Is there any creature more feared by humans than sharks? Being afraid of sharks seems perfectly rational given both their massive sizeand their razor-sharpteeth, which can cut through human skin like a knife through butter. However, withthis scary image in mind, it is worth mentioning that sharks have never been an immediate danger to humans. Human fleshdoes not feature intheir natural diet, and most species of shark will feel compelled to attack a human only if they perceive that they are under threat. If this fact surprises you, you will no doubt enjoy the other fascinating features of sharks detailed below.
First, sharks have no bones. Instead, they have skeletonsmade up ofcartilage, which is far lighter than bone. This characteristic enables sharks to stay close to the surface of the water, which, in turn, allows them to use the air above the water to sense the location of their prey.
In addition to the five senses that humans have, sharks also have tiny black marks on their faces that can sense electric currents. This is another feature that aids a shark in catching its prey.
Finally, although sharks are extremely skilled predators, they do have a weakness. Specifically, if you flip a shark upside down, it falls into a trance-like state where it isimmobile and therefore vulnerable. This weakness is used as a tool by scientists when they need a shark to keep still so that they can administer a medical treatment.
As you can see, not only are sharks barely a threat to humans, but they are also fascinating creatures that occupy a vital place in the ocean ecosystem.
1. Why do sharks NOT pose an immediate threat to humans?
(A) Because humans give off no electricity.
(B) Because humans have more senses than sharks.
(C) Because humans are not part of a shark’s usual diet.
(D) Because sharks hunt only in deep water.
2. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?
(A) A shark’s skeleton is composed oftissue lighter than bone.
(B) Sharks are so strong that they don’t have any shortcomings.
(C) Humans fear sharks because they have a preference for human meat.
(D) Black marks on sharks’ faces help them stay near the surface of the sea.
3. What do sharks have that humans do not have?
(A) Bones.
(B) Teeth.
(C) Cartilage.
(D) The ability to sense an electric current.
4. According to the passage, under what circumstance might a shark be in the following posture?
(A) When it wants to attract prey.
(B) When it is avoiding predators.
(C) When it is going to threaten humans.
(D) When it is being treated for a medical condition.
答案: 1.C 2.A 3.D 4.D
單字片語整理
Words in Use
●
fascinating
[ˋfæsn͵etɪŋ]
a. 迷人的
=
charming
=
appealing
The book had a dull name, but after I read it,
I found it quite fascinating.
這本書的書名很無趣，可是在我讀過之後，我發現它很吸引人。
高中 Level 5
●
rational
[ˋræʃən!]
a. 理性的 ; 合理的
A rational person will never behave like that. 理智的人絕不會那樣做。
The authorities concerned have yet to find a rational explanation for the accident.
有關當局仍在設法為該起意外找尋合理的解釋。
多益金色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
massive
[ˋmæsɪv]
a. 巨大的；大量的
=
huge
=
gigantic
=
immense
The bookstore was massive, with five floors, two coffee shops, and thousands of books.
這間書店很大，有五層樓、兩間咖啡店及數千本書。
The typhoon caused a massive increase in vegetable prices.
颱風造成了蔬菜價格暴漲。
多益藍色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
compelled
vt. 迫使
●
perceive
[pɚˋsiv]
vt. 察覺；認為
=
noticeable
The mother perceived a subtle change in her daughter’s behavior.
這位母親察覺到女兒的行為有微妙的變化。
This kind of gossip magazine is often perceived as superficial.
這種八卦雜誌通常被認為很膚淺。
多益金色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
characteristic
[͵kærəktəˋrɪstɪk]
a. 典型的（皆與介詞 of 並用）
n. 特徵
Genes determine the characteristics of every living thing.
基因決定了每樣生物的種種特徵。
This usage is characteristic of American English.
這種用法是美式英語的特徵。
This kind of hot and spicy food is very characteristic of the food in the country.
這種辛辣食物是該國非常典型的食物。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
predator
[ˋprɛdətɚ]
n. 捕食者，掠食者
With teeth that are razor-sharp, the shark is a dangerous predator of many marine animals.
