Expand your vocabulary
The highlighted words have been chosen from the South China Morning Post's top news stories to help you improve your word power.
University of Hong Kong microbiologist Ho Pak-leung said it was important to find out whether the poultry at the Guangzhou market had been vaccinated and where the birds came from.
Mr Fang also denied that he had paid her [Annie Pang Chor-ying] living expenses although he gave her money on an ad hoc basis when she needed it - using 'an abortion' as a code for requests that might be made as often as three times a month.
Senior officers refused to support their new commander, saying General Miranda had been forced out after he became the most senior officer so far to be linked to the foiled coup.
Called a 'Very Quiet Short Takeoff and Landing' aircraft, Jetpod may one day whiz commuters around major metropolises at speeds of up to 50km/h, in scenes out of Star Wars or Blade Runner.
Eddie Hui Chi-man, associate professor in Polytechnic University's building and real estate department, said the high rents paid in Central reflected robust office demand amid healthy economic growth.
The Indonesian authorities were soon to file an international arrest warrant for treasure hunter Tilman Walterfang, the source said.
'In view of the current situation, the possibility of a massive bird flu outbreak cannot be ruled out,' Du Qinglin was quoted by state media as saying yesterday.
China is home to 16 of the world's 20 most polluted cities. More than 60 per cent of its rivers and lakes are tainted with chemicals, industrial waste or toxins.
Explanation:
vaccinated - immunised (against a disease)
on an ad hoc basis - something that is done only when the situation demands rather than being previously arranged
the foiled coup - failure to overthrow a government (usually by the military)
whiz - move very quickly
robust office demand - strong demand for office space
international arrest warrant - a court document which authorises a person's capture anywhere in the world
ruled out - eliminated
tainted - contaminated, usually with something that is undesirable
Complete the sentences using the above words
1. The successful candidate will be expected to help the team with their accounting and filing _________________.
2. The leader of _____________ was arrested as he tried to flee the country.
3. Macau's water supply has been __________ by salt tides over the past few months.
4. The US will not withdraw its _________________ for alleged terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden.
5. The arms inspector said the possibility of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction cannot be _______________.
6. Hong Kong has recorded _________________ as more mainland companies open branches here.
7. Students should not _________ through the chapters of a book without understanding what they are reading.
8. All elderly people and children should be _____________ against flu.
Answer: 1. on an ad hoc basis 2. the foiled coup 3. tainted 4. international arrest warrant 5. ruled out 6. robust office demand 7. whiz 8. vaccinated
