Advocates argue that the new infrastructure project will provide long-term value to the taxpayer.
Tax (税) + payer (付款人) = 交税的人。想象一个钱包瘪瘪的人，正把硬币交给一个戴着‘GOV’帽子的守卫。
The market reacted unusually calmly to the announcement, defying analysts' predictions.
Un- (不) + usual (通常) + ly (地) = 不通常地。想象一个穿着睡衣去上班的人，或者夏天飘雪，这种‘反常’场景。
Legal experts are debating whether co-habiting couples should have the same inheritance rights as married spouses.
Co- (共同) + hab (居住，如habitat栖息地) + iting = 共同居住。想象两把钥匙插进同一把锁，代表两个人共用一个家。
Residents in the southwest braced for scorching temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Scor-ching：Scor (像 scorched earth 焦土) + ching (声音) → 热得像大地被烧焦的声音，即“酷热”。
The months of negotiations culminated in a historic peace agreement signed yesterday.
Cul-min-ating：Cul (结尾/终点) + min (最小/底) + ating → 到达终点，即“达到顶点”。
The underdogs shocked the world by defeating the reigning champions in the final match.
Under-dogs：Under (下面/低处) + dogs (狗) → 地位低下的狗，即“弱者/不被看好者”。
India has overtaken China to become the world's most populous nation.
Po-pu-los：普（pu）鲁士（los）人口很多，普天之下皆人口。
The government announced a strict crackdown on illegal immigration along the border.
Crack（裂缝/破裂）+ down（向下）：把违法的架子敲碎，向下镇压。
Displaced residents set up a makeshift shelter in the community center parking lot.
Make（制作）+ Shift（转变/临时）= 临时拼凑出来的。想象用胶带和纸板“临时”搭个帐篷。
The rescue operation was an epic struggle against time and harsh weather conditions.
E-pi-c：像《荷马史诗》（Epic Poetry）一样宏大。想象一部好莱坞大片，场面巨大、震撼。