cctv9英语新闻：中国仍是方便面第一消费大国

 　　China not only has the world’s largest population, but also the best appetite for instant noodles. The country remained the world’s top instant noodles consumer last year, according to Osaka-based World Ramen Association in Japan.

　　中国不仅拥有世界上最多的人口，而且是方便面第一消费大国。总部位于大阪的世界拉面协会称，中国去年依然是最大的方便面消费国。

　　44-billion packets of instant noodles were eaten by people in China in 2012. Indonesia and Japan followed with over 14 billion packets and 5.4 billion. Another way of looking at the numbers in the number one consumer China -- that’s close to 1,400 packets put away every single second. Among people living fast-paced city-life, the speedy meal has cemented its popularity¹. And being cheap, easy to carry and cook, its convenience also makes it a top choice to bring on long-distance travel, especially during the spring festival.

　　2012年，中国 “吃掉”440亿块，印尼140亿块，日本54亿块。在方便面第一消费国——中国，每秒钟有将近1400人在吃方便面。 随着城市生活节奏的加快，快餐站稳了脚跟。方便面廉价、便于携带和食用，成为长途旅行，特别春节假期旅游时的首选食品。

　　It is also the choice hand out to relieve hunger under post-disaster conditions. As the pictures show, it was a staple² for victims and rescuers after the Lushan quake during the past week.

　　地震后，灾民也是靠分发的方便面来缓解饥饿。就如图片上看到的，芦山地震后的一周里，方便面成为地震受害者和救援人员的主要食物。

1 popularity   

n.普及，流行，名望，受欢迎

参考例句：

• The story had an extensive popularity among American readers.这本小说在美国读者中赢得广泛的声望。
• Our product enjoys popularity throughout the world.我们的产品饮誉全球。

2 staple   

n.主要产物，常用品，主要要素，原料，订书钉，钩环；adj.主要的，重要的；vt.分类

参考例句：

• Tea is the staple crop here.本地产品以茶叶为大宗。
• Potatoes are the staple of their diet.土豆是他们的主要食品。