4 sentences

1. 在古代，榜掠是严酷的刑讯手段。

   zài gǔ​dài, bàng​lüè shì yán​kù de xíng​xùn shǒu​duàn.

   In ancient times, flogging was a cruel method of interrogation.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary

2. 北极地区的自然环境极其严酷。

   běi​jí dì​qū de zì​rán huán​jìng jí​qí yán​kù.

   The natural environment in the Arctic is extremely harsh.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary

3. 面对严酷的现实，他没有选择退缩。

   miàn​duì yán​kù de xiàn​shí, tā méi​yǒu xuǎn​zé tuì​suō.

   Faced with the harsh reality, he did not choose to back down.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary

4. 在严酷的竞争中，只有强者才能生存。

   zài yán​kù de jìng​zhēng zhōng, zhǐ​yǒu qiáng​zhě cái néng shēng​cún.

   In harsh competition, only the strong survive.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary