Before Reading
1. Spot Dictation
2. Word-web
3. Background Information
4. Warm-up Questions
5. Discussion
6. Topic-related Prediction
Spot Dictation
Directions: Listen to the following and fill in the blanks.
avoid causing
White lies are those little lies that we tell to ___________
embarrassment Can we live without them? On the one hand, we don't
_____________.
hurt other people's feelings . But on the other, we don't want to lie
want to______________________
a way out of the dilemma ,as you will discover
to them. There is, however, ____________________
in the short talk you are about to hear.
White lies are so much a part of our everyday lives that most of us
probably don't even realize when we've_________
let one slip . But it doesn't really
a white lie isn't a real lie .
matter, since ___________________
staring into space or
Of course , white lies can be avoided by _________________
pretending
you didn't hear the question , but so often the "if you can't say
_______________________________
anything nice, don't say anything at all” motto doesn't work because
____________________________
we are expected to say something .
■
Word-web
Directions: Figure out the expressions with the word “lie”.
LIE
Background Information
Watergate Scandal
"Watergate" is a general term used to describe a complex web
of political scandals between 1972 and 1974. The word specifically
refers to the Watergate Hotel, one of the plushest hotels in
Washington D.C.
"Watergate" has entered the political lexicon as a term
synonymous with corruption and scandal. It was here that the
Watergate Burglars broke into the Democratic Party's National
Committee offices on June 17, 1972.
The story of Watergate has an intriguing historical and political
background, arising out of political events of the 1960s. But the
chronology of the scandal really begins during 1972, when the
burglars were arrested. By 1973, Richard Nixon had been reelected President, but the storm clouds were building. By early 1974,
the nation was consumed by Watergate. Nixon made three major
speeches on the Watergate scandal during 1973 and 1974.
■
Political investigations began in February 1973 when the Senate
established a Committee to investigate the Watergate scandal. The
Committee uncovered the existence of the secret White House tape
recordings, sparking a major political and legal battle between the
Congress and the President.
In 1974, the House of Representatives authorized the Judiciary
Committee to consider impeachment proceedings against Nixon.
Nixon's last days in office came in late July and early August, 1974.
The House Judiciary Committee voted to accept three of four
proposed Articles of Impeachment of the President.
The final blow came with the decision by the Supreme Court to
order Nixon to release more White House tapes. Around the country,
there were calls for Nixon to resign.
At 9 pm on the evening of August 8, 1974, Nixon delivered a
nationally televised resignation speech. The next morning, he
made his final remarks to the White House staff before sending
his resignation letter to the Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger.
The Watergate brought down Richard Nixon, and had
profound consequences in the United States.
Nixon died in 1994 and was eulogized by the political
establishment, although he was still a figure of controversy.
Deep Throat — the follow-up of the Watergate Scandal
For more than 30 years, Washington Post
reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein
preserved an extraordinary secret: the identity
of the source known as Deep Throat, who
helped inform the stories The Post published in
1972 and 1973 exposing what became known
as the Watergate Scandal. They kept the secret
despite extraordinary pressure on The Post
from the White House, including charges that Deep Throat was an
invention; through the hearings and impeachment proceedings that led
to President Richard M. Nixon's resignation in August 1974; and despite
endless speculation about the source's identity in the years afterward.
Mr. Woodward, now a Post editor, and Mr. Bernstein, who no longer
works here, said that they had made a commitment not to reveal Deep
Throat's identity until after his death. W. Mark Felt, former deputy
director of the FBI, confirmed that he was Deep Throat. He revealed his
role in part because of his family's belief that he deserves to be
honored for his actions while he is alive.
■
Mr. Felt, now 91, was a dedicated servant of
the FBI, and no softie: He was outraged that the
Nixon White House brazenly interfered with the
FBI's investigation of the burglary of Democratic
Party headquarters in June 1972 and by what
he saw as Mr. Nixon's attempt to gain control
over the FBI for political purposes.
Risking dismissal or prosecution, he began meeting with Mr. Woodward
secretly to confirm The Post's reporting about the funding of the
operation and about other illegal acts by the president's top aides. Deep
Throat was crucial to the paper's reporting of Watergate. Had Mr. Felt
remained quiet, Mr. Nixon might have succeeded in one of the most
serious abuses of power ever attempted by an American president.
It's worth remembering that this landmark victory for the rule of law
also depended on the secret patriotism of a source named Deep
Throat — that is, Mark Felt. It's nice to be able to honor him by his real
name while he still lives.
Richard Nixon’s China Tour
On February 21 ， 1972 ， American
President Richard Nixon's special plane arrived
at the Beijing Capital Airport ， greeted by
Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. Zhou said to
Nixon：”You are extending your hand across
the vastest ocean of the world for a handshake with me. There has
been no exchange between our two nations for 25 years.” Nixon said:
“This is a handshake by the Chinese and US leaders across an
ocean and a confrontation of 20-odd years，signaling the opening of
a new chapter in the Sino-US relationship.”
■
On the day when Nixon arrived in Beijing,
Chairman Mao Zedong met him and they talked
for more than an hour. The Chinese and US
sides agreed to use “serious and frank” to
describe the talks between Mao and Nixon.
The two sides put forward their common
grounds as well as differences in the Shanghai
Communique, an unprecedented practice in
world diplomacy. President Richard Nixon's icebreaking China tour shook the world.
Warm-up Questions
1. Have you ever had the feeling that you were compelled to tell lies,
though you did not want to? If yes, under what conditions are you
inclined to lie? How do you feel after you tell such lies?
2. Some people say that white lies are not lies. What is your position on
this issue?
3. Do you consider white lies necessary in social life?
Discussion
1. Suppose you are in trouble. When your parents call
you and ask how you are, will you tell them a lie by
saying that you are fine or tell them the truth?
Discuss in pairs or in groups.
Tips:
2. It was reported that a son gave one of his kidneys to his mother
who had to receive kidney transplantation to survive, but he told
her a white lie that the transplanted kidney was another person’s or
donator’s. He said that he would not tell her the truth until the last
minute of her life. Discuss in groups on the topic whether he is a
great son because of his conduct.
A: I tell lies to my parents in such cases because I do not want them
to worry about me. When I am in trouble, I try to deal with it myself. It
is no use telling them the truth. If I tell them that I am ill, or depressed,
or something, they will be uneasy. They may even come to the school
to see me, which will influence their work. Telling a white lie by saying
“I am fine, terrific, or excellent” will make them feel at ease, and make
me more mature to handle my own problems. After all, I am an adult
now.
B: I will not tell such white lies. If I am in trouble or ill, I will tell my
parents the truth, but in the meanwhile, I will tell them not to worry
about me. No matter what the trouble is, I myself can cope with it,
because I have the ability to do so. Telling them the truth and
assuring them of your ability to solve your own problems is much
better than telling the so-called white lies. The white lies may bring no
harm to your parents, but they do a great harm to yourself. You may
form the habit of telling not only the white lies but also real lies. In a
word, white lies erode your honesty.
Topic-related Prediction
1. From the title “The Truth about Lying”, what can you infer the “truth”
might be?
2. What might be the author’s attitude towards “white lies”? (Positive or
negative)
Global Reading
1. Part Division of the Text
2. Further Understanding
For Part 1 Questions and Answers
For Part 2 Table Completion
For Part 3 True or False
3. Text Analysis
Part Division of the Text
Parts
Lines
Main Ideas
1
1~8
The reason why the writer finds it difficult to write on
the subject of lying and how she is going to deal
with the difficulty in composing the essay.
2
9~117
The writer discusses four types of lies and tells us
what she thinks about them respectively.
3
118~130
How the author feels we should cope with the
question of whether or not to lie.
Questions and Answers
1. How does the author begin the passage?
He begins the passage by telling the readers his feelings about
the subject of lying: he found the topic interesting, challenging,
difficult, thought-provoking, and puzzling.
2. Which sentence in the first part of the text tells us the author’s
purpose of his writing this passage?
The last two sentences but one of the first paragraph: I’d like to
present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with lying. I’ll
tell you what I think about them.
Table Completion
Directions: In this part, the author listed four types of lies, and
respectively, gave their definitions, the views of the majority,
her own viewpoints, counter-arguments, and examples.
Scan this part and fill the following table.
1. Social lies
Definition
Lies that avoid embarrassment or pain in social
interaction.
The view of the majority
Acceptable and necessary.
My (The author’s) viewpoint
I basically agree with the majority.
Counter-arguments
False, morally wrong; They destroys credibility.
Examples
Comments on ugly hairdo, hideous presents,
homely kids, warmed-over coffee.
2. Peace-keeping lies
Definition
Lies that are designed to avoid irritation or
argument.
The view of the majority
Many people tell such lies to avoid troubles without
hurting anyone. They consider such lies wise.
My (The author’s) viewpoint
I’ tell such lies though feeling guilty.
