第9课：选校风云《走遍美国》

ACT 1-1  “ 我明天一早就得交稿。”

【故事梗概】

Robbie在自己的房间里为高中的校刊写关于毕业感受的文章，Philip敲门进来，为他送来一些吃的东西。父子二人小谈了一会儿。

Robbie: Who is it?

Philip: Dad.

Robbie: Come on in, Dad.

Philip: I thought you might be hungry. I brought you a chicken sandwich and a glass of milk.

Robbie: I am hungry. Thanks, Dad. What time is it, anyway?

Philip: Ten o'clock. What are you working on?

Robbie: I'm writing a story for the high-school paper.

Philip: Can't you finish it tomorrow?

Robbie: No, I have to turn it in in the morning.

Philip: What's it about?

Robbie: I'm writing an article on the feelings about graduation.

Philip: And... how do you feel?

Robbie: Me? A little scared and excited, too.

Philip: I felt the same way.

Robbie: The scary part's leaving home and moving to college.

Philip: Oh, leaving home is part of growing up. Well, don't work all night.

Robbie: I don't mind. I enjoy writing.

Philip: Well, maybe you should think about becoming a writer.

Robbie: Maybe I should.

Philip: You have lots of time to decide.

Robbie: That's the worst part -- making decisions.

Philip: You'll be OK. Good night, Son.

Robbie: Good night, Dad.

【语言点精讲】

1. Who is it?

谁呀？在问是谁叫门、打电话、有事来访等时都这样说。

2. Come on in．

请进来。等同于”Come in.”

3. What are you working on？

你在忙什么？注意重音落在work上，on是介词，所以不重读。

4. Can't you finish it tomorrow?

明天再接着写完它不行吗？这里Philip使用了否定疑问句，他的意思是：你非得连夜赶写么？别累着自己。

5. I have to turn it in in the morning.

我明天一早就得交稿。

turn it in: 交（稿），交作业；交上去，交进去。

6. The scary part's leaving home and moving to college.

害怕的是要离开家去到大学里住了。

the scary part's...的意思是“让人发怵的是…，令人不安的是…”。这里的part指事情或过程的某一方面，相当于thing。下句中出现的part也是这种用法：

That's the worst part -- making decisions.

7. I don't mind. I enjoy writing.

我不在乎。我喜欢写作。

I don't mind. : 我不在乎。相当于“It doesn't bother me. ”

enjoy doing something: 乐于做某事，喜欢做某事。

ACT 1-2  “ 没想到他是Philip的同班同学。”

【故事梗概】

早上，在Robbie吃早饭的时候，Grandpa 和Philip唱着密歇根大学的校歌走了进来。他们告诉Robbie该校到纽约考查新生人选的招生主任Charley Rafer是Philip的同学，而且Charley已经同意为Robbie安排面试。

Grandpa & Philip:

“Hail to the victors valiant,

Hail to the conquering heroes,

Hail, Hail to Michigan,

the champions of the West!”

Philip: Ah, good morning, Robbie.

Robbie: Good morning, Dad.

Grandpa: How's my grandson?

Robbie: Fine, Grandpa. Fine! What's all the cheering about? Did the University of Michigan win another football game?

Grandpa: Better than that. Tell him, Philip.

Philip: I just spoke with Charley Rafer.

Robbie: Who's Charley Rafer?

Philip: He's the Dean of Admissions for the University of Michigan.

Grandpa: And it turns out he's a classmate of Philip's.

Philip: We were both on the tennis team.

Robbie: Great!

Philip: It is great. He's going to be in New York tomorrow to interview applicants for admission.

Grandpa: And he's agreed to fit you into his schedule.

【语言点精讲】

1. “Hail to the victors valiant / Hail to the conquering heroes / Hail, Hail to Michigan / the champions of the West!”

这是Grandpa和Philip在唱University of Michigan song（Michigan大学校歌）。

hail to...: 向……致敬。

the victors valiant: 英勇的胜利者，斗勇之师。

the conquering heroes: 勇于征服的英雄们。

the champions: 冠军。

the West: 指美国西部。

2．What's all the cheering about? 

