Critics argued that the disparity in funding was not an isolated incident but a systemic failure of the education policy.
System (系统) + ic (形容词后缀)：像系统故障一样，不是修一个零件就能好的，是整体问题。
The university is exploring new digital modalities for delivering remote instruction to international students.
Mode (模式) + ality (性质)：不同的“模式”集合在一起，就是多种多样的“方式”。
The administration felt handcuffed by strict legislative rules that limited its ability to respond quickly to the crisis.
Hand (手) + Cuff (袖口/镣铐)：双手被铐住，动弹不得，引申为“束手束脚”。
The city's once-vibrant cultural scene had been replaced by a drab uniformity of chain stores and generic offices.
Drab 发音类似“大杯”：想象一个巨大的、没有任何花纹的灰色纸杯，单调乏味。
Doctors warn that a sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Se-dent-ary：Se(死)+dent(钉子)+ary。像被钉子钉在椅子上一样，动不了！
The government implemented tax incentives to counteract the negative impact of rising inflation on low-income families.
Counter(反对/反向)+act(行动)。反向行动，把对方的力道抵消掉。
Strict zoning laws may hinder the development of affordable housing in urban centers.
Hin-der：前面是“hind”(后腿)，后面被拖住，走不动了，所以是“阻碍”。
The young entrepreneur secured venture capital funding to expand her tech startup into Asian markets.
En-tre-pre-neur：Entre(进入) + pre(预先) + neur(思考)。预先思考进入市场的人，就是企业家。