gradually
ad. in a way that happens or develops slowly over a long period of time 逐渐

startle
vt. make suddenly surprised or slightly shocked 使惊吓，使惊奇

halt
n. a stop or pause 停住，停止
v. stop （使）停住，（使）停止

handle
vt. deal with 处理，应付

unconsciously
ad. not consciously 无意识地，不知不觉地

challenge
vt. 向…挑战；对…质疑
n. 挑战；质疑

disagree
vi. (with) have or express a different opinion from sb. else 有分歧，不同意

response
n. an answer; (an) action done in answer 回答；回应；反应

original
a. first; earliest 起初的；原来的

bounce
vi. (of a ball) spring back or up again from the ground or another surface （球）弹起，（球）反弹

objection
n. sth. that one says to show that he /she opposes or disapproves of an action, idea, etc. 反对，异议

forth
ad. forward; out 向前；向外

responsible
a. having the job or duty of looking after sb. or sth., so that one can be blamed if things go wrong 须负责的，有责任的

bowling
n. 保龄球

relative
a. having a particular quality when compared with sth. else 相对的，比较的
n. a member of one's family; relation 亲属；亲戚