20.手工製作的功能
段落大意：手工製作具有一些特定功能：給人們提供了自己動手、表達個性的機會，還具有治療作用。
Crafts are creative hobbies, practiced primarily in the home with a minimum of specialized equipment. Crafts as so defined have certain functions. In a world that is becoming increasingly mechanized and standardized, they give people the opportunity to work with their hands and to express their individuality. Crafts are often used in occupational therapy （治療）. For example, a patient might be taught a craft to develop weakened muscles or to help in gaining use of an artificial limb （義肢）. An emotionally disturbed person might be taught a craft that would serve as an outlet for feelings. Craftwork also provides the disabled with purposeful activity that diverts attention from their handicaps.
21.陶器的製作
段落大意：陶器的製作過程簡介。
Ceramic（陶的） objects can be molded completely by hand or on a potter’s （陶藝家） wheel, a device with a rotating（旋轉的） horizontal disk. When the clay hardens, it is fired in a high-temperature oven（爐）, or kiln（窯）, to strengthen it. To make the object waterproof, glazes （釉） may then be applied and the piece will be fired again. Although hand construction is easy to master, shaping it on the potter’s wheel requires practice. Several simple tools are used by potters, including sponges （海綿）, trimming tools, wooden shaping tools, and a banding wheel to facilitate trimming the clay. A potter must have access to a kiln, the use of which is generally shared by a group of workers.
22.潛水的種類
段落大意：潛水有各種不同類型，其中最常見的是娛樂性潛水，是一種休閑活動。
Throughout history, people have been fascinated by life underwater, and the Professional Association of Dive Instructors （PADI） estimates that there are now 6.million active divers worldwide. They engage in many different types of diving, including wreck （殘骸）, cave, commercial, and military diving and so on. The most common form of diving is sport diving, or recreational diving, which is practiced at depths of less than 39.m （130.ft）. From these depths, divers can make a straight ascent to the surface. Diving beyond this limit requires advanced training.
23.娛樂性潛水與商業性潛水
段落大意：娛樂性潛水者主要是想體驗水下生活，觀察水下世界；商業性潛水則是一種工作。
People who dive for recreation do so to enjoy aquatic（水中的） life and observe the underwater world, but others carry out work underwater. Commercial divers are highly trained men and women who work on offshore （離岸的） oil rigs （裝置）, pipelines, and barges（駁船）, and on inshore（近海岸的） civil engineering sites such as hydroelectric（水力電氣的） plants and harbors. At oil-drilling platforms, for example, they may perform such tasks as welding （焊接） at depths below 61.m （200.ft） which may require that they spend extended time underwater.
24.極限運動的概念
段落大意：極限運動既帶有明顯的危險性又要求參與者具有運動員技能。極限運動的主要挑戰來自其本身的困難，需要參與者極具策略與技巧。
Extreme sports are nontraditional sports and activities that require participants to combine athletic skills with pronounced （明顯的） risk. Most extreme sports are not true competitive ones because the main challenge is not imposed by another athlete or opposing team, but by the inherent difficulty of the activity. Extreme sports allow and encourage individual’s innovation of new maneuvers （策略） and the stylish execution of existing techniques.
25.極限運動的風險控製
段落大意：極限運動具有危險性，因此對極限運動愛好者來說，風險控製至關重要。
Because extreme sports enthusiasts place themselves in dangerous situations, controlling risk is vital. Before enthusiasts attempt risky activities, they must know their own physical abilities and understand how well they can block the natural instinct of fear. Extreme sports enthusiasts also must recognize the physical limits of their equipment. Participants should have experience in whatever activity they are taking to an extreme level, and must know what they will do in an emergency.
