VOA慢速英语:Former VOA Learning English Reporter Publishes a Book

byline – n. a line at the beginning of a newspaper or magazine article that gives the writer's name

novel – n. a long written story usually about imaginary characters and events

spare – adj. available to be used in whatever way you want

sunporch – n. a structure attached to the entrance of a building that has a roof and that may or may not have walls and is designed to be a place where rays from the sun enter

constantly – adj. happening all the time or very often over a period of time

adjust – v. to change in order to work or do better in a new situation

model on – v. to try to be like and to behave like (someone you admire)

disappointment – n. the state or feeling of being disappointed, making (someone) unhappy by not being as good as expected or by not doing something that was hoped for or expected

first-hand – adj. coming directly from actually experiencing or seeing something

mumble – v. to say (something) quietly in an unclear way that makes it difficult for people to know what you said

swallow – v. to flow over and cover (something) completely (used here figuratively)

pavement – n. the hard surface of a road, driveway, etc.

cot – n. a narrow, light bed often made of cloth stretched over a folding frame

flimsy – adj. easily broken, torn, etc.; not strong or solid

skirt – n. a piece of clothing worn by women and girls that hangs from the waist down

threadbare – adj. very thin and in bad condition from too much use

deflate – v. to release air or gas from (something, such as a tire or balloon) and make it smaller

torn – adj. ripped; split

mattress – n. a cloth case that is filled with material and used as a bed