BBC news 2009-05-18 加文本

1.The Tigers said they were ready to lay down their arms, but the spokesman insisted this was not a surrender.

lay down放下，制定

例句：Lay down your arms and we'll spare your lives!
      缴枪不杀！

      As for the details of the procedure, we won't lay down any hard and fast (or rigid) rules.
      至于具体做法，不作硬性规定。

2.The Tigers are now confined to an area of jungle just 200 metres by 200 metres, says the government.

be confined to限制，约束

例句：The latter should be confined to the common struggle against the enemy.
      后者应约束于共同对敌的范围之内。

3.But the army spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara said Sri Lankan forces will not let up their offensive until every inch of land is under government control.

let up停止

例句：We thought the rain would let up soon.
      我们觉得雨不久会停。

4.James Elder, a spokesman for the United Nations Children's Agency UNICEF, said that it was concerned that all civilians should be able to leave the area.

be able to能够

例句：They have to import wheat to be able to feed the country.
      他们得靠进口小麦才够本国人民食用。

5.Now, there are no absolutes, but it is certainly, it's our hope that all people, all civilians are out of that area because they have paid far too great a price for the actions of both sides over these past months.

pay a price for为……付出代价

例句：Our troops recapture the city, but they pay a heavy price for it.
      我军收复了该市,但为此付出了沉重代价。

6.At Notre Dame University in Indiana, Mr. Obama said the two camps' views were to some extent irreconcilable.

to some extent在某种程度上

例句：The economic policy of a country influences not only its domestic economy but also international economy to some  extent.
      一个国家的经济政策不仅影响本国经济，对国际经济也有一定程度的影响。

7.Mr. Martin is under pressure over his handling of a scandal involving politicians' expense claims.

under pressure在压力下，忍受压力

例句：The talented fullback is a high class player who is cool under pressure and dynamic on attack.
      那个时髦帅气的后卫是个天才球员，他沉着冷静，能够顶住压力活跃地进攻。