VOA慢速英语:Puerto Ricans Vote to Become 51st US State

短语讲解：

1.People who live on the Caribbean island are U.S. citizens, but they cannot vote in presidential elections.

live on 继续活着; 继续存在
例句：Chinese live on rice.
中国人以大米为主食。

2.The vote took place as Puerto Rico seeks protection from its creditors who hold its large public debt.

take place 发生，举行
例句：A total solar eclipse is due to take place some time tomorrow.
明天某个时刻会发生日全食。

3.He said the vote is not too meaningful because of low participation.

because of 因为，由于; 基于
例句：It is mainly because of my fault.
这主要是由于我的过错。

4. Hakim says the vote takes place as the island faces a serious crisis.

take place 发生，举行
例句：A total solar eclipse is due to take place some time tomorrow.
明天某个时刻会发生日全食。

5.Last month, Governor Rosello refused to agree to measures demanded by creditors to make payments on the island’s bonds.

agree to 同意， 赞成
例句：I cannot but agree to your decision.
我不得不同意你的决定。