新西兰英语 417 Christchurch Loses Rugby World Cup

　　Christchurch learnt today that the rugby games as part of the World Cup will be moved to other cities. This is because of damage to the stadium. There is damage to the field and damage to the stands where people sit. Another problem is the lack of accommodation for tourists. So many hotels in Christchurch have been damaged. About 35,000 visitors to Christchurch would need accommodation.
The damage to the stadium could be repaired in six months, just in time for the games but there are other priorities¹. Other repairs are more urgent²; for example repairs to homes and businesses are more urgent than repairs to sports fields.
The original schedule for the Rugby World Cup gave Christchurch five pool games – i.e. games between other countries in each pool (group) – and two quarter-finals. Now the quarter-finals will be played in Auckland and the pool games will go to other cities in the South Island.
The Christchurch mayor³ said this was a terrible loss to Christchurch. Local businesses were hoping that the games would help the local economy.
Vocabulary
stands – buildings with seats for spectators⁴
stadium – the field and the stands
priorities – some things are more important than other things so some things have priority⁵ or top priority.
original – first
schedule – programme
Grammar
“Another problem is the lack of accommodation.” Lack is a noun⁶ followed by “of” + a noun. “Lack” is also a verb followed by a direct object e.g. “Christchurch lacks accommodation.” The noun is more common.
Question
New Zealand will host the Rugby World Cup later this year. How will this help the New Zealand economy?

1 priorities   

n.先( priority的名词复数 )；优先；优先权；优先考虑的事

参考例句：

• The document provided a revealing insight into the government's priorities. 这份文件使人看出政府的轻重缓急是怎样安排的。
• We must work together to fund only our most important priorities. 我们必须共同努力，只为最重要的项目提供资金。 来自英汉非文学 - 政府文件

2 urgent   

a.紧急的，急迫的，紧要的

参考例句：

• He asked to see the manager for something urgent. 他有急事求见经理。
• A part of this urgent task was allotted to us. 这项紧急任务的一部分分给了我们。

3 mayor   

n.市长

参考例句：

• The new mayor said he would clean the city up.新市长说，他要整顿本市。
• The mayor hurried into his office,brushing off the reporters.市长赶快走进办公室，拒不接见记者。

4 spectators   

n.观众，旁观者( spectator的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The spectators were wilting visibly in the hot sun. 看得出观众在炎热的阳光下快支撑不住了。
• The policemen asked the spectators to stand well back. 警察要求旁观者靠后站。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 priority   

n.优先处理的事，居先，优先（权）

参考例句：

• The development of the national economy is a top priority.发展国民经济是应予以最优先考虑的事。
• Things should be taken up in order of priority.办事应有个先后次序。

6 noun   

n.名词

参考例句：

• What kind of noun is this?这是哪类名词？
• This word is a collective noun.这个词是个集体名词。