VOA慢速英语阅读
VOA慢速英语： 农场游客增加农场收入
VOA慢速英语：农场游客增加农场收入Farm Visitors Increase Farm profits农场游客增加农场收益As the weather cools across the United States, a growing number of Americans visit farms. They harvest apples, enjoy hay wagon rides and walk in the fields. These people arecalled “agri-tourists.” They improve the economy of rural areas and help farmers increase their profits.在美国，随着天气逐渐变凉，参观农场的人数也在增长。
他们摘苹果、乘坐运草车、在农田散步。
这些人被称为“农业观光旅行者”。
他们促动了农村的经济增长，增加了农场主的收益。
"Here! This way!"“这边！往这边走！”"That way!"“往那边走”School children are walking in a corn field maze. Thecorn is cut into tricky passageways that make it difficult to find a way out.孩子们走在玉米迷宫里，玉米地里开辟出来的道路奇形怪状，他们不容易找到出去的路。
"No!"“不是！”The children are from Yorktown Elementary School in Bowie, Maryland. They have traveled to Montpelier Farms in Prince George’s County, which is also in Maryland. The farm isabout 40 kilometers from The White House.孩子们来自马里兰州鲍威市的约克郡小学。
VOA慢速英语Hoover Dam Taming the Colorado River and Powering Millions
STEVE EMBER: And this is Steve Ember withEXPLORATIONS in VOA Special English. Today we tell about Hoover Dam.(MUSIC)BOB DOUGHTY: Our report today about Hoover Dam must begin with the Colorado River. This river made the dam necessary. The Colorado River begins high in the Rocky Mountains. It begins slowly, during the dark months of winter. Heavy snow falls on the Rocky Mountains.The snow is so deep in some areas that it will stay on the ground well into the hot days of summer. But the snow does melt. Ice cold water travels down the mountains and forms several rivers -- the Gila River, the Green River, the Little Colorado, the San Juan, the Virgin and the Gunnison Rivers. These rivers link together and form the beginnings of the Colorado River. The Colorado River flows through, or provides water for, the states of Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California. Then it crosses the border into Mexico.STEVE EMBER: The Colorado River has always been extremely powerful. The river created the huge Grand Canyon. The violent water cut hundreds of meters deep into the desert floor of Arizona. The Grand Canyon is proof of the power of this great river.The Grand Canyon was cut into the desert floor beginning thousands of years ago. But the power of this river has been demonstrated in more modern times.Between nineteen-oh-five and nineteen-oh-seven, the Colorado River caused great amounts of flooding in parts of Arizona and California. Huge amounts of water ran into a low area in the dry, waterless desert that had once been an ancient lake. In two years of flooding, the Colorado River filled the ancient lake. That lake is called the Salton Sea. Today, it is about fifty-six kilometers long by twenty-five kilometers wide. It is even larger in years of heavy rain.BOB DOUGHTY: The flooding that created the Salton Sea also flooded homes, towns and farming areas. Many people were forced to flee their homes. Government leaders knew they had to do something to prevent such floods in the future.In nineteen eighteen, a man named Arthur Davis proposed building a dam to control the Colorado River. Mister Davis was a government engineer. He said the dam should be built in an area called Boulder Canyon on the border between the states of Arizona and Nevada.STEVE EMBER: Building the dam would not be a simple matter. The people of seven states and the people of Mexico needed and used the water of the Colorado River. Much of that area is desert land. Water is extremely important. Without water from the Colorado River, farming is not possible. Without water, life in the desert is not possible.On November twenty-fourth, nineteen twenty-two, officials signed a document in Santa Fe, New Mexico. That document is called the Colorado River Compact. The document tells how the seven states would share the water of the Colorado River. It was agreed this could be more easily done with the aid of a dam. Later an agreement was signed with Mexico to supply it with water from the Colorado River.