文档内容
主题 15 科技领域的新进展
主题简析
初中八年级英语阅读中科技领域新进展这一主题，紧密贴合时代发展，为学生打开了一扇连接现实与
英语学习的大门，在语言学习和视野拓展方面具有重要价值。在语言学习层面，学生在接触这一主题时，
能够积累 “artificial intelligence（人工智能）”“virtual reality（虚拟现实）”“blockchain（区块链）”
等前沿科技词汇，以及 “make breakthroughs（取得突破）”“drive innovation（推动创新）”
“revolutionize industries（彻底改变行业）” 等表达科技发展的短语，拓宽词汇量。在剖析相关阅读文本
时，学生需要梳理文章对新科技的原理、应用场景、发展影响的论述逻辑，锻炼分析与推理能力，提升对
复杂信息的理解与整合水平。从视野拓展角度看，这一主题引导学生关注科技发展趋势，了解科技如何改
变生活、推动社会进步，激发学生对科学的好奇心与探索欲，培养他们的创新思维和全球视野，为日后参
与科技领域学习与实践，应对科技时代的挑战做好准备，助力学生在语言能力提升的同时，成长为具有科
技素养的新时代人才 。
词句积累
主题表达示例
一、科技类别
1. 词汇
robotics（机器人技术）、biotechnology（生物技术）、3D printing（3D 打印）、smartphone（智能手
机）、wearable device（可穿戴设备）
2. 短语
self - driving car（自动驾驶汽车）、solar energy（太阳能）、wind power（风能）、digital payment（数字
支付）
3. 句式
Robotics is developing rapidly and changing our lives.（机器人技术正在快速发展，改变着我们的生活。）
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy.（太阳能是一种清洁且可再生的能源。）
二、发展动态
1. 词汇
invent（发明）、discover（发现）、upgrade（升级）、advance（进步）
2. 短语
make technological advancements（取得技术进步）、launch a new product（推出新产品）、upgrade software
（升级软件）、keep up with the latest technology（跟上最新技术发展）
3. 句式
Scientists are constantly making technological advancements.（科学家们不断取得技术进步。）The company plans to launch a new smartphone next month.（这家公司计划下个月推出一款新智能手机 。）
三、应用影响
1. 词汇
transform（改变）、improve（改善）、solve（解决）、convenience（便利）
2. 短语
transform our daily lives（改变我们的日常生活）、improve efficiency（提高效率）、solve environmental
problems（解决环境问题）、bring great convenience to（给…… 带来极大便利）
3. 句式
Digital payment has brought great convenience to our daily lives.（数字支付给我们的日常生活带来了极大便
利。）
Technology can be used to solve many difficult problems.（科技可用于解决许多难题。）
拓展阅读
How Technological Innovations Change Our Lives
In today's world, technological innovations are everywhere, and they have greatly changed our lives.
Take smartphones as an example. They are like magic boxes in our hands. We can use them to communicate
with friends far away. With apps like WeChat, we can send messages, make video calls, and share our daily life in
seconds. It makes the world seem much smaller. Also, smartphones help us learn new things. We can search for
information about history, science, or even learn a new language on educational apps.
Another great innovation is online shopping. In the past, people had to go to stores to buy things. But now,
with platforms like Taobao, we can browse and buy all kinds of products at home. We can compare prices, read
reviews, and have the goods delivered to our doorsteps. It saves us a lot of time and energy.
The development of transportation technology has also made a huge difference. High - speed trains allow us to
travel long distances quickly and comfortably. For instance, traveling from one city to another that used to take
hours by regular trains now only takes a couple of hours by high - speed trains. This makes business trips and
traveling for fun much more convenient.
Moreover, smart home devices are changing our daily life at home. Smart lights can be controlled by our
voice. We can turn them on or off, and even adjust the brightness without touching the switch. Smart thermostats
can keep our rooms at a comfortable temperature all the time.
