Do not judge a book by its cover

最近重新整理檔案，翻到高一時為了英聽課寫的英文劇本。我已經記不清原先主題是甚麼，只記得創作時暗自想表達不要以貌取人。同組同學覺得太沉悶了，稍做修改。是否跟原意有所出入，已不可考。

Host: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the beauty contest. Today we will find out who is our knockout. Today every competitor will show her accomplishment, the ability of words spelling and conundrum. And let’s welcome our judges. Linda S (Linda stood up and waved). Jimmy C (Jimmy stood up and waved). So let’s start the contest. One of the competitors is Ms. USA, and the other competitor is the represent of Brazil! The first item is accomplishment. Each of you has ten seconds to capture the audience’s eyes. Ms. Brazil, you go first, and Ms. USA, you are the second one.

(After the accomplishment) 

Host: Both of you caught my eye. And let’s begin the second item—words spelling. As I say a word, you need to ring the bell then spell the word. If your answer is correct, you’ll get one point. If not, you’ll lose one point. Are your ready? It’s a difficult word. The first word is—love! (Both of the competitors ring the bell)

Ms. USA and Ms. Brazil: L-O-V-E!

Host: I consider the second question is a piece of cake. The second word-and also the last question of this part-is chrysanthemum!

Ms. USA: (ring the bell) C-H-R-Y-S-A-N-T-H-E-M-U-M!

Host: Amazing! Here’s the last item—conundrum. So, if you got lose in a foreign country, what would you do?

Ms. USA: I would ask someone near by for help.

Ms. Brazil: Oh, I –I – (stammer)

Host: Sorry, time’s up. The following one is: if some of your pictures-which were private, such as your glamour photos - were put on the Internet, would you choose to escape the actuality or face up to it?

Ms. Brazil: I would face up to the truth for it would probably do harm on others.

Ms. USA: I would face up to it as well. It was something serious; I could escape it for one day, but not for a century.

Host: Eventually, no matter how perfect you acted, there must be a result. Are you nervous? (Two competitors nod) judges, please show the score. Linda S, what’s your comment?

Linda: well, I have to admit one thing: I was deeply impressed. Miss. USA, I consider your body language is fascinating. But in conundrum, neither of you were very outstanding. Both of you only said your choice but didn’t explain what you would do. That’s a pity. In words spelling, you are not good at it (points at Ms. Brazil) for English isn’t your first language. It’s normal, don’t be upset.

Host: Jimmy C, how about you?

Jimmy: Well, to me, the denotation of “knockout” is a girl who has a stunning beauty. For the appearance can influence one’s thought. Also important is your dress. In that part, Ms. Brazil is better than you (points at Ms. USA). You wear a pair of old pants with holes and sneakers in a formal occasion. A little sloppy, I have to say that.

Linda: So you consider appearance is more important than intelligence? What’s your standard?

Jimmy: Nonsense! We are finding a beautiful girl, not an attractive girl!

Linda: Chauvinism!

Jimmy: Don’t query my profession. Who is the authority in beauty? You have no qualification to give me a lecture!

Host: Thank you, Linda and Jimmy. It’s a game, not a debate. I have to announce the result of the contest. The knockout is Ms. USA’s opponent: Ms. Brazil!

Ms. Brazil: Thank you. Actually, I’m not a real woman. I’m a man. (He takes of his mask)

Ms. USA :(cries out) How can that be! Who is the champion actually? Who is the champion?