Section II Text A: Chinese: The New Globe-travelers
Part 1 Power of Words
Core Words
1 explosion [ɪk'spləʊʒ(ə)n] n.
a sudden or quick increase in the number or amount of something; a loud sound and the energy produced by something such as a bomb bursting into small pieces
synonym blast; burst
antonym plunge; slump
word family explode; explosive
related phrase information explosion; population explosion
Example 1 From 1641 to 1643, there had been an unprecedented explosion of printing and publishing in England.
Example 2 After several bouts of heated discussion, we all agree that the most grotty of all was the discovery of the population explosion.
2 alien ['eɪlɪən] adj.
very different from what you are used to, especially in a way that is difficult to understand or accept; belonging to another country or race
synonym foreign; external
antonym native; local; domestic
word family alienable; alienation
related phrase alien from; be alien to sb.; alien cultures
Example 1 Print your name and Alien Registration Number on the back of each photo and put them into the archive.
Example 2 A few people within major governments have known since at least 1947 that some UFOs are alien spacecraft.
3 ambitious [æm'bɪʃəs] adj.
Someone who is ambitious is determined to be successful, rich, powerful, etc.; An ambitious plan, idea, etc. shows a desire to do something good but difficult.
synonym aggressive; thirsty
word family ambition; ambitiously; ambitiousness
related phrase ambitious objective; ambitious attitude
Example 1 Mark was intensely ambitious, obsessed with the idea of becoming rich.
Example 2 The ambitious young man used his friends to further his auditing career.
4 portable ['pɔːtəb(ə)l] adj.
able to be carried or moved easily; easily or conveniently transported; A portable machine or device is designed to be easily carried or moved.
synonym luggable; hand-held
word family portability
related phrase portable computer; portable machine
Example 1 I would really like to see a portable version of a stereo application like this.
Example 2 Turn on your portable radio for instructions and news reports.
5 viable ['vaɪəbl] adj.
a viable idea, plan, or method can work successfully; Something that is viable is capable of doing what it is intended to do.
synonym feasible; working; practicable
antonym unworkable; impracticable
word family viability
related phrase viable solution; financially viable
Example 1 In all the years of debate, the government failed to consider other viable proposals.
Example 2 Other development partners are also ready to participate in viable dam projects.
6 successive [sək'sesɪv] adj.
coming or following one after the other; Successive means happening or existing one after another without a break.
synonym continuing; consecutive; endless; running
antonym discontinuous; inconsecutive
word family succeed; successively; succession
related phrase successive contrast; for a second successive year
Example 1 The team has had five successive triumphs in stewing.
Example 2 Two successive quarters of growth would mean the U.S. is pulling out of recession and surplus.
7 acquire [ə'kwaɪə] vt. (acquired/acquired/acquiring)
to gain knowledge or learn a skill; to obtain something by buying it or being given it; to get or gain something; If you acquire something such as a skill or a habit, you learn it, or develop it through your daily life or experience.
synonym earn; obtain; score; get; attain
antonym lose; miss; forfeit
word family acquired; acquiring
related phrase acquire knowledge; acquire skills
Example 1 During her film career, she acquired a reputation after years of trekking.
Example 2 Freedom is something we all want, but many of us are not sure how to acquire it.
8 accompany [ə'kʌmpənɪ] vi./vt. (accompanied/accompanied/accompanying)
to go somewhere with someone; to be associated with; If you accompany someone, you go somewhere with them; If one thing accompanies another, it happens or exists at the same time, or as a result of it; If you accompany a singer or a musician, you play one part of a piece of music while they sing or play the main tune.
synonym attend; companion
word family accompanied; accompanying
related phrase accompany by; accompany with
Example 1 Having some people to support you and accompany you in any social activity feels great.
Example 2 After my plea, Ken agreed to accompany me on a trip to Cork to buy some perfume.
9 elevate ['elɪveɪt] vt. (elevated/elevated/elevating)
to increase the amount, temperature, pressure, etc. of something; to lift someone or something to a higher position; When someone or something achieves a more important rank or status, you can say that they are elevated to it.
synonym promote; upgrade; lift
antonym reduce; decrease; hack
word family elevated; elevation
related phrase elevate sb. to; elevate one's spirits
Example 1 Language has elevated humans above the other animals.