However, while technological innovations bring us so many benefits, we should also be aware of their
negative sides. For example, too much screen time on smartphones may harm our eyesight.
Technological innovations have brought us a more convenient and colorful life. We should make good use of
them while being careful about their drawbacks.
参考译文：
科技创新如何改变我们的生活
在当今世界，科技创新无处不在，它们极大地改变了我们的生活。以智能手机为例。它们就像我们手中的魔法盒子。我们可以用它们与远方的朋友交流。通过微信等应
用程序，我们可以发送信息、进行视频通话，并在瞬间分享我们的日常生活。这让世界看起来小多了。此
外，智能手机帮助我们学习新事物。我们可以在教育应用程序上搜索有关历史、科学的信息，甚至学习一
门新语言。
另一项伟大的创新是网上购物。在过去，人们必须去商店购物。但现在，通过淘宝等平台，我们可以
在家浏览和购买各种商品。我们可以比较价格、阅读评论，并让商品送货上门。这节省了我们大量的时间
和精力。
交通技术的发展也带来了巨大的变化。高速列车让我们能够快速、舒适地长途旅行。例如，从一个城
市到另一个城市，过去坐普通火车需要几个小时，现在坐高速列车只需要几个小时。这使得商务旅行和休
闲旅游更加方便。
此外，智能家居设备正在改变我们在家的日常生活。智能灯可以通过我们的声音控制。我们可以不用
触摸开关就打开或关闭它们，甚至调节亮度。智能恒温器可以一直让我们的房间保持舒适的温度。
然而，虽然科技创新给我们带来了很多好处，但我们也应该意识到它们的负面影响。例如，在智能手
机上花费过多的屏幕时间可能会损害我们的视力。
科技创新给我们带来了更便捷、更多彩的生活。我们应该好好利用它们，同时留意它们的弊端。
综合演练
1
On January 28, 2025, there was a very special show at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala. It was called
YangBOT. This show was watched by lots of people in China. The famous director Zhang Yimou made this show.
It combined traditional Chinese yangko dance with modern robot technology.
These robots were made by a Chinese company called Unitree. In the show, robots that looked like humans
wore colorful clothes and danced yangko. Yangko is a happy folk dance from northern China. It is often seen during
festivals. The robots spun handkerchiefs (手帕) and made cool group shapes. Unitree had done something similar
before. In 2021, their robot cows danced with the singer Andy Lau.
The robots learned how to dance using AI. They used laser navigation (激光导航) to move safely on the
stage, even though it was not flat. Their strong joints (关节), like knees with a lot of power, helped them stay
balanced when they danced quickly. Zhang Yimou said, “This dance is not just for fun. It shows how technology
can ________.”
The robots became very popular. Many people talked about them on social media. Young people thought the
robots were “cool”, and older people liked the fun and festive feeling. The YangBOT show is a great example of
how China’s technology and culture can work together. One fan said, “It’s like the future and the past are dancing
together!”
1．Which company made the robots for the YangBOT show?
A．CCTV. B．Unitree. C．Andy Lau’s team. D．Zhang Yimou’s team.
2．What does the underlined word “spun” in Paragraph 2 means?
A．Passed. B．Turned. C．Stopped. D．Dropped.3．How did the robots learn to dance in the YangBOT show?
A．By using AI. B．By watching other dancers.
C．By practicing with the robot cows. D．By following Zhang Yimou’s instructions.
4．Which of the following can be put in “_______” in Paragraph 3.
A．find new hobbies B．teach modern skills
C．connect different cultures D．make tradition more exiciting
5．What is the best title for the passage?
A．Traditional Chinese Yangko Dance
B．How Robots Learned to Dance
C．Dancing Robots at the Spring Festival Gala
D．The History of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala
2
①Can you imagine this? You get into a car on a weekend morning for a trip to the mall, but you don’t need
to do anything—just enter in your destination (目的地) and off you go. When it drops you off, it drives itself back
home. This is what self-driving cars can do.