(MUSIC)BOB DOUGHTY: The area chosen for the dam was called Black Canyon. The walls of Black Canyon rise almost two hundred forty-three meters above the river.An ancient volcano formed the rock in Black Canyon. Engineers decided the rock would provide a good strong support for the proposed dam.However, the area also presented problems. The nearest railroad was sixty kilometers away. There was no electric power. And, in the summer, the temperature in the desert in Black Canyon could reach as high as forty-eight degrees Celsius.A great deal of work was done before operations started on the dam. Workers built a town called Boulder City to house employees working on the dam. They built a large road from Boulder City to the area of the dam. They built a railroad from a main line in Las Vegas, Nevada to Boulder City. They built another railroad from Boulder City to the dam area. And they built a three hundred fifty kilometer power line from San Bernadino, California. This provided electric power to the area where the dam was being built.Workers drill into the canyon wall above the Colorado RiverSTEVE EMBER: The work on the dam began in April of nineteen thirty-one. Workers called “high scalers” were some of the first to begin building the dam. They were suspended from ropes as they used heavy air-powered hammers to break any loose rock away from the face of the canyon walls. When they could not use hammers, they used dynamite. One high scaler became very famous. His name was Arnold Parks. He caught another worker who had fallen off the top of the canyon.Mister Parks held the worker to the wall of the canyon until others came to help. Today, visitors can see a statue of the men who worked as high scalers to build Hoover Dam.The high scalers worked on the sides of the canyon. Other workers dug huge tunnels deep in the floor of the canyon. This was done to permit the Colorado River to flow away from the construction area. This had to be done so the floor of the dam could be built.On June sixth, nineteen thirty-three, workers poured the first load of a building material called concrete. Men in two special factories worked day and night to make the concrete building material for the dam.Huge equipment moved millions of tons of rock and sand. In the summer months, the terrible desert heat slowed the work but did not stop it. Men who worked at night on the dam suffered less, but the heat was still as high as thirty degrees Celsius.BOB DOUGHTY: Slowly the great dam began to rise from the floor of the canyon. From the canyon floor it reaches two hundred twenty-one meters high. Workers poured the last of the concrete on May twenty-ninth, nineteen thirty-five. They had used almost four million cubic meters of concrete in the dam. Workers also used more than twenty million kilograms of steel to strengthen the concrete in the dam.STEVE EMBER: The work was dangerous for the more than five thousand men who worked on the structure. The extreme temperatures, falling objects and heavy equipment caused accidents. The workers were provided with medical care and two emergency vehicles to take them to a new hospital in Boulder City. However, ninety-six men lost their lives during the building of the great dam.The companies building the dam had been given seven years to complete the work. They did it in only five. The dam was finished on March first, nineteenthirty-six.Other work now began. This work would make the dam into one of the largest producers of electric power ever built. The dam was built to control the powerful Colorado River. But it was also meant to use the river to produce large amounts of electric power.Today, seventeen huge machines use the r iver’s power to produce electric power. The states of Arizona and Nevada share the power. So do many cities in California, including Los Angeles, Burbank, and Pasadena.