News Exercise #51

Posted on Posted in News Exercise, 未分類

This week’s news item is presented by a Scottish journalist. You may find his accent a little more difficult to understand than usual.

Formula E

Questions:
1) In the opening sentence he says “In one of the world’s most polluted cities the ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.”
2) What does he mean by that expression in 1)?
3) He continues with “But what if…”. What is his proposition? (0:12)
4) The E cars (electric cars) may look like Formula 1 cars, but ____ ____ ____ ____ they’re ____ ____. (0:26)
5) The female driver/crew/organiser (I’m not sure which) describes something about the race course that isn’t shown on the video. What did she say that would be difficult? (0:46)
6) The first race will be held in Bejing, but how many hosts will there be in total?
7) The reporter describes the difference in sound between Formula 1 cars and Formula E cars. What did he say? (1:03)
8) How will Formula E’s success be judged?

Answers:
1) In the opening sentence he says “In one of the world’s most polluted cities the ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____.”

The last thing you need are any more cars.

2) What does he mean by that expression in 1)?

“The last thing you need is…” means it is not at all desirable.

3) He continues with “But what if…”. What is his proposition? (0:12)

“But what if the cars in Beijing were electric, and didn’t emit any fumes?

4) The E cars (electric cars) may look like Formula 1 cars, but ____ ____ ____ ____ they’re ____ ____. (0:26)

“…but underneath the bonnets, they’re different beasts.” Sometimes, machines are referred to as beasts or monsters, especially if they are very powerful.

5) The female driver/crew/organizer (I’m not sure which) describes something about the race course that isn’t shown on the video. What did she say that would be difficult? (0:46)

“It’s going to be on city streets, which is already more difficult to drive (on) than normal road courses.” So, the video is showing the practice sessions, not the actual race.

6) The first race will be held in Bejing, but how many hosts will there be in total?

“”Beijing is the first of ten cities around the world hosting this event.”

7) The reporter describes the difference in sound between Formula 1 cars and Formula E cars. What did he say? (1:03)

“What you don’t get here is the ear-splitting noise of Formula 1; it’s more of a gentle whoosh.”

8) How will Formula E’s success be judged?

“Its success will be measured by how many fans show up.” The expression ‘show up’ means ‘attend’.