Time Distribution
Look at these two pie graphs.
They show how these two people spend their days, not including weekends.
The one on the top shows how Emma divides up her days.
She is a designer who works for a large company.
As Emma's graph shows, the biggest portion of her day is spent working.
She works an average of 8 hours a day, which is one third of her day.
She gets an average of 6 hours of sleep, which is 25% of her day.
That's less sleep than Martin gets.
According to his graph, he gets an average of 7 hours of sleep, which is about 29% of his day.
On the other hand, Martin, who is an engineer, works more hours than Emma does.
Martin averages 9 hours a day at work, compared to Emma's 8.
That's 37.5% compared to 33%.
Other factors shown in the graphs include time for meals and commuting to work.
Other activities include getting dressed and household chores（[tʃɔrz]日常事务）, such as doing laundry and paying bills.
As you can see, for Martin, commuting is taking a large amount of his time.
If he could reduce his commute time, he would have more time for other things.
And it isn't just the time.
When the traffic is really heavy, his commute is stressful.
It would be great if he could work from home one or two days a week.
His life would be more enjoyable.
And looking at Emma's graph, we see that she probably needs more sleep.
Perhaps she should spend a bit less time socializing with her friends.
On the other hand, socializing with her friends is something she really values.
As for putting on make up, she isn't willing to change that.
For her, exercising, socializing and staying beautiful help her deal with the stress of work.
In conclusion, Emma and Martin both wish that there were more hours in the day.
Job Satisfaction Factors
This next graph shows how various factors compare in importance to 1350 job applicants.
These applicants were between 20 and 25 years old.
They were asked to list which factors were most important in a good job.
As the graph shows, money was the most important factor for 25 percent of the applicants.
However, other factors were also important.
The second most important factor was the work environment.
In other words, for many, money isn't everything.
People want to like where they work.
In fact, if we combine Work Environment and Co-workers, the total is 35%.
This is well above the 25% for salary and benefits.
Taken together, they are more important than salary and benefits.
Career path is also important, especially for younger applicants.
They want to see that their job helps build a successful career.
For older workers, this may not be as important.
Older workers often put a higher value on the balance between life and work.
What do you think?
Political Terms
The government of a country is its control system.
Governments make laws and provide services to their citizens.
The land over which a government has control is its territory.
A country's territory has boundaries, or borders.
When you leave or enter a country's territory you usually need a passport.
A country's military provides defense for its territory and its citizens.
The military includes an army, an air force, and a navy.
The main purpose of a military is to defend a country from attack.
A country's criminal justice system includes the police, courts, and prisons.
Its purpose is to enforce the law and protect people from criminal activities.
A country's social services system provides support to people in need.
It provides basic health care services and helps poor people support their children.
Types of Government
A state of anarchy（[ˈænərki]无政府状态） exists when a country has no effective government.
In an anarchy, there is nobody to make decisions or enforce the laws.
An autocracy( [ɔːˈtɑːkrəsi] 独裁国家) is the simplest form of government.
In an autocracy, the government is controlled by a single individual, known as the autocrat ( [ˈɔːtəkræt] 独裁者).
(Without a good government, decisions that need to be made, won`t be made.
Whether or not an autocracy is successful depends on the character and ability of the leader.
In an oligarchy（[ˈɑːləɡɑːrki]寡权统治）, a small group of people controls the government.
Membership in this group often depends on family connections, wealth, or military power.
In a republic, individuals are elected to represent the citizens.
The power of the government in a republic is limited by a constitution.
A constitution is a written document that makes the rules for a government to follow.
This limits the power of the government.
A constitution defines the relationship between the government and its citizens.
Quitting a Job
A: I hear you lost your job. Is that right?
B: Yes, that's right. I quit. I quit because of the way my boss treats people.
A: What happened?
B: I wasn't feeling good one day, and he yelled at me. When I told him not to yell at me, he threatened me.
A: Is that all? That's what bosses do.
B: Sure, sometimes maybe. But my boss treated everyone badly, and I was tired of it. It was the last straw.
A: The last straw?
