英语听力精选进阶版 6452

Do you scream on a roller coaster ride? You slowly climb up a steep slope until an almost vertical¹ drop, and then... Ahhhhhhhh!

Thrill-seekers like me are in luck because theme parks are pushing the boundaries of technology to create the fastest, tallest, scariest roller coasters the world has ever known.

Alton Towers in Britain opened the world's first 14-loop roller coaster a few months ago, called The Smiler. Over in Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World claims to have the world's fastest one. But are we reaching the limits of what our body can stand?

Ferrari World's Formula Rossa ride blasts passengers from 0-240km/h in just 4.9 seconds. During this rapid acceleration² they experience G-forces only fighter pilots usually feel: up to 4.8G.

John Wardley, the designer of several rides at Alton Towers, said: "While we can withstand 6-8Gs for very short periods of time, if we experience 5G for more than five seconds we're likely to black out."

On modern roller coasters passengers experience about 3G in tight turns and loops. But while we may have reached the limit in terms of G-forces, Justin Garvanovic of the European Coaster Club said there is: "No technological³ limit to how fast or how high roller coasters can go - it's all down to money."

Ride scan cost from ￡2.5m (25m yuan) to ￡25m (250m yuan), with the likes of Disney spending even more on themed rides involving elaborate sets. Alton Towers' The Smiler cost ￡18m to build.

Some manufacturers are finding other ways to keep us amused. There's a move towards indoor rides where the experience is improved by audio-visual technologies.

For example, a company called Dynamic Structures is currently developing a 'coal-mine-themed' ride for a client in Dubai that will combine speed and G-forces with 3D projection⁴ effects and robotics.

Their senior designer Craig Breckenridge says: "We're switching tracks, and using video and projections⁵ that will trick your brain into thinking you're really falling."

I can't wait to enjoy this one. What about you: do you like being upside down?

Quiz 测验

1. Where are passengers subjected to 4.8G?

At Ferrari World's Formula Rossa roller coaster in Abu Dhabi.

2. True or false? Roller coasters can't go any faster because of costs.

False. It's because there is a limit to the G-forces the human body can stand.

3. How much can roller coasters cost?

From 2.5 million to more than 25 million British pounds.

4. What parts of a roller coaster are mentioned in the article?

Steep slopes, almost vertical drops, tight turns, loops.

5. Which term describes people who look for excitement in risky⁶ activities?

Thrill-seekers.

Glossary 词汇表

a roller coaster 过山车

a ride （游乐场中）供乘坐的游乐设施

a steep slope 陡坡

a vertical drop 垂直下降

a thrill-seeker 寻找惊险刺激的人

a theme park主 题公园

to push the boundaries 向极限推进

a loop（过山车的）环

to blast 快速推出去

acceleration 加速，提速

G-force 重力，地球引力

a fighter pilot 战斗机飞行员

to withstand 承受

to black out 眼前一黑，晕厥

elaborate 精美复杂的

amused （让人）感到开心快乐的

robotics 机器人学

to trick 哄骗，欺骗

1 vertical   

adj.垂直的，顶点的，纵向的；n.垂直物，垂直的位置

参考例句：

• The northern side of the mountain is almost vertical.这座山的北坡几乎是垂直的。
• Vertical air motions are not measured by this system.垂直气流的运动不用这种系统来测量。

2 acceleration   

n.加速，加速度

参考例句：

• All spacemen must be able to bear acceleration.所有太空人都应能承受加速度。
• He has also called for an acceleration of political reforms.他同时呼吁加快政治改革的步伐。

3 technological   

adj.技术的；工艺的

参考例句：

• A successful company must keep up with the pace of technological change.一家成功的公司必须得跟上技术变革的步伐。
• Today,the pace of life is increasing with technological advancements.当今， 随着科技进步，生活节奏不断增快。

4 projection   

n.发射，计划，突出部分

参考例句：

• Projection takes place with a minimum of awareness or conscious control.投射在最少的知觉或意识控制下发生。
• The projection of increases in number of house-holds is correct.对户数增加的推算是正确的。

5 projections   

预测( projection的名词复数 )； 投影； 投掷； 突起物

参考例句：

• Their sales projections are a total thumbsuck. 他们的销售量预测纯属估计。
• The council has revised its projections of funding requirements upwards. 地方议会调高了对资金需求的预测。

6 risky   

adj.有风险的，冒险的

参考例句：

• It may be risky but we will chance it anyhow.这可能有危险，但我们无论如何要冒一冒险。
• He is well aware how risky this investment is.他心里对这项投资的风险十分清楚。