成人英语三级阅读理解(20)

Jim is driving with Tom, an American businessman, to a meeting
Jim: I'm sorry, sir. We need to stop for a minute to fill up the gas tank.
Tom: That's OK. Have gas prices here been crazy, too?
Jim: Yes, they have. Is gas cheaper in the States? [they stop at a gas station]
Tom: Yes, but not by very much any more.
Jim: I thought everything was more expensive in the States.
Tom: Lots of things are, but our gas is the cheapest in the world.
Jim: Why is that?
Tom: Americans are really dependent on cars, and raising gas taxes would be political suicide.

(下期续)

吉姆正开车载着美国商人汤姆去开会
吉姆：先生，对不起。我们得停一下车加油。
汤姆：没关系。这里的油价也很疯狂吗？
吉姆：对，没错。汽油在美国比较便宜吧？（他们在加油站停下来）
汤姆：是的，但再也不会便宜到哪去了。
吉姆：我以为在美国每样东西都比较贵。
汤姆：很多东西都贵，但是我们汽油是世界上最便宜的。
吉姆：怎么会这样？
汤姆：美国人很依赖汽车，涨油价就等于政治自杀。


重点解说：

★ fill up加满
★ gas tank (n.) 汽油缸
★ raise (v.) 抬高（价格等）
★ suicide (n.) 自杀