Ⅰ. Sustainable development is applied to just about everything from energy to clean water and economic growth, and as a result it has become difficult to question either the basic assumptions behind it or the way the concept is put to use. (2008.12 閱讀 Text2)
【翻譯】可持續發展被應用到各個領域，從能源到清潔的水到經濟發展。因此，很難去懷疑其背後的基本假設或者想法被付諸實踐的方法。
【詞彙】1. sustainable a.可持續的
例：Sustainable development is the common target of humans.
可持續發展是全人類的共同目標。
2. be applied to… 被應用於
3. question v. 對……表示懷疑，詢問
例：The teacher will question us on nouns.
老師將提問我們關於名詞的知識。
4. assumption n. 假定，設想
例：The theory is based on a series of wrong assumptions.
這個理論是建立在一系列錯誤的假定之上的。
5. concept n. 概念，想法
例：the concept of social class 社會等級的概念
6. put +n. +to use 將…付諸實踐，利用
Ⅱ. The figures prompted Oceana to petition the government to upgrade the level of protection for the North Atlantic loggerheads from "threatened" to "endangered"-meaning they are in danger of disappearing without additional help. (2009. 06 閱讀 Text 2)
【翻譯】這些數字促使海洋環境保護組織向政府請願要求將北大西洋的紅海龜的保護等級從“近危”升級到“瀕危”，這意味著如果沒有進一步幫助，他們即將滅絕。
【詞彙】1. prompt v. 提示，促進，喚起
例：Her curiosity prompts her to ask questions.
她的好奇心促使她提問。
2. petition v. 向……請願，請求
例：He petitions his neighbor to turn down the radio.
他請求他的鄰居把收音機音量調小點。
3. upgrade v. 升級，提高，改善
例：You need to upgrade your player.
你需要升級你的'播放器。
Ⅲ. Tells fears that Mexican-Americans may be fated to follow in the footsteps of American blacks that large parts of the community may become mired in a seemingly permanent state of poverty and underachievement. (2008.12 閱讀 Text3)
【翻譯】泰爾斯擔心墨西哥裔美國人命中註定會跟隨美國黑人的腳步，團體中的大部分人都會陷入一個似乎是永久的貧困和低成就的狀態。
【詞彙】1. be fated to… 命中註定
2. community n. 社群，社會團體
例：The local community was worried about his disappearance.
當地社群對他的失蹤感到擔憂。
3. mire v. 深陷
例：I am mired in confusion.
我深陷在迷惑之中。
4. permanent a. 永久的，持久的
例：He is looking for a permanent position.
他在尋找一個永久的職業。
5. underachievement n. 低成就
