英语听力精选进阶版 16246

 

Money:Ofgem accused over high bills 11 August 2014

Mon, 11 Aug 14

Ofgem may be to blame for high profits and prices, five former regulators have warned competition authorities investigating the sector¹. We look at whether simplifying tariffs² has given you a larger bill. Rural crime is rising, with a spate³ of sheep-rustling and an increase in the theft of farming tools driving up the figures. Plus, will Russian sanctions hit the British pork industry.

1 sector   

n.部门，部分；防御地段，防区；扇形

参考例句：

• The export sector will aid the economic recovery. 出口产业将促进经济复苏。
• The enemy have attacked the British sector.敌人已进攻英国防区。

2 tariffs   

关税制度； 关税( tariff的名词复数 )； 关税表； （旅馆或饭店等的）收费表； 量刑标准

参考例句：

• British industry was sheltered from foreign competition by protective tariffs. 保护性关税使英国工业免受国际竞争影响。
• The new tariffs have put a stranglehold on trade. 新的关税制对开展贸易极为不利。

3 spate   

n.泛滥，洪水，突然的一阵

参考例句：

• Police are investigating a spate of burglaries in the area.警察正在调查这一地区发生的大量盗窃案。
• Refugees crossed the border in full spate.难民大量地越过了边境。