In 1909 an English newspaper offered £ 1,000 to the first man to fly across the English Channel in an aeroplane. Today, modern jets cross it in minutes. But at that time it still seemed a good distance. The race to win the money soon became a race between two men. Both were very colourful.

　　One was Louis Bleriot. He owned a factory in France that made motor car lamps. He was already well known as a pilot because he had had accidents several times. Some people laughed at him. One man said, “He may not be the first to fly across the Channel but he will certainly be the first to die in an accident!” But Bleriot was really a good and brave pilot. He also had many good ideas about aeroplane design.

　　The other man was Hubert Latham. He was half French and half English. He took up flying when his doctors told him he had only a year to live. “Oh, well,” he said, “if I’ m going to die soon, I think I shall have a dangerous and interesting life now.” Latham was the first to try the flight across the Channel. Ten kilometres from the French coast, his plane had some trouble. It fell down into the water