对抗单车贼 「臭鼬锁」的逆袭 SKUNKLOCK: The Bike Lock That Fights Back
SKUNKLOCK: The Bike Lock That Fights Back
#克漏字 #休闲旅游 #运动竞技 #经济·商业 #安全·医疗
12/16 解析英语
作者 Angus Bain
阅读时间 8分钟
听讲解 听朗读
本图文出处:
https://www.ivy.com.tw/newsLetter/an...080808571478702MP3:
对抗单车贼 「臭鼬锁」的逆袭 SKUNKLOCK: The Bike Lock That Fights Back
尽管巩固单车安全的方式有许多进展，每年还是有几百万辆单车失窃。
Despite advancements in bicycle security, millions of bicycles are stolen every year. A revolutionary bicycle lock, called SKUNKLOCK, takes a proactive approach to deterring thieves. __1__, SKUNKLOCK releases a noxious chemical that could cause would-be thieves to vomit and effectively discourages them from continuing their efforts to steal the bicycle.
While conventional locks can be defeated by determined thieves using specialized tools, SKUNKLOCK’s dual approach of physical resistance and chemical deterrence is highly effective, making it a formidable __2__ against bike theft. The U-lock is made of high-tensile carbon steel, which can withstand attempts to break it using brute force. However, if a thief manages to break the lock, the pressurized chemical gas within is released, triggering an immediate and __3__ sensation of nausea, which may cause vomiting. This will reduce the likelihood of successful theft.
Some might have concerns about the safety of its chemical deterrent, but there is no need to worry. The noxious substances are not lethal and will not cause the thieves permanent harm. In addition, the chemicals are securely sealed within a hollow space throughout the lock. They won’t be released __4__ someone tries to cut through the lock with an angle grinder.
Another concern expressed by potential users of SKUNKLOCK is the fear that their bike will be left smelling like vomit after the chemical is released. The manufacturer, however, claims that there is an antidote that can __5__ the foul smell. This innovative approach to bike security makes SKUNKLOCK a promising solution for cyclists looking to protect their bikes from theft.
1. (A) For the time being (B) As its name suggests
(C) On the other hand (D) In its current state
2. (A) opponent (B) defendant (C) applicant (D) protest
3. (A) exotic (B) fabulous (C) overwhelming (D) compulsory
4. (A) right after (B) even if (C) lest (D) unless
5. (A) motivate (B) eliminate (C) stimulate (D) accommodate
↓ 完整文章版本（无挖空）
Despite advancements in bicycle security, millions of bicycles are stolen every year. A revolutionary bicycle lock, called SKUNKLOCK, takes a proactive approach to deterring thieves. As its name suggests, SKUNKLOCK releases a noxious chemical that could cause would-be thieves to vomit and effectively discourages them from continuing their efforts to steal the bicycle.
While conventional locks can be defeated by determined thieves using specialized tools, SKUNKLOCK’s dual approach of physical resistance and chemical deterrence is highly effective, making it a formidable opponent against bike theft. The U-lock is made of high-tensile carbon steel, which can withstand attempts to break it using brute force. However, if a thief manages to break the lock, the pressurized chemical gas within is released, triggering an immediate and overwhelming sensation of nausea, which may cause vomiting. This will reduce the likelihood of successful theft.
Some might have concerns about the safety of its chemical deterrent, but there is no need to worry. The noxious substances are not lethal and will not cause the thieves permanent harm. In addition, the chemicals are securely sealed within a hollow space throughout the lock. They won’t be released unless someone tries to cut through the lock with an angle grinder.
Another concern expressed by potential users of SKUNKLOCK is the fear that their bike will be left smelling like vomit after the chemical is released. The manufacturer, however, claims that there is an antidote that can eliminate the foul smell. This innovative approach to bike security makes SKUNKLOCK a promising solution for cyclists looking to protect their bikes from theft.
单字片语整理
Words in Use
●
revolutionary [͵rɛvəˋluʃən͵ɛrɪ]
a. 革命性的；创新的
n. 革命家
●
deter [dɪˋtɝ]
vt. . 阻止
●
vomit [ˋvɑmət]
vi. & vt. 呕吐
n. 呕吐物(不可数)
●
conventional [kənˋvɛnʃən!]
a. 传统的，惯例的
●
specialized [ˋspɛʃəl͵aɪzd]
a. 专门的
●
dual [ˋdjuəl]
a. . 双重的
●
withstand [wɪðˋstænd]
vt. 抵抗
●
sensation [sɛnˋseʃən]
n. 感觉， 知觉；轰动（的事情）
●
likelihood [ˋlaɪklɪ͵hʊd]
n. 可能性
●
permanent [ˋpɝmənənt]
a. 永恒的；常设的
●
foul [faʊl]
vt. 弄脏
vt. & vi. & n. 犯规
adv. 违反规则地
adj. 肮脏的；恶劣的
●
promising [ˋprɑmɪsɪŋ]
n. & vi. 冲突
vt. & vi. （使）碰撞作响 & n. 碰撞声
a. 有为的，有前途的
●
discourage [dɪsˋkɝɪdʒ]
.vt. 使打消念头，使气馁
Extra Words
●
proactive [proˋæktɪv]
adj. 积极主动的
●
noxious [ˋnɑkʃəs]
a. 有毒的，有害的
●
deterrence [dɪˋtɝrəns]
n. 威慑
●
formidable [ˋfɔrmɪdəb!]
a. . 可怕的，难对付的
●
high-tensile [ˌhīˈtensəl]
a. 高张力的
●
brute [brut]
a. 蛮力的
●
pressurized [ˋprɛʃəraɪzd]
a. 加压的，增压的
●
nausea [ˋnɔʃɪə]
n. 恶心，作呕
●
lethal [ˋliθəl]
a. . 致命的
●
antidote [ˋæntɪ͵dot]
n. 对抗手段，矫正方法
●
brute force 蛮力
●
an angle grinder 角磨机（可用于研削、磨断或抛光）
Practical Phrases
●
takes a(n) + Adj. + approach to N/V-ing 采用⋯⋯的方法来⋯⋯
●
discourage sb from + V-ing 打消某人做……的念头
Carl tried to discourage his daughter from dating boys.
