195.Although a strong pound and weak markets in Asia play a role in the downsizing，the layoffs in Stoke have their roots in earthshaking social shifts.

英語四級譯文:
盡管英鎊的堅挺和亞洲市場的疲軟對(這次陶瓷業)規模的減小有重要影響，但Stoke臨時裁員的行為還是源于巨大的社會變化。

四級詞匯講解:
本句的主干是the layoffs have their roots。although引導讓步狀語從句。

downsizing本義為“縮小規模”，本句中意為“(公司)裁員”。如:
1)They're downsizing, and I got my walking papers last week.公司裁員，我上周收到了解聘書。
2)Downsizing the work force is the better way to cut down the cost of production.削減勞力是降低生產成本的更好方法。

layoff意為“臨時解聘，裁員”。如:
Workers were re-employed after the layoff.暫時解雇不久后，工人們又再度受聘。

shift意為“變化;移轉”。如:
A sudden shift in the wind warned of the coming storm.風向的突然轉變預示著暴風雨即將來臨。

英語四級考點歸納:
play a role in意為“在……中起一定的作用;在……中扮演角色”，可以與play a part in替換。如:
※ Computers play an increasingly important role in our studies.(=Computers play an increasingly important part in our studies.)在我們的學習中，電腦起著越來越重要的作用。
※ Mrs. Green always plays the leading role. 格林太太總是扮演主角。