Self-Esteem and Luxury GoodsAccording to a study, lowself-esteem is a big factor in whether a person will buy luxury goods that hemay not be able to afford.For consumers trapped ininstitutionalized poverty or those living paycheck to paycheck, a luxury goodcan go a long way in increasing self-esteem or providing a sense of belonging.A sense ofaccomplishment is yet another reason why some people buy luxury goods. Theywant to reward themselves for their hard work by treating themselves tosomething they typically can't afford.institutionalized(adj) 体制化的 poverty (n) 贫穷 livepaycheck to paycheck 日子拮据、月光族 go along way 大有帮助、大有好处
The Irrational ConsumerIt’s well known that people don’t behave rationally, and considering the enormous consumer debt Americans have, consumers clearly don’t always act in their best financial interests.Luxury goods are a great example of how irrational we can be; a decent and sturdy handbag can be purchased for $50, yet people will still spend thousands to buy a brand name.It's always been this way and consumers' desire to own the finer things in life will likely never change.rational (adj) 理性的 enormous (adj) 巨大的 sturdy (adj) 结实的 brand name 品牌、名牌
Taking on new challenges makes yo better on paperChanging jobs at least once every four years can make your resume more attractive to employers for several reasons. For one, it says, ‘I’m willing to try new things and not get too comfortable.But staying at the same job for a long while can make your resume look stagnant and give employers the impression that you lack drive and don’t enjoy learning new things.Candidates who have not changed jobs in a decade or more run the risk of being considered stuck and afraid of change, and perhaps even‘wedded to the company.'take on 承担、接受 stagnant （adj） 停滞不前的、无发展的 drive （n） 干劲、冲劲run the riskof… 冒着。。。的风险 stuck（adj） 困住 bewedded to… 献身于。。。
Whystay?In fact, staying for ten years or more on a job can be a positive thing, if you've gained seniority and leadership opportunities and have more say in the company.It might say to potential employers that you're dependable and loyal.A worker who constantly switches jobs or starts new ventures may have difficulty getting jobs in the future, because employers have to invest resources to train a worker, and that investment is lost if the worker leaves the company.seniority (n) 资历、级别高 say (n) 发言权 venture (n) 冒险项目、公司
Kids Aren't So Great For Your RelationshipMany couples think that having kids will bring them closer, enhance their relationship and make it stronger, because they now get to bond over a little person that they created.But the facts don't exactly back this line of thinking up. As Dr. Ellen Walker explained in Psychology Today, “Marital satisfaction rates actually plummet after the birth of the first child."Accordingto a study, 70 percent of couples experience a“significant slump” in the quality of their relationship within the first three years of the birth of their first child.This can be due to sleeplessness, unrealistic expectations, and the fact that clashing ideas about how to raise a child can sometimes drive a couple apart.enhance(v) 提高、增进 over (prep) 由于 back…up 支持 marital (adj) 婚姻的 plummet(v) 暴跌 slump (n) 骤降 clashing (adj) 冲突的 apart (adv) 分开
To Carry on the Family Name and ValuesThere are plenty of people out there who want to carry on the family name and the family values.Of course, this tends to apply to the father's family name, but the point is that many prospective parents want to continue the historic family lineage.They find joy in knowing that their child will bear their last name and keep the family going. Again, this is all based around societal customs.prospective(adj) 可能成为的 lineage (n) 家系、家族 bear (v) 持有、带有
Cost of LivingThe higher cost of living is the first disadvantage that people typically think of when considering moving to a city. Major cities always have a higher cost of living than the surrounding suburbs, and cities like San Francisco and New York routinely have the highest costs of living inthe U.S. Normal living expenses such as rent and utilities tend to be higher in big cities and you may have additional living expenses you wouldn’t have in the suburbs such as parking permits and laundry. Food, drinks, tobacco products, and gasoline are also more expensive in major cities. routinely (adv) 毫不意外地 utility(n) 公共事业 permit (n) 许可证 laundry (n) 洗衣店、洗衣房 tobacco(n) 烟草
