Despite advancements in bicycle security, millions of bicycles are stolen every year. A revolutionary bicycle lock, called “SKUNKLOCK,” takes a proactive approach to deterring thieves. __1__, SKUNKLOCK releases a noxious chemical that could cause would-be thieves to vomit and effectively discourages them from continuing their efforts to steal the bicycle.
While conventional locks can be defeated by determined thieves using specialized tools, SKUNKLOCK’s dual approach of physical resistance and chemical deterrence is highly effective, making it a formidable __2__ against bike theft. The U-lock is made of high-tensile carbon steel, which can withstand attempts to break it using brute force. However, if a thief manages to break the lock, the pressurized chemical gas within is released, triggering an immediate and __3__ sensation of nausea, which may cause vomiting. This will reduce the likelihood of successful theft.
Some might have concerns about the safety of its chemical deterrent, but there is no need to worry. The noxious substances are not lethal and will not cause the thieves permanent harm. In addition, the chemicals are securely sealed within a hollow space throughout the lock. They won’t be released __4__ someone tries to cut through the lock with an angle grinder.
PhotoS: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
Another concern expressed by potential users of SKUNKLOCK is the fear that their bike will be left smelling like vomit after the chemical is released. The manufacturer, however, claims that there is an antidote that can __5__ the foul smell. This innovative approach to bike security makes SKUNKLOCK a promising solution for cyclists looking to protect their bikes from theft.
儘管鞏固單車安全的方式有許多進展，每年還是有幾百萬輛單車失竊。有一種可以主動阻撓小偷的革命性單車鎖 ── 臭鼬鎖。顧名思義，臭鼬鎖會釋放出一種有毒化學物質，可以讓欲偷車的小偷嘔吐，並勸退他們繼續嘗試偷竊單車。
傳統鎖具可以被使用專業工具的頑強單車賊破壞，而臭鼬鎖物理抵擋和化學威懾的雙重措施相當有效，使其成為對抗單車竊盜時令人畏懼的對手。這個U形鎖是由高張力碳鋼所製成，可以承受企圖使用蠻力的破壞方式。然而，如果有小偷成功破壞鎖具，裡頭的加壓化學氣體就會被釋放，引起立即和難以承受的噁心不適，可能會使人嘔吐。這將會降低偷竊成功的可能性。
PhotoS: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
有些人可能會對其化學嚇阻物的安全性懷有疑慮，但無需擔心。這些有毒物質並非致命的，不會造成小偷永久性的傷害。此外，這些化學物質安全地封存在鎖具內中空的空間裡。除非有人試圖用角磨機切斷鎖頭，否則這些化學物質不會釋放出來。
臭鼬鎖的潛在使用者表達的另一個疑慮是害怕如果化學物質釋放，他們的單車將會殘留像是嘔吐物的味道。然而製造商宣稱，有除臭劑可以消除這種惡臭。這項創新的單車安全鞏固方式使臭鼬鎖成為騎士們寄望保護單車免於失竊的解方。
What Did You Learn?
1. (A) For the time being (B) As its name suggests
(C) On the other hand (D) In its current state
2. (A) opponent (B) defendant (C) applicant (D) protest
3. (A) exotic (B) fabulous (C) overwhelming
(D) compulsory
4. (A) right after (B) even if (C) lest (D) unless
5. (A) motivate (B) eliminate (C) stimulate
(D) accommodate
答案：1. B 2. A 3. C 4. D 5. B
Words in use
1. revolutionary a. 創新的，革命性的
The invention of the smartphone was a revolutionary development in the 21st century.
智慧型手機的發明是二十一世紀革命性的進展。
2. deter vt. 阻止，阻撓
The dog’s bark deters strangers from getting close.
狗吠阻止陌生人靠近。
3. vomit vi. 嘔吐 & n. 嘔吐物
The child vomited after eating too much candy.
那個小孩在吃太多糖果後吐了。
? There’s a smell of vomit in my car. It’s terrible.
我車上有嘔吐物的味道。恐怖極了。
4. conventional a. 傳統的
The conventional approach to education focuses on lectures and exams.
傳統的教育方式著重於上課與考試。
5. specialized a. 專業的，專門的
Xavier used specialized equipment to conduct the experiment.
賽維爾使用專門的器材來進行實驗。
Practical Phrases
1. takes a(n) + Adj. + approach to N/V-ing 採用……的方法來……
We need to take a different approach to solving this problem.
我們需要採取不同的方式來解決這個問題。
2. discourage sb from V-ing
阻止某人（做）……，使某人打消……念頭
Speed bumps are set to discourage people from speeding.
減速路障被設置來阻止人們超速。
3. look to V 打算∕想要（做）……
Nick is looking to invest in real estate.
尼克正打算投資房地產。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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