To save or not to save?

It is reported that more than ten college students from Changjiang University jumped into the water of the Yangtze River to rescue two teenagers. The two teenagers were saved successfully, however, at the expense of their own life, which generates heated discussion.

Most people are in favour of the great deed, arguing that struggling for a just cause is a traditional virtue of our nation. More heroic conducts are bound to be inspired by the moving deed. What's more, the situation being so emergent, by no means should we hesitate for the sake of our safety.

However, there are still students who doubt the conduct, insisting that unable to swim, it's unwise to act passionately as well as greatly risking their lives. After all, they should cherish their own lives firstly. Apart from that, it is on no account impossible for them to rescue the teenagers in other ways other than jimping into the river.

Personally, I think the college students' deed as a great and inspiring one, which should be encouraged.

(by Zhuo Yue)

abridge from/for

abridge vt.
to make...shortened; to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting; to curtail; to diminish; to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc.)

1. This story must be abridged.
2. He's currently abridged his long story.
3. The play was abridged for TV.

4. The new dictionary is abridged from the old one.
5. He decided to abridge his stay here after he received a letter from home.

an abridged version
abridge/condense a written work

an abrasive voice

abrasive adj.
1. causing abrasion; grating; rough
The surface of the new table was so abrasive.

2. irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance; sharply disagreeable; rigorous
He has an abrasive way of treating people.
If you criticize Peter, he will become very abrasve.

an abrasive character
an abrasive manner
an abrasive behavior

in a fair and aboveboard way

aboveboard adj.
without concealment or deception; honest; straightforward

His part in the affair was quite open and aboveboard.
I didn't have to bribe anyone; it was all open and aboveboard.

abreast adv.
alongside each other and facing in the same direction; up to date (with); fully convrsant (with)

They lined up six abreast.
The girls came down the street two abreast.

abound in/with sth.

abound vi.
1. to exist or occur in abundance; be plentiful
Apples abound here all the year round.
Questions abound as to the reasons for the president's decision.

2. to be plentifully supplied (with); teem (with)
Natural resources abound in our country.
The river abound with lots of fish.