②A self-driving car can feel things by its side and drive without human help. It is also called an autonomous
(自动的) or driverless car. At the highest levels, a person might not need to control the car at all. But at lower
levels, a person might still need to step in sometimes.
③Making self-driving cars isn’t easy. According to Wired magazine, it’s a whole system ( 系统) with
different parts and all the parts need care. Things like changes in road networks influence (影响) it.
④However, there are also many good points. For example, these cars could cause fewer road accidents (事
故). The US government said that 94 percent of accidents happened because of drivers’ mistakes. Self-driving cars
can also help people with disabilities (残疾) live more freely. These cars make fewer traffic jams (交通堵塞) and
stop running when they’re not needed, meaning they cause less pollution.
1．How does the writer tell us what self-driving cars can do?
A．By asking a question. B．By telling us a story. C．By giving an example.
2．How many good points are mentioned in Paragraph 4?
A．2. B．3. C．4.
3．Which of the following is right according to the passage?
A．It is easy to make self-driving cars.
B．Using more self-driving cars is better for the environment.
C．Most of the traffic accidents happened because of the driverless cars.
4．What is the main idea of the passage?
A．An introduction of self-driving cars.
B．How to make self-driving cars.
C．Why people make self-driving cars.3
Wang Xingxing was born in a small village in Yuyao, Zhejiang. His parents are both villagers. From a
common family, he still had his dream.
When he was a teenage in Yuyao Xiaodong Central School, Wang Xingxing used the leftover things at home
to make handicrafts like model cars, ships and airplanes. When he was at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, he made
his first desktop humanoid robot with just over 200 yuan. In 2015, while studying for a postgraduate degree at
Shanghai University, he developed the XDog, and won a prize in the Shanghai Robot Design Competition.
In 2016, he started Hangzhou Unitree Robotics Company and soon the company made some four-legged
robots like Laikago, Aliengo and A1. In 2021, the A1 robot showed up on the CCTV Spring Festival show as a cow
called “Benben”, and soon the Go1 robot was also made that year. In 2022, 109 Go1 robots were put together to
look like the words “Winter Olympics” and appeared at the start of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
On June 28, 2024, his company made a video to show what their new robot dog, B2-W, could do. This video
was then shared again by the richest person named Elon Musk. Because of this, more people started to know about
the robot dog and the company.
On August 23, 2024, Wang gave a talk at Shanghai University. He encouraged (鼓励) more young people to
have dreams and try their best to make them come true. Now he is the idol (偶像) of many young people. We are
looking forward to seeing him climbing over another higher mountain.
1．When was he interested in making things?
A．When he was in Yuyao Xiaodong Central School.
B．When he was at Shanghai University.
C．When he was at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University.
D．When he was in Unitree Robotics Company.
2．How many robots are mentioned in this text?
A．5. B．6. C．7. D．8.
3．What can we learn from the passage?
A．He didn’t do the things he wanted to do.
B．His parents are both villagers but rich.
C．His robots appeared in Olympics in Paris, France.
D．Many young men will see him as their idol and learn from him.
4．What can be the best title of the text?
A．The history of the robots. B．To be the richest man.
C．A young man and his robots. D．Smart robot!
4Hi, I am Andy! There are all kinds of apps (应用程序) on our phones. They make our lives easy. Let’s see
what apps my family like.
I like Kindle. The app has lots of e-books. With Kindle, I can read many
Kindle
books from storybooks to science books anytime.
RunKeeper is a good app. My grandpa and my parents all like it. It helps
RunKeeper them keep healthy. They say if you also love running, you must have this app on
your phone.
Pocket can help you save news stories and videos on the Internet. Then
Pocket you can read or watch them in your free time. My younger sister Marie likes it a
lot, but I don’t. I have my Kindle.
