Driving Simulators

A. Virtual reality is fast becoming a new and favorite form of entertainment. However, simulators are now being

adapted for serious goals as well: amongst other things, to teach, train and test driving skills.

B. A driving simulator includes a chair that looks like a driver's seat, a steering wheel, brakes and other

features such as speedometer, headlights and directional lights. The simulator's advantages are many and

varied.

C. The first advantage is that this device generates real-life situations on alternating levels - from cruising down

a quiet country road to weaving through the city center at 5 p.m.; or from driving in ideal weather conditions

to driving on icy roads at night. __________ if the driver is involved in an "accident", the sequence can be

screened again so as to avoid the same mistake in the future.

D. In addition, this new device will reduce the congestion (not to mention the pollution) on the roads by

reducing the number of "learners." Furthermore, the national saving on petrol will be enormous.

E. Finally, once driving simulators become available for home use, learning to drive will become cheaper and

more accessible. Although the actual license will continue to be restricted by age, now everyone can practice

driving before getting on the road. Furthermore, drivers who have been involved in accidents will be able to

practice driving in potentially dangerous situations. In addition, older drivers who have experienced health

changes will benefit from practice on the simulator and be able to regain confidence while driving in safe

conditions. Driving instructors may not welcome the advance of this technology, but it is definitely here to stay.

Each Question is worth 10 points. 1. What is the main idea of paragraph A?

a. Virtual reality is a new form of entertainment. b. Many people are using simulator for fun. c. Simulators are being used for serious goals. d. Simulators can be used to teach and test driving skills.

2. What does the word "things" in paragraph A refer to?

a. serious goals b. driving skills c. forms of entertainment d. teaching, training and testing

3. Which of the following does a driving simulator not include?

a. brakes b. headlights c. a steering wheel d. a radio

4. Which of the following terms can be placed in the blank space in paragraph C

a. However b. Even though c. For example d. Moreover

5. Why is the word "accident" (line 8) in quotation marks?

a. It is only virtual reality. b. It is the other car driver's fault. c. It is not an accident but rather deliberate. d. It is because of a malfunction of the simulator.

6. The words "this new device" (line 10) refer to

a. the simulator b. the congestion c. the pollution d. the sequence

7. Give three advantages of "this new device":

a. _________________________________________________________ b. _________________________________________________________ c. __________________ _______________________________________

8. How will older drivers in paragraph E benefit from practicing on the driving simulator? _____________________________________________________________________ 9. Which other groups of people will benefit from practicing on the driving simulator?

a. ________________________________________________________________ b. _________________________________________________________________

10. Fill in the blank space. __________________________ are likely to be against the use of driving simulators.