英语听力精选进阶版 6346

Britain had its fingers crossed this weekend as tennis star Andy Murray prepared to battle it out against Roger Federer to become the UK's first Wimbledon Men's Singles champion since 1936.

The weight of expectation was incredibly high: although Murray has fought his way to four Grand Slam finals, he's never managed to lift the trophy¹, so the pressure was on for history to be made.

Murray was considered the underdog against Federer, so spectators were on the edge of their seats when he managed to win the first set. But hopes began to fade when his opponent fought back, finally easing his way towards victory to become the Wimbledon champion for the seventh time.

This crushing blow for Murray was clear for all to see. Whilst Federer celebrated², the nation watched as heartbroken Murray took the microphone to address his fans in the crowd.

Murray choked back tears during his emotional speech, congratulating Federer on his performance and admitting that defeat was "tough to take." At one point during his speech he had to step away from the microphone to collect himself, giving many spectators a lump in their throat.

The player has often been criticised in the media for his apparent lack of emotion during interviews, but seeing the dejected player weep openly in front of the crowd has changed many people's opinions and won the hearts of a nation overnight.

Whilst Murray is sure to be haunted by the defeat for some time, he tried to remain positive about his elusive³ Grand Slam victory, humbly⁴ adding: "I'm getting closer."

Quiz 测验

1. What word is used to describe someone who is not likely to win?

underdog

2. How many times has Andy Murray got to a Grand Slam final?

four

3. What phrase is used to describe Murray’s defeat?

a crushing blow

4. What phrase describes stopping yourself from crying?

choked back tears

5. What is another way to say 'disappointed'?

dejected

Glossary 词汇表

fingers crossed 祈愿

to battle it out 拼搏一场

weight of expectation 厚望，期待值

pressure was on 有压力

underdog 受压迫者

the edge of their seats 急切关注

hopes began to fade 希望开始消失

crushing blow 致命打击

heartbroken 伤心

choked back tears 强忍泪水

emotional 感情冲动的

tough to take 难以接受

collect himself 让自己振作起来

lump in their throat 呜咽，哽塞

lack of emotion 缺少感情

dejected 灰心的，沮丧的

weep 哭泣

won the hearts 赢得…的心

haunted 被（失望）萦绕的

remain positive 保持积极乐观的态度

1 trophy   

n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品

参考例句：

• The cup is a cherished trophy of the company.那只奖杯是该公司很珍惜的奖品。
• He hung the lion's head as a trophy.他把那狮子头挂起来作为狩猎纪念品。

2 celebrated   

adj.有名的，声誉卓著的

参考例句：

• He was soon one of the most celebrated young painters in England.不久他就成了英格兰最负盛名的年轻画家之一。
• The celebrated violinist was mobbed by the audience.观众团团围住了这位著名的小提琴演奏家。

3 elusive   

adj.难以表达(捉摸)的；令人困惑的；逃避的

参考例句：

• Try to catch the elusive charm of the original in translation.翻译时设法把握住原文中难以捉摸的风韵。
• Interpol have searched all the corners of the earth for the elusive hijackers.国际刑警组织已在世界各地搜查在逃的飞机劫持者。

4 humbly   

adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地

参考例句：

• We humbly beg Your Majesty to show mercy. 我们恳请陛下发发慈悲。
• "You must be right, Sir,'said John humbly. “你一定是对的，先生，”约翰恭顺地说道。