Example 2 Emotional stress can elevate blood pressure.
10 enhance [ɪn'hɑːns] vt. (enhanced/enhanced/enhancing)
to improve something; To enhance something means to improve its value, quality, or attractiveness.
synonym raise; cement; boost; gain
antonym lower; reduce; weaken
word family enhanced; enhancement
related phrase enhance cooperation; enhance reputation
Example 1 Good lighting will enhance any room.
Example 2 The White House is eager to protect and enhance that reputation.
11 enlarge [ɪn'lɑːdʒ] vi./vt. (enlarged/enlarged/enlarging)
If you enlarge something, or if it enlarges, it increases in size or scale; When you enlarge something or when it enlarges, it becomes bigger.
synonym extend; broaden; grow
antonym shrink; reduce; minish
word family enlarged; enlargement
related phrase enlarge on/upon; enlarge one's knowledge
Example 1 A good way to enlarge your vocabulary is to read a daily newspaper like the Newsletter.
Example 2 The college has announced its intention to enlarge its chemical research office on sodium.
12 exceed [ɪk'siːd] vi./vt. (exceeded/exceeded/exceeding)
to be more than a particular number or amount; to go beyond what rules or laws say you are allowed to do; to surpass one's understanding
synonym surpass; outdo
word family exceeding; exceedingly
related phrase exceed standard; exceed in
Example 1 Stop the blahs! Working hours must not exceed 42 hours a week.
Example 2 Its research budget exceeds $700 million a year.
13 launch [lɔːntʃ] vi./vt. (launched/launched/launching)
to start something, usually something big or important; to make a new product, book, etc. available for sale for the first time
synonym release; issue; proceed
word family launching; launcher
related phrase launch a new product; launch into sth.
Example 1 The municipal government will launch an extensive public works program next year.
Example 2 The police have launched an investigation into the uproar and grilled the mob.
14 obsess [əb'ses] vi./vt. (obsessed/obsessed/obsessing)
If something or someone obsesses you, you think or worry about them all the time and you cannot think about anything else.
synonym spell; fascinate
word family obsessive; obsession
related phrase obsess with/by/about/over
Example 1 A lot of young girls want the gloss of appearance and are obsessed by their weight.
Example 2 Jody's been obsessed with some handsome guy for months.
15 perceive [pə'siːv] vi./vt. (perceived/perceived/perceiving)
to understand or think of something or someone in a particular way; to notice, see, or recognize something; If you perceive someone or something as doing or being a particular thing, it is your opinion that they do this thing or that they are that thing.
synonym detect; deem; regard
word family perceived; perceivable
related phrase perceive as; perceive to be
Example 1 Even as a young woman she had been perceived as a future chief executive.
Example 2 Children who do badly in school quizzes often perceive themselves to be failures.
16 surge [sɜːdʒ] n./vi. (surged/surged/surging)
a sudden increase in amount or number; to suddenly move very quickly in a particular direction; If a feeling surges or surges up, you begin to feel it very strongly.
synonym boom; soar
antonym plunge; decrease; slump
word family surged; surging
related phrase surge out of; surge forward; a surge of
Example 1 The crowd surged through the porch almost in one minute.
Example 2 Specialists see various reasons for the recent surge in inflation.
17 sustain [sə'steɪn] vt. (sustained/sustained/sustaining)
to make something continue to exist or happen for a period of time; If food or drink sustains a person, animal, or plant, it makes them able to continue living; to suffer damage, an injury, or loss of money
synonym maintain; support; suffer
word family sustained; sustainable; sustainability
related phrase sustain losses; sustain economic growth
Example 1 To produce and sustain this growth, they must expend vast amounts of energy.
Example 2 Recovery can't be sustained unless more jobs are created.
18 swell [swel] vi./vt. (swelled/swollen/swelling)
to increase in amount or number; to become larger and rounder than normal—used especially about parts of the body
synonym expand; increase
antonym shrink; decrease; hack
word family swelled; swelling
related phrase swell up; swell with pride
Example 1 The crowd swelled to around 10,000 at the square.
Example 2 His bank balance has swelled by $222,000 in the last three weeks.
