08年7.11第51期托福英语学习：托福词汇51

　　Lesson 51 At the Convention 在会上

　　Words:

　　contrary adj. 相反的，对抗的

　　contrast vt. 对照之后的悬殊差别/对比，对照

　　contravene v. 违反，抵触

　　contrite adj. 悔悟的，悔罪的，痛悔的

　　contrive vt. 设计，发明；设法

　　controversial adj. 引起或可能引起争论的

　　controversy n. 争论，辩论

　　convention n. 会议，传统

　　conventional adj. 传统的，习俗的

　　converge vi. 聚合，集中于一点，会聚

　　conversant adj. 亲近的，熟悉的

　　conversation n. 会话，非正式会谈

　　converse vi. 谈话，交谈

　　conversion n. 转变；改变信仰

　　convert vt. 转换；转变信仰

　　converter n. 炼钢用的转炉；转换器

　　convex adj. 凸出的

　　convict vt. 证明。。。有罪，宣判。。。有罪

　　conviction n. 确信，深信，坚信

　　convincing adj. 令人信服的，有说服力的

　　“Tom, are you enjoying the automobile convention?” I asked. Tom did not answer. He was too busy conversing with the pretty salesgirl sitting next to him. “I hate to break up your conversation, Tom, but I really need your help. I’m not conversant with the theory behind this new fuel converter. What causes the conversion and why does it have a convex casing?”

　　“I’m not sure how it converts fuel to energy,” Tom replied with a contrite smile. “But their salesgirls are very convincing.” Tom returned his attention to the attractive young salesgirl.

Contrary to popular belief, attending an automobile convention is hard work. I say this with conviction. In contrast with Tom’s goals of socializing, I contrive to learn new and complex things. Some of the brightest inventors converge at these automobile conventions. I enjoy listening to them discuss the latest controversies. I love it when they argue about how to replace conventional technology. I’ve heard some convincing arguments in favor of converting to electric cars. However, it is still a controversial issue. One thing is for true. We will not be seeing any electric can in our lifetime.

　　“Hey, Tom,” I whispered, rather harshly. “Come on. You’re 75 years old and you can barely walk. She’s only 20. You conduct contravenes the rules of etiquette!”

　　“I don’t care!” He snapped back in a shaky voice. “Convict me if you want, but I’m only guilty of true love.” The salesgirl smiled politely.

　　“Oh, no, not again!” I said, shaking my head with a smile.