英语听力精选进阶版 7334

法国总统弗朗索瓦·奥朗德希望他的美国之行将提高他在国内的民信度，法国人对他整合国家经济的能力抱有疑虑。这是自 1996 年以来法国总统首次对美进行国事访问。

Fran?ois Hollande's visit to Washington signals a new era in US-French relations.

Forgotten are the days when France stood opposed to the US venture in Iraq; gone from the menu are the Freedom Fries. These days, the two countries find themselves largely in step on a wide range of international issues.

France's robust¹ military response to threats in Mali and the Central African Republic, their tough stance on Iran's nuclear programme and Mr Hollande's willingness to strike the Syrian regime - albeit² that the US stood in his way - have put France in a leading position among Washington's traditional allies.

Quiz 听力测验

Was the US willing to attack the Syrian regime?

No. France was willing to but the US stood in its way.

Do France and the US have the same opinion on many international issues?

Yes, they are in step on a wide range of international issues.

Did France respond strongly in the Central African Republic?

Yes, they made a robust response to threats in the Central African Republic.

Which word means a 'new activity which contains some risk'?

Venture.

Glossary 词汇表

era 时代，纪元

venture （新的）风险，冒险

in step （想法）一致

robust 强劲的，坚定的

tough stance 强硬的立场

albeit that 虽然，尽管

1 robust   

adj.强壮的，强健的，粗野的，需要体力的，浓的

参考例句：

• She is too tall and robust.她个子太高，身体太壮。
• China wants to keep growth robust to reduce poverty and avoid job losses,AP commented.美联社评论道，中国希望保持经济强势增长，以减少贫困和失业状况。

2 albeit   

conj.即使；纵使；虽然

参考例句：

• Albeit fictional,she seemed to have resolved the problem.虽然是虚构的，但是在她看来好象是解决了问题。
• Albeit he has failed twice,he is not discouraged.虽然失败了两次，但他并没有气馁。