12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Printed by: Jose Alberto Prado Carrillo

Printed on: 12 November 2020

Scream Machines

Before Reading Poll

Roller coasters use breath-taking ways to take people for a wild ride. Some people love the thrill of riding on a
roller coaster, but others don't. What do you think?

Roller coasters are the superstar attractions of amusement parks.

Agree

Disagree

Explain why you voted the way you did.

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Article

RED BANK, New Jersey (Achieve3000, November 4, 2020). The car

climbs to the highest point of Japan's Takabisha roller coaster. It slows
there, 14 stories in the air. From there, riders get a picturesque view of
Mount Fuji. Then the car lurches and creeps forward, as if being dragged
relentlessly to the edge…

…of a bone-chilling drop that sends riders plunging toward the earth at
breath-stealing speeds!

Roller coasters are the superstar attractions of most amusement parks.

These rides combine high velocity, loops and turns, and sensory-blasting Photo credit: The Smiler – Alton
effects to play on that most primal of fears—physical danger. They're Towers Resort – Staffordshire –
designed to be safe, but roller coasters are the ultimate scream machines. England
England is home to The Smiler, a 14-
loop roller coaster whose twisting
Need for Speed track includes corkscrews,
sidewinders, dive loops, and more.
For some thrill-seekers there's no such thing as too fast, and roller coasters
rarely disappoint. Another Japanese coaster, Do-Dodonpa, doesn't waste any time getting up to speed. It accelerates
from 0 to nearly 112 miles per hour (180 kilometers per hour) in the ride's first 1.6 seconds. That acceleration is the
fastest of any coaster in the world.

To experience THE fastest roller coaster, period? Speed fiends must go to Abu Dhabi in the Middle East to climb aboard
the Formula Rossa. This roller coaster uses a catapult system to reach a speed of 149 miles per hour (240 kilometers
per hour), pinning riders in their seats. Due to flying sand and swarms of unlucky bugs, riders must wear goggles to
protect their eyes and keep their mouths shut!

Loops, Turns, and Airtime

Roller coasters don't have to touch the clouds or eclipse speed limits to deliver a hair-raising experience. Tight turns and
lofty loops generate physical forces that make riders feel as if they're about to launch from the car—or wish they hadn't
snarfed that second corn dog.

England is home to The Smiler, which boasts a record 14 inversions (when the ride flips riders upside down). The record
for the tallest vertical loop is shared by the Flash in China and the Hyper Coaster in Turkey. Both invert riders 171 feet
(52 meters) in the air!

For many, no roller coaster effect is more thrilling than airtime. That's the spine-tingling sensation of lifting out of your
seat when the coaster plummets from the top of a rise. El Toro, an old-school wooden roller coaster in New Jersey,
generates what enthusiasts say is world-class airtime. Riders are kept safe and secure by strong restraints.

Messing With the Mind

In addition to speed, curves, and loops, roller coasters may use other physical and special effects to increase the rush of
a ride. Some shoot riders into tight tunnels that shout at every bodily instinct to duck. Others roll into blinding fog,
between eruptions of fire, or splash down into giant pools of water. Such designs disorient riders by overloading their
senses. Some include heart-pounding sound effects and loud music.

The X2 roller coaster in California takes such disorientation to another level. Riders' legs dangle in the open air while
seats repeatedly rotate 360 degrees. Curves turn suddenly into jaw-clenching drops with riders facing straight down into
what feels like their doom. Even roller-coaster fanatics warn that X2 is not for the fearful.

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson
Many factors go into the making of a world-class roller coaster, but the best of the best rattle the brain as well as batter
the body. Safely, of course, so riders will stagger back in line for more…more…and just one more ride.

Video credit: Six Flags Great Adventure

Dictionary

disorient (verb) to cause to be lost or confused

primal (adjective) basic, primitive

sensory (adjective) having to do with the senses

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Activity

PART 1

Question 1
The Article primarily discusses __________.

an English roller coaster that boasts a record 14 inversions (when the ride flips riders upside down)

an old wooden roller coaster in New Jersey that is celebrated because it lifts riders out of their seats

some world-class roller coasters that safely combine high velocity, loops and turns, and sensory-blasting effects to give people
a thrill
some world-class roller coasters that rely on physical and special effects to disorient riders by overloading their senses

Question 2
The Article states:
Roller coasters don't have to touch the clouds or eclipse speed limits to deliver a hair-raising
experience. Tight turns and lofty loops generate physical forces that make riders feel as if they're about to
launch from the car…

Which is the closest synonym for the word eclipse?

exceed

initiate

modify

gauge

Question 3
According to the Article, why is the X2 roller coaster not for the fearful?

Because it has the tallest vertical loop of any roller coaster in the world, inverting riders 171 feet (52 meters) in the air

Because it has seats that rotate 360 degrees and curves that turn suddenly into jaw-clenching drops

Because it uses a catapult system to reach a speed of 149 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour), pinning riders in their seats

Because it uses special effects to shoot riders into tight tunnels that shout at every bodily instinct to duck

Question 4

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson
In what way does the Article contrast the Do-Dodonpa roller coaster with the Formula Rossa roller coaster?

