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2024年秋期八升九英语阅读素材 用英语将中国故事
用英语讲中国故事一：The Great Yu Controls the Waters 大禹治水
During ancient times when Yao was chief, widespread floods caused immense hardship for the people. 上古时期在尧担任族长的时候，一直存在着洪水泛滥的问题，给百姓的生活带来了极大的灾难。
Yao sent Gun to handle the flood problem. 派鲧去处理洪水问题。
Gun gathered villagers to help build dams with stones and earth to block the floods.
鲧召集村民帮忙，用石头和泥土修建堤坝来阻挡洪水。
However, every time it rained heavily, the dams couldn't hold back the floods.
然而，只要一下大雨，堤坝就无法抵挡洪水。
Gun believed the dams were not high enough, not large enough, not strong enough, so he invested more manpower and resources to build taller and larger dams.
鲧觉得是堤坝不够高、不够大、不够坚固的原因，于是不断投入大量人力和物力，去建造更高更大的堤坝。
But eventually, the dams would still break. 但堤坝最终还是会决堤。
After a long time, the flood problem remained unsolved. 经过了很长时间，洪水问题依然没有得到解决。
During the rainy season, people's homes would be destroyed by floods, and some even lost their lives. 每到雨季，人民的家园就会被洪水冲毁，甚至还会有人因此丢掉性命。
Later, when Shun became chief, he realized this couldn't continue, so he removed Gun from his position. 后来舜当上了族长，他认为不能再这样下去，于是就革去了鲧的职务。
While Shun pondered how to solve the flood problem, Gun's son Yu came to see him.
正在舜为如何解决洪水问题而苦恼时，鲧的儿子禹前来求见。
Yu summarized his father's experiences and lessons in flood control and proposed a solution. 禹总结了父亲治水的经验和教训，想到了治理洪水的办法。
Yu told Shun that water's force is very strong; using stones to block it, one day the water will wash away the stones. 所以唯一的办法是掘土，把水引到大海里去。
Shun found Yu's idea very reasonable and allowed him to handle the flood control efforts. 舜觉得禹的想法很有道理，便让禹去处理治水的事情。
Yu led villagers in efforts to widen rivers, merge smaller rivers into larger ones, and dig channels all the way to the sea. 禹带领村民一起努力，把河流挖得更宽，将小河与大河合并起来，一路挖通河流，一直通到大海。
This process took many years for Yu, during which he passed by his home three times without going inside.
这个过程花费了禹很多年的时间，在此期间，禹三次路过家门都没有进去。
The first time he passed, his son hadn't been born yet; the second time, his son had learned to stand; the third time, his son had grown into a young man.
第一次路过时，他的儿子还没有出生；第二次路过，儿子已经学会站立；第三次路过，儿子已经长成少年。
Yu dedicated himself entirely to the task of diverting river waters and finally succeeded in controlling the floods.
禹全身心地投入到疏导河水的事业中，最终成功治理了洪水。
Even during heavy rains, floods no longer ravaged the land.
即使下大雨，也不再有洪水肆虐。
In recognition of this achievement, people called him "Great Yu," and Shun abdicated his chiefdom to Yu. 大家因此称呼他为“大禹”，舜还把族长之位禅让给了大禹。
名词解释：
"In ancient times" generally refers to the historical era before written records existed. In China, "ancient times" typically refers to the period before the Xia Dynasty, approximately 5000 years ago.上古时期一般指文字记载出现以前的历史时代 ，在中国，上古时期通常指夏朝以前，即距今约5000年以前的时代。
However, the specific start and end times of "ancient times" are not completely unified or precisely defined in academic circles. It generally includes the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, as well as the legendary figures like Yan Emperor, Yellow Emperor, Chi You, and the eras associated with legendary figures like Yao, Shun, and Yu.不过对于上古时期的具体起止时间，在学界并没有完全统一、精准的界定。它大体上包括了旧石器时代、新石器时代等，例如著名的炎帝、黄帝、蚩尤等传说人物所处的时期，以及尧、舜、禹等传说中的时代都属于上古时期的范畴。
用英语讲中国故事二：Let the Enemy Go in Order to Catch Them 欲擒故纵
In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu were in a state of constant turmoil and conflict.东汉末年，魏、蜀、吴三国鼎立，局势动荡。
In 221 AD, Liu Bei established the Shu Han regime in Chengdu and formulated a grand plan for the Northern Expedition.公元221年，刘备在成都建立了蜀汉政权，并制定了北伐的大计。
However, the chieftain of the southwestern region, Meng Huo, was unwilling to submit and led an army of 100,000 to invade Shu.然而，西南地区的酋长孟获不愿归顺，率领十万大军侵犯蜀国。
This event became a critical moment for the Shu Han regime to stabilize the southwestern region.这一事件成为蜀汉政权稳定西南的关键时刻。
Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor of Shu Han, understood that to successfully conduct the Northern Expedition, he first needed to resolve the threat from the southwestern region.
