VOA慢速英语:Words and Their Stories: Back, Shoulders and Chest

2. tension n. （情绪上的）紧张，烦躁; 紧张的状态
例句：The diplomat threw in a joke, and the tension was instantly relieved.
那位外交官插进一个笑话, 紧张的气氛顿时缓和下来。

3. criticize vt. 批评;批判;苛求;非难
例句：He criticized her in a very unfair way.
他极不公平地指谪她。

4. refuse vt. 拒绝; 回绝
例句：The bank refused him the loan.
银行拒绝向他贷款。

5. present adj. 出席的, 到场的
例句：How many of the group are present today?
今天该组有多少人出席?

6. productive adj. 富有成效的; 有益的
例句：We had a productive meeting that solved some problems.
我们开了一个富有成效的会议, 解决了一些问题。

7. praise vt. 称赞, 赞赏
例句：He was praised for his neat and careful work.
他因工作认真、利索而受到赞扬。

8. scratch v. 抓, 搔
例句：He has a curious habit of scratching his ear while he speaks.
他有一种奇怪的习惯, 一讲话就搔耳朵。

9. superior n. 上级, 长官, 上司
例句：John was his direct superior.
约翰是他的顶头上司。

10. value vt. 重视, 尊重
例句：I valued my friendship with my classmates.
我珍视我和同学们之间的友谊。