business venture Web-based tool
full-time staff members a well-seasoned user of blogs
give sb access to sth small and medium businesses businesses go downhill business is booming
set up a blog, create a blog on a whim
drive traffic an enormous increase in profits core business needs put sb at a decided advantage potential customer achieve a scale at an affordable price banner ads free of charge
potential market get a handle on
capitalize on word-of-mouth referral
on a one-on-one basis tap into
scratch the surface of in the first innings
in terms of an award dinner
a bar to career advancement a bar to success
discriminate against a rather dated view of
sport a beard stand out from the crowd
in the first place recruitment consultant
make exceptions for blend in to the environment
well-meaning people paralyze traffic
cab fare small wonder
can’t help but the full spectrum of city life
a microcosm of a cosmopolis epitomize the city’s soul
well-heeled tourist league table
the acquisition of extreme wealth bank balance
status-obsessed plutocrat escalate into
set …apart from luxury world
limited edition bid against each other
be traced back to have the last laugh
start a frenzy of display one’s fortunes
be eclipsed by addressable by nickname
seminal plans get a glimpse of
give the appearance of defer to sb
indulge one’s vanity proportional representation
arise from stand on unwavering principles
an aversion to tyranny a fealty to free expression
like-minded allies prefer you above others
Unit 1
1.Fiat launched a tiny “city car” especially for Europe’s narrow, crowded streets.
2.The rain forest theme products tap into consumer’s interest in the environment.
3.The company may target its efforts on preferred locations like India or Thailand.
4. A strong president would further erode the power of the Congress.
5.Most of the measures will be phased out next year.
6.Government securities have traditionally yielded less than stocks.
Unit 2
1.Death does not discriminate. It eventually comes to anyone, making no exception for those
with more or less fortune, or those with good or bad fame.
2.The 2008 presidential election of America is under the world’s spotlight because of the
participation of female and African American candidates for the first time. Though the final outcome is still hard to anticipate, the election itself is changing not only the way Americans perceive themselves, but also how the rest of the world perceives America.
3.No matter what background or experience he may have, nobody should recoil from pursuing
his own dream. Because we are convinced that freedom, equity and the pursuit of happiness are our rights.
4.More and more Chinese brands aspire to go global. This clearly conveys a message: the
quality, design and management expertise of Chinese brands are constantly improving.
Unit 3
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.
Unit 4
1.“These days I often recall the tough times before, thus I can be cool-headed/keep my mind in
the face of success,” said the founder and CEO of the company.
2.The primary issue in the current situation is to keep the prices steady; otherwise if the market
panics, the consequence is beyond imagination.
3.To launch this service in the region will pay off in the long run, though the initial investment
is big.
4.To make maximal profits with minimal cost has long been the objective for some companies.
Now environment factors make them to rethink about it.
5.The public want to see issues like narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor and
tackling urban housing problems prioritized by the government.
6.Homework burdens greatly restrict children’s opportunities for playing, and do harm to their
development.
7.Sex set Hilary apart from all the other candidates for presidency and won her the support of
many female voters.
Unit 5
1.His speech instilled enthusiasm and confidence into the audience.
2.Intent on her work, Helen ignored the noise outside the room and did not turn to see who was
coming in.
3.He contended that the main issue was not being addressed.
4.Intimidated, the witness kept his mouth shut for seven years. But now he feels he could no
longer turn his eyes away from facts.
5.Mother Teresa remained a woman of great humility despite all the attention and praise for her
work.
6.I wouldn’t underestimate the obstacle if I were you --- the situation is more frustrating than
you think.