蜀汉丞相诸葛亮明白，如果想要成功北伐，必须先解决西南地区的威胁。
To accomplish the Northern Expedition, Zhuge Liang said to Liu Shan (Liu Bei’s son), "If you want to launch the Northern Expedition without worries, you must first ensure the stability of the southwestern rear."为了实现北伐的大计，诸葛亮对刘禅（刘备的儿子）说：“如果想要北伐没有后顾之忧，就必须先保证西南大后方的安定。”
Liu Shan fully agreed with Zhuge Liang’s insight and decided to appoint him as the supreme commander of the southwest to stabilize the situation in that region.
刘禅完全同意诸葛亮的见解，决定将诸葛亮任命为西南的最高指挥官，负责稳定这一地区的局势。
Zhuge Liang ambushed troops in the valley and feigned defeat near the Jinsha River.
诸葛亮在山谷中埋伏伏兵，并在金沙江附近故意佯败。
Seeing this, Meng Huo believed that the Shu army was weak and aggressively attacked, falling into Zhuge Liang’s trap.孟获见状，以为蜀军实力不足，便积极进攻，结果中了诸葛亮的圈套。
After Meng Huo’s defeat and capture, Zhuge Liang did not execute him.
孟获兵败被擒后，诸葛亮没有直接对其处以死刑。
Zhuge Liang knew that Meng Huo had close ties with the various tribes in the southwest, and killing him might provoke greater resistance.
诸葛亮深知孟获与西南各部族关系密切，如果将孟获杀掉，可能引发更大的反抗。
Therefore, he decided to release Meng Huo, hoping that this act of mercy would win his allegiance.因此，他决定释放孟获，希望通过仁慈之举来赢得他的心。
After being released, Meng Huo vowed to defeat the Shu army again.
孟获被释放后，扬言要再度击败蜀军。
Upon returning to the south bank of the Jinsha River, he began constructing military fortifications to defend against the Shu army’s advance.
回到金沙江南岸后，他开始修建军事工程以防备蜀军的进攻。
Zhuge Liang decided to adopt the "feign east and strike west" strategy, keeping part of the Shu army at the Jinsha River to mislead Meng Huo.
诸葛亮决定采取“声东击西”的策略，一方面让一部分蜀军坚守金沙江，以迷惑孟获；
On the other hand, he sent elite troops to bypass Meng Huo’s defenses, cross the river from downstream, and launch a surprise attack to capture him again.
另一方面，他派遣精锐部队绕过孟获的防线，从下游过河，趁机对孟获发起攻击，再次将其俘获。
Meng Huo was captured again, but Zhuge Liang chose to release him once more.
孟获再次被擒，但诸葛亮仍选择释放他。
Meng Huo was suspicious of Zhuge Liang’s mercy, but Zhuge Liang continued to use wisdom and patience to resolve the crisis.
孟获对诸葛亮的宽容表示怀疑，但诸葛亮却继续用智谋与耐心化解危机。
After seven captures and releases, Meng Huo was finally moved by Zhuge Liang’s benevolence.经过七次的擒获与释放，孟获终于被诸葛亮的仁德所感动。
He felt the Shu Han’s tolerance and respect towards him and decided to cease his opposition to Shu, pledging to maintain peace in the southwestern region.
他感受到蜀汉对他的宽容与尊重，决定不再对抗蜀国，承诺维护西南地区的和平。
This act not only stabilized the southwestern rear of Shu Han but also laid a solid foundation for Zhuge Liang’s Northern Expedition.这一举动不仅稳定了蜀汉的西南后方，也为诸葛亮北伐奠定了坚实的基础。
Zhuge Liang’s "Seven Captures and Seven Releases" was not merely a series of military actions but a demonstration of psychological warfare and political wisdom.