Counter-arguments
People who tell such lies are cowards, dodging
their responsibilities.
Examples
The exchange between Dave and Elaine; Laura’s
point of view.
3. Protective lies
Definition
Lies that are supposed to be in the interests of the
person we are lying to.
The view of the majority
It is justifiable and more valuable to tell such lies.
My (The author’s) viewpoint
Such lies sometimes must be told.
Counter-arguments
It’s wrong to tell such lies. The lies break trust.
Examples
Lying to the dying about their health state, to one’s
children on marital matters, etc.
4. Trust-keeping lies
Definition
Lies that are told to keep a trust.
The view of the majority
They must lie to keep their promises.
My (The author’s) viewpoint
Some lies are necessary and acceptable, while
others are not.
Counter-arguments
Telling such lies can be painful. People do not want
to be told the truth/fact.
Examples
Fran’s attitude; Watergate.
True or False
Directions: In this part the author put forth his general attitude about
telling lies. Scan this part and decide whether the following
statements are true or false.
1. All of us are born with the talent for telling lies. ( F )
There are those who have no talent for lying.
2. The author’s friend (Para. 38) felt that he/she had to tell the truth
because he seldom succeeded in lying and felt guilty about lying. ( T )
3. It is implied in the remark of the author’s friend (Para. 39) that lying
should never be our first choice. ( T )
4. The explanation the author’s friend made about his/her telling lies
suggests that all lies are justifiable and therefore acceptable. ( F )
The author’s friend said that he himself did not accept the lies he
told even though others might accept them completely.
5. In the author’s opinion, those who tell lies should not take lying for
granted. ( T )
Text Analysis
Directions: In this text the author uses the rhetorical device:
parallelism. Parallelism is the use of identical or equivalent
syntactic constructions in corresponding clauses.
Parallelism makes a text coherent and the language
forceful and impressive. For example, “What about you?”
(L.15, L.37, L.45, L.72, L.92, L.105, L.117, L.130) Scan the
text and find other sentences (or structures) that are
paralleled.
“Will you say to people, …
( L.16 )
“Will you praise…”
( L.19 )
“Will you decline…”
( L.20 )
“Do you, …”
( L.47, L. 49, L. 51, LL. 64—67 )
“They may lie to…”
( L. 79—81)
“Do you believe…”
( L.106—L.110 )
Before you read this essay, take a few moments to consider various
lies you have told: Under what conditions are you tempted to lie? When
have you actually lied? Why did you do so? Can you generalize about
the types of lies you habitually tell? Are you irritated when people lie to
you? In what circumstances might lying be acceptable? Once you begin
to think about it, it seems that the truth about lying is not quite as
straightforward as one might suppose.
Sentence
Word
Before you read this essay, take a few moments to consider various
lies you have told: Under what conditions are you tempted to lie? When
have you actually lied? Why did you do so? Can you generalize about
the types of lies you habitually tell? Are you irritated when people lie to
you? In what circumstances might lying be acceptable? Once you begin
to think about it, it seems that the truth about lying is not quite as
straightforward as one might suppose.
Sentence
Word
tempt: vt. attract, lure
Before you read this essay, take a few moments to consider various
S The warm sun tempted us to go swimming.
lies you have told: Under what conditions are you tempted to lie? When
S
又一道菜吸引了我们，但我们还是拒绝了。
have you actually
lied? Why did you do so? Can you generalize about
T A second helping tempted us, but we refused the offer.
the types of lies you habitually tell? Are you irritated when people lie to
Pattern: be tempted toyou?
do sth.
In 很想做某事
what circumstances might lying be acceptable? Once you begin
S He was tempted to walk
out after
supper.
to think
about
it, it seems that the truth about lying is not quite as
S 我很想问问刚才发生了什么事。
straightforward as one might suppose.
T
I am tempted to ask what happened just now.
Sentence
Word
statement
(about);
form
an take a few moments to consider various
generalize: vt. make a general
Before
you read
this
essay,
opinion after considering a small number of facts
lies you have told: Under what conditions are you tempted to lie? When
S Don’t generalize; it isn’t fair to say all women drivers are
have you actually lied? Why did you do so? Can you generalize about
bad just because one knocked you known.
S
T
the types of lies you habitually tell? Are you irritated when people lie to
lying be acceptable? Once you begin
think about
that are
the truth about lying is not quite as
It is wrong for you to to
generalize
hastily it,
thatit allseems
the Chinese
straightforward
as one
might suppose.
wealthy after you meet
three rich Chinese
businessmen.
你遇到三个有钱的中国商人就匆忙下结论说所有的中国人都富有，
you? In what circumstances might
这是不对的。
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
Instead, I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
Social Lies
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
Instead, I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
Social Lies
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
me: inthe
lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
1. Why is the second “never”
thesubject
sentenceofitalicized?
talked
to has
a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
The second “never” is
italicized
for emphasis.
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
2. Paraphrase the sentence.
about.
I'veand
finally
reached
thetellconclusion that I can't present any
As to what we can tell
lies about
what we
can never
ultimate
fortheir
tooown
many people would promptly disagree.
lies about, all the people
I haveconclusions,
talked with have
strong viewpoints and
cannot tolerate
who hold
differentof moral puzzles, all concerned with
Instead,
I'd like those
to present
a series
views from them. lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
3. Translate the sentence into Chinese.
所有我交谈过的人都对什么事情可以说谎
——people
什么事情绝对不可
Most of the
I've talked
以说谎 —— 持有强烈的、常常不容别人分说的个人意见。
with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
1. What does “it” refer to here?
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
it 是形式主语，实际主语是
to insist
on… a
with
your intense
honesty。and personal but often rather intolerant
talked
to has
quite
of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
2. Translate the sentencepoint
into Chinese.
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
他们说，如果你要做到十二分正直、十二分无畏，不由自主地用你的诚实
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
使他们陷入不必要的窘境或痛苦之中，这只能说你是傲慢？
Instead, I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
intrigue:
I've been
write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
1) vt. arouse the interest or curiosity
of;wanting
fascinate,topuzzle
S
S
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
Hibernation has long intrigued biologists.
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
The food is an intriguing combination of German and
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
French.
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
T The news intrigued all of us.
Instead,
I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
Social
Lies
2) vi. make a secret plan;
engage
in secret
or underhand
lying. I'll tell
you what
I think about them. Do you agree?
S
S
S
T
这条新闻引起了我们大家的兴趣。
schemes; plot
The ministers were intriguing
theirpeople
own gains.
Most offorthe
I've talked with say that they find social lying
那些政客因阴谋反对政府而被监禁。
acceptable and
necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
Those politiciansbehave.
were imprisoned
intriguing
Withoutforthese
littleagainst
white lies, they say, our relationships would
the government. be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
Collocation:
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
intrigue against the government 密谋反对政府
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
与…合谋
intrigue with
Instead, I'd
like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
用阴谋革除某人职位
intrigue sb. out of office lying. I'll tell
you what I think about them. Do you agree?
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
intolerant: adj. unable or unwilling to endure
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
S He was intolerant of ignorance.
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
S 青蛙经受不住严寒的天气。point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
T Frogs are intolerant of about.
I'veweather.
finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
severe cold
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
CF: intolerable & intolerant
Instead,tolerate
I'd like, 但词义不同。
to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
这两个词都是形容词，词根都是
lying. I'll tell you what
I think
about them. Do you agree?
intolerable 是“令人无法忍受的”，近义词为“
unbearable
”。例如：
S
His behavior at the dinner party
intolerable.
Mostis of
the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
T 他在晚宴上的行为令人难以忍受。
acceptable
and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
intolerant为“不宽容的, 偏狭的”，近义词为“
impatient
”。
behave. Without bigoted,
these little
white
lies, they say, our relationships would
例如：
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
S The man is intolerant of
soopposition.
incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
T 这个人不能容忍别人反对他。
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
ultimate: adj.
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
1) final, eventual, last talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
S We are hoping for the ultimate
point ofvictory.
view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
S 工会领导人宣称他们斗争的最终目的是要增加工人工资和改善工作条件。
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
T The union leaders declared
ultimate
conclusions,
toostruggle
many people would promptly disagree.
that the
ultimate aim for
of their
I'd like
to present
a series
was to get pay increaseInstead,
and improved
working
conditions
for theof moral puzzles, all concerned with
lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
workers.
2) fundamental; elemental
Mostis of
theofpeople
S It is an ultimate truth that Tibet
a part
China. I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
3) utmost; extreme
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
S He felt the ultimate insult when she said such words to him.
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
civilized: adj.
me: theadvancement;
subject of lying.
I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
1) showing moral and intellectual
humane,
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
ethical, and reasonable
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
S 恐怖分子袭击纽约的世贸中心震惊了整个文明世界。
I've
finally
reached the conclusion that I can't present any
T The terrorists attackingabout.
the World
Trade
Center
ultimate
for too many people would promptly disagree.
in New York shocked the
civilized conclusions,
world.
