Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- nausea / ˈnɔ ʒə / (n) – a feeling of sickness in the stomach characterized by wanting to vomit
Example:I usually experience nausea whenever I’m on an airplane.
- hydrofoil / ˈhaɪ drəˌfɔɪl / (n) – a wing-like blade attached to the bottom of a boat or ship
Example:Boats with hydrofoils are faster than regular ones.
- friction / ˈfrɪk ʃən / (n) – the rubbing of one surface or thing against another
Example:When you feel cold, you can rub your hands together to create heat through friction.
- hull / hʌl / (n) – the main body of a boat or ship
Example:The ship’s hull is made of steel.
- generate / ˈdʒɛn əˌreɪt / (v) – to produce
Example:The new technology generates electricity.
Article
Read the text below.
Sweden-based company Candela has unveiled the first-ever electric-powered speedboat that can reduce seasickness, a type of motion sickness characterized by dizziness and nausea experienced when riding a watercraft.
The speedboat, called the Candela Seven, uses hydrofoil technology that enables it to skip over waves instead of slamming against them. According to its developers, the boat’s hydrofoils decrease the friction of the water and the impact of waves hitting on its hull. It also has a built-in computer system that automatically controls and adjusts the foils’ position to reduce the swaying and rocking of the boat.
Because the speedboat’s technology prevents it from being hit by waves, its passengers are likely to have a smooth ride, which may reduce their risk of seasickness.
As it is made almost completely from carbon fiber, the Candela Seven is eco-friendly. It has an electric engine that reduces carbon emissions by 99% and generates less noise than other commercially available electric boats. The developers said that it takes just 1.5 hours to fully charge the battery of the boat using a special charger or 12 hours using a regular one.
The speedboat costs €250,000 (about ¥31 million). Its developers expect that it will appeal to wealthy residents of lakeside cities. The Candela Seven has the capacity to carry a driver and up to five passengers, and it is capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 kilometers per hour. According to the developers, it can be used for day trips or sailing across lakes.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
• Would you be interested in buying the Candela Seven? Why or why not?
• What other innovations in transportation would you like to be developed (e.g. crash-proof technology for airplanes)? Discuss.
Discussion B
• Do you think motion sickness should be treated as a serious condition? Why or why not?
• Should transportation companies be responsible for creating technology to prevent motion sickness? Why or why not?