Part I: Words Expressions

1. venture (para. 6)

(1) venture sth

If I may venture an opinion, I’d say the plan needs closer examination.

(2) venture to do sth

May I venture to suggest a few improvements?

(3) venture + prep.

Nobody ventured out of doors during the period of SARS.

2. rest (para. 6)

(1) rest with

a) The final decision rests with the President.

b) It rests with the jury to decide the prisoner’s fate.

c) It rests with you to settle your differences as best as you can.

(2) rest on

Success in management ultimately rests on sound judgment.

3. stake (para. 11)

(1) at stake

a) The tension was naturally high for a game with so much at stake.

b) At stake is the success or failure of world trade talks.

(2) stake sth (usu. money or reputation) on sth

He has staked his political future on the outcome of an election.

(3) have a stake in sth

The parties who hammered out the agreement now have a stake in making it work because they helped to create it.

4. plunge (para. 16)

(1) (an amount or rate) to decrease quickly and suddenly

The bank’s profits plunged by 87% this year.

(2) to fall, rush or throw oneself in a direction

At least 50 people died when a bus plunged into a river.

(3) plunge a dagger into the enemy; plunge her face into cold water

(4) plunge into (a particular state or situation or an activity)

a) The economy is plunging into recession.

b) Take the opportunity to plunge yourself into your career.

5. spur (para. 16)

(1) to make an improvement or change happen faster

a) The administration may put more emphasis on spurring economic growth.

b) The trade pacts will spur an exodus of US business to Mexico.

(2) spur sb (on): to encourage sb to do sth

a) Their attitude, rather than discouraging Philip, only seemed to spur him on.

b) It’s money that spurs these fisherman (on) to risk a long ocean journey in their flimsy boats.

Part II Useful Words &Expressions

1. find one’s way through/to…

2. snap shut

3. plunge along

4. get a grip on oneself

5. take stock of sth

6. strike off from

7. after a fashion

8. fix one’s eyes on…

9. be intent on sth/doing sth

10. protrude

11. but for

12. ring

13. dress

14. carry sb on

15. dig oneself in

16. give way