As far ascompetitions go, the European Tree of the Year contest isn’t as exciting as the NBA finals or Formula 1 motor races. The name of the event is somewhat __1__ as well. While it may sound like a beauty contest for nature, with judges evaluating trees based on appearance, the __2__ employed are less superficial. Rather than searching for beauty, organizers of the European Tree of the Year look for __3__ with the most interesting stories.
The tale related to the tree named Oak Dunin from Poland, the winner of the 2022 competition, is a good __4__ of what judges look for when deliberating. This more than 400-year-old tree serves asan inspiration for many artists. It stands tall near a path at the edge of the Białowieża Primeval Forest on the border betweenPoland andBelarus. The woodland, a UNESCO World Heritage site __5__ an area of nearly 142,000 hectares, is home to 800 European bisonand various other wildlife. Oak Dunin is positioned at the forefrontof the forest. Though it is more misshapenthanmajestic due to a __6__ crack in the middle of its trunk, it is still often described as the forest’s guardian.
The European Tree of the Year, put onby the Environmental PartnershipAssociation and the European Commission, began in 2011 and was inspired by the Czech national tree contest. Its goal is to emphasize the importance of trees in nature and as part of the __7__ heritage of European countries. Currently, 15 nations __8__ the competition, with most countries holding a national ballot to choose which tree to enter in the continentalevent. The public can __9__ their favorite entry online during February each year. Then the winners will be announced later in March at an awards ceremony and celebration in Belgium, making the European Tree of the Year a rough __10__ of the Grammys for trees. If you would like to learn more about these fascinating trees, visit the official website of the European Tree of the Year.
(A) covering (B) equivalent (C) massive (D) illustration (E) criteria
(F) vote for (G) contestants (H) cultural (I) misleading (J) participate in
答案:1.I 2.E 3.G 4.D 5.A 6.C 7.H 8.J 9.F 10.B
↓ 完整文章版本（無挖空）
As far ascompetitions go, the European Tree of the Year contest isn’t as exciting as the NBA finals or Formula 1 motor races. The name of the event is somewhat misleading as well. While it may sound like a beauty contest for nature, with judges evaluating trees based on appearance, the criteria employed are less superficial. Rather than searching for beauty, organizers of the European Tree of the Year look for contestants with the most interesting stories.
The tale related to the tree named Oak Dunin from Poland, the winner of the 2022 competition, is a good illustration of what judges look for when deliberating. This more than 400-year-old tree serves asan inspiration for many artists. It stands tall near a path at the edge of the Białowieża Primeval Forest on the border betweenPoland andBelarus. The woodland, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering an area of nearly 142,000 hectares, is home to 800 European bisonand various other wildlife. Oak Dunin is positioned at the forefrontof the forest. Though it is more misshapenthanmajestic due to a massive crack in the middle of its trunk, it is still often described as the forest’s guardian.
The European Tree of the Year, put onby the Environmental PartnershipAssociation and the European Commission, began in 2011 and was inspired by the Czech national tree contest. Its goal is to emphasize the importance of trees in nature and as part of the cultural heritage of European countries. Currently, 15 nations participate in the competition, with most countries holding a national ballot to choose which tree to enter in the continental event. The public can vote for their favorite entry online during February each year. Then the winners will be announced later in March at an awards ceremony and celebration in Belgium, making the European Tree of the Year a rough equivalent of the Grammys for trees. If you would like to learn more about these fascinating trees, visit the official website of the European Tree of the Year.
單字片語整理
Words in Use
●
evaluate
[ɪˋvæljʊ͵et]
vt. 評估
=
assess
=
size up...
=
appraise
We cannot make a final decision until the boss has evaluated the situation.
直到老闆評估了這個情況後，我們才能做最後的決定。
We cannot make a final decision until the boss has sized up the situation.
直到老闆評估了這個情況後，我們才能做最後的決定。
We cannot make a final decision until the boss has assessed the situation.
直到老闆評估了這個情況後，我們才能做最後的決定。
We cannot make a final decision until the boss has appraised the situation.
直到老闆評估了這個情況後，我們才能做最後的決定。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
employ
[ɪmˋplɔɪ]
vt. 僱用；運用
=
apply
=
hire
This company employs twenty-five people.
這家公司僱用了 25 個人。
I will employ the new technique I learned to fix this TV.
我將會用我學到的新技術來修理這臺電視機。
多益綠色
英檢初級
高中 Level 2
●
superficial
[ˋsupɚˋfɪʃəl]
a. . 表面的；膚淺的
=
shallow
The book shows only a superficial understanding of
Einstein’s theory of relativity.
這本書對於愛因斯坦相對論的了解只是皮毛而已。
Mary is so superficial that she only cares about a
person’s looks.
