VOA常速英语:South Sudan Puts on Dress Rehearsal for Independence

短语讲解：

1. Right now we're on one of Juba's main streets, which has been closed down for a parade.

close down (使)停业, (使)停产
例句：Because of the continued loss, the factory closed down.
由于连续亏损, 工厂关闭了。

2. One of the most anticipated moments will be the first performance of the country's brand new national anthem.

national anthem国歌
例句：They usually play the national anthems of the teams at the beginning of a big match.
在大型赛事开始前, 他们通常演奏参赛国国歌。

3. Soldiers and police have been conducting security checks, and occasionally shutting down the town's few paved roads to help prepare for the festivities.

shut down完全关闭，倒闭，停止运转
例句：The shop has shut down because of lack of trade.
那商店因生意萧条而停业。
prepare for (使)为…作准备
Right now they are preparing themselves for the Olympic Games.
眼下他们正在为参加奥运会作准备。

4. But the citizens of the town are looking forward to a new era of peace.

look forward to期望, 盼望
例句：We look forward to seeing you again.
我们期待着与你再次相见。

5. "Every youth should get educated at least, this is what I need because we were marginalized and a lot of people did not get a chance to go to school and that is why I need that change," he said.

go to school 上学
例句：Every child has his right to go to school.
每个孩子都有权力上学。

6. Hundreds of foreign dignitaries, including the heads of state of 30 African countries, are expected to arrive for the ceremony. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been listed as one of the key speakers.

be expected to期望
例句：Traffic is expected to be resumed shortly.
预期很快能恢复交通。