IV. Translation (20 points, 4 points for each)
Directions: In the following passage, there are five groups of underlined sentences. Read the passage carefully and translate these sentences into Chinese. Write the Chinese version on your Answer Sheet.
Dogs are extremely useful as companions for blind people. When a dog has been properly trained, he will always lead his blind master in the right direction and keep him out of danger. For example, seeing—eye dogs learn never to cross a busy road when cars are coming, even if their masters command them to do so.
Horses that are used for guard or police duty must learn never to be frightened of noises, traffic, and other disturbance. (46) Racing horses are able to run much faster than other horses, but they are also quite high strung. Therefore, it is necessary for people who train them to be very patient and understanding.
Pigeons have a natural instinct to return home, even if they are very far away and the trip is hard or dangerous. (47) Men utilize this homing instinct to send messages on small pieces of paper that are fastened to the pigeon’s back or legs. Pigeons have been known to fly as fast as 75 miles an hour and to cover distances of 500 to 600 miles. These homing pigeons begin their training when they are about four weeks old. After a few weeks they can begin flying and carrying messages. If all goes well, their flying career lasts about four years.
Animals can learn to do many things that, while not necessarily useful, are very amusing to watch. (48) In circuses, animals are taught to do the tricks that are most compatible with their physical and temperamental make—up. Lions and tigers can be taught to leap and spring gracefully when told to do so, or to stay in place on command. Elephants learn to walk in line, to stand on their hind legs, to lie on their sides, and to stand on their head. They can also learn to dance.
Another trainer had an elephant and a tiger, who after many weeks of living in the same cage, became accustomed to each other. Then the tiger was taught to jump on the elephant’s back. (49) Both animals become so interested in the act (as well as the praise and food they received after the act) that they forgot they were natural enemies. Later a lion was added to the act. This also took a lot of training. However, when the three animals grew accustomed to each other they made a most successful circus act.
Cinema and television use trained animals too. Some animals, such as skunks and foxes, are easy to film. All you have to do is to make a trail in front of the camera by dragging something that smells good to the animals over the ground. Big animals, such as lions and tigers, can be photographed as they bound happily back to their families and dinner. (50) If a movie actor is nearby, the well—trained animal will pay no attention to him. However, the audience may imagine that the actor escaped a terrible death by the skin of his teeth.
