Terrafugia Inc. said Monday that its new flying car has completed its first flight, bringing the company closer to its goal of selling the flying car within the next year. The vehicle — named the Transition — has two seats, four wheels and wings that fold up so it can be driven like a car. The Transition, which flew at 1,400 feet for eight minutes last month, can reach around 70 miles per hour on the road and 115 in the air. It flies using a 23-gallon tank of gas and burns 5 gallons per hour in the air. On the ground, it gets 35 miles per gallon.
Around 100 people have already put down a $10,000 deposit（定金） to get a Transition when they go on sale, and those numbers will rise after Terrafugia introduces the Transition to the public later this week at the New York Auto Show. But don’t expect it to show up in too many driveways. It’s expected to cost as much as $279,000. And it won’t help if you’re stuck in traffic. The car needs a runway.
Inventors have been trying to make flying cars since the 1930s, according to Robert Mann, an airline industry expert. But Mann thinks Terrafugia has come closer than anyone to making the flying car a reality. The government has already permitted the company to use special materials to make it easier for the vehicle to fly. The Transition is now going through crash tests to make sure it meets federal safety standards.
Mann said Terrafugia was helped by the Federal Aviation Administration’s (联邦航空管理局) decision five years ago to create a separate set of standards for light sport aircraft, which are lower than those for pilots of larger planes. Terrafugia says an owner would need to pass a test and complete 20 hours of flying time to be able to fly the Transition, a requirement pilots would find relatively easy to meet.
1. What is the first paragraph mainly about?| A．The advantages of flying cars. |
| B．The basic data of the Transition. |
| C．The possible market for flying cars. |
| D．The designers of the Transition. |
| A．It causes traffic jams. | B．It is difficult to operate. | C．It is very expensive. | D．It burns too much fuel. |
| A．The government supports it. | B．The government is against it. |
| C．The government sets higher standards to discourage it | D．The government thinks it is on the way out. |
| A．Flying Car at Auto Show | B．The Transition’s First Flight |
| C．Pilots’ Dream Coming True | D．Flying Car Closer to Reality |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】As environmental concerns continue to increase, many people are left wondering how they can balance the need to travel with the need to protect the planet. One particular dilemma that has received significant attention is air travel.
Air travel is known to be one of the most carbon-intensive forms of travel. According to a report by the European Environment Agency, aviation is responsible for around 3% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, and that number is expected to grow in the coming years. In addition, aircraft contribute to other types of air pollution, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
For environmentalists who advocate for reducing our carbon footprint, this brings up a difficult question: should we avoid flying altogether?
On one hand, it’s easy to see why environmentalists would want to keep away from air travel. By doing so, they could dramatically reduce their carbon footprint and set an example for others. Additionally, some argue that air travel perpetuates(使永久)a culture of overconsumption, which is contradictory to environmental values.
However, there are also arguments in favor of air travel: For one, air travel enables people to experience different cultures, build relationships, and expand their knowledge in ways that might not be possible otherwise. It can also facilitate business trades and contribute to economic growth. Moreover, some experts believe that technological advancements could make air travel more sustainable in the future. For example, some airlines are experimenting with biofuels and electric planes, which could dramatically reduce the emissions associated with air travel.
So what’s the answer? Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to decide whether the benefits of air travel outweigh the environmental costs. However, there are steps that everyone can take to reduce their impact. For example, travellers can choose to fly less frequently, opt for direct flights, and offset(抵消)their emissions through programs like carbon offsetting. In the end, the key is to remain aware of the environmental impact of our choices and to make informed decisions based on our own values and priorities.
1. What’s the function of paragraph 2?| A．To make a comparison. |
| B．To present an argument. |
| C．To clarify the effect of air travel. |
| D．To describe various greenhouse gases. |
| A．It helps avoid economic problems. |
| B．It promotes globalization in some sense. |
| C．It will make biofuels popular in the near future. |
| D．It will accelerate the development of electric planes. |
| A．Approving. | B．Skeptical. | C．Objective. | D．Ambiguous. |
| A．Whether we should travel by air or not. |
| B．Environmental concerns about air travel. |
| C．How to reduce the pollution air travel causes. |
| D．The advantages and disadvantages of air travel. |
【推荐2】A small team of researchers has found that battery-powered trains could become economical as soon as 2023. The group argues that improved battery technology and cheap, renewable energy could soon allow battery power to compete with common fuel to power trains.