Instead, I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
2) cultured; polished; polite
andI'll
good-mannered
lying.
tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
S
Such a civilized behavior is praiseworthy.
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
arrogant: adj. unpleasantly self-important, over-proud
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
S The nobleman has an arrogant
for the
weak. the conclusion that I can't present any
about. contempt
I've finally
reached
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
S 老板的儿子对所有的雇员都傲慢无礼。
Instead, I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
T The boss’s son was arrogant to all the employees.
lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
point
view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
incorruptible: adj. honest
and of
upright
I've
finally reached
that all his
subordinates
should bethe conclusion that I can't present any
S The president ordered about.
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
incorruptible.
Instead, I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
S 史密斯先生是一个廉正不阿的人。
lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
T
Mr. Smith is a man of incorruptible integrity.
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
compulsive: adj. caused or conditioned by compulsion or
obsession I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
subject
of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
bad the
for one's
health.
S Compulsive drinking isme:
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
T The study concluded that there are about 4.4 million
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
compulsive gamblers altogether in the U.S.
ultimate conclusions, for too many people would promptly disagree.
Pattern: have a compulsive
desire to
sth.to present
情不自禁想做某事
Instead,
I'ddo
like
a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
lying.都是形容词，词根相同且形似，但意义不同。
I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
NB:compulsive 和 compulsory
S 这项研究得出结论：美国大约共有四百四十万嗜赌成瘾者。
前者指 “随心所欲、不加节制的”；后者指 “强制的、必须的”。例如：
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
不加节制的吸烟
acceptable
and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
嗜赌成瘾者
behave. Without
these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
义务教育
compulsory education be short and
so incorruptible
必修课程and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
compulsory course
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
compulsive smoking
compulsive gambler
Sentence
Word
The Truth about Lying
Judith Viorst
I've been wanting to write on a subject that intrigues and challenges
me: the subject of lying. I've found it very difficult to do. Everyone I've
talked to has a quite intense and personal but often rather intolerant
assail: vt.
point of view about what we can — and can never never — tell lies
1) attack violently
about. I've finally reached the conclusion that I can't present any
S The army assailed
the townconclusions,
before the daybreak.
ultimate
for too many people would promptly disagree.
Instead, I'd like to present a series of moral puzzles, all concerned with
2) cause sb. to experience unpleasant thoughts or feelings; trouble
lying. I'll tell you what I think about them. Do you agree?
S
He was assailed with worries about his son’s illness.
Most of the people I've talked with say that they find social lying
acceptable and necessary. They think it's the civilized way for folks to
behave. Without these little white lies, they say, our relationships would
be short and brutish and nasty. It's arrogant, they say, to insist on being
so incorruptible and so brave that you cause other people unnecessary
embarrassment or pain by compulsively assailing them with your
honesty. I basically agree. What about you?
Sentence
Word
Will you say to people, when it simply isn't true,
"I like your new hairdo," "You're looking much
better," "it's so nice to see you," "I had a wonderful
time"?
Will you praise hideous presents and homely kids?
Will you decline invitations with "We're busy that
night — so sorry we can't come," when the truth is
you'd rather stay home than dine with the so-and-sos?
And even though, as I do, you may prefer the polite evasion of
"You really cooked up a storm" instead of "The soup" — which tastes
like warmed-over coffee — "is wonderful," will you, if you must,
proclaim it wonderful?
Sentence
Word
Will you say to people, when it simply isn't true,
"I like your new hairdo," "You're looking much
better," "it's so nice to see you," "I had a wonderful
time"?
Will you praise hideous presents and homely kids?
Will you decline invitations with "We're busy that
night — so sorry we can't come," when the truth is
you'd rather stay home than dine with the so-and-sos?
And even though, as I do, you may prefer the polite evasion of
"You really cooked up a storm" instead of "The soup" — which tastes
like warmed-over coffee — "is wonderful," will you, if you must,
proclaim it wonderful?
Sentence
Word
Will you say to people, when it simply isn't true,
"I like your new hairdo," "You're looking much
better,"
"it's so nice to see you," "I had a wonderful
1. What does “up a storm”
mean?
time"?
With great enthusiasm and energy.
2. Paraphrase the sentence.Will you praise hideous presents and homely kids?
Will you decline invitations with "We're busy that
You have preparednight
a large
impressive
meal.come," when the truth is
— and
so sorry
we can't
you'd rather stay home than dine with the so-and-sos?
And even though, as I do, you may prefer the polite evasion of
"You really cooked up a storm" instead of "The soup" — which tastes
like warmed-over coffee — "is wonderful," will you, if you must,
proclaim it wonderful?
Sentence
Word
Will you say to people, when it simply isn't true,
"I like your new hairdo," "You're looking much
better," "it's so nice to see you," "I had a wonderful
terrible effect on the senses, esp. shocking
hideous: adj. having a time"?
to the eyes or ears
S
S
T
Will you praise hideous presents and homely kids?
Will you decline invitations with "We're busy that
昨天我做实验时听到附近建筑工地上传来可怕的噪音。
night — so sorry we can't come," when the truth is
When I was doing my
experiment
I heard
you'd
rather
stay home
than dine with the so-and-sos?
Social
Liesyesterday,
hideous noises from the nearby construction site.
And even though, as I do, you may prefer the polite evasion of
"You really cooked up a storm" instead of "The soup" — which tastes
like warmed-over coffee — "is wonderful," will you, if you must,
proclaim it wonderful?
He suffered a hideous fate when the enemy caught him.
Sentence
Word
Will you say to people, when it simply isn't true,
evasion: n.
"I like your new hairdo," "You're looking much
1) the act of getting out of
the way
or escaping
better,"
"it's
so nice to see you," "I had a wonderful
S The prisoner’s evasion of the lawyer’s questions convinced the
time"?
jury he was guilty.
Will you praise hideous presents and homely kids?
Will you
decline invitations with "We're busy that
T Evasion of one’s responsibility
is contemptible.
— Lies
sowhat
sorryshould
we can't
come,"
when the truth is
Social
2) a statement or actionnight
that
avoids
be said
or done
you'd
rather stay home than dine with the so-and-sos?
S The minister’s speech
was full of evasions.
S 逃避责任是可鄙的。
And even though,
S 他用含糊的遁词来回答别人对他的理论所做的批评。
T
as I do, you may prefer the polite evasion of
"Youofreally
cooked
up a evasions.
storm" instead of "The soup" — which tastes
He responded to criticism
his theory
with vague
like warmed-over coffee — "is wonderful," will you, if you must,
proclaim it wonderful?
Sentence
Word
Will you say to people, when it simply isn't true,
proclaim: vt. announce publicly or officially
"I like your new hairdo," "You're looking much
S New regulations on the wages for
better,"
"it's so nice to see you," "I had a wonderful
holiday jobs in the college
were
time"?
proclaimed.
Will you praise
S 1949年10月1日，毛泽东在北京庄严宣布中华人
hideous presents and homely kids?
民共和国成立。
Will you decline invitations with "We're busy that
T On October 1, 1949, night
Chairman
Mao
solemnly
proclaimed
— so
sorry
we can't
come,"inwhen the truth is
Beijing the founding of
the People’s
Republic
of than
China.
you'd
rather stay
home
dine with the so-and-sos?
Collocation:
proclaim a law
proclaim war against
publicly proclaim
And even though, as I do, you may prefer the polite evasion of
公布一项法令
"You really
cooked up a storm" instead of "The soup" — which tastes
对…宣战
like warmed-over coffee — "is wonderful," will you, if you must,
proclaim 公开宣布
it wonderful?
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
"I'm simply not made that way." And his answer to
the argument that saying nice things to someone
doesn't cost anything is, "Yes, it does — it destroys
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
views on the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
the rest of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
eloquent enough.
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
"I'm simply not made that way." And his answer to
the argument that saying nice things to someone
doesn't cost anything is, "Yes, it does — it destroys
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
views on the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
the rest of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
eloquent enough.
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
"I'm simply
1. What does “play the game”
mean? not made that way." And his answer to
the argument
that
saying
“Play the game” means
“telling social
white
lies”. nice things to someone
doesn't cost anything is, "Yes, it does — it destroys
2. What does “be madeyour
that way”
mean? Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
credibility."
views
on“have
the painting
justofbought, but you don't ask his frank
“Be made that way”
means
the inbornyou
quality
telling such lies”. opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
3. Translate the sentence
into
Chinese.
the
rest
of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
eloquent enough.
“我不会那一套，”他说，“我生来就不会那一套。”
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
"I'm simply not made that way." And his answer to
1. What does “it” refer to?
the argument that saying nice things to someone
“It” refers to “the argument”, and “the argument” is in
doesn't
is, doesn’t
"Yes, itcost
does — it destroys
apposition to “saying
nicecost
thingsanything
to someone
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
anything?”
views
the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
2. Translate the sentence
intoon
Chinese.
opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
讲到对人家说几句好听的话并不失去什么，他的回答是：“不
the那会损害你的诚信度。”
rest of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
对，当然有损失 ——
eloquent enough.
