What is a ‘scream machine’? (If you can't guess, look at the photo to help you.)

(‘Máy la hét’ là gì? (Nếu bạn không đoán được thì hãy nhìn vào bức ảnh để giúp bạn nhé.))

1. Read the article. What is Jane Clark’s problem?

(Đọc bài viết. Vấn đề của Jane Clark là gì?)

SCREAM MACHINES – Scary or fun?

Why do millions of people love roller coasters? The answer is that people love feeling afraid when they know they’re in no real danger. But Jane Clark has never been on a roller coaster. She is frightened of heights and speed. ‘It’s ridiculous. All my friends have ridden on roller coasters, and they love it,’ says Jane. ‘I’ve always wanted to try, but I’ve never been brave enough.’ Well, Jane has decided that today this is going to change. She has bought a ticket for Oblivion and her friends are here to support her. Her heart is beating and she can’t speak as she gets in. Then they’re off. People are screaming because they’re scared, or is it because they’re excited? She screams, too. Three minutes later, it’s all over. Jane is happy. She’s done it! She’s been on her first roller coaster. ‘Words can’t describe it!’ she says.

But for some people, roller coaster phobia never goes away. Psychologist Frank Farley believes that there are two types of people when it comes to fear and risk. Some people prefer the quiet life. For others, danger and excitement make them feel alive. Their brains produce ‘feel-good’ chemicals risky situations, and they love extreme sports like climbing or paragliding. Roller coasters are great for these people because they can get the excitement without the danger. The chance of a fatal accident is one in 50 billion. Driving to the amusement park is more dangerous than riding on a ‘scream machine’!

2. Read and listen to the article again and complete the sentences.

(Đọc và nghe lại bài viết và hoàn thành câu.)

1. Jane Clark is scared of _____ and _____.

2. Jane is going on Oblivion because she wants to be _____.

3. Jane’s _____ have come with her on the ride.

4. Jane feels _____ after the ride.

5. Some people love extreme sports because they love _____ and excitement.

6. _____ in your car is more dangerous than riding on a roller coaster.

3. Read the article again. Write true or false and correct the false statements.

(Đọc lại bài viết. Viết “true” – đúng hoặc “false” – sai và sửa lại những câu sai.)

1. Lots of people love roller coasters because they are not afraid of danger. 

2. Jane still feels scared after being on her first roller coaster. 

3. Roller coasters are a real fear to some people. 

4. For those who prefer taking risks, extreme sports are absolute musts. 

5. According to the article, it is likely to have an accident when you try a roller coaster. 

4. VOCABULARY PLUS 

Find the noun form of the words in blue in the text.

(Tìm dạng danh từ của từ có màu xanh lam trong đoạn văn.)

5. Complete the sentences with the correct forms of the nouns from exercise 4.

(Hoàn thành câu với dạng đúng của danh từ ở bài tập 4.)

1. The firefighter’s _____ and risk saved the whole family from a burning building.

2. Skydiving is one of the extreme sports that are worth taking a _____.

3. The accident on the highway caused a massive tailback, but there were no _____.

4. The team’s poor performance drew _____ from their fans.

5. The roller coaster ride at Universal Studios Singapore filled us with both _____ and _____.

6. USE IT! Work in pairs. Ask and answer the questions. Do you like any extreme sports? What is it? Why / Why not?

(Thực hành! Làm việc theo cặp. Hỏi và trả lời câu hỏi. Bạn có thích môn thể thao mạo hiểm nào không? Nó là gì? Tại sao tại sao không?)

M: Are you keen on bungee jumping?

(Bạn có thích nhảy bungee không?)

N: I feel rather scared of it. Jumping off a very high bridge or a cliff sounds extremely risky to me.

(Tôi cảm thấy khá sợ nó. Đối với tôi, nhảy khỏi một cây cầu rất cao hoặc một vách đá nghe có vẻ cực kỳ nguy hiểm.)