The Goose
The pure white feathers of a goose put even the newly-fallen snow to blush．Proud of this dazzling gift of nature，she considered herself intended for a swan，rather than for that which she was．Accordingly，separating herself from her companions，she swam，solitarily and majestically，round the pond．She now stretched her neck，the treacherous 1 shortness of which she endeavoured to obviate 2 with all her might．Then she tried to give it the graceful 3 bend，which designates the beautiful swan the bird of Apollo．But in vain，it was toostiff，and with all her pains，she remained a ridiculous goose，without inspiring a single beholder 4 with the least idea of her resemblance to a swan．How many geese are there，without wings，who，for similar as-sumption，become laughing-stocks to their neighbours！
Exercises：
判断对（T）、错（F）：
① The goose became so proud because of her feathers．② She wanted to be a swan，rather than to be that which she was．③ At last she succeeded through her great efforts．④ She became a laughing-stock to her neighbours．
- The surface water made the road treacherous for drivers.路面的积水对驾车者构成危险。
- The frozen snow was treacherous to walk on.在冻雪上行走有潜在危险。
- Improved public transportation would obviate the need tor everyone to have their own car.公共交通的改善消除了每人都要有车的必要性。
- This deferral would obviate pressure on the rouble exchange rate.这一延期将消除卢布汇率面临的压力。
- His movements on the parallel bars were very graceful.他的双杠动作可帅了!
- The ballet dancer is so graceful.芭蕾舞演员的姿态是如此的优美。