现代大学英语精读lesson15.pptVIP

优秀精品课件文档资料 Unit 15 The Riddle of Time Background This article begins with a discussion of the definition of time, but it mainly deals with the historical development of human beings’ timekeeping. Zit also touches upon the body clock of human beings. Obviously it is not meant to be a serious scientific treaties. Therefore we can call it popular science. Words and Expressions variable Sth. that can be different in different situations like temperature, pressure, etc. Cf. to vary, variation, variety, various, variable, variant, invariably Words and Expressions “… is said to do/ to have done/to be doing,etc.” e.g. He was said to have discovered the secret of the pendulum. He was said to be sitting in a church … Words and Expressions daily Cf. Today’s People’s Daily carried an important editorial. (“daily” used as a noun) Traffic accidents are virtually daily occurrences. (“daily” used as an adjective) The milk is delivered daily early in the morning. (“daily” used as an adverb) Words and Expressions device (formal) a piece of equipment , especially sth. used to measure or protect other things. In spoken English, people use “thing”. Words and Expressions spy: to suddenly see, especially after seeking for it Cf. to see, to spy, to detect, to spot, to discover, to find, to notice Words and Expressions regardless of: without being affected by , e.g. We all have the right to vote regardless of our, sex, race, education financial status, religion or politics The government is determined to punish all the corrupt officials regardless of their positions. Words and Expressions “nano-”: a combining form meaning “ one billionth of” used to form compound words Cf: nanometer 钠米(十亿分之一米);nanotechnology 纳米技术 Words and Expressions be compressed: to be pressed to take up less space Cf: oppress. depress, impress, repress, suppress Words and Expressions trace sth. to: to find the origin of sth.; to find where sth. came from, e.g. Their conflict can be traced t