VOA标准英语2011--Tunisian Prime Minister Resigns Amid Pro

Tunisia's prime minister, Mohammed Ghannouchi, announced his resignation amid ongoing¹ protests for the entire government to step down.
Tunisian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghannouchi's departure was not enough for the hundreds of protesters who massed in front of government offices.
Twenty-year-old student Mohammed Hizawi expressed the views of many here when he said he wanted a clean slate².
"We want the whole government to quit because it is not only him. They can put anyone instead of him, Gannouchi is nobody for us. The whole government is our request."
Ibtissem Sabry, 26, a Tunisian flag wrapped around her body, was suspicious of the resignation that followed three days of major protests in Tunis. Clashes between demonstrators and police on Saturday left at least three dead.
"I am asking myself the question, why did he resign today? Why not Friday? The day of anger?"
Ghannouchi's resignation capped an eventful day that saw youngsters clash with police wielding³ truncheons in downtown Tunis. But the later demonstration⁴ before government headquarters in the Casbah was peaceful and festive⁵. Vendors⁶ sold food and people of all ages took part. Tents are strewn around the area where people have been camping out for days.
"Tunis, Libya, Egypt! Revolution until victory!" the protesters here chanted of the popular movements sweeping⁷ across the Arab world sparked by Tunisia's so-called "Jasmine Revolution" in January. But a month after Tunisians ousted⁸ longtime president Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, this country's future is not certain.

1 ongoing   

adj.进行中的，前进的

参考例句：

• The problem is ongoing.这个问题尚未解决。
• The issues raised in the report relate directly to Age Concern's ongoing work in this area.报告中提出的问题与“关心老人”组织在这方面正在做的工作有直接的关系。

2 slate   

n.板岩，石板，石片，石板色，候选人名单；adj.暗蓝灰色的，含板岩的；vt.用石板覆盖，痛打，提名，预订

参考例句：

• The nominating committee laid its slate before the board.提名委员会把候选人名单提交全体委员会讨论。
• What kind of job uses stained wood and slate? 什么工作会接触木头污浊和石板呢？

3 wielding   

手持着使用（武器、工具等）( wield的现在分词 )； 具有； 运用（权力）； 施加（影响）

参考例句：

• The rebels were wielding sticks of dynamite. 叛乱分子舞动着棒状炸药。
• He is wielding a knife. 他在挥舞着一把刀。

4 demonstration   

n.表明，示范，论证，示威

参考例句：

• His new book is a demonstration of his patriotism.他写的新书是他的爱国精神的证明。
• He gave a demonstration of the new technique then and there.他当场表演了这种新的操作方法。

5 festive   

adj.欢宴的，节日的

参考例句：

• It was Christmas and everyone was in festive mood.当时是圣诞节，每个人都沉浸在节日的欢乐中。
• We all wore festive costumes to the ball.我们都穿着节日的盛装前去参加舞会。

6 vendors   

n.摊贩( vendor的名词复数 )；小贩；（房屋等的）卖主；卖方

参考例句：

• The vendors were gazundered at the last minute. 卖主在最后一刻被要求降低房价。
• At the same time, interface standards also benefIt'software vendors. 同时，界面标准也有利于软件开发商。 来自About Face 3交互设计精髓

7 sweeping   

adj.范围广大的，一扫无遗的

参考例句：

• The citizens voted for sweeping reforms.公民投票支持全面的改革。
• Can you hear the wind sweeping through the branches?你能听到风掠过树枝的声音吗？

8 ousted   

驱逐( oust的过去式和过去分词 )； 革职； 罢黜； 剥夺

参考例句：

• He was ousted as chairman. 他的主席职务被革除了。
• He may be ousted by a military takeover. 他可能在一场军事接管中被赶下台。