High 3 · Reading series
Lesson 12 · A Group That Called Itself Open
Audio track 12
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Our discussion club described itself as open to everyone. New students were welcome, and no one had to pay. Yet most first-time visitors never returned. We blamed their lack of interest until one student explained what the first meeting felt like.
Members used old jokes, referred to rules that were not written down, and chose debate topics before newcomers arrived. A visitor could enter the room but not easily enter the conversation. We invited several former visitors to describe the obstacles, while making clear that they did not have to defend their decision to leave.
The club changed its opening routine. We explained the topic, offered a short reading in advance, and let newcomers ask questions before the debate began. Some still chose other activities, which was fine. More important, their choice was now informed rather than shaped by confusion.
An open door is a useful beginning. It is not proof of belonging. We learned to look at what happens after a person walks through it.
Check your understanding
After reading, state the main idea in one sentence and find a line that supports it.
Chinese translation
讨论社自称向所有人开放：欢迎新生参加，也不用交钱。可多数第一次来的访客后来都没有再来。我们原怪他们缺少兴趣，直到一位学生讲起第一次开会的感受。
老成员说只有自己懂的笑话，引用从没写下的规则，还在新人到场前选定辩论题目。访客走得进房间，却很难加入谈话。我们请几位曾来过的人说说遇到的障碍，并说明他们不必为离开辩解。
社团改变了开场方式：先说明主题，提前提供简短阅读材料，让新成员在辩论前提问。有人仍选择参加别的活动，那也没关系。更重要的是，如今他们是在了解情况后作选择，而不是被困惑推着走。
打开门是有用的开端，却不足以证明人有归属感。我们学会继续看：人走进门后发生了什么。
Key words and expressions
Key terms have Chinese explanations. Hover over dotted words in the English passage for word help and pronunciation when available.
- described
- 自称；社团说自己开放。
- visitors
- 访客；初次参加后多未再来。
- blamed
- 责怪；原先认为新人没兴趣。
- referred to
- 提及；成员说起未写出的规则。
- newcomers
- 新成员；很难加入内部谈话。
- obstacles
- 障碍；请离开的学生说明。
- defend
- 辩解；无需为不再参加找理由。
- routine
- 惯例；开会方式后来改变。
- informed
- 知情的；选择建立在理解上。
- belonging
- 归属感；开门只是第一步。
Background notes (Chinese)
免收费、允许进入不等于能参与讨论。社团通过明确规则、提前发资料和给新人提问机会，减少隐性的参与门槛。