19 flock [flɒk] n./vi. (flocked/flocked/flocking)
If people flock to a place, they go there in large numbers because something interesting or exciting is happening there; A flock of birds, sheep, or goats is a group of them.
synonym cluster; crowd; bunch
antonym disperse; scatter
word family flocked; flocking
related phrase flock to do; flock together; sheep flock
Example 1 People have been flocking to the exhibition and behold the works.
Example 2 The criticisms will not stop people flocking to see the film.
20 streamline ['striːmlaɪn] vt. (streamlined/streamlined/streamlining)
to make something such as a business, organization, etc. work more simply and effectively; to form something into a smooth shape, so that it moves easily through the air or water
synonym retrench; simplify
antonym complicate; perplex
word family streamlined; streamlining
related phrase streamline account; streamline process
Example 1 Guideline on the other hand attempts to streamline a particular process according to a set routine.
Example 2 Instead, see if there are things you can streamline, do more effectively.
21 attain [ə'teɪn] vi./vt. (attained/attained/attaining)
to succeed in achieving something after trying for a long time; to reach a particular level, age, size, etc.; If you attain something, you gain it or achieve it, often after a lot of effort.
synonym acquire; gain; earn; get; achieve
antonym lose; miss
word family attainable; attainment
related phrase attain a high score; attain one's goal
Example 1 Whenever you have an aim, you must sacrifice something to attain it.
Example 2 The significance of man is not in what he attains, but rather in what he longs to attain.
22 aggregate ['æɡrɪɡət] n.
the total after a lot of different figures or points have been added together; An aggregate amount or score is made up of several smaller amounts or scores added together.
synonym total; sum
word family aggregative; aggregation
related phrase in the aggregate; on aggregate
Example 1 The direct result of these scrambles is a credit crunch and a squeeze on aggregate demand that is forcing Europe into recession.
Example 2 It has two main components, neither of which is pleasant, but which are in the aggregate often highly effective.
23 accrue [ə'kruː] vi./vt. (accrued/accrued/accruing)
If money accrues or is accrued, it gradually increases over a period of time; If advantages accrue to you, you get those advantages over a period of time.
synonym acquire; breed; earn
word family accrued; accrual; accruement
related phrase accrue interest; accrue to
Example 1 You will see obvious ways to reduce the small daily expenses that many of us accrue.
Example 2 The big difference between traditional and cash-balance plans lies in the way workers accrue benefits and perks.
24 commence [kə'mens] vt. (commenced/commenced/commencing)
to begin or to start something; When something commences or you commence it, it begins.
synonym start; begin; initiate; launch
antonym stop; cease; quit; halt
word family commencement
related phrase commence business; commence doing
Example 1 The performances will commence in a minute in the gymnasium.
Example 2 Developing economies such as Mexico and Brazil would commence reductions around 2040–2045.
25 anticipate [æn'tɪsɪpeɪt] vt. (anticipated/anticipated/anticipating)
to expect that something will happen and be ready for it; to think about something that is going to happen, especially something pleasant; to do something before someone else; If you anticipate a question, request, or need, you do what is necessary or required before the question, request, or need occurs.
synonym hope; presume
word family anticipation; anticipator; anticipative
related phrase anticipate doing sth.; anticipate problems/difficulties
Example 1 A good speaker is able to anticipate an audience's needs and concerns.
Example 2 It is anticipated that the research will have many different practical applications.
26 disposable income
the amount of money you have left to spend after you have paid your taxes, bills, etc.
synonym spendable income
related phrase disposable household income
Example 1 Within these countries, the poor will be especially vulnerable as they often spend as much as half their disposable income on food.
Example 2 Disposable income is defined as income left at institutional units' disposal for final consumption and saving.
Words for Self-study
Please find and memorize the meanings and usages of the following words with the help of dictionaries, online resources and other references.
academy administration airway antique anxious
anytime architecture bay billion bound
bureau commodity cozy cruise decade
destination digit emerge expenditure explore
fantastic festival globe gorgeous halt
hence heritage ink inland integral
kilometer kin legitimate liberate lifestyle
millionaire ministry native obstacle opt
overseas passport precious primary prolong
rapid reform review rural sector
spike statistic sunset tedious trend
urban visa wealth worldwide
Part 2 Text
Pre-reading Questions
1. Can you figure out the reasons for tourism booming?
2. What will the Chinese tourism be like in ten years based on the data from the text?
Chinese: The New Globe-travelers
China became the top tourist source market in the world and the outbound Chinese travelers have grown at double-digit percentage rates ever since 2012, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization1. Thanks to relaxed visa restrictions, rising value of the currency renminbi and the advancement of mobile network, the boom in overseas travel is expected to expand further in the near future.