B: Yes, you know, it reached the point where I couldn't take it anymore.
A: I see. So now you don't have a job?
B: Right, I don't have a job. But at least I don't have to deal with my boss anymore.
A: What are you going to do now?
B: To be honest, I'm not sure, but I'll find something. I'll get a job, even if it pays less than before.
A: Are you sorry you quit?
B: Yes, and no. I guess I should have found another job first, and then quit.
A: Why didn't you?
B: As I said, he pushed me too far. There are some things that I just won't take.
A: What about your wife?
B: She isn't happy that I don't have a job, but she understands. She knows I have a temper. And she knows I wasn't happy working there.
A: Well, I guess I'm lucky. My job isn't great, but I like the people I'm working with, and I like my manager.
B: Are you planning to stay there?
A: I don't know. For now it's OK, but of course, it all depends on how things change.
B: Well if you hear of any job openings, let me know, OK?
A: Sure, send me your resume, and I'll let people know you're looking.
B: Thanks.
Story of Lang Lang 1
Lang Lang is one of the world's greatest concert pianists.
His first contact with western music was when he was just two years old.
He watched a cartoon in which a cat played a famous piece by Franz Liszt.
From this experience, he decided he wanted to learn to play the piano.
When he was three and half years old, he started piano lessons.
Two years later he won first place in a piano competition.
This early success gave his father high hopes that Lang Lang would become a great pianist.
When Lang Lang was nine years old, his father quit his job and took him to Beijing.
They left everything behind, including his mother who had to work.
Lang Lang didn't want to leave her behind, but his father insisted.
His father wanted him to study at the famous Central Conservatory of Music.
When they moved to Beijing, they rented a flat in a poor area of the city.
During this time, Lang Lang practiced for several hours a day.
He started practicing at 5 o'clock, which upset his neighbors.
They would often pound on his door and ask him to stop practicing.
They were so angry that he often feared that they would beat him up.
Story of Lang Lang 2
Lang Lang usually had piano lessons once a week to prepare for the Conservatory.
Nearly 2000 students were applying for just 12 places at the Conservatory.
His lessons were expensive and very difficult, especially because of his piano teacher.
His music teacher didn't like Lang Lang.
He called his teacher "Professor Angry" because she always gave him a hard time.
One afternoon, his teacher told him he had no talent and told him to go home.
Upon hearing the news, his father screamed and seemed to lose his mind.
His father told him that everything was destroyed and there was no reason to live.
He ordered Lang Lang to jump off the 11th-floor balcony.
After this, Lang Lang almost went crazy.
He didn't want to play the piano anymore.
For several months he neither played the piano nor spoke to his father.
Then some friends encouraged him to play a piece for them and he realized his great love of the piano.
For the next 19 months he practiced hard and his father encourage him.
Finally, when he was 10, he was accepted into the Conservatory with a full scholarship.
In 1995, when he was 13 years old, he played music by Chopin in the Beijing Concert Hall.
In that same year he won first place in an international competition for young musicians in Japan.
When he was 15 he move to the United States and began studies with a famous pianist at the Curtis Institute.
Since then his career has grown and he has become a major star.
One American music critic called him "the biggest, most exciting keyboard talent I have encountered in many a year of attending piano recitals."
In 2010, Lang Lang signed a recording contract for several million dollars.
In 2011 he performed at the White House for Presidents Obama of the United States and Hu jintao of China.
With all of his success and fame, Lang Lang tries to encourage others.
He uses his fame to spread the popularity of classical music and encourage young musicians.
And in the end, Lang Lang and his father have rebuilt their relationship.
In his autobiography, Mr Lang dedicated the book to his mother and father.
Business and Economics
A person's debt is how much he or she owes to others.
Debt can be in the form of money, products, or services owed to someone else.
If you borrow money, you are taking on new debt.
An asset is something that has value, such as money, property or even a nice personality.
Assets can be used to pay off debts.
Specialized knowledge or skills are also assets that can be used to get a job or earn money.
Real estate is property, such as land, houses, and buildings.
Buying, selling or renting property is the business of real estate.
Buying and selling real estate is a popular form of investment.
