VOA标准英语2008年-Gun Violence Rising in US Capital City

By Chris Simkins
Washington
16 May 2008
 

Republican Party Presidential candidate John McCain is set to speak to members of The National Rifle Association on Friday, May 16. The powerful pro-gun lobbying group is holding its annual convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Its members are watching to see whether the United States Supreme¹ Court will overturn a 32-year-old handgun ban in Washington, D.C. next month.

The high court's review of the case comes as gun violence is on the rise in Washington. Police and community groups are desperately² looking for ways to curb³ the crime wave. With a population of just over one half million people, the nation's capital recorded 181 murders last year. Most involved firearms. Since January, there have been more than 50 homicides and countless⁴ numbers of shootings. VOA's Chris Simkins reports on how the violence has touched one family and what police are doing to get guns, and the criminals who use them, off the streets.

1 supreme   

adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的

参考例句：

• It was the supreme moment in his life.那是他一生中最重要的时刻。
• He handed up the indictment to the supreme court.他把起诉书送交最高法院。

2 desperately   

adv.极度渴望地，绝望地，孤注一掷地

参考例句：

• He was desperately seeking a way to see her again.他正拼命想办法再见她一面。
• He longed desperately to be back at home.他非常渴望回家。

3 curb   

n.场外证券市场，场外交易；vt.制止，抑制

参考例句：

• I could not curb my anger.我按捺不住我的愤怒。
• You must curb your daughter when you are in church.你在教堂时必须管住你的女儿。

4 countless   

adj.无数的，多得不计其数的

参考例句：

• In the war countless innocent people lost their lives.在这场战争中无数无辜的人丧失了性命。
• I've told you countless times.我已经告诉你无数遍了。