Background Information How Britain gained naval supremacy Some facts & figures about the recent naval expansion of the Soviet Union North Sea Oil
Detailed Study of the Text Language Points
Exercises Exercise Ⅳ
Exercise Ⅵ
Exercise Ⅹ
Background InformationBackground Information
How Britain gained naval supremacy
Facts and figures
North Sea oil
How Britain gained naval How Britain gained naval supremacysupremacy
⒈⒈ In mediaeval times, the trade of the world anIn mediaeval times, the trade of the world and the center of maritime power lay in the Meditd the center of maritime power lay in the Mediterranean Sea.erranean Sea.
⒉ ⒉ The discovery of the Cape route to India and the The discovery of the Cape route to India and the discovery of the American continent shifted the cendiscovery of the American continent shifted the center from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean.ter from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean.
⒊ ⒊ The early major sea powers were the Netherlands, The early major sea powers were the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and France.Portugal, Spain and France.
How Britain gained naval How Britain gained naval supremacysupremacy
⒋ ⒋ Henry Henry ⅦⅦ (1485-1509) laid the foundation of (1485-1509) laid the foundation of the British merchant navy.the British merchant navy.
⒌ ⒌ Henry (1491-1547) founded the British RoⅧHenry (1491-1547) founded the British RoⅧyal Navy. He created ships specially manned anyal Navy. He created ships specially manned and commissioned to fight and his shipbuilders ded commissioned to fight and his shipbuilders designed a new kind of ship (firing broadsides), besigned a new kind of ship (firing broadsides), better adapted to the ocean and to manoeuvring in tter adapted to the ocean and to manoeuvring in battles.battles.
How Britain gained naval How Britain gained naval supremacysupremacy
⒍ ⒍ In 1588, Elizabeth (1558-1603) defeated the ⅠIn 1588, Elizabeth (1558-1603) defeated the ⅠSpanish Armada, a fleet of 130 great ships, sent by Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 great ships, sent by King Philip of Spain against England. There was ⅡKing Philip of Spain against England. There was Ⅱa running gun fight in the British Channel and the Aa running gun fight in the British Channel and the Armada was routed. The remnant of the Spanish fleermada was routed. The remnant of the Spanish fleet later met a storm along the coasts of Scotland and t later met a storm along the coasts of Scotland and Ireland. Out of the 130 ships, only about half reachIreland. Out of the 130 ships, only about half reached home. This victoryed home. This victory established England as a majestablished England as a major sea power.or sea power.
How Britain gained naval How Britain gained naval supremacysupremacy
⒎ ⒎ The battle of Trafalgar took place on October 21, The battle of Trafalgar took place on October 21, 1805, between the British fleet and the combined Fre1805, between the British fleet and the combined French and Spanish fleet, off Spain’s Cape Trafalgar. Thnch and Spanish fleet, off Spain’s Cape Trafalgar. The British fleet, 33 ships in all, was commanded by Ade British fleet, 33 ships in all, was commanded by Admiral Nelson. The battle ended with the capture of 20 miral Nelson. The battle ended with the capture of 20 French ships. Nelson was badly wounded and died sFrench ships. Nelson was badly wounded and died shortly before the battle came to and end. The victory hortly before the battle came to and end. The victory established Britain’s naval supremacy which was uncestablished Britain’s naval supremacy which was unchallenged for over a century.hallenged for over a century.
Some facts & figures about the Some facts & figures about the recent naval expansion of the recent naval expansion of the Soviet UnionSoviet Union
⒈ ⒈ The total tonnage of the Soviet maritime fleet in 1The total tonnage of the Soviet maritime fleet in 1950 was 2.1 million tons, ranking 21 in world tonnag950 was 2.1 million tons, ranking 21 in world tonnage. Between 1971 and 1975, the Soviet Union Spent e. Between 1971 and 1975, the Soviet Union Spent $ 2.8 billion on buying 990 ships from Japan, Britain $ 2.8 billion on buying 990 ships from Japan, Britain and other European countries. By 1979, the Soviet and other European countries. By 1979, the Soviet Union had a fleet of 7,997 ships, with a total tonnagUnion had a fleet of 7,997 ships, with a total tonnage of over 32 million tons, accounting for 5.6 percent e of over 32 million tons, accounting for 5.6 percent of world tonnage. The average ship age of two-thirdof world tonnage. The average ship age of two-thirds of the fleet was under ten.s of the fleet was under ten.