The Do-Dodonpa boasts a record 14 inversions, while the Formula Rossa disorients its riders by rotating them 360 degrees.

The Do-Dodonpa boasts the fastest acceleration of any roller coaster in the world, but the Formula Rossa is the fastest roller
coaster period.
The Do-Dodonpa disorients its riders by rotating them 360 degrees, while the Formula Rossa boasts a record 14 inversions.

The Do-Dodonpa is the fastest roller coaster period, but the Formula Rossa boasts the fastest acceleration of any roller coaster
in the world.

Question 5
Which question is not answered by the Article?

Which roller coaster offers riders a view of Mt. Fuji before plunging them towards the earth at breath-stealing speeds?

What goes into the design and maintenance of a roller coaster in order to ensure rider safety?

Which two roller coasters share the record for having the tallest inverted loop in the world?

What do roller coasters use in order to generate physical forces that make riders feel as though they're going to launch from the
car?

Question 6
The Article states:
Roller coasters are the superstar attractions of most amusement parks. These rides combine high
velocity, loops and turns, and sensory-blasting effects to play on that most primal of fears—physical
danger. They're designed to be safe, but roller coasters are the ultimate scream machines.

Why did the author include this information?

To explain how roller coasters play on people's most primal fears to deliver thrilling experiences

To describe how roller coasters use sensory-blasting effects to play on people's most primal fears

To suggest that roller coaster critics do not understand that roller coasters are actually safe

To argue that roller coaster fans are people who enjoy putting themselves in physical danger

Question 7
Which two words are the closest antonyms?

Only some of these words are used in the Article.

enthusiast and fanatic

ultimate and inferior

invert and overturn

accelerate and hasten

Question 8

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson
Which of these is a statement of opinion?

The Takabisha slows at 14 stories in the air to give riders a view of Mt. Fuji before dropping.

The Formula Rossa uses a catapult system to go 149 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour).

The Flash and the Hyper Coaster share the world record for having the tallest vertical loop.

The El Toro is the best ride for beginners because it's an old-school wooden roller coaster.

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

After Reading Poll

Now that you have read the article, indicate whether you agree or disagree with this statement.

Roller coasters are the superstar attractions of amusement parks.

Agree

Disagree

Explain why you voted the way you did. Then read and respond to what others have to say.

Sorry, comments are not available at this time. Please try again later.

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Thought Question

Suppose you have just taken a ride on one of the roller coasters described in the Article. Write a story about your
experience.

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Poll Results

OPINION STATEMENT: Roller coasters are the superstar attractions of amusement parks.

BEFORE READING AFTER READING

HOW YOU VOTED

Agree Agree
Disagree Disagree

WORLDWIDE RESULTS

Agree 91% Agree 93%

Disagree 9% Disagree 7%

5% changed their opinion after reading the article.

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Math

PART 1

Suppose the rectangular-shaped waiting area around The Smiler roller coaster is 120 feet long and 95 feet wide. What is
the square footage of the waiting area?

Ar = l • w where Ar is the area of a rectangle, l is the length, and w is the width.

11,500 square feet

11,300 square feet

11,400 square feet

11,200 square feet

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Stretch Article

RED BANK, New Jersey (Achieve3000, November 4, 2020). The car

climbs to the highest point of Japan's Takabisha roller coaster. It slows
there, 14 stories in the air, treating riders to a picturesque view of Mount
Fuji. Then it lurches and creeps forward, as if being dragged relentlessly to
the edge…

…of a bone-chilling drop that sends riders plunging toward the earth at
breath-stealing speeds!

Roller coasters are the superstar attractions of most amusement parks.

These rides combine high velocity, loops and turns, and sensory-blasting Photo credit: The Smiler – Alton
effects to play on that most primal of fears—physical danger. They're Towers Resort – Staffordshire –
England
designed and maintained to be safe, but roller coasters are the ultimate
scream machines. England is home to The Smiler, a 14-
loop roller coaster whose twisting
track includes corkscrews,
Need for Speed sidewinders, dive loops, and more.

For some thrill-seekers there's no such thing as too fast, and roller coasters rarely disappoint. Another Japanese coaster,
Do-Dodonpa, doesn't waste any time getting up to speed. It accelerates from 0 to nearly 112 miles per hour (180
kilometers per hour) in the ride's first 1.6 seconds. That acceleration is the fastest of any coaster in the world.

To experience the fastest roller coaster period, daring riders can road trip to Abu Dhabi in the Middle East. There,
legendary carmaker Ferrari operates the Formula Rossa, and its car even looks like a racer. This roller coaster uses a
catapult system to reach a speed of 149 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour), pinning riders in their seats. Between
flying sand and swarms of unlucky bugs, riders have good reason to wear goggles and keep their mouths shut!

Loops, Turns, and Airtime

Roller coasters don't have to touch the clouds or eclipse speed limits to deliver a hair-raising experience. Curves, tight
turns, and lofty loops generate physical forces that make riders feel as if they're about to launch from the car—or wish
they hadn't snarfed that second corn dog.

