Module 6　课下能力提升(二十四)

　　Ⅰ.阅读理解

　　The biggest challenge faced by travelers especially those who like to have a backpacking trip is how to ensure a steady supply of clean clothes. Now, thanks to a great invention called Scrubba Wash Pack, that worry may be a thing of the past.

　　 The portable washing machine was invented by Ash Newland in 2010, while planning to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Struck by the limited packing space, he got inspiration from traditional washboards to create a bag that could be used to clean clothes. Then he quitted his career as a lawyer and focused on perfecting the bag's design. By 2012, the bag was ready for the public. It weighed only 180 grams and required very little storage space, making it perfect for anyone wishing to travel light.

　　 Not surprisingly, the bag worth 55 dollars was an instant hit with travelers, university students and even passengers. However, Newland was not satisfied. He still saw a flaw with his invention - dirty clothes had to be carried around in a separate bag! The recently introduced Scrubba Wash Pack solves that problem.

　　 In order to make the pack active, dirty clothes are placed inside the bag along with two to three liters of water. The bag is then shut tightly to ensure all air is squeezed out and the clothes are massaged for a few minutes. After a quick wash, they are clean and ready to be dried. According to Newland, the pack can clean anything from jeans to smelly socks! What's even more amazing is that with a capacity to hold 13­liters of water, it can be used to wash more clothes at a time.

　　 The best part is that the 99­dollar pack that will be available for sale later this year, only weighs 300 grams and is completely foldable, making it easy to store when it's not in use. With the Scrubba Wash Pack, wandering through foreign cities searching for a washing shop, or paying for washing machines may soon be a thing of the past!

　　1．What led Ash Newland to create the Scrubba Wash Bag?

　　A．His job requirements.

　　B．A traditional washboard.

　　C．His interest in invention.

　　D．His personal experience.

　　2．Why wasn't Ash Newland satisfied with his former invention?

　　A．Clothes couldn't be washed well.

　　B．The invention was not so convenient.

　　C．The bag couldn't contain enough water.

　　D．The cost of the invention was very high.

　　3．It can be inferred that the improved Wash Pack ________.

　　A．turns to be much environmentally friendlier

　　B．will replace the traditional washing machines

　　C．will be widely used by more travelers in the future

　　D．can encourage more people to travel a long distance

　　4．What is the passage mainly about?

　　A．Introducing a great new invention.

　　B．Explaining the development of backpack.

　　C．Listing some common problems for travelers.

　　D．Comparing two kinds of washing machines.

　　Ⅱ.任务型阅读

　　The Importance of Accessibility Awareness

　　At a recent Teen Leadership of Jewish Family Services meeting, people with disabilities talked about their lives. 1.________ However, what amazed me most was the great importance of education about handicap accommodations (残疾人便利设施)．

One school­teacher who is blind, and a woman who has used a wheelchair all her life are two important members of the National Group for Disabled Persons, devoted to raising awareness about disabilities. 2.________ These include handicap parking spots, handrails, and wheelchair ramps.