Some facts & figures about the Some facts & figures about the recent naval expansion of the recent naval expansion of the Soviet UnionSoviet Union
⒉ ⒉ The total volume of Russian seaborne trade in The total volume of Russian seaborne trade in 1976 was 214.5 million tons, an increase of 370 1976 was 214.5 million tons, an increase of 370 per cent over that in 1953. in 1976 alone, the per cent over that in 1953. in 1976 alone, the Soviet Union netted 600 million dollars of foreign Soviet Union netted 600 million dollars of foreign exchange.exchange.
North Sea oilNorth Sea oil
Today Britain has discovered 50 oil fields in Today Britain has discovered 50 oil fields in the North Sea, with a reserve of 2.2 billion the North Sea, with a reserve of 2.2 billion tons. Production began in the second half tons. Production began in the second half of 1975 and went up gradually. In 1976 of 1975 and went up gradually. In 1976 production of crude oil reached 52.8 million production of crude oil reached 52.8 million tons. It was estimated that by 1980 tons. It was estimated that by 1980 production would rise to about 110 million production would rise to about 110 million tons. By then Britain would become self-tons. By then Britain would become self-sufficient in oil.sufficient in oil.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
1.1. Britannia rues the waves:Britannia rues the waves:
Britain is sorry that she has lost her Britain is sorry that she has lost her dominance on the high seas; Britain regrets dominance on the high seas; Britain regrets that she no longer enjoys a naval supremacy.that she no longer enjoys a naval supremacy.
RueRue: repent of : regret having entered into; : repent of : regret having entered into; wish nonexistentwish nonexistent
The wavesThe waves: (poet. or rhet.) the sea: (poet. or rhet.) the sea
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
grabgrab: capture: capture
the headlinesthe headlines: titles of important news : titles of important news items,items,
2.2. Britain’s merchant navy … these days:Britain’s merchant navy … these days:
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
3. Shipping is also a significant British 3. Shipping is also a significant British success story:success story:
success storysuccess story: person’s rise from poverty, etc. to : person’s rise from poverty, etc. to famefame
4. the British fleet … competition:4. the British fleet … competition:
riskrisk: expose to the chance of damage or loss: expose to the chance of damage or loss
stiffstiff: strong; great in degree; difficult to deal : strong; great in degree; difficult to deal with a stiff job; stiff readingwith a stiff job; stiff reading
being elbowed outbeing elbowed out: a metaphor; being forced out: a metaphor; being forced out
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
5. and carving … Western shipping 5. and carving … Western shipping companies:companies:
carving their way intocarving their way into: a metaphor; making : a metaphor; making their way into … by cuttingtheir way into … by cutting
undercutundercut: sell goods more cheaply or work for sm: sell goods more cheaply or work for smaller wages than (sb. doing the same); sell or woraller wages than (sb. doing the same); sell or work at lower prices or wages than…k at lower prices or wages than…
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
E.g.E.g.
The social imperialists are bent on keeping the situation tense in the Middle East.
There is no doubt that they are bent on the complete destruction of Hitler and Nazism.
6. who are bent on … of the trade:6. who are bent on … of the trade:
bent onbent on: strongly inclined or determined: strongly inclined or determined
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
The phrase comes from Aesop’s fable. Several The phrase comes from Aesop’s fable. Several beasts joined the lion in a hunt; but, when the beasts joined the lion in a hunt; but, when the spoil was divided, the lion claimed one quarter in spoil was divided, the lion claimed one quarter in right of his prerogative, one for his superior right of his prerogative, one for his superior courage, one for his dam and cubs, “and as for courage, one for his dam and cubs, “and as for the fourth, let who will dispute it with me.” Awed the fourth, let who will dispute it with me.” Awed by his frown, the other beasts silently withdrew.by his frown, the other beasts silently withdrew.
7.7. the lion’s sharethe lion’s share: the whole thing or, now : the whole thing or, now popularly, the biggest and best portion; the popularly, the biggest and best portion; the larger or largest part, nearly all.larger or largest part, nearly all.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
8.in which Britain has a big stake:8.in which Britain has a big stake:
E.g.
The simplest explanation for the Western nations’ reluctance to support sanctions is their considerable economic stake in South Africa.