Most of the goods trains in the U. S. run on common fuel, spewing about 0.6 percent of total U. S. carbon emissions. In this new effort, the researchers suggest that switching to battery power could prevent these emissions.
Electric trains in the U. S. get their power from overhead lines — a system that is expensive and inefficient. The team suggests that batteries could provide a better option; more specifically, they claim that a single locomotive equipped with a 14-megawatt battery system would be enough to replace a train powered by a common fuel engine. They further claim that such a locomotive could carry a train about 240 kilometers on a single charge. This would consume half the energy of a common-powered train. And if the battery is charged using a renewable resource, it would reduce the carbon footprint of an electric train to zero.
Most current common fuel locomotives actually run-on electricity — the common fuel is used to power onboard generators. Thus, all that would be needed for most locomotives would be to replace the generators and add a boxcar just behind the locomotive to carry a large battery. Adding more boxcars with batteries would increase the range of the train. The batteries could be charged at designated stops, provided fast-chargers for such large batteries are developed.
As an alternative, battery-carrying boxcars could be changed for fresh ones at designated stops, greatly reducing wait times. The researchers believe that at least for the near future, operating costs would be somewhat higher for battery-powered trains, but they suggest the environmental improvements would make it worth it.
1. What is the probable meaning of the underlined word “spewing” in paragraph 2?| A．Taking in. | B．Giving off. | C．Cutting down. | D．Consisting of. |
| A．Their advantages. | B．Their working process. |
| C．Their travel distance. | D．Their carbon footprint. |
| A．There are no fast-chargers at present. | B．They are powered by overhead lines. |
| C．The locomotives will be carried by a boxcar. | D．They are environmentally friendly and economical. |
| A．For reducing costs. | B．For environmental benefits. |
| C．For higher economic efficiency. | D．For the convenience of passengers. |
【推荐3】London Underground
The London Underground rail network, also called “the Tube”, is a great way to travel to, from and around central London. Read advice on how to master the London Underground public transport.
Tube Zones
The London Underground rail network is divided into nine zones. Zone 1 is in central London and zones 6 to 9 are on the outskirts of the city. There are 11 Tube lines.
Tube Prices
Buy a Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card, Travelcard or use a contactless (非接触式的) payment card to get the best value as cash is the most expensive way to pay. An adult cash fare (费用) on the London metro for a single journey in zone 1 is £4.90. The same Tube fare with Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card or contactless payment card is £2.40. If you plan on travelling around London to do some sightseeing and visit some of London’s best attractions, why not get a London Pass and save even more money?
Opening and Closing Times
London Underground opening times vary from line to line, but the first London subway trains normally start running around 5 am, from Monday to Saturday, with reduced operating hours on Sunday. Avoid travelling during rush hours (weekdays, 7-9 am and 5.30-7 pm) if at all possible. London metro trains normally run until around midnight. A 24-hour underground service operates on certain lines. Check with staff at the particular tube station you plan on using to find out exactly when the last train runs.
1. Which of the following tube zones is on the outskirts of London?| A．Zone 1. | B．Zone 5. | C．Zone 8. | D．Zone 11. |
| A．Using Travelcard. | B．Using Cash. |
| C．Using London Pass. | D．Using Visitor Oyster card. |
| A．The tube closes on Sunday. |
| B．No lines in the tube run 24 hours. |
| C．The operating hours are the same every day. |
| D．The opening times are different from line to line. |
【推荐1】In Greece, a culture guide named Persephone welcomes travelers to the Alistrati Cave. Persephone is a human-sized robot that can smoothly guide tourists through the first 150 meters of the cave, talking about it in 33 different languages. However, it can only answer 33 questions in Greek. After the first part of the tour, a human guide takes over for the remaining 750 meters.
