The Middle School Student
一个中学生
“The duration of your study time is becoming shorter and shorter,” Mary said to her son, as she tried to brighten the dusky appearance of his room.
“你学习的持续时间越来越短了。”玛丽一边把房间微暗的墙壁擦亮,一边对儿子说,
“You used to be a dynamic student.
“你过去可是个充满活力的学生。
I'm going to start restricting your TV time if you don't start studying harder.”
如果你在不开始加把劲,我要开始限制你看电视的时间了。”
“I can't study under duress,” Tom replied.
“强迫之下我学不了。”汤姆回答。
“Besides, after dusk, I feel so tired.
“此外,黄昏过后,我就太累的,
My school subjects are so boring this year.”
而且今年我们学校开的课程也太乏味了。”
“As long as you dwell in my dwelling, you will need to follow my rules,” said Mary with a firm tone in her voice.
“只要你住在我的寓所,就必须服从我的规定。”玛丽语气坚定地说,
“I have to economize every month just to pay your private school tuition.
“我必须每月都要节省,只是为了给你交私立学校的学费。
Now tell me exactly what you are studying.”
现在给我确切地说说你们都在学些什么?”
“Well, in art class, we're learning to dye our tee shirts,” Tom replied.
“好吧。美术课上我们在学染T恤衫。”汤姆回答,
“In oceanography class, we're studying the theory behind wave dynamics and ebb currents.
“在海洋学课上,我们学习关于海浪动力学和退潮洋流的理论知识。
In Chinese history class, we're reading about the emperors of the Tang Dynasty.
中国历史课上,我们读有关唐代皇帝的书。
In astronomy class, we're examining the last full eclipse of the sun.
天文课上,我们研究上次出现的月全食。
In philosophy class, we're practicing eclecticism.
哲学课上,我们连续用折衷主义分析问题。
In botany class, we're dissecting dwarf plans.
植物学课上,我们解剖矮小植物。
In biology class, our professor is teaching us about ecological diversity.”
生物学课上,教授正教我们关于生态多样性的知识。”
“Is your biology teacher an ecologist?” Mary asked.
“你们生物学老师是个生态学者吗?”玛丽问。
“Yes, and he is a bit eccentric,” Tom replied.
“是的,但他有点古怪,”汤姆说,
“He wears the exact same clothes every day.”
“他每天都穿完全一样的衣服。”
“Some intellectuals are known for their eccentricity,” Mary added.
“有些知识分子是以他们的古怪行为著称的。”玛丽接着说,
“What do you think of his teaching ability?”
“你认为他的教学能力怎么样?”
“I find it to be very good,” replied Tom.
“我觉得很好。”汤姆回答,
“I'm always eager to study for his class.”
“我总是盼着上他的课。”
“Good,” replied Mary with a smile.
“很好,”玛丽笑着说,
“I'll be expecting you to score an ‘A' in that class.”
“我期盼着你这门课得‘A'”。