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SCMP Reporter

Comprehension
Answer the following questions
1. What was Sharon Stone's initial comment about the Sichuan earthquake?
a. it was an unexpected natural disaster
b. many of the casualties were the result of shoddy construction
c. it was karma for Beijing's action in Tibet
2. What were the consequences of Stone's comments?
a. the actress was forbidden to set foot in China
b. she was declared the 'public enemy of China' by the state media
c. prestigious cosmetic brand Christian Dior dropped Stone's advertisements in China
3. According to the passage, which artist drops all the swear words in her songs when in China?
a.  Avril Lavigne
b.  Mariah Carey
c.  Alicia Keys
Language Focus
The use of 'where' in adjective clauses
'Where' is used in an adjective clause to modify a place. Below is an example from the passage.
Eg. Hurtful words can cause great damage, especially in the internet age where they can be circulated worldwide instantly.
Combine the following sentences as shown in the example.
Eg. Ann lives on a small farm. All kinds of animals can be found on the farm.
Answer: Ann lives on a small farm where all kinds of animals can be found.
1. The polar bear is a unique animal of the Arctic.  They have adapted to the extreme conditions in the Arctic.
__________________________________________________________________
2. Diners can no longer light up in restaurants. Smoking has been banned in restaurants.
__________________________________________________________________
3. On Christmas Eve, crowds throng shopping malls. They buy last-minute gifts for friends and family in the malls.
__________________________________________________________________
Think about it
1. Have you heard of Sharon Stone? What's your opinion on  her comments about the Sichuan earthquake?
2.  Is it important for western celebrities to be culturally sensitive in order to get into the Chinese market? Why?
3.  What do you think about the mainlanders' angry reaction to Stone's comments?  Is it justified?
Answers
Comprehension
1. c, 2. c, 3. a
Language Focus
1. The polar bear is a unique animal of the Arctic, where they have adapted  to the extreme conditions.
2. Diners can no longer light up in restaurants where smoking has been banned.
3. On Christmas Eve, crowds throng shopping malls, where they buy last-minute gifts for friends and family.



Celebrity behaviour