DISCUSSING THE ECONOMY

1--The economic news doesn't look good, does it?

2--Not according to the newspaper yesterday. I saw a similar report last night on TV.

1--I saw that, too. The analysis seemed to be quite realistic.

2--I hope they're wrong. We really need to get the rising price structure under control.

1--Well, costs seem to be rising in so many categories that it appears to defeat any efforts at stabilization.

2--That's my feeling, too. Raw material now costs more. Labor is demanding higher wages and production costs continue to soar.

1--There may be some relief this summer. I understand the price of some foodstuffs will decrease.

注解：
1）economic news:报道经济形势的新闻
2）Not according to the newspaper yesterday: 这是一个省略句。=It doesn't look good according to the newspaper yesterday. according to是复合。
介词。意思是"按照"、"根据...所说"。
3）similar：类似的、相似的。
4）analysis：分析，复数是anslyses,动词是analyse.
5）get...under control：对...加以控制。类似的短语有bring...under control/keep...under control/lose control of sth./(sth.)get out of control.
6）categories：种类，范畴。
7）defeat any efforts:是一切努力归于失败；（使）前功尽弃
8）stabilization：稳定；安定，动词是stabilize,形容词是stable.
9）labor：指从事体力劳动的工人阶级整体。注意英国人的拼法是labour.
10）soar：巨增；猛涨。
11）relief:减轻；缓解。
12）foodstuffs:各种食品。