Writing station﹕Introducing a friend
【明報專訊】Our friends are perhaps the most important people to us other than our families. As the saying goes, "a friend in need is a friend indeed." A true friend is a person willing to offer a helping hand when you need it. MoMo and Pat are very good friends. They not only spend a lot of time together but also share with each other their laughter and tears. Who is your best friend? How would you introduce him or her?
■Writing tips
Here are some questions you may want to consider:
•How did you get to know each other?
•Have you got any unforgettable experiences between you? Do they demonstrate his/her character?
•What can you learn from him/her?
Careful observation is essential for writing a good descriptive article. When you describe a person, you may have to pay attention not only to the appearance and character, but also to other things like the way he or she behaves or look at things.
Examples:
1. Dr Panda may look chubby, but he is not clumsy.
2. Bill is easy-going. Rarely have I seen him angry.
3. Pat is caring, and she always gives me helpful advice.
4. It doesn't worry me to tell MoMo my secrets. She is very trustworthy.
■English highway﹕-words and collocations
Not only...but also
This construction is used to emphasise the second item is also true. It can be used before or after a verb, but the expressions used must be parallel.
e.g. Grandpa swims not only in summer but also in winter.
e.g. I not only washed the dishes but also swept the floor.