1.virtually ['vɜ:tjʊəli]

adj. 幾乎,差不多
adv. 幾乎,實際上

例句與用法:
Two independent investigators have reached virtually the same conclusions.
兩個調查人員各自做出的結論簡直完全一致.
Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or MIDI, is a communication interface provided on virtually every synthesizer made today.
音樂設備數字接口，或稱MIDI，實際上是為目前制造的各種合成器提供的一種通信接口。
She is so solicitous and persistent that she virtually kills you with kindness.
她非常關心而固執，以致她的善意實際上反而使人感到尷尬。

2.shut down

vt. 關閉(降臨,關閉)

例句與用法:
Some coal-mines had to shut down.
有些煤礦不得不關閉。
I was in harness at the factory for over twenty years before it shut down.
我在那家工廠關閉前在那兒工作了20多年了。

3.assume [ə'sju:m]

vt. 假定,設想,承擔

例句與用法:
She was in arrogance to assume she would win every time.
她認為每次都能贏，未免太自大了。
I made a mistake and I will assume responsibility for it.
我錯了，我愿為此承擔責任。
I assumed you can speak French fluently.
我以為你能講流利的法語。

4.sort of

adv. 有幾分地(稍稍,到某種程度)

例句與用法:
It's sort of embarrassing.
這有點叫人難為情。
That sort of music is rubbish.
那種音樂毫無價值。
What sort of book do you want?
你要哪一類的書？

5.vanity fair

n. 浮華世界, 虛榮無聊的社會,名利場

6.shear [ʃiə]

n. 修剪,剪下的東西,羊的一歲
v. 修剪,割,剝奪

例句與用法:
With a few quick snips of the shears he pruned the bush.
他用大剪刀幾下子就把灌木給修剪好了.
I start shearing the sheep at the beginning of July.
我一般在7月初開始剪羊毛。
All her curls have been shorn off.
她的一頭卷發被剪得精光。