BBC news 2010-10-24 加文本

prior to在…之前

例句：The will was made two days prior to his death.
      遗嘱是在他死亡前两天立的。

       I saw him prior to leaving.
       离开前我见到了他。

2.This could have contributed to the last-minute rush to get in.

contribute to促成

例句：Smoking is a major factor contribute to cancer.
      吸烟是致癌的一个重要因素。

3.Rights groups have long criticised the presence of police on campuses, saying its sole purpose was to prevent students from

engaging in politics.

only, single, sole, unique, alone
这些形容词均可表示“唯一的”之意。
only : 普通用词，常可与sole换用，但侧重仅限于指定的人或物，而不需要更多。
single : 语气较强，强调仅此一个，再无第二个。
sole : 语气强于only，指仅有一个或一群，只考虑这一个或这一群。
unique : 非正式用词，侧重在一类中唯一无可匹敌、无与伦比的特征。
alone : 着重专指某人或某物，而不是别的。

4.In a written statement to BBC News, a US military spokesman, Colonel Dave Lapan, said American policy was consistent with

the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

be consistent with与...一致

例句：Actions must be consistent with words.
      说的和做的要一致。

5.Correspondents say the Social Democrats' gains could allow them to slow down reforms proposed by the centre-right

government.

slow down(使)生产缓慢, (使)变得迟钝

例句：Business slows down in summer.
      夏季生意清淡。

      The increase of productions has now slowed down.
      现在产品的增长速度已经慢了下来。