P10
1. functionally illiterate: practically, operatively
2. a want ad: (esp.) Am E. a small newspaper advertisement
stating that sth. or sb. is wanted
P11
1. inalienable: inviolable, unassailable, absolute,
may be a violable human right, may not be as important
as that of equality, sacred
2.
Literacy may not be … even unattainable: To the American
people, the ability to read and write is a violable,
sufferable human right (which can be acquired, but
to the members of Americans Constitutional Convention
, as “men are born equal, equality endorsed by birth)
were as well-educated, it was not only reasonable
but also achievable.
3. We are not … of attaining it: From our national
point of view, we are not achieving this literacy
(human right) and what is even worse, judging by the
statistical figures, we even are falling far below
the point of average literacy.
4. simplistic: na?ve, simple-minded
5.
And, while I would not … is an influence: Of course
I would not be so much simple-minded as to think (say)
that television has caused the degree of illiteracy
in the United States today, but I am sure that television
does help accelerate illiteracy and have a considerate
influence over it.
P12
1. linkage: a set of links; the facts and ways of
being connected
2. resolution: formal decision; determination; action
of resolving; solution; resolving, clearing-up; working-out
3. sell: try to get (make) the people to take (accept)…
4. neat: efficient, competent, purposive, intelligent,
dexterous, systematic, succinct, clearly expressed
in a few words, correct, accurate; clean; exciting,
striking
5.
It is all symbolized in my mind… toothpaste: It (the
previous sentence: national television medium which
tries to solve social problems through its programs)
can be seen in the television programs—the kind of
successful art television has made the essential part
of our culture—the very simple and short piece of
advertisement: a simple-minded housewife is totally
satisfied in finding her favorite toothpaste.
6. wholesale: in large scale, in large number
7. Note the contrast shown in this paragraph between
everything about the nation has become more complex…
and the television medium is forcing trivial matter
on the nation.
8. The tiny drama of the earnest housewife…: a short
advertising play with the earnest house-wife playing
the leading role
