对总统有相当大的影响。
A considerable number of people object to the government.
相当多的人反对政府。
cf. considerate: thoughtful of the wished, needs or feelings of others
体贴的，关心的，考虑周全的
e.g. Your children are always very considerate towards old people.
你的孩子们总是非常体贴老人。
It was very considerate of you to let us know you were .going to be late 你事先就告诉我们你会来得晚些，真是考虑周全。
considering: taking into account 考虑到
e.g. Considering the distance , he arrived very quickly
考虑到距离远，他到得够快了。
13.L24 alternatively: as an alternative 可替代地，另外地
e.g. We could take the train or alternatively go by car.
我们可以乘火车或汽车去。
Alternatively you could go later with Mary .
或者，你可以等一会跟玛丽一起走。
14. L30-31 Within limits imposed by subject requirements, each student may schedule
a sequence of subjects in consultation with the faculty counselor.: Within limits
of subject requirements, each student may arrange the study of a series of subjects
in discussion with the faculty counselor for advice.
在学科规定的范围内，每个学生都可以与指导教师商议，安排一系列科目学习的时间表。
impose(.后接on): lay , place or set 加于；force 强使
e.g. I must perform the task that has been imposed on /upon me.
我必须要作好已加在我身上的工作。
Don't try to impose your wished on others.
别把你的希望强加在别人的身上。
a sequence(of) : a secures of ; a set of 一系列的；一连串的
e.g. a sequence of historical plays by Shakespeare
莎士比亚系列历史剧
A sequence of bad accidents has prompted the council to put up warning sings.
一系列的严重事故已促使市议会设置警告标志。
cf. in sequence 按顺序
e.g. Please keep the numbered cards in sequence.
请按顺序把有数字的牌排列好。
in consultation with : in discussion with …for advice 与…商议
e.g. Adults may come to a decision to get married in consolation with their
parents .
成年人都可以在与父母商量后做出结婚的决定。
We made the decision in consultation with the union members .
我们在同工会会员协商后作出了决定。
相同的结构：
in accordance with 根据 in line with 与….一致
in step with 与….一致 in touch with 与….联系
in contact with 与….联系 in agreement with 与….一致
in company with 和…在一起
14. L31-34 Flexibility in the choice of electives and subjects fulfilling the
Seance Distribution and Laboratory Requirements and the opportunity…permit…around…and
future goals: A student is permitted to have considerable flexibility in the
choice of electives and subjects fulfilling the Science Distribution and Laboratory
Requirements. In addition, the student is allowed to get the opportunity to
take examinations in advanced subjects. Such flexibility and opportunity can
make him or her design a program in accordance with his or her own particular
background, interests, ability, and future goals.
在选择选修课程和选择完成学科必修课程以及实验课课程所要求的科目方面，学生都有相当的灵活性。另外，还允许学生有机会参加高级学科的各种考试。这 种灵活性和机会使学生能按照各自的基础、兴趣、能力和未来目标设计制定自己的学习计划。
原句是一个单句，较长。它的主语是"Flexibility and the opportunity", 谓语动词是"permit"，宾语是"a
student", to design…是宾语补足语，其余都是其它的附加成分。
fulfilling….在句中用作subjects 的后置定语，修饰subjects."选修科目"英国通常用elective subjects,
美国则用electives.
15. L35 there is a growing number of students….: there are more and more students
有越来越多的学生…
a number of : many 许多
e.g. A number of well qualified people have recently left the company.
一些非常称职的人已在最近离开了这家公司。
Large numbers of /A large number of vehicles had to be abandoned because of
the heavy snow.大量的机动车因除雪不得不行驶。
This killing brings the number of death this year to 25.
这次谋杀使今年的死亡人数达到二十五人。
16.L40 in addition to : as well as; besides 表示"除…之外"（带宾语）
e.g. In addition to teaching English, he teaches German and French.
除了教英语外，他还教德语的法语。
In addition to the names on the list , there are six other applicants.
除名单上的名字之外，还有六个申请人。
cf. in addition . besides , as well 表示"另外，加之"
e.g. You need money and time, and in addition , you need diligence.
你需要钱和时间，此外，你还需要勤奋。
相似结构的短语有：
in regard to 有关， 关于 in proportion to 与….成比例
in response to 以回答 in reply to 为了回答
in answer to 为了回答 in contrast to 与…相比之下
17. L43-46 Any student wishing to follow a program involving a major departure
from an approved curriculum must obtain permission from his or her faculty counselor
during the junior year in order to assure that such substitutions are well thought
out and not carelessly chosen.: Any student who wishes to pursue a program which
is greatly different from an approved curriculum must get permission from his
or her faculty counselor during the junior year so as to make sure that such
replacements are considered in detail and carefully chosen.