你们为什么这样兴高采烈？

cheering: 欢呼，喝彩。

3. He's the Dean of Admissions for the University of Michigan.

Dean of Admissions: 新生注册主任，招生办公室主任。

4. And it turns out he's a classmate of Philip's.

没想到他是Philip的同班同学。

it turns out: 没想到的是，原来是，后来发现竟然是。表示最后的结果出乎意料。

5. He's going to be in New York tomorrow to interview applicants for admission.

他明天要到纽约来同申请入学的学生面谈。

interview: 面谈，面试。美国没有全国统一的大学入学考试，各所大学或学院都有自己的招生要求。多数院校要求学生提出SAT（Scholastic Achievement Test学业成就测验）等类似高中会考的成绩，高中生可参加数次测验，以较优成绩提出申请。在决定是否录取一名学生时，学校不但考虑学生的中学成绩，也要看上述考试成绩。此外，有些院校还要求面试（interview）。

applicants: 这里指申请入学的人。

6. And he's agreed to fit you into his schedule.

他还答应了把你安排到他的日程里。

agree to do something: 同意做某事；允诺去做某事

fit you into his schedule: 把你安排到他的日程里，安排你与他见面。

ACT 1-3  “ 这并不是说你一定就上密歇根大学了。”

【故事梗概】

Robbie对Grandpa和Philip擅自为他安排密歇根大学的面试产生了反感，也不认为自己一定想当医生。Grandpa和Philip承诺他面试只是一次锻炼的机会，最后的决定权在他。最终Robbie同意去同大学来纽约招生的Charley先生面谈一次。

Robbie: But I may not want to go to Michigan.

Philip: It's one of the best schools in the country, Robbie. I studied medicine there. Your grandfather went to the Engineering School there.

Robbie: I know that, but . . .

Grandpa: You said you wanted to be a doctor like your father.

Robbie: Not exactly.

Grandpa: You couldn't pick a finer medical school than Michigan.

Robbie: Yes, I know that.

Philip: Let's meet with Charley at the university club. Ten o'clock tomorrow morning. It doesn't mean you're going to Michigan.

Grandpa: It doesn't mean you have to be a doctor. But the interview will be good experience for you.

Robbie: In that case, it's OK. Dad, growing up means making my own decisions, doesn't it?

Philip: You're right, Robbie. But, like your Grandpa suggested, have the interview.

Grandpa: And then make your own decision.

Robbie: That sounds fine.

Philip: I know it's sudden, Robbie, but this is an important opportunity. We'll head down there first thing tomorrow morning. OK?

Robbie: Sure, Dad.

Philip: I want you to know something, Son. I love you. I'm very proud of you.

Robbie: Thanks, Dad.

Philip: Well, I've got an appointment at the hospital. I'll see you all at dinnertime.

Robbie: Bye, Dad.

Grandpa: Is something still wrong, Robbie?

Robbie: I'll be OK.

Grandpa: Going away to college for the first time always makes one a little nervous.

Robbie: I guess so. I'll be OK. I just need time to think.

【语言点精讲】

1. It's one of the best schools in the country.

那是全国最优秀的大学之一。

one of the best +名词的复数形式: 最好的…之一。the best: 最好的，good的最高级形式。

schools: 此处指“大学”。

2. Your grandfather went to the Engineering School there.

你爷爷是在那儿念的工学院。

Engineering School: 工学院。

3. Not exactly. 

并没有，不见得，未必见得。在这里的意思是：不是特别想（当医生）。

4. It doesn't mean you're going to Michigan.

这并不是说你一定就上密歇根大学了。

It doesn't mean…: 这并不是意味着…。此处用于说明某事情并非必然。

5. But the interview will be good experience for you．

可这次面谈对你来说是一次有益的经历。

6. In that case, it's OK.

In that case... : 要是那样的话。相当于If that's true...

