On January 24, 2023, the DoomsdayClock, a symbolic clock created in 1947 that represents how close humanity is to global catastrophe, was set to 90 seconds to midnight. This is the closest the clock has ever been to midnight, with midnight symbolizing the end of the world and the minute handsignifying how close humankind is currently to it. The decision to move the clock forward waslargely based onthe global failure to address existentialthreats posed by the climate crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the increased risk of nuclear weapons, and the rise of disinformation. The COVID-19 pandemichas also highlighted the vulnerability of our healthcare systems and the danger of biological threats.
The clock’s setting is determined by theBulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board, whichtakes into accountglobal issues regarding nuclear weapons, climate change, bio-threats, and other current threats to humankind. The 2023 DoomsdayClock announcement reflects the lack of progress made in handling the loomingthreats humanity is facing. Despite the Paris Agreement on climate change and the efforts to reduce nuclear weapons, nucleararms racescontinue, and the world’s major powers keep on investing inweapons with the potential to cause global destruction many times over.
The use of the color blue in the film is symbolic of the misery and depression of the main character.
這部電影中使用的藍色象徵主角的不幸與憂鬱。
The use of the color blue in the film symbolizes the misery and depression of the main character.
這部電影中使用的藍色象徵主角的不幸與憂鬱。
高中 Level 5
●
symbolize
[ˋsɪmb!͵aɪz]
vt. . 象徵，代表
=
represent
In the Bible, lambs symbolize people, and a
shepherd symbolizes Jesus.
在《聖經》裡，小羊代表人民，牧羊人則代表耶穌。
英檢中級
高中 Level 6
●
catastrophe
[kəˋtæstrəfɪ]
n. . 災難
=
disaster
The recent cyclone in Bangladesh was a real catastrophe.
最近在孟加拉的那場颶風真是一場大災難。
I can’t imagine what a catastrophe it will be if we lose
Mr. Hank, our most important client.
我無法想像要是我們失去最重要的客戶漢克先生的話，那將
會是一場什麼樣的災難。
A huge earthquake and tsunami in March 2011
caused a nuclear catastrophe in Fukushima, Japan.
2011 年 3 月在日本福島發生的大地震和海嘯造成了核子災
難。
The organization of this historic building said that
several safety measures were in place to prevent a catastrophe, such as a huge earthquake, from
damaging the structure.
這座歷史建築的機構表示已採取多項安全措施，以防大地震
等災難破壞此建築物。
高中 Level 6
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signify
[ˋsɪgnə͵faɪ]
vt. 表示；代表
This ring signifies my love for you.
這只戒指代表我對你的愛。
英檢中高
●
invasion
[ɪnˋveʒən]
n. 入侵
=
attack
=
assault
This film is about the invasion of strange creatures.
這部電影演的是有怪物入侵。
高中 Level 4
●
nuclear
[ˋnjuklɪɚ]
a. 核子的
When nuclear war breaks out, humans are doomed. 核子大戰爆發時，人類注定要毀滅。
高中 Level 4
●
highlight
[ˋhaɪ͵laɪt]
n. 最精彩的部分
vt. 突顯，強調
=
emphasize
Our stay in Paris was certainly the highlight of our trip.
我們在巴黎停留的期間絕對是此行最精彩的部分。
You should highlight your work experience in the resume.
你應該在履歷表中突顯你的工作經驗。
多益藍色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
vulnerability
[͵vʌlnərəˋbɪlətɪ]
n. 脆弱性
●
reflect
[rɪˋflɛkt]
vt. 反射；反應
vi. 思考（與介詞 on 並用）
The mirror reflects sunlight.
鏡子會反射陽光。
The polls have reflected that welfare is the top issue with voters.
這些民調反應出福利制度才是選民關注的首要議題。
We took a moment to reflect on what we were about to do.
我們花了片刻時間思考我們要怎麼做。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
potential
[pəˋtɛnʃəl]
n. 潛力
a. 潛在的
Howard has the potential to become one of the best centers in the basketball league.
霍華德有潛力成為該籃球聯盟裡其中一位頂尖的中鋒。
The earlier you identify potential problems, the sooner you can take action to avoid them.
你越早發現那些潛在的問題，就能越快採取行動去避免它們發生。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
destruction
[dɪˋstrʌkʃən]
n. 破壞（不可數）
The destruction caused by the earthquake was immense.
這次地震引起的破壞很大。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
prioritize
[praɪˋɔrə͵taɪz]
vt. 視⋯⋯為第一優先
The service industry prioritizes customers' needs.
服務業視顧客需求為第一優先。
●
research
[rɪˋsɝtʃ]
vt. 研究
Pam researched her family’s history, tracing it back to the 1500s.
小潘研究她的家族史，可追溯到 16 世紀。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
nigh
[naɪ]
adv. 臨近
●
doomsday
[ˋdumz͵de]
n. 世界末日
●
existential
[͵ɛgzɪsˋtɛnʃəl]
a. 攸關人類存在的
●
disinformation
[dɪs͵ɪnfɚˋmeʃən]
n. 假消息
●
pandemic
[pænˋdɛmɪk]
n. （範圍廣大的）流行病，疫情
●
looming
[ˋlumɪŋ]
a. 逼近的
英檢中高
●
sustainable
[səˋstenəb!]
a. 可維持的；可持續的
Experts doubted that the rapid increase in the stock market was sustainable and warned values would likely decline soon.
專家懷疑股市快速上漲是否能維持，並警告股價可能很快會下跌。
Solar and wind power are two examples of sustainable energy resources that have become more common over the years.
太陽能和風能是兩個這幾年來越見普遍的永續能源例子。
高中 Level 5
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sustainability
[sə͵stenəˋbɪlɪtɪ]
n. 永續性
●
disarmament
[dɪsˋɑrməmənt]
n. 裁減軍備
●
cyber
[ˋsaɪbɚ]
a. 與電腦／網路有關的
Practical Phrases
●
be symbolic of...
象徵……
The use of the color blue in the film is symbolic of the misery and depression of the main character.
這部電影中使用的藍色象徵主角的不幸與憂鬱。
●
a nuclear weapon
核武
●
be based on / upon sth
依據某物
= be grounded in / on...
The movie was based on a true story.
這部電影是根據一個真實故事所拍攝的。
●
take into account... / take... into account
將⋯⋯列入考慮
We should take Zack's lack of experience into account.
我們應該將查克缺乏經驗這點列入考慮。
●
invest in
投資於……
Oscar invested heavily in the property market in recent years.
近幾年來奧斯卡投資了很多錢在房市。
●
a call to action
（激發人們）採取行動的號召
Greta's speech included a call to action to encourage the public to take the next step in reducing carbon emissions.
葛瑞塔的演講包含了激發人們採取行動的號召，鼓勵大眾採取下一步來減少碳排放。
