英语必读美文
随着全球经济一体化和科技的迅猛发展,英语作为国际语言在现代社会中发挥着越来越重要的作用。下面是学习啦小编带来的英语经典美文精选，欢迎阅读!
英语经典美文精选篇一
KEVIN BRANDLEYS BIG INVESTMENT: PEOPLE
About 12 years ago， Kevin Bradley was on his way to the top. The young American stockbroker had a successful career， a comfortable salary and a promising future.
Then he gave it all up. He quit his job and walked away from his career. No， he didn't burn out， like so many other people in his fast-paced profession. He simply found a more important job-helping the poor .Now， more than a decade later， hundreds of families have been given a brighter future because of Bradley's help.
Bradley is no stranger to success. In high school， he was a star athlete. After graduating from college with a degree in economics， he went to work at a large investment firm. He was one of the youngest stockbrokers ever employed by that firm. But just as his career was taking off， something began to happen in his heart. He felt himself being drawn to the poor and homeless. He saw them each day as he walked to work. He often stopped to talk and buy them breakfast.
After four years at the investment firm， Bradley made a radical decision. He decided to start helping the poor people he had come to care about. Bradley believed he could make a difference by bringing his financial knowledge to those who needed it most.
In 1991， he quit his job and created the Community Outreach Center (now called the Arrow Outreach Foundation)。 This non-profit organization helps the poor get back on their feet and become productive citizens. It teaches them how to discover their potential and develop successful careers.
In the beginning， times were tough for Bradley. Because he no longer earned an income， he and his family lived off of their savings. At times， they had less food in their house than some of the people Bradley was helping.
Now， Bradley's Outreach Foundation enjoys phenomenal success. Hundreds of people have graduated from the foundation's employment-skills training course. About 75 percent of those graduates found jobs immediately.
The foundation also receives plenty of support from corporate sponsors. And Bradley， the former stockbroker， continues to invest wisely-in people's lives.
英语经典美文精选篇二
Do birthdays really make people happy
Happy birthday! Do birthdays really make people happy? Of course they do. Birthdays celebrate the day we were born. Moreover, that extra candle on the cake represents another year of growth and maturity-or so we hope. We all like to imagine that we're getting wiser and not just older. Most of us enjoy observing the miracle of growth in others, as well. For instance, seeing our children develop and learn new things makes us feel proud. For Americans, like people in most cultures, growing up is a wonderful process. But growing old? That's a different story.
生日快乐!生日真能使人快乐吗?这是当然的啊，庆生是庆祝我们来到世上的日子，除此之外，蛋糕上多加一支蜡烛也代表了另一年的成长与成熟——或者说至少我们希望能如此。我们都喜欢想象着自己能够越来越有智能，而不只是变老，我们大部份人也同时较喜欢观察别人成长的奇迹。例如：看到我们的孩子长大并学习新的事物使我们感到骄傲。而对美国人而言，就像大部份其它文化中的人们一样，长大是一个美好的历程，但是变老呢?那可就是另外一回事了。
Growing old is not exactly pleasant for people in youth-oriented American culture. Most Americans like to look young, act young and feel young. As the old saying goes, “You're as young as you feel.” Older people joke about how many years young they are, rather than how many years old. People in some countries value the aged as a source of experience and wisdom. But Americans seem to favor those that are young, or at least “young at heart.”
在美国这个以年轻人为中心的社会中，老化对人们而言并不是一件愉快的事，大部份的美国人都希望自己看起来年轻、行动年轻、并且感觉年轻，如一句古老的名言说：「你感觉自己有多年轻，你就有多年轻。」老年人说自己的年龄时常开玩笑说自己是多少 years young，而不说多少 years old .某些文化中的人视老年人为经验与智能的资源，可是美国人似乎比较喜欢年轻人，或者至少是「心里年轻」的人。
Many older Americans find the “golden years” to be anything but golden. Economically, “senior citizens” often struggle just to get by. Retirement-typically at age 65-brings a sharp decrease in personal income. Social Security benefits usually cannot make up the difference. Older people may suffer from poor nutrition, medical care and housing. Some even experience age discrimination. In 1987, American sociologist Pat Moore dressed up like an older person and wandered city streets. She was often treated rudely-even cheated and robbed. However, dressed as a young person, she received much more respect. Of course, not all elderly Americans have such negative experiences. But old age does present unique challenges.