Since the turn of the century, there has been over an eightfold increase in the number of overseas trips made by Chinese travelers from 10 million who traveled to other countries in 2000. Many are so obsessed with the gorgeous natural landscape, fantastic artificial architecture as well as the precious heritages and antiques around the globe that they are anxious to explore all those mysteries in person. Hence, they've become part of the rapidly rising group of Chinese who are traveling abroad more frequently and independently.
China's outbound tourists reached 107 million in 2014 and the number is expected to cross 120 million in 2015, up 16 percent over the previous year, according to the China Tourism Academy2."There is no doubt that 2015 will mark the fourth successive year of China as the world's top tourism source market," says Jiang Yiyi, director of the International Tourism Development Institute. Still, according to a recent forecast, outbound Chinese travelers could number around 174 million by 2019, spending about $264 billion annually. That's roughly equivalent to the GDP3 of a developed country like Singapore.
Chinese overseas travelers make up a sizable group of consumers, perceived as the world's largest, most favorable spenders. Chinese spent $164. 8 billion overseas in 2014—a fourfold spike over 2008, and about 88 percent was on shopping. About 400,000 Chinese spent around $833. 7 million in Japan during the last National Day Golden Week. They spent about $8. 9 billion in Japan during the first nine months in 2015, up 165 percent year-on-year. About four million Chinese arrived in Thailand in the first six months of 2015, a 110 percent increase over the same period in 2014. Spending surged 140 percent to $53. 5 million. Weekends, festivals and anytime people are free are all superior chances for them to stay away from the tedious life. But the biggest spending surprise came from Australia, where Chinese spent $5. 6 billion in the 12 months to September 2015. The expenditure number is so huge that it even exceeds the spending by the British, Americans and Canadians combined.
As more Chinese names make it onto the global rich list (the so-called millionaires), luxury tourism packages are proving more popular."Schedules that offer rich, alien experiences are now popular with super-rich travelers, such as our Amazon River cruise." Utour's publicity manager Li adds that tours to the South and North Poles led by scientists and accompanied by professional photographers are also best-sellers. With the outbound travelers' rising numbers, airways and flight capacity have expanded accordingly.
"The major and primary reason for the growth consists in the policy changes that began in 1997 to allow Chinese to travel abroad at their own expenses, which liberate a high demand for overseas travel, " says Jiang."Since then, increased disposable income, prolonged national holidays, relaxed visa restrictions for Chinese travelers and the accruing value of the renminbi have all contributed to the explosion."
The starting point of Chinese outbound tourism is July 1, 1997, when China National Tourism Administration and the Ministry of Public Security4 jointly inked an agreement on measures concerning the administration of outbound travel of Chinese citizens at their own expenses. Since the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, China dramatically spiked the number of private passports. In fact, before the policy, generally Chinese travelers needed official and legitimate reasons to leave the country. The two following decades showed a continuous growth of private passport holders due to an increase in outbound visits to friends and kins, as well as a growth of young Chinese studying abroad from the late 1980s. The 1990s has seen more Chinese going abroad at their own expenses. Today the processes to acquire passports and other pass certificates are further streamlined and more than two thirds of the private passport holders go abroad for tours.
On the other hand, China has swelling ranks of upper middle class and wealthy families with a monthly disposable income over 12,500 yuan. This group has seen their share in China expanding from 7 to 17 percent in the past five years and will continue to grow to 30 percent, or 100 million households, by 2020. Some have compared the current trend to when Japanese tourists began going abroad three decades ago. From the mid-1980s through to the 1990s, the number of Japanese heading overseas swelled from 4 million to 16 million, while at the same time the nation's personal GDP rose from $10,000 to $35,000. Before the 1980s, Japanese tourists liked to stay inland for holidays. But as they became richer all of a sudden they started to travel more to enjoy a cosier lifestyle. The same thing is happening in China, but at a much steeper rate.