鯊魚有著尖銳的牙齒，是掠食許多海洋動物的危險生物。
高中 Level 5
●
flip
[flɪp]
n. 空翻
vt. 翻轉；擲（硬幣）
三態
flip / flipped / flipped
Owen flipped the paper over to read the words on the back.
歐文把紙翻過來讀後面的字。
I flipped through the phone book for John’s number.
我快速翻閱電話簿找約翰的電話號碼。
We flipped a coin to decide who would go first.
我們擲硬幣來決定先後順序。
The acrobat did 5 backward flips in a row and the audience all applauded.
雜技演員連續後空翻了 5 次，觀眾都鼓起掌來。
高中 Level 5
●
immobile
[ɪmˋmobil]
a. 不活動的
The deer stood immobile among the trees.
那頭鹿一動也不動地站在樹林裡。
●
vulnerable
[ˋvʌlnərəb!]
a. 脆弱的 ; (生理或心理) 易受傷的
Judy looked rather vulnerable standing in the corner on her own.
茱蒂獨自一人站在角落裡，看來非常柔弱。
Dorothy s behavior left her vulnerable to her schoolmates ’attacks.
桃樂絲的行為讓她飽受學校同學的攻擊。
Newborn infants are particularly vulnerable to the flu.
初生的嬰兒特別容易被傳染感冒。
多益金色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
administer
[ədˋmɪnəstɚ]
vt. 管理；執行 / 實施（法律等）；給予（藥物、治療等）
=
manage
It takes a lot of experience to administer a big company. 管理一間大公司需要很多的經驗。
It takes a lot of experience to manage a big company. 管理一間大公司需要很多的經驗。
The duty of a judge is to administer justice.
法官的職責就是主持正義。
The doctor administered the vaccine to the villagers.
那位醫師為村民注射疫苗。
英檢中高
高中 Level 6
●
preference
[ˋprɛfərəns]
n. 偏愛
Fewer parents these days have a preference for baby boys over baby girls.
現今偏好生男寶寶而非女寶寶的父母越來越少了。
多益藍色
英檢中高
高中 Level 5
●
mind
[maɪnd]
vt. & vi. 介意
n. 頭腦
三態
mind / minded [ˋmaɪndɪd] / minded [ˋmaɪndɪd]
Eddie is the coolest guy in my mind.
艾迪是我心中最酷的男人。
You don’t look happy. What’s on your mind?
你不太高興的樣子。什麼讓你煩心?
Sophie has her mind set on becoming an actress.
蘇菲決心要成為一名演員。
Would you mind if I opened the window?
你介意我把窗戶打開嗎?
I don't mind driving if you want to take a rest.
如果你想休息的話，我不介意開車。
With his weekend plans in mind, Davey decided not to work overtime on Friday. 考慮到週末的計畫，戴維決定星期五不加班。
No matter what he does, John always has money in mind.
不管做什麼事,約翰滿腦子裡想的都是錢。
高中 Level 1
Practical Phrases
●
with... in mind
考慮到／有鑑於⋯⋯
With his weekend plans in mind, Davey decided not to work overtime on Friday. 考慮到週末的計畫，戴維決定星期五不加班。
●
feature in...
作為⋯⋯主要特色／角色
Chili peppers and chicken are often featured in Mexican cuisine.
辣椒和雞肉常常是墨西哥菜餚中的主要特色。
●
be under threat
受到威脅
This area is under threat from the great number of tourists visiting it.
這地區由於造訪的遊客人數太多而面臨威脅。
Bob's job might be under threat if he doesn't meet the sales target.
如果鮑伯沒有達成銷售目標,他的工作可能會受到威脅。
●
be made up of...
由……組成
The puzzle is made up of a hundred pieces.
這個拼圖是由一百片組成的。
●
in turn
進而，因此
Tracy started working out, which in turn helped her get in shape and increase her energy.
崔西開始鍛鍊，這進而幫助她擁有好身材並增進活力。
●
be composed of
由……組成
●
with... in mind
有鑑於⋯⋯；（做某事時）考慮到⋯⋯
Ada's father doesn't allow her to stay out late. With that in mind, she left the party early.
艾達的爸爸不准她晚歸。有鑑於此，她很早就離開派對了。
With his family in mind, Paul started working fewer hours each week. 考慮到家人，保羅開始每週減少工作時間。
