News feed：A new virus
【明報專訊】AS we went to press, there were 41 viral pneumonia (病毒性肺炎) cases in Wuhan (武漢). One patient had died. All were reportedly caused by a new strain of coronavirus (新型冠狀病毒), which is compared by some to SARS. Some patients had worked in a local seafood market, which is believed to be in connection with the outbreak. The mainland authorities have provided genetic information of the virus, which helps develop a quick test for it.
Pope Francis' apology
ON NEW YEAR'S EVE, Pope Francis greeted people at the Vatican. An Asian woman held his hand firmly and did not let go, making him feel painful. Only by giving the woman's hand two slaps did the pope successfully free his hand from her grab. He looked annoyed afterwards. The next day the pope apologised for his act and said that he had lost patience. Did the pope need to apologise? What would you do if you were the pope? (photo.2)
Malayan tigers
YOU might think that tigers are not precious animals. But that is not the case for the Malayan ones inhabiting Peninsular Malaysia. They are nearing extinction! People have been hunting down the animals for their body parts, which may be made into Chinese medicine. There are now fewer than 200 of them. And they may disappear in five to ten years if nothing is done to preserve them. These precious animals are meaningful to Malaysian people, as their country's coat of arms (盾章) contains two tigers as supporters (紋章護法), which symbolise strength and courage.
■Gear up
According to the passages on p 1 and p 2, answer the following questions.
(1) You will be more likely to catch a disease if you close the toilet lid before flushing. ( True / False / Not given )
(2) Pope Francis apologised for his act. ( True / False / Not given )
(3) People in Malaysia like hunting tigers because they think the animals are useless. ( True / False / Not given )
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
outbreak (n) 爆發
precious (adj) 珍貴的
inhabit (v) 棲息於
near (v) 接近
[Smarties' Power English 第267期]
DIY：Cranberry apple sparkling drink
【明報專訊】This cranberry apple sparkling drink is refreshing and extremely... 詳情
