英语听力精选进阶版 7257（在线收听）

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。

Detailed it is but modest it certainly isn't. The editorial sets out in precise terms where China can expect to win gold medals. In gymnastics the haul 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 setting 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 agency 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