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
1. Paraphrase the sentence.
If you do not ask him
comment
on made
the painting
justAnd his answer to
"I'mtosimply
not
that you
way."
bought, he won’t give
opinions; Ifthat
you do
not want
to get
thehis
argument
saying
nice
things to someone
a frank comment, you
don’t cost
ask his
frank opinions.
While
doesn't
anything
is, "Yes,
it does — it destroys
we the liars are giving a false comment “What a lovely
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
painting” on your newly bought painting, he keeps silent,
viewsHis
onsilence
the painting
just that
bought, but you don't ask his frank
without saying anything.
mostly you
indicates
opinion
unless
he is unwilling to tell
such social
lies.you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
theinto
restChinese.
of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
2. Translate the sentence
eloquent enough.
因此，如果你不问他，他不会对你刚买来的画发表意见，但如果你不
想听老实话，你就不去问他的真实想法。当我们这些说谎者轻声称赞
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
着“多美啊”的时候，他的沉默往往是极能说明问题的。
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
credibility: n. the quality, capability,
There's or
one
man
know
who absolutely refuses
power
to Ielicit
belief
tell social
"I made
can't play that game," he says;
S No one doubted theto
credibility
of thelies.
report
by the research group.
"I'm simply not made that way." And his answer to
S
“美国的信誉不能被丢掉，尤其是不能被这些领袖们丢掉。”亨
the argument that saying nice
利·基辛格博士说。
things to someone
doesn't cost anything is, "Yes, it does — it destroys
T “America's credibility must not be squandered, especially by
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
its leaders.” Dr. Henry Kissinger said.
views on the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
CF: credible & credulous
opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
两者都是形容词，有共同的词根，但意义不同。
credible 指“可信的，值得信赖的”，名词形式为
credibility
，意思是“可
the rest of us liars are
muttering,
"Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
信度”。例如：eloquent enough.
S The judge concluded that he was innocent because he had
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
a credible witness.
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
credulous 指“轻信的，易于相信别人的”。名词形式为credulity，意思是
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
“轻信度”。例如：
feels that
tellingthe
lies
is morally wrong.
to believe
manufacturer's
claims.What about you?
S He was credulous enough
Sentence
Word
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
unsolicited: adj. not asked for, unrequested, unsought
"I'm simply not made that way." And his answer to
comment
on others,
never gives
S Jane doesn’t like to the
argument
thatand
saying
nice things to someone
unsolicited opinions.doesn't cost anything is, "Yes, it does — it destroys
S 就这个有争议的问题, 如果没有人问我，我不会主动发表意见。
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
views on the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
T
I won’t air unsolicited opinions on this controversial issue.
opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
the rest of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
eloquent enough.
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
eloquent: adj.
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
1) able to make good speeches that influence the hearers
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
S Chris is an eloquent speaker and he had an
"I'm simply not made that way." And his answer to
excellent performance in the recent debate.
the argument that saying nice things to someone
S 马丁•路德•金是位雄辩的演说家,
1963
年发表
doesn't他在
cost
anything
is, "Yes, it does — it destroys
了著名的演说“我有一个梦想”。
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
T Martin Luther King was an eloquent orator,
views on the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
and he delivered a famous speech “I Have
opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
a Dream” in 1963.
the rest of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
2) expressive or showing sth. very strongly though without words
eloquent enough.
S The healthy appearance of the children is eloquent enough of
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
the wealth of the nation.
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
indulge: vt. allow oneself or sb. else to have too much of sth.
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
enjoyable
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
I indulge my interests
in flowers
several
"I'm
simplyfornot
made that way." And his answer to
years by planting a large
garden.
the argument that saying nice things to someone
their
S The football fans indulged
doesn't
cost anything is, "Yes, it does — it destroys
patriotism, waving flags
and
singing
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
their national anthems.
views on the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
S 他对他的孩子太放任了。
opinion unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
T He indulges his children
too much.
the rest
of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
eloquent enough.
Pattern: indulge in 沉湎于
playing
S Some students indulge in
My
friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
computer games. mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
S 在那里可以尽情钓鱼、游泳和跳舞。
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
T Fishing, swimming and
feels
that telling
dancing
can belies is morally wrong. What about you?
S
indulged in there.
Sentence
Word
There's one man I know who absolutely refuses
to tell social lies. "I can't play that game," he says;
"I'm
simply
made
that pleasant
way." And his answer to
music,
or anot
voice)
sounding
mellifluous: adj.(of words,
and flowing
the argument that saying nice things to someone
cost with
anything
is, "Yes,
it does — it destroys
S The girl stood by thedoesn't
door, singing
a mellifluous
voice.
your credibility." Now, he won't, unsolicited, offer his
S
“您需要什么饮料？”空姐问我，声音甜美。
views on the painting you just bought, but you don't ask his frank
T “What kind of drink do you want?” The stewardess asked
opinion
me with a mellifluous
voice. unless you want frank, and his silence at those moments when
the rest of us liars are muttering, "Isn't it lovely?" is, for the most part,
eloquent enough.
My friend does not indulge in what he calls "flattery, false praise and
mellifluous comments." When others tell fibs he will not go along. He
says that social lying is lying, that little white lies are still lies. And he
feels that telling lies is morally wrong. What about you?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
blame or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
at bay without hurting anyone.
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
understand why we tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
blame or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
at bay without hurting anyone.
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
understand why we tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
blame or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
at bay”
bay mean?
without hurting anyone.
What does “keep trouble at
I tell
these
at which
times,means
and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
Keep from trouble; “keep…
at bay”
is a lies
phrase
understand
weaway”.
tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
“keep someone or something
some why
distance
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
1. What does “think less of me” imply?
blame or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
“Think less of me” implies
“look
down hurting
upon me”
or “scorn
at bay
without
anyone.
me”.
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
2. Translate the sentenceunderstand
into Chinese. why we tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
每当我为了不让别人讨厌自己、看轻自己、或冲着自己嚷嚷而说
谎时，我总觉得自己有点像个懦夫，觉得自己是在逃避责任，觉
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
得……愧疚。
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
blame or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
irritation: n. the conditionatofbay
being
irritated;
vexation
without
hurting
anyone.
S The manager tried to conceal his irritation at the foreman’s
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
delay.
understand why we tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
S 有了私人小汽车,也就没有了等候公共汽车或出租车带来的烦恼。
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
irritation
by I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
ofwill
mebeornoholler
at caused
me, I feel
T With a private car, there
waiting for buses or taxies.
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
blame or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
shelter: v.
at bay without hurting anyone.
1) provide cover or protection Ifor
tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
S The film shelters the plant
understand
we tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
from directwhy
sunlight.
I lie soprotection
that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
2) find protection, take anwhenever
enclosure offering
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
S 下雨了，人们在商店的门口躲雨。
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
T In the rain people were sheltering in the doorways of shops.
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
rationalize: v. give reasons
for or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
blame
atyour
bayresearch
withoutmethods?
hurting anyone.
S How do you rationalize
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
S 他想证明错不在他, 但他显然是在找借口自圆其说。
understand why we tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
T He tried to prove that he was not at fault, but he was
obviously rationalizing.whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
disapprove of: v. have or
express
unfavorable
blame
or an
pain;
lies (or opinion
so it is about
rationalized) designed to keep trouble
at bay without
hurting
S Professor Smith disapproves
of students
takinganyone.
part-time jobs.
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
S 玛莉想做个演员，然而父母不赞同她的想法。
understand why we tell them, but still they feel wrong. And
T Mary wants to be an actress, but her parents disapprove of
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
the idea.
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
blame or pain; lies (or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
holler: v. yell, shout, complain
at bay without hurting anyone.
S “You are late again,” the boss hollered at the worker.
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
“Let
go”,
the
policeman
hollered
at the
robber
gripping
S
understand
why
wewho
tellwas
them,
but still they feel wrong. And
the woman’s arm.
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
Peace-Keeping Lies
Many people tell peace-keeping lies: lies designed to avoid
irritation or argument, lies designed to shelter the liar from possible
dodge: v. avoid by a trickblame
or in aor
dishonest
way(or so it is rationalized) designed to keep trouble
pain; lies
S The politician kept dodging
the without
reporters’hurting
questions
at the press
at bay
anyone.
conference.
I tell these lies at times, and yet I always feel they're wrong. I
we tell
them, but still they feel wrong. And
S Tom boasts of dodging understand
military servicewhy
by feigning
illness.
whenever I lie so that someone won't disapprove of me or think less
of me or holler at me, I feel I'm a bit of a coward, I feel I'm dodging
responsibility, I feel… guilty. What about you?
Do you, when you're late for a date because you overslept, say
that you're late because you got caught in a traffic jam?
