Grammar：It is...that
【明報專訊】Dr Panda: Bill, why were you so quiet in the morning computer classes? It is your favourite subject!
Bill: It is supposed to be my favourite lesson but I didn't get enough sleep and didn't have breakfast today.
Dr Panda: No matter what, please make sure you get your breakfast every day! It is known that a nutritious breakfast is important for our health.
Bill: I think I am just anxious about the upcoming test. I have also been suffering from insomnia for a week already; that's really troubling me.
Dr Panda: It is said that managing your stress levels before the test could help. Have you tried any relaxation techniques?
Bill: I've tried deep breathing and listening to calming music, but it doesn't seem to help much.
Dr Panda: It is believed that regular exercise can also improve your sleep quality. Maybe incorporating some physical activity into your daily routine could help with your insomnia.
Bill: That's a good point. I used to go for a run every evening. I'll start doing that again and see if it makes a difference. Thank you, Dr Panda.
■English highway﹕
In English, we often use phrases like ''It is known that,'' ''It is believed that,'' and ''It is supposed to'' to introduce statements that convey facts, beliefs that are widely accepted, or expectations.
It is known / believed / expected / said that...
˙It is known that smoking is harmful to health. (fact)
˙It is believed that black cats are considered lucky in some cultures. (common belief)
˙It is said that the new restaurant serves the best ramen in the city. (expectation)
It is supposed to …
Used to indicate expectations about something that should happen or be the case, but often is different from the situation.
E.g. Amy is supposed to arrive at 9 am. for the meeting. (People may say this because Amy is late for the meeting.)
˙''You are not supposed to'' means that something is not allowed or advised.
E.g. You are not supposed to use phone during the exam.
■Gear up
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the words.
1. The new bookshop is _______ to open next month. (suppose)
2. It is _______ that the Great Wall of China is visible from space. (say)
3. It is _______ that students should complete their homework on time. (expect)
4. It is _______ that dogs are loyal companions to humans. (believe)
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
nutritious (adj) 有營養的
insomnia (n) 失眠
incorporate (v) 結合
routine (n) 常規
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[Smarties' Power English 第447期]