26.一些常見的極限運動及其危險性
段落大意：一些最受歡迎的極限運動包括極限滑雪、山地自行車、溜冰等，其危險因素包括未標注的山區地帶、懸崖、裂縫、陡坡等。
Some of the most popular sports that can have extreme elements are extreme skiing, snowboarding （滑雪）, mountain biking, in-line skating, and whitewater kayaking （急流劃艇）. In these activities, extreme athletes exceed traditional safety limitations to create new disciplines in the sport. For example, people who engage in extreme skiing make dangerous runs down mountains over uncharted （未知的） terrain （地帶）. The enhanced danger posed by cliffs, crevasses（裂縫）, and extremely steep slopes（陡坡） elevates traditional snow skiing to an extreme level. Likewise, extreme free rock climbing, or rock climbing without ropes, is generally considered more dangerous than traditional climbing methods, which typically incorporate （結合） protection in the form of a climbing partner and roping system.
27.蹦極
段落大意：蹦極是最不危險的一種極限運動，也是最受歡迎的一種極限運動。
Many extreme sports are performed by individuals, either for the inherent thrill of the activity or for this thrill combined with competition. Bungee jumping, BASE jumping and extreme skiing are just a few of the extreme sports designed for individuals. Bungee jumping is leaping from a fixed location such as a crane （起重機）, platform, bridge, or cliff and breaking the fall with a bungee cord （繩索）—an elastic （有彈性的） type of rope attached to the ankles. Jumps take place from heights of 25.to 200.m （80.to 650.ft）. After the jumper begins falling, the bungee cord loosely follows behind the jumper’s feet. When it is fully extended, the cord breaks the jumper’s fall, stretching to minimize the jolt （震蕩） of the stop. The United States Bungee Association （USBA） estimates that more than 7.million bungee jumps have been made since the late 1980s, making bungee jumping one of the most popular extreme sports. Bungee jumping is most commonly done from specially-designed platforms and under the supervision of a licensed company. It is considered one of the least dangerous activities of the extreme sports.
28.空中滑板
段落大意：空中滑板是一種特技表演，非常危險，對技術要求非常高。
In skysurfing, an expert skydiver （跳傘運動員） performs acrobatic （雜技的） stunts （絕技） while free-falling from about 4,000.m （13,000.ft）. The skysurfer stands upright on a board similar to a snowboard. The board is attached to the feet with special bindings that allow the skysurfer to detach from the board if necessary. The board’s aerodynamic （空氣動力學的） properties enable skysurfers to move horizontally and to do loops （筋鬥）, turns, and similar feats （技藝） in midair. Around 1,100.m （3,600.ft）, the skysurfer deploys （展開） a parachute（降落傘）. Skysurfing is dangerous because the board is difficult to control. Skysurfers must concentrate on using their bodies and the board to avoid spins （旋轉） that can make them unconscious or disoriented （無方向的） during a fall. This spinning phenomenon can also cause the lines of the parachute to tangle and the parachute to deploy improperly.
29.漂流
段落大意：漂流已成為一種很受歡迎的休閑運動，尤其是在美國。
Whitewater rafting has become a popular recreational pastime around the world, especially in the United States. It offers the thrill and challenge of threading （穿梭）between rocks and over waves in a small and open boat. Most rafting trips provide an exciting ride, with the raft plunging （猛力投入） and bucking （強烈反衝） and occasionally dousing（把…浸入水中） the occupants with water. Rafting is also a convenient way to travel into beautiful, remote areas that may otherwise be difficult to reach.
30.漂流運動主要由商業機構提供
段落大意：出於安全方麵的考慮和後勤供應需求，漂流運動主要由商業機構提供。
Because it has numerous safety issues and logistical （後勤的） demands, whitewater rafting is primarily done by commercial services that offer trips for customers. These excursions （短途旅程） range from one-hour thrill rides to three-week expeditions. Whitewater runs are selected primarily for the size and variety of rapids （急流）, as well as the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Logistical considerations—such as convenient areas to put in and take out the rafts and suitable camping spots along the way—also play a role.