卡尔试图打消他女儿想和男孩子约会的念头。
●
look to 打算／想要（做）⋯⋯
Nick is looking to invest in real estate.
尼克正打算投资房地产。
Tips & Analysis
1. As its name suggests, SKUNKLOCK releases a noxious chemical that could cause would-be thieves to vomit and effectively discourages them from continuing their efforts to steal the bicycle.
理由
空格前一句介绍了新型的锁具臭鼬锁，而本句提到这种锁可以释放有毒的化学物质并使小偷呕吐，进而阻挡他们进续行窃，这与其名中的臭鼬防御方式相似，可知答案应选 (B)，以「顾名思义」带出臭鼬锁的名称和其运作方式之间的关联。
2. While conventional locks can be defeated by determined thieves using specialized tools, SKUNKLOCK’s dual approach of physical resistance and chemical deterrence is highly effective, making it a formidable opponent against bike theft.
理由
本句前半部提到传统锁具可以被使用专业工具的小偷破坏，但臭鼬锁物理抵挡及化学威摄的双重措施相当有效，而空格后的 against 有与某人对抗之意，故知 (A) 项应为正选，表臭鼬锁是对抗单车窃盗时令人畏惧的「对手」。
3. However, if a thief manages to break the lock, the pressurized chemical gas within is released, triggering an immediate and overwhelming sensation of nausea, which may cause vomiting.
理由
本句描述若小偷成功破坏锁具，内部的加压化学气体就会被释放，引起立即的恶心感，并可能造成呕吐，可知这种恶心感应是「令人承受不住的」，才可能造成呕吐，故 (C) 项应为正选。
4. They won’t be released unless someone tries to cut through the lock with an angle grinder.
理由
=空格前一句提到臭鼬锁内的化学物质被安全密封在锁具中空的空间内，而本句提及锁内的化学物质不会被释放，但此化学物质为其阻挡小偷的特点，故此句应是表在某种情况下，即「除非」有人拿角磨机切断锁具，否则这种化学物质不会释放，故 (D) 项应为正选。
5. The manufacturer, however, claims that there is an antidote that can eliminate the foul smell.
理由
空格前一句提及使用者担心单车残留呕吐物的味道，本句接续说明制造商表示有除臭剂，而除臭剂正是用来「消除」恶臭的，故 (B) 项应为正选。
More to Learn
thief n. 小偷，窃贼
• Be careful. There are many thieves in the Paris metro.
要小心。巴黎地铁有很多小偷。
theft n. 窃盗，偷窃
• Identity theft is a growing concern in the digital age.
身分窃用是数位时代高涨的隐忧。
以下介绍不同类型的「贼」：
a. thief 泛指偷窃的人。
b. burglar 主要指入室盗窃的人。
• The burglar broke into the house through the back window.
窃贼从后窗户闯进了房子。
c. pickpocket 指在公共场所窃取口袋或包包中物品的人。
• Andy realized too late that a pickpocket had taken his phone from his bag.
安迪太晚才发现扒手从他包包把手机偷走了。
d. shoplifter 指在商店内偷窃的人。
• Shoplifters often target small items that are easy to slip into pockets or bags.
店内的小偷通常以容易快速放进口袋或包包的小物品为目标。
e. robber 通常指抢劫银行或商店的人。
• The robber was identified through the surveillance footage and later arrested.
这个强盗透过监视器被认出身分，不久后遭逮捕。
e. mugger 指在街头或公共场所用威胁或暴力抢夺财物的人。
• The mugger approached the lady and demanded her wallet.
强盗靠近这位女士并要她交出钱包。
中文翻译(& 答案)
尽管巩固单车安全的方式有许多进展，每年还是有几百万辆单车失窃。有一种可以主动阻挠小偷的革命性单车锁 ── 臭鼬锁。顾名思义，臭鼬锁会释放出一种有毒化学物质，可以让欲偷车的小偷呕吐，并劝退他们继续尝试偷窃单车。
传统锁具可以被使用专业工具的顽强单车贼破坏，而臭鼬锁物理抵挡和化学威慑的双重措施相当有效，使其成为对抗单车窃盗时令人畏惧的对手。这个 U 形锁是由高张力碳钢所制成，可以承受企图使用蛮力的破坏方式。然而，如果有小偷成功破坏锁具，里头的加压化学气体就会被释放，引起立即和难以承受的恶心不适，可能会使人呕吐。这将会降低偷窃成功的可能性。
有些人可能会对其化学吓阻物的安全性怀有疑虑，但无需担心。这些有毒物质并非致命的，不会造成小偷永久性的伤害。此外，这些化学物质安全地封存在锁具内中空的空间里。除非有人试图用角磨机切断锁头，否则这些化学物质不会释放出来。
臭鼬锁的潜在使用者表达的另一个疑虑是害怕如果化学物质释放，他们的单车将会残留像是呕吐物的味道。然而制造商宣称，有除臭剂可以消除这种恶臭。这项创新的单车安全巩固方式使臭鼬锁成为骑士们寄望保护单车免于失窃的解方。
答案： 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. D 5. B
