《亮红灯.doc

Unit Twelve A Red Light for Scofflaws Frank Trippett About the Author Frank Trippett: (1926 - ) now senior editor of Time magazine, has had a lifelong career in journalism. He has served as a writer and editor at such national publications as Look and Newsweek and is the author of three books: The States United They Fall (1967), The First Horseman (1974), and Child Ellen (1975). The text first appeared in Time, in which the author takes a wider view of what happens when individuals bend small laws for their own convenience. Language Points 1. Nothing is more … than … Outwardly they are in comparative degree, but inwardly they are in supreme degree. And other similar patterns: Nothing could be more obvious than the evidence supporting Riesman. To my mind nothing is more horrible than being all alone in the world. No one is so foolish as to believe that anything happens by chance. Scarcely any part of the world affords so great a variety in so small an area as our own island. Now there is no greater pleasure than to go to bed in the evening and know that the washing up is being done by the machine. No creature has received more praise and abuse than the common garden snail. 2. duck out (of) to try to avoid (a difficulty or unpleasant responsibility) You can’t duck out now, you made a solemn promise. No parent can duck out of his duty to his children. It’s unlawful to try to duck out of paying taxes. 3. add up to to mean or suggest This conversation add up to a difference of opinion between us. He made a number of criticisms, but they didn’t add up to much. (没有多大价值) 4. wane to grow gradually smaller or less after being full or complete; to loose power, wealth or influence The Roman Empire rapidly wane in power in the 5th century. Summer wanes as autumn approaches. 5. not to mention not to say; not to speak of, etc. 1) Innocent drivers and pedestrians pay .a repeti