【明報專訊】Dr Panda has always been the most reliable member of the Smarties. However, like everyone else, he has mood swings resulting from stress from time to time. Has anyone taken the initiative in comforting him?

“ Bill: Hey, Dr Panda, where are you going? ”

“ Dr Panda: ... ”

“ MoMo: Dr Panda, are you all right? ”

“ Dr Panda: I am fine, thank you. ”

“ Bill: What's going on? We are on your side. ”

“ Dr Panda: It's just that sometimes I'm tired of being positive and accurate in everything. There are times when I want to cry too! ”

“ Eason: Hahahaha! Only losers get any rest! ”

“ Dr Panda: I take a rest so that I can go further. You don't know how strong I'm! ”

■English highway﹕-words and collocations

initiative

The initiative means the opportunity to take action before other people do.

e.g. Pat took the initiative to improve relations with Bill.

■Quiz

In which of the following sentences is the word "initiative" wrongly used?

(answers on next text)

1. Jimmy showed initiative and bravery in solving the problem.

2. Billy took the initiative to answer the difficult question.

3. We like to take the initiative and finish our group project at the last minute.

4. Tim won the business contract because he seized the initiative to talk to the client.

5. She took the initiative and let her opponent won the game.

■Glossary

reliable (adj) 可靠的

mood swings (n phr) 情緒波動

comfort (v) 安慰

accurate (adj) 準確的