31.漂流運動 I：搖櫓船
段落大意：搖櫓船和劃槳船是兩種最基本的漂流運動。搖櫓船由向導劃船，玩家隻需坐在船上，無需特殊技能和知識。
There are two basic kinds of whitewater rafts: oar （櫓） boats and paddle （槳） boats. In an oar boat, passengers merely hang on while the guide, sitting in the center of the boat and typically facing downstream （下遊地）, maneuvers （操縱） the raft with two long oars. No special skill or knowledge is required of the passengers, who are essentially just along for the ride. However, during a large wave or heavy rapids, they may be called upon to quickly shift their weight to the high side of the boat （high-siding） to keep it from flipping （翻轉） over.
32.漂流運動 II：劃槳船
段落大意：劃槳船運動中，玩家在向導的指揮下組成團隊，共同協作。在劃槳船運動中，團隊和協作很重要。
In a paddle boat, passengers are part of the crew. Working as a team under the command of the guide, everyone vigorously （用力地） paddles （劃槳） to propel （推進） and steer （操縱） the raft. The guide’s commands, often shouted over the roar of rushing water, include “Forward!”“Backpaddle!”and “Stop!”To turn the raft, the guide shouts “Left!”（in which case paddlers on the left side backpaddle, while those on the right paddle forward） and “Right!”（vice versa）. The front paddler on each side of the raft sets the cadence （節奏）, while the paddlers behind synchronize（同步進行） their strokes to the leaders’. Novice（新手） paddlers can usually pick up the basics quickly enough to negotiate easy rapids, but to get through large, powerful rapids safely, paddlers must have well-practiced skills as well as reasonable upper-body strength and endurance. In all cases, teamwork and coordination are essential.
33.漂流運動的危險性
段落大意：漂流運動中的危險包括激流、水溫及水位等。
In planning a trip, rafters take into account more than just the difficulty rating of the rapids. Cold water can greatly increase the risk of a raft trip because of the potential of hypothermia （體溫過低）. The water level of the river is also an important factor. （Rafters usually refer to the water level in terms of the river’s flow rate, measured in cubic feet per second. A cubic foot of water is the equivalent of about 8.gallons.） High water levels, triggered by rain, melting snow, or the release of water from a dam upstream, can drastically change a rapid and alter its rating. Generally, higher water levels make a rapid more difficult to handle. Sometimes, though, rapids are trickier at lower levels, because obstacles that were previously below the surface become exposed.
34.如何降低漂流運動的危險性
段落大意：為了降低漂流運動的危險性，新手事先要接受簡單培訓。為進一步保障安全，橡皮艇一般都成群結隊，以便隨時提供幫助，還需要對水流進行偵查。針對不同的情況，有不同的應對措施。
To minimize the hazards （危險）, novice rafters are given safety briefings before a trip. As a further safety measure, rafts typically travel in groups, so that quick assistance is always nearby. In Class V rapids, rafts are sometimes escorted （護衛） by rescue kayaks（小艇）, small, highly maneuverable and stable pontoon （浮筒） craft that can quickly pluck（猛拉） swimmers from the water. Sometimes, on an expeditionary trip down an unfamiliar river or during water levels changing period, it may be necessary to scout （偵查） a rapid—to pull over （靠岸） and examine it from shore. If the rapid appears too dangerous, rafters must walk around it along the riverbank. The empty rafts can be dealt with in one of three ways:lined through the rapids, by attaching them with ropes and pulling them along from the shore; ghost-boated—that is, cast adrift （漂浮著） to float through willy-nilly （雜亂地）, then recovered at the end of the rapid; portaged, dragging or carrying them around the rapid along the shoreline. Steep canyon （溪穀） walls, dense trees, or poor footing can make portaging （陸上運輸） extremely difficult or impossible. In some cases, helicopters are used.
