【明報專訊】A famous fashion magazine is organising its first young reader model competition, and Pat is eager to sign up!

Pat: Hi Madam, here is my application form.

MoMo: Thanks, dear. Let me check the documents... Well I have your ID card copy and application form, but I can't find the guardian's consent letter. Have you asked your parents for consent?

Pat: Oh yes, I have! A moment please... Here you are.

MoMo: Great. We just want to make sure your guardians know about your participation. Your parents may be concerned if they do not know where you are — in an interview, a training session, or out for a photo shoot. And we don't want to get phone calls asking us for explanations.

Pat: I understand. What will be the interview?

MoMo: We will ask you some questions about your idea about the fashion industry and your aspiration. And maybe some group activities to see what kind of person you are.

Pat: Very well. Thanks!

◆ ask

The verb "ask" is used to express the idea "seeking information by raising questions".

Example

Mom asked the shopkeeper how much the necklace was.

◆ ask for

If you "ask for" something, you make a request that you need something from another party or you need them to do something for you. A noun phrase is commonly used after it.

Examples

Have you asked your brother for permission to borrow his book?

You should ask for advice on reducing stress.

◆Now you try

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "ask" or "ask for".

(Answers on next text)

1. Sam has found a job after graduation. He doesn't need to __________ money from his parents.

2. I have __________ James what time he will visit us on Saturday.

3. Can you please __________ the manager if we can get a discount?

4. We should have __________ more ketchup when we ordered the fries. We have more guests than we expected!

■Glossary

eager (adj) 渴望的

consent (n) 同意

concerned (adj) 不安的

aspiration (n) 志願

[Smarties' Power English 第227期]