【参考范文】

　　 An earthquake is a shaking of the ground caused by the sudden breaking and shifting of large sections of Earth's rocky outer shell. Earthquakes are among the most powerful events on earth, and their results can be terrifying. A severe earthquake may release energy 10,000 times as great as that of the first atomic bomb. Rock movements during an earthquake can make rivers change their course. Earthquakes can trigger landslides that cause great damage and loss of life. Large earthquakes beneath the ocean can create a series of huge, destructive waves called tsunamis (pronounced tsoo NAH meez) that flood coasts for many miles.

　　 Earthquakes almost never kill people directly. Instead, many deaths and injuries in earthquakes result from falling objects and the collapse of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Fire resulting from broken gas or power lines is another major danger during a quake. Spills of hazardous chemicals are also a concern during an earthquake.

　　 The force of an earthquake depends on how much rock breaks and how far it shifts. Powerful earthquakes can shake firm ground violently for great distances. During minor earthquakes, the vibration may be no greater than the vibration caused by a passing truck.

　　 On average, a powerful earthquake occurs less than once every two years. At least 40 moderate earthquakes cause damage somewhere in the world each year. About 40,000 to 50,000 small earthquakes--large enough to be felt but not damaging--occur annually.

　　 【参考译文】

　　 地震引起的震动的地面突然断裂,将大部分的地球的岩石外壳。地震是地球上最强大的事件之一,和他们的结果会很可怕的。一场严重的地震释放能量的10000倍,第一颗原子弹。岩石运动在地震期间可以使河流改变他们的课程。地震会引发山体滑坡,造成巨大的伤亡和损失。大地震在海洋可以创建一系列巨大的破坏性海啸波称为(发音之下meez),洪水对许多英里海岸。

　　 地震几乎从未直接杀人。相反,许多人死亡和伤害在地震起因于下落的对象和倒塌的建筑物,桥梁和其他结构。火灾造成破碎的气体或电线是另一个主要危险在地震。危险化学品的泄漏也在地震中关注。

　　 地震的力量依靠多少岩石断裂和多远它转移。强烈地震可能猛烈地震动牢固的地面很远。在较小地震期间,振动也许不会大于振动引起的卡车。

　　 平均而言,一个强大的地震发生不到每两年一次。至少40次轻度地震造成损害每年在世界的每个角落。大约40000到50000小地震,足以感受到但不损坏——每年发生。