Every year, TIME editors take a look at the past year’s coolest inventions. Last year, they picked 25 favorites. These inventions are making the world better, smarter and a little more fun. Here are some exciting ones.
A See-through Truck
Too often people meet with car accidents because a large vehicle blocks their view. This is especially true in Argentina. The South American country is known for its winding and narrow roads. However, Samsung and ad agency Leo Burnett have come up with a creative solution: the Safety Truck. The system sends video footage (片段)in front of a truck to four screens on its back. It gives drivers a clear view of what’s ahead.
A Virtual(虚拟的)Pencil and Paper
In the 450 years or so since its invention, a pencil has become so common. It’s easy to forget how great technology is. It writes darker words when you press it harder. Its marks can be erased. It’s difficult to digitally copy the way it works. That’s what makes Apple’s latest effort so impressive. The Apple Pencil allows users to draw, paint, or write on a screen, just as they do on a piece of paper. The Apple Pencil goes for $99, and the iPad Pro is $799+.
Easy-on Shoes
In 2012, Matthew Walzer, a high school student with a disability, sent a note to Nike. “My dream is to go to college,’’ he wrote, “without having to worry about someone coming to tie my shoes every day.” Nike appointed a design team to the challenge. This year, they came up with their solution: the Flyease. The basketball shoes can be fastened with one hand. A pair of Nike Flyease shoes sells for $130.
1.How does a See-through Truck help avoid the accidents?
A. By putting a big block in front of a car.
B. By sending video footage in front of a truck to four screens on its back.
C. By writing something on a screen, just as they do on a piece of paper.
D. By having to worry about someone rushing out in front of the truck every time.
2.What makes Apple’s latest effort so impressive?
A. The Apple Pencil allows users to draw, paint, or write on a screen.
B. The Apple Watch gives users exact time when people need to know it.
C. The Apple Pencil goes for $99, and the iPad Air is $799+.
D. The Apple Pencil leaves darker marks on the screen and its marks can't be erased.
3.Which of the following would Tom, a disabled boy with one hand, like to own?
A. A See-through Truck. B. A Virtual Pencil and Paper.
C. A Flying Bicycle. D. Easy-on Shoes.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What requirements does a story have to meet?
A. It must be no longer than 800 words. B. It must be submitted by July 20th.
C. It must be set in a city in a hot season.
2.What kind of story does the competition demand?
A. Crime stories. B. A thriller. C. Science fiction.
3.What do we know about Carol Simmons?
A. She wrote a book named Creative Writing. B. She has won an award for her novel.
C. She is working for a magazine.
4.What prize will be given to the winner?
A. A computer. B. DVDs. C. Books.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the relationship between the speakers?
A. Brother and sister. B. Classmates. C. Teacher and student.
2.What does the man think of pizza?
A. Boring. B. Popular. C. Expensive.
3.Why don’t the speakers choose the Chinese restaurant?
A. It has no music. B. It will be closing temporarily. C. It is quite noisy.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What are the speakers mainly talking about?
A. The man’s sports life. B. The man’s medical history.
C. The man’s school experience.
2.What made the man’s leg broken?
A. A football game. B. A wild cat. C. A traffic accident.
3.What does the man say about himself?
A. He is afraid of cats. B. He left the school team at the age of 17.
C. Dust could make him sneeze.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What did Mr. Ewing ask the speakers to do?
A. Arrive at the conference centre on time. B. Talk with the branch office workers.
C. Help out at the conference centre.
2.How will the speakers go to the conference centre?
A. By asking Mr. Ewing for a lift. B. By driving the man’s car.
C. By taking the underground.
3.What do we know about the woman?
A. She can’t drive a car. B. She isn’t sure about the way.
C. She doesn’t like to travel alone.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.Where does the conversation take place?
A. In a restaurant. B. On a plane. C. In a railway station.
2.What does the woman advise the man to do?
A. Put on warm clothes. B. Drink some water. C. Listen to the weather report.