Inventory is a detailed list of items in one's possession.
In business, one's inventory is the supply of items that are ready for sale.
If a store runs out of things to sell, it needs to resupply its inventory.
An investment is the purchase of an asset with the hope that its value will increase.
A good investment will produce income, such as rental income.
If the value of an asset falls, the investment will lose money.
Countries and Continents
China is the second-largest country in the world by land area.
A major issue for China is the continuing expansion of its deserts, which have led to dust storms each spring.
South Asia is referred to as the Indian subcontinent.
It's called a subcontinent because it is separated from the rest of Asia by mountains and seas.
It is one of the world's poorest regions with about 75% of the poor living in rural areas.
Europe is the western neighbor of Asia.
It is separated from Asia by the Ural mountains which extend for 1500 miles in a north-south direction from the Arctic Ocean.
The Philippines is the only country in Asia with a majority of Christians.
The Philippines is an island nation with over 7000 islands.
It's located in the South China sea.
The country's capital city is Manila.
Asia is the world's largest continent, covering about 30% of the Earth's land area.
Several island nations are also a part of Asia, including Japan.
The world's tallest mountains are in Asia, including Mt Everest.
Election & Voting
W: Hey, have you decided how you're going to vote?
M: No, I haven't. I don't like any of the candidates.
W: So you aren't going to vote?
M: Hemmmm, I don't know, probably not. It seems like a waste of time.
W: Really? Why do you think it's a waste of time?
M: Have you listened to any of their speeches?
W: Yes, I have, and I agree that their speeches aren't very good.
M: Exactly. I can't believe anything they say. They are just saying what they think we want to hear.
W: Sure they want to get elected. I admit that the system isn't perfect, but it's all we have.
M: Whether I vote or not won't make a difference. It's all a show.
W: Well, I think you should vote. Do a little research about the candidates.
M: Have you?
W: Yes, I have. I've looked into their backgrounds and education.
M: How can that help?
W: For example, if they know something about science, it could help the government make better decisions about issues, such as climate change.
M: Yes, that's a good point. We need well educated people making decisions.
W: And I look to see what kind of people are supporting them.
M: What issues do you think are most important?
W: I guess for me, pollution, housing and taxes are important. I wanna know how the government plans to deal with these issues.
M: Yes, I agree with you. Maybe I will vote, especially if we can get together and talk more about it.
M: What about dinner tomorrow night?
W: Sorry, I'm busy tomorrow night.
M: Oh, that's too bad. Do you have any time in the next few days? I'll take you to a nice restaurant.
W: Actually, I'm quite busy. But I may have some time Sunday afternoon. We could have lunch somewhere near the office.
M: Sure, that works for me. I'll give you a call on Saturday, and we can decide the details, OK?
W: OK, I'll be looking forward to seeing which candidates you support.
Honey Bee Pollination (蜜蜂授粉)
Honeybees play an interesting and important role in nature.
In addition to making honey, honeybees help many plants reproduce.
They do this by pollinating the plant, which means to transfer pollen['pɑlən]花粉.
Pollination occurs when pollen is moved within a plant's flower or carried to another flower.
This is how the plants reproduce.
For reproduction to succeed, the pollen must be transferred from the male part of a flower to the female part.
Many plants depend on pollination for reproduction.
These include many fruits and vegetables.
Besides honeybees, there are many other pollinators, including birds, insects, and other kinds of bees.
Without enough pollinators, many of our favorite fruits and vegetables would become more expensive and hard to find.
These include almonds[ˈɑːmənz]杏仁 and cherries.
Honeybees are important pollinators and play an important role in agriculture.
Beekeepers are people who keep honeybees.
In addition to collecting honey, some beekeepers provide pollination services to farmers.
They do this by raising and managing colonies of bees.
Farmers need the colonies to pollinate their crops.
Beekeepers can provide and manage bee colonies for farmers.
Colony Collapse (蜂群衰竭)
Honey bees are social insects that live in colonies.
A bee colony consists of a queen bee, male drones [dronz]and thousands of female worker bees.
