2018考研英语常见语法长难句解析（17）

 　In theory, awards both embody and cement a nation's values. They mark our communal appreciation of an individual's service or distinction – the contribution they have made to society, perhaps inspiring through an eye-catching achievement, perhaps serving tirelessly but without attracting attention.

　　But in reality, the meritorious look more like window dressing for honours than their justification of existence. Too many awards appear to be at best irrelevant baubles, at worst exceptional favours, serving more to divide than to unite us.

　　一个In theory, 一个 But in reality ,这就足以知道文章对于授勋系统的态度是负面的。

　　长难句解析：

　　In theory, awards both embody(体现) and cement(巩固) a nation's values. They mark our communal(共同) appreciation of an individual's service or distinction (成就)– the contribution they have made to society, perhaps inspiring through an eye-catching achievement, perhaps serving tirelessly but without attracting attention.

　　1. an eye-catching achievement 引人注目的成就

　　2.serving tirelessly but without attracting attention 默默无闻的不懈努力

　　为这两个翻译点赞吧!

　　参考译文：理论上讲，奖项既体现也巩固一个民族的价值观。它们体现了我们对个人服务或成就(对社会的贡献，也许通过一项引人注目的成就，也许默默无闻的不懈努力)的共同欣赏。

　　But in reality, the meritorious(功勋，奖励) look more like window dressing for honours(获得功勋的人) than their justification of existence. Too many awards appear to be at best irrelevant baubles, at worst exceptional favours, serving more to divide than to unite us.

　　At best; 顶多;说的好听

　　at worst; 最坏;说的难听

　　参考译文：但在现实中，那些功勋对于获得功勋的人而言更像是装点门户而不是表明他们存在的意义。太多的奖励说的好听不过是无关紧要的小装饰，说的难听则是令人震惊的恩惠。与其说它们团结了我们，不如说令我们产生隔阂。