诸葛亮的“七擒七纵”不仅仅是一系列军事行动，更是一场心理战和政治智慧的展现。
The strategy of “letting the enemy off intentionally if you want to capture him” originated from “Thirty-Six Stratagems”. 欲擒故纵最早出自《三十六计》，
“If you want to capture someone, let them off intentionally first. Pressing too hard will cause them to fight back in reverse; if they run away, their momentum will decrease. Follow closely but do not press urgently, wearing them out physically and sapping their fighting spirit. After they are scattered, then capture them, achieving victory without bloodshed, which requires trust and wisdom.”
“欲擒故纵，逼则反兵，走则减势。紧随勿迫，累其气力，消其斗志。散而后擒，兵不血刃，需有孚光。”
用英语讲中国故事三：Learn to walk in Handan 邯郸学步
During the Warring States period, Yan had a teenager.战国时期，燕国有一位少年。
He heard that people in Handan, the capital of Zhao, walk gracefully.
他听说赵国都城邯郸的人走路姿态优美。
He admired Handan people very much.他非常羡慕邯郸人。
He walked a long way to the state of Zhao.他长途跋涉来到赵国。
He wanted to learn how Handan people walk.他想要学习邯郸人走路的方式。
He arrived in Handan.他到达邯郸。
He stood on the street all day,整天就站在大街上，
carefully studying everyone’s walking posture.仔细研究每个人的走路姿势。
Then he slowly tried to imitate them.然后他慢慢地模仿他们。
But none of his attempts succeeded.但他都没有成功。
Later, he found that he was always learning differently for some reason.
后来，他发现自己总是因为某种原因学得不一样。
He thought it over and over again.他反复思考。
He realized that he might be too used to his original footwork.
他觉得可能是自己太习惯原来的步法了。
So he decided to forget the way he used to walk.所以他决定忘掉自己原来的走路方式。
Since then,从此，
he paid more attention to studying the walking posture of Handan people,
他更加专注地学习邯郸人的走路姿势，
including how hands and feet move,包括手脚如何移动，
how the upper body swings,上半身如何摆动，
and the moving distance and swing amplitude.以及移动距离和摆动幅度。
After several months of study,学了几个月后，
the boy not only failed to learn Handan’s walking style,这个少年非但没有学会邯郸的走路方式，
but also forgot his original footwork.反而把自己原来的步法也忘了。
He spent all his money in the process.他的钱也都花光了。
Finally, he had to crawl back home.最后，他只好爬着回家。
This story reminds us that when learning from others’ strengths,
这个故事提醒我们，在学习他人长处时，
we should maintain self-awareness我们应该保持自我意识，
and avoid losing our own uniqueness and advantages due to blind imitation.
避免因盲目模仿而失去自己的特色和优势。
用英语讲中国故事四：Sanfu Days 三伏天
Sanfu Days, as a traditional Chinese solar term, refer to the hottest and most unbearable period of the year.
三伏天作为中国传统节气，指的是一年中最为炎热难耐的时段。
It is not merely a climatic phenomenon but also carries rich and diverse cultural customs and medical concepts.
它不仅是单纯的气候现象，还承载着丰富多彩、多元多样的文化习俗以及医学理念。
The origin of Sanfu Days can be traced back to the Qin state during the Spring and Autumn period.三伏天的起源可追溯至春秋时期的秦国。
According to historical records, the concept of "Fu Days" was established in the 2nd year of Duke De of Qin (676 BC).
据相关史料记载，在秦德公二年（公元前676年），伏日首次被设立。
There are various cultural interpretations of its origin, including theories related to Yin-Yang and the Five Elements as well as agricultural practices.关于其起源，存在诸多文化层面的解读，其中包含阴阳五行说以及与农耕文化相关的观点等。
In the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory, everything in the world is composed of five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
在阴阳五行学说里，世间万物皆由金、木、水、火、土五种元素构成。
These five elements correspond to the four seasons, with Spring associated with Wood, Summer with Fire, Autumn with Metal, and Winter with Water.
