【明報專訊】If you have ever tried to register with a website, you may have been asked to enter some characters that were all jumbled up, or to answer a simple question for verification. They were all CAPTCHAs (驗證碼), which are used to tell a human from a machine and stop computer hackers.

“ Eason: It's time to check my total expenditure in 2018... ”

“ Eason: There must be an error in your webpage. I couldn't log in! ”

“ Dr Panda: You have to tick this box to complete the CAPTCHA test. ”

“ Eason: I...I don't know the word "robot". Why should I put a tick? ”

“ Dr Panda: ... ”

■English highway﹕tick

You should know the "ˇ" symbol very well. In written English, "tick" can be used as a verb or a noun. It is usually used to indicate that an item on a list or a text is correct or has been chosen, checked, or dealt with.

e.g. Please tick the box which best expresses your opinion.

Put a tick in the box if you agree with this statement.

■Quiz

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "tick".

1. Simply ________ the box in your order form to enjoy the discount offer.

2. Most of the questions may be answered with a ________.

3. How many ________ did you get in this language quiz?

4. He is ________ those days off on the calendar.

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

jumble up (v) 亂成一團

verification (n) 認證

expenditure (n) 開支

error (n) 錯誤

[Smarties' Power English 第234期]