Let’s consider the platypus: an animal unlike any other. It is so striking in appearance that when the first platypus specimenwas sent from its native Australia to Great Britain in the 1700s, the British scientists who received it were shocked. In fact, they initially believed that someone was playing an elaborate joke. One look at a platypus would quickly make anyone understand why these scientists felt this way. With its large bill, webbed feet, and bushy tail, the platypus looks part duck, part otter, and part squirrel. However, look a little closer, and you’ll find that the platypus’s unique appearance is far fromits only interesting characteristic.
First, regarding its status as a mammal: Unlike most other mammals, platypuses do not give birth to live offspring. Instead, they lay eggs, an attributethey share with reptiles and birds, as opposed totheir mammalian counterparts.
There is a striking difference between Liam and Oliver in terms of personality. The former is extroverted, whereas the latter is introverted.
就個性而言，連恩和奧立佛很明顯不一樣。前者外向，後者則內向。
多益藍色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
initially
[ɪˋnɪʃəlɪ]
adv. 開始時，最初
=
in the beginning
Initially, Andy was nice to Nancy, but eventually he left her. 剛開始安迪對南西蠻好的，但後來卻離開她。
高中 Level 4
●
elaborate
[ɪˋlæbə͵ret]
vt. & vi. 詳細說明，闡述
a. 精緻的
Mandy was dressed in a blue suit with elaborate
embroidery on the shoulder.
曼蒂穿著一襲肩上飾有精緻刺繡的藍色套裝。
Just tell us the result. You don’t have to elaborate on the process.
只要把結果告訴我們就好了，過程你就不必詳述了。
The scientist attempted to elaborate his theories through a series of experiments.
科學家試圖透過一系列實驗來闡述他的理論。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 5
●
characteristic
[͵kærəktəˋrɪstɪk]
a. 典型的（皆與介詞 of 並用）
n. 特徵
Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.
基因決定了每樣生物的種種特徵。
This usage is characteristic of American English.
這種用法是美式英語的特徵。
This kind of hot and spicy food is very characteristic of the food in the country.
這種辛辣食物是該國非常典型的食物。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
status
[ˋstetəs]
n. 地位，身分；狀態，情況
The status of a teacher is not high in many countries.
在許多國家中老師的地位並不高。
What is the present status of the negotiations?
這次協商目前的情況如何？
Most people want to maintain their status quo and are reluctant to make any changes.
大部分的人都想要維持現狀，很不願做任何改變。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
counterpart
[ˋkaʊntɚ͵pɑrt]
n. 相對應的人 / 事 / 物
Our general manager will discuss the agreement
with his Japanese counterpart tomorrow.
我們總經理明天將與日方的總經理談論合約事宜。
多益金色
英檢中高
高中 Level 6
●
restrict
[rɪˋstrɪkt]
vt. 限制，制止
=
limit
Hoping that she could eventually quit smoking, Mary started restricting her smoking to half a pack a day.
瑪莉希望終究能把菸戒掉，便開始限制自己一天抽半包菸。
Because of martial law, many activities are restricted.
因為戒嚴，很多活動都遭到限制。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
compete
[kəmˋpit]
vi. 競爭
No computer can compete with this one in terms of speed.
說到速度，沒有一臺電腦能比得上這臺。
There will be 50 basketball teams competing for the championship.
將有 50 支籃球隊角逐冠軍寶座。
多益綠色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
distinctive
[dɪˋstɪŋktɪv]
adj. 獨特的，特別的
=
special
=
unique
The policemen of this city wear a distinctive uniform, so they are easily recognized.
該市的警察穿的制服很特別，因此很容易認出來。