五行与四季相互对应，春天对应木，夏天对应火，秋天对应金，冬天对应水。
Wood generates Fire, and Fire controls Metal. In Summer, the Fire element is dominant, and it suppresses the Metal element of Autumn, which needs to “hide” during this period.木可生火，火能克金。夏季五行属火，火势熊熊，克制了秋天的金气，致使秋天的金气不敢现身，需要“潜伏藏匿”，这便是“伏”的来源。
Since it is difficult to draw a clear boundary between Summer and Autumn, this period is called “Long Summer” in the Five Elements theory, which includes an additional season.
由于夏季与秋季之间难以清晰截然地划分，五行学家将夏季和秋季之间的这段时期称作“长夏”，长夏在五行中属土元素，如此一来，一年便有了五个季节，并且这五个季节遵循五行相生的规律。
Sanfu Days are determined based on the Geng Days. In the Qin and Han dynasties, the theory of “Five Elements Generating and Controlling Each Other” was widely accepted
三伏天的确定与庚日紧密相关。在秦汉时期，“五行相生相克”的说法颇为盛行。
The ancient people used the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches to record time, with ten Heavenly Stems and one Geng Day appearing every ten days.
古人运用天干、地支来记录时间，天干有10个，每10天便会出现一个庚日。
Geng corresponds to Metal in the Five Elements, and since Fire in Summer controls Metal, each Geng Day signifies the hiding of Metal energy.
庚在五行中属金，夏季炎热，五行属火，火克金，所以每逢庚日，金气必然潜伏藏匿。
Therefore, the first Geng Day after the Summer Solstice is called “Early Fu,” the fourth Geng Day is “Mid Fu,” and the first Geng Day after the Beginning of Autumn is “Late Fu,” collectively referred to as Sanfu Days.由此规定，从夏至后的第三个庚日为初伏，第四个庚日为中伏，立秋后的第一个庚日为末伏，合称为三伏。
Since the dates of the Geng Days vary each year, the exact timing of Sanfu Days changes annually.
由于每年庚日的时间存在变化且不固定，而夏至节气在公历中的时间基本固定在6月21日至22日期间，这就致使每年入伏的时间不尽相同。
Additionally, in some years, if the fourth Geng Day after the Summer Solstice falls before the Beginning of Autumn, the period may extend to the fifth Geng Day, resulting in a “Double Mid Fu” or “Leap Mid Fu,” making the Sanfu Days last for 40 days.
此外，有些年份在夏至后的第四个庚日出现时仍未立秋，需等到第五个庚日才进入立秋节气，这样便多了一个庚日，使得中伏时间延长，出现“双中伏”或“闰中伏”的情况，令三伏天达到40天。
In other years, there is no “Leap Mid Fu,” and the Sanfu Days last for 30 days.
而有些年份没有“闰中伏”，三伏天则为30天。
In 2024, the Sanfu Days are as follows:
2024 年三伏天的具体时段如下：
First Fu: July 15, 2024 - July 24, 2024 (10 days);
Middle Fu: July 25, 2024 - August 13, 2024 (20 days);
Last Fu: August 14, 2024 - August 23, 2024 (10 days).
初伏：2024 年 7 月 15 日 - 7 月 24 日（时长 10 天）；
中伏：2024 年 7 月 25 日 - 8 月 13 日（时长 20 天）；
末伏：2024 年 8 月 14 日 - 8 月 23 日（时长 10 天）。
In recent years, Sanfu Days have generally lasted 40 days, while in 2025, there will be a 30-day Sanfu period.近些年来，三伏天大多 40 天，而 2025 年将迎来 30 天的三伏天。
In ancient medical theory, the human body has both Yang and Yin energies. During the summer, Yang energy is strong, and during Sanfu Days, this Yang energy is easily disturbed by external heat, causing physical discomfort.
在古代医学理论中，人体存在阳气与阴气之分，夏季阳气旺盛，在三伏天时期，人体阳气易受外界热量干扰，致使身体出现不适。
On the other hand, agricultural culture also played a role in the formation of Sanfu Days.
另一方面，农耕文化也对三伏天的形成产生了一定作用。
Summer is the peak season for agricultural work, and farmers have to labor under high temperatures, suffering from the oppressive heat.