Mobile network and apps have also helped to elevate China's outbound tourism boom. The rapid advancement in technology in recent years means even cheap mobile phones are now effectively portable computers, giving users instant access to real-time information on almost any topic. Ambitious travelers benefit most from this technological revolution—they can now book flights and hotels in an instant, use "digital wallets" to buy gifts, post reviews on the fly, and install apps that offer detailed maps and guides of distant places, all in their native language. Technological advances have been key, as the network has reduced travel costs and made alien destinations more viable for Chinese tourists. At least 50 percent of tourists arranged a holiday through a smart phone software in 2015, up 17 percent year-on-year.
During recent years, China's outbound travel market has grown rapidly partly due to another emerging reason concerning the poor air quality in major cities. Most people who prefer to overseas destinations like to enjoy good environment. Going to U.S. is easier now thanks to the relaxed visa policies."It feels great there just to go around in the sunshine under the blue sky and enjoy the sunset along the bay," adds Jiang.
China's outbound tourism market is expected to sustain rapid growth this year thanks to several favorable elements at home and abroad. The number of outbound tourists is expected to exceed 130 million in 2016, up 10 percent over 2015.
China's reform, which aims to improve industrial efficiency and productivity and reduce corporate costs through tax cuts and other measures, will produce new engines for economic growth, which is good news for outbound tourism. Efforts to ensure the orderly development of the sector will continue, as China considers tourism an integral part of social harmony. As President Xi has pointed out, tourism is seen as an important reflection of the standard of living, while outbound tourism holds a special charm for the Chinese public.
Developed economies are paying more attention to the role of inbound tourism in enhancing local economies and employment. Hence, neighboring, medium-distance and long-distance destinations will continue to compete for Chinese tourists. The relaxed visa policies and improved Chinese language services that nations have been introduced in recent years are proof of that. The exchange rate for China's currency, the renminbi, is likely to maintain a downward trend this year, but the range won't be too wide or halt speed in China's outbound tourism. China has held plans to launch major tourism programs with South Korea, India and countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
In its 2014 report on the impact of tourism on the global economy, the World Travel and Tourism Council5 headquartered in London said visa policy restrictions were one of the main obstacles to tourism market growth. To prove the point, visits by Chinese have swelled in countries that have released visas, streamlined application procedures or cut processing costs. Chinese visitors to South Korea's Jeju Island surged by 58 percent year-on-year to nearly 2.9 million in 2014 after the authorities there commenced to allow 30-day visa-free stays. The flow of Chinese tourists will therefore likely grow thanks to further relaxed visa policies this year. More outbound tourists are likely to emerge from China's central and western regions, especially from second- or third-tier cities and rural areas.
According to forecasts by the Ministry of Transportation, the country was to have 42 high(-?)speed railways in operation by the end of 2015, stretching an aggregate of 20,000 kilometers. The rapid development of high-speed rail will give people from once-isolated areas easy access to large cities, which will greatly enlarge the source of outbound Chinese tourists.
Urbanization will also continue to activate growth in tourism consumption. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics suggested the urbanization rate would attain 58 percent in 2015. Small and medium-sized cities and rural areas are already warming to the outbound tourism market. Meanwhile, retail consumption will likely flock back to China in 2016. Chinese are anticipated to buy more in their home town outlets as more foreign commodities become available, while there is also room to cut prices and improve after-sales service.
(Adapted from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/travel/2016chinaoutbound/?id=wjt18)
Notes
1 The United Nations World Tourism Organization
UNWTO is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It is the leading international organization in the field of tourism, which promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
2 China Tourism Academy
CTA is a Beijing-based research institution with a focus on studies in tourism industry. Under the Document No. [2007] 98 released by the State Commission for Public Sector Reform, it was established in 2008, directly under the China National Tourism Administration.
3 GDP
(Gross Domestic Product) It is a monetary measure of the market value of all final goods and services produced in a period (quarterly or yearly). GDP estimates are commonly used to determine the economic performance of a whole country or region, and to make international comparisons.
4 Ministry of Public Security
MPS is the principal police and security authority of the People's Republic of China and the government agency that is ultimately responsible for day-to-day law enforcement. It is headed by the Minister of Public Security.
5 World Travel and Tourism Council
WTTC is a forum for the travel and tourism industry. It is made up of members from the global business community and works with governments to raise awareness about the travel and tourism industry. It is known for being the only forum to represent the private sector in all parts of the industry worldwide. Its activities include research on the economic and social impact of the industry and its organization focused on issues and developments relevant to the industry.