If you want to learn how to cook nice food, Joy of Cooking can help you
Joy of a lot. There are so many good videos about cooking for you. My grandma likes
Cooking it a lot. She learns how to cook Chinese food from it. I like Chinese food best. I
feel happy that she uses this app.
1．Who loves reading?
A．Andy. B．Andy’s mother. C．Andy’s father. D．Andy’s grandpa.
2．Which app can help people keep healthy?
A．Kindle. B．RunKeeper. C．Pocket. D．Joy of Cooking.
3．What can the third app help people do?
①Learn cooking. ②Watch videos. ③Exercise more. ④Read news stories.
A．①③ B．①④ C．②③ D．②④
4．Why is Andy happy that his grandma uses Joy of Cooking?
A．Because he likes cooking too. B．Because it makes cooking easy.
C．Because it makes his grandma happy. D．Because he likes the food his grandma cooks.
5．What can we know from the text?
A．Marie is older than Andy. B．Marie’s grandpa likes running.
C．Andy likes cooking in his free time. D．Andy’s mother likes Chinese food.
5
As technology has improved, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming stronger. And one of the most exciting
new tools is Sora. It is a text-to-video tool that can give us a new way to make videos.
Sora, which means “sky” in Japanese, shows the strong ability of AI. It allows users to put in text, and then
make a video in several minutes. Anyone can bring ideas into life in a short time, which improves players’
experience while playing games. But the influence of Sora is beyond making videos easier. It also has the ability
to improve film, television, and advertising. Actors and movie-makers may have to think more about their work as
Sora might challenge them.
Of course, there are also worries about its bad influences. Some worry about the influence of Sora on jobmarkets and the quality of videos. However, it’s important to remember that it is a tool, and it’s up to us to use it
correctly.
In conclusion, Sora’s ability to make videos means a great step in AI technology. Though there are certainly
challenges ahead, the advantages of Sora are clear. As we move into a more digitized (数字化的), we will see how
Sora shapes the future of video-making soon.
1．What is the main ability of Sora?
A．It can make a video game without designing anything.
B．It can write a passage about the given topic on its own.
C．It can make a report about a video in several minutes.
D．It can turn a passage into a video using several minutes.
2．What does the underlined word “beyond” probably mean in Paragraph 3?
A．More than. B．Instead of. C．In addition to. D．Except for.
3．What can we know about Sora according to the text?
A．There is no need for video makers to worry about their jobs.
B．It’s challenging for Sora to change the future of video-making.
C．It’s certain that Sora will improve players’ experience of games.
D．Sora means “sky” in English and shows the strong ability of AI.
4．What is the writer’s attitude towards Sora?
A．Unclear. B．Worried. C．Positive. D．Negative.
6
①Nowadays, a new AI tool called “Deepfakes” is widely used.
②To make a 60 seconds’ video, it only needs the user to provide a video of the person speaking for at least
10 seconds with his or her front face. Then it can take out the person’s look and voice (声音) from the old video
and use them to make a “Digital image (数字形象)” for a new one.
③This is good news for movie business. In Hollywood, the tool has been used to make actors look younger.
“Deepfakes” can take out an actor’s face as well as his words from his old movies, and put them together again. A
famous movie star Harrison Ford first played Indiana Jones in the 1980s. Now he is 80 years old. But by using
“Deepfakes”, Ford will be able to play a handsome young man in the action movie Indiana Jones and the Dial of
Destiny again! Can you imagine that?
④With this tool, even death cannot break the stars and fans apart. From Chinese singer Coco Lee and actor
Qiao Renliang to Western stars like Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant, their fans are using “Deepfakes” to make
their favorite stars “live” again. Fans make the videos out of respect and love without any personal profit (盈利).
⑤______. For moviemaker Duncan, AI can kill actors’ specialties. Each actor has his qualities (特征), such
as looks and voices. These qualities make him different from others. But if the moviemakers always use
“Deepfakes”, looks and voices can be copied and used for many times in hundreds of roles for hundreds of movies.