(MUSIC)BOB DOUGHTY: When the Hoover Dam was finished in nineteen thirty-six, it was the largest dam in the world. It was also the tallest. And it was the largest power producer that used water power to make electricity. Today this is no longer true. Taller dams, larger dams and a few that produce more power have been created. But Hoover Dam is still a huge and interesting place.Visitors to Hoover Dam drive on a small road that passes Lake Mead. They enter a special visitors' center to learn about the dam and the men who built it. They ride high-speed elevators that go deep inside the dam. They see the huge machines that produce electric power.Many visitors say they thought the name of the huge structure was Boulder Dam. They are told that Hoover Dam is often called Boulder Dam. However, it is named after former President Herbert Hoover.APThe Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge was completed in 2010. Hoover Dam is in the background.Before he was president, Mister Hoover worked for many years to make the construction of the dam possible. It was officially named to honor him in nineteen forty-seven.Visitors leave the great dam with an understanding of how difficult the project was. They learn that it still safely controls the great Colorado River. And it also provides water and electric power to millions of people in the American southwest.(MUSIC)STEVE EMBER: This program was written by Paul Thompson. It was produced by Mario Ritter. This is Steve Ember.BOB DOUGHTY: And this is Bob Doughty. Join us again next week for another EXPLORATIONS program in VOA Special English。
VOA慢速英语：加利福尼亚遭遇严重干旱
VOA慢速英语：加利福尼亚遭遇严重干旱Hundreds of California Homes in Need of WaterSevere drought has struck California for a third year.The lack of water is affecting farms, cities and small communities. California's Central Valley is usually fertile. But the lack of rainfall has left hundreds of homes without water.The Porterville Area Coordinating Council provides food and other help to needy families. But right now, the families badly need water. Some of the land has not been planted because of lack of water. A man drives up to an old food-package house. The building serves as the headquarters of the Porterville Area Coordinating Council. The man's pick-uptruck is loaded with plastic barrels. A volunteer fills these containers with water. Nearby people are loading cars andother vehicles with cases of drinking water.Debbie Martinez lives on a ranch, a large farm that isnot connected to the local water system. She has a water well. But she says it is dry."Yes, it's been (dry) three years. My neighbor had given me water, but their wells are going dry, too."California's system of aqueducts carries water to cities and small towns. But this part of Tulare County is far from any city. A lower than normal amount of water under theground has left some wells with little or no water. Council volunteer Fred Beltran says this situation has affected more than 300 homes in this neighborhood."And these are all individual wells that are drying up or they're pumping poor quality of water, which is either sand, dirt or high nitrates."California Governor Jerry Brown recently signed bills to regulate ground water to prevent shortages. He ordered delivery of emergency drinking water for people who have none.Tulare County water expert Denise England says people need clean water for drinking and cooking."But the bigger challenge we're facing now is what we're calling sanitation water, so water that's not potable, that's not drinkable, but you can take a shower with it or do your dishes with it or bathe."Elva Beltran directs the Porterville Area Coordinating Council. She says her group has provided large open-air water tanks for many people. She says, "We have 54 tanks right now."The Council gets its money from area residents and religious groups.Much of the work here involves giving water to peoplelike Michael Burrough."I don't know what else to do. All the water we can getis from the sources like right here. Other than that, I have to buy water and I don't really have the extra money to buy cases of water."Officials say providing these families with water is highly important. But for now, the people depend on theirneighbors, local government and private agencies to get the water they need to survive.I'm Anna Matteo.This report was based on a story from VOA reporter MikeO'Sullivan. Jeri Watson wrote the story for Learning English. The editor was George Grow._____________________________________________________________ Words in This Storyright now – idiom, immediatelywell – n., a deep hole in the ground through which water can be removedranch – n., a large farm for raising horses, beef cattle or sheepdelivery – n., the act of taking something to a person or place; something taken to a person or placeregulate – v., to make regulations (rules) foraqueduct – n., an artificial channel for conveying waterresident – n., a person who lives somewhere permanently or on a long-term basis。