任何学生想要攻读与原来核准的课程毫不相关的某专业，都必须在三年纪时得到他们的指导教师的允许，以便保证这种更换是经过认真仔细而不是草率任意挑选的。
departure from : action different form …与……完全不同的行为
e.g. The new system is a departure from our usual way of keeping records.
新制度与我们平常记录的方法不同。
His new work is a departure form anything he wrote before.
他的新作与他以前写的任何作品都不相同。
assure: make certain/sure 保证，担保，确保
e.g. Nothing can assure permanent happiness.
没有什么东西能确保永久的幸福。
He assured us of his ability to solve the problem.
他向我们保证他有能力解决这问题。
I can assure you (that) the medicine is perfectly safe.
我可以向你保证这药绝对安全。
think out: consider carefully and make a plan for 仔细考虑，想出
e.g. Have you thought out the best method? 你想出最好的方法吗？
That wants thinking out the careful consideration.那事要仔细考虑。
cf: think about(作出决定前)认真考虑
e.g. I need to think it about before I can let you know my decision.
我得好好想想才能把决定告诉你。
18.center around: to have as a main subject or area of concern（使）集中于
e.g. The dispute centers around the question of overtime pay.
争议集中于加班费的问题上。
His interests are centered round his family.他关心的事情全都离不开他的家庭。
19.L58-61 While the undergraduate curriculum…as listed by a department…must
be laid out in consultation with…and challenging in content: As it is listed
by a department, although the undergraduates curriculum for an open Bachelor
of Science degree may have its own unique features , each program must be designed
in discussion with a department representative for advice and agreement of a
department representative to make sure that the program is meaningful in structure
and challenging in content. 尽管一个系为开放的理学士学位所设置的课程可能有其特色，但是每一教学大纲的安排都必须与系代表商量决定，以确保大纲布局有意义，内容有深度和难度。
while : though/although 尽管……但是……；虽然……可是……
e.g. While respected, he is not liked.
尽管他受到尊敬，但没有受到喜爱。
While I understand what you say , I can't agree with you.
尽管我能理 解你所说的，但却无法赞同。
cf. while : during the time that; for as long as ; at the same time as
当……的时候；在……的时候；和……同时
e.g. While there is life there is hope.
有生命就有希望；留得青山在，不怕没柴烧。
while: whereas 而；却；其实；反之
e.g. Some people waste found while others haven't enough .有
些人浪费食物，而有些人则吃不饱。
lay out: make a plan for; design; arrange 计划；设计；布置；安排
e.g. lay out a garden 设计花园
lay out a printed page 设计安排印刷版面
cf. lay out 摆出；展开
e.g. She laid out the map on the table .
她把地图铺在桌上。
IV.Synonym Discrimination
1. purse, follow, chase
这三个词都有" 追"的意思，稍有差异
purse 以……为目的而追求（特指用热心、不断努力而追求）
e.g The students showed great enthusiasm in pursuing the new learning.
学生们对追求新学识表现出了极大的热忱。
follow 跟随；追赶；从事
e.g. Don't keep following me about where I go .
不要我走到哪儿你就跟到哪儿。
I think we're being followed!
我看我们正在被跟踪。
You will have to study hard if you intend to follow the law.
你若想当律师，那就得努力学习。
chase 追捕，近赶，驱逐
e.g The cat chased the mouse 猫追老鼠。
She chased the children out of the kitchen .
她把孩子们赶出厨房。
2. occasion, chance, opportunity
这三个词都有"机会"的意思，但略有差异
occasion 发生特殊事情的时际，机会，(为一般用语)
e.g. This is not an occasion for laughter.这不是欢笑的时候。
For the girls, nature study was an occasion for lazy walk.
对于这些姑娘们来说，自然课是一次懒散地漫长的机会。
chance 成功的可能性很大的机迂、机会。指偶然而来的机会。
e.g. The withdrawal of the American from the competition has greatly increased
the Italian's chances of success.美国人退出比赛大大增加了意大利人成功的机会。
If I give you a second chance will you promise to be good?
要是我饶你一回，你肯保证好能口守规矩吗？
opportunity 好机会， 时机（与for, of 加动名词，动词不定式连用）
e.g. My flight was delayed so it was a good opportunity for doing some shopping
.我乘坐的航班晚点了，这倒是购物的好机会。
I took the opportunity of visiting Ann while I was in London.
我在作教的时候，积极去看望了安妮。
3．feature , characteristic, trait
这三个词都有"特征"的意思，但略有区别
feature 容貌的一部分，特色，特征
e.g. Her mouth is her worst feature.
