【明報專訊】Pat is going to put on a magic show at a friend's birthday party. Dr Panda is teaching her how to do the tricks.

Pat: This rope trick does not seem difficult on the video, but why can't I get it done properly?

Dr Panda: Let me see... You should make an open loop at this end. Then, instead of holding it between your fingers, (1) you should grab it with your fist lest the audience see the gap.

Pat: I see... Then I should pass the other end through the part above my fist. Ah! I did it!

Dr Panda: Congratulations. (2) Now you should practise more so that you can do it more quickly.

Pat: Sure I will. (3) I think I should also use a shorter piece of rope lest I make a knot accidentally.

Dr Panda: Good idea. (3) And don't forget to think about what to say as well so that the audience will believe you.

◆Now you try

(Answers on next text)

1. We wore a lot of clothes so that ( a. we could keep ourselves warm / b. we get a cold ).

2. I walk slowly after getting out of the swimming pool lest (a. I won't slip and hurt myself / b. I slip on the wet floor ).

3. Mom cooked me some food and put them in the fridge before she went to work lest (a. I get hungry / b. I have food to eat when I am hungry ).

■Glossary

properly (adv) 適當地

loop (n) 環

grab (v) 抓住

knot (n) 結

[Smarties' Power English 第219期]