许多美国的老年人觉得他们的「黄金年代」一点都不黄金。在经济上来说，老年人常是挣扎着勉强度日。退休——通常在六十五岁的时候——使个人收入骤减，而社会保障制度的福利并不能补足差额，老年人常遭遇营养、医疗照顾、和居住环境的问题。有些人甚至曾经碰到年龄歧视的问题，在一九八七年有一位美国的社会学家派特?摩尔装扮成老人在街上游荡，结果人们多半对她很粗鲁，甚至骗她或抢她的东西，可是当她穿著年轻时，人们就对她尊重多了。当然也不是所有的美国老人家都有这样糟糕的经验，不过年纪大确实会遭遇一些特别的挑战。
Ironically, the elderly population in America is expanding-fast. Why? People are living longer. Fewer babies are being born. And middle-aged “baby boomers” are rapidly entering the ranks of the elderly. America may soon be a place where wrinkles are “in.” Marketing experts are already focusing on this growing group of consumers. And even now the elderly have a great deal of political power. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), with over 30 million members, has a strong voice in Washington.
而很不幸偏偏美国老年人口又正在扩增中——很快速地扩增，为什么呢?因为现在的人越来越长命，婴孩的出生却减少，而当初在婴儿潮时出生现在是中年人的很快地就要进入老年阶段了，美国恐怕马上会成为一个皱纹「很流行」的国度。行销专家们已经开始注意这群人口持续增加中的消费者，而这群老年人现今甚至在政治上也相当有力，因为美国退休人员协会拥有超过三千万的会员，对华盛顿具相当的影响力。
A common stereotype of older Americans is that they are usually “put away” in nursing homes and forgotten about. Actually, only about 5 percent live in some type of institution. More than half of those 65 or older live with or near at least one of their children. The vast majority of the elderly live alone and take care of themselves. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 75 percent own their own homes. Over a million senior adults live in retirement communities. These provide residents with meals, recreation, companionship, medical care and a safe environment.
一般人对美国老人家的刻板印象是被「遣送到」养护院去，然后被人遗忘。然而事实上，只有百分之五的人住在此类机构中，超过半数的六十五或六十五岁以上老人，是与孩子同住或住在其中一个孩子的附近。绝大部份的老年人是自己住并自己照顾自己的，根据美国户口调查局的统计，他们百分之七十五拥有自己的房子，超过一百万名老年人住在退休者的社区中，这些社区为其居民提供饮食、娱乐、友谊、医疗照顾、以及安全的环境。
Despite the challenges they face, Americans in their “twilight years” generally refuse to give up on life. They find a variety of ways to keep themselves active. To help them stay in shape, they may join mall walkers clubs, fitness programs and even the “Senior Olympics.” They can enjoy hours of entertainment at senior centers and adult amusement parks. Many enroll in continuing education programs to maintain their mental skills. For Americans, if you're going to grow old, you might as well do it gracefully.
纵然他们遭遇挑战，处在迟暮之年的美国老年人通常还是不愿意放弃他们的生活，他们寻求各种不同的方法使自己更有活力，为了保持强健的身体状况，他们参加购物中心的竞走俱乐部、健身课程、甚至奥林匹克老人运动会。他们可以在老人中心和成人公园里逍遥好几个小时，许多人报名参加延伸制教育以维续他们的心智技能。如果你是将要进入老年期的美国人，你也可以优雅地做做这些活动
英语经典美文精选篇三
Travel 美国旅游风尚
It's summertime, and the livin' is easy. For many Americans, this is the season to travel. Why? Because school is out. Because the weather is great. And most of all, because we all deserve a break. When Americans take a break, they often head for their favorite vacation spot.
夏天到了，生活很惬意。对很多美国人来说，这是个旅游的季节，为什么?因为学校放假，因为天气很好，但最重要的是，休个假是我们所应得的。美国人休假时经常会去他们最喜欢的渡假地点。
Throughout their history, Americans have been people on the move. The early immigrants had to travel to get to the New World. Once they arrived, they settled along the East Coast. But they weren't content to stay there. Explorers and traders journeyed to the unknown western territories. Later, settlers moved west to develop these new areas. As a result of this westward migration, Americans eventually occupied the whole continent-from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Even today, Americans seem unable to stay put. Research says that the average American moves every five years.