His office is not directly at stake in the March election.
stakestake: a share or interest, as in property, a : a share or interest, as in property, a person, or a business ventureperson, or a business venture
at stakeat stake: at issue, in question, risked: at issue, in question, risked More than the future of a province is at stake.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
9. in terms of9. in terms of: with regard to: with regard to
E.g.
1. In terms of significant agreements, Van1. In terms of significant agreements, Vance collected no more this time than from ce collected no more this time than from his first Mideast trip.his first Mideast trip.
2. We are better off in terms of capability.2. We are better off in terms of capability.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
10. a new British ship was being launched 10. a new British ship was being launched every week:every week:
E.g. launch a satellite 发射卫星
launch an attack 发动进攻
launch a new enterprise 开办新企业
launch: set (a ship esp. one newly built) afloat
The verb “launch”, used figuratively, may be The verb “launch”, used figuratively, may be translated into different Chinese verbs.translated into different Chinese verbs.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
11. stayed ahead of the competition by … 11. stayed ahead of the competition by … sophisticated shipssophisticated ships
stayed ahead of the competitionstayed ahead of the competition: have remained : have remained in a leading position; have been the winners in the in a leading position; have been the winners in the competitioncompetition
ahead ofahead of: in advance of; better than: in advance of; better than
sophisticatedsophisticated: complex, with the latest : complex, with the latest improvements and refinementsimprovements and refinements
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
12. cut-throat: (of competition) intense, 12. cut-throat: (of competition) intense, mercilessmerciless
dodgydodgy: (informal, esp. British English) risky and : (informal, esp. British English) risky and possibly dangerouspossibly dangerous
13. shipping conferences… moving goods 13. shipping conferences… moving goods by sea:by sea:
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
14. to weather the bad times14. to weather the bad times: to be able to : to be able to pull through when where is a depression; to pull through when where is a depression; to survive when economic conditions are not survive when economic conditions are not favorablefavorable
weatherweather: come through successfully; pass safely : come through successfully; pass safely through (storm, difficulty)through (storm, difficulty)
timestimes: the prevailing conditions of a particular : the prevailing conditions of a particular periodperiod
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
15. they make it easier … for the available 15. they make it easier … for the available trade:trade:
scramblescramble: rough struggle; a disorderly struggle or : rough struggle; a disorderly struggle or rush, as for sth. prizedrush, as for sth. prized
16. the industrialized world had begun its slide into the worst depression since the 1930s
(the depression in) the 1930s: referring to the (the depression in) the 1930s: referring to the worldwide great depression from 1929 to 1933. It worldwide great depression from 1929 to 1933. It began with the New York stock market crash on began with the New York stock market crash on Oct. 24, 1929.Oct. 24, 1929.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
17. mothballs:17. mothballs:
literal meaningliteral meaning: marble-sized balls of naphthalene, : marble-sized balls of naphthalene, stored with clothes (esp. woolens) to repel moths;stored with clothes (esp. woolens) to repel moths;
figurative meaningfigurative meaning: : a)a) the state of being stored, or the state of being stored, or kept in existence but not usedkept in existence but not used
E.g. We shall have to put this idea in mothballs.
E.g. He keeps his car in mothballs during the winter months.
b)b) the state of having been put aside, as of no the state of having been put aside, as of no further usefurther use
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
18. But with the world … iron ore carriers.18. But with the world … iron ore carriers.
in the doldrumsin the doldrums: (informal) in a low and sad : (informal) in a low and sad state of mind; in a state of inactivitystate of mind; in a state of inactivity
E.g.
At present (1958) Nato is in the doldrums.At present (1958) Nato is in the doldrums.
The President was relying heavily on his energy The President was relying heavily on his energy package to shake his Administration out of the package to shake his Administration out of the doldrums.doldrums.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
19. the British shipping industry now began to feel the pinch:19. the British shipping industry now began to feel the pinch:
pinchpinch: suffering caused by lack of necessary : suffering caused by lack of necessary things, esp. money (esp. in the phrase: feel the things, esp. money (esp. in the phrase: feel the pinch); a painful, difficult, or straitened pinch); a painful, difficult, or straitened circumstancecircumstanceE.g.
1. American farmers, feeling the pinch, raised loud 1. American farmers, feeling the pinch, raised loud cries of protest.cries of protest.
