1.曆史的概念
段落大意：曆史是對過去的研究，主要著眼於人類活動。
History is the study of the past, focusing on human activity. More exactly, history is the field of research producing a continuous narrative and a systematic analysis of past events of importance to the human race, including the study of events over time and their relation to humanity.
2.對曆史的解讀
段落大意：曆史不隻是收集史實，還需要對史實進行挑選、安排和解讀。
The purpose of history as a serious endeavor to understand human life is never fulfilled by the mere sifting （細究） of evidence for facts. Fact-finding only lays the foundation for selection, arrangement, and explanation that constitute historical interpretation. The process of interpretation begins with the selection of a subject for investigation, because the very choice of a particular event or society or institution is itself an act of judgment that asserts the importance of the subject. Once chosen, the subject itself suggests a provisional （暫時的） model or hypothesis （假設） that guides the research and helps historians assess and classify the available evidence and present a detailed and coherent （連貫的） account of the subject. The historians must respect the facts, avoid ignorance and error as far as possible, and create a convincing, intellectually satisfying interpretation.
3.史實的獲得
段落大意：一般而言，史實隻能通過間接資料獲取。曆史學家通過批判性地解讀這些曆史資料獲得史實。
Except for the special circumstance in which historians record events they themselves have witnessed, historical facts can only be known through intermediary （媒介的） sources. These sources include testimony from living witnesses; historical records; narrative materials, such as memoirs （回憶錄）, letters, and literature; the legal and financial records of courts, legislatures, religious institutions, or businesses; and the unwritten information derived from the physical remains of past civilizations, such as architecture, arts and crafts, burial grounds, and cultivated land. All these sources of information provide the evidence according to which the historian deciphers （解釋） historical facts. The relation between evidence and fact, however, is rarely simple and direct. The evidence may be biased or mistaken, fragmentary, or nearly unintelligible （無法了解的） after long periods of cultural or linguistic change. Historians, therefore, have to assess their evidence with a critical eye.
4.過去學習曆史的原因
段落大意：在過去，人們學習曆史原因之一在於是否了解曆史事實成為區分受教育者和未受教育者的標準。
In the past, history has been justified for reasons we would no longer accept now. For instance, one of the reasons why history holds its place in current education is that earlier leaders believed knowledge of certain historical facts helped distinguish the educated from the uneducated, and that the person who could identify the date of the Norman conquest of England or the name of the person who came up with the theory of evolution was deemed superior, a better candidate for law school or even a business promotion. Knowledge of historical facts has been used as a filtering device in many societies, from China to the United States, and the habit is still with us to some extent.
5.學習曆史的重要意義
段落大意：學習曆史有助於理解現在，更好地認識人性及人類文明，還能帶來樂趣。
It is commonly acknowledged that an understanding of the past is fundamental to an understanding of the present. The analysis and interpretation of history provide an essential context for evaluating contemporary institutions, politics, and cultures. Understanding the present configuration （結構） of society is not the only reason to study the past. History also provides unique insight into human nature and human civilization. By demanding that we see the world through the eyes of others, that we develop a sense of context and coherence while recognizing complexity and ambiguity, and that we acknowledge the record not only of human achievement but also of human failure, cruelty, and barbarity （暴行）, the study of history provides us with a richly-textured, substantive framework for understanding the human condition and contemplating moral questions and problems. History is essential to the traditional objectives of the liberal arts, the quest for wisdom and virtue. In addition, there is another reason to study history, its fun. History combines the excitement of exploration with the sense of reward born of successfully confronting and making sense of complex and challenging problems.
6.曆史與人類行為
段落大意：曆史對解釋和理解人類行為至關重要。
The importance of history in explaining and understanding change in human behavior is no mere abstraction. Take an important human phenomenon alcoholism as an example. Through biological experiments scientists have identified specific genes that seem to cause a proclivity （傾向） toward alcohol addiction in some individuals. This is a notable advance. However, alcoholism, as a social reality, has its history. Rates of alcoholism have risen and fallen over time, and they have varied from one group to another. Attitudes and policies toward alcoholism have also changed and varied. History is indispensable in understanding why such changes occur. Historians have in fact greatly contributed in recent decades to our understanding of trends in alcoholism and to our grasp of the dimensions of addiction as an evolving social problem.