瑪麗很膚淺，她只在乎人的外表。
多益金色
英檢中高
高中 Level 6
●
deliberate
[dɪˋlɪbərɪt]
a. 故意的；謹慎的
vt. & vi. 深思熟慮
=
careful
Police have confirmed that the power failure was caused by a deliberate act of sabotage.
警方證實這次停電是因蓄意破壞的行為所導致。
The government is taking deliberate actions to lower food prices.
政府正採取謹慎的行動降低食物價格。
The committee deliberated the reporter’s question for a short time and then provided a vague answer.
委員會思考了一會該名記者的問題，然後給了一個模稜兩可的答案。
After hearing the evidence, the jury deliberated for several hours before making a decision.
陪審團在聆聽證據後，沉思了好幾個小時才做出決定。
多益藍色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
heritage
[ˋhɛrətɪdʒ]
n. （歷史所留下的傳統、文化、語言等）遺產（不可數）
Vienna is hosting a classical music festival to celebrate its musical heritage.
維也納目前正舉辦古典音樂季，頌揚其音樂遺產。
多益金色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
position
[pəˋzɪʃən]
n. 位置；姿勢； 地位；立場；職務
vt. 放置；定位(某產品)
You’re in no position to criticize others. You are at fault, too.
你沒有資格批評他人。你也有錯。
You’re not entitled to criticize others. You are at fault, too.
你沒有資格批評他人。你也有錯。
This position pays a lot of money, but the work is hard.
這個職務待遇不錯，不過工作挺辛苦的。
Position these tomato plants on the right-hand side of the balcony.
將這些番茄植物放在陽臺的右側。
Our hotel is in a superb position overlooking the sea.
本飯店地處絕佳位置，可俯瞰海景。
Just relax and sit in a comfortable position.
只需放鬆並舒服地坐著。
My cousin holds a high position in the government.
我表哥在政府位居要職。
What would you do if you were in my position?
假如你處在我的情況下會怎麼做？
多益綠色
英檢初級
高中 Level 2
●
majestic
[məˋdʒɛstɪk]
a. . 雄偉的
=
grand
=
spectacular
We stood in awe before the majestic Westminster
Abbey.
我們敬畏地站在雄偉的西敏寺前。
高中 Level 6
●
emphasize
[ˋɛmfə͵saɪz]
vt. 強調，重視
=
stress
The study emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet.
這份研究強調均衡飲食的重要性。
多益藍色
英檢初級
高中 Level 2
●
ballot
[ˋbælət]
vi. 投票表決
n. 選票 ; (不記名) 投票
=
vote
For the upcoming election, make sure to cast a ballot for the candidate of your choice.
關於即將來臨的這場選舉，務必要將選票投給您心目中的候選人。
Most people wanted the voting to be done by secret ballot, but a few wanted to know who everyone supported.
大多數人想要採不記名投票，但有少部分人想要知道每個人支持的是誰。
The new student union president was selected by students at the college balloting for one of two candidates.
新的學生會會長由該所大學的學生從兩位候選人中投票表決選出一位。
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
continental
[͵kɑntəˋnɛnt!]
a. 洲的，大陸的
A continental breakfast is a light breakfast that usually contains no meat but bread and butter. 歐陸式早餐通常指一頓輕量的早餐，沒有肉，只有麵包跟奶油。
高中 Level 5
●
entry
[ˋɛntrɪ]
n. 入口、(日記的)一則;(字典所收的)字,詞條
=
entrance
The main entry to the stadium is across the road.
體育場的主要入口在馬路對面。
Tim makes a new entry to his diary every night.
提姆每晚都寫一則新的日記。
I looked up the dictionary entry to understand the meaning of the word.
我查了字典詞條來理解這個字的意思。
多益綠色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
hectare
[ˋhɛktɛr]
n. 公頃
●
bison
[ˋbaɪsn]
n. （尤指北美）野牛（單複數同形）
●
forefront
[ˋfor͵frʌnt]
n. 最前方（需與定冠詞 the 並用）
●
misshapen
[mɪsˋʃepən]
a. 形狀扭曲的，畸形的
●
partnership
[ˋpɑrtnɚ͵ʃɪp]
n. 合夥關係
I have worked in partnership with Lydia for years, and we’ve been getting along very well.
我跟莉迪雅合夥共事了好幾年，一直相處得很好。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
commission
[kəˋmɪʃən]
n. 佣金；委任
vt. 委任
=
authorize
=
assign
You’ll get a 15% commission on everything you sell.
你所賣出的東西都可以抽成 15%。
Alex received a commission to build a memorial park.
艾力克斯被委託建造一座紀念公園。
The museum commissioned the artist to make a sculpture in remembrance of the curator.
