Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. wireless (adj.) [wahyuhr-lis] – describes devices operated through
electromagnetic waves instead of wires
Example: The wireless Internet connection in my area is
unstable.
2. lever (n.) [lev-er, lee-ver] – a bar fixed at a point and used to move a weight
on one end by applying force to the other end
Example: Seesaw is an example of a lever.
3. clench (v.) [klench] – to grasp, hold, or squeeze together firmly
Example: He clenched his fists in anger.
4. imperfection (n.) [im-per-fek-shuhn] – a small flaw or bad part
Example: Imperfections can be avoided by conducting product
tests as often as needed.
5. small-scale (adj.) [smawl-skeyl] – involving few things or people
Example: The company decided on a small-scale production of the
new product to test its popularity with customers.
Article
Read the text below.
Read the text below.
Researchers
have developed a wireless brake system for bikes that can be
improved further for larger transports like trains and planes.
Unlike
ordinary brakes activated through levers, the wireless brake stops
the bike when the rider clenches on the rubber grip of the bike's
handle. A pressure sensor in the bike grip activates a signal, which travels
via radio waves to a receiver attached to the brake.
According
to its developer, Holger Hermanns, a computer scientist from Saarland
University in Germany, the system works 99% of the time. Out of the trillion
times they tested its performance, only three failures occurred. Hermanns found
this result acceptable, just like how irregular cellphone and laptop connections
are tolerable.
To
Hermanns, perfecting wireless bike brakes can open doors to its application to
more complex systems. However, unlike with bikes, imperfections on
wireless brakes can cause more serious trouble to trains, aircrafts and
chemical factories. Hermanns suggested testing the brake system small-scale,
and then applying it to more vehicles once it is perfected.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What do you think are the advantages
and disadvantages of using wireless breaks in transport systems?
·
In Japan, how has transportation
changed over the years?
Discussion B
·
Do you think inventions can be 100%
successful? Explain your answer.
·
Would you feel safe riding a vehicle
with wireless controls?
