Audience Q&A / Moderator Questions

观众问答/主持人提问

The debate opens up to questions from an audience or is guided by a moderator who poses critical questions to both sides.

辩论进入观众提问环节，或者由主持人引导，向双方提出关键问题。

对话

聆听并跟进对话

Moderator (Male)

Welcome back to the policy debate. We've heard robust arguments on both sides regarding the proposed national infrastructure bill. Now, let's open it up for some questions. My first question, directed to the proponent of the bill: How do you plan to mitigate the potential for cost overruns, which have historically plagued large-scale government projects?

欢迎回到政策辩论。我们已经听取了双方关于拟议的国家基础设施法案的有力论据。现在，让我们开放提问。我的第一个问题，向法案提案方提出：您将如何减轻成本超支的可能性？这在历史上一直困扰着大型政府项目。

Proponent (Female)

Thank you for that crucial question. We've incorporated several mechanisms into the bill to address cost overruns. Firstly, a dedicated oversight committee with independent auditing powers will monitor project expenditures in real-time. Secondly, we've set strict project milestones with performance-based incentives and penalties for contractors, ensuring accountability from the outset.

感谢您提出这个关键问题。我们已将多项机制纳入法案，以应对成本超支。首先，一个拥有独立审计权的专门监督委员会将实时监控项目支出。其次，我们为承包商设定了严格的项目里程碑，并附加了基于绩效的激励和惩罚措施，以确保从一开始就明确责任。

Moderator (Male)

Ms. Chen, your response is noted. Now, to the opposition: While you highlight concerns about the bill's fiscal impact, what alternative solutions do you propose to address the nation's aging infrastructure, given the urgency of the matter?

陈女士，您的回答已记录。现在，向反对派提问：尽管您强调了对该法案财政影响的担忧，但考虑到问题的紧迫性，您建议采取哪些替代解决方案来解决国家老化的基础设施问题？

Opponent (Male)

That's a fair challenge. While we acknowledge the need for infrastructure investment, our concern lies with the sheer scale and potential inefficiency of this particular bill. We advocate for a more decentralized approach, empowering states and local municipalities with targeted grants and matching funds, allowing them to address their most pressing needs while fostering local economic growth. This would also encourage public-private partnerships on a smaller, more manageable scale.

这是一个公平的挑战。虽然我们承认对基础设施投资的需求，但我们的担忧在于这项法案的规模之大和潜在的低效率。我们主张采取更分散的方法，通过有针对性的拨款和配套资金赋予各州和地方市政当局权力，允许它们解决最紧迫的需求，同时促进地方经济增长。这还将鼓励更小、更易于管理的公私合作伙伴关系。

Moderator (Male)

A decentralized approach, as you put it. Let's take a question from the audience. Yes, the gentleman in the front row. Please state your question clearly.

用您的话说，一种分散的方法。让我们听一个观众提问。是的，前排的那位先生。请您清楚地提出问题。

Audience Member 1 (Female)

My question is for both sides. How do you plan to ensure equity in infrastructure development, specifically addressing the needs of underserved communities who often bear the brunt of neglect?

我的问题是针对双方的。你们计划如何确保基础设施发展的公平性，特别是解决经常承受忽视之痛的弱势社区的需求？

Proponent (Female)

Excellent question. The bill explicitly mandates a percentage of funding be allocated to projects in historically underserved areas, prioritizing access to clean water, reliable broadband, and updated transportation networks in these communities. We also have provisions for community input to tailor projects to their specific needs.

问得好。该法案明确规定，一定比例的资金将分配给历史欠发达地区的项目，优先解决这些社区的清洁用水、可靠宽带和更新交通网络问题。我们还有社区意见征集条款，以根据他们的具体需求定制项目。

Opponent (Male)

While the intent is commendable, our concern with a large, top-down bill is that these mandates often fall short in practice. Our decentralized model, coupled with specific initiatives like urban revitalization grants and rural development funds, would ensure that local communities, who best understand their own needs, have the direct resources to implement projects that truly benefit their residents, rather than waiting for federal directives.

虽然意图值得称赞，但我们对大型、自上而下的法案的担忧是，这些规定在实践中往往无法实现。我们的分散式模式，再加上城市复兴拨款和农村发展基金等具体举措，将确保最了解自身需求的当地社区拥有直接的资源来实施真正造福其居民的项目，而不是等待联邦指令。

词汇

对话中的必备词汇和短语

mitigate

To make something less severe or serious, like reducing risks in a project. Use it in discussions about problems and solutions, e.g., 'We need to mitigate the risks of climate change.'

