141. While the inclination to procrastinate is common , one must fully consider the detrimental impact of unnecessary delays .

虽然拖延的倾向是普遍的，但是人们应该充分考虑到不必要的延误造成的有害影响。

142. The tendency to take things for granted is understandable , but the need for one to rationally evaluate the circumstances of any situation is absolutely essential .

想当然的倾向是可以理解的，但是，理智地估计任何情形的情况是完全必需的。

143. Most people are under the illusion that a college degree guarantees success . There is no such guarantee without hard work .

许多人错误地认为大学学位能保证成功。不努力工作就没有这样的保证。

144. Some stubbornly hold to the correctness of traditional practices , but in so doing they seem to totally ignore the fact that progress depends on change .

一些人固执地坚持传统做法的正确性，但是，他们这么做，似乎完全忽视了进步依靠变化的事实。

145. Generally speaking , previous parliamentary policy debates ignored the relevance of transparency .

总的来说，以前议会中针对政策的辩论忽视了透明度的重要性。

146. A precise definition of poverty is actually very difficult to determine . Where does one draw the line between those who are poor and those who are not ?

对贫困的精确定义实际上是很难的。如何在贫穷和非贫穷的人之间划一条界限呢？

147. Admittedly , bribery and corruption are endemic to our political and economic systems , but it doesn't necessarily follow that all politicians and business people resort to illicit behavior .

诚然，贿赂和腐败在我们的政治和经济系统中很流行，但这并不是说所有的政府官员和商界人士都采取违法行为。

148. There's little doubt that a third World War is avoidable , but it is highly unlikely that regional conflicts will disappear in the foreseeable future .

毫无疑问，第三次世界大战是可以避免的，但是，在可预见的将来地区冲突消失是非常不可能的。

149. Some people assume that investing in stock is a safe pursuit , but their assumption fails to hold water when considering the substantial risk involved .

有的人想当然地认为投资股票是有把握的事情，但是，考虑到涉及的巨大风险，他们的想当然就说不通了。

150. Some people have called for accelerated across-the-board changes . Their approach quite frankly ignores the need for gradual but effective changes .

一些人要求更快速的全盘改变。他们的做法的确忽略了渐进而有效的改变的必要性。
 

151. There is undoubtedly an element of truth in assertions that capital punishment is necessary , but proponents seem to ignore the fact that the practice has failed to deter heinous crimes .

毫无疑问，主张极刑的必要性有正确的成分，但是，支持者似乎忽略了这种做法不能阻止令人发指的罪行这一事实。

152. Many people assume that the extinction of a plant or animal species is of little consequence . Careful examination , however , reveals that the extinction of any one species disrupts the food chain , and the loss of a plant species leads to the disappearance of a key ingredient which might yield a cure for cancer .

许多人想当然地认为一种植物或动物的灭绝产生的后果很小。然而，仔细的考察揭示出任何一个物种的灭绝会破坏食物链，一种植物的消失造成有可能生成治疗癌症的药物的关键成分的缺失。

153. At first glance , the characteristics of Bugs BUnny seem comical . However , a closer examination reveals the cartoon character never creates a problem , and instead simply hopes for quiet and peaceful life . This suggests that cartoons most often teach children the difference between good and evil .

乍一看，流氓兔的性格似乎滑稽。然而，仔细观察发现这个卡通人物从不制造麻烦，相反，它只希望过安静平和的生活。这说明卡通在大多数情况下教授给儿童好与坏之间的区别。

154. Logically , calls for a New World Order sound valid , and I whole-heartedly agree with some points , but the absurdity arises when considering that the world's 200-odd nations have diverse agendas when it comes to development and diplomacy .

从逻辑而言，要求形成新的世界秩序听似正确，而且我真心实意地同意一些观点，但是，考虑到世界上二百余个国家在发展和外交上有不同的议事日程，这种要求就显得荒谬了。

155. In spite of claims to the contrary , it is common knowledge that corporal punishment most often has the exact opposite affect intended .

尽管有相反的主张，但是大家都知道体法在多数情况下产生适得其反的效果。

156. We were brought up to believe that the role of a man was to provide and the role of a woman was to care for the household and family . Today , however , role reversal is becoming increasingly commonplace .

我们从小就相信男人的角色市提供生活所需，女人的角色是照顾家庭和子女。然而，今天，角色的互换变得越来越普遍。

157. Some people tend to tenaciously cling to the misguided concept of racial superiority . Their persistence in doing so , however , does readily reveal the inferior mentality and social incompatibility of certain human beings .

一些人顽强地坚持种族优越性的错误观点。然而，他们坚持这样做正揭示了某些人自卑的心理和社会对立性。

158. Some people claim the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ) far exceeds that of Western-style pharmaceuticals . More often than not , however , the exact opposite is true .

有的人声称中药的功效远远好于西药。但是，通常情况下，事实正好相反。

159. Workers commonly complain that causes for labor disputes rest solely on the shoulders of management . Quite likely the opposite is true .

工人经常抱怨劳资纠纷的责任完全在管理者的肩上。很可能正好相反。

160. There are those who claim that competition brings out the best in people . Others contend it simply forces one person to prove he/she is better than another . Advocates vociferously support one position or the other . I suggest the former proposition bears greater relevance than the latter .

有些人认为竞争促使人们发挥出最优秀的东西。另一些人认为它只是强迫一个人证明他/她比别人更优秀。提倡者叫嚣着支持其中的一个立场。我认为前一个立场比后一个立场更恰当。