【明報專訊】Costa Rica (哥斯達黎加) is a small country in Central America. The government dedicates itself to the development of national parks, which constitute about 20% of the territory. The environment and weather in the country are dynamic, as the forests are dry until heavy rains come and nourish the palm trees.
Sightseeing
Mountain ranges (山脈) cover most of the territory of Costa Rica. With active volcanoes and lowlands (低地) on which wetlands grow and rivers flow, the country is vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. One of its active volcanoes is called Poás (波阿斯火山), which last erupted in 2017.
Flag's tale
The national flag was designed by the First Lady of Costa Rica in 1848, using the colours of the French national flag as a tribute to the ideals of the French Revolution. In line with the geography of Costa Rica, the coat of arms (紋章) has three volcanoes separating two seas and vessels sailing.
◆World Cup titbit
Keylor Navas (拿華斯) is a goalkeeper who played an important part in bringing Costa Rica to the World Cup Finals. He came third in the FIFA Best Goalkeeper Awards 2017. He is described by one of his teammates as a meek and hardworking footballer, who doesn't brag about his achievements.
(Sources: Embassy of Costa Rica,
Poás Volcano National Park, FIFA, National Geographic)
■English highway﹕dedicate oneself to...
If you dedicate yourself to something, you give a lot of time and resources to it.
e.g. John dedicates himself to the development of the village.
■Quiz
1. Poás volcano last erupted more than 10 years ago. True/False
2. Costa Rica is in North America. True/False
3. Find a word in World Cup titbit that means "humble". _______________
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
nourish (v) 滋養
vulnerable (adj) 易受影響的
tribute (n) 致敬
brag (v) 吹噓
[Smarties' Power English 第215期]
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