7.曆史幫助預測未來
段落大意：人類利用曆史對未來進行預測。
Humans have long been interested in predicting the future. Human societies developed ways to think about the future in relation to historical time. That is, they became aware that their societies had pasts, and they tried to relate those pasts to the future. Most of the forecasts we deal with today, such as those that inform military or business policies, actively use history because the forecasters assume a connection among past, present, and future. As we will see, the types of connections on which predictions are based, as well as the success rate of those predictions, vary hugely.
8.利用曆史預測未來的三大模式
段落大意：利用曆史預測未來有三大模式，它們各有千秋，但在預測未來的準確性上都存有缺陷。
Three major types of predictive modes, or history-to-future thinking, exist. The first mode, one that is still widely used today, is based on assumptions about the recurrence of historical events and patterns. Analysts who employ this predictive mode assume that certain types of past developments will happen again, and that by understanding history, they can better handle future recurrences. This thinking lies behind the familiar phrase, “Those who do not know the past are condemned to repeat it.”The second predictive mode is by far the most dramatic, involving assumptions about a phenomenon called historical disruption. In this mode, prediction highlights the belief that some force is about to radically （根本地） change the course of history, and therefore, the future. The third predictive mode, not necessarily the newest but certainly the one developed most systematically during the past century, involves looking to recent history for the trends that are likely to continue in the future. Although this is the most conservative approach to using history to predict the future, it is often the most accurate. However, each of these attempts to use history as a basis for predicting the future is inherently flawed. Therefore, they do not provide entirely accurate descriptions of the future. Perhaps this is why some people continue to prefer fortune-tellers and astrological charts （星座盤） to predictions based on historical events.
9.學習曆史有利於工作
段落大意：學習曆史有利於工作。曆史學習有助於培養出優秀的商人、專業人士和政治領導人，能鍛煉學習者的研究技巧、查找及分析信息的能力，提高寫作、口頭技巧。
History is useful for work. Its study helps create good businesspeople, professionals, and political leaders. The number of explicit （明確的） professional jobs for historians is considerable, but most people who study history do not become professional historians. Professional historians teach at various levels, work in museums and media centers, do historical research for businesses or public agencies, or participate in the growing number of historical consultancies. Most people who study history use their training for broader professional purposes. Students of history find their experience directly relevant to jobs in a variety of careers as well as to further study in fields like law and public administration. Employers often deliberately seek students with the kinds of capacities developed in historical study, and the reasons are not hard to identify. By studying different phases of the past and different societies in the past, students of history acquire a broad perspective that gives them the range and flexibility required in many work situations. They develop research skills, the ability to find and evaluate sources of information, and the means to identify and evaluate diverse interpretations. Study of history also improves basic writing and speaking skills, and it is directly relevant to many of the analytical requirements in both the public and private sectors, where the capacities to identify, assess, and explain trends is essential. Historical study is unquestionably an asset for a variety of work and professional situations. Besides, history particularly prepares students for the long haul in their careers, its qualities helping students adapt and advance beyond entry-level employment. There is no denying that in our society many people who are drawn to historical study worry about its relevance to their work. In our changing economy, there is concern about job futures in most fields. Historical training is not, however, an indulgence （嗜好）. It applies directly to many careers and can clearly help us in our working lives.
10.學習曆史有助於成為好公民
段落大意：學習曆史有助於成為好公民。曆史讓公民了解國家的興起、麵臨的問題以及價值觀等，有助於提升國家認同感和對國家的忠誠度。曆史還讓公民了解思想觀念的變化。
Study of history is essential for good citizenship. This is the most common justification for the place of history in school curricula. Advocates of history maintain that history promotes national identity and loyalty by vivid stories and lessons about individual success and morality. However, the importance of history for citizenship goes beyond this narrow goal. History provides data about the emergence of national institutions, problems, and values. It’s the only significant storehouse of such data available. It also offers evidence about how nations have interacted with other societies, providing international and comparative perspectives essential for responsible citizenship. Further, studying history helps us understand how recent, current, and prospective changes that affect the lives of citizens are emerging or may emerge and what causes are involved. More important, studying history encourages habits of mind that are vital for responsible public behavior, whether as a national or community leader, an informed voter, a petitioner （請願人）, or a simple observer.