Talk of the town：The Shandong aircraft carrier
【明報專訊】The Shandong aircraft carrier (山東艦), along with two guided-missile destroyers,Yan'an and Zhanjiang, as well as the guided-missile frigate (護衛艦) Yuncheng, stayed in Hong Kong from 3 July to 7 July. The public was allowed to board and visit the aircraft carrier over the weekend, and tickets for visiting the fleet were quickly sold out within minutes. Some secondary school students who visited the fleet described the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What is an aircraft carrier?
An aircraft carrier is like a floating airport but much bigger. It is a massive ship that can carry airplanes and helicopters. These ships are like a home base for aircraft, allowing them to take off and land on the sea. Aircraft carriers are important for the military because they can move around the ocean, bringing planes to different places quickly and easily. They are like a mobile airfield that can go anywhere in the world where there is water.
What made Shandong aircraft carrier so special?
The possession of an aircraft carrier is viewed as a symbol of a country's national power. The Shandong aircraft carrier is the first aircraft carrier to be produced by the Chinese people, a process that took six years.
It marked the development of China's advanced military technology and its ability to protect national security. The Shandong aircraft carrier can carry 36 aircraft.
Aircraft carrier in the world
As aircraft carriers require massive time and money to complete, there are only eight countries currently operating aircraft carriers, with the United States owning the largest number.
The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), built by the United States, is the world's largest aircraft carrier and the largest warship ever constructed with advanced technology. It can accommodate a crew of over 4600 sailors and carry at least 75 aircraft.
■Grammar booster
Once-in-a-lifetime (adj)
A once-in-a-lifetime experience or opportunity is very special because you will probably only have it once.
E.g. A tour of Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
■Gear up
1. Liaoning aircraft carrier (遼寧號) is the first aircraft carrier to be produced by the Chinese people. (True/False)
Fill in the blanks with the glossary below.
2. The concert is the last _____ to see her performance.
3. The ____ of large amounts of wealth does not ensure happiness.
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
missile (n) 導彈
opportunity (n) 機會
mobile (adj) 流動的
possession (n) 擁有
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[Smarties' Power English 第446期]
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【明報專訊】Eason dashes over to Dr Panda and Pat, grinning from ear to ear.... 詳情