The actor doesn’t need to work hard, because his AI face will do his acting part. And other actors may lose their
jobs because with AI, the moviemakers don’t need so much of acting. Maybe everything made in the future is goingto be the copy of the old works.
⑥At the same time, the dead people’s family are strongly against this AI, saying it is a huge disrespect. Also,
experts suggest that it can be against the law to use videos and pictures without paying money to families or the
permission from the families.
1．What can “Deepfakes” do according to the passage?
A．Take out the actor’s voice from an old movie.B．Help actors look older in Hollywood.
C．Break the stars and fans apart. D．Make actors act better on screens.
2．Which sentence can be put in the “______”?
A．To remember dead stars, there are other good examples of using AI.
B．Moviemakers can’t wait to see the changes brought by AI.
C．Following these creators, more people use AI to make movies.
D．Although many people are for AI, some people disagree with it.
3．Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A．Actors completely welcome AI to create more movies.
B．Fans use AI to create videos to make much money.
C．Experts advise stopping the use of all kinds of AI.
D．Some videos, without paying the family, are against the law.
4．Which of the following shows the structure of this passage?
（①= Para.1,②= Para.2,③= Para.3,④= Para.4,⑤= Para.5,⑥= Para.6）
A． B．
C． D．
7
Recently, a research on how a new virtual (虚拟的) reality experience educated children about the fire
disasters was done. The new VR experience was developed by the University of South Australia, hoping to educate
children to learn how to be safe in a fire. It presents a situation for children aged 10—12. In the situation, they are
tasked to look after a friend’s dog just before a fire event begins. They take part in a set of problem-solving
activities to help save and protect themselves and the dog.
The findings showed that over 80% of children could calmly tell the advantages and disadvantages of
different choices. They also learned to make wise decisions to protect themselves from a fire. Children thought it
especially important and meaningful, because 91% of them didn’t have knowledge of fires at the beginning, and
67% had said that they were too young to make safety decisions in a fire.
The researchers believed such VR experiences made it possible to engage, educate and empower the
young.” As children born in modern times, they are interested in such technology and they can experience events ina real situation yet within the safe environment, ” said Delene Weber, one of the researchers. “Well-designed VR
can provide children with surprisingly valuable learning tools. ” Meanwhile, because children have fewer life
experiences, aren’t as physically strong, and are less likely to have learned much about fire safety, they’re often
most at risk. However, the role that children play in the fire safety at their homes should not be underestimated (低
估) . “Children don’t need to be always waiting for help in disasters. With these VR experiences, we can make
children understand the risks and realize they can help.” said Weber.
1．What’s the purpose of the new VR experience?
A．To describe children’s reactions to fire disasters.
B．To teach children to save themselves in a fire.
C．To introduce ways of avoiding a fire to children.
D．To increase children’s interest in VR experiences.
2．From the findings what’s the children’s attitude towards the new VR experience?
A．Doubtful B．Worried. C．Uncertain. D．Supportive.
3．Which of the following in the dictionary best explains the underlined word “engage” in Para. 3?
engage / ɛn’ geɪdʒ/ verb
①to draw one’s attention and keep them interested
②to give somebody a job
③to begin fighting with somebody
④to fit one part of a machine into another so they can work
A．① B．② C．③ D．④
4．According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE?
A．Children make no difference in the fire safety at their homes.
B．VR experiences are mainly designed for children in high school.
C．Well-designed VR can offer children amazingly valuable learning tools.
D．91% of children believed they weren’t old enough to make safety decisions.
8
Robots can help us in many ways. And Topeliffe Primary School is doing something new by helping autistic
(患自闭症的) children through robot friends. These robots can dance, play games and tell stories. They can do Tai
Chi as well!