7. But, like your Grandpa suggested, have the interview.

like your Grandpa suggested: 照你爷爷的话（去做）。句中like是非正式用法，相当于连词as（照…去做）。

8. We'll head down there first thing tomorrow morning. OK?

我们明天一早就奔那儿去吧，好吗？

head down there: 直奔那儿。

ACT 2-1  “ 您真是个能理解人的好父亲。”

【故事梗概】

次日上午，Robbie坐在起居室里等Philip带他到密歇根大学校友俱乐部去见招生主任Charley Rafer。出发前，他们还有点时间来喝杯咖啡、聊一聊。

Philip: Sorry, Robbie. Sorry to be late this morning, but, well, we've still got some time for a cup of coffee. I can't wait to see my old pal Charley Rafer.

Robbie: Neither can I.

Philip: So you thought about it, huh?

Robbie: Yes, I have, Dad.

Philip: Well, I'm glad. I knew you'd realize that this interview could be an important experience for you.

Robbie: I came to that conclusion.

Philip: That's very wise, Robbie. Very wise. Now let's head off for the city and the university club.

Robbie: Thanks, Dad.

Philip: Thanks…for what?

Robbie: Thanks for hearing me out. And...

Philip: And…?

Robbie: And thanks for being such an understanding father.

Philip: Well, thank you, Robbie. Thank you.

【语言点精讲】

1. I can't wait to see my old pal Charley Rafer.

我迫不及待地想见到我的老伙伴Charley Rafer了。

can’t wait to…: 迫不及待的想做……

old pal: 老友。pal是非正式用法，作“哥们儿，伙伴”解。

2. Neither can I．

我也恨不能早点见到他。

neither是副词，是“也不”的意思，放在句首时情态动词（如can）或助动词（如do）也要相应提前。如: Andy doesn't like coffee. Neither do I.

3. I knew you'd realize that this interview could be an important experience for you.

我知道你会明白这次面谈对你来说可能是一次有益的经历。

I knew (that)...: 我就知道……，我早就知道……

4. I came to that conclusion. 

我也是这么认为的。我也得出这样的结论。

conclusion 是名词，作“结论”解。

5. Thanks for hearing me out.

谢谢你耐心听取我的意见。

hear … out: 耐心听取、倾听。

6. And thanks for being such an understanding father．

谢谢您，您真是个能理解人的好父亲。

understanding: 这里指“通情达理的，善解人意的”。

ACT 2-2  “ 咱们马上谈正事怎么样？”

【故事梗概】

在校友俱乐部的一间办公室里，Philip 和Robbie 见到了密歇根大学的招生主任Charley Rafer。Robbie的面试开始之前，Philip和Charley叙了一会儿旧。

Dean: Philip Stewart! It's great to see you!

Philip: Charley Rafer -- you look as young as ever.

Dean: You must be Robbie.

Robbie: Hi.

Philip: Yes, this is my younger son Robbie. Robbie, I want you to meet one of the best tennis players on the Michigan team -- Charley Rafer.

Robbie: Nice to meet you, Dean Rafer.

Dean: Well, are you as good a tennis player as your dad?

Robbie: No, I'm not very good at it.

Philip: Frankly, neither was I. Charley was the star of the team.

Dean: Yeah. Thanks. Well, how've you been, Philip?

Philip: Oh, working too hard.

Dean: Doesn't show. How's Ellen?

Philip: Fine, thank you. And how's Marge?

Dean: She's still giving the toughest English history exams in the school and loving every minute of it. And speaking of minutes, I have interviews until noon, so why don't we get right to work?

Philip: Can you have lunch with us later?

Dean: I'd love to, Philip, but I'm afraid I can't. I'm only here two days, and I have interviews with twenty-six applicants.

Philip: I understand. Well, thanks. I'll wait outside. Good luck, Son.

【语言点精讲】

1. Charley Rafer -- you look as young as ever.

You look as young as ever: 你看上去还像当年那么年轻。也可以说“You haven’t change a bit.”

