News feed：Barely known app
【明報專訊】''LEAVE HOME SAFE'' is an app developed to let citizens log their whereabouts. It will notify the user if he or she has paid a visit to a place affected by COVID-19. The user will need to scan a QR code before entering places that have participated in the app and click a button when leaving to time their stay. The government has ordered that more than ten types of venues, including eateries, apply for a QR code and display it conspicuously. Also, the government says it has not ruled out the mandatory use of the app.
Unrealistic drama
BRIGHT SWORD 3: The Lightning General (《雷霆戰將》), a 40-episode Chinese TV drama celebrating China's official claim of victory against the ''Fascist regimes'' in WWII, was met with a public backlash. Firstly, some criticise that military officers in the drama always hold a cigar. Secondly, nurses unrealistically wear tight and bright dresses and high heels, something peculiar on the battlefield. Thirdly, officers stay in big houses to discuss strategies and tactics, which seems too extravagant. The drama was taken off the shelves after nine episodes were aired.
Disgraceful conduct
AUSTRALIAN elite forces allegedly killed 39 Afghans civilians and prisoners unlawfully between 2009 and 2013. An official report delivered by Angus Campbell, the defence force chief, states that ''blood lust'' and ''competition killings'' were common practice. Also a ''warrior culture'' had been common among the special forces, since some commanders were deemed ''demigods'' (半神), and they ordered juniors execute prisoners to get their first kill, a ritual called ''blooding.'' Campbell apologised to the people of Afghanistan for the alleged disgraceful conduct.
■Gear up
According to the passages on this page, circle the correct answers.
(1) The ''Leave Home Safe'' app is mandatory.
( True / False / Not given )
(2) The Australian navy was criticised for killing innocent people in Afghanistan.
( True / False / Not given )
(3)Bright Sword 3: The Lightning General is a Taiwanese TV drama.
( True / False / Not given )
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
whereabouts (n) 行蹤
extravagant (adj) 奢侈的
alleged (adj) 據稱
disgraceful (adj) 可恥的
[Smarties' Power English 第295期]
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