Each colony also contains eggs and immature（[,ɪmə'tʃʊr]不成熟的）bees in various stages of development.
The number of bees within a colony depends on seasonal changes.
A colony's population increases during the warm seasons and decreases during colder seasons.
In recent years, many bee colonies have collapsed or disappeared.
A bee colony collapse occurs when a majority of the bees in a colony disappear and leave behind the queen.
Some beekeepers have reported losing 30 to 90 percent of their colonies.
This loss of bee colonies can cause significant problems for farmers who depend on them to pollinate their crops.
In some parts of the world, a shortage of bees has increased the cost of renting bees by up to 20%.
There are several possible causes for bee colony collapse.
One possible cause is the use of new pesticides.
Other possible causes include infections from viruses, genetic factors, and malnutrition['mælnʊ'trɪʃən].
Changing weather patterns may also play a role as summers get hotter and winters get colder.
These changes in weather may weaken the bees, making it more difficult for them to fight infections.
Whatever the cause of colony collapse, it's important to understand that many parts of our world are interdependent.
Changes that affect one species may have serious effects on other species.
A change to our environment can start a chain of events that is difficult to predict.
In any complex system such as the Earth's environment, small changes can have unforeseen consequences.
The danger of unforeseen consequences is something we all need to understand better.
Bussiness and Economics
Goods and services supply what people need or want.
Goods are things such as food and clothing.
Services include things such as health care and police protection.
A country needs natural and human resources.
Natural resources include fresh water supplies, farmland and energy sources, such as oil and wind.
Human resources include a skilled workforce that can produce goods and services.
Once we have a supply of goods or services, they need to be distributed throughout a country.
Highways and railways are both ways to transport things from one part of a country to another.
Electricity is distributed through a system of transmission lines.
We live in an age of advertising.
Advertising lets people know about goods and services.
It educates people about the product being advertised.
Trade allows for the exchange of goods and services between different countries.
Exports are goods and services that are sold to another country.
Imports are goods and services that are bought from another country.
For example, many countries import oil from countries such as Saudi Arabia.
Career Building
Employees are the people who work for a company.
Some employees do basic work, such as operating a machine or driving a truck.
The people who hire and direct the work of other employees are managers.
Interviews are one way to find out about a person who applies for a job.
In an interview, a job applicant can ask questions about a company, and the company can find out about a person's skills and experience.
An entrepreneur [ˌɑntrəprəˈnɝ] is someone who starts a new company.
Entrepreneurs often have new ideas and ways of doing things that can give their company an advantage.
Salary and benefits are used to attract new employees into a company.
If the salary and benefits are good enough, employees may take the job and stay with the company.
Benefits include vacation time, health insurance and bonuses for employees who do a good job.
When applying for a job, it's important to have the skills and experience needed for the job.
Developing and increasing skills and experience is a good way to prepare for a good job.
Each job a person has is an opportunity to learn new things and develop new skills.
Landlord Trouble
M: You don't look good. Is something bothering you?
W: Yes, it's my landlord.
M: Oh, it there something wrong with your flat?
W: No, there is nothing wrong with the flat. But I'm going to have to move out.
M: Why do you have to move out?
W: For the last two months, a friend has been staying with me. She is staying until she can find a job.
M: That's nice of you.
W: Yes, but I'm not supposed to have anyone staying there.
M: Was that in the rental agreement?
W: Yes, it was. It's okay if a friend stays for a few days, but not for more than that.
M: So you broke the agreement, even though it was for a good reason.
W: Anyway, one of my neighbors told the landlord about my friend. So now I'm in trouble. The landlord is angry and says she can't trust me.
M: That's ridiculous.
W: I told her about my friend and how I'm trying to help her, but she doesn't care.
M: Wow, she doesn't sound very nice.
W: That's right, she isn't nice. She's just interested in money. In fact, she is going to keep my security deposit.
M: How can she do that? Nothing is damaged, right?
W: Right, everything in the flat is fine. She's keeping the deposit because I broke the rental agreement.
M: What about your rent?
W: Yes, that's another problem. I've already paid 3 months' rent, so I hope I get it back.
