【明報專訊】Young travellers, do you know anything Aussie(關於澳洲的)? Yes, Australia is a nation of kangaroos and koalas... Wait, isn't it a clichm? Let's learn something new about this vibrant country!
Sightseeing
The Australians pride themselves on the Sydney Opera House(悉尼歌劇院). It is not only a state-of-the-art facility for holding music and art performances but also a marvellous work of architecture. Judging from the exterior, it looks like a single structure. In fact, it is composed of several buildings.The shells of the complex bear a remarkable resemblance to sails.
◆World Cup titbit
Australia beat Syria 2-1 on 10 October 2017 and became the 31st team to hold a place in the Finals. Tim Cahill, the 38-year-old top scorer in the team, is celebrating his 50th goal(入球) in his career. He is legendary for his heading skills(頭槌). (photo.2-3)
(Sources: Ming Pao, The World Factbook, BBC)
■English highway﹕pride oneself on something
If somebody prides on something, he or she feels proud of something.
e.g. Tom prides himself on his talent for drawing.
■Game
Flag's tale
In the upper-left corner, there is a small British flag, representing the former status of Australia in the British Empire and the UK monarch's current position as head of state. There are altogether six white stars. The largest one symbolises the Commonwealth of Australia; the four seven-pointed stars resemble the Southern Cross(南十字星). There is also a five-pointed star.
“ Pat: Which is the flag of Australia? ”
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
clichm(n) 陳腔濫調
vibrant (adj) 活潑的
state-of-the-art (adj) 最先進的
resemblance (n) 相似
[Smarties' Power English 第209期]