118. Which approach to life do you prefer, life with change or without?

Some people enjoy change, and look forward to new experiences while others enjoy a steady paced, habitual existence. Both of these life styles have their own merits, but one thing is for certain: change is unavoidable, and we had best be prepared for all situations that come our way.

For my day-to-day activities, I enjoy a comparatively stable lifestyle. I get up in the morning, shower, eat breakfast and get ready for work. I have a stable, somewhat long-term job, which I enjoy. After work, I come home, eat dinner, and relax before going to bed. I take pleasure in all of these activities, and appreciate the stability.

However, sometimes change happens, and I look forward to that as well. For example, a few months ago, I held a position in a company that did not treat its employees very well. The job was monotonous, and I did not enjoy it very much. The work was not difficult, but I felt that something was lacking. Out of the blue, I received a job offer that was much more in tune with my current interests from another company. I jumped at the opportunity to try something new. The idea of change was very exciting, and I welcomed it.

Change can also be negative, however. Sometimes, terrible things happen unexpectedly and leave you feeling lost. For example, one could lose his/her job, or much worse, a family member or a friend could die. This type of change, of course, is unwelcome. We all must do our best to deal with these adjustments, and make the best of any situation that comes our way.

In conclusion, for the most part, I enjoy a stable, routine life. At the same time, however, I am always ready to change if it is advantageous to my position in life. I believe it is important to always be ready for change, because it is unavoidable.

译文

118. 你喜欢何种生活方式，经常变动的还是一成不变的？

有些人喜欢改变，而且盼望着新的经历，而其他一些人则喜欢速度平稳、习惯性的生活方式。这两种生活方式都有它们各自的优点，但有一点可以肯定：变化是不可避免的，所以我们最好为自己遇到的所有境况都做好准备。

对于我的日常活动，我喜欢一个比较稳定的生活方式。我早晨起床，淋浴，吃早餐，接着准备上班。我有一个稳定、比较长久的工作，我很喜欢。下班之后，我回到家，吃晚餐，并且在上床之前放松一下。所有这些活动让我感到愉快，而且我也喜欢这种稳定。

然而，有时候会发生变化，而且我也对此颇为期待。比如，几个月前，我在一家不太善待雇员的公司里有一个职位。那份工作很单调，我不是非常喜欢。工作并不困难，但我感觉缺少点什么。突然，我得到了另外一家公司提供的一份工作，而且这更加符合我当前的兴趣。我抓住了尝试新事物的机会。改变的想法非常令人兴奋，而且对此我非常乐于接受。

但是，改变也可能是负面的。有时候，可怕的事情会不期而至，使你感到迷失。例如，一个人可能会丢掉工作，或是更糟糕的，失去一位家人或朋友。这种改变当然是不受欢迎的。我们都必须竭尽所能地去应对这些改变，尽力对我们所处的任何状况泰然处之。

总之，在多数情况下，我喜欢一种稳定有序的生活。然而同时，如果改变对我的生活有利，我随时准备着做出改变。我相信随时准备改变是重要的，因为它不可避免。

Word List

• steady ［ˈstedi］ adj. 平稳的，稳定的
• comparatively ［kəmˈpærətivli］adv. 比较地
• habitual ［həˈbitʃuəl］ adj. 习惯性的
• existence ［igˈzistəns］ n. 生活方式
• stable ［ˈsteibəl］ adj. 稳定的
• merit ［ˈmerit］ n. 优点
• monotonous ［məˈna:tnəs］ adj. 单调的
• for certain 肯定的
• out of the blue 意外地，突如其来地
• unavoidable ［ˌʌnəˈvɔidəbəl］adj. 不可避免的
• adjustment ［əˈdʒʌstmənt］n. 调整
• for the most part 在多数情况下
• day-to-day ［ˈdeitəˈdei］adj. 日常的，例行的
• routine ［ru:ˈti:n］ adj. 惯常的