2021年1月23日发(作者：彭德清)

Unit 6 Is an Only a Lonely Child?

Words and Expressions

1. dilemma

n
.
a situation in which it is difficult to decide what to do, because each choice has its advantages and
disadvantages
e.g.
The bad weather put us in a dilemma whether to leave or stay.
Collocation:


be in a dilemma
e.g.
I’m in a dilemma about this job offer.

我不知道是否要接受这份工作。


2. issue

n.

a subject or problem that is often discussed or argued about
e.g.
Unemployment is not the issue
—
the real problem is the decline in public morality.




I just got a raise, so money’s no longer an issue.

Collocation:


raise the issue: say that a problem should be discussed


e.g.
We should raise the issue of discrimination with the council.
Synonyms:



subject, problem

3. demanding

a.

needing a lot of ability, effort, or skill
e.g.
Climbing is physically demanding, while studying is mentally demanding.




Many people agree that teaching is a demanding profession.
Derivation:


demand

n.& v.


4. keen

adj.
interested in sth. or eager to do it
e.g.
John is a keen photographer.
Collocations:


be keen on sth.


e.g.

Daniel’s v
ery keen on tennis.


be keen to do sth.


e.g.

She’s out of hospital and keen to get back to work.

Synonyms:



interested, eager
Derivation:


keenness

n.


5. concerned

adj.
worried about something


e.g.
Concerned parents approached the school about the problem.
Collocations:


be concerned about


e.g.
Ross has never been particularly concerned about what other people think of him.


be concerned for


e.g.
Rescuers are concerned for the safety of two men trapped in the mine.


be concerned that


e.g.
H
e’s concerned that he won’t get his money back.

Derivations:


concern

n.& v.



concerning

prep.


6. concern

n
. a feeling of worry about sth. important; sth. that worries you
e.g.
His main concern is to be able to provide for his family.
Collocation:


concern about / over


e.g.
There is growing concern about the effects of pollution on health.


concern for sb.


e.g.
A government spokesman expressed concern for the lives of the hostages.

7. stigma

n.
a mark of shame or disgrace; a shameful feeling or reputation
e.g.
There is a strong stigma attached to suicide.



In the past divorce and single parenthood carried a stigma.



离异和单亲家庭在过去是令人感到羞耻的。


8. at times
sometimes but not usually
e.g.

At times I wonder if it’s worth all the effort.

Comparison:
at no time, at all times
at no time:
used to say strongly that something never happened or should never happen
at all times:
used especially in official notices or announcements to say what always happens

or should always happen

9. sibling

n.

(
fml
) a brother or sister
e.g.
A child with siblings seldom gets lonely.
Most young smokers are influenced by their elder siblings’ smoking habits.


10. negotiate

v.
discuss sth. in order to reach an agreement, esp. in business or politics
e.g.
Union leaders have negotiated an agreement for a shorter working week.
Collocation:


negotiate with


e.g.
The government refuses to negotiate with terrorists.
Derivations: