【明報專訊】LACY, a primary three student, always found it difficult to finish things on time.
It was a normal, sunny Monday. Lacy's dad worked overseas and was a fan of a brand of chocolate. He talked with Lacy over the phone, ''Hey Lacy, would you mind buying me three slabs of chocolate? You know which brand I'm talking about. I'll be back on Friday.'' ''Sure dad!'' Lacy said yes but did not do so immediately. Rather, she stayed at home and watched TV. ''Let's do it tomorrow. There's still a lot of time!''
It was a normal, sunny Tuesday. Lacy's mom would like to cook buttered spaghetti on Friday. ''Buy me some butter, Lacy.'' ''Of course mom!'' Again, Lacy didn't do so afterwards. Instead, she played with her doll. ''Let's do it tomorrow. There's still plenty of time!''
It was a normal, sunny Wednesday. Lacy's friend Amy was gonna write a book review which was due the coming Friday. ''Lacy I need your help! I know there's one copy I need at the library near where you live.'' ''My pleasure Amy!'' And she forgot the promise. ''Let's do it tomorrow. There's still some time!''
It was a normal, sunny Thursday. Lacy remembered that her favourite programme would be aired at 4 p.m. She stared at the clock like a hawk. The bell rang! Lacy rushed home like a rocket. It seemed Amy was calling her right behind. She could hear nothing of course.
Time whizzed past without Lacy's noticing. Friday came.
When Lacy came into the classroom, a pair of furious eyes were sweeping over the kids.
The menacing eyes were finally locked on Lacy. ''How dare you ignored your promise! Just say no to me if you're not willing to help!'' It was Amy. Lacy got rather hot under the collar, but it was really her fault that had offended her friend.
After school, she came home only to throw herself into the lion's den. The two lions — her dad and mom — were enraged after knowing that their beloved daughter hadn't bought them chocolate and butter.
''Lazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy! Stop procrastinating!''
■Gear up
Refer to the story and circle the correct answer.
(1) ''Procrastinating'' means:
A. doing things on time
C. delaying things
B. lying to people
D. keeping promises
(2) The number of people Lacy fails is __________.
(Answers on next text)
■Food for thought
What would you do to mend fences (亡羊補牢) if you were Lacy? Are you lazy? Keep your schedule on track lest you let people down!
■Glossary
whizz (v) 快速移動
menacing (adj) 威嚇的
hot under the collar (idiom) 發怒
the lion's den (idiom) 險境
[Smarties' Power English 第273期]
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