Dr Guldberg, a teacher from University of Birmingham, said, “Studies show that autistic children often feel
safe with computers and robots. So we wonder how robots can help the children to communicate with others. For
example, robots can act as their friends and listen to them at school.”
Ian Lowe, a teacher from Topeliffe Primary School, teaches about 30 autistic children. He said, “The robots
are very smart at helping autistic children with their learning. In the future we hope they can help with learning at
home.”
And the students love them. Seven-year-old Joshua says he likes playing games with the robots. Daniel and
Kevin say they like to watch the robots dancing. And Stephen says he likes Robert Max when it tells him stories.In a way, the robots are helpful for these autistic children to express (表达) their ideas.
1．What does the underlined word “communicate” in paragraph 2 mean?
A．Sing. B．Read. C．Talk. D．Study.
2．Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A．Ian Lowe teaches in University of Birmingham.
B．Ian teaches more than 30 children.
C．These robots can’t help with learning at home now.
D．Joshua likes watching the robots dancing.
3．What is the best title for this passage?
A．Robots in the Classroom B．Robots Can Help Autistic Children
C．How to Teach Autistic Children D．Different Kinds of Robots
9
Introduction to HUAWEI’s Tri-Fold Smartphone
In recent years, HUAWEI has continuously amazed the world with its innovative smartphone technologies.
One of its most remarkable and revolutionary creations is the tri-fold smartphone, which has taken the mobile
industry by storm.
This extraordinary device showcases a flexible screen (柔性屏幕) that can be folded three times, a
technological feat (技艺；功绩) that has redefined the concept of smartphone design. When unfolded to its full
extent, it presents a remarkably large display area, providing users with an immersive (沉浸式的) visual experience
like never before. Whether you are indulging in watching high-definition (高清的) videos, engaging in intense
mobile gaming sessions, or simply browsing the vast expanse (广阔；宽阔) of the web, the expansive screen
makes every task a delight. The folding design is not just a novelty (新奇事物); it is a game-changer in terms of
portability. You can effortlessly fold it up into a compact (紧凑的) size and conveniently slip it into your pocket or
bag, allowing you to carry this powerful device with you wherever you go.
The HUAWEI tri-fold smartphone is far more than just a pretty face. It is a powerhouse (强大的集团；精力
充沛的人) of performance, equipped with a state-of-the-art (最先进的；顶尖水平的) processor. This advancedchipset ensures seamless (无缝的；不间断的) and smooth operation of a multitude (大量；众多) of applications,
from resource-intensive (资源密集型的) multitasking to running the latest and most demanding software.
Complementing this is a high-quality camera system that has been meticulously (精心地；细致地) engineered to
capture clear, vivid (生动的；鲜明的), and beautiful photos and videos. Whether it’s a stunning (令人惊叹的)
landscape, a precious moment with loved ones, or a detailed close-up (特写镜头), this camera can handle it all with
finesse (技巧；策略).
In addition to its impressive processing power and camera capabilities, the device also boasts (拥有；自夸)
a long battery life. This means you can go about your day, using your phone for various activities, without
constantly worrying about finding a power outlet. It significantly reduces the frequency of charging, providing you
with uninterrupted connectivity and entertainment. With its seamless combination of innovative design and
excellent performance, the HUAWEI tri-fold smartphone represents a giant leap forward in the development of
mobile communication technology. It has opened up new possibilities and offers consumers a novel and exciting
choice in the highly competitive smartphone market, setting a new standard for what a mobile device can achieve.
1．What is special about the HUAWEI tri-fold smartphone’s screen?
A．It is made of glass. B．It can be folded three times.
C．It has a 3D effect. D．It is only black and white.
2．What does the advanced processor in the phone ensure?
A．A long battery life. B．Good-looking appearance.
C．Smooth operation of applications. D．A large storage capacity.
3．What kind of camera photos can the HUAWEI tri-fold smartphone take?
A．Only black and white photos. B．Blurry photos.