2. The President’s economic sanction against the 2. The President’s economic sanction against the Soviet Union should pinch in the months ahead.Soviet Union should pinch in the months ahead.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
20. the going freight rate: 20. the going freight rate: currently accepted currently accepted charge for sending the specified goods therecharge for sending the specified goods there
goinggoing: as charged at present; commonly accepted: as charged at present; commonly accepted
buoyancybuoyancy: the property (as of prices or business : the property (as of prices or business activity) of maintaining a satisfactory high levelactivity) of maintaining a satisfactory high level
raterate: a charge or payment fixed according to a : a charge or payment fixed according to a standard scalestandard scale
21. provided there is still buoyancy in other 21. provided there is still buoyancy in other industries:industries:
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
22. they are also the routes … the biggest 22. they are also the routes … the biggest inroads:inroads:
inroadinroad: an injurious intrusion on or into; influence : an injurious intrusion on or into; influence of one party that undermines that of anotherof one party that undermines that of another
be out tobe out to: making a determined effort to; to : making a determined effort to; to be trying tobe trying to
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
23. Developing countries regard a merchant 23. Developing countries regard a merchant navy as … national airline:navy as … national airline:
a status symbola status symbol: a sign which shows one’s high : a sign which shows one’s high social positionsocial position
to go forto go for: to try to get: to try to get
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
hold on tohold on to: try to keep; not give or sell to sb. else; hang on t: try to keep; not give or sell to sb. else; hang on too
24. the key tactic behind its strategy of 24. the key tactic behind its strategy of holding on to the richest slice of the trade:holding on to the richest slice of the trade:
25. far from being the whole answer to the 25. far from being the whole answer to the Third World threat:Third World threat:
far fromfar from: not at all: not at all
E.g.E.g. Your work is far from being satisfactory. Your work is far from being satisfactory.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
E.g.E.g.
The newspaper account is far from being true (in The newspaper account is far from being true (in many points false).many points false).
far fromfar from: not at all: not at all
Far from (= instead of ) admiring his paintings, I Far from (= instead of ) admiring his paintings, I dislike them intensely.dislike them intensely.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
26. This demand has found … UNCTAD:26. This demand has found … UNCTAD:
1) UNCTAD1) UNCTAD: The United Nations Conference of : The United Nations Conference of Trade and DevelopmentTrade and Development
2) find expression in2) find expression in : be expressed by means of : be expressed by means of
E.g.
1. At home, British outrage found expression in 1. At home, British outrage found expression in news headlines.news headlines.
2. Growing mutual suspicion found its expression in 2. Growing mutual suspicion found its expression in increased armaments and the preparation of plans increased armaments and the preparation of plans for war.for war.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
27. Russia has expanded … would justify:27. Russia has expanded … would justify:
justifyjustify: show a satisfactory reason or excuse f: show a satisfactory reason or excuse fro sth. donero sth. done
1. A far more serious view was taken of the 1. A far more serious view was taken of the situation than was justified.situation than was justified.
E.g.
2. The results fully justified my faith.2. The results fully justified my faith.
3. He had justified every expectation.3. He had justified every expectation.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
28. another one million tons should come 28. another one million tons should come into service before 1980.into service before 1980.
shouldshould: Should is used here to indicate probability, : Should is used here to indicate probability, likelihood.likelihood.
E.g.
1. The new type of bus comes into service later 1. The new type of bus comes into service later this month.this month.
2. The newly-built railway will come into 2. The newly-built railway will come into service in a month’s time.service in a month’s time.
come into servicecome into service: begin to serve the public; : begin to serve the public; begin to be used; availablebegin to be used; available
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
29. The name of the game, for Russian 29. The name of the game, for Russian ships, is hard currency:ships, is hard currency:
2. In the rough and tumble world of 2. In the rough and tumble world of professional basketball, survival is often professional basketball, survival is often the name of the game.the name of the game.
E.g.
the name of the gamethe name of the game: (colloquial) the crux of : (colloquial) the crux of the matter; the thing that really counts: purpose the matter; the thing that really counts: purpose or essence of action etc.or essence of action etc.