Public TransportationThe public transportation system in major cities is a good alternative to driving yourself and dealing with the traffic and parking situation. Cities have trains or subways, buses, and plenty of taxis and ride sharing drivers so you can get where you need to go. Many public transportation options such as the bus and train are very affordable and free you of the hassle of driving. It is possible to live without a car in most major cities. alternative (n)可供选择的事物 free someone of… 使某人摆脱。。。
Coldness and unemploymentThere is no doubt that machines are much better when it comes to working efficiency but they cannot replace the human connection that makes the team. Machines cannot develop a bond with humans.With more and more machines being designed, there will be an abrupt increase in unemployment and job insecurity. Since machines are replacing human resources, the rate of people losing their jobs will increase. Needless to say, humans will be no longer a priority for companies.make (v) …使…变得成功 bond (n) 情感纽带 abrupt (adj) 突然的、意外的needless to say不必说 priority (n) 优先考虑
They Don’t Take Rest.One of the top benefits of using artificial intelligence in the workplace is that machines and robots can perform lengthy and important tasks in a more effective manner.Unlike humans, machines don’t need to rest or take a break. They don’t need to eat or sleep like us and never fall ill or take leaves.They only need to be recharged or refueled by an energy source to reach their full potential. Ultimately, this enables the companies to boost their productivity by working 24 hours.lengthy (adj)漫长的 take leaves 休假 refuel (v) 加油、续燃料reach fullpotential 达到最大潜能
ExpectationsParents have expectations of their children with everything from grades in school and how they dress to college and career choices later on. Parental disappointment creates conflict and problems in the relationship between them and their teenagers. It often comes across as anger, giving teenagers the feeling of rejection from the people who were once the most important figures in their lives. parental (adj)父母的 come across 给人以。。。的印象 rejection (n) 拒绝
Family ConflictWhen parents argue, teenagers may feel that they were somehow the cause, which can lead to alienation if the parents allow their words and actions to escalate out of control. Teens may feel that their parents don't love each other anymore, leaving the teenagers to wonder how it will affect them. Although arguing can be a healthy way of airing differences and working through problems, mean-spirited fighting with harsh words can leave a lasting negative impression on everyone in the family, including the teenagers. alienation (n) 疏远 escalate (v) 恶化、升级 air (v) 使公开、宣扬work through… 解决 mean-spirited (adj) 心胸狭窄的、小心眼的
Psychology as a professionThe goal of psychology is not just to study human thinking and behavior, but to put that knowledge into practice, to help people, communities, and society in general to solve day-to-day problems and improve quality of life. Psychology is therefore also a profession,devoted to helping people and the community find solutions to real life problems such as improving mental health and wellbeing, learning, performance,relationships, and societal cohesiveness. day-to-day (adj)日常的 bedevoted to… 致力于。。。 wellbeing (n) 康乐 societal (adj)社会的 cohesiveness (n) 凝聚力
Psychology as a scienceAs a science, psychology is the study of the human mind and its wide-ranging functions and influences. Psychological research advances our understanding of human emotion, personality, intelligence, memory, perception, cognition, attention,and motivation, as well as the biological processes that drive these human functions and behaviors. In essence, psychology studies individuals and groups to better understand how people, communities and societies function and ways to help them thrive. wide-ranging (adj) 覆盖面广的 advance (v) 促进、推动 perception (n) 感知 cognition (n) 认知 In essence 本质上 thrive (v) 蓬勃发展
Making new friends. There are lots of shared activities for pet owners, ranging from communal walks to charitable events and other organizations that cater to animals and protecting the environment. It can be hard to meet new people, but pets are great icebreakers.Taking care of something. Sure, you need your pet. Your pet needs you,too. The need to be useful and of value doesn't magically disappear when your career ends or your kids grow up and build their own independent lives. It isvery satisfying to take care of another living creature.communal (adj)共享的、共有的 cater to 满足…的需求、迎合 icebreaker (n)打破僵局的事物
