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頁次:6
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請依下文回答第 43 題至第 47 題: 
To many, it is insane for an athlete to do a backflip while driving a 450-pound snowmobile. But for Caleb 
Moore and other freestyle snowmobilers, it's just another trick. Moore performed his failed stunt during the 
Winter X Games on January 24, 2013 and died a week later. The stunt was difficult but apparently doable. He had 
done it many times before. So what do we make of this? 
By definition, “extreme" sports are difficult or dangerous, performed in a hazardous environment. The very 
essence of these sports is to push things as far as possible and then try to take them farther. Part of their massive 
appeal is that these sports constantly walk on the thin edge between brilliance and disaster. The fans, corporate 
sponsors, and especially the athletes know this. It's just a part of what they do, but the death of a 25-year-old isn't 
supposed to be the result of a sporting contest for our entertainment. 
In the 18-year history of ESPN's X Games, Moore was the first to die in competition. But why is my initial 
reaction, "Geez, I can't believe there have not been more.” I mean, really, who thinks someone can survive 
attempting a backflip on a 450-pound snowmobile? But one person does it, then another and the one after that 
until it ultimately becomes a routine trick. And then it is time to develop the next one that will be even more 
insane. I am not saying that the people involved with extreme sports trying to perform some seemly impossible 
stunt are not concerned with the utmost in safety standards. Maybe it's because these extreme sports haven't yet 
reached their final frontier of possibility. However, I can't help wondering if they ever set the limit: How far 
should they push the envelope? 
So I say it's insane when I see some teenager shoot 30 feet into the air out of a halfpipe to do twists and flips 
on a skateboard or a snowboard, or when I see some free climber risk a fatal drop just to reach a summit. And 
when they have turned what I had previously considered the impossible into the probable, I ask myself: “What 
will they try next? And how far will they go before somebody kills himself?” 
43 What is most likely the purpose of this passage? 
To voice the concern about the safety of extreme sports athletes. 
To report on the death of the extreme sports athlete Caleb Moore. 
To point out the edge between brilliance and disaster in extreme sports. 
To question about the roles of extreme sports fans and corporate sponsors. 
44 What is the last paragraph mainly about? 
Moore's death in competition shown on ESPN's X Games. 
The danger in doing a backflip on a 450-pound snowmobile. 
Extreme sports athletes' constant attempts to push their limits. 
The difference between an impossible stunt and a routine trick. 
45 According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true? 
No one died in the 18-year history of ESPN's X Games until Moore's death. 
Extreme sports athletes need to set safety standards before performing a stunt. 
Extreme sports keeping pushing things farther haven't reached their final limit. 
The author is surprised that there has been only one death in ESPN's X Games. 
46 What does "hazardous" in the second paragraph mean? 
Massive.  Complex.  Sporting.  Dangerous. 
47 What is most likely the author's attitude towards extreme sports? 
Passive and doubtful.    Hopeful but uncertain. 
Supportive but worried.  Objective and optimistic.