【明報專訊】The 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are opening in Pyeong Chang (平昌), South Korea this Friday (9 Feb). While sport lovers look forward to the exciting competitions, people in North and South Korea are even more thrilled during the 16-day event, as it may become a significant step to improve the prolongedly uneasy relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
For the first time in more than two years, senior officials from North and South Korea held talks after North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un (金正恩), offered to send a delegation to the Games. The two countries discussed how North Korea could participate in the international sport event.The ice hockey athletes may team up with their southern counterparts to play against other countries. However, according to a survey conducted by a South Korean broadcaster, 72.2% of the respondents think that the joint team arrangement is unfair because local athletes will be deprived of their rights to play in the Games.
Before the Games, North Korea sent their athletes and officials to the Olympic venues for site visits. The visits have drawn international attention as the visitors' attitude may shed light on what Kim's attitude towards South Korea is. Some commentators also suggest that the move can be a prelude to a peaceful North-South relationship, and even a hope for reunification (統一) between the two nations of the same race.
(Source: Ming Pao)
■Photo Story
Hyon Song-wol (玄松月), leader of the North Korean pop group Moranbong Band, visited South Korea to prepare for the performance. She was the first Northern official to visit the country in four years. However, the performance was cancelled a week ago by North Korea.
■English highway﹕
When we use words like "this", "last" or "next" with a date, a day of a week, a month or year, no prepositions is needed.
(ˇ) I will go to Japan next month.
He finished his painting last Sunday.
(╳) I will go to Japan in next month.
He finished his painting on last Sunday.
■Quiz
(Answers on next text)
1. Is the following statement true or false?
North Korean athletes will take part in the competition.
True/False
2. Find a word in paragraph 2 that means "take part".
______________________________
3. When will the Pyeong Chang Games end?
______________________________
4. Which of the following games will the Joint Korean Team take part in?
a. hockey
b. ice hockey
c. ice skating
d. swimming
■Glossary
prolongedly (adv) 長久地
delegation (n) 代表團
broadcaster (n) 廣播公司
shed light on (idm) 為……提供線索
[Smarties' Power English 第208期]
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