Comic：Wright brothers who dreamed high
【明報專訊】The Wright brothers are trying to fly with the airplane they have built.
“ Wilbur: Hope this time we won't get injured again. ”
“ Orville: Sigh, last time I hit the ground hard. ”
“ The Wright brothers: HELP! ”
“ Wilbur: Where are we now? ”
“ Orville: Look! What are those things? ”
“ Dr Panda: Are you OK? Those are flying cameras called drones. ”
“ The Wright brothers: F...flying cameras? But why are they smiling at us? ”
◆Know more
The Wright brothers, Wilbur (1867 - 1912) and Orville (1871 - 1948), were two American brothers who are known for building and flying the world's first airplane.
As children, they liked finding out whatever aroused their curiosity by asking questions and reading. They were fascinated by their favourite toy helicopter, so they started to dream of building their own flying machine.
At that time, there were only aircrafts with fixed wings, so people could not really control them. The brothers observed how birds flew and carried out experiments. Despite repeated failures and injuries, the brothers made the 12-second history-making flight in 1903. The Wright Flyer was fueled with gasoline and the pilot could control its movement.
Although the Wrights are largely credited with inventing the airplane, there has been heated debate whether they were really the first. In any case, thanks to this world-changing invention, we can now travel even to the opposite side of the world.
■English highway﹕Heated debate
It means a discussion which is full of anger or excitement.
e.g. After four months of heated debate, the problem still cannot be solved.
e.g. Over the past few decades, there has been a heated debate over whether or not to protect the heritage.
■Glossary
arouse (v) 引起
fascinated (adj) 入迷的
fuel (v) 為……添加燃料
credit with (phr v) 將……歸功於
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第345期]
