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(单词翻译:双击或拖选)
Unit 2
AN INTERVIEW
Pausanias, who was a Greek1 writer about 2,000 years ago, has come on a magical2 journey on March 18th 2007 to find out about the present-day Olympic Games. He is now interviewing Li Yan, a volunteer for the 2008 Olympic Games.
P: My name is Pausanias. I lived in what you call “Ancient Greece” and I used to write about the Olympic Games a long time ago. I’ve come to your time to find out about the present-day Olympic Games because I know that in 2004 they were held in my homeland. May I ask you some questions about the modern Olympics?
L: Good heavens! Have you really come from so long ago? But of course you can ask any questions you like. What would you like to know?
P: How often do you hold your Games?
L: Every four years. There are two main sets of Games-the Winter and Summer Olympics, and both are held every four years on a regular basis. The Winter Olympics are usually held two years before the Summer Games. Only athletes who have reached the agreed standard for their event will be admitted as competitors3. They may come from anywhere in the world.
P: Winter Games? How can the runners enjoy competing in winter? And what about the horses?
L: Oh no! There are no running races or horse riding events. Instead there are competitions like skiing4 and ice skating which need snow and ice. That’s why they’re called the Winter Olympics. It’s in the Summer Olympics that you have the running races, together with swimming, sailing5 and all the team sports.
P: I see. Earlier you said that athletes are invited from all over the world. Do you mean the Greek world? Our Greek cities used to compete against each other just for the honour of winning6. No other countries could join in, nor could slaves7 or women!
L: Nowadays any country can take part if their athletes are good enough. There are over 250 sports and each on has its own standard. Women are not only allowed, but play a very important role in gymnastics8, athletics9, team sports and …
P: Please wait a minute! All those events, all those countries and even women taking part! Where are all the athletes housed?
L: For each Olympics, a special village is built for them to live in, a main reception building, several stadiums for competitions, and a gymnasium10 as well.
P: That sounds very expensive. Does anyone want to host the Olympic Games?
L: As a matter of fact, every country wants the opportunity. It’s a great responsibility11 but also a great honour to be chosen. There’s as much competition among countries to host the Olympics as to win Olympic medals. The 2008 Olympics will be held in Beijing, China. Did you know that?
P: Oh yes! You must be very proud.
L: Certainly. And after that the 2012 Olympics will be held in London. They have already started planning for it. A new village for the athletes and all the stadiums will be built to the east of London. New medals will be designed of course and …
P: Did you say medals? So even the olive12 wreath13 has been replaced! Oh dear! Do you compete for prize money too?
L: No, we don’t. it’s still all about being able to run faster, jump higher and throw further. That’s the motto of the Olympics, you know-“Swifter, Higher and Stronger.”
P: Well, that’s good news. How interesting! Thank you so much for your time.
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1
Greek
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adj.希腊(人)的,希腊语的;n.希腊人;希腊语 | |
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2
magical
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adj.魔术的,有魔力的,不可思议的 | |
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3
competitors
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竞争者( competitor的名词复数 ); 对手; 参赛者; 竞赛者 | |
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4
skiing
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n.滑雪运动 | |
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5
sailing
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n.航行,航海术,启航 | |
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6
winning
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adj.获胜的,胜利的;吸引人的,有说服力的 | |
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7
slaves
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n.奴隶( slave的名词复数 );苦工;完全受(某事物)控制的人;完全依赖(某事物)的人v.奴隶般地工作,做苦工( slave的第三人称单数 ) | |
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8
gymnastics
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n.体操 | |
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9
athletics
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n.运动,体育,田径运动 | |
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10
gymnasium
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n.体育馆,健身房 | |
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11
responsibility
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n.责任,职责 | |
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12
olive
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n.橄榄,橄榄树,橄榄色;adj.黄绿色的,黄褐色的,橄榄色的 | |
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13
wreath
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n.花环,花圈,花冠 | |
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