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SCMP Reporter

Word Power
Match the following words with their meanings on the right.
1. esteem
2. prodigy
3. toll
4. competitive
5. declined
a. a young person who is unusually intelligent or skilful for their age
b. the adverse effects of something (in this case parental pressure on gifted children)
c.  a situation in which people or organisations compete against each other
d. refused
e. great respect and admiration; a good opinion (of somebody)
Fill in the blanks with the words you have learned.
6. She is  hardworking and smart  and is held in high ________________ by her colleagues.
7. An extravagant  lifestyle filled with  alcohol and late-night parties has taken its ________________ on his health.
8. He is a music ________________ , having secured the first prize in the regional piano competition for the fourth consecutive year.
9. He ________________ to be interviewed by the media after his company went bankrupt.
10.  My teacher has opened a tutorial centre. He is determined to break into the ________________ market.
Language Focus
The use of phrasal verbs
A phrasal verb is a combination of words and often has a meaning which is different from the original verb.  Below is an example from the passage.
Example: But there is little evidence of her prodigious talent being channelled into a career that would bear out her early promise.
('bear out' means to confirm)
Fill in the blanks below with the appropriate prepositions.
11. The thief broke ________________ their house at night.
12. After peace negotiations broke ________________, a war broke ________________ between the two countries.
13. The picnic was put ________________  because of rain.
14. He put the failure of the project ________________ to a lack of funds.
Think About
1.  Should child prodigies  be sent to university irrespective of their social skills?
2. What pressures  do gifted children face?
3. Discuss with your classmates  the meaning of a university education (tips: academic development, leadership training, etc)
Web Links
More information about  education for the gifted can be found at:
http://www.edb.gov.hk/index.aspx?langno= 1&nodeID=2377
The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education
http://www.hkage.org.hk/index.htm
Answers:
1. e, 2. a, 3. b, 4. c, 5. d, 6. esteem, 7. toll, 8. prodigy, 9. declined, 10. competitive, 11. into, 12. down, out 13. off, 14. down



gifted children