Grammar：Prefixes
【明報專訊】Dr Panda is doing research on genetically modified (GM) fruits. He is growing a watermelon.
Dr Panda: Hey look! With the technique of genetic modification, we can basically grow any fruits with any features we like! Look at this blue watermelon! How cute!
Pat: I thought that was impossible, but it turns out it is possible!! This is amazing! How did you do that?
Dr Panda: I altered the sequence of its genes.
Pat: Can I do that at home?
Dr Panda: You are able to do that too if you have the top-tier equipment. You are unable to do that without adequate knowledge as well.
Pat: That means I am not capable of doing that without your guidance. Let's think about what we can do with this technique! We could try out different types of extraordinary fruits! Red melons, sweet lemons, sour apples, huge kiwi…
Dr Panda: Be cautious. If you make a destructive change to the genetic sequence, the change may be irreversible.
Pat: Durian-shaped peaches, watermelons with no seeds...
Dr Panda: You should also be aware of the potential downsides of GM food to your health.
Pat: Pink pineapples, bitter bananas, tiny durians…
Dr Panda: Stop it!
■English highway﹕Prefixes
Prefixes are letters we add to the beginning of a word to give it a new meaning. Sometimes there is a predictable sequence.
•Direct → Indirect
(opposite meaning)
•Able → unable
(opposite meaning)
•Ordinary → Extraordinary
(beyond the original meaning)
•Curricular → Extracurricular
(beyond the original meaning)
•Reversible → Irreversible
(opposite meaning)
e.g. If you fail this trial, we might need to take a retrial.
■Gear up
Try to form a word with the following prefixes and words.
1. dis-
2. fore-
3. in-
． A. cast
． B. agree
． C. complete
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
genetic modification (n) 基因改造
alter (v) 改變
adequate (adj) 足夠的
destructive (adj) 具破壞力的
[Smarties' Power English 第291期]
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