新西兰英语 450 After-shocks continue in Christchurch

 　　Christchurch had more small after-shocks today. Two of them were over 4.0 on the Richter scale¹. Yesterday three after-shocks were 4.4 or 4.5.

　　Since the big earthquake on September 4th last year, the province of Canterbury has had 7350 after-shocks but most of them have been small; however there have been 230 after-shocks of 4.0 or more and 30 after-shocks bigger than 5.0.

　　Geologists² have been busy mapping the land and the sea near Christchurch. New technology can help them find some hidden faults. However, they do not know if these faults will cause an earthquake. The other technology used by geologists is the computer. These people look at statistics³ from similar earthquakes around the world and then tell us what we can expect to come. Right now, geologists are telling us there is a 30% chance of another big one – at least 6.0 – in the next year.

　　These after-shocks affect damaged buildings which often suffer more damage. They also affect people who have become more worried and nervous. It is hard for children too. Many of them are frightened.

　　Grammar

　　Note the present perfect tense which is used to show something that started in the past (Since the big earthquake) but continues today e.g. has had 7350 after-shocks; have been small; have become more worried. The progressive⁴ form – have been mapping – gives the idea of actively⁵ working over the period.

　　Many adjectives⁶ have two forms – one for the person affected⁷ and one for the thing that affects them e.g. people are worried – earthquakes are worrying; children are frightened – earthquakes are frightening; buildings are damaged – earthquakes are damaging.

　　Question

　　What can parents and teachers do to help frightened children?

1 scale   

n.比例；程度；范围

参考例句：

• The scale of this map is an inch to a mile.这张地图的比例尺是一英寸代表一英里。
• He's in business on a small scale.他做的是小本生意。

2 geologists   

地质学家，地质学者( geologist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• Geologists uncovered the hidden riches. 地质学家发现了地下的宝藏。
• Geologists study the structure of the rocks. 地质学家研究岩石结构。

3 statistics   

n.统计，统计数字，统计学

参考例句：

• We have statistics for the last year.我们有去年的统计资料。
• Statistics is taught in many colleges.许多大学都教授统计学。

4 progressive   

adj.先进的；前进的，渐进的；进行式的

参考例句：

• There is often a progressive loss of sight in old age.上了年纪的人视力逐步减退。
• It's a progressive idea.这是一种进步的思想。

5 actively   

adv.积极地，勤奋地

参考例句：

• During this period all the students were actively participating.在这节课中所有的学生都积极参加。
• We are actively intervening to settle a quarrel.我们正在积极调解争执。

6 adjectives   

n.形容词( adjective的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• We can form nouns from adjectives. 我们可以用形容词来构成名词。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Attributive adjectives precede the noun. 定语形容词位于名词前。 来自《简明英汉词典》

7 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。