Do you, when you forget to call a friend, say that you called
several times but the line was busy?
Do you, when you didn't remember that it was your father's
birthday, say that his present must be delayed in the mail?
Sentence
Word
And when you're planning a weekend in
New York City and you're not in the mood to
visit your mother, who lives there, do you
conceal — with a lie, if you must — the fact
that you'll be in New York? Or do you have
the courage — or is it the cruelty? — to say,
"I'll be in New York, but sorry — I don't plan
on seeing you"?
(Dave and his wife Elaine have two quite different points of view on
this very subject. He calls her a coward. She says she's being wise. He
says she must assert her right to visit New York sometimes and not see
her mother. To which she always patiently replies: "Why should we have
useless fights? My mother's too old to change. We get along much better
when I lie to her.")
Sentence
Word
And when you're planning a weekend in
New York City and you're not in the mood to
visit your mother, who lives there, do you
conceal — with a lie, if you must — the fact
that you'll be in New York? Or do you have
the courage — or is it the cruelty? — to say,
"I'll be in New York, but sorry — I don't plan
on seeing you"?
(Dave and his wife Elaine have two quite different points of view on
this very subject. He calls her a coward. She says she's being wise. He
says she must assert her right to visit New York sometimes and not see
her mother. To which she always patiently replies: "Why should we have
useless fights? My mother's too old to change. We get along much better
when I lie to her.")
Sentence
Word
And when you're planning a weekend in
New York City and you're not in the mood to
Paraphrase the sentence.
visit your mother, who lives there, do you
And when you’re planning to spend your weekend in New
conceal — with a lie, if you must — the fact
York
City, where
your mother
but
you don’t want to
Reading
everything
that lives,
stood
before
that
you'll
be
in
New
Or do you have
her,how
do you
her aupon
lie, if necessary,
byYork?
telling her
mevisit
was
I tell
came
a
worn
old
courage
that you won’t be inthe
New
York? — or is it the cruelty? — to say,
book
that had belonged
to
father
as but
a sorry — I don't plan
"I'll be inmy
New
York,
child. It was called on
Sanford
Merton.
seeingand
you"?
(Dave and his wife Elaine have two quite different points of view on
this very subject. He calls her a coward. She says she's being wise. He
says she must assert her right to visit New York sometimes and not see
her mother. To which she always patiently replies: "Why should we have
useless fights? My mother's too old to change. We get along much better
when I lie to her.")
Sentence
Word
And when you're planning a weekend in
New at
York
City and
you're not in the mood to
mood: n. a state of feelings
a particular
time
visit
mother,
who he
lives
there, do you
veryyour
quickly;
one moment
is cheerful,
S His moods change
and the next complaining
his life.
concealabout
— with
a lie, if you must — the fact
S 阳光明媚的早晨使我心情愉快。
that you'll be in New York? Or do you have
T The beautiful sunny
themorning
courage
it themood.
cruelty? — to say,
put —
meor
in aishappy
"I'll be in New York, but sorry — I don't plan
Collocation:
on seeing
想做某事; 有做某事的兴致
in the mood to do sth.
/for sth. you"?
(Dave and
his wife Elaine have two quite different points of view on
喜怒无常的人
a man of moods
this very subject.
He calls her a coward. She says she's being wise. He
闷闷不乐
in a melancholy mood
assert her right to visit New York sometimes and not see
心情愉快
in a merry mood says she must
her mother. To which she always patiently replies: "Why should we have
useless fights? My mother's too old to change. We get along much better
when I lie to her.")
Sentence
Word
And when you're planning a weekend in
New York City and you're not in the mood to
visit your mother, who lives there, do you
CF: mood, humor & temper
这三个词都是名词，都含“心情”、“情绪”的意思。
conceal — with a lie, if you must — the fact
mood 指“在某一特定时间内由某种感情或欲望而引起的心情或心境”,
例如:
that you'll be in New York? Or do
you have
S She is in a merry mood.
the courage — or is it the cruelty? — to say,
T 她心情愉快。
"I'll be in New York, but sorry — I don't plan
humor 指“在某一特定时间内由性情或感觉而决定的心境”, 特指“某一时
on seeing you"?
刻的心情”, 例如:
S He wept and laughed as
(Dave
and moved
his wife
Elaine have two quite different points of view on
his humor
him.
T 他因情绪波动而又哭又笑。
this very subject. He calls her a coward. She says she's being wise. He
temper 除指“心情”、“情绪”外,
says she尚有“性情”、“脾气”的含义,
must assert her right to 例如:
visit New York sometimes and not see
S He has a good temper.
her mother. To which she always patiently replies: "Why should we have
他脾气好。
T
useless fights? My mother's too old to change. We get along much better
when I lie to her.")
Sentence
Word
And when you're planning a weekend in
New York City and you're not in the mood to
assert: vt. defend or maintain (one’s rights, etc.)
visit your mother, who lives there, do you
S The teacher asserted his control over the
conceal
with a lie, if you must — the fact
students by making
them be—quiet.
that you'll be in New York? Or do you have
S He asserted in the court that he was innocent.
the courage — or is it the cruelty? — to say,
Collocation:
"I'll be in New York, but sorry — I don't plan
维护做某事的权利
assert one’s right toon
doseeing
sth.
you"?
断言某事是真实的
assert sth. to be true (Dave and
his wife Elaine have two quite different points of view on
维护民族独立
assert national independence
this very subject. He calls her a coward. She says she's being wise. He
says she must assert her right to visit New York sometimes and not see
her mother. To which she always patiently replies: "Why should we have
useless fights? My mother's too old to change. We get along much better
when I lie to her.")
Sentence
Word
Finally, do you keep the peace by telling your husband lies on the
subject of money? Do you reduce what you really paid for your shoes?
And in general do you find yourself ready, willing and able to lie to him
when you make absurd mistakes or lose or break things?
"I used to have a romantic idea that part of intimacy was confessing
every dumb thing that you did to your husband. But after a couple of
years of that," says Laura, "have I changed my mind!"
And having changed her mind, she finds herself telling peacekeeping lies. And yes, I tell them too. What about you?
Protective Lies
Protective lies are lies folks tell — often quite serious lies —
because they're convinced that the truth would be too damaging. They
lie because they feel there are certain human values that supersede the
wrong of having lied. They lie, not for personal gain, but because they
believe it's for the good of the person they're lying to. They lie to those
they love, to those who trust them most of all, on the grounds that
breaking this trust is justified.
Sentence
Word
Finally, do you keep the peace by telling your husband lies on the
subject of money? Do you reduce what you really paid for your shoes?
And in general do you find yourself ready, willing and able to lie to him
when you make absurd mistakes or lose or break things?
"I used to have a romantic idea that part of intimacy was confessing
every dumb thing that you did to your husband. But after a couple of
years of that," says Laura, "have I changed my mind!"
And having changed her mind, she finds herself telling peacekeeping lies. And yes, I tell them too. What about you?
Protective Lies
Protective lies are lies folks tell — often quite serious lies —
because they're convinced that the truth would be too damaging. They
lie because they feel there are certain human values that supersede the
wrong of having lied. They lie, not for personal gain, but because they
believe it's for the good of the person they're lying to. They lie to those
they love, to those who trust them most of all, on the grounds that
breaking this trust is justified.
Sentence
Word
Finally, do you keep the peace by telling your husband lies on the
subject of money? Do you reduce what you really paid for your shoes?
And in general do you find yourself ready, willing and able to lie to him
when you make absurd mistakes or lose or break things?
"I used to have a romantic idea that part of intimacy was confessing
Translate
the
sentence
into
Reading everything
that
stood
everyChinese.
dumb
thingbefore
that you did to your husband. But after a couple of
yearsupon
of that,"
says Laura,
"have I changed my mind!"
me你犯了荒唐的错误或丢失了物品抑或是打碎了器皿时，是不是常常
was how I came
a worn
old
And
having
her mind, she finds herself telling peacebook
that had belonged
to my
fatherchanged
as a
发觉自己想对他撒谎，而且会撒谎？
yes, I tell them too. What about you?
child. It was calledkeeping
Sanfordlies.
andAnd
Merton.
Protective Lies
Protective lies are lies folks tell — often quite serious lies —
because they're convinced that the truth would be too damaging. They
lie because they feel there are certain human values that supersede the
wrong of having lied. They lie, not for personal gain, but because they
believe it's for the good of the person they're lying to. They lie to those
they love, to those who trust them most of all, on the grounds that
breaking this trust is justified.
Sentence
Word
Finally, do you keep the peace by telling your husband lies on the
subject of money? Do you reduce what you really paid for your shoes?
And in general do you find yourself ready, willing and able to lie to him
when you make absurd mistakes or lose or break things?
"I used to have a romantic idea that part of intimacy was confessing
1. What does “romantic” imply?
every that
dumb
thingbefore
that you did to your husband. But after a couple of
Reading everything
stood
Unrealistic, wrong.
yearsupon
of that,"
says Laura,
"have I changed my mind!"
me was how I came
a worn
old
2. Translate the sentence into
Chinese.