Part 3 Exercises
I. Fast Reading
Directions: Read the text quickly and decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F) according to the information given in the text.
1. ( ) The boom of Chinese overseas tourism will still expand in the future.
2. ( ) The tourist number to China is expected to cross 120 million in 2015.
3. ( ) Chinese tourist expense is roughly equivalent to the GDP of a country like Thailand.
4. ( ) Anytime people are free are all chances for Chinese people to travel abroad.
5. ( ) Due to the rising number of travelers, airways and flight capacity have expanded a lot.
6. ( ) The starting point of Chinese outbound tourism is after the reform and opening-up policy.
7. ( ) The processes to acquire passports and other pass certificates are so complicated that many people find it hard to travel abroad in 2015.
8. ( ) The technology contributes a lot to overseas tourism.
9. ( ) Tourism is an important reflection of the standard of living nowadays.
10. ( ) Small and medium-sized cities and rural areas are difficult to expand tourism.
II. Text Understanding
Directions: Read the text quickly and try to make an oral summary of the main idea. You can make an outline with some key words at first.
For example:
Topic: Booming Outbound Tourism
Reasons: 1. ... 2. ... 3. ... 4. ... 5. ... 6. ...
Prospect:
Your perspective:
III. Subvocal Reading
Directions: Read aloud and listen to the audio of the text for full understanding. Then practice subvocal reading at fast speed (150 words per minute).
Subvocal reading, or silent speech, is the internal speech typically made when reading; it provides the sound of the word as it is read. This is a natural process when reading and it helps the mind to access meanings to comprehend and remember what is read, potentially reducing cognitive load and improve the reading speed. This inner speech is characterized by minute movements in the larynx and other muscles involved in the articulation of speech. Most of these movements are undetectable (without the aid of machines) by the person who is reading.
IV. Faster Reading
Directions: Try to suppress subvocal to achieve faster reading speed.
V. Text Familiarity
Directions: Read the text carefully and repeatedly to fully understand the content first, and try to fill in the blanks based on your memory. You should not refer to the text while doing the exercises.
1. Thanks to relaxed _______ restrictions, rising value of the _______ renminbi and the ________of mobile network, the ________ in overseas travel is expected to ________ further in the near future.
2. Many are so _______ with the _______ natural landscape,_______ artificial architecture as well as the precious _______ and antiques around the _______ that they are anxious to ________all those mysteries ________ person.
3. The major and_______ reason for the growth_______ in the policy changes that began in 1997 to allow Chinese to travel abroad _______ their own _______, which _______ a high demand for ________ travel.
4. The starting point of Chinese outbound tourism is July 1, 1997, when China National Tourism _______ and the _______ of Public Security jointly _______ an agreement _______ measures concerning the administration of _______ travel of Chinese citizens at their own expenses.
5. The two following ________ showed a ________ growth of private ________ holders due to _______ increase in outbound visits to friends and _______, as well as a growth of young Chinese studying abroad from the late 1980s.
6. Today the processes to _______ passports and other pass _______ are further _______ and more than two thirds of the private passport holders go _______ for tours.
7. Before ________ 1980s, Japanese tourists liked to stay ________ for holidays. But as they became richer all _______ a sudden they started to travel more to enjoy a _______ lifestyle.
8. The _______ advancement in technology in recent years means even cheap _______ phones are now effectively _______ computers, giving users instant access _______ real-time information ________ almost any topic.
9. China's outbound tourism market is expected to ________ rapid growth this year thanks to several _______ elements at home and _______. The number of outbound tourists is expected to _______ 130 million in 2016, _______ 10 percent over 2015.
10. The ________ rate for China's currency, the renminbi, is likely to ________ a downward _______ this year, but the range won't be too wide or _______ speed in China's outbound tourism. China has held plans to _______ major tourism programs with South Korea, India and countries in Central and Eastern Europe.
VI. Text Dictation
Directions: Listen to the audio of the text repeatedly and try to dictate Paragraphs 1 and 2. Through the reading and listening practice, you'd better recite the whole passage.
VII. Word Explanation
Directions: After learning the core words and the text, try to explain the following words using your own words. Pay attention to the usage. You can make sentences with them.
expansion exceed streamline acquire portable
enhance launch perceive sustain
VIII. Synonym Replacement
Directions: Read each sentence and choose an item from A/B/C/D with the similar meaning of the underlined word.