Nikos Kartalis, the scientific director of the Alistrati site, came up with the idea of creating a robot guide after seeing one on television at an art show. The robot was built by the National Technology and Research Foundation and cost around 139,000 dollars. The creators are considering ways to increase its speed, as it can only guide visitors to the first three of eight stops. Nonetheless, many foreign visitors find it fascinating that Greece has the ability to build a robot and use it as a guide in the cave.
Persephone has a white body, black head, and two bright eyes, moving on wheels. It starts the tour by introducing itself: “My name is Persephone. I welcome you to the Alistrati Cave.” It has become a popular attraction, with some visitors coming back to see the robot guide again.
Evdokia Karafera, a human guide who partners with Persephone, finds it helpful that it can speak many languages. She notes a little delay in the touring but most find it fascinating. However, Karafera believes that robots cannot replace humans everywhere, even though they may take over many jobs in the future.
Overall, Persephone the robot guide is a great example of how technology can enhance tourism experiences.
1. What is Persephone?| A．A robot tour guide. | B．A popular tourist attraction in Greece. |
| C．A famous human guide. | D．A scientific director of the Alistrati site. |
| A．An article he read in a journal. | B．A trip he took to a different cave. |
| C．A conversation he had with Evdokia Karafera. | D．A television show he watched. |
| A．It is impefert. | B．It is fascinating. |
| C．It is useful. | D．It is expensive. |
| A．A research plan. | B．A business report. |
| C．A bookreview. | D．A science magazine. |
【推荐2】Giraffenap is a new style of sleeping pod (仓) that encourages workers to get power naps during the day as a way of improving concentration and work efficiency.
Japan usually emphasizes extreme dedication to one’s work. In order to get used to this kind of heavy schedule and stress, some workers turn to short power naps. These are known to improve energy levels and concentration, as long as the person doesn’t go into deep sleep. In order to make it easier for people to get power naps pretty much anywhere, one company has begun installing vertical (垂直的) sleeping pods called Giraffenap in cafes all over the country.
One of the main reasons that Giraffenap pods have a vertical orientation is space—it’s much easier to have them installed in small cafes and restaurants because they take up little room—but it’s not the only reason. The standing position makes it easier for the person using the pod to wake up from their power nap.
Each Giraffenap pod features an alarm system that can be set by the user and support points for various parts of the body, which can make sure that the user remains in an upright position when napping. The pods also feature a height adjustment system so that anyone can achieve the perfect posture while using them.
Giraffenap sleeping pods currently come in two styles: a plain white model and one that uses a more traditional bamboo design. They offer great sound insulation (隔音), various sounds designed to support sleep and a built-in ventilation system.
Giraffenap is currently being put into effect in some coffee shops in Japan, and if the response is positive enough, we might also start seeing them in other places.
1. Where is the text probably taken from?| A．Science magazine | B．A biography |
| C．An advertisement | D．A novel |
| A．It keeps people healthy. | B．It is very cheap in price. |
| C．It saves a lot of energy. | D．It makes work efficient. |
| A．The types of Giraffenap pods | B．The effect of Giraffenap pods |
| C．The features of Giraffenap pods | D．The materials of Giraffenap pods |
| A．Hotels are to be replaced soon. | B．People’s sleeping habits change. |
| C．A company launches vertical pods. | D．How we keep energetic at work. |
【推荐3】Have you ever tried 3-D printing? A team of seven students from No. 34 Middle School in Zhengzhou, Henan, have won awards for their creative 3-D printing works.
Two of the team's works took home the top prize at the International Youth Innovation Design Competition. It was held in France this summer. One of their works had the theme “Chinat's New Era (时代)”. The other work was an ancient Chinese palace. They sent the work as a gift to local officials in Lille, France.
