Nick found a newly opened doughnut store on the way home. Because he felt curious and hungry, he decided to buy some. Despite the long line of people that were already waiting in front of the shop, Nick lined up. He waited for almost an hour, but he didn't intend to give up.

The whole time, Nick kept picturing the delicious doughnuts and all of the flavors he could choose from. The closer he got to the counter, the more excited he became.

Finally, it was Nick's turn to be served. Just as he was ready to order, the clerk apologized and told him the doughnuts were all sold out. Nick was really upset. After waiting for so long, all he got was an empty stomach and a huge disappointment.

尼克在回家途中发现了一家新开的甜甜圈店。出于好奇和饥肠辘辘，他决定要买些来尝尝。尽管客人已在店前大排长龙，尼克还是排了队。他等了将近一个小时，却不打算放弃。

在排队的这段时间里，尼克不断地想象着美味的甜甜圈以及所有他能选择的口味。他愈是靠近柜台，心中愈是兴奋。

终于轮到尼克被接待了。当他正准备要开口点选时，店员竟向他道歉，并告诉他所有的甜甜圈都卖完了。尼克沮丧的不得了。经过如此漫长的等待，他所等到的只有个空荡荡的胃和极大的失望。

Building Your Vocabulary

1. curious　a. 好奇的

I'm curious about what's inside that box.

我很好奇那盒子里有什么东西。

2. despite　prep. 尽管，任凭

Despite the rain, they went hiking.

尽管下雨，他们还是去健行。

3. picture　vt. 想象，设想

The result isn't what I pictured it would be.

结果跟我想象中的不一样。

4. serve　vt. 接待(顾客)

The waitress wasn't very polite when she served us.

女服务生在接待我们时显得不是很有礼貌。

Phrases for Learning

1. it is + 所有格 + turn　　轮到某人

Today, it is your turn to wash the dishes.

今天换你洗碗了。

2. be sold out　　卖光

The tickets for the concert were all sold out.

那场音乐会的票全都销售一空了。

Tips In Use

Despite the long line of people...

(尽管客人……大排长龙……)

1. despite + 名词∕动名词　　尽管∕虽然……

= in spite of + 名词∕动名词

People still rely on cars in spite of the rising oil prices.

(尽管油价上涨，人们仍依赖汽车。)

2. despite the fact + that 子句　　尽管∕虽然……

= in spite the fact + that 子句

Despite the fact that he's turning 25, Mike still acts childish.

(尽管麦克都快满二十五岁了，他的行为仍十分幼稚。)

注意:

由于 despite 及 in spite of 均视为介词，故其后不可直接接 that 子句作受词，而须先在其后加 the fact 作其受词，然后再接 that 子句，此 that 子句乃其前 the fact 的同位语。