Keep Going
刘立军 供稿
TRANSCRIPT
It can be easy at times to be discouraged and give up on your goals. At the very least you may be tempted to just do the minimum amount to get by. But if you truly desire to perform above average, then you can’t quit. People who strive to reach their highest goals never give in to being just average. Singer Songwriter Taylor Swift once said, “I’m intimidated by the fear of being average.”
When you find the drive and passion to be above average, it propels you forward to keep going even when times get tough.
By being dependable, consistently showing a high level of competency and paying attention to detail, you will be well on your way to performing above average. A healthy lifestyle and staying informed of current information and practices may help you to reach the goals you have set for yourself.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Just be the best version of you. Author Oscar Wilde wrote, “Be yourself: Everyone else is already taken.”
You don’t need to take anyone down to move yourself up. It’s not about beating out the competition, it’s about constantly reaching for and challenging your own personal best. And when you do that, you’re already above average.
VOCABULARY
1. intimidated adj. feeling frightened and not confident in a particular situation 胆怯；怯场。例如：
We try to make sure children don’t feel intimidated on their first day at school. 我们努力确保孩子们在上学的第一天不胆怯。
2. propel v. to move, drive or push sth. forward or in a particular direction 推动；驱动；推进。例如：He succeeded in propelling the ball across the line. 他成功地把球带过线。
QUESTIONS
Listen to the news and choose the best answer to each question you hear.
1. What is the key to performing at above-average levels?
A. Quitting when times get tough.
B. Competing with others.
C. Dependability and high level of competency.
D. Being average.
2. What does Taylor Swift say about being average?
A. She thinks it’s okay to be average.
B. She is not afraid of being average.
C. She is intimidated by the fear of being average.
D. She believes in being average.
3. What is the author’s advice for performing at above-average levels?
A. Comparing yourself with others.
B. Beating out the competition.
C. Being the best version of yourself.
D. Quitting when things get tough.
KEY
1. What is the key to performing at above-average levels?
A. Quitting when times get tough.
B. Competing with others.
C. Dependability and high level of competency.
D. Being average.
【答案】C
【解析】细节题。命题出处：By being dependable, consistently showing a high level of competency and paying attention to detail, you will be well on your way to performing above average. 要达到出色的表现，关键在于值得信赖和不断展现高水平的能力。
2. What does Taylor Swift say about being average?
A. She thinks it’s okay to be average.
B. She is not afraid of being average.
C. She believes in being average.
D. She is intimidated by the fear of being average.
【答案】D
【解析】细节题。命题出处：People who strive to reach their highest goals never give in to being just average. Singer Songwriter Taylor Swift once said, “I’m intimidated by the fear of being average.” Taylor Swift说过，她对平庸感到恐惧。
3. What is the author’s advice for performing at above-average levels?
A. Being the best version of yourself.
B. Beating out the competition.
C. Comparing yourself with others.
D. Quitting when things get tough.
【答案】A
【解析】 细节题。命题出处：Don’t compare yourself to others. Just be the best version of you. Author Oscar Wilde wrote, “Be yourself: Everyone else is already taken.” 作者对于如何达到出色的表现的建议是，做最好的自己。
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