英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable0609 - 私家车出行比例急速上升

 Topic 1: Don’t talk to strangersAlmost everyone has the experience of being warned not to speak with strangers in childhood.

However, is it really appropriate for children to receive such an intimidation¹ that strangers are evil when they are quite young?

Topic 2: Composition topics in Chinese test of GaokaoThis year's National College Entrance Exam or Gaokao has concluded.

Over the past few years, the topics of composition, which is the final section of the Chinese language test, has always been a highlight that attracts people’s attention.

This year, some composition topics are regarded as unique, difficult, and even weird².

How would you answer them?

Topic 3: Chinese stick with cars despite pollution concerns: surveyA recent survey indicates that despite growing concerns over environmental protection, many Chinese are refusing to change their means of transportation, fueling a dramatic rise in car usage.

Why the paradox³?

Topic 4: Robot Teacher Makes Debut⁴ in Chinese UniversityIn China’s Jiangxi Province, a robot teacher has debuted⁵ to teach lessons at a local university.

The teaching robot “Xiaomei” is a product of the Jiujiang University's research team, which took a month to make.

It is the first time for schools in Jiangxi to use a robot teacher.

Will robots replace human teachers?

1 intimidation   

n.恐吓，威胁

参考例句：

• The Opposition alleged voter intimidation by the army.反对党声称投票者受到军方的恐吓。
• The gang silenced witnesses by intimidation.恶帮用恐吓的手段使得证人不敢说话。

2 weird   

adj.古怪的，离奇的；怪诞的，神秘而可怕的

参考例句：

• From his weird behaviour,he seems a bit of an oddity.从他不寻常的行为看来，他好像有点怪。
• His weird clothes really gas me.他的怪衣裳简直笑死人。

3 paradox   

n.似乎矛盾却正确的说法；自相矛盾的人(物)

参考例句：

• The story contains many levels of paradox.这个故事存在多重悖论。
• The paradox is that Japan does need serious education reform.矛盾的地方是日本确实需要教育改革。

4 debut   

n.首次演出，初次露面

参考例句：

• That same year he made his Broadway debut, playing a suave radio journalist.在那同一年里，他初次在百老汇登台，扮演一个温文而雅的电台记者。
• The actress made her debut in the new comedy.这位演员在那出新喜剧中首次登台演出。

5 debuted   

初次表演，初次登台（debut的过去式与过去分词形式）

参考例句：

• In late 2003 a full-size SUV, the Pathfinder Armada, debuted. 2003年末，全尺寸SUV的探路者无敌舰队，推出。
• The album debuted at number two and quickly went platinum. 专辑一亮相就荣登排行榜第二名，很快就取得了白金销量。