【词汇讲解】
1.assertive adj. 断定的，过分自信的
如："This is a very courageous, assertive Speaker, who is not unwilling when be identifies something he wants to do to put his reputation on the line, " said Mr. [Jim] Wright's chief lieutenant, Thomas A. Foley, ... "He likes to go out and grab the nettles."
赖特[议长]麾下主将福莱说，"这是一位非常勇敢、直言不讳的议长，要做的事，即令危及名声，也在所不辞。"... "他喜欢去做棘手的事。"
2.reinforcement n. 增强，加固，强化物，增援力量
如：An athletic supporter having a protective reinforcement of rigid plastic or metal.
运动员护身一种运动员用的护身弹性织物，有用保护性的坚硬塑料或金属制成的加强层
The soldiers held the fort desperately till reinforcement arrived.
战士们拼死坚守阵地，直到援军到来。
3.get around to 找时间做，抽时间做
如：After a long delay, he got around to writing the letter.
在拖延了很久之后，他才有时间写那封信。
4.bog down 陷入泥淖，陷入困境
如：The attack would bog down sooner or later.
进攻迟早会陷入停滞状态。
How did the construction work bog down?
建筑工程怎样会停下来的？
5.chitchat n. 闲谈，聊天
如：She angled her column of chitchat toward teenagers.
她的漫谈栏侧重于十几岁的青少年。