原文视听

At the southern end of our planet,
在我们星球的最南端
the Antarctic sea ice is still at its greatest extent.
南极正是海冰面积最大的时候
But there are a few islands on its outer edge
但是大陆外缘有一些岛屿
that the sea ice never quite reaches.
周围没有海冰覆盖
South Georgia is washed
南大西洋丰富的
by the rich waters of the Southern Atlantic
相对温暖的海水
and the comparative warmth of the sea
冲刷着南乔治亚岛
takes the edge off the vicious southern winter.
减弱了南极冬季的恶劣气候
It's even possible for a few hardy animals,
对于一些耐寒的动物
like the wandering albatross,
如漂泊信天翁来说
to live here throughout the whole year.
在这里度过一整年也是有可能的
The enormous albatross chicks take 13 months to fledge,
体形庞大的雏鸟需要十三个月才长出羽毛
so they have no choice but to sit here throughout the winter.
所以它们不得不在这里过冬
It can't be easy, but the thick layer of fluffy down
这不容易 但是厚厚的绒毛
keeps out the worst of the cold.
能抵挡极度的寒冷
Their parents travel thousands of miles to collect the fish and squid
他们的父母飞行几千英里去抓鱼和鱿鱼
they need to stay warm and to grow.
他们需要这些来维持体温 促进发育

重点解释

妙语佳句:

the comparative warmth of the sea takes the edge off the vicious southern winter.冲刷着南乔治亚岛减弱了南极冬季的恶劣气候.

take off:去除

I loosenedmy tie, but I didn't take it off.

我松开了领带,但是没有把它解下来。

The mixed grill has been taken off (the menu).

烤杂拌这道菜已(从菜单上)取消了。

It can't be easy, but the thick layer of fluffy down keeps out the worst of the cold.这不容易,但是厚厚的绒毛能抵挡极度的寒冷。

keep out of:躲开

You should keep out of these things.

你不能牵涉进这些事。

Do keep out of the rain if you haven't a coat.

没带雨衣那就避一下雨。

At the southern end of our planet, the Antarctic sea ice is still at its greatest extent.在我们星球的最南端南极正是海冰面积最大的时候.

at the end of:在 ... 末端, 到 ... 尽头

The company declared a large dividend at the end of the year.

公司在年底宣布分发高额股息。

Are there any exams at the end of this term?

这个学期期末有考试吗？

考考你:

冲刷着南乔治亚岛减弱了南极冬季的恶劣气候.

这不容易,但是厚厚的绒毛能抵挡极度的寒冷。

上期答案:

Inside, its body is changing into one that can fly and search,abilities that will be crucial in the days ahead.

Year after year, the caterpillar slows down in the autumn and then freezes solid.