The two towns are similar in size but very different in character. 特色
Her husband is a man of good character, well-linked and respected by his colleagues. 性格
The car needs major repairs. 这辆车需要大修。 The major part of the town was ruined by the earthquake. 这座城镇的大部分已被这次地震毁成一片废墟。
means n. 方式;方法;途径
Written Chinese has also become an important means by which China's present is connected with its past. 汉字书写也成为连接中国的过去与现在的一种重要手段。
• The teacher, together with her students, __w_a_s visiting the Summer Palace when we came across her.
• The father as well as the children _li_k_e_s _(like) this film.
vary from... to...
• There are _v_a_r_io_u_s_ goods in the supermarket, and the prices _va_r_y_ from cents to dollars. The _v_a_r_ie_ty_ attracts many customers. (variety)