C．Clear and vivid photos. D．Photos with only one color
4．What is the main idea of the second paragraph?
A．To introduce the folding design and advantages of the phone’s screen.
B．To talk about the history of smartphone development.
C．To explain how to use the camera of the phone.
D．To describe the battery life of the phone.
5．Which of the following could be the best title for this article?
A．HUAWEI’s Newest Earphones B．The Amazing HUAWEI Tri-Fold Smartphone
C．HUAWEI’s Laptop Innovations D．HUAWEI’s Traditional Mobile Phones
10
In a survey online, “China’s Better Life Survey” found that the top three kinds of mobile entertainment (娱
乐) are watching short videos (视频), playing games and watching TV dramas. Short videos become the first way
for people to “kill time”, and the proportion (比例) of women brushing short videos is higher than that of men.
The survey also found that more than thirty percent of people love online shopping in their free time
(31.47%). Those who like online shopping most are young people born after 1995, and people over 60 years old
don’t seem to be weak (弱的), being the second.Looking at the choice of different kinds of cities. People in first-tier cities like to shop on mobile apps, while
second-tier and third-tier cities have a higher proportion of live commerce and social e-commerce than first-tier
cities.
1．The first way for people to “kill time” is ________.
A．playing games B．watching TV dramas
C．shopping online D．watching short videos
2．30.58% of people who love online shopping in their free time are aged ________.
A．18-25 B．26-35 C．36-45 D．46-59
3．People from first-tier cities like to shop ________ most.
A．on mobile apps B．in local shops
C．through live commerce D．through social e-commerce
4．About ________ of the people in second-tier cities like to shop through social e-commerce.
A．8.97% B．11.45% C．12.29% D．70.71%
5．What can we know from this passage?
A．Few men watch short videos.
B．People over 60 don’t like shopping online.
C．Young people born after 1995 like online shopping most.
D．Shopping through live commerce is the most popular in second-tier cities.
11
Did you ever imagine flying over the city in an air taxi that has no pilot? Do you believe it can take you from
place to place in minutes? It sounds like science fiction (小说), right? Well, not anymore.
An electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL, 电动垂直起降) aircraft (飞行器), also known as an air
taxi, completed its first inter-city flight in Guangdong on Feb 27. The eVTOL aircraft started its journey from
Shenzhen to Zhuhai, completing the 55-kilometer trip in about 20 minutes. This flight is an important development
of this exciting new form of transport.Air taxis use high technology to take off and land vertically like a helicopter (直升机), which doesn’t need
long runways. Instead of using traditional engines, air taxis use electric motors. These air taxis have propellers (螺
旋桨) placed all over them to help them stay balanced. They also use batteries to store electricity, letting them fly
far and fast. With a central controlling center that keeps an eye on the flight, some of them can fly without a pilot.
It is sure that air taxis can help improve heavy traffic, with their direct point-to-point travel saving valuable
time for people in cities. Besides this benefit, as a green choice, air taxis produce less air pollution than traditional
cars, improving city air quality.
However, air taxis also need special places to take off and land, which means they need eVTOL, airports
called “vertiports”. Now researchers are trying to make full use of the living small airports to serve as “vertiports”.
And with plans to fly at low altitudes (纬度) in cities, there’s still much work to be done to keep everyone safe.
1．Why does the author use the questions in paragraph 1?
A．To do a survey. B．To show the author’s dream.
C．To-interest readers. D．To begin a science fiction.
2．What helps air taxis stay balanced?
A．A helicopter. B．Propellers. C．Batteries. D．Engines.
3．According to the last paragraph, next researches may focus on ________.
A．how to fly higher and more safely. B．how to improve city air quality
C．how to fly at low altitudes more safe. D．how to build more new airports for air taxis
4．What’s the nest title of the text?
A．The popularity of air taxis. B．The history of air taxis.
C．The-forms of transport. D．A new form of transport.
