英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable0930 - 国产剧打死不变的情节

 Topic 1: Too many skyscrapers¹ and poor DrainageMany Asian countries are enthusiastic about building skyscrapers as the emblem² of a vibrant³ finance sector⁴.

This is particularly true for China, which is estimated to become the world's "tallest" country by 2018.

But underneath⁵ these urban high rises, a city's underground infrastructure⁶ might not as beautiful as some Chinese cities only focus on building skyscrapers and pay little attention to update the drainage system whilst the city expands.

Is there a problem with cities being just pretty but not functional⁷?

Topic 2: Premature⁸ demolitionIn China, premature demolition⁹ of buildings generate at least 400 million tons of waste every year, 40% of the total trash amount in the country and contributes to at least 10% of all carbon emissions¹⁰.  This has lead many to question why in the world are these buildings being torn down.

How big of a problem is premature demolition?

Topic 3: Strict food regulation in LiaoningRecently, the legislature of Liaoning passed stricter food safety regulation stipulating¹¹ that for small restaurants with operating area under 60 square meters or seats under 30, they are forbidden from selling cold dishes, fresh aquatic¹² products, decorated cake and or preparing food without heating.

Should we make it so strict?

Topic 4: China to face $100 bln tourism deficitChina has a trade surplus with almost every country it does business with.  However, there is one area where China is in a huge deficit¹³: tourism.

China is set to see its tourism deficit exceed 100 billion U.S. dollars this year.

That means Chinese traveling overseas spend much more than foreign visitors in China.

Why the deficit?

Topic 5: No Taxi for You!

Recently, a pregnant woman in Beijing complains that when she tries to get a taxi in the downtown area, she was refused by 5 drivers.

Her complain has been echoed by many females who also find it was difficult for them to get a taxi when they were pregnant.

Does this really happen all that often?

Topic 6: Cliché plot devicesWhen you're sitting at home watching another Hollywood movie or local drama, do you ever feel that some of the scenes are just all-too familiar?  Turns out you're not the only one.  Recently, Chinese Internet users came up with a list of 60 classic plot devices.

How often do you think this happens?

1 skyscrapers   

n.摩天大楼

参考例句：

• A lot of skyscrapers in Manhattan are rising up to the skies. 曼哈顿有许多摩天大楼耸入云霄。
• On all sides, skyscrapers rose like jagged teeth. 四周耸起的摩天大楼参差不齐。

2 emblem   

n.象征，标志；徽章

参考例句：

• Her shirt has the company emblem on it.她的衬衫印有公司的标记。
• The eagle was an emblem of strength and courage.鹰是力量和勇气的象征。

3 vibrant   

adj.震颤的，响亮的，充满活力的，精力充沛的，(色彩)鲜明的

参考例句：

• He always uses vibrant colours in his paintings. 他在画中总是使用鲜明的色彩。
• She gave a vibrant performance in the leading role in the school play.她在学校表演中生气盎然地扮演了主角。

4 sector   

n.部门，部分；防御地段，防区；扇形

参考例句：

• The export sector will aid the economic recovery. 出口产业将促进经济复苏。
• The enemy have attacked the British sector.敌人已进攻英国防区。

5 underneath   

adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面

参考例句：

• Working underneath the car is always a messy job.在汽车底下工作是件脏活。
• She wore a coat with a dress underneath.她穿着一件大衣，里面套着一条连衣裙。

6 infrastructure   

n.下部构造，下部组织，基础结构，基础设施

参考例句：

• We should step up the development of infrastructure for research.加强科学基础设施建设。
• We should strengthen cultural infrastructure and boost various types of popular culture.加强文化基础设施建设，发展各类群众文化。

7 functional   

adj.为实用而设计的，具备功能的，起作用的

参考例句：

• The telephone was out of order,but is functional now.电话刚才坏了，但现在可以用了。
• The furniture is not fancy,just functional.这些家具不是摆着好看的，只是为了实用。

8 premature   

adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的

参考例句：

• It is yet premature to predict the possible outcome of the dialogue.预言这次对话可能有什么结果为时尚早。
• The premature baby is doing well.那个早产的婴儿很健康。

9 demolition   

n.破坏,毁坏,毁坏之遗迹

参考例句：

• The church has been threatened with demolition for years. 这座教堂多年来一直面临拆毀的威胁。
• The project required the total demolition of the old bridge. 该项目要求将老桥完全拆毁。

10 emissions   

排放物( emission的名词复数 )； 散发物（尤指气体）

参考例句：

• Most scientists accept that climate change is linked to carbon emissions. 大多数科学家都相信气候变化与排放的含碳气体有关。
• Dangerous emissions radiate from plutonium. 危险的辐射物从钚放散出来。

11 stipulating   

v.（尤指在协议或建议中）规定，约定，讲明（条件等）( stipulate的现在分词 )；规定，明确要求

参考例句：

• Shall we first sign a barter trade agreement stipulating the general terms and conditions? 我们先签一个易货贸易协议，规定一般性条款，行吗？ 来自互联网
• The other firm are stipulating for and early exchange of information regarding the contract. 作为协议条件，另一家公司坚持要求早日交换有关合同的信息。 来自互联网

12 aquatic   

adj.水生的，水栖的

参考例句：

• Aquatic sports include swimming and rowing.水上运动包括游泳和划船。
• We visited an aquatic city in Italy.我们在意大利访问过一个水上城市。

13 deficit   

n.亏空，亏损；赤字，逆差

参考例句：

• The directors have reported a deficit of 2.5 million dollars.董事们报告赤字为250万美元。
• We have a great deficit this year.我们今年有很大亏损。