Task 1 Read for Useful Information
Pre-reading Activity 1 Listen and Read Aloud
（略）
Pre-reading Activity 2 Express Yourself
☛ This section aims at introducing some topics for students to express themselves.Sentences like the following may be used:
◆ I will advise them to make a work plan, because the plan may make their work be in order.
◆ I suggest giving priority to urgent tasks to save time and effort.
◆ Having a good start in the morning may have a relative productive day.
◆ I would tell them to keep the working environment orderly and tidy. Good working environment can improve work efficiency.
◆ It is essential to be positive and optimistic. We should learn to adjust the mentality when we run into troubles.
Reading Activity 1 Read and Try to Understand
Passage 1
Language points
Para 1
1. It’s been said that the first hour is the rudder of the day.
Translation: 据说每天第一个小时就是当天生活的方向舵。
Explanation: it’s been said that “据说”之意。It是形式主语，真正主语是that从句。
2. fairly adv.
1) more than a little, but much less than very相当地
e.g. His general state of health is fairly satisfactory. 他的健康状况相当令人满意。
We’re not rich but we’re fairly comfortable. 我们并不富有，但生活还较宽裕。
2) in a way that is fair, honest, and reasonable 公平地
e.g. This company deals fairly with every client. 这家公司公正地对待每位客户。
I think I was quite fairly treated by the police. 我认为警察对我非常公正。
3. unfocused adj. not dealing with or paying attention to the important ideas, causes, etc. 没有重点的
e.g. The discussion was becoming unfocused. 讨论变得没有重点。
I really hate meetings, but only those, which are unfocused and unproductive.
我真的很讨厌会议，但只讨厌那些没有重点和没有收益的会议。
Para. 2
4. productive adj. producing or achieving a lot 多产的；高效的
e.g. He is a productive writer, creating many great works in his life.
他是一个多产的作家，他一生创作了许多作品。
He was hopeful that the next round of talks would also be productive.
他对下一轮会谈也会富有成效充满了希望。
produce
1）vt.to make, write, etc. something to be bought, used, or enjoyed by people 生产；制造
e.g. These trees produce rubber. 这些树生产橡胶。It is certain that we shall produce this kind of engine. 毫无疑问，我们将生产这种发动机。2）n. [C] food or other things that have been grown or produced on a farm to be sold 产品；农产品
e.g. This shop sells native produce. 这家商店出售土特产。
Our chefs use only the freshest produce available. 我们的厨师只用现有的最新鲜的农产品。
5. follow suit 跟着做；学样
e.g. You take the lead and we’ll follow suit. 你带头，我们跟着干。
He went to bed and she followed suit after a few minutes.
他上床睡觉了，几分钟后她也上床睡觉了。
6. This day begins by waking up and physically getting up the instant my alarm goes off — no delay or thinking about sleeping in.
Translation: 这种日子就是从闹钟一响便醒来并立刻起床——不磨蹭也不想着赖在床上开始。
Explanation: 此句是the instant引导的时间状语从句。破折号后面的no delay or thinking about sleeping in描述的是起床后的状态。
instant
1) n. [C] a moment 瞬间
e.g. I shall be back in an instant. 我马上就回来。
Just for an instant, I thought he was going to refuse. 我脑中有一闪念，以为他要拒绝了。
2) adj. happening or produced immediately 立即的
e.g. The telegram asked for an instant reply. 这封电报要求立即回复。
Mr. Porter’s book was an instant hit. 波特先生的书立刻引起了轰动。
the instant (that) 一……就
e.g. I sent you the news the instant (that) I heard it. 我一听到此消息，便通知你了。
The instant (that) I reached the platform the train began to move. 我一到站台，火车就开动了。
instant coffee 速溶咖啡
at any instant 随时；在任何情况下
for an instant 片刻，一瞬间
from instant to instant 时时刻刻
take only an instant 只需要一刹那工夫
delay
1) n. [U] when something does not happen or start when it should do 延期；耽搁
e.g. Delay is not permissible, even for a single day. 不得延误，即使一日亦不可。
The weather is responsible for the delay. 由于天气关系才耽搁了。
2) vt. ＆ vi. to wait until a later time to do something推迟；耽搁
e.g. We decided to delay our wedding until next year. 我们决定把婚礼推迟到明年。
It was impossible to delay her at such a crisis. 在这样一个紧要关头来耽搁她是不可能的。
sleep in 睡过头；迟起床
e.g. I slept in and missed my bus. 我睡过了头，误了公共汽车。
Don’t wake me in the morning—I’d like to sleep in for a time. 早上别叫醒我，我想多睡一会儿。
7. shave
1) vt. ＆ vi. to cut off hair very close to the skin, especially from the face, using a razor 剃；刮
e.g. He hadn’t shaved for days. 他好几天没刮胡子了。
No shave please, I want to wear my beard. 不要剃须，我要留胡子。
2) n.[C]（usu. sing.）if a man has a shave, he cuts off the hair on his face close to his skin using a razor 刮胡子
e.g. He looked as if he needed a shave. 他看起来好像需要刮胡子。
I’ll just have a shave before we go. 走之前我得刮刮胡子。
8. push
1) vt. to make someone or something move 推进
e.g. China would use its influence to help push forward the peace process.