纵观整个历史，美国人一直是个迁移的民族。早期的移民者必须长途跋涉才能抵达新大陆，他们一到达就沿着东岸定居，但却不满于长居那地，冒险家和商人旅行至未知的西部地区。稍后，移民者也向西迁移去开发这些新地区。由于向西迁移，美国人最后占据了整块新大陆——从大西洋到太平洋。即使到今天，美国人似乎仍然无法在一地久居。根据研究，美国人平均每五年要搬一次家。
Besides their habit of changing addresses, Americans are used to traveling. Some people make long-distance commutes to work daily. Their jobs may even require them to take frequent business trips. Most companies provide an annual vacation for their employees, and people often use that time to travel. Some people just visit friends or relatives in distant states. Others go on low-budget weekend excursions and stay in economy motels. Those with more expensive tastes choose luxurious resorts and hotels. Camping out in the great outdoors appeals to adventurous types. Some travel in recreational vehicles (RVs) to camp out in comfort, while others “rough it” by sleeping in tents.
除了搬家的习惯以外，美国人也很习惯旅行。有些人每天上下班得做长距离的通勤，工作上甚至经常需要因公旅行。大部分的公司每年会提供年假给员工，人们通常会利用这段时间去旅行。有些人去远一点的别州拜访朋友或亲戚，有些则在周末有个经济的小假期，并住在花费不高的旅馆里。品味较昂贵的人选择豪华的渡假地点和饭店;绝佳的户外露营则吸引冒险型的人。有些人开着旅行车出游，以舒适的方式露营;有些人则睡帐篷尝试野外生活。
Most Americans prefer to travel within their nation's borders. Why? For one thing, it's cheaper than traveling abroad, and there's no language problem. But besides that, the vast American territory offers numerous tourist attractions. Nature lovers can enjoy beaches, mountains, canyons, lakes and a wealth of natural wonders. Major cities offer visitors a multitude of urban delights. The convenience of modern freeways, railways and airplanes makes travel in America as easy as pie.
大部分美国人比较喜欢在国内旅游，为什么呢?其中一个原因是，国内旅游比国外旅游便宜，也没有语言不通的问题。但除此原因以外，占地极广的美国国土提供了许多能吸引游客的地点。爱好大自然的人可以到海滩、山上、峡谷、湖泊和很多大自然奇景地区游览。大城市也提供给游客们很多都市型态的娱乐。现代高速公路、铁路和飞机使得在美国旅行很容易。
Many American vacations are as unique as the people who take them. Families often plan their trips with the kids in mind. More and more “family friendly” vacation resorts offer special programs for children. History buffs seek out famous historical sites and museums. Environmentalists prefer “green vacations.” These trips allow them to observe flora and fauna up-close without disturbing the sensitive balance of nature. Some people find sea cruises relaxing and refreshing. Others hit the water to go fishing, skiing or white-water rafting. Daring souls get the thrill of a lifetime on trekking expeditions and safaris in remote places from Africa to Asia.
很多美国假期非常特别，和参与此种假期的人一样特别。全家出游时通常会将孩子考虑在内，有愈来愈多「适合全家出游」的渡假地点为孩子提供特别的活动。对历史有兴趣的人会找一些著名的历史据点和博物馆。有环保意识的人喜欢「环保假期」，这样的旅行使他们能近距离观察动植物，并且不会扰乱了大自然敏感的生态平衡。有些人觉得海上旅游能使心情放松并感到清爽，有些人则到水边钓鱼、滑水或泛舟。胆子大的人到亚洲和非洲去探险狩猎作长途旅行，享受一辈子难得一次的刺激。
Americans aren't the only people in the world who travel. International business, mass communication and jet airplanes have created a world of globetrotters. People all over the world enjoy going abroad to travel. And no matter where they live, people enjoy visiting scenic spots in their own country. But being on the go makes Americans what they are： people on the move. In America, almost every-body is a tourist sometime.
美国人不是世上唯一爱旅行的人。国际企业、大众传播与喷射机创造了一个环游世界者的世纪。全世界的人都喜欢到海外旅游，不管住在那里，人们都喜欢去造访自己国家内风景优美的地区。不过好动的本性使美国人变成今天的模样：成为爱迁移的人。在美国，几乎每个人都有旅游的经验
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