篇章結構 · 建築 · 建議 高二上 起

The Giant Ball Inside Taipei 101

選項（有一句用不到）

  1. (A)The building's fireworks show on New Year's Eve attracts huge crowds every year.
  2. (B)During especially strong typhoons, it has been seen swinging much farther than on ordinary days.
  3. (C)Weighing hundreds of tons, it hangs from thick steel cables like a giant pendulum.
  4. (D)In Taipei 101, however, the ball has become a tourist attraction.
  5. (E)Building such a tall tower in Taiwan, though, was no easy task.

The Giant Ball Inside Taipei 101

When Taipei 101 was completed in 2004, it was the tallest building in the world. Taiwan is often hit by strong typhoons and earthquakes, both of which can make tall buildings sway.

To solve this problem, the engineers placed a huge steel ball near the top of the building. When strong winds push the tower in one direction, the ball swings the opposite way, reducing the movement that people inside can feel.

Most buildings hide such equipment from the public. Visitors can stand right next to the ball and watch it move slightly on windy days. It has even been given its own cartoon character, which appears on souvenirs sold in the building.

The ball has proved its value many times. Each time, it did exactly the job it was designed for, keeping the tower steady and the people inside safe.