M: What can you do if she doesn't return it?
W: I don't know. I'll talk to my agent. He's nice, and maybe he can help. Maybe I should refuse to leave the flat until I get it back.
M: Be sure to take pictures of the flat.
W: What for?
M: Just to show the condition of the flat. Then she can't say your friend damage it in anyway.
W: Good idea. She's a small-minded, evil woman. I should never have rented it from her in the first place.
Dream Jobs
What kind of careers are the best, and what are the qualifications?
One of the most popular careers for kids is to become an astronaut.
Many kids dream of going into space when they grow up.
They dream of working on a space station or exploring deep space.
To become an astronaut, it's important to have the right background.
Many astronauts have a background in engineering, physics or medicine.
Sometimes they have a military background, such as flying military aircraft.
As for pay, astronauts can earn a good salary but not great.
Another popular career is to become a musician or actor.
Many kids dream of becoming famous singers or movie stars.
However, most musicians and actors don't become famous.
They are usually paid by the hour or by the performance.
Only a very few earn lots of money.
So the best advice is not to become a musician or actor unless that's your real passion.
Becoming a professional athlete is another dream job for many.
It's nice to imagine playing a favorite sport and getting paid for it.
However, becoming a professional athlete takes a lot of work and practice.
Great athletes practice for hours a day with teammates and coaches.
They also work regularly with trainers to keep their bodies strong.
The level of pay for athletes depends on the success and level of their performance.
Athletes often have short careers because of the physical requirements of their sport.
When they are no longer able to compete at a high level, some athletes become coaches.
Firefighters and police officers are important jobs that help and protect people.
These careers require applicants to complete training programs and pass written and physical tests.
These jobs can be exciting and dangerous, so they require courage and sometimes sacrifice.
Jobs and Wages
When considering salary and benefits, some of the lowest paying jobs are in the hospitality and beauty industries.
For example, food service workers and hair stylists generally have low salaries.
These kinds of jobs don't require much education or training.
But again, if you enjoy what you are doing, that may be good enough.
For example, you may really enjoy talking with you customers.
Spending your life doing something you dislike can be very unsatisfying, even if the salary is high.
Some of the highest paid professions include doctors, lawyers and scientists.
However, these professions require high levels of education and training.
The path to becoming a doctor, for example, is a long one.
Doctors require a university degree, several years in medical school and several more years of experience.
Only then are they certified as a medical doctor, or MD.
So it doesn't make sense to consider these professions, unless you are willing to work hard for many years.
And of course, you should really care about doing the work well.
Types of Wars
Civil wars are fought between citizens of the same country and are fought within the country.
If citizens of a country disagree about a policy or leader, they may fight a civil war.
译文：内战发生在同一个国家的公民之间，也发生在这个国家内部。如果一个国家的公民对政策或领导人意见不一，他们可能会打一场内战。
A world war is fought when countries form alliances, and these alliances fight each other.
A world war involves many or most of the world's most powerful countries.
There were two world wars in the 20th century.
译文：当国家结成联盟时，世界大战就开始了，而这些联盟又互相打仗。世界大战涉及世界上许多或大多数最强的国家。20世纪有两次世界大战。
Terrorism involves groups of individuals rather than countries.
Terrorists may come from different countries and they may share the same beliefs.
Terrorists often use carbombings['bɑmɪŋs]and suicide attacks oninnocent(['ɪnəsnt] 无辜的；无罪的) people.
A terrorist attack can happen at any time and any place.
译文：恐怖主义涉及的是个人团体，而不是国家。恐怖分子可能来自不同的国家，他们可能有一样的信仰。恐怖分子经常用汽车炸弹和自杀式袭击无辜人群。恐怖袭击随时随地都可能发生。
An invasion occurs when one country attacks another.
It sends its army into the other country and attempts to take control.
One of the most famous invasions was when France invaded Russia in 1812.
译文：当一个国家攻击另一个国家时，侵略就发生了。它派遣军队进入另一个国家，并妄图控制。最著名的入侵之一是1812年法国入侵俄罗斯。
A defensive war occurs when a country is attacked and needs to defend itself.