VOA慢速英语： 飞船历史性的在彗星上着陆
VOA慢速英语：飞船历史性的在彗星上着陆Spacecraft Makes Historic Landing on a Comet宇宙飞船历史性地在彗星登陆After traveling 10 years and hundreds of millions of kilometers, a small robotic spacecraft has for the first time landed on the surface of a comet, a solar system object madeof ice and rock.在太空旅行10年、航行数十亿千米后，一个小型机器飞船首次登陆彗星表面，彗星是太阳系的一个天体，由冰和岩石构成。
T he probe launched from the European Space Agency’s main Rosetta spaceship early Wednesday. The spaceship is designedto carefully study the appearance and materials that make up the Comet67P/Churymov-Gerasimenko.周三早上，这个探测器搭载欧洲航天局“罗塞塔”飞船进入太空。
飞船设计很细致，主要研究彗星67P的表面物质。
Scientists worried the probe might not land on solid ground but early reports say the Philae research probe is in good condition.科学家担心探测器也许无法达到彗星表面，虽然早些时候的报道称“菲莱”着陆器运行状态良好。
Stephan Ulamec, of the German Aerospace Center, announced the news. He said the landing equipment and a special device meant to secure the spacecraft to the comet had deployed.德国航天中心的史蒂芬·莱姆克宣布一个消息：他说已经部署好一个特别的装置来确保着陆彗星的探测器器和飞船的安全。
voa慢速英语 中英文对照
voa慢速英语中英文对照当然可以，以下是一篇关于自然保护的VOA慢速英语中英文对照文章：Protecting our planet is everyone's responsibility. 保护我们的地球是每个人的责任。
We must take action to conserve our natural resources and preserve the biodiversity of our world. 我们必须采取行动来保护我们的自然资源，并维护我们世界的生物多样性。
One important way to protect our planet is through conservation efforts. 保护我们地球的一个重要途径是通过保护努力。
This involves protecting habitats and ecosystems from human-caused degradation and destruction. 这包括保护栖息地和生态系统免受人类活动造成的破坏和毁灭。
Another crucial aspect is sustainable development. 另一个关键方面是可持续发展。
We need to ensure that our economic activities are carried out in a way that does not harm the environment or deplete natural resources. 我们需要确保我们的经济活动以不损害环境或耗尽自然资源的方式进行。
Education is also key in promoting environmental protection. 教育也是促进环境保护的关键。
By educating people about the importance of conservation and sustainability, we can create a society that is more aware and responsible towards the environment. 通过教育人们关于保护和可持续性的重要性，我们可以创造一个对环境更加有意识和负责任的社会。
voa慢速英语文稿
voa慢速英语文稿Title: VOA Slow English TranscriptThe Voice of America (VOA) is an international multimedia broadcaster which serves as the United States government’s official institution for news and information. The VOA provides reliable and accurate news and information in multiple languages, including English. Their slow English program is designed to help non-native English speakers improve their listening comprehension and language skills.The slow English program features news stories, interviews, and cultural pieces that are read at a slower pace than typical news broadcasts. This allows listeners to better understand the content, vocabulary, and grammar used in each piece. In addition to broadcasting on the radio, the slow English program can be accessed online through the VOA website and mobile app. The slow English program is a useful tool for anyone looking to improve their English language skills. It is particularly helpful for students learning English as a second language or for individuals who want to improve their proficiency for personal or professional reasons. By listening to the program regularly, learners can develop their listening comprehension, expand their vocabulary, and improve their overallunderstanding of English.In addition to the slow English program, the VOA offers a variety of other resources for learners of English. These include news articles, video reports, and interactive quizzes that help learners test their knowledge and engage with the content. The VOA also offers courses in American English pronunciation and idiomatic expressions, as well as resources for teachers and students.Overall, the VOA slow English program is an excellent resource for individuals looking to improve their English language skills. With its reliable news coverage and accessible format, the program helps learners develop their listening comprehension and gain a deeper understanding of English language and culture.。
VOA慢速英语
How many people died in Sunday's plane crash?
