a reasonable fish shape into a sphere two or three times larger. When frightened,
excited, or annoyed, they gulp water, or even air, into a sac on the belly. It swells
inside their tough, elastic skin, like an inner tube inside a tire, so as to discourage
predators or intimidate rivals. When the fish feels safe, it squirts out the water or
releases the air, deflating to its normal shape.
* Ian Fleming: author of the James Bond novels
E X E R C I S E 1: Find words or phrases in the passage which mean the same as: COLUMN A COLUMN B a) worthy of respect or admiration (used ironically in the text) b) involving high-quality or exotic ingredients and
skilled preparation
c) weak; lacking energy
d) clue; slight indication
e) reflecting light; softly shining
f) framework of the mouth to which the teeth are
attached
g) with the mouth wide open
h) inside parts of the body including the stomach
i) frightening
j) acceptable; not unusual
k) globe; the shape of a ball
I) swallow very quickly and in large amounts
m) small bag-like structure containing air, liquid,
etc., found in an animal or plant
n) stomach
o) become larger in volume and rounder
p) strong; difficult to tear or cut
q) an animal that hunts other animals for food
r) frighten; threaten; cause to lose confidence
s) force liquid, etc., out through a narrow opening,
in a thin, fast stream or jet
t) cause to become smaller by letting the air, etc.,
out
182 • ELS
E X E R C I S E 2: Choose the correct answer according to the passage. 1. In its appearance, the puffer fish A) resembles a shark with its jaws open
B) looks as if it would taste delicious
C) is both extraordinary and fearsome
D) doesn't seem to be deadly
E) looks like no other creature in the sea