35.垂釣活動簡介
段落大意：垂釣活動簡介。
Once the angler （釣魚者） has walked, waded （涉水）, or boated to an area where game fish are found, he or she casts the bait（魚餌）, lure（誘惑物）, or fly into the water and then waits. If a fish attacks the bait, the angler attempts to secure the hook in the fish’s mouth by setting the hook—that is, lifting the rod （魚竿） in a quick, powerful motion so that the hook lodges in the fish’s mouth. The fishing rod bends and the reel releases line when the fish attempts to flee, but when the fish rests, the angler can bring it closer by reeling in the line. When the fish is brought close enough, the angler captures it with a net or other tool, such as a gaff（魚叉）. If the fish is not to be kept for food, an angler will examine it for a few moments while keeping it underwater, unhook it, and release it.
36.垂釣的最佳季節
段落大意：春秋兩季是垂釣的最佳季節，在這兩個季節魚最活躍。
The best fishing occurs in spring and fall, when game fish are most active, either searching for prey or reproducing. Although they may be caught during winter and summer, fish are generally more sluggish （不好動的） then and less apt （易於…的） to chase an angler’s lure. Several other factors influencing fishing include the following. Water temperature is important, as different species are more active at different temperature levels. Also, if a fish’s natural prey is nearby, the game fish will be active. Some fish, particularly in salt water, move to different areas depending upon the phase of the moon and the levels of the ocean tides. Weather affects game fish activity, as fish are more likely to search for food before and after bad weather, when the water is disturbed.
37.垂釣與自然保護
段落大意：垂釣與自然直接相關，垂釣者應注意自然保護。
Fishing is an activity directly linked with nature, and anglers should be aware of the safety and conservation issues of the sport. Anglers should also acknowledge and follow local fishing etiquette （成規） and the regulations that preserve the sport for everyone.
38.船釣的安全問題
段落大意：船釣需要特殊的安全措施，垂釣者也應做好準備以應對各種可能發生的情況。
Fishing often takes place near or on bodies of water that can be dangerous, so boat anglers are encouraged to be strong swimmers and to wear life preservers. Boats for fishing require special safety measures. The boat should always be in good running condition. If venturing （冒險） far offshore, anglers should check weather reports and stow （貯藏） a small replacement motor, in case engine problems occur. Every boat should have life vests （背心） for each occupant, maps of the area, and a first-aid kit （急救箱）. Finally, anglers should tell friends or relatives where they are going and when they intend to return.
39.冰釣的危險性
段落大意：冰釣是一種較危險的釣魚活動。
Ice fishing can be one of the more dangerous types of fishing, simply because it takes place on the frozen surface of a body of water. Beginning ice fishers should never go out on lakes without being accompanied by an experienced angler. Anglers should always wait until the ice is at least 15.cm thick before venturing onto it with their gear. They should also carry a strong rope in case a fellow angler falls through the ice. Experienced anglers avoid areas near tributary（支流的） mouths or dams, as running water in these locations causes ice to be thinner than elsewhere.
40.垂釣中的行為規範
段落大意：垂釣活動中有一些垂釣者須遵守的非正式的行為規範。
There are informal rules of fishing etiquette including not frightening the fish around another angler. People should keep their distance from anglers who are actively fishing. When canoeing or boating through an area, it is considered courteous （有禮貌的） to paddle, row, or motor at a distance from an occupied shore. Other points of etiquette are sharing information about fishing areas, asking permission before crossing private property, avoiding damage to the natural surroundings of the fishing area, and picking up trash and litter found along the shores.
41.對垂釣的管理
段落大意：為管理和保護魚類，通過一些規則對垂釣活動進行製約。
To manage and preserve fish populations, rules exist to regulate where and when fishing can take place, what type of lures can be used, and the size and number of fish that may be taken. In the United States, regulations are set by state fish and game agencies, and in Canada they are set by the fish and game departments of each province. Some agencies require anglers to purchase annual fishing licenses. Anglers without licenses are subject to fines and may even lose fishing privileges.