Companionship. Loneliness can become an unwelcome companion as we age and can lead to depression as well as physical problems. Dogs mold their schedule and personality to you. They are never unavailable or off duty. Smaller dogs, in particular, can easily travel. Having a routine. The routine of caring for a pet can bring structure and purpose to daily life. Maybe you don't always want to get out of bed, but your pet wants you to. Isn't that a good thing? companionship (n) 伙伴关系 mold (v) 使适合 off duty 不当值 routine (n) 常规 structure (n) 周密安排、体系
Stress ReliefMany kids find stress relief on the field. When people exercise or play sports, the brain releases chemicals that improve their moods. If your child is feeling pressure in the classroom, sports may be the answer. Sports are also fun. Playing on a team with friends is a fun way to take a break from the pressure kids feel in school. But trying to fit sports practice and competition into an already packed schedule can have the opposite effect, creating more stress for your child, and not leaving enough time for creative play, family time and homework. Chemical (n) 化学物质 fit (v) 将…放进… packed (adj) 拥挤的
SportsmanshipIf your child plays a team sport, he will quickly learn the art of sportsmanship, sharing credit and sharing responsibility. Being part of ateam helps a child learn to think about doing what is best for the group as opposed to focusing only on himself. Children on teams discover the positive feelings associated with cheering others on and feeling proud of teammates' accomplishments, as well as their own. sportsmanship(n) 体育精神 credit (n) 功劳、赞美 be associated with… 与。。。相关 cheer…on为。。。加油
Public libraries are at a turning point.The way we access and consume information has changed dramatically in the 21st century, and this presents major challenges and opportunities for public library systems across the world.The advent of new technologies has changed some of our reading habits. But our need for shared, community-centered spaces to find information and connect with others is unlikely to change any time soon.To survive in the digital age and stay relevant, public libraries need to be brave and innovative. They must embrace both the physical and virtual.consume (v) 消化（信息） advent (n) 出现、到来 digital age 数字时代 relevant (adj) 有价值、有意义的 embrace(v) 欣然接受 virtual (adj) 虚拟的
What is a library?Libraries have always been at the heart of the communities they serve. They are accessible and safe spaces, providing access to huge resources of information and knowledge.There are an estimated 315,000 public libraries in the world, 73 per cent of them in developing and transitioning countries.The public library transcends national and cultural boundaries -- no matter where you are in the world, they are an essential part of creating and maintaining an educated and literate population.at the heart of… 核心 transitioning (adj) 转型的 transcend (v) 超出 boundary (n) 界限 literate (adj) 有读写能力的
The three R’s Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products.In general consumption of goods, however, we ignore the fact that a major portion of our waste can be reduced or reused before resorting to recycling.It would be very responsible of us if we could reduce the consumption of products to the maximum extent possible. So, the three R’s of sustainability are Reduce, Reuse…and then Recycle.process (v) 加工、处理 portion (n) 部分 sustainability (n) 可持续性发展
Why recycling is important？Recycling is important for making the environment a cleaner place, conserving materials, saving energy and reducing the amount of garbage in landfills.One of the most important benefits of recycling is the impact it has on the Earth. Recycling different materials helps the environment by reducing the use of natural resources. For example, recycling paper goods reduces the number of trees cut down each year.Take care of your planet, and it will take careof you. In view of reducing environmental pollution and cutting down energy consumption,recycling is an important step to undertake.conserve (v) 节约（使用） landfill (v) 垃圾填埋场 in view of… 鉴于、考虑到 undertake (v)从事、承担
The importance of cultural diversityIn business, cultural diversity within an organization is considered beneficial to the retention of staff as well as their productivity. It is also likely to increase an organization's flexibility and responsiveness to the diversity of its clients, customers and partners in an increasingly globalized world.In an educational context, diversity within schools or universities can enrich the learning process, enabling students to draw on their peers' much wider and more varied experiences. Italso better prepares students for the diverse society they participate in beyond the campus.retention (n) 保留 productivity (n) 生产效率 responsive (adj) 积极反应 context (n) 背景、环境 draw on 利用
