Level 1 · Reading series
Lesson 52 · Why Elevators Have Mirrors
Audio track 52
Listen first
Listen once before opening the English passage.
Open the English passage and hover for word help
Why is there a mirror in an elevator? It can make the small space look larger because it reflects the room.
It can also help a wheelchair user. In a small elevator, turning around may be difficult. The person can use the mirror to see the exit and move backward out of the elevator more safely. The mirror gives a view behind them.
Good design aims to be accessible to different users. A familiar object can have a purpose that we never notice.
Sentence practice
Play any sentence in Dicvo’s Jenny English voice. Before playing all, choose how many times each sentence plays. A practice pause about as long as the sentence follows each play, including before the next sentence. The complete reading remains above.
Choose a sentence to begin.
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Why is there a mirror in an elevator?
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It can make the small space look larger because it reflects the room.
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It can also help a wheelchair user.
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In a small elevator, turning around may be difficult.
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The person can use the mirror to see the exit and move backward out of the elevator more safely.
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The mirror gives a view behind them.
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Good design aims to be accessible to different users.
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A familiar object can have a purpose that we never notice.
Check your understanding
After reading, state the main idea in one sentence and find a line that supports it.
Chinese translation
电梯里为什么会有镜子？镜子映出周围的空间，能让狭小的电梯看起来宽敞一些。
它还能帮助乘坐轮椅的人。在小电梯里，轮椅可能难以转身。使用者能借助镜子看到出口，再更安全地倒退着离开。镜子提供了身后的视野。
好的设计会考虑不同使用者的需要。一个熟悉的物品，也许有我们从未留意过的用途。
Key words and expressions
Key terms have Chinese explanations. Hover over dotted words in the English passage for word help and pronunciation when available.
- mirror
- 镜子。
- elevator
- 电梯；英式英语也用 lift。
- space
- 空间；地方；也可指宇宙。
- reflect
- 映出；反射。
- wheelchair
- 轮椅。
- turn around
- 转身；改变方向。
- exit
- 出口；离开。
- backward
- 向后地；背向前进方向地。
- view
- 视野；景色；意见。
- accessible
- 无障碍的；便于使用的。
Background notes (Chinese)
电梯里的镜子可以让空间显得更大，也方便人们观察周围。对无法在轿厢内轻易转身的轮椅使用者而言，它尤其能帮助看清后方，安全退出。设施要求会因地区和建筑而不同。
资料来源：日本电梯协会常见问题，以及无障碍设施设计资料。