中国将会利用其影响力帮助推进和平进程。
We are continuing to push the business forward.
我们正在继续推进业务的发展。
2) n.[C] the act of applying force in order to move something away; encouragement 推；鼓励
e.g. He gave me a sharp push. 他猛地推了我一下。
We need a push to take the first step. 我们需要鼓励来迈出第一步。
9. equal adj.
1) the same in size, number, amount, value, etc. as something else 相同的
e.g. Both candidates received an equal number of votes. 两位候选人得票数相等。
They believe that all work is of equal value. 他们相信所有的工作都是同等价值的。
2) having the same rights, opportunities, etc. as everyone else, whatever your race, religion, or sex 平等的
e.g. Our education system should provide equal opportunities for all children.
我们的教育体系应该为所有的孩子提供平等的机会。
The government is committed to achieving equal rights for women.
政府致力于实现妇女的平等权利。
Para. 3
10. version n. a copy of something that has been changed so that it is slightly different 版本
e.g. Most people would agree that the Italian version sounds better.
大多数人会同意意大利版本听起来更好。
Here are recipes for some of the updated versions of macaroni and cheese.
这里是一些最新版本的通心粉和奶酪的食谱。
11. What surprised me was that the second version, although it seems harder, was actually easier once
I got used to it.
Translation: 令我感到惊讶的是，第二种生活模式，虽然看起来似乎更难，其实一旦习惯后，会让人生活得更轻松容易。
Explanation: 此句中what surprise me做主语，was后面是that引导的表语从句。从句中although it seems harder是插入语，是对the second version的描述。
get used to 习惯……；适应
e.g. You will soon get used to the weather here. 你很快就会习惯这里的气候。
It is difficult to get used to another country’s customs. 要适应另一国家的风俗习惯是很困难的。
be/get used to doing 习惯……
e.g. He has got used to new environment. 他已经习惯了新环境。
be used to do 被用作……
e.g. The quilt is used to keep warm. 被子是用来保暖的。
be used for +n./doing 被用作……
e.g. The quilt is used for keeping warm. 被子是用来保暖的。
used to do 过去常做……
e.g. He used to go there. But now, he seldom goes there. 他曾经常去那里。但是现在他很少去。
12. Getting the most important work done early in the day makes one full of energy, and when you have a few weeks of highly productive days, it adds even more energy and power.
Translation: 将最重要的工作在当天尽早完成，会令人精力充沛，而且当你一连数周都过着高效高产的生活，甚至能为你增添更多能量和动力。
Explanation: Getting the most important work done early in the day 动名词短语做主语。动名词是非谓语动词的一种。
e.g. Reading English aloud in the morning will do you a lot of good.
早晨朗读英文会给你带来许多好处。
Cheating on an exam ruins one’s character. 考试作弊毁坏人的性格。
energy n.
1) [C], [U] the physical and mental strength 精力；活力
e.g. She had started to devote her energies to teaching rather than performing.
她已经开始将精力投入到教学而不是表演中。
The work drained my energy! 这项工作真消耗我的精力!
2) [U] power that is used to provide heat, operate machines, etc. 能量
e.g. Oil shortages have brought on an energy crisis. 石油短缺已经造成了能源危机。
Renewable sources of energy must be used where practical. 必须在可行的地方使用可再生能源。
energize vt. to make someone feel more determined and energetic 激励；使精力充沛
e.g. He helped energize and mobilize millions of people around the nation.