1. The general misread the enemy's intentions, and didn't anticipate the attack. ( )
A. hope
B. expect
C. analyze
D. regard
2. This is perhaps one of the product's most useful features, ensuring that users are informed of what is happening at every step of the application launch procedure. ( )
A. start
B. expel
C. found
D. shut
3. This surge of stock market wealth has meant that executive pay is racing well ahead of economic growth. ( )
A. decrease
B. reduce
C. boom
D. emerge
4. Ben holds dear an ambitious goal to retire at the age of 55, but there is nothing concrete that he does in order to succeed. ( )
A. small
B. realistic
C. positive
D. aggressive
5. If you ask energy firms what their biggest obstacle will be in 2009, most point to their reduced access to capital. ( )
A. challenge
B. difficulty
C. standard
D. objective
6. They encountered untold difficulties and dangers before they reached their destination and realized their dream. ( )
A. benefit
B. goal
C. place
D. sector
7. Some jobs are pretty tedious—there's no way round that. Whatever you're doing, though, you're helping someone. ( )
A. meaningful
B. wonderful
C. boring
D. gorgeous
8. It's ironic that this country which has such a traditional culture and superior qualities in culture now has reduced itself to this. ( )
A. serial
B. excellent
C. general
D. digital
9. Whether or not to enforce positive financial policy is a controversial issue. ( )
A. perform
B. delete
C. force
D. produce
10. That change may not come in 2010, but streaming news elements will become an integral part of traditional news sources. ( )
A. single
B. isolated
C. complete
D. similar
IX. Word Formation
Directions: Fill in the blanks with Chinese meanings or proper words based on the English roots and Chinese meanings in the brackets as well as the compound word knowledge.
1. bound（ _______ ）— _______ （入境的）— _______ （出境的）
2. tier（ _______ ）— _______ （一线城市）
3. digit（ _______ ）— _______ （两位数）
4. fold（ _______ ）— _______ （八倍的）
5. visa （ _______ ）— _______ （免签）
6. isolate（ ________）— ________（偏僻的）
7. explore（ ________）— ________（探索者）
8. wealth（ _______ ）— _______ （富裕的）
9. million（ _______ ）— _______ （百万富翁）
10. urban（ _______ ）— _______ （城市化）
X. Word Puzzle
Directions: Fill in the blanks with words of opposite meanings.
1. rural— _______
2. inbound— _______
3. domestic— _______
4. interesting— _______
5. native— _______
6. sunrise— _______
7. slow— _______
Directions: Fill in the blanks with words of similar meanings.
8. surpass— _______
9. stop— _______
10. choose— _______
11. free— _______
12. increase— _______
13. gain— _______
14. expect— _______
15. boom— _______
16. valued— ________
17. appear— ________
XI. Translation
Directions: Translate the following sentences into Chinese and pay attention to the context.
1. China became the top tourist source market in the world and the outbound Chinese travelers have grown at double-digit percentage rates ever since 2012 ...
2. China's outbound tourists reached 107 million in 2014 and the number is expected to cross 120 million in 2015, up 16 percent over the previous year ...
3. Chinese overseas travelers make up a sizable group of consumers, perceived as the world's largest, most favorable spenders.
4. The major and primary reason for the growth consists in the policy changes that began in 1997 to allow Chinese to travel abroad at their own expenses, which liberate a high demand for overseas travel ...
5. The 1990s has seen more Chinese going abroad at their own expenses. Today the processes to acquire passports and other pass certificates are further streamlined and more than two thirds of the private passport holders go abroad for tours.
XII. Word Exclusion
Directions: Read the following words and pick up the one that does not belong to the word group and try to give the reasons. You'd better master the meaning and usage of each word first. Work with your partners.
e.g. cherry chestnut lemon plum strawberry (chestnut)
Because all the other words mean some kind of fruit except chestnut.
1. rose daffodil petal daisy lily ( ) ______________
2. costume teddy shorts pants blouse underwear brassiere stocking ( ) _____________
3. chancellor chauffeur chef chemistry constable barrister ( ) _____________
4. ankle chin knuckle ass liver agony belly bowel appendix ( ) _____________
5. amber diamond pearl ruby gem ( ) _____________