How rural life becomes a modern fantasy

现代人为何憧憬乡村生活？

文章导读：你梦想过搬到乡村生活吗？在乡村小屋的清晨醒来，放眼窗外，满是无尽的绿色，真是悠闲自在……繁忙城市中的现代人为什么憧憬田园风光？

Step 1：文章精读 

Rolling hills and endless green pastures – those images are easy to conjure when thinking of the idyllic country lifestyle. When lockdowns descended upon many countries across the world during the pandemic, social media seemed to be dominated by pictures of cottages and village life – people getting away from it all. So, why is living in the countryside becoming a modern fantasy – and are there benefits to considering a slower pace of life?

It makes sense that some people would want to give up the crowded and noisy city streets for the perceived tranquillity of the traditional country life – especially during an event like a pandemic. The lockdowns and extensive periods of working from home have given people time to think about what they want from life. But it’s not just about having a greener place to look at out your window.

There is more evidence that relates to the benefits of rural living. Villages aren’t normally subject to the stop-go traffic we see in city centres, the buses fighting with taxis for dominance, or metro systems with trains that scream from one station to the next. In short, there’s less air pollution in your country retreat – a thing which increases the chances of developing respiratory conditions or heart disease. You also get more opportunities to take long walks and see the sights, meaning you can get more exercise. Less noise, more walks and better air can also lead to less stress and an increased life expectancy, according to studies such as one conducted by the British government in 2012.

However, there are some things that need to be considered. Living far from the hustle and bustle of the city means that some people may feel isolated or even lonely. And as people get older, life far from doctors or public transport could become a bit of a challenge. So, if you’re considering a change of pace and moving to a picturesque village, there is a range of pros and cons to consider before taking the plunge.

Step 2:英汉互译

 

rolling hills _______________

pastures _______________

idyllic _______________

cottage _______________

village_______________

get away from it all _______________

pace of life _______________

tranquillity _______________

rural _______________

air pollution _______________

retreat _______________

life expectancy_______________

hustle and bustle _______________

isolated _______________

picturesque_______________

take the plunge _______________

 

Step 3:  阅读课文并回答问题

1. What seemed to dominate social media during the pandemic?

2. What gave people time to think about what they wanted from life?

3. What issues do villages not have that cities have?

4. What factors can increase your life expectancy?

5. What are some of the potential issues with moving to the country?

Step 4:选择意思恰当的单词或词组来完成下列句子。

1. We’ve decided to _______ and move to the country.

A.pace of life           B.village                C. picturesque  D.take the plunge

2. I live in a peaceful little _______ far from the city. 

A. take the plunge         B.pace of life             C.village        D.picturesque

3. I used to hate the _______ so packed up and moved to a rural area.

A. isolated               B.hustle and bustle     C.take the plunge     D.picturesque

4. Your cottage is so beautiful – it’s _______.

A.picturesque           B.village                   C.take the plunge  D.pace of life  

5. The area that I live in is really quiet – it has a slower _______.

A.take the plunge         B.village                C.pace of life        D. picturesque