“as +形容词或副词+as”句型表示“跟……一样”， 是常见的表示强调的句法。

as…as中间也可以用名词短语，但名词短语中必须有一表示性质的形容词来修饰名词。如Rafer主任说的: Are you as good a tennis player as your dad? （你的网球打得跟你爸一样好吧？）

2. You must be Robbie. 

你一定是Robbie吧。must be表示一种有把握的猜测。

3. Frankly, neither was I. Charley was the star of the team.

老实说，我打得也不太好。Charley是我们队的明星选手。

frankly: 坦率地说。也可以说honestly.

neither was I: 我也（打网球打）不好。neither短句表示“某人也不”，用倒装句法。

the star of the team: 一群人中的明星，这里指球队中的明星选手，也可以说“the soul of the team”。star在口语中常作“出色的人”解。

4. Well, how've you been, Philip?

How've you been?: 这些年来你好吗？可以用来问候多年不见的朋友。

6. Doesn't show.

倒是看不出来。用于表示某事、某种状况并不明显。

7. She's still giving the toughest English history exams in the school and loving every minute of it.

她还是在学校里出最难的英国史考试题，且乐此不疲。

the toughest: 最难的，是形容词tough的最高级。

English history: 英语史。这是一门介绍英语演变及发展的课程。

love every minute of it: 形容非常享受作某事的样子，忙得乐此不疲。

8. And speaking of minutes, I have interviews until noon, so why don't we get right to work?

谈到每一分钟，我面谈一直排到了中午，咱们马上谈正事怎么样？

speaking of: 说起……来。转移话题或开辟新话题时常用的开场白。

get right to: 马上开始。

ACT 2-3  “ 最重要的是你要为你自己的未来做出决定。”

【故事梗概】

在面试中，Rafer主任看出Robbie还心存犹豫。Rafer主任对青年人很理解，不采取高压促销的办法，充分尊重Robbie的特长和愿望。面试结束后，他给了Robbie值得深思的忠告。

Dean: Did you bring your transcript from high school?

Robbie: Yes, sir. Right here.

Dean: Thank you. Please sit down. I see under “activities” that you've been writing for the school paper.

Robbie: Yes, sir.

Dean: What kinds of articles have you written?

Robbie: All kinds -- sports, editorials, theater reviews. You name it, I've written it.

Dean: Hmmm. Well, have you ever thought of becoming a journalist?

Robbie: A professional writer? Not until recently.

Dean: Michigan has a fine School of Journalism.

Robbie: Yes, I know that.

Dean: You seem to have some reservations.

Robbie: I'm a little uncertain.

Dean: It's been very nice talking to you.

Robbie: Nice talking to you, sir.

Dean: One piece of advice. The most important thing is for you to decide your own future.

Robbie: Yes, sir. Good-bye, Dean Rafer.

Dean: Good-bye, Robbie. Good luck.

【语言点精讲】

1. Did you bring your transcript from high school?

你把高中的成绩单带来了吗？transcript: 这里指“成绩单”。

2. Right here. 

就在这儿呢。right修饰here，起着加强语气的作用。

3. All kinds -- sports, editorials, theater reviews.

什么方面的都有——体育、社论、戏剧评论。

sports: 体育。

editorials: 社论。

theater reviews: 戏剧评论。

4. You name it, I've written it. 

你说得出的，我都写过。来自市面上小贩或店主常说的一句话：You name it, we got it.（你要什么，我们有什么。）有时只说半句：You name it….

5. Hmmm. 

相当于“嗯嗯”，表示赞许。

6. Not until recently．

最近才想到。此处not until 表示以前并不曾想到。

7. One piece of advice. The most important thing is for you to decide your own future.

请容许我给你一句忠告。最重要的是你要为你自己的未来做出决定。

One piece of advice. : 给你一句忠告。advice 是不可数名词，可说 some advice。“一件”时说 a piece of advice，不能说an advice。

the most important: 最重要的，important的最高级形式。三音节及更多音节的词变为比较级、最高级用加上more，most的办法。

ACT 3-1  “我倒是愿意走我自己的路。 ”

【故事梗概】

Robbie在家里一边浇花一边和他的朋友Mike聊关于大学面试的事。Mike刚刚参加过哥伦比亚大学的面试。

Mike: I had an interview today, too. I had a great interview with Admissions at Columbia University.

Robbie: Really? What did they say? Will you get into the school?