And
having
her mind, she finds herself telling peacebook that had belonged
to
my
fatherchanged
as a
keeping lies. And yes, I tell them too. What about you?
过去我往往不切实际地以为把自己所做的每一件蠢事都如实
child.
It was called Sanford and Merton.
告诉丈夫是亲密关系的一部分。
Protective Lies
Protective lies are lies folks tell — often quite serious lies —
because they're convinced that the truth would be too damaging. They
lie because they feel there are certain human values that supersede the
wrong of having lied. They lie, not for personal gain, but because they
believe it's for the good of the person they're lying to. They lie to those
they love, to those who trust them most of all, on the grounds that
breaking this trust is justified.
Sentence
Word
Finally, do you keep the peace by telling your husband lies on the
subject of money? Do you reduce what you really paid for your shoes?
And imply?
in general do you find yourself ready, willing and able to lie to him
1. What does this sentence
Reading everything
that stood
before mistakes or lose or break things?
They tell lies even when
thoughyou
theymake
know itabsurd
is wrong to do so,
mebecause
was how
I
came
upon
a
worn
"I
used
to
have
aold
romantic
idea that part of intimacy was confessing
they feel some human values, such
as making
book
thathappy,
had belonged
to
my father
as a you did to your husband. But after a couple of
dumb
thing that
others
are every
more important.
It was
Sanford
and Merton.
years
that,"
says Laura, "have I changed my mind!"
2.child.
Translate
this called
sentence
intoof
Chinese.
Protective
Lies changed her mind, she finds herself telling peaceAnd having
他们说谎，因为他们认为，人的某些价值观念压倒了说谎这一错误
行为本身。
keeping lies. And yes, I tell them too. What about you?
Protective lies are lies folks tell — often quite serious lies —
because they're convinced that the truth would be too damaging. They
lie because they feel there are certain human values that supersede the
wrong of having lied. They lie, not for personal gain, but because they
believe it's for the good of the person they're lying to. They lie to those
they love, to those who trust them most of all, on the grounds that
breaking this trust is justified.
Sentence
Word
Finally, do you keep the peace by telling your husband lies on the
subject of money? Do you reduce what you really paid for your shoes?
And in general do you find yourself ready, willing and able to lie to him
when
you intimate
make absurd
mistakes
of being
and close
(followedor lose or break things?
intimacy: n. the condition
by with/between)
"I used to have a romantic idea that part of intimacy was confessing
every dumb
thing is
that
did to your husband. But after a couple of
S Intimacy between teachers
and students
not you
recommended.
years of that," says Laura, "have I changed my mind!"
S 他是日本通, 很可能被委派为驻日大使。
And having changed her mind, she finds herself telling peaceT His intimacy with Japan makes him the likely choice as
ambassador to thatkeeping
country. lies. And yes, I tell them too. What about you?
Protective lies are lies folks tell — often quite serious lies —
because they're convinced that the truth would be too damaging. They
lie because they feel there are certain human values that supersede the
wrong of having lied. They lie, not for personal gain, but because they
believe it's for the good of the person they're lying to. They lie to those
they love, to those who trust them most of all, on the grounds that
breaking this trust is justified.
Sentence
Word
Finally, do you keep the peace by telling your husband lies on the
subject of money? Do you reduce what you really paid for your shoes?
And in general do you find yourself ready, willing and able to lie to him
when you make absurd mistakes or lose or break things?
supersede: v. take the place
of; displace
"I used
to have a romantic idea that part of intimacy was confessing
every
thingby
that
S The old methods have
beendumb
superseded
the you
new. did to your husband. But after a couple of
years of that," says Laura, "have I changed my mind!"
S 机器的使用已经取代了手工劳动。
And having changed her mind, she finds herself telling peaceT The use of machinery has superseded manual labor.
keeping lies. And yes, I tell them too. What about you?
Protective lies are lies folks tell — often quite serious lies —
because they're convinced that the truth would be too damaging. They
lie because they feel there are certain human values that supersede the
wrong of having lied. They lie, not for personal gain, but because they
believe it's for the good of the person they're lying to. They lie to those
they love, to those who trust them most of all, on the grounds that
breaking this trust is justified.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
They may lie to the dying about the
state of their health.
They may lie to their closest friend
because the truth about her talents or son
or psyche would be — or so they insist — utterly devastating.
I sometimes tell such lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
to claim I know what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
That's called manipulation and control. And we never can be sure, once
we start to juggle lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
And furthermore, we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
They may lie to the dying about the
state of their health.
They may lie to their closest friend
because the truth about her talents or son
or psyche would be — or so they insist — utterly devastating.
I sometimes tell such lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
to claim I know what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
That's called manipulation and control. And we never can be sure, once
we start to juggle lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
And furthermore, we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
They may lie to the dying about the
state of their health.
What does “playing God” They
mean?may lie to their closest friend
because the truth about her talents or son
or has
psyche
would
be —
or important
so they insist — utterly devastating.
Behaving as if one
the right
to make
very
decisions that seriously
I sometimes
affect other people’s
tell suchlives?
lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
to claim I know what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
That's called manipulation and control. And we never can be sure, once
we start to juggle lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
And furthermore, we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
They
may lie to the dying about the
1. What does the sentence
imply?
statethat
of sometimes
their health.
The sentence implies
we are forced to
They
may
lie
to
closest
tell lies because we have to support the their
lies we
told. friend
because
the truth about her talents or son
2. Translate the sentence
into Chinese.
or psyche would be — or so they insist — utterly devastating.
而且，我们会不知不觉地为了圆先前说的谎言而说谎。
I sometimes tell such lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
to claim I know what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
That's called manipulation and control. And we never can be sure, once
we start to juggle lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
And furthermore, we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
marital: adj. of or relating to marriage
They may lie to the dying about the
S None of us know his marital status.
state of their health.
S 布朗先生是位现代社会婚姻问题专家。
They may lie to their closest friend
T Mr. Brown is an expert
in marital
in theher
modern
because
theproblems
truth about
talents or son
society.
or psyche would be — or so they insist — utterly devastating.
Collocation:
I sometimes tell such lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
marital relations to claim I know婚姻关系
what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
婚姻问题
and control. And we never can be sure, once
marital problems That's called manipulation
婚姻状况
we start to juggle
lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
marital status
And furthermore,
夫妻不和 we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
marital discord
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
They may lie to the dying about the
devastating：adj.
state of their health.
1) completely destructive
They may lie to their closest friend
S The storm that attacked the village was devastating.
because the truth about her talents or son
2) (informal) very goodor psyche would be — or so they insist — utterly devastating.
S His jokes were completely devastating.
I sometimes tell such lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
S 她美极了。
to claim I know what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
That's called manipulation and control. And we never can be sure, once
T She looks devastating.
we start to juggle lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
And furthermore, we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
They may lie to the dying about the
state of their health.
presumptuous：adj. going beyond what is right or proper;
They forward
may lie to their closest friend
excessively
truth
her talents or son
S He is presumptuousbecause
enough tothe
think
thatabout
everybody
or psyche would be — or so they insist — utterly devastating.
worships him.
S 他这样做太放肆了。
I sometimes tell such lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
to claim
T It is too presumptuous
of him Itoknow
do so.what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
That's called manipulation and control. And we never can be sure, once
we start to juggle lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
And furthermore, we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
They may lie to their children on money
or marital matters.
They may lie to the dying about the
juggle
of their
health. in motion or
1) keep (more than twostate
activities,
for example)
They may lie to their closest friend
progress at one time
because
the truth
about
her talents or son
S Sally managed to juggle
a full-time
job and
homemaking.
or psyche would be — or so they insist — utterly devastating.
2) deal with, esp. with ingenuity or by deception
I sometimes tell such lies, but I'm aware that it's quite presumptuous
S 会计因涂改公司的账目而入狱。
to claim I know what's best for others to know. That's called playing God.
T The accountant went
That's
called
manipulation
and
control. And we never can be sure, once
to prison
for juggling
his firm's
accounts.
we start to juggle lies, just where they'll land, exactly where they'll roll.
And furthermore, we may find ourselves lying in order to back up the
lies that are backing up the lie we initially told.
And furthermore — let's be honest — if conditions were reversed,
we certainly wouldn't want anyone lying to us.
Sentence
Word
Yet, having said all that, I still believe that there are times when
protective lies must nonetheless be told. What about you?
Trust-Keeping Lies
Another group of lies are trust-keeping lies, lies that involve
triangulation, with A (that's you) telling lies to B on behalf of C (whose
trust you'd promised to keep). Most people concede that once you've
agreed not to betray a friend's confidence, you can't betray it, even if you
must lie. But I've talked with people who don't want you telling them
anything that they might be called on to lie about.