夏季正值农忙时节，农民需要在高温条件下劳作，深受炎热天气的困扰。
People divide the summer into three "Fus" to remind everyone to pay attention to heat prevention and cooling measures, ensuring the health of both crops and people.
人们将夏季划分为三个“伏”，用以提醒众人注意防暑降温，以保障农作物的生长以及人们的身体健康。
Additionally, there is a view that the concept of "Fu Days" might originate from Western fire-worshipping religions.另外，还有观点认为，伏日或许源自西方拜火教。
Ming Dynasty scholar Xie Zhaozhi proposed that the concept of Fu Days came from the Western Rong people.明代学者谢肇淛曾提出，伏日来源于西方戎族。
Professor Cen Zhongmian, through phonetic studies, believed that the concept of Fu Days was introduced to Qin from the Persian region.
岑仲勉先生通过对古音翻译的考证，觉得伏日是从波斯一带传入秦国。
The arid and hot climate of ancient Persia gave rise to related customs.
古波斯地区气候干旱炎热，由此衍生出相关习俗。
However, these theories have not been widely accepted.
然而，这些观点目前尚未得到广泛的认同。
During Sanfu Days, there are several traditional customs observed in the community:
在三伏天期间，民间存在一些传统习俗：
Pasting Sanfu Plasters: Based on the traditional Chinese medicine principle of “treating winter diseases in summer,” this practice involves applying medicinal plasters to specific acupoints during Sanfu Days (when Yang energy is at its peak) to stimulate acupoints, regulate organ functions, strengthen the body’s defenses, and treat or prevent diseases.
贴三伏贴：依据中医“冬病夏治”的理论，在三伏天（人体阳气最为旺盛之时），将中药直接敷贴于特定穴位，借由中药对穴位产生刺激，调节人体脏腑功能，振奋正气，驱除病邪，以实现治病、防病的功效。
It is suitable for conditions that are prone to flare up or worsen in cold weather, such as repeated respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic pharyngitis, allergic rhinitis, cold-type stomach disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction, chronic colitis, cold abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, joint pain, arthritis, cervical and lumbar spine diseases, shoulder periarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and for those who are cold-sensitive, have cold extremities, frostbite, prostate problems, or low immunity.适用于一些在寒冷季节容易发作或病情加重的患者，例如反复呼吸道感染、慢性支气管炎、哮喘、慢性咽炎、过敏性鼻炎、虚寒性胃病、胃肠功能紊乱、慢性结肠炎、虚寒腹痛、腹泻、痛经、关节痛、关节炎、颈腰椎病、肩周炎、类风湿性关节炎、强直性脊柱炎等病症的患者，以及怕冷、四肢寒凉、冻疮、前列腺疾病、免疫力低下等人群。
Sunbathing on the Back: Similar in principle to Sanfu Plasters, this practice stimulates meridian points to enhance Yang energy and boost immunity.晒背：其原理与三伏贴相仿，通过刺激经络穴位，达到补充阳气、增强免疫力的作用。
However, it is unsuitable for people with UV sensitivity, excessive Yang energy, or those with Yin deficiency and Yang excess, as they might experience symptoms like sore throat or constipation.但是，对于紫外线过敏的人群、阳气偏盛或者阴虚阳亢的人群而言，晒背并不适合，这类人群往往容易上火，出现咽喉肿痛、大便秘结症状。
For individuals with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and young children, normal sun exposure is sufficient without special back sunbathing.
对于患有基础疾病的人群、孕妇、幼儿来说，正常晒太阳即可，无需特意进行晒背。
Eating Fu Lamb: In some regions, there is a custom of eating lamb during Sanfu Days, such as in Xiaoxian County, Anhui, and Shanxian County, Shandong.
吃伏羊：在一些地方，存在三伏天吃伏羊的习俗，例如在安徽萧县、山东单县等地。
There are popular sayings like “Eat Fu lamb for health,” “A bowl of Fu lamb soup replaces a doctor’s prescription,” and “Eating Fu lamb in Sanfu Days extends longevity.”
民间流传着“吃伏羊、享健康”“伏羊一碗汤，不用神医开药方”“伏天吃伏羊，越吃越长寿”等说法。在三伏天吃伏羊，采用以热制热的方式，有助于排汗排毒、祛湿散寒、增强体质等。

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