BBC news 2010-10-29 加文本

1.A powerful group of 11 countries, including some of the key movers and shakers in the European Union, is setting down a powerful challenge to the EU's parliament and commission.

set down(使)放下, (使)坐下

例句：He set me down in a comfortable chair.
      他让我坐在一张舒适的椅子里。

      The desk was set down before the window.
      把书桌放在窗前。
 
2.A commission appointed by President Obama to investigate the Gulf of Mexico oil spill says that cement used to seal the doomed well may have contributed to the blow-out that caused the disaster.

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.The government said it was increasing the reward 10-fold to show that it was firmly committed to joining the European Union.

commit to对…作出承诺, 承担义务, 担负责任; 使(自己)致力于…

例句：I must go. I have committed myself to the club tonight and the members are expecting me.
      我得走了, 我已经答应今晚去俱乐部, 会员们正等着我呢。

      He has committed himself to the cause of education.
      他已决心献身教育事业。