【明報專訊】Pat aspires to be a figure skater (花式溜冰者) and she is watching the figure skating championship with MoMo.

Pat: Oh! See how beautifully Jenny skates! I wish I could skate like her some day!

MoMo: It's hard to believe that she only started skating two years ago. Many think she will win the championship this year, as she already got a bronze medal last year.

Pat: Figure skating is a sport that needs a long time training. I wonder how she can master the skills so quickly.

MoMo: She was indeed a ballerina before she became a figure skater. She had started taking ballet classes 10 years before she trained as a figure skater.

Pat: Wow! She was only 5 years old 12 years ago! That means she has been practising these moves all her life! Now I admire her even more!

◆before

When we describe an event that happened earlier than another past event, we use the word "before".

e.g. I arrived at my cousin's wedding at 7:05 pm but the ceremony had already started five minutes before.

We can also use "before" for a future event or giving instructions.

e.g. I will finish the budget before you start the project.

Add water into the pot before you turn on the stove.

◆ago

When we trace back an event from the present moment, we use "ago" to describe the time difference between the event and the present.

e.g. He left school half an hour ago. He should be home very soon.

■Now you try

Circle the correct word.

1. He graduated from this school 10 years ( ago / before ).

2. I was very happy when I got this job last June, because I had lost my previous job six months ( ago / before ).

3. Dad met Mom three days ( ago / before ) he left his previous company. How lucky he was!

4. We've sent out the package a week ( ago / before ).

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

master (v) 駕馭

indeed (adv) 確實

ballerina (n) 女芭蕾舞員

admire (v) 欣賞

[Smarties' Power English 第237期]