All 157 people on board died
American President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States would ground all Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 9 planes "effective immediately." The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (or FAA) said in a statement that it "made the decision as a result of the data gathering process and new evidence collected at the site and analyzed today." The agency added, "This evidence, together with newly refined satellite data available to FAA this morning, led to this decision." ground vi. 着陆；搁浅 effective immediately即时生效 refined adj.精确的；site n. 地点；位置；场所 aviation n. 航空；飞行术 Administrationn. 管理；行政；实施；行政机构
VOA慢速英语(翻译+字幕+讲解)全球脱贫陷窘境 富国贫富不均加剧
Lack of Progress in Reducing PovertyA new report says years of progress made in reducing poverty worldwide are under attack.The International Labor Organization says the progress is being threatened by weakening economic conditions and a lack of quality jobs.The ILO recently released the report. It is called "World Employment and Social Outlook 2016 -- Transforming Jobs to End Poverty."The ILO says great progress in reducing poverty has been made over the past 20 years. The report explores the issue of extreme poverty in 107 emerging and developing countries.Extreme poverty was defined as earning less than $2 a day.The report found that in those countries, the number of people with such an income fell by almost half since 1990 to about 15 percent in 2012.But not every country has experienced falling rates of poverty.Guy Ryder is the ILO's Director-General. He says there have been great improvements in China and in Latin American countries. But poverty remains high in Africa and parts of Asia."For example, more than 40 percent of the African population continues to live in extreme poverty and some 64 percent in extreme or moderate poverty. Another element -- which I think we have to pay attention to -- is the fact that in the developed world, there has been an increase, an absolute increase in poverty, notably in this continent of Europe."Ryder says the recent worsening of economic conditions in Asia and Latin America suggests a cloudy future for poverty reduction efforts there. He noted that economic growth does not mean a reduction in poverty.He says income inequality is beginning to increase after dropping for many years. He says that hurts the ability of people to get out of poverty."In addition, the ability of growth to reduce poverty is compromised by the inequitable income distribution, showing that the rich are taking a disproportionately high share of the benefits of growth and, in a way, could be considered partly responsible for this perpetuation of poverty." The ILO says United Nations' efforts to end poverty everywhere are at risk of failing.I'm Bryan Lynn.。
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V O A慢速英语阅读 Prepared on 24 November 2020
From VOA Learning English, this is the Agriculture(农业的） Report.
Climate change has caused a rise in sea levels. This has increased the amount of salt in fresh water used on coastal farms. As a result farmers are increasingly unable to use fields close to the sea.
Scientists call this process "salinization（盐渍化）." The term（术语）comes from the word "saline" （生理盐水）-- which means a mixture of salt and water. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says salinization is reducing the world's irrigated lands by 1 to 2 percent every year. Irrigation is the process of supplying land with fresh water from other areas.
As saline water cannot be used for irrigation, a farm in Netherlands has managed to grow healthy and tasty vegetables in soil irrigated with salt water.
But a farmer in the Netherlands is now using a mixture of sea and fresh water to grow healthy and tasty vegetables.
Marc Van Rijsselberghe started with an experiment. He put several kinds of plants in saline.
"We put in a lot of plants in the fields and then we put in, put them in fresh water and in sea water and all the varieties between it, and then we see which variety is surviving and which variety is dying."
Mr. Van Rijsselberghe worked on the project with scientists from the Free University of Amsterdam. He divided a farm into eight irrigated areas. Separate pipes pumped fresh and sea water, and a computer program created water with eight levels of salinity.
"And then computer says ‘go' and then it goes to the fields and dripping irrigation starts to work and we are going to kill plants. That's it."
Computerized measuring devices called "sensors" controlled the water levels and the levels of salinity. Mr. Van Rijsselberghe says he was able to harvest vegetables from most of the eight test areas. He says the vegetables were smaller than those grown in fresh water. But he says they also have more sugar and salt, so they taste better.
"It's a miracle. I mean, it shouldn't be a carrot, it should be dying if we look at the datas that are available in the world at the moment."
The farmer grew carrots, cabbage, onions and beetroot. But he found that potatoes grew better than the other vegetables in the combination of sea and fresh water. Mr. Van Rijsselberghe says four kinds of these potatoes were recently sent to Pakistan, where thousands of hectares of land have been damaged by salinization. Farmers in Pakistan will test the Dutch potatoes to see if they can be grown in those fields.
And that's the VOA Learning English. For more agriculture and environment stories, go to our website . I'm Caty Weaver.。