195.Although a strong pound and weak markets in Asia play a role in the downsizing，the layoffs in Stoke have their roots in earthshaking social shifts.

英语四级译文:
尽管英镑的坚挺和亚洲市场的疲软对(这次陶瓷业)规模的减小有重要影响，但Stoke临时裁员的行为还是源于巨大的社会变化。

四级词汇讲解:
本句的主干是the layoffs have their roots。although引导让步状语从句。

downsizing本义为“缩小规模”，本句中意为“(公司)裁员”。如:
1)They're downsizing, and I got my walking papers last week.公司裁员，我上周收到了解聘书。
2)Downsizing the work force is the better way to cut down the cost of production.削减劳力是降低生产成本的更好方法。

layoff意为“临时解聘，裁员”。如:
Workers were re-employed after the layoff.暂时解雇不久后，工人们又再度受聘。

shift意为“变化;移转”。如:
A sudden shift in the wind warned of the coming storm.风向的突然转变预示着暴风雨即将来临。

英语四级考点归纳:
play a role in意为“在……中起一定的作用;在……中扮演角色”，可以与play a part in替换。如:
※ Computers play an increasingly important role in our studies.(=Computers play an increasingly important part in our studies.)在我们的学习中，电脑起着越来越重要的作用。
※ Mrs. Green always plays the leading role. 格林太太总是扮演主角。