使某事变得不那么严重或严峻，比如减少项目中的风险。在讨论问题和解决方案时使用，例如：“我们需要缓解气候变化的风险。”

cost overruns

When project expenses go over the planned budget. Common in business or government talks, e.g., 'Cost overruns delayed the construction.'

当项目费用超过计划预算时。在商业或政府讨论中常见，例如“成本超支延迟了建设。”

oversight

Supervision or monitoring to ensure things are done correctly. Often used in formal contexts like committees, e.g., 'The oversight committee checks finances.'

监督或监控，以确保事情正确完成。通常用于委员会等正式场合，例如，'监督委员会检查财务。'

incentives

Rewards or benefits that encourage certain actions. Useful in debates about motivation, e.g., 'Tax incentives help businesses grow.'

鼓励某些行动的奖励或利益。在关于动机的辩论中很有用，例如，'税收激励帮助企业成长。'

accountability

Being responsible for your actions and able to explain them. Key in professional discussions, e.g., 'We need more accountability in government spending.'

对自己行动负责并能够解释它们。在专业讨论中至关重要，例如，'我们需要在政府支出中引入更多的问责制。'

decentralized

Distributing power or control away from a central authority to local levels. Common in policy talks, e.g., 'A decentralized system gives more power to states.'

将权力或控制从中央权威转移到地方层级。常见于政策讨论，例如：“一个去中心化的系统赋予州更多权力。”

equity

Fairness and justice in treatment or opportunities. Important for social issues, e.g., 'We must ensure equity in education for all children.'

在对待或机会中的公平与正义。对社会问题很重要，例如，'我们必须确保所有儿童的教育公平。'

mandates

Official orders or requirements that must be followed. Used in legal or policy contexts, e.g., 'The law mandates safety checks.'

必须遵守的官方命令或要求。在法律或政策语境中使用，例如，'法律要求进行安全检查。'

关键句型

需要记住和练习的重要短语

How do you plan to mitigate the potential for cost overruns?

This is a question used to challenge someone on their strategy for avoiding problems. It's useful in debates or meetings to seek details on plans. Grammar: 'How do you plan to' + infinitive verb for future intentions.

这是一个用来挑战某人避免问题策略的问题。在辩论或会议中用于寻求计划细节很有用。语法：'How do you plan to' + 不定式动词，用于表示未来的意图。

Thank you for that crucial question.

A polite way to acknowledge an important question before answering. Great for formal discussions to show respect. 'Crucial' emphasizes importance; use it to respond gracefully in Q&A sessions.

在回答前礼貌地承认一个重要问题的表达方式。适合正式讨论中显示尊重。'Crucial' 强调重要性；在问答环节优雅回应时使用。

We've incorporated several mechanisms into the bill to address cost overruns.

This shows how to explain solutions by listing steps. Useful for presenting ideas in arguments. Grammar: Present perfect 'We've incorporated' for recent actions with ongoing effects; 'to address' shows purpose.

这展示了如何通过列出步骤来解释解决方案。在论证中呈现想法很有用。语法：现在完成时 'We've incorporated' 用于最近的行动及其持续影响；'to address' 表示目的。

That's a fair challenge.

A neutral way to accept a tough question without defensiveness. Helpful in debates to keep the tone positive. 'Fair' means reasonable; use it to acknowledge opponent's points.

一种中立的方式来接受棘手的问题，而不带防御性。在辩论中帮助保持积极的语气。'Fair'的意思是合理的；用它来承认对手的观点。

My question is for both sides.

Clear way to direct a question to multiple people in a group discussion. Practical for audience participation. Structure: 'My question is for' + group to specify audience.

在小组讨论中向多人提问的明确方式。适用于观众参与。结构：'My question is for' + 群体来指定受众。

Excellent question.

A positive response to praise a good question before answering. Builds rapport in conversations. Use it to engage listeners; simple adjective 'excellent' adds enthusiasm.

一种在回答前赞美好问题的积极回应。在对话中建立 rapport。使用它来吸引听众；简单的形容词 'excellent' 增添热情。

While the intent is commendable, our concern with a large, top-down bill is that these mandates often fall short in practice.

This contrasts agreement with disagreement using 'while' for concessions. Useful for balanced arguments in debates. Grammar: 'While' clause for opposition; 'fall short' idiom means not meeting expectations.

这使用'while'来表示让步，对比同意与不同意。在辩论中用于平衡论点很有用。语法：'While'从句表示反对；'fall short'习语意为达不到预期。

We advocate for a more decentralized approach.

Expresses support for an idea strongly. Good for policy discussions to state positions. 'Advocate for' means to support publicly; use in persuasive speech.

强烈表达对一个想法的支持。适合政策讨论中陈述立场。'Advocate for'的意思是公开支持；在说服性演讲中使用。