英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable0511 - 中国学生为什么不发言？

 Topic1 China cuts interest rates to bolster¹ real economyChina's central bank has cut interest rates for the second time this year, amid a continuing economic slowdown.

It lowered its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 5.1%, saying the move was aimed at boosting development.

The news came on Mother's Day, and so netizens were all hyped up by saying that PBOC is the sweetest mom. How big is the cut? What's the cut for?

Topic2 Alibaba, Tencent Expand into Innovative² AccessTwo of China's largest Internet companies, Alibaba and Tencent, have responded to Chinese government calls for more online innovation by expanding into local government and business incubator services.

In many areas of public service, from public transit³ information portals to online marriage license⁴ registration⁵ services, Tencent and Alibaba have been competing fiercely for local government contracts.

What's the situation?

Topic3 Why Chinese Students are Quiet in ClassroomsAnswering teacher's questions should have been natural to students. However, a professor of Nanjing Normal University had to offer a 100-yuan reward in order to get a response.

What happened? Is it representative?

Topic4 Why Viagra sales are surging in ChinaPharmaceutical giant Pfizer says sales of Viagra rose 47% in China last year, making the Chinese market a rare bright spot for the brand.

Why should we care?

1 bolster   

n.枕垫；v.支持，鼓励

参考例句：

• The high interest rates helped to bolster up the economy.高利率使经济更稳健。
• He tried to bolster up their morale.他尽力鼓舞他们的士气。

2 innovative   

adj.革新的，新颖的，富有革新精神的

参考例句：

• Discover an innovative way of marketing.发现一个创新的营销方式。
• He was one of the most creative and innovative engineers of his generation.他是他那代人当中最富创造性与革新精神的工程师之一。

3 transit   

n.经过，运输；vt.穿越，旋转；vi.越过

参考例句：

• His luggage was lost in transit.他的行李在运送中丢失。
• The canal can transit a total of 50 ships daily.这条运河每天能通过50条船。

4 license   

n.执照，许可证，特许；v.许可，特许

参考例句：

• The foreign guest has a license on the person.这个外国客人随身携带执照。
• The driver was arrested for having false license plates on his car.司机由于使用假车牌而被捕。

5 registration   

n.登记，注册，挂号

参考例句：

• Marriage without registration is not recognized by law.法律不承认未登记的婚姻。
• What's your registration number?你挂的是几号？