【明報專訊】Notre-Dame Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Paris), an iconic part of Paris' skyline, was on fire in mid-April. The cathedral's spire was destroyed by the blaze. The fire was potentially linked to the renovation work at the world-famous tourist attraction. About 500 firefighters helped battle the fire.

Notre-Dame de Paris means "Our Lady of Paris". Standing in the heart of Paris for more than 850 years, the Gothic (歌德式) building is featured in Victor Hugo (雨果)'s classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame (《鐘樓駝俠》). Its spire, two huge towers and unique rose windows (left) are the most recognizable features.

Following the tragic fire, French President Emmanuel Macron has set a target of five years for the ruined cathedral to be rebuilt. Billionaires, corporations and ordinary citizens have been making donations to the costly restoration work.

source: Ming Pao

■Game

Bill is appreciating a painting of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Which is the missing part?

(see picture)

■Quiz

1. Find a word in paragraph 1 which means "a big fire". ____________________________

2. Where do the donations for rebuilding the cathedral come from?

____________________________

■English highway﹕ordinary

ordinary = average, common or usual

e.g. I can't believe that ordinary man in the street is a great magician!

(Answers on next text)

■Glossary

spire (n) 尖塔

potentially (adv) 可能

costly (adj) 昂貴的

restoration (n) 修復

[Smarties' Power English 第247期]