Mike: Well, they didn't say anything for sure. But I figure that with my grades and with my personality, I'll have no problem.

Robbie: Columbia's a terrific school. What are you going to do?

Mike: Do? I don't know. I also applied to NYU.

Robbie: You sound excited about Columbia. What's your problem, Mike?

Mike: Indecision. Indecision. It's not easy, and this is an important decision we have to make. What about you? How was your interview with Michigan?

Robbie: The interview was fine.

Mike: It's a great college.

Robbie: It is. My father would like me to go there. He and my Grandpa both went there.

Mike: Great medical school, too.

Robbie: I know.

Mike: You can follow in your father's footsteps.

Robbie: Ah! I'd like to follow in my own footsteps, Mike.

Mike: What do you want to study?

Robbie: I've been thinking. I think I want to study journalism to be a reporter -- a newspaperman.

Mike: You do a pretty good job on the River dale High School paper.

Robbie: And I've been thinking about it a lot lately.

Mike: Have you discussed it with your parents?

Robbie: No. But I have to.

Mike: OK. Let's talk.

【语言点精讲】

1. I had a great interview with Admissions at Columbia University.

Columbia University: 哥伦比亚大学，纽约市的一所私立大学，是著名的常青藤盟校（Ivy League）之一。其他的常青藤盟校包括: 布朗大学(Brown University)，康乃尔大学(Cornell University)，达特茅斯学院(Dartmouth College)，哈佛大学(Harvard University)，宾夕法尼亚大学(University of Pennsylvania)，普林斯顿大学(Princeton University)以及耶鲁大学(Yale University)。

2. Well, they didn't say anything for sure. But I figure that with my grades and with my personality, I'll have no problem. 

他们没有给明确的答复。但是我猜想以我的分数和我的品行，我不会有问题的。

I figure: 我合计，我猜想，我估计。

grades: 这里指“分数”。

personality: 指人的个性，性格，品行。

3. I also applied to NYU.

我还申请了纽约大学。

NYU: 纽约大学 (New York University)。这是纽约的另一所私立大学。

4. You sound excited about Columbia.

You sound excited about…: 听起来你对……兴趣很大。

5. You can follow in your father's footsteps.

你可以走你父亲的路（当医生）。

follow in your father's footsteps: 走你父亲的路。

6. Ah! 

用这个声音表示不以为然、不认同。

7. I think I want to study journalism to be a reporter -- a newspaperman.

我想我要念新闻专业，当记者——当新闻工作者。

newspaperman: 新闻记者，新闻工作者。后缀-man 表示职业，例如: milkman（送牛奶的人），fireman （消防队员），mailman（邮递员）等。但近年来女权运动者对这类合成词愤慨不已，认为有明显的性别歧视，因此很多改以中性词代替，例如: journalist, milk person, firefighter, mail carrier等。

ACT 3-2  “我想了很久上哪所大学好。 ”

【故事梗概】

当晚，Robbie和Philip进行了一次长谈。他坦诚的讲出了自己对申请大学这一问题的想法。Philip表示理解他做的决定。

Philip: Hi, Son. Is everything all right?

Robbie: Hi, Dad. Everything's fine. I was just waiting for you to get home so we could talk.

Philip: Anything special you want to talk about?

Robbie: There is, Dad.

Philip: I'm listening.

Robbie: Well, I know you and Mom have given up a lot to save money for my college tuition.

Philip: We want you to go to college, Robbie.

Robbie: I know. I do.

Philip: But?

Robbie: Well, I've thought a lot about which college, and one of them is Columbia.

Philip: Columbia? Why Columbia?

Robbie: First, they have an excellent School of Journalism.

Philip: They do. And your friends are planning to go to Columbia?

Robbie: That's only part of it. It's complicated. I'll try to explain. Mike and I had a hamburger this afternoon, and we talked.

Philip: Yes?

Robbie: Well, we talked about a lot of things. He applied to Columbia, and his interview was very successful. He thinks he'll be accepted, and he really wants to go there.

Philip: Dean Rafer called me today. He told me he was very impressed with you.

Robbie: He's a nice man. He was very kind.

Philip: He told me you had some doubts about wanting to go to Michigan.