他参与激励并动员了全国数百万人。
I am completely energized and feeling terrific. 我现在充满了活力，感觉棒极了。
power n. [U] the ability to influence people or give them strong feelings 动力；影响力
e.g. We used sail power and turned the engine off to save our fuel.
我们借助风帆的动力航行，且关掉了发动机以节省燃油。
Who said literature has no real power to affect history? 谁说文学对历史没有影响力？
powerful adj having great power or force or potency or effect 强大的；强健的
e.g. Russia used to be a very powerful country. 俄国曾是一个非常强大的国家。
The athlete should have a powerful body. 运动员应该具有强健的体魄。
13. solid
1) adj. continuing without interruption不中断的；扎实的
e.g. The essay represents a solid week’s work. 这篇文章是用整整一星期写出来的。
It rained for two hours solid this afternoon 今天下午连着下了两个小时的雨。
2) n. [C] a firm object or substance that has a fixed shape固体
e.g. Milk solids include salts, protein and sugar. 牛乳中的固态物质包括盐分、蛋白质和糖。
He did not eat solid food for several weeks. 他数周以来都没有食用固体食物。
14. project n. [C] a carefully planned piece of work计划；项目
e.g. Please count me in on this project. 请把我也算入这项计划的参加者。
This project involves many difficulties. 这一项目有许多困难。
15. This creates strong power that carries me through the rest of the day.
Translation: 这种感受会创造强大的前进动力，引领我畅快过完当天余下的时光。
Explanation: 此句是由that 引导的定语从句，其先行词是power。关联词that在从句中充当
主语所以不能省略。
create vt. to invent or design something 创造；设计
e.g. When the conditions exist, go ahead; when they don’t exist, then create them and go ahead.
有条件要上，没有条件，创造条件也要上。
We set businesses free to create more jobs. 我们让企业自由以创造更多的就业机会。
creation n. the act of creating something 设计；创造
e.g. The bathroom is entirely my own creation. 浴室完全是由我设计的。
The creation of life remains a mystery. 生命的创造仍是个谜。
carry sb. through 帮助某人渡过……；帮助某人完成……
e.g. His determination carried him through the difficulties. 他靠坚定的信心渡过了难关。
She is the person who carried me through the complex task.是她帮着我完成了这项复杂的任务。
Para. 4
16. advantage n.
1) [C], [U] a good or useful quality or condition that something has 好处
e.g. Voice training will be to your advantage if you plan to go into the theater.
如果你想当演员，进行发音训练对你是有好处的。
The great advantage of home-grown oranges is their magnificent flavour.
家产柑橘的一大好处是口感极佳。
2) [C] something that helps you to be more successful than others优势
e.g. It is an advantage if you know how to type. 如果你会打字，对你将有利。
For a goalkeeper, it’s a great advantage to have big hands.
对于守门员来说，有一双大手是很大的优势。
disadvantage n. something that causes problems, or that makes someone or something less likely to be successful or effective 不利条件；缺点
e.g. It will be to our mutual disadvantage. 那将对我们双方都不利。
There’s an important disadvantage in their product. 他们的产品有一个重要缺点。
advantage over 胜过；优于
e.g. I had this advantage over Linda. 我比琳达更有优势。
The printer has several advantages over conventional printers.
该打印机比传统的打印机有几个优点。
advantage in competition 竞争优势
e.g. China’s biggest comparable advantage in competition is its human resources.
中国最大的比较竞争优势在人力资源。
More and more enterprises are developing new marketing channels to gain an advantage in competition. 越来越多的公司都在开发新渠道，目的在于在渠道中制胜进而取得竞争优势。
advantage and disadvantage 优缺点；利弊
e.g. We must face the fact, everything was created with the advantage and disadvantage.
我们应该面对现实，每一种东西的创造都伴随着优点和缺点。
What’s the advantage and disadvantage of the testing? 考试有哪些利与弊呢？
17. guilt n.
1) [U] a strong feeling of shame and sadness 愧疚；内疚
e.g. She had feelings of guilt about leaving her children and going to work.