博物館委任這名藝術家製作一座雕像紀念該館長。
英檢中級
高中 Level 5
Practical Phrases
●
as far as sth goes, S + V
關於／提到某事物，⋯⋯
As far as money goes, the millionaire doesn't have anything to worry about. 關於錢，那名百萬富翁沒什麼需要擔心的。
●
serve as...
作為⋯⋯之用 / 擔任⋯⋯
This book can serve as a guide to help you learn to cook.
這本書可作為幫助你學習烹調的指南。
Sharon's excellent speaking skills allow her to serve as the host of the event.
雪倫傑出的演講技巧使她得以擔任這場活動的主持人。
●
on the border between A and B
在 A 和 B 的邊界
We stopped to take pictures on the border between the two countries.
我們在兩國邊界處停下來拍照。
●
be more A than B
比起 B，A 更多
Eddie is more excited than nervous about starting his new job next week.
對於下週要開始新工作，比起緊張，艾迪更是興奮。
●
put on...
塗抹⋯⋯ / 穿上⋯⋯
Frank doesn’t like his girlfriend to put on too much makeup.
法蘭克不喜歡他的女朋友畫太濃的妝。
It was so cold that Lucy put on her coat.
天氣太冷了,所以露西穿上外套。
4. The tale related to the tree named Oak Dunin from Poland, the winner of the 2022 competition, is a good illustration of what judges look for when deliberating.
理由
a. 空格前有不定冠詞 a 及形容詞 good(好的)，而空格後有介詞 of，故知空格應置入單數可數名詞。
5. The woodland, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering an area of nearly 142,000 hectares, is home to 800 European bison and various other wildlife.
理由
a. 空格前有名詞詞組 a UNESCO World Heritage site(聯合國教科文組織認定的世界遺產)，而空 格後亦有名詞詞組 an area of nearly 142,000 hectares(將近十四萬兩千公頃的區域)，但本句 已有動詞 is，可知空格是應位於 which 引導的形 容詞子句中(which is 省略)，故知空格應置入及 物動詞的現在分詞形。
6. Though it is more misshapen than majestic due to a massive crack in the middle of its trunk, it is still often described as the forest’s guardian.
理由
a. 空格前有不定冠詞 a，而空格後有名詞crack(裂痕)，故知空格應置入子音開頭的形容詞以修飾 crack。
b. 選項中尚有 (C) massive 及(H) cultural 符合條件，本句前半提到當寧橡樹看起來比較奇形怪狀而非雄偉，可知這應是因為其樹幹中央有一個「大」裂痕，故答案應選 (C)。
7. Its goal is to emphasize the importance of trees in nature and as part of the cultural heritage of European countries.
理由
a. 空格前有定冠詞the，而空格後有名詞heritage (遺產)，故知空格應置入形容詞以修飾heritage。
b. 選項中尚有(B) equivalent 及(H) cultural 符合條件，根據語意，歐洲年度之樹的目標是強調樹在自然界以及作為歐洲國家「文化」遺產的一部分的重要性，可知答案應選(H)。
8. Currently, 15 nations participate in the competition, with most countries holding a national ballot to choose which tree to enter in the continental event.
理由
a. 空格前有名詞詞組 15 nations(十五個國家)，而 空格後亦有名詞詞組 the competition(比賽)， 且根據本段時態，故知空格應置入現在式及物(片 語)動詞。
b. 選項中有 (F) vote for 及 (J) participate in 符合條 件，根據語意，歐洲年度之樹競賽目前有十五個國 家「參賽」，多數國家都會舉行國內投票，選出哪 棵樹來參加這個歐洲大陸的活動，故選 (J)。
9. The public can vote for their favorite entry online during February each year.
理由
a. 空格前有助動詞 can，而空格後有名詞詞組 their favorite entry(他們最喜歡的參賽者)，故知空格 應置入原形及物(片語)動詞。
b. 選項中僅剩 (F) vote for 符合條件，置入後表每年 二月，大眾可以在網路上「投票給」他們最喜歡的 參賽者，故選之。
10. Then the winners will be announced later in March at an awards ceremony and celebration in Belgium, making the European Tree of the Year a rough equivalent of the Grammys for trees.
理由
a. 空格前有不定冠詞 a 及形容詞 rough(大約的)， 而空格後有介詞 of，故知空格應置入單數可數名詞 以被 rough 修飾。
b. 選項中僅剩 (B) equivalent 符合條件，置入後表 接著獲勝者隨後會在三月於比利時的一場頒獎典禮 及慶典上宣布，這使得歐洲年度之樹競賽大約「等 同」於樹木界的葛萊美獎，故選之。
