考研英语：历年真题阅读要点之1995-Text 2（二）

　　In order to grow, to travel new roads, people need to have a willingness to take risks, to confront the unknown, and to accept the possibility that they may “fail” at first. How we see ourselves as we try a new way of being is essential to our ability to grow.

　　have a willingness to do“乐意做某事”;take risks“冒险”;that引导同位语从句，解释说明抽象名词possibility;be essential to“对...是必要的”，essential为important的高级替换，“重要的”还可以用significant, vital, crucial, be of great importance/ significance。

　　Do we perceive ourselves as quick and curious? If so, then we tend to take more chances and to be more open to unfamiliar experiences. Do we think we’re shy and indecisive? Then our sense of timidity can cause us to hesitate, to move slowly, and not to take a step until we know the ground is safe. Do we think we’re slow to adapt to change or that we’re not smart enough to cope with a new challenge? Then we are likely to take a more passive role or not try at all.

　　perceive...as...“视为”;quick“敏捷的”;curious“好奇的，有求知欲的”;tend to do sth.“倾向于做某事”;take chances“冒险”;be open to“愿意接受...的”;unfamiliar experiences“陌生的经历”;unfamiliar“不熟悉的”，反义词familiar;indecisive“犹豫不决的”;timidity“胆怯”，形容词timid;cause sb. to do sth.“使某人做某事”;hesitate“犹豫”;take a step“迈出一步”，也可以表示“采取措施”;adapt to“使自己适应于...”;cope with“应对”，也可以表示“处理”;be likely to do“可能做某事”;passive“被动的”，反义词active。

　　These feelings of insecurity and self-doubt are both unavoidable and necessary if we are to change and grow. If we do not confront and overcome these internal fears and doubts, if we protect ourselves too much, then we cease to grow. We become trapped inside a shell of our own making.

　　insecurity“不安全”;unavoidable“不可避免的”;be to do sth.“打算做某事”;confront“遭遇”;overcome“克服”，也可以用conquer或surmount;internal“内在的”;cease to do sth.“停止做某事”;trapped“受困的，陷入困境的”;of one’s own making可以表示“咎由自取”。