Language points
(Attention: The following points are not covered by the video. It is better for you to watch the video or listen to the MP3 first and try to take notes on your own. Then you may check here to get more details. )
1, In 1908 Lord Northcliffe offered a prize of £1000 to the first man who would fly across the English Channel.
the first man who would fly… = the first man to fly across...
序数词和动词不定式to搭配连用可以代替其后的定语从句
e.g. She was the only one to survive the plane crash.
offer a prize of sth(指某种奖励) to sb 给予某人……奖励
2, Over a year passed before the first attempt was made.
如果before所引导的时间状语从句之前出现段时间,则最佳翻译方法:才。。。
attempt n.&vt. 试图,尝试,其语气比try要强烈
相关词组:
(1)in one's attempt
e.g. She failed in her attempt to swim the channel. 她横渡海峡的尝试失败了。
(2)make an attempt on 尝试,试图
e.g. He made an attempt on the mountain. 他试图翻越那座山。
(3)make an attempt to do 尝试,试图
e.g. She made any attempt to run away. 她想方设法逃走。
(4)make no attempt 没有……企图,尝试
e.g. She made an attempt to run away. 她没有想逃走。