Robbie: Yes. I do. I'm just not sure about what I want to do.

Philip: That's OK.

Robbie: You understand?

【语言点精讲】

1. Well, I know you and Mom have given up a lot to save money for my college tuition.

嗯，爸爸，我知道你和妈妈为攒钱供我上大学，做出不少牺牲。

give up: 放弃，牺牲（享受）。

tuition: 这里指学费。

2. I know. I do. 

我知道。我真的知道。

“I do.”是“I do know. ”的简略，do表强调。

3. But?

然而？这里相当于But what's on your mind, anyway? （知道归知道，不过你是想说……？）

4. Well, I've thought a lot about which college, and one of them is Columbia. 

嗯，我想了很久上哪所大学好，其中有一所就是哥伦比亚大学。

I've thought a lot about…: 关于…我想了很久。这里用现在完成时，表示一个在过去开始而延续到现在，或可能延续到将来的动作或情况，一般表示延续的时间较长。

5. That's only part of it. It's complicated. I'll try to explain. 

这只不过是一部分理由。事情很复杂，我会尽力解释一下。

complicated: 难以理解的，难以说清楚的，复杂的。

explain: 解释，说明…的含义 (或原因、理由)；

6. He thinks he'll be accepted

他认为他会被录取入学的。

be accepted: 这里指被大学录取，相当于be permitted to enter.

7. He told me he was very impressed with you. 

他对我说他对你的印象很不错。

He told me (that)…: 他告诉我…，后面接的是间接引语，用来转述别人的话。又如Philip说的：He told me you had some doubts about wanting to go to Michigan.（他告诉我说你对于是否上密歇根大学还拿不定主意。）

be impressed with you: 对你留有好印象，对你印象很深。

ACT 3-3  “你真了不起！ ”

【故事梗概】

Philip给Robbie讲了自己申请大学选择专业时的经历。原来Philip当年也是很有主见，要自己来选择和塑造自己的前途。Philip评价Robbie“真是Stewart家的人”

Philip: Let me tell you something, Robbie. Something that might be surprising to you.

Robbie: What? Tell me.

Philip: Well, Grandpa wanted me to study engineering, like him. Well, I wasn't clear about my future, but I knew engineering was not for me.

Robbie: What did you tell Grandpa?

Philip: The truth.

Robbie: Then you're not upset about my not wanting to go into medicine?

Philip: I'm not upset at all. I'm just happy that we're able to talk about it.

Robbie: I am too, Dad.

Philip: I suppose you want to apply to Columbia.

Robbie: Yes, but I also want to apply to several other colleges.

Philip: I thought you wanted to go to Columbia.

Robbie: Well, I might want to go to Columbia. But I might not. I just want to be able to make my own decision.

Philip: You're a real Stewart!

Robbie: And if I think about it long enough, you never know …

Philip: Never know what?

Robbie: If I make my own decision, I might choose Michigan.

Philip: Robbie, you're something! You know, when I was your age, I said exactly the same thing to Grandpa.

【语言点精讲】

1. Well, I wasn't clear about my future, but I knew engineering was not for me. 

嗯，我当时对自己的未来也不很清楚，但我知道我不该学工程。

be clear about: 对…清楚，关于…很明白。

not for me: 这里指“某事不适合我”。

2. I suppose you want to apply to Columbia. 

我猜想你想申请上哥伦比亚大学。

I suppose : 我猜，我认为，我推想。

apply to: 正式申请，向…要求

3. You're a real Stewart! 

a real Stewart: 真是Stewart家的人。Philip是指Robbie有自己的主见。从这点来讲，他和Stewart家的人具有同样的个性。

4. And if I think about it long enough, you never know …

再说，如果我考虑的时间够长的话，说不定……

you never know: 说不定，说不准。

5. You're something! 

你真了不起！something 在 you're something 中，表示某种了不起的给人以深刻印象的物或人。

6. You know, when I was your age, I said exactly the same thing to Grandpa. 

When I was your age: 当年我像你这么大的时候。

I said exactly the same thing: 我说的话跟你现在的一模一样。