Unit 4 单元话题阅读理解练习-2023-2024学年高二英语选择性必修第二册单元重难点易错题精练（译林版2020）

Unit 4 Living with Technology 单元话题阅读理解练习 （2023春·江苏宿迁·高二统考期末）Have you ever imagined getting to the airport in a flying taxi, soaring over those who are stuck in traffic below? What would you feel if electric air taxis could one day take you from downtown to the suburbs, high above expressway traffic, in a tiny amount of the time it takes to drive? It’s not a dream in the distant future. It’s the vision of electric aircraft developer Eve, which is leading a group of aviation companies and local governments conducting simulations (模拟) in Chicago. Though the aircraft are likely years away from receiving official approval to fly, it’s a vision shared by other major companies, like Chicago-based United Airlines, which recently struck a conditional agreement to purchase at least 200 of Eve’s flying taxis. The concept of bypassing (绕开) traffic by air isn’t new. But Eve co-CEO And re Stein said the air taxis are nothing like conventional electric helicopters or flying cars. They are designed to use eight motors distributed around the aircraft to take off vertically, then electric pushers and wings to glide forward. Stein hopes the air taxis to help passengers reach meetings across town or providing away to get home quickly in time for a child’s birthday. Compared to an everyday option like public transport, they can help save time when necessary. Besides, the new technology is expected to make air taxis more affordable than helicopters and the ticket price could be around $ 100 to travel 20 miles. Stein also boasts what he describes as improved efficiency and sustainability. “It’s much simpler, much lower maintenance than a helicopter, much quieter,” he said. For now, Eve hopes their work will help provide a better understanding of how the air taxis could fit into current air traffic patterns and how they can connect with users journey via ground transport to the heliport. “It’s really about bringing another option for urban air mobility,” Stein said. 1．Why does the autho