"I don't tell lies for myself," says Fran, "and I don't want to have to tell
them for other people." Which means, she agrees, that if her best friend
is having an affair, she absolutely doesn't want to know about it.
"Are you saying," her best friend asks, "that you'd betray me?"
Fran is very pained but very adamant. "I wouldn't want to betray you,
so…don't tell me anything about it."
Fran's best friend is shocked. What about you?
Sentence
Word
Yet, having said all that, I still believe that there are times when
protective lies must nonetheless be told. What about you?
Trust-Keeping Lies
Another group of lies are trust-keeping lies, lies that involve
triangulation, with A (that's you) telling lies to B on behalf of C (whose
trust you'd promised to keep). Most people concede that once you've
agreed not to betray a friend's confidence, you can't betray it, even if you
must lie. But I've talked with people who don't want you telling them
anything that they might be called on to lie about.
"I don't tell lies for myself," says Fran, "and I don't want to have to tell
them for other people." Which means, she agrees, that if her best friend
is having an affair, she absolutely doesn't want to know about it.
"Are you saying," her best friend asks, "that you'd betray me?"
Fran is very pained but very adamant. "I wouldn't want to betray you,
so…don't tell me anything about it."
Fran's best friend is shocked. What about you?
Sentence
Word
Yet, having said all that, I still believe that there are times when
protective lies must nonetheless be told. What about you?
Trust-Keeping Lies
Another group of lies are trust-keeping lies, lies that involve
What does “have an affair”
mean? with A (that's you) telling lies to B on behalf of C (whose
triangulation,
Have a love affair;trust
haveyou'd
a romantic
and sexual
promised
to keep). Most people concede that once you've
relationship between
two people
are not
marriedconfidence,
to
agreed
not to who
betray
a friend's
you can't betray it, even if you
each other.
must lie. But I've talked with people who don't want you telling them
anything that they might be called on to lie about.
"I don't tell lies for myself," says Fran, "and I don't want to have to tell
them for other people." Which means, she agrees, that if her best friend
is having an affair, she absolutely doesn't want to know about it.
"Are you saying," her best friend asks, "that you'd betray me?"
Fran is very pained but very adamant. "I wouldn't want to betray you,
so…don't tell me anything about it."
Fran's best friend is shocked. What about you?
Sentence
Word
Yet, having said all that, I still believe that there are times when
protective lies must nonetheless be told. What about you?
Trust-Keeping Lies
Another group of lies are trust-keeping lies, lies that involve
concede: v. acknowledge,
often reluctantly,
being true,
triangulation,
with Aas(that's
you)just,
telling lies to B on behalf of C (whose
or proper;trust
admityou'd promised to keep). Most people concede that once you've
agreed not to betray a friend's confidence, you can't betray it, even if you
S
He conceded us the right to walk through his land.
must lie. But I've talked with people who don't want you telling them
S The Conservative Party conceded defeat as soon as the
anything that they might be called on to lie about.
election results were known.
"I don't tell lies for myself," says Fran, "and I don't want to have to tell
them for other people." Which means, she agrees, that if her best friend
is having an affair, she absolutely doesn't want to know about it.
"Are you saying," her best friend asks, "that you'd betray me?"
Fran is very pained but very adamant. "I wouldn't want to betray you,
so…don't tell me anything about it."
Fran's best friend is shocked. What about you?
Sentence
Word
Yet, having said all that, I still believe that there are times when
protective lies must nonetheless be told. What about you?
Trust-Keeping Lies
Another group of lies are trust-keeping lies, lies that involve
adamant: adj. impervious to pleas, appeals, or reason;
triangulation, with A (that's you) telling lies to B on behalf of C (whose
stubbornly unyielding
trust you'd promised to keep). Most people concede that once you've
S He's so adamant that however hard I tried to persuade
agreed not to betray a friend's confidence, you can't betray it, even if you
him to join us he did not change his mind.
must lie. But I've talked with people who don't want you telling them
S 总统下了决心,坚决惩治那些贪官污吏。
anything that they might be called on to lie about.
T The president is adamant in his determination to punish
"I don't tell lies for myself," says Fran, "and I don't want to have to tell
the corrupt officials.
them for other people." Which means, she agrees, that if her best friend
is having an affair, she absolutely doesn't want to know about it.
"Are you saying," her best friend asks, "that you'd betray me?"
Fran is very pained but very adamant. "I wouldn't want to betray you,
so…don't tell me anything about it."
Fran's best friend is shocked. What about you?
Sentence
Word
Do you believe you can have close friends if you're not prepared to
receive their deepest secrets?
Do you believe you must always lie for your friends?
Do you believe, if your friend tells a secret that turns out to be quite
immoral or illegal, that once you've promised to keep it, you must keep
it?
And what if your friend were your boss — if you were perhaps one
of the President's men — would you betray or lie for him over, say,
Watergate?
As you can see, these issues get terribly sticky.
It's my belief that once we've promised to keep a trust, we must tell
lies to keep it. I also believe that we can't tell Watergate lies. And if
these two statements strike you as quite contradictory, you're right —
they're quite contradictory. But for now they're the best I can do. What
about you?
Sentence
Word
Do you believe you can have close friends if you're not prepared to
receive their deepest secrets?
Do you believe you must always lie for your friends?
Do you believe, if your friend tells a secret that turns out to be quite
immoral or illegal, that once you've promised to keep it, you must keep
it?
And what if your friend were your boss — if you were perhaps one
of the President's men — would you betray or lie for him over, say,
Watergate?
As you can see, these issues get terribly sticky.
It's my belief that once we've promised to keep a trust, we must tell
lies to keep it. I also believe that we can't tell Watergate lies. And if
these two statements strike you as quite contradictory, you're right —
they're quite contradictory. But for now they're the best I can do. What
about you?
Sentence
Word
Do you believe you can have close friends if you're not prepared to
sticky: adj.
receive their deepest secrets?
Do you
believetoyou
must always
1) having the property of adhering
or sticking
a surface;
adhesivelie for your friends?
Do you
S The boy’s fingers are sticky
withbelieve,
sweets. if your friend tells a secret that turns out to be quite
immoral
illegal,
thatout
once
S
She fell in the sticky
mud andorcould
not get
of it.you've promised to keep it, you must keep
it?
2) painful or difficult; awkward
And what if your friend were your boss — if you were perhaps one
S The nuclear problem of DPRK is a rather sticky diplomatic
of the President's men — would you betray or lie for him over, say,
problem.
Watergate?
Collocation:
As you can
see, these issues get terribly sticky.
闷热的一天
a sticky day
It's my belief
that once we've promised to keep a trust, we must tell
困难的境地
a sticky situation
lies to keep 湿热的天气
it. I also believe that we can't tell Watergate lies. And if
sticky weather
these two statements
strike you as quite contradictory, you're right —
一个棘手的外交问题
a sticky diplomatic problem
they're quite contradictory. But for now they're the best I can do. What
about you?
Sentence
Word
Do you believe you can have close friends if you're not prepared to
receive their deepest secrets?
Do you believe you must always lie for your friends?
you believe,
if your friend
tells a secret that turns out to be quite
causing
opposite opinions
or
contradictory: adj. involving,Do
immoral or illegal, that once you've promised to keep it, you must keep
inconsistency
S The politician’s statement
it? was contradictory to the one
he had made earlier in theAnd
same
week.
what
if your friend were your boss — if you were perhaps one
of the President's men — would you betray or lie for him over, say,
S 你刚才所说的话与事实相矛盾。
Watergate?
T What you said just now is As
you can see,
contradictory
to thethese
fact. issues get terribly sticky.
It's my belief that once we've promised to keep a trust, we must tell
lies to keep it. I also believe that we can't tell Watergate lies. And if
these two statements strike you as quite contradictory, you're right —
they're quite contradictory. But for now they're the best I can do. What
about you?
Sentence
Word
There are those who have no talent for lying.
"Over the years, I tried to lie," a friend of mine explained, "but I
always got found out and I always got punished. I guess I gave
myself away because I feel guilty about any kind of lying. It looks as if
I'm stuck with telling the truth."
For those of us, however, who are good at telling lies, for those of
us who lie and don't get caught, the question of whether or not to lie
can be a hard and serious moral problem. I liked the remark of a
friend of mine who said, "I'm willing to lie. But just as a last resort —
the truth's always better."
"Because," he explained, "though others may completely accept
the lie I'm telling, I don't."
I tend to feel that way too.
What about you?
Sentence
Word
There are those who have no talent for lying.
"Over the years, I tried to lie," a friend of mine explained, "but I
always got found out and I always got punished. I guess I gave
myself away because I feel guilty about any kind of lying. It looks as if
I'm stuck with telling the truth."
For those of us, however, who are good at telling lies, for those of
us who lie and don't get caught, the question of whether or not to lie
can be a hard and serious moral problem. I liked the remark of a
friend of mine who said, "I'm willing to lie. But just as a last resort —
the truth's always better."
