英语听力精选进阶版 17037

 

WBR: Wall Street Update 26 Mar¹ 15

Thu, 26 Mar 15

Renewed tension in the Middle East is taking its toll² on the financial markets. Oil prices have been volatile³, and shares lower, after a coalition⁴ led by Saudi Arabia launched air strikes in Yemen against Shia Houthi rebels. Saudi Arabia says its air strikes have destroyed the Houthi combat and control centre in the Yemeni capital, Sana'a. Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia accuses Iran, which is overwhelmingly Shia, of backing the rebels in their efforts to overthrow⁵ the Yemeni government. Mike Johnson asked Cary Leahy of Decision Economics about the effect on the markets. But first, Kate Dourian, senior editor at the Middle East Economic Survey in Dubai - how big a threat did she think the conflict was to international oil supplies?

1 mar   

vt.破坏，毁坏，弄糟

参考例句：

• It was not the custom for elderly people to mar the picnics with their presence.大人们照例不参加这样的野餐以免扫兴。
• Such a marriage might mar your career.这样的婚姻说不定会毁了你的一生。

2 toll   

n.过路(桥)费；损失，伤亡人数；v.敲(钟)

参考例句：

• The hailstone took a heavy toll of the crops in our village last night.昨晚那场冰雹损坏了我们村的庄稼。
• The war took a heavy toll of human life.这次战争夺去了许多人的生命。

3 volatile   

adj.反复无常的，挥发性的，稍纵即逝的，脾气火爆的；n.挥发性物质

参考例句：

• With the markets being so volatile,investments are at great risk.由于市场那么变化不定，投资冒着很大的风险。
• His character was weak and volatile.他这个人意志薄弱，喜怒无常。

4 coalition   

n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合

参考例句：

• The several parties formed a coalition.这几个政党组成了政治联盟。
• Coalition forces take great care to avoid civilian casualties.联盟军队竭尽全力避免造成平民伤亡。

5 overthrow   

v.推翻，打倒，颠覆；n.推翻，瓦解，颠覆

参考例句：

• After the overthrow of the government,the country was in chaos.政府被推翻后，这个国家处于混乱中。
• The overthrow of his plans left him much discouraged.他的计划的失败使得他很气馁。