1. Well, all right, I said, the name of the game is 1. Well, all right, I said, the name of the game is trust: you’ve got to trust things.trust: you’ve got to trust things.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
30. there is more to it than that for the Russians:30. there is more to it than that for the Russians:
That is more to it than purpose of the Russians. That is more to it than purpose of the Russians. The Russians have other purposes as well.The Russians have other purposes as well.
E.g. The former allies are now sworn enemies. But there was more to it than that: Vietnam has become Soviet Russia’s pawn in Southeast Asia.
E.g. He turned and went out, cursing his own stupidity. And yet as he walked towards the barn, he knew in his heart that there was more to it than that.
E.g. There is more to the vote than approval of the canal treaties.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
31. this is also part of a general Soviet hydrographic policy to map 31. this is also part of a general Soviet hydrographic policy to map the oceans of the world:the oceans of the world:
西方的船主无法对付削减运费 40% 这一行动。如果他们也照办,他们就得关门。
hydrographic policyhydrographic policy: a plan to study and map the : a plan to study and map the oceans with reference to their navigational and oceans with reference to their navigational and commercial usescommercial uses
32. How can Western shipowners react … if th32. How can Western shipowners react … if they did the same:ey did the same:
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
33. There is a limit, of course, to what any 33. There is a limit, of course, to what any British government can do on its own:British government can do on its own:
limitlimit: line or point that may not or cannot be : line or point that may not or cannot be passed; greatest or smallest amount, degree, etc. passed; greatest or smallest amount, degree, etc. of what is possibleof what is possible
1. We must set a limit to the expense of the trip.1. We must set a limit to the expense of the trip.E.g.E.g.
2. His greed knows no limits.2. His greed knows no limits.
3. Are there no limits to your tolerance?3. Are there no limits to your tolerance?
4. So far, it achieved only limited success.4. So far, it achieved only limited success.
5. They would surely fight if pushed to the limit.5. They would surely fight if pushed to the limit.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
34. on one’s own34. on one’s own: (colloquial) by one’s own : (colloquial) by one’s own effort or on one’s own initiative; by itselfeffort or on one’s own initiative; by itself
E.g.
1. She lives on her own.1. She lives on her own.
2. He’s working on his own.2. He’s working on his own.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
35. churn out35. churn out: (informal) produce a large quantity : (informal) produce a large quantity of sth; produce in quantity without quality; proof sth; produce in quantity without quality; produce in a regular flow without much thought or duce in a regular flow without much thought or expression, usually with some abundanceexpression, usually with some abundance
This factory churns out lots and lots of cars a day.This factory churns out lots and lots of cars a day.
E.g.
Expressions & PatternsExpressions & Patterns
36. Smaller shipping lines do not have the 36. Smaller shipping lines do not have the resources to diversify:resources to diversify:
diversifydiversify: expand (a business, line of products, : expand (a business, line of products, etc.) by increasing the variety of things produced etc.) by increasing the variety of things produced or of operations undertakenor of operations undertaken
Ⅳ Ⅳ The following words are initials or The following words are initials or acronyms formed from the first letters of a acronyms formed from the first letters of a series of words. Write out the full forms for series of words. Write out the full forms for the following and put them into Chinese:the following and put them into Chinese:
Exercises
Model:
1)UNCTAD---United Nations Conference on Trade and Development 联合国贸易和发展会议
2)EEC---European Economic Community 欧洲经济共同体
Exercises
EnglishEnglish ChineseChineseNATONATO-North Atlantic -North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationTreaty Organization
北大西洋公约组织北大西洋公约组织 (( 北北约约 ))
OASOAS-Organization of -Organization of American StatesAmerican States
美洲国家组织美洲国家组织
OAUOAU-Organization of -Organization of African UnityAfrican Unity
非洲统一组织非洲统一组织 (( 非统非统 ))
ASEANASEAN-Association of -Association of Southeast Asian NationsSoutheast Asian Nations
东南亚国家联盟东南亚国家联盟 (( 东盟东盟 ))
OPECOPEC-Organization of -Organization of Petroleum exporting Petroleum exporting CountriesCountries
石油输出国组织石油输出国组织
Exercises
EnglishEnglish ChineseChineseSALTSALT-Strategic Arms -Strategic Arms Limitation TalksLimitation Talks
限制战略武器会谈限制战略武器会谈
UNESCOUNESCO-United Nations -United Nations Educational, Scientific Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizationand Cultural Organization
