08年6月英语六级听力短文参考文本(交大外院)

Passage 1

Water scooters are water vehicles that look very much like motorcycles. Nowadays speedy colorful water scooters are gaining in popularity. They can travel anywhere a small boat can and are typically popular with young people. The rising popularity of the craft has raised a question of water scooter regulation. In this case, the argument for strict regulation is compelling. Water scooters are a particularly deadly form of water recreation. For example, two women were vacationing in Longboat Key. While they were floating on a rubber boat along the shore, a water scooter crashed into them and killed them. Also, water scooter operators have been killed and seriously injured in collisions with other watercraft. Others have been stranded at sea when their scooters either failed or sank far from shore. Many water scooter operators are inexperienced and ignorant of navigational rules, which increases the potential for accidents. The increasing popularity of the scooter has aggravated the problem, providing more water vehicles to compete for the same space. Crowded water ways are simply an open invitation to disaster. In addition to the inherent operational hazards of water scooters, they are proven to be an environmental nuisance. Beach residents complain of the noise of the scooters. The Pacific Whale Foundation on the west coast expressed the concern that the scooters are frightening away an endangered species of whale that migrates to Hawaii for breeding. Regulations, such as minimum operating age, restricted operating areas, and compulsory classes in water safety, are essential. Without such regulations, tragedies involving water scooters are sure to multiply, which makes many beaches unsafe for recreation.

Questions 26 to 29 are based on the passage you have just heard.

Question 26: What does the speaker say about water scooters?

Question 27: What is mentioned as one of the causes of water accidents?

Question 28: In what way are water scooters said to be an environmental nuisance?