Lily的Scalers Talk第八轮新概念朗读持续力训练Da

L41-2:Illusions of Pastoral peace

My friend fails to mention the long and friendless winter evenings in front of the TV -- virtually the only form of entertainment. He says nothing about the poor selection of goods in the shops, or about those unfortunate people who have to travel from the country to the city everyday to get to work. Why people are prepared to tolerate a four-hour journey each day for the dubious privilege of living in the country is beyond me. They could be saved so much misery and expense if they chose to live in the city where they rightly belong.

If you can do without the few pastoral pleasures of the country, you will find the city can provide you with the best that life can offer. You never have to travel miles to see your friends. They invariably live nearby and are always available for an informal chat or an evening's entertainment. Some of my acquaintances in the country come up to town once or twice a year to visit the theatre as a special treat.

virtually /ˈvɜːrtʃuəli/ 事实上，  几乎、差不多

tolerate /ˈtɑːləreɪt/ 容许，允许、忍受

dubious /ˈduːbiəs/ 可疑的、怀疑的

privilege /ˈprɪvəlɪdʒ/ 特权，荣幸;特殊利益;优惠待遇

misery /ˈmɪzəri/  n.  痛苦;悲惨;穷困

beyond me 我所无法理解的

do without  没有。。。也行

invariably /ɪnˈveriəbli/ 一成不变;始终如一地

informal /ɪnˈfɔːrml/ 友好随便的;非正规的;日常的;

acquaintance /əˈkweɪntəns/ 相识、熟人

treat 享受、难得的乐事

今天把整篇文章都学完了。虽然句式都不难，但是，记单词是个问题。