1. While the inclination to procrastinate is common , one must fully consider the detrimental impact of unnecessary delays .
　　虽然拖延的倾向是普遍的，但是人们应该充分考虑到不必要的延误造成的有害影响。
　　2. The tendency to take things for granted is understandable , but the need for one to rationally evaluate the circumstances of any situation is absolutely essential .
　　想当然的倾向是可以理解的，但是，理智地估计任何情形的情况是完全必需的。
　　3. Most people are under the illusion that a college degree guarantees success . There is no such guarantee without hard work .
许多人错误地认为大学学位能保证成功。不努力工作就没有这样的保证。
　　4. Some stubbornly hold to the correctness of traditional practices , but in so doing they seem to totally ignore the fact that progress depends on change .
　　一些人固执地坚持传统做法的正确性，但是，他们这么做，似乎完全忽视了进步依靠变化的事实。
　　5. Generally speaking , previous parliamentary policy debates ignored the relevance of transparency .
　　总的来说，以前议会中针对政策的辩论忽视了透明度的重要性。
　　6. A precise definition of poverty is actually very difficult to determine . Where does one draw the line between those who are poor and those who are not ?
　　对贫困的精确定义实际上是很难的。如何在贫穷和非贫穷的人之间划一条界限呢？
　　7. Admittedly , bribery and corruption are endemic to our political and economic systems , but it doesn’t necessarily follow that all politicians and business people resort to illicit behavior .
　　诚然，贿赂和腐败在我们的政治和经济系统中很流行，但这并不是说所有的政府官员和商界人士都采取违法行为。
　　8. There’s little doubt that a third World War is avoidable , but it is highly unlikely that regional conflicts will disappear in the foreseeable future .
　　毫无疑问，第三次世界大战是可以避免的，但是，在可预见的将来地区冲突消失是非常不可能的。
　　9. Some people assume that investing in stock is a safe pursuit , but their assumption fails to hold water when considering the substantial risk involved .
　　有的人想当然地认为投资股票是有把握的事情，但是，考虑到涉及的巨大风险，他们的想当然就说不通了。
　　10. Some people have called for accelerated across-the-board changes . Their approach quite frankly ignores the need for gradual but effective changes .
　　一些人要求更快速的全盘改变。他们的做法的确忽略了渐进而有效的改变的必要性。
　　11. There is undoubtedly an element of truth in assertions that capital punishment is necessary , but proponents seem to ignore the fact that the practice has failed to deter heinous crimes .
　　毫无疑问，主张极刑的必要性有正确的成分，但是，支持者似乎忽略了这种做法不能阻止令人发指的罪行这一事实。
　　12. Many people assume that the extinction of a plant or animal species is of little consequence . Careful examination , however , reveals that the extinction of any one species disrupts the food chain , and the loss of a plant species leads to the disappearance of a key ingredient which might yield a cure for cancer .
　　许多人想当然地认为一种植物或动物的灭绝产生的后果很小。然而，仔细的考察揭示出任何一个物种的灭绝会破坏食物链，一种植物的消失造成有可能生成治疗癌症的药物的关键成分的缺失。
　　13. At first glance , the characteristics of Bugs BUnny seem comical . However , a closer examination reveals the cartoon character never creates a problem , and instead simply hopes for quiet and peaceful life . This suggests that cartoons most often teach children the difference between good and evil .
　　乍一看，流氓兔的性格似乎滑稽。然而，仔细观察发现这个卡通人物从不制造麻烦，相反，它只希望过安静平和的生活。这说明卡通在大多数情况下教授给儿童好与坏之间的区别。
　　14. Logically , calls for a New World Order sound valid , and I whole-heartedly agree with some points , but the absurdity arises when considering that the world’s 200-odd nations have diverse agendas when it comes to development and diplomacy .
　　从逻辑而言，要求形成新的世界秩序听似正确，而且我真心实意地同意一些观点，但是，考虑到世界上二百余个国家在发展和外交上有不同的议事日程，这种要求就显得荒谬了。
　　15. In spite of claims to the contrary , it is common knowledge that corporal punishment most often has the exact opposite affect intended .
　　尽管有相反的主张，但是大家都知道体法在多数情况下产生适得其反的效果。
　　16. We were brought up to believe that the role of a man was to provide and the role of a woman was to care for the household and family . Today , however , role reversal is becoming increasingly commonplace .
　　我们从小就相信男人的角色市提供生活所需，女人的角色是照顾家庭和子女。然而，今天，角色的互换变得越来越普遍。
　　17. Some people tend to tenaciously cling to the misguided concept of racial superiority . Their persistence in doing so , however , does readily reveal the inferior mentality and social incompatibility of certain human beings .