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是提供生活所需，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。