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World Expo: Where Countries Come Together 博览世界，与会国际

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There is much talk these days about the “global village” and how the boundaries between nations are becoming increasingly blurred. Having said that, the different countries of our world still boast an astonishing variety of distinct cultural wonders, technological innovations, and scientific marvels. And amazingly enough, there’s actually a way to experience most of these offerings in one place – by attending a World Expo.

近日以来，有不少关于「地球村」的讨论，以及跨国界限何以逐渐变得越来越模糊的话题。话虽如此，世界上不同的国家仍自豪地展示着惊人的多样、截然不同的文化奇观，还有科技创新和科学奇迹。令人讶异的是，其实有个方式可以在一个地方体验这些各国提供的奇观，这个方式就是参加世界博览会！

World Expos have been held regularly around the world since the mid-19th century. Originally, these huge events were focused on displaying new inventions, though these days the main emphasis is on providing each country with a platform to promote its national image. Participating countries have their own pavilions to showcase the best of themselves. Although these pavilions may be temporary structures, many are designed by celebrated architects and erected at a huge cost. In addition, the host cities of Expos are often marked by more permanent legacies in the form of architectural masterpieces. For instance, the world-renowned Eiffel Tower was actually built for the 1889 Paris Expo.

自19世纪中以来，世界博览会即在世界各地定期举办。起初，这些大型展览只着重于新发明的展示，不过现今最主要的重点在于提供各国一个提升国家形象的平台。参加国均有各自的国家馆以展示其最好的一面。纵使这些国家馆可能只是暂时性的建筑物，但很多是由著名建筑师设计，耗资巨额打造。除此之外，世博会的主办城市通常拥有建筑名作作为较永久的资产。举例来说，世界知名的艾菲尔铁塔就是为了1889年巴黎世博会而建的。

The 2010 World Expo is being held just across the water in Shanghai. Running from May to October, its theme is “Better City, Better Life,” investigating how urban life can be improved in the 21st century. And Taiwanese are hoping to catch the eye of visitors with a pavilion shaped like a sky lantern, symbolizing wishes for happiness, safety, and health. As the world unites for this much-loved event in Shanghai, be sure to explore the Expo. It promises to be bigger and better than ever!

2010年的世界博览会正在海峡对岸的上海举办，展期从5月至10月，主题是「城市，让生活更美好」，旨在寻求如何改善21世纪的城市生活。这次受欢迎的发展就是，台湾将参与世博会，这是40年来头一遭。台湾馆采天灯造型象征祈愿幸福、平安与健康。当全世界为这大受喜爱的活动在上海齐聚时，一定要好好探索世博会，它保证比以往的更大更好！

−by David Vickers

Vocabulary

单词发音

boundary [ˋbaʊndrɪ] n. 边界，分界线

blur [blɝ] v.（使）模糊;（使）看不清楚

astonishing [əˋstɑnɪʃɪŋ] adj. 令人惊讶的；惊人的

distinct [dɪˋstɪŋkt] adj. 截然不同的, 独特的

showcase [ˋʃo͵kes] v. 陈列; 展现

architect [ˋɑrkə͵tɛkt] n. 建筑师；设计师

erect [ɪˋrɛkt] v. 建立，设立; 竖立

permanent [ˋpɝmənənt] adj. 永久的，永恒的

legacy [ˋlɛgəsɪ] n. 遗产

masterpiece [ˋmæstɚ͵pis] n. 杰作，名作

urban [ˋɝbən] adj. 城市的; 都市的

catch the eye 吸引目光

symbolize [ˋsɪmb!͵aɪz] v. 象征，标志

unite [juˋnaɪt] v. 联合；团结

explore [ɪkˋsplor] v. 探究，探索

More Information

单词发音

expo [`ɛkspo] n.【非正式】展览会; 博览会- an exposition

having said that 话虽如此 despite what has just been said

boast [bost] v. 以有……而自豪; 夸耀

marvel [ˋmɑrv!] n. 令人惊奇的事物（或人物）

pavilion [pəˋvɪljən] n.（博览会的）展示馆

mark [mɑrk] v. 留下痕迹; 标志；表示……的特征

water [ˋwɔtɚ] n.（国家的）海域，领海

sky lantern 天灯；孔明灯

much-loved 深受人们喜爱的 desired, sought after

Reading Questions

1. What does the author think about World Expos?

A. He thinks the previous Expos have been disappointing because Taiwan did not participate.

B. He claims they are unnecessary as the nations’ boundaries are already blurred.

C. He likes them because they bring the cultures of the world together.

D. He says they didn’t build as many tall buildings as they should have.

2. According to the article, how will the 2010 Expo be different from other recent Expos?

A. Taiwan will participate.

B. It takes place from May to November.

C. The Eiffel Tower will be built there.

D. This is the first Expo to be held indoors.

3. Which of following is NOT true about the history of the World Expo?

A. World Expos have been held in cities around the world.

B. World Expos have been taking place for over 150 years.

C. Most of the pavilions were kept as permanent legacies.

D. The emphasis of World Expos has changed over time.

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part A

 Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part B

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part C

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part D

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part E

more videos

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part F

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part G

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part H

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part I

Shanghai World Expo 2010 Opening Part J

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