VOA慢速英语:Start the New Year By Setting Reasonable Learning Goals

短语讲解：

1. When English learners begin studying English after a certain age, they are not able to sound exactly like a native English speaker.

be able to 能够; 能，会
例句：They may be able to help with childcare so that you can have a break
他们可以帮忙照料孩子，这样你就可以歇一歇了。

2. This is what results in an accent, according to Hinkel.

according to 根据，按照
例句：According to her, grandfather called at noon.
据她说,祖父在中午打来电话。

3. Just because you might not sound like a native speaker does not mean that you should give up trying to improve your pronunciation.

give up 放弃; 投降
例句：Don't give up hope; keep on trying.
不要灰心，继续努力。