部分单元

Paraphrase

1.Serious looking men spoke to one another as if they were oblivious of the crowds about them.

They were so absorbed in their conversation that they seemed not to pay any attention to the people around them.

2.At last this intermezzo came to an end, and I found myself in front of the gigantic City Hall.

At last the taxi trip came to an end and I suddenly found that I was in front of the gigantic City Hall.

3.The rather arresting spectacle of little old Japan adrift amid beige concrete skyscrapers is the very symbol of

the incessant struggle between the kimono and the miniskirt.

The traditional floating houses among high modern buildings represent the constant struggle between old traditional culture and new development.

4.…experiencing a twinge of embarrassment at the prospect of meeting the mayor of Hiroshima in my socks.

I suffered from a strong feeling of shame when I thought of the scene of meeting the mayor of Hiroshima wearing my socks only.

5.The few Americans and Germans seemed just as inhibited as Iwas.

The few Americans and Germans seemed just as restrained as I was.

6.After three days in Japan, the spinal column becomes extraordinarily flexible.

After three days in Japan one gets quite used to bowing to people as a ritual to show gratitude.

7.I was about to make my little bow of assent, when the meaning of these last words sank in, jolting me out of

my sad reverie.

I was about to show my agreement by nodding when I suddenly realized the meaning of his words. His words shocked me out of my sad dreamy thinking.

8.…and nurses walked by carrying nickel-plated instruments, the very sight of which would send shivers down

the spine of any healthy visitor.

…and nurses walked by carrying surgical instruments which were nickel plated and even healthy visitors could not help shivering when they see those instruments.

9.Because, thanks to it, I have the opportunity to improve my character.

I have the chance to raise my moral standards thanks to the illness.

10.The words spat forth with sudden savagery, all pretense of blandness gone.

Ogilvie said these words suddenly and rudely, throwing away his pretended politeness.

11.When they find who done that last night, who killed that kid an’ its mother……or whether they got fancy

titles neither.

When they find out who killed the kid and the mother and then ran away, they’ll carry out the maximum punishment no matter who will be punished in this case or what their social position is.

12.The Duchess of Croydon-three centuries and a half of inbred arrogance behind her-did not yield easily.

The Duchess was supported by her arrogance coming from parents of noble families with a history of three centuries and a half. She wouldn’t give up easily.

13.Even the self-assurance of Ogilvie flickered for an instant.

The Duchess appeared so firm about their innocence that Ogilvie felt unsure of his assumption for a moment. But the moment was very short.

14.The house detective took his time, leisurely puffing a cloud of blue cigar smoke, his eyes sardonically on the

Duchess as if challenging her objection.

The house detective took his time smoking his cigar and puffed a cloud of blue smoke leisurely. At the same time, his eyes were fixed on the Duchess with contempt as if he was openly daring her objection as she had done earlier.