联合国教科文组织联合国教科文组织
M.I.TM.I.T-Massachusetts -Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInstitute of Technology
麻省理工学院麻省理工学院
BBCBBC-British Broadcasting -British Broadcasting CorporationCorporation
英国广播公司英国广播公司
V.I.PV.I.P-very important -very important personperson
重要人物重要人物
Exercises
EnglishEnglish ChineseChineseGMTGMT-Greenwich mean -Greenwich mean timetime
格林威治平时格林威治平时
GNPGNP-gross national -gross national productproduct
国民生产总值国民生产总值
KGBKGB-(Committee of State -(Committee of State Security)Security)
国家安全委员会国家安全委员会 (( 克格克格勃勃 ))
ICBMICBM-Inter-continental -Inter-continental ballistic missileballistic missile
州际弹道导弹州际弹道导弹
LaserLaser-light amplification -light amplification by stimulated emission by stimulated emission of radiationof radiation
激光激光
RadarRadar-radio detecting -radio detecting and rangingand ranging
雷达雷达
Exercises
Ⅵ Ⅵ Replace the italicized words or expressions Replace the italicized words or expressions with idiomatic, colloquial expressions from with idiomatic, colloquial expressions from the text:the text:
1. Nowadays, happenings in that country are given prominence in the papers. ( )grab the headlines
2. In many regions of the world, the old colonial powers were being pushed out by the late comers--- Germany and the United States. ( )were being elbowed out
3. The Saudis pressed for a larger share of the profits made by the big American oil consortium in Saudi Arabia.
( )the lion’s share
Exercises
4. The company expects to get profit from the new oilfields. ( )cash in on
5. John D. Rockefeller made a great deal of money almost overnight in the great oil boom in California.
( )made a big killing
6. Nixon was considered a tough guy, having passed through six political crises safely. ( ) having weathered
Exercises
7. Many Western economists do not agree that another energy crisis will come in the near future.
( )is around the corner
8. The writer constantly felt the hardships caused by poverty in his late year. ( )the pinch of poverty
9. Since British companies invested large sums of money in the scheduled liner-freight services, they did not suffer so much as Norway and Greece in the depression. ( )big
Exercises
10. Some smaller bankers had to admit defeat in the cut-throat competition among banks. ( )throw in the towel
11. It is a loss that can never be compensated. ( )made up
12. Very often depression in one area of economy quickly affects other economic sectors. ( )a slump
Exercises
Ⅹ Translate the following into English (Chinese on Page 248)
1. Oil is the vital lifeline of the national economy 1. Oil is the vital lifeline of the national economy in many Middle Eastern countries.in many Middle Eastern countries.
2. The Third World countries are bent on 2. The Third World countries are bent on developing their industries independently.developing their industries independently.
3. Some Western countries were afraid that the oil-3. Some Western countries were afraid that the oil-producing countries would drive them out of producing countries would drive them out of business by undercutting them.business by undercutting them.
Exercises
4. The British government promised to put up the 4. The British government promised to put up the money needed to solve the problem of money needed to solve the problem of unemployment.unemployment.
5. Saudi Arabia’s proved reserves of oil are by far 5. Saudi Arabia’s proved reserves of oil are by far the greatest in the world.the greatest in the world.
6. The Chinese people stood the test of the 6. The Chinese people stood the test of the Cultural Revolution.Cultural Revolution.
7. These veteran soldiers have all weathered the 7. These veteran soldiers have all weathered the test of may battles during the Second World War.test of may battles during the Second World War.
Exercises
8. We are still a long way from the goal of the 8. We are still a long way from the goal of the four modernizations.four modernizations.
9. Many scientists and technicians are out to 9. Many scientists and technicians are out to learn foreign languages so as to be able to read learn foreign languages so as to be able to read first-hand reference materials.first-hand reference materials.
10. The U.S. Congress ratified the treaty, thus 10. The U.S. Congress ratified the treaty, thus bringing it into force at once.bringing it into force at once.
Exercises
11. A new telegraph building will be completed 11. A new telegraph building will be completed and put into service soon.and put into service soon.
12. Iraq’s expansionism was under attack from the 12. Iraq’s expansionism was under attack from the press all over the world.press all over the world.
13. The military expenditures of that country 13. The military expenditures of that country increase at a rate of 4% to 5% every year.increase at a rate of 4% to 5% every year.
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