VOA慢速英语:American History: Columbus Discovers the New World

短语讲解：

1. In fact, the second Monday in October is celebrated as a national holiday, Columbus Day, to honor the European explorer.

in fact 事实上
例句：I think so; in fact, I am quite sure.
我想如此,事实上我十分相信如此。  

2. The Crusades began at the end of the eleventh century.

at the end of 在……的尽头，在……的末尾
例句：At the end of the wood, the path diverges to the left. 
在树林的尽头,小路向左拐去。 

3. The increased trade with the East led to the creation and growth of towns along the supply roads.

trade with 从事贸易
例句：Britain does a lot of trade with America. 
英国与美国进行大量的贸易。 

4. He was interested in sea travel and exploration. He became known as Henry the Navigator.

interested in 对...有兴趣,有志
例句：I' m not really interested in fishing. 
我不是真正对钓鱼有兴趣。 

5. It took the Portuguese only about fifty years to take control of the spice trade. They established trading colonies in Africa, the Persian Gulf, India and China.

take control of 掌管
例句：There must be someone who can take control of these naughty children 
应该有人能管住这些淘气的孩子 

6. Spain's Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand agreed to provide ships, crew and supplies for an exploration by an Italian named Christopher Columbus.

agree to 同意;接受
例句：Do you agree to my plan?
你接受我的计划吗?  

7. During all his trips, Columbus explored islands and waterways, searching for that passage to the Indies.

search for 寻找
例句：The search for peace also means the search for justice. 
寻求和平也意味着寻求正义。