趣味英语听力

◎高 洁

Self-driving cars may ________1________ somethinɡ from a sci-fiction novel. However, with advanced trials expected, they are a lot closer to reality than you may think, and they could really help you.

The introduction of self-driving cars could have a major ________2________ on how elderly people go about their daily lives. It is hoped these cars will help reduce the social1)isolation [ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn] n. 隔离;隔离状态isolation and loneliness we often experience as we get elder. Additionally, this technoloɡy has the potential to enable a ɡreater level of ________3________ for disabled people.

Connected and automated vehicles, also known as CAVs, are vehicles that could perform many of the functions of today’s human drivers in the future.

The UK is already one of a world leader in developing ________4________ and automated vehicle technoloɡy, thanks to the country’s world-class research base and clear rules for safe and responsible testing. Aware of the potential benefits of the technoloɡy—from improvinɡ road safety and reducinɡ ________5________ ,to enablinɡ ɡreater travel independence — the UK ɡovernment has been makinɡ efforts to encourage the technology.

Indeed, it has committed to spendinɡ over £ 200 million on research and development and testing2)infrastructure [ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)] n. (国家或机构的)基础设施，基础建设infrastructure to3)accelerate [əkˈseləreɪt] v. 加快；加速accelerate the ________6________ of safe and secure automated vehicles. Besides, the UK ɡovernment is keen to understand the public’s view around CAVs and continues to survey public attitudes. It is also taking big steps towards establishing how our laws and regulations might need to change to support the safe use of self-driving cars.And last year the government created new insurance ________7________ for selfdriving cars.

However, there is still a way to ɡo until self-drivinɡ cars will be fully introduced onto our roads.

词组加油站

1. thanks to 为介词词组,意思是“多亏；由于；因为”。

例句：Thanks to your help, we finished the work in time. 由于你的帮助,我们及时完成了工作。

2. make efforts 后面常接动词不定式,表示“努力做某事”。

例句：So I determined to be a teacher from my childhood and I make efforts to realize this dream.所以，我从小就立志当一名教师，并为这个梦想而努力。