"Because," he explained, "though others may completely accept
the lie I'm telling, I don't."
I tend to feel that way too.
What about you?
Sentence
Word
There are those who have no talent for lying.
"Over the years, I tried to lie," a friend of mine explained, "but I
Translate the sentence into Chinese.
always got found out and I always got punished. I guess I gave
然而，对于我们这种善于说谎的人来说，对于我们这种说谎而又
myself away because I feel guilty about any kind of lying. It looks as if
一般不露馅的人来说，说谎还是不说谎会成为一个严肃的道德难
I'm stuck with telling the truth."
题。
For those of us, however, who are good at telling lies, for those of
us who lie and don't get caught, the question of whether or not to lie
can be a hard and serious moral problem. I liked the remark of a
friend of mine who said, "I'm willing to lie. But just as a last resort —
the truth's always better."
"Because," he explained, "though others may completely accept
the lie I'm telling, I don't."
I tend to feel that way too.
What about you?
Sentence
Word
resort:
There are those who have no talent for lying.
1. n.
"Over the years, I tried to lie," a friend of mine explained, "but I
1) a place frequented by people
relaxation
recreation
alwaysforgot
found orout
and I always got punished. I guess I gave
S
This fast food restaurant
is oneaway
of his because
favorite resorts.
myself
I feel guilty about any kind of lying. It looks as if
2) a person or thing that one
turnstelling
to for help,
support, etc.
I'm goes
stuckorwith
the truth."
S
For
those
us, however,
whoTV.
are good at telling lies, for those of
Her only resorts when she is
alone
are of
sewing
and watching
Collocation:
a health resort
a pleasure resort
a summer resort
have resort to force
the last resort
without resort
us who lie and don't get caught, the question of whether or not to lie
can be a hard
and serious moral problem. I liked the remark of a
疗养地
friend of mine
who said, "I'm willing to lie. But just as a last resort —
游乐胜地
the truth's always
better."
避暑地
"Because,"
he explained, "though others may completely accept
诉诸武力
the lie I'm telling,
I don't."
最后手段; 最后的解救办法
I tend to无计可施
feel that way too.
What about you?
Sentence
Word
There are those who have no talent for lying.
"Over
years,
tried to lie," a friend of mine explained, "but I
2. vi. make use of, turn to… for
help the
(followed
by Ito)
always got found out and I always got punished. I guess I gave
S The government resorted to censorship of the press.
myself away because I feel guilty about any kind of lying. It looks as if
I'm stuck
truth."
S She resorted to stealing
whenwith
shetelling
had nothe
more
money.
For those of us, however, who are good at telling lies, for those of
us who lie and don't get caught, the question of whether or not to lie
can be a hard and serious moral problem. I liked the remark of a
friend of mine who said, "I'm willing to lie. But just as a last resort —
the truth's always better."
"Because," he explained, "though others may completely accept
the lie I'm telling, I don't."
I tend to feel that way too.
What about you?
Sentence
Word
After Reading
1. Useful Expressions
2. Flowchart
3. Dictation
4. Role Play
5. Debate
6. Writing
7. Proverbs and Quotations
Useful Expressions
1. 在 … 条件下
under…condition(s)
2. 归纳
generalize
3. 在 … 情形下
under...circumstance(s)
4. 得出结论
reach a conclusion
5. 社交性谎言
social lies
6. 文明的方式
civilized way
7. 正直无畏
incorruptible and brave
8. 以…袭击
assail…with
9. 基本赞同
basically agree
10. 相貌平平的孩子
homely kid
11. 某某人
so-and-so
12. 饭菜太丰富了
cook up a storm
13. 生来不会那一套
be made that way
14. 虚假的赞美
false praise
15. 息事宁人的谎言
peace-keeping lies
16. 使某人免受
shelter sb. from
17. 避免麻烦
keep trouble at bay
18. 逃避责任
dodge responsibility
19. 碰上堵车
get/be caught in traffic jam
20. 想要做某事
be in the mood to do sth.
21. 隐瞒事实
conceal the fact
22. 行使权利
assert one’s right
23. 根据
on the grounds of/that
24. 有风流韵事
have an affair
25. 出卖某人
betray sb. /give sb. away
26. 棘手的问题
sticky issue
27. 露馅
give oneself away
28. 最后一手
the last resort
Flowchart
Directions: The text is well organized with a beginning, a main
body, and an ending. Fill in the following blocks and
blanks of the flow chart to get a clearer picture of the
text structure.
The rise of the issue (The subject of lying intrigues
___________________
and challenges me;
ultimate conclusion; There are puzzles concerned with lying.)
There is no _______
lies (The view of the most people: acceptable, necessary,
________
→ social
brutish , nasty, unnecessarily embarrassing; my
civilized ; otherwise _______
________
basically agree with the most people . Examples) → peaceview: I______________________________
keeping lies (definition; my view: Such lies shelter the liar from ________
blame or
____
pain keep trouble at bay, hurt no one, avoid fights, but sometimes I feel
protective lies (reasons for and
wrong, and guilty. Examples) → ___________
occasions of telling such lies, my view and feeling on this topic) → trustkeeping lies (definition, my view: whether I tell such lies depends on
__________,
the situation contradictory) → conclusion ( I am willing to lie because
others may completely accept the lies, but _________________
lying is my last resort . )
Dictation
Direction: Write down what you hear.
KEY
When I enrolled in the course Advanced Mathematics, I anticipated
difficulties because I was not well grounded in mathematics in high
school. The course was taught by Professor Smith. He was an oldfashioned gentleman, formally dressed, soft spoken, and cordial to his
students. However, when it came to academic matters, he was by no
means an easy person. Before he started his lecture, he discoursed
enthusiastically on the importance of working in an orderly fashion, of
being thoroughly prepared before each class, of being steadfast in
one's efforts, and of not being content with what you have learned.
There was no doubt that teaching math was something sacred to him.
His attitude towards work was infectious, and by and by I became an
ardent math lover, too.
■
Role Play
Directions: Act out the lies we usually tell in some situations. Form a
group of three students. One student introduces the
situation, and the other two make a dialogue. The four types
of lies listed in the text should be covered.
Debate
Directions: Form a debate group of eight students. Four of them choose
the positive side, while the other four the negative side. The
topic is “Are white lies really unharmful?” The positive side
argues that white lies are unharmful, while the negative side
asserts that white lies are harmful.
Writing
Preparation for Writing
How to write letters of personal apology
In the text we know that on some occasions, telling lies by
inventing a false excuse seems necessary. However, in most cases,
telling truth should be recommended. If we fail to do something we
are supposed to do and may hurt others, a sincere letter of apology
will make them understand us and ease their unhappiness.
A letter of apology should be clear and concise with reasons
given.
Example 1
Tuesday Oct. 20
Dear Prof. Smith,
I’m sorry I couldn’t make our 3 o’clock appointment yesterday.
My meeting lasted a lot longer than I expected. I could meet you
in the department office tomorrow at 3, if that is convenient for
you. If not, please leave a note in my mailbox, #342, tomorrow
morning.
Thanks,
Zhang San
Example 2
3rd July
John,
I am terribly sorry I failed to meet you at the school gate
yesterday afternoon. I had one of the bike tires punctured on
my way, and by the time I had the puncture mended and got
to school, you must have given up hope and left. Do please
forgive me.
George
Example 3
May 15
Susan,
I’m sorry to have to tell you that I shall not be able to
come to the party, because I have a bad cold. I do hope you
have a good time.
Mary
Homework
Directions: The following are some situations. You are required to write a
letter of apology for each of the situation.
1. You failed to show up at a dinner party because of the heavy load
of a research paper.
2. You broke a social engagement.
3. You have made an appointment with your friend, but you will have
another engagement, which is more important.
4. As the manager of the supermarket, you write a letter of apology
to a customer’s complaint about the poor service.
Proverbs and Quotations
1. One lie needs seven lies to wait upon it.
一次撒谎装得像, 得有七次假话帮。
2. Lies have short legs.
谎言总是站不住脚的。
3. Lying disguises our mortality, our inadequacies, our fears and
anxieties, our loneliness in the midst of the crowd. We yearn for
the comfort of familiar lies to create more amenable reality.
— Howards Mel, USA writer
说谎掩盖了人死的必然性、缺陷、恐惧、焦虑和在熙熙攘攘的人群中所感到
的孤独。耳熟能详的谎言会创造一个较易应付的现实，人渴望从这些谎言中
得到安慰。
—— 美国作家 梅尔
4. One may sometimes tell a lie, but the grimace that accompanies it
tells the truth.
— Friedrich Nietzsche
人有时可能会撒谎，但撒谎时的怪相会告诉我们真相。
—— 尼采
5. In human relations, kindness and lies are worth a thousand truths.
— Graham Greene
在人的交往关系里，善意和谎言抵得上很多真理。
—— 格林