她的嘴是她容貌上最难看的部分。
Wet weather is a feature of life in Scotland.
天气潮湿是苏格兰生活的一个特色。
characteristic 特点；特征
e.g. Good planning is one of the characteristics of a successful business.
规划周祥是成功企业的特征之一。
The capacity to think is the distinctive characteristic of our species.
思维能力是人类的和特性。
trait 指人的特性，品质，性格
Anne's generosity is one of her most pleasing traits.
安妮的为人慷慨是她最受人喜爱的特性之一。
Two traits in the American character are generosity and energy.
美国人性格的两大特征是慷概大方和充满活力。
4.insure, ensure, assure, reassure
insure 向保险公司付钱投保，但投保人寿可以用insure 或 assure.
e.g. My house is insured against fire.我的房子保了火险。
ensure 确保某事发生
e.g. Please ensure that the lights are switched off before leaving the building.请务必确保电灯全部关掉才离开大楼。
assure 用来表示"向某人保证某事将要发生"
e.g. The doctor assured me that I would get better.
医生有把握地告诉我说，我的身体一定会逐渐好转。
reassure 表示"安慰优虑不安的人"
e.g. I was feeling worried about the exam, but the teacher reassured me.
我对考试感到担心，但是老师叫我放心。
5.get, acquire , obtain , gain
这四个词都有"得到"的意思，略有差异
get为 "得到"一般的用法
e.g He had got what he wanted.
他想要的，他都已得到了。
acquire 指依靠自己的不断努力渐渐地获智力、才能等；可译为"获得"、"学得"。
e.g. It's not easy to acquire a knowledge of painting .
要获得绘画知识并非容易。
He acquired a good college education by careful study.
通过用心学习他获得了很好的高等教育。
obtain 获得（指凭借努力，要求或恳请而得到）
e.g. He said the police had obtainer this information by illegal means.
他说警方是靠非法手段获得这一资料的。
I haven't been able to obtain that record anywhere.
我到处都没买到那张唱片。
gain 获得需要的东西（较正式）
e.g. They stand to gain a fortune on the deal .
他们有机会在这笔交易中发一笔大财。
I hope you'll gain by the experience .
我希望你从这经历中得到教益。
V.Phrasal Verb
verb + around
come around顺便来访；苏醒
e.g. He came around to see me yesterday.昨天他来看望了我。
The patient came around at last .病人终于醒过来了。
get around 走动，旅行；（消息传开）
e.g. He's getting old and he doesn't get around much any more.
他渐渐老了，很少再到处走动了。
The rumor got around quickly. 谣言传很很快。
go around (疾病)流传，传播；足够分配
e.g. There are a lot of very bad colds going around at the moment.
此刻重感冒正在延。
There should be enough soup to go around the whole family.
汤应该足够全家人喝。
hang around 徘徊、闲荡
e.g. He hung around the station for an hour.
他在火车站附近闲荡了一个小时。
show around 带领……到处看看
e.g. Show the foreign guests around the city.
带领外宾到这个城市各处走走。
Think-phrases
think better of 表示"经考虑对……改变主意或看法"，"对……的看法更高或更好；"
He was going to ask for more money, but he thought better of it.
他打算再要一点钱，但他又改变了主意。
I think better of her now that she has said she's sorry she offended me.
既然她说了她为冒 犯过我而感到遗憾，我对她的看法好些了。
think of 表示"想起"、"想一想，考�"、"对……有特定的看法或想法"
I'm glad you thought of this hotel, where you stayed last year.
我很高兴你想起了这家饭店，你去年在这儿住过。
When I said that, I was not thinking of her feelings.
我说那句话的时候没有考虑到她的感情。
think of …as 表示"把……看作，以为……是"：
She thinks of her mother a sad person with little success in her life.
她认为母亲是一辈子几科没有成就的悲惨人物。
Tom's mother thinks of him as a genius.
汤姆的母亲把他看作是天才。
think out 表示"仔细考虑"，想出：
All possible ways out of our difficulty have now been thought out.
每一种摆脱我们困境的可能的方法现在都已仔细考虑过了。
Have you thought out the best method?
你想出最佳办法了吗？
think over 表示"仔细考虑"、"重新考虑"
Think it over and let me have your decision tomorrow.
把这件事仔细考虑一下，明天把你的决定告诉我。
Father likes to go into his study by himself to think things over.
父亲喜欢到他的书房去独自一人考虑事情。
think through 全面地考虑
I don't think the government has really thought through all the consequences
of this decision.我认为政府先没有对这项决定带来的各种后果考虑周全。