【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. dub / dʌb / (v.) – to be given the title of
Example: Newspapers dubbed the roller coaster the scariest ride in the country.
2. stranger / ˈstreɪn dʒər / (n.) – someone or something new or unknown
Example: The theme park is no stranger to large, noisy tourist groups.
3. dangle / ˈdæŋ gəl / (v.) – to hang loosely
Example: The basket dangled from the tree branch.
4. utilize / ˈyut lˌaɪz / (v.) – to make use of something
Example: He utilized the children’s idea to design the best-looking ride.
5. glimpse / glɪmps / (n.) – a preview
Example: They showed her a glimpse of the amusement park.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
The world's tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster will soon be located in a theme park in the United States.
Dubbed the world’s roller coaster capital, Cedar Point [SEE-der point] in Sandusky, Ohio [oh-HAHY-oh] is hoping to add another world record with their upcoming dive coaster called Valravn [val-REY-vuh n]. The theme park, which dates back to 1870, is the second oldest amusement park in the country. Among its 72 rides, the park has 17 roller coasters, four of which are more than 200 feet high.
Cedar Point is no stranger to claiming world records for their roller coasters. The park became the first in the world to break the 200, 300, and 400-feet rollercoaster records with Magnum XL-200, Millennium Force, and Top Thrill Dragster respectively.
Valravn will be Cedar Point’s 18th roller coaster and the fifth to go higher than 200 feet. Unlike other roller coasters, the Valravn is a dive coaster, a type of roller coaster with one or more 90-degree dives during the ride. Another feature is its floorless trains, which enables the riders’ feet to dangle outside the train. The ride starts by going up to 223 feet. After a short pause at the top, riders will experience a 214-feet drop with a speed of around 75 mph. The ride will also feature a second vertical drop, a 270-degree turn, half-loops, half-rolls, and a sharp U-turn.
Valravn will break 10 world records when it opens next summer. Some of the records include “Tallest Dive Coaster” and “Fastest Dive Coaster.”
While the Valravn will not be operational until 2016, Cedar Point has utilized digital media to give fans a sneak peek of the ride. With its featured app, which is available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play, fans can catch a glimpse of the ride using their smartphone partnered with virtual reality (VR) goggles.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Would you ride the Valravn? Why or why not?
· Aside from the app, what would be other good ways to promote the Valravn?
Discussion B
· If you could invent your own ride, what would it be and why?
· What do you think makes a good amusement park?
