A
Let’s look at some inventions that had their roots in the UK.
The bagless vacuum cleaner（吸尘器) James Dyson,1979
There are some things we don’t know we need until someone invents them. For example, the bagless vacuum cleaner. James Dyson came up with the idea after spending a lot of money on an expensive cleaner that simply pushed dirt around.
Most of us would have given it up, but Dyson went on to change the basic principle of a vacuum cleaner --- an idea that hadn’t been challenged for 100 years --- by designing a system that removed the necessity of the bag for good. His final version took five years of research.
However, when Dyson first approached manufacturers (制造商) with his idea, he couldn’t interest them. But he didn’t give up and set up a factory in Wiltshire in 1993 to produce them himself. Two years later, Dyson’s products were outselling the competition.
The Mini Alec Issigonis, 1959
While the Americans were driving supersize Cadillacs, Britain famously went in the opposite
direction and came up with a small car.
Alec Issigonis was responsible for the design and made a name for himself in motoring history
with its launch (投放市场) in 1959 for the British Motor Corporation(BMC).
The Mini’s success wasn’t overnight. Many thought it “strange”, but it developed into a love affair with the British that’s never decreased, helped by the fact that many stars loved it.
The London sewage system Joseph Bazalgette, 1865
Like any major city, London has always produced large amounts of waste. Give thanks to Joseph Bazalgette, an engineer who developed a far-reaching underground sewage system. It changed the process of getting rid of waste by dumping it into the Thames River. Even more impressive was his idea to construct pipes that would function for nearly 150 years and still be large enough to meet the need of the increasing population. As he said, “We’re only going to do this once.”
21. Which of the following is true according to James Dyson’s experience?
A. He invented the first vacuum cleaner. B. He enjoyed immediate success.
C. His idea attracted many manufacturers. D. His product became a bestseller.
22. The Mini won its popularity _____.
A. soon after its launch in 1959
B. because it was advertised by stars
C. with the help of some famous people’s preference
D. because people lost interest in supersize cars
23. The underlined sentence in the last paragraph shows Bazalgette was _____.
A. cautious B. confident C. far-sighted D. strong-minded