Diversityis inevitable People differ inopinions, race, nationality, gender, age, sexuality, ethnicity, class,religion, lifestyle and so much more, yet at the very basic we are all human species.Today, the changes intime and technology have made it extremely impossible for any group of peopleto live without interacting with others outside their group.Often people ofdifferent cultural and geographical backgrounds meet in international conferences,education exchange programs, sports, etc.diversity (n) 多样性 sexuality (n) 性取向 ethnicity (n) 种族特点at the very basic 从根本上 geographical (adj) 地理上的 conference (n) 会议
PatienceIf you can be more patient, this can really help you when trying to be successful. Patience will help you when it comes to making any mistakes or having to deal with problems on your journey to success. If you have little, or no patience, this is going to make things much harder for you. You will not be able to deal with the obstacles very well! Understanding that things take time, and unfortunately, mistakes can be made, is crucial. You could become successful much quicker if you can accept this!journey(n) 长途旅行 obstacle (n) 困难、障碍 crucial (adj) 至关重要的
WillpowerWillpower is a great trait to have, especially if you want to succeed in life.Those who have great willpower can focus and strive for their goals, solely focusing on achieving. When you have a lot of willpower, you are less likely to procrastinate or make excuses, because you will be determined to succeed.If you have no willpower, you are more likely to give up easily or change what you are doing, as procrastination can become more prominent and you may lose interest in trying to achieve yourgoals.willpower(n) 意志力 trait (n) 个性特点 strive for… 力求。。。 procrastinate(v) 拖延 prominent (adj) 突出的、显著的
Share stories about people who helpothers. When you explain to your child about the ways people help others, or share specific stories of such events in your community, your child can learn examples of how people care for one another. This can help them internalize what it means to be helpful and allows it to become part of their personality. Find articles on the Internet or in your local newspaper about community events in which people help others, then read and share these stories with your child. Watch television specials or news programs about people who have performed generous or charitable acts to help others. care for… 照顾 internalize(v) 内化 specials (n) 特别节目 charitable (adj) 行善的
Explain helpful behaviors. Although showing your child what to do is great,you'll want to communicate to your child what it means to be helpful and why it's important. Explain to them that helping others makes people feel good. Brainstorm with your child ideas for how they can be helpful. This can be giving a gift to a grandparent, or offering to help a sibling or friend. Reinforce this behavior with compliments and tell them how proud you are that they are helping others. brainstorm (v) 集思广益 sibling (n) 兄弟姐妹 reinforce (v) 加强 compliment (n) 赞扬
Commitment and PassionYour teams look up to youand if you want them to give them their all, you will have to be passionate about it too.When your teammates see you getting your hands dirty, they will also give their best shot. It will also help you to gain the respect of your subordinates and infuse new energy in your team members, which helps them to perform better.If they feel that you are not fully committed or lacks passion, then it would be an uphill task for the leader to motivate your followers to achieve the goal.commitment (n) 献身、投入 get your hands dirty 亲历亲为 shot (n) 尝试、努力 infuse (v) 注入 uphill (adj) 漫长艰难的、费力的
Inspire Others Probably the most difficult job for a leader isto persuade others to follow. It can only be possible if you inspire your followers by setting a good example.When the going gets tough, they look up to you and see how you react to the situation. If you handle it well, they will follow you.As a leader, you should think positive and this positive approach should be visible through your actions. Stay calm under pressure and keep the motivation level up.when the going gets tough, 当情况变得困难的时候，（When the going gets tough, the tough get going.遇到逆境，顽强者逆流而上;艰难之路，唯勇者行）approach (n) 方法、态度 visible (adj) 可见的、能注意到的 keep…up 使。。。不减少
