英语学习点: Charities and Giving 慈善和捐助
Rihanna will appear on the charity album
Some of the world's top music stars are coming together in the name of charity. A special album will be released at the end of this week to raise money for victims of the recent massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
U2, Rihanna and Bon Jovi have all agreed to contribute songs to the digital-only release.
The young internet sensation Justin Bieber will also appear on the benefit album. He announced on Twitter: "Japan needs our help... We all need to step up."
There are also rumours that Lady Gaga will donate a song. She has designed a special wristband to sell to fans, with all proceeds going to the relief effort. Last week she announced her fans had raised $250,000 (1.7 million yuan) within the first two days of sales.
Other musicians, including Lou Reed and Philip Glass, will perform at a special fundraiser in New York on April 9th.
While ordinary people often raise money for charity by being sponsored to do something, it has become common for musicians to contribute their voices for a good cause. Last year more than 21 stars sang together on the single 'Everybody Hurts,' in aid of the Haiti earthquake.
Over 9,000 people are known to have died in the recent disaster and over 12,000 people are still missing.
Comprehension Quiz 阅读短文并回答问题
- Why have lots of pop stars come together?
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To create an album that raises money for Japan.
- Will you be able to buy the album in shops?
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No. It is digital-only.
- Does Justin Bieber think we are doing enough for Japan?
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No, he thinks we need to step up.
- What is Lady Gaga going to do with the money she gets from her wristbands?
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She's going to give it to people trying to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami.
- What two verbs in the passage mean 'to give'?
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To donate, to contribute.
Glossary 词汇表 (收听发音, 请单击英语单词)
in the name of charity以慈善的名义
to raise money for something为某事筹集资金
to contribute to something为...捐献
benefit album公益唱片
to step up （非正式）行动起来、付出责任
to donate something捐献某物
wristband腕带 proceeds 收入
relief effort救助行为 fundraiser筹款活动
to be sponsored to do something被资助做某事
for a good cause正当理由、慈善
in aid of something用以援助某事
disaster灾难