VOA慢速英语:Ralph Henry Reese: Giving Exiled Writers Security and Freedom

appearance – n. the way that someone or something looks

portrayal – n. the act of showing or describing someone or something especially in a painting, book, etc.

fatwa – n. a ruling on a point of Islamic law given by a recognized authority.

turmoil – n. a state of confusion or disorder

crack house – n. a house or apartment where the illegal drug crack is made, used or sold

sanctuary – n. a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter

endangered – adj. seriously at risk or in danger

persecution - n. the unfair or cruel treatment treat of someone, especially because of race or religious or political beliefs

tortured – v. to cause someone to experience severe physical pain especially as a form of punishment to force that person to do something or say something

carve – v. to create something by cutting into a surface

calligraphy – n. the art of making beautiful handwriting

landmark – n. an object or structure on land that is easy to see and recognize

row house – n. a house in a row of houses that shares a wall with the houses next to it

entirely – adv. completely or fully: not lacking or leaving out any part

First Amendment – an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, prohibiting Congress from interfering with freedom of religion, speech, assembly, or petition.

ingrained – adj. existing for a long time and very difficult to change

fundamental – adj. forming or relating to the most important part of something

entitlement – n. the condition of having a right to have, do or get something

commitment – n. a promise to do or give something

midst – n. used to say that someone is among the people in a group