VOA标准英语2008年-Circus Offers Audiences Thrills, Chills and Mor

By Jeff Feuer
Washington
07 May 2008
 

The modern circus can trace its roots to ancient Rome where audiences gathered to see chariot races, equestrian¹ shows, and staged battles.  Today's modern circuses have changed quite a bit with a mix of aerialists, clowns and theater all designed to thrill and entertain audiences. But these modern shows are not without controversy². VOA's Jeff Feuer goes behind the scenes at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the self described "Greatest Show on Earth," to learn how the performers try to help the communities they come to entertain.

1 equestrian   

adj.骑马的；n.马术

参考例句：

• They all showed extraordinary equestrian skills.他们的骑术都很高超。
• I want to book two equestrian tickets.我想订两张马术比赛的票。

2 controversy   

n.争论，辩论，争吵

参考例句：

• That is a fact beyond controversy.那是一个无可争论的事实。
• We ran the risk of becoming the butt of every controversy.我们要冒使自己在所有的纷争中都成为众矢之的的风险。