The team members learned how to print in their school's 3-D printing club. They took classes twice a week to learn 3-D printing. To make 3-D printed items, they fist draw a blueprint (蓝图). Then, they use a computer to design models of the pieces they need. After that, they use a 3-D printer to print the pieces and assemble (组装)them, as Liu Songyuan, 14, said.
But knowing how to use the tools is just one part of mastering 3-D printing. One also has to have imagination. To show the theme “China's New Era”, they printed out items standing for high-speed trains, bike sharing, cashless payment and online shopping. They placed these items around a dragon, which represented China. They made this work within just three hours, winning a national 3-D printing competition in China and later the international competition.
When they got to the international competition, they wanted to present something that stood for traditional Chinese culture. They were inspired (启迪)by a trip to the palace Museum. “When we saw the buildings there, we thought “That's it!” said Zhang Jiuxing, 14. They took photos of the buildings and did a lot of research to make their 3-D-printed works more realistic (逼真的). “We will continue to learn about this technology and make more creative things,” Zhang added.
1. How many students are there in the team?| A．8. | B．2. | C．6. | D．7. |
| A．Russia. | B．The UK. | C．China. | D．France |
| A．Twice a week | B．Once a week. | C．Once a month. | D．Three times a week. |
①They use a computer to design models of the pieces they need.
②They use a 3-D printer to print the pieces and assemble them.
③They draw a blueprint.
| A．①②③ | B．②③① | C．③①② | D．③②① |
| A．if you know how to use the tools, you can master 3-D printing |
| B．it's still a long way for the students to make creative and realistic 3-D works |
| C．it's easy for the students to make a 3-D-printed work |
| D．both of the works stood for China's traditional culture |
【推荐1】The Dragon Boat Festival is a folk festival which has a history of more than two thousand years. We also call it Duanwu Festival. There are many activities on the day.
Dragon boat race
The dragon boat race is an important competition during the festival. People held dragon boat races in the river to remember the poet, Qu Yuan. Now, the dragon boat race is a traditional activity for Chinese people.
Wearing sweet-smelling bags
During the Dragon Boat Festival, children usually wear sweet-smelling bags to avoid bad things. In some areas of China, a sweet-smelling bag is also used as a symbol of love between lovers.
Girls’ Day
A long time ago, a married daughter would return to her parents’ home during the Dragon Boat Festival. So the Dragon Boat Festival is also called Girls’ Day.
Eating zongzi
Eating zongzi is also a custom for Chinese people. Zongzi is a kind of food called rice dumpling with different designs and styles. For thousands of years, the custom of eating rice dumplings has been popular in China and has spread to Korea, Japan and countries in Southeast Asia.
1. The Dragon Boat Festival is ________.| A．the Spring Festival | B．Yuanxiao Festival |
| C．Mid-autumn Festival | D．Duanwu Festival |
| A．admire a famous scientist | B．have good luck |
| C．remember Qu Yuan | D．celebrate the harvest |
①Take part in a dragon boat race.
②Adults wear bags that have sweet smells.
③Eat rice dumplings.
④Splash water at each other.
⑤Eat mooncakes.
⑥A married daughter returns to her parents’ home.
| A．①②⑥ | B．②③④ | C．①③⑥ | D．③④⑥ |
| A．good things | B．bad things |
| C．funny things | D．exciting things |
| A．Tangyuan. | B．Dumplings. |
| C．Mooncakes. | D．Rice dumplings. |
【推荐2】Top Stadiums in the World
Camp Nou
Located in Barcelona, Spain, this stadium ranks the largest football stadium in Europe. Camp Nou, completed in 1957, is built on the land formerly occupied by horse racing tracks. The architectural features include one main grand-stand (大看台) along with four smaller ones, each holding about 12,000 people along with additional standing room for about 30,000 supporters around it. There are also two large underground car parks beneath the stadium which can hold about 3,00 cars each.
Bukit Jalil National Stadium
Located in the National Sports Complex in Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, the stadium was built in 1998 at a cost of about $270 million. This stadium is listed as one of the greatest in Southeast Asia with the capacity of 87,41. It is the home ground of the Malaysian national football team. Many other events such as concerts, festival celebrations and cultural shows are also held here.