她因离开自己的孩子去工作而感到愧疚。
Her emotions had ranged from anger to guilt in the space of a few seconds.
几秒钟的时间里，她经历了从愤怒到内疚的情感变化。
2) [U]the fact that you have broken an official law or moral rule犯罪；罪行；有罪
e.g. I’m convinced of his guilt. 我确信他有罪。
We now have absolute proof of his guilt. 我们现在有他犯罪的确凿证据。
guilty adj. feeling very ashamed and sad because you know that you have done something wrong;having done something that is a crime 内疚的；犯罪的
e.g. I feel so guilty, leaving all this to you. 把所有这一切都留给了你，我觉得很内疚。
They were found guilty of murder. 他们被判犯有谋杀罪。
Para. 5
18. motivation n.
1) [U] eagerness and willingness to do something 动力
e.g. Do you have the motivation to achieve it? 你有实现它的动力吗？
Money is my motivation. 金钱是我的动力。
2) [C] the reason why you want to do something动机；积极性
e.g. The timing of the attack, and its motivations, are unknown. 袭击发生的时间及其动机尚不清楚。
They lack the motivation to study. 他们缺乏学习的积极性。
19. stimulate vt.
1) to encourage or help an activity to begin or develop further 刺激
e.g. Light stimulates plant growth. 光会刺激植物生长。
Alcohol stimulates the action of the heart. 酒刺激心脏的活动。
2) to encourage someone by making them excited about and interested in something 激励
e.g. Praise always stimulates him to further efforts. 一表扬他就能激励他更加努力。
I’m trying to stimulate him to study harder. 我试图激励他更加用功读书。
20. corresponding adj. conforming in every respect 相应的；一致的
e.g. All rights carry with them corresponding responsibilities. 一切权利都带有与之相应的责任。
What we required you to do is corresponding to the contract. 我们要你做的事情符合合同规定。
Para. 6
21. focus on 集中；聚焦
e.g. Our meeting focuses on the question of women’s right. 我们会议的重点是妇女权利问题。
He finds it hard to focus his thoughts on one thing for longer than five minutes.
他发现他很难把他的注意力集中在一件事情上超过五分钟。
22. nail
1) vt. succeed in getting things done 成功做某事
e.g. Police nailed the suspect. 警察抓住了嫌疑犯。
She nailed through her exams. 她通过了考试。
2) n. [C] a thin pointed piece of metal with a flat top 钉子
e.g. Magnets attract nails. 磁铁吸引铁钉。
He hammered the nail into the branch. 他把钉子钉到了树枝上。
23. fall in line (with) 与……相符；保持一致
e.g. The new proposal falls in line with our general line. 新建议和我们总的原则是一致的。
I hope you can fall in line with me on this question. 我希望在这个问题上你能同意我的看法。
24. make use of 利用
e.g. They make use of advertisements to promote the new product. 他们利用广告广为宣传这种新产品。
We must make good use of the available space. 我们必须充分利用现有空间。
Para. 7
25. start off 开始（着手）……,从……开始/出发
e.g. They started off making a plan for tomorrow’s campaign. 他们开始为明天的活动制订方案。
You can start off with something simple. 你可以从简单的事情开始。
26. master
1) vt. to learn a skill or a language so well that you have no difficulty with it 掌握；精通
e.g. It’s not easy to master a foreign language. 掌握一门外语并不容易。
Duff soon mastered the skills of radio production. 达夫很快掌握了广播节目制作的技能。
2) n. [C] the male owner of something 主人
e.g. The dog remained faithful to his master. 这条狗始终忠于它的主人。
I can be a master of myself in learning. 我可以做自我学习上的主人。
参考译文
生活的方向舵
据说每天第一个小时就是当天生活的方向舵。我发现在自己生活里，这种说法千真万确。若我早上醒来后，在头一个小时的行动显得懒散随意，便会往往拥有相当懒惰和涣散的一天。
但如果我努力使当天的头一个小时过得富有成效，后面剩下的时间就也会照样有成效。这种日子就是从闹钟一响便醒来并立刻起床 —— 不磨蹭也不想着赖在床上开始。我会迅速穿好衣服，但先不刮胡子, 便径直走向家中办公桌。这头一个小时的高效工作会激励我持续奋斗，到早上11点时，我通常已完成相当于以前全天的工作量。
