4,  The following day, however, the doctor consoled him by telling him that his chances of being able to leave hospital in time for New Year celebrations were good. 

 by 通过某种方式手段

dread to do = dread doing

a miserable day: a terrible day

think of:想到，想起，想着

When I saw you I thought of my sister.

think of doing sth.

He is thinking of setting up a school.

spend time doing sth.

by:通过某种方式手段

I arrived here by train.

在表达可能性这个语句的时候，经常采用复数形式新概念英语mp3

5, His chances of being dismissed are good.

 his chances of doing sth. are good. / remote  做......可能性极大/极小