Wembley Stadium
Built in 2007, it is the fifth biggest football stadium in the world, which can accommodate 90,000 people. As the largest stadium in the UK, Wembley Stadium has been the temple of English football for a decade. Many major home matches of the England national football team and the FA Cup Final are usually held at this stadium, which has witnessed the 2011 and 2013 UEFA Champions League Finals and the semi-finals and final of UEFA Euro 2020 with honor.
Melbourne Cricket Ground
It is by far the biggest stadium in Australia that has a capacity exceeding 10,00 spectators. It is also the world’s largest cricket stadium. The original version of the stadium was opened way back in 1853 and it has been expanded and renovated multiple times throughout its history. It’s used for multiple sports and has hosted several important events, including the 1956 Summer Olympics, the 1992 and 2015 Cricket World Cups, and the main venue of Australian Football League matches as well.
1. What did the land for Camp Nou use to be?| A．Car parks. | B．A large stand. |
| C．An empty space. | D．Horse racing tracks. |
| A．They can host various events. |
| B．They once hosted Summer Olympics. |
| C．They feature high technologies. |
| D．They both have the same capacity. |
| A．Camp Nou. | B．Bukit Jalil National Stadium. |
| C．Wembley Stadium. | D．Melbourne Cricket Ground. |
【推荐3】An Epidemic (流行病) of Depression? Seligman is leading the charge in what might be called Happiness Revolution in psychology. Since World War II, psychologists have focused on fixing what is broken — repairing psychosis (精神病), and neurosis(神经衰弱). Research has piles up steadily when it comes to looking at patients who are neurotic, while the happy or joyful people among us have received little scientific examination.
When Seligman did a search to find academic articles about such “positive psychology” he found only 800 out of 70,000. “Psychologists tend to be concerned with taking a negative 8 person, and helping him get to negative 2,” said Seligman, a University of Pennsylvania psychology professor. “My aim is to take a plus 2 person and boost him to a plus 6.”
In the last 50 years, statistics have shown that we are less happy as a people. “While our quality of life has increased dramatically over that time, and we’ve become richer, we’re in an epidemic of depression,” Seligman said. “Depression is 10 times more common now, and life satisfaction rates are down as well.” Seligman argues that the new science he writes about is shifting psychology’s model away from its narrow-minded focus on pathology, victimology, and mental illness towards positive emotion, virtue and strength, and positive institutions that increase people’s happiness. If you want to be happy, forget about winning the lottery, getting a nose job, or securing a raise. In his new book, Authentic Happiness, psychologist Martin Seligman argues that overall lifetime happiness is not the result of good genes, money, or even luck. Instead, he says we can boost our own happiness by making use of the strengths and traits that we already have, including kindness, originality, humor, optimism, and generosity. He has named the discipline “Positive Psychology,” arguing that we would be better off building on our own strengths rather than bemoaning, and hence, trying to repair, our weakness. By frequently calling upon their strengths, people can build up natural barriers against misfortune and negative emotions, he said.
To cultivate happiness, we must first find out our individual strengths and virtues. Next, apply the qualities in such a way as to enhance our happiness-generating system.
1. Why could Seligman’s work be called Happiness Revolution?| A．Because happy or joyful people among us also suffer from illness. |
| B．Because psychology is the emotional characteristic of an individual. |
| C．Because psychology is the science that deals with mental processes and behavior. |
| D．Because traditional research on psychology rarely concerns happy or joyful people. |
| A．We should focus on happy or joyful people. |
| B．The number of happy or joyful people will increase by 4. |
| C．“Positive psychology” articles need to be published more. |
| D．Happy people among us also need improve their mentality. |
| A．encouraging | B．optimistic | C．subjective | D．narrow-minded |
| A．good genes, money or luck | B．positive mental status |
| C．contented life. | D．a good job. |
| A．how we can cultivate our happiness. | B．why material goods can’t boost people. |
| C．why we should cultivate our happiness. | D．how complicated our happiness-generation system is. |