令我感到惊讶的是，第二种生活模式，虽然看起来似乎更难，其实一旦习惯后，会让人生活得更轻松容易。将最重要的工作在当天尽早完成，会令人精力充沛，而且当你一连数周都过着高效高产的生活，甚至能为你增添更多能量和动力。当看见时钟走到早上8:30的位置，而自己在最重要项目上专注扎实地工作了3个小时，我便有无比美好的感受。这种感受会创造强大的前进动力，引领我畅快过完当天剩余生活。
尽早开始工作的好处在于你也能尽早结束工作。有时在下午3点半到幼儿园接女儿回家前，我便已完成全天工作，这让我在当天剩余时间不再干活也毫无愧疚感。
动力能引领行动，但动力也会随行动而来。你花费早上第一个小时的方式，将刺激相应的内在动力水平。若你想要高效快节奏的一天，请让早上第一个小时也是如此 —— 迅速起床并直接着手当天最重要的工作项目。
若你真想拥有特定类型的一天生活，直接专注在头一个小时付出最大努力便可。不必担心之后会发生什么。如果搞定这头一个小时，当天剩余时间将倾向于自动归位。请好好利用方向舵的威力，控制整艘船的航向。
我发现这种做法在当天其他时间也起作用，虽然没有那么明显，通常更难发挥效果。若你已经有了糟糕开头，请深呼吸一口气，然后尽个人最大努力，专注于掌控好眼前那个小时。这个小时就是你后面生活的方向舵。
☛ Fill in each blank with one word according to the passage you have just read.
Reading Activity 2 Read and Think Critically
（略）
After-reading Activity 1 Develop Your Vocabulary
☛ Complete each sentence with the proper form of the word given in brackets.
1. The factory produces (productive) an incredible 100 cars per hour.
2. Our meeting was delayed (delay) for ten minutes.
3. Immigrants have had a powerful (power) influence on the local culture.
4. Solids (solid) turn to liquids at certain temperatures.
5. He has engineered several big projects (project).
6. If you don’t speak good English, you’ll be at a big disadvantage (advantage) when you try to get a job.
7. The bathroom is entirely my own creation (create).
8. I feel really guilty (guilt) about forgetting her birthday again.
9. Bill was stimulated (stimulate) by the challenge during last week’s competition.
10. It’s not easy to master (master) a foreign language.
After-reading Activity 2 Know More Expressions
☛ Tell the meaning of each expression after the given example.
e.g. get used to the second version 习惯第二种 (生活) 模式
get used to the local weather 习惯当地的天气
get used to the new environment 习惯新环境
get used to eating with chopsticks 习惯用筷子吃饭
e.g. carry me through the rest of the day 引领/帮我度过当天余下的时光
carry me through more hard times 帮我度过更多艰难时光
carry him through any trial 帮他通过任何考验
carry them through every difficulty 帮他们渡过每一个困境
e.g. focus your best efforts on that first hour 将你最大的努力聚焦于第一个小时
focus on the needs of the customers 聚焦顾客的需求
focus on foreign policy 聚焦外交政策
focus on economic development of the region 聚焦该地区的经济发展
e.g. make use of the power of the rudder 利用方向舵的威力
make use of every opportunity 利用每一个机会
make use of natural resources 利用自然资源
make use of the spare time 利用业余时间
e.g. start off having a bad day 开始糟糕的一天
start off solving the problem 开始解决这个问题
start off from the practical need 从实际需求出发
start off from the development of learners 从促进学习者发展出发
After-reading Activity 3 Listen and Write
☛ Listen to the following sentences and fill in the missing letters of each word. Check whether you really understand their meanings and can spell them correctly.
1. I will deal with it promptly and fa i rly (公平地).
2. Just for an insta n t (瞬间) I thought he was going to refuse.
3. Do you want me to shave (剃）off your mustache?
4. We are continuing to pus h (推进) the business forward.
5. Research and teaching are of eq ual (同等) importance.
6. The publishers hope to get the new vers i o n (版本) out before Christmas.
7. We want the market to be free and full of ene rgy (活力).
8. Without a career goal, I lacked direction and mot ivat i o n (动力).
9. Our pace is co rrespondi n g (一致的) to the opportunity.
10. Her skirt got caught on a na il (钉子).