英语听力精选进阶版 7257

中国新华社发表了一篇文章，预期中国将在本届伦敦奥运会上再次击败美国，成为获得金牌最多的国家。中国对奥运的自信心也体现出中国在世界舞台上越来越重要的地位。

Detailed¹ it is but modest it certainly isn't. The editorial² sets out in precise³ terms where China can expect to win gold medals. In gymnastics the haul⁴ could be nine, weight lifting offers up the opportunity for another five, and there could be medals won on the track. All told, China believes it can win thirty seven gold medals - enough to top the table.

What's perhaps surprising about this editorial is that it's been published in the first place. But in a country known for setting⁵ targets, it serves as a public warning to Chinese athletes not to disappoint.

Glory goes not only to the individual winner but the country as a whole. 

And Chinese fans can be unforgiving if their athletes fail to meet expectations, or in this case, specific targets. As for the host nation, Britain, there's some good news.

China's state-run news agency⁶ predicts it could finish third.

Quiz 听力测试

In which two sports does Xinhua newspaper predict a total of 14 gold medals?

Gymnastics and weight lifting.

Is this report putting a lot of pressure on Chinese athletes?

Yes, it is almost like a public warning to the Chinese athletes.

How would Chinese fans respond if their athletes didn't achieve their goal?

The Chinese fans can be unforgiving, meaning the athletes could face backlash from fans if they didn't do well.

What does the report predict for Britain in the medal table?

Britain could finish third in the medal table, which would be very good news for the host nation.

Glossary 词汇表

modest 谦虚的

editorial 报章上的社论

haul （口语）一次获得的量

all told 整个来说

top the table 位居榜首

it serves 它的作用

glory 荣耀

unforgiving 不原谅人的

host nation 主办国

predicts 预测

1 detailed   

adj.详细的，详尽的，极注意细节的，完全的

参考例句：

• He had made a detailed study of the terrain.他对地形作了缜密的研究。
• A detailed list of our publications is available on request.我们的出版物有一份详细的目录备索。

2 editorial   

adj.编者的，社论的；n.（报刊的）社论，重要评论

参考例句：

• For a full hour they argued over the wording of the editorial.他们为社论的措辞争论了一个小时。
• We now bring you the full text of the Renmin Ribao editorial.现在全文广播《人民日报》社论。

3 precise   

adj.精确的，恰好的，极清楚的

参考例句：

• At that precise moment, Miss Pulteney came into the office.就在那时，普尔特尼小姐走进了办公室。
• A scientist must be precise in making tests.科学家做试验必须精确。

4 haul   

vt./n.（用力）拖，拉，（用车等）拖运，运送

参考例句：

• It was a long haul home and we arrived exhausted.搬运回家的这段路程特别长,到家时我们已筋疲力尽。
• The rope stood up under the strain of the haul.这绳子经受不住紧拉。

5 setting   

n.背景

参考例句：

• The play has its setting in Vienna.该剧以维也纳为背景。
• Where and when a story takes place is called the setting.故事发生的地点和时间称为故事背景。

6 agency   

n.经办；代理；代理处

参考例句：

• This disease is spread through the agency of insects.这种疾病是通过昆虫媒介传播的。
• He spoke in the person of Xinhua News Agency.他代表新华社讲话。