In this age of globalization, English language skills are more important than ever before. With English skills key to professional success, a growing number of parents have their children begin studying English at the earliest of ages. In some countries, pre-schools offering English instruction have become a common sight. For some educators, English teaching to very young children is a worrying trend. They question whether or not such early introduction of a foreign language will have a harmful effect on the native language.
在全球化时代， 英语能力比以往任何时候都重要。 鉴于英语技能对职业成功的重要性， 越来越多的父母让孩子尽早开始学习英语。 在一些国家， 幼儿园英语教学已成为一种常见的景象。 对于一些教育家而言， 教低龄儿童学外语这一趋势令人担忧。 他们质疑过早让孩子接触外语是否会对母语产生有害影响。
① 句式结构 本段落的句式结构较为简单， 翻译时基本采用顺译的原则。 其中第一句考查比较句型的翻译。 第二句中使用 了 with 结构作伴随状语， 相当于： With English skills being key to professional success。 第三、四句中均使用了现 在分词结构作主语。 最后一句中question 为动词， 表示 “ 质疑 ” ， 后面接 whether or not引导的宾语从句。
② 重点词汇
globalization全球化
be key to...是……的关键
professional success职业成功
a common sight一种常见的景象
have a harmful effect on对……产生有害影响
native language母语