Most countries have a military so that it can defend itself if it's attacked.
When France invaded Russia in 1812, the Russian army fought a defensive war and defeated the French army.
译文：当一个国家受到攻击需要自卫时，就会发生防御性战争。大多数国家都有军队，这样一旦受到攻击，军队就可以自卫。1812年法国入侵俄国时，俄国军队打了一场防御战，最终打败了法国军队。
Biology Terms
A cell is the basic unit of life.
A cell is the smallest structure that can live and reproduce.
Cells grow and develop, reproduce and interact with the environment.
译文：细胞是生命的基本单位。细胞是能够生存和繁殖的最小的结构。细胞生长、发育、繁殖并与环境相互作用。
Photosynthesis[,foto'sɪnθəsɪs]is one of the most important biological[,baɪə'lɑdʒɪkl] processes[ prəˈsesɪz].
It allows plants to capture and use light as an energy source.
Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.
译文：光合作用是最重要的生物过程之一。它允许植物捕捉和利用光作为能源。光合作用是把光能转化为化学能的过程。
A virus is a small biological structure that attacks and enters cells.
Once inside a cell, a virus reproduces and makes many copies of itself.
Some diseases such as influenza are viruses.
译文：病毒是攻击并进入细胞的小型生物结构。一旦进入细胞，病毒就会自我繁殖并复制很多自身的副本。有些疾病如流感是病毒。
Bacteria are one-celled forms of life that are all around us.
Although they have a single-cell structure, they are very important.
Many bacteria are inside us and help us digest our food.
译文：细菌是生活在我们周围的单细胞生物。虽然它们是单细胞结构，但它们非常重要。许多细菌在我们体内，帮助我们消化食物。
DNA is a complex molecule that stores information and can make copies of itself.
Nearly every cell in a person's body has the same DNA.
The information stored in DNA tells cells what to do and isnecessary[ˈnɛsəˌsɛri]for reproduction.
译文：DNA是一种复杂的分子，它储存信息并能自我复制。人体内几乎每个细胞都有相同的DNA。储存在DNA中的信息告诉细胞该做什么，这是繁殖所必需的。
Hotel Complaint
(W: Hotel Reception C: Customer M: Manager)
W: Good evening, sir. How can I help you?
C: Yes, we just checked in and our room is unacceptable. It's room 1810 (eighteen ten).
W: Is there something wrong with the room?
C: Yes, there certainly is. We requested a non-smoking room, but the room smells of smoke.
W: Let me check. Yes, that room is supposed to be a non-smoking room.
C: Well, somebody certainly didn't follow the rules. The curtains smell like cigars. We can hardly breath, and the windows won't open.
W: Right, the windows don't open, sir. I'm really sorry about this. Let me see if I can find you another room.
C: Yes, please. We certainly can't stay in that room. Both of our kids have asthma(['æzmə] 哮喘), so the smell of smoke can cause breathing problems.
W: Yes, I understand your concern.
W: Sir, I'm afraid we don't have any other rooms with two double beds. If you'll excuse me, I'll speak with my manager. Sorry about this.
C: We're really tired and we would like to get some rest as soon as possible.
W: Yes, I understand. If you don't mind, could you wait in the lounge near the elevators? I shouldn't be long.
C: Sure, I hope it doesn't take time.
M: Good evening sir, I'm the manager here, I'm sorry to hear about your room.
C: Yes, we are not happy, and we are really tired. I hope you can help us.
M: I'm sure we can. Since we don't have another non-smoking room for you, I'll upgrade you to a suite ([swit] 套房). Would that be ok?
C: Yes, that would be fine. There is no extra cost, right?
M: No sir. There will be no extra charge.
C: And it's non-smoking, right?
M: Yeah sir. I've confirmed that it's non-smoking.
C: Thanks. I really appreciate your help.
M: It's my pleasure, sir. I hope you and your family have a wonderful stay with us. Here is my card. If there is anything else I can do for you, please let me know.
C: I will. Have a good evening.
M: Thank you sir, and once again, let me apologize for the same inconvenience.