English Learning
15-10-2023
NEWS- Israel turning the water back on in southern Gaza may signal that it is being prepared as a possible safe area for civilians, the BBC's chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet says.The decision, confirmed moments ago by Israel's energy minister, ends a days-long restriction by Israel on the water supply to the territory."That's another piece falling into place," Doucet tells our colleagues on the BBC News Channel.While the Israeli aerial bombardment continues in southern Gaza, this early sign suggests Israel is attempting to "divide the strip" and "go through it piece by piece, rather than everyone being on the run with nowhere to go", she says.Doucet adds: "I think, with every hour, we are seeing slowly this puzzle being put together - even though a lot of the pieces are missing and a lot of them still don't fit."
BBC News
WORDS
estimate
n.估算 v.估计；预计
eliminate
v.消除；排除
substantial
adj.大量的；重大的
grouch
n.经常抱怨的人；爱发牢骚的人
bribe
n.行贿；贿赂 v.贿赂
provoke
v.引起愤怒；挑衅
be bothered with
计较；费神
misery
n.痛苦；苦难
gaping
n.大口；缺口
infrastructure
n.基建
LONG SENTENCES
- "We estimate that either eliminating a substantial labor-rights concern, such as child labor, or increasing corporate giving by about 20% results in fines that generally are 40% lower than the typical punishment for bribing foreign officials," says one researcher.
( 2016 英语一 Text3 )
- Unhappy parents rarely are provoked to wonder if they shouldn't have had kids, but unhappy childless folks are bothered with the message that children are the single most important thing in the world: obviously their misery must be a direct result of the gaping baby-size holes in their lives.
( 2011 英语一 Text4 )
- China has achieved remarkable economic growth and development in recent decades. According to government statistics, China overtook Japan to become the world's second-largest economy in 2010. This growth has been powered by industrialization, exports, urbanization and domestic consumption.
However, experts point out that China's rapid growth has also created challenges. Environmental pollution and income inequality are two major issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a blow to China's economy in 2020, as lockdowns and travel restrictions caused disruptions. But swift containment measures allowed economic activity to rebound relatively quickly. The government took steps to encourage consumer spending, infrastructure building, and exports.
While incomes in urban areas have risen, inequality between urban and rural areas remains a concern. Many rural residents have moved to cities for better jobs and living conditions. However, housing costs and education expenses are increasingly unaffordable for some families.
Experts say the government is taking steps to promote more balanced development. Policies aim to reduce regional inequality, improve social services, and raise incomes for lower-wage workers. But solving these issues will take time.
In summary, China's growth has improved life for many, especially in cities. But challenges remain in addressing inequality, pollution, and other issues. The government hopes balanced policies can allow quality of life gains while maintaining economic momentum. Continued progress will depend on wise policymaking in Beijing.