II Complete the following sentences with the words and phrases given in the
box. Each one is to be used only once.
1. paralyzed 2. economical 3. breakdowns 4. in addition to 5. Small wonder 6. compete for 7. soared 8. overshadowed 9. Based on 10. enables 11. drowned out 12. banned 13. transition 14. end up 15.epitomizes
III Translate the following into English, using some words and phrases from Language Focus II.
1. Our car wound its way through the mountain. Beautiful scenery was everywhere to be
seen on the road; we couldn’t help but be impressed.
2. After elaborate arrangements, Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony unfolded a visual
banquet to the world.
3. The annual environment conservation campaigns aim to restore the delicate balance
between man and nature.
4. The article gives us a real insight into the cause of present food crisis.
5. The moment Wenchuan earthquake was reported, the Red Cross was flooded with calls
about donations.
6. The ancient architectures and the modern ones complement each other, adding a special
charm to the city.
IV Oral Paraphrase: Explain the following passage in English. Try to use the words and
expressions in the texts you have learned.
The middle class increasingly forgoes bicycles---the environmentally friendly and energy efficient transport--- in favor of the car. Some four million bikes now compete for road space with more than two million cars, and a quick glance at the newly constructed overpasses and ring roads clearly shows which means of transport has been getting priority. Fewer and fewer people are riding bikes because of the inconvenience and the increased dangers that cars bring to the road. However, the improvement in the state economy, the traffic situation and city management does not mean that we should say a final and complete farewell to the bicycle. Some people will still choose this non-polluting, small and green transport tool.