England is home to The Smiler, which boasts a record 14 inversions (when the ride flips riders upside down). The record
for the tallest vertical loop is shared by the Flash in China and the Hyper Coaster in Turkey. Both invert riders 171 feet
(52 meters) in the air!

For many, no roller coaster effect is more thrilling than airtime. We've all seen those daredevils (or been one!) waving
their hands high above their heads as the coaster plummets from the top of a rise—as if the sensation of lifting out of
one's seat isn't spine-tingling enough. El Toro, an old-school wooden roller coaster in New Jersey, generates what
aficionados say is world-class airtime. Riders are kept safe and secure by strong restraints.

Messing With the Mind

In addition to speed, curves, and loops, roller coasters may use other physical and special effects to increase the rush of
a ride. Some shoot riders into tight tunnels or beneath low beams that shout at every bodily instinct to duck. Others roll
into blinding fog, between eruptions of fire, or splash down into giant pools of water. Such designs disorient riders by
overloading their senses with stimuli, including heart-pounding sound effects and loud music.

The X2 roller coaster in California takes such disorientation to another level. Riders' legs dangle in the open air while
seats repeatedly rotate 360 degrees; curves turn suddenly into jaw-clenching drops with riders facing straight down into
what feels like their doom. Even roller-coaster fanatics who eat double-danger burgers with a side of hot sauce warn that

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

X2 is not for the fearful.

Many factors go into the making of a world-class roller coaster, but the best of the best are designed to rattle the brain as
well as batter the body. Safely, of course, so riders will stagger back in line for more…more…and just one more ride.

Video credit: Six Flags Great Adventure

Dictionary

aficionado (noun) a fan of a sport, pastime, or art

disorient (verb) to cause to be lost or confused

primal (adjective) basic, primitive

sensory (adjective) having to do with the senses

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson

Stretch Activity

PART 1

Question 1
The Article primarily discusses __________.

an old wooden roller coaster in New Jersey that is celebrated because it lifts riders out of their seats

an English roller coaster that boasts a record 14 inversions (when the ride flips riders upside down)

some world-class roller coasters that rely on physical and special effects to disorient riders by overloading their senses with
stimuli
some world-class roller coasters that safely combine high velocity, loops and turns, and sensory-blasting effects to give people
a thrill

Question 2
Which is the closest synonym for the word disorient?

overwhelm

confound

enlighten

compress

Question 3
According to the Article, why is the X2 roller coaster not for the fearful?

Because it has the tallest vertical loop of any roller coaster in the world, inverting riders 171 feet (52 meters) in the air

Because it uses special effects to shoot riders into tight tunnels or beneath low beams that shout at every bodily instinct to duck

Because it has seats that rotate 360 degrees with zero warning so that curves turn suddenly into jaw-clenching drops

Because it uses a catapult system to reach a speed of 149 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour), pinning riders in their seats

Question 4
In what way does the Article contrast the Do-Dodonpa roller coaster with the Formula Rossa roller coaster?

The Do-Dodonpa boasts a record 14 inversions, while the Formula Rossa disorients its riders by rotating them 360 degrees.

The Do-Dodonpa boasts the fastest acceleration of any roller coaster in the world, but the Formula Rossa is the fastest roller
coaster period.
The Do-Dodonpa is the fastest roller coaster period, but the Formula Rossa boasts the fastest acceleration of any roller coaster
in the world.
The Do-Dodonpa disorients its riders by rotating them 360 degrees, while the Formula Rossa boasts a record 14 inversions.

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12/11/2020 Achieve3000: Lesson
Question 5
Which question is not answered by the Article?

What goes into the design and maintenance of a roller coaster in order to ensure rider safety?

What do roller coasters use in order to generate physical forces that make riders feel as though they're going to launch from the
car?
Which two roller coasters share the record for having the tallest inverted loop in the world?

Which roller coaster offers riders a view of Mt. Fuji before plunging them towards the earth at breath-stealing speeds?

Question 6
The Article states:
Roller coasters are the superstar attractions of most amusement parks. These rides combine high
velocity, loops and turns, and sensory-blasting effects to play on that most primal of fears—physical
danger. They're designed and maintained to be safe, but roller coasters are the ultimate scream machines.

Why did the author include this information?

To describe how roller coasters use sensory-blasting effects to play on people's most primal fears

To suggest that roller coaster critics do not understand that roller coasters are actually safe

To argue that roller coaster fans are people who enjoy putting themselves in physical danger

To explain how roller coasters play on people's most primal fears to deliver thrilling experiences

Question 7
Which two words are the closest antonyms?

Only some of these words are used in the Article.

relentless and discontinuous

enthusiast and fanatic

disorient and mystify

ultimate and supreme

Question 8
Which of these is a statement of opinion?

The Takabisha slows at 14 stories in the air to give riders a view of Mt. Fuji before dropping.

The Flash and the Hyper Coaster share the world record for having the tallest vertical loop.

The Formula Rossa uses a catapult system to go 149 miles per hour (240 kilometers per hour).

The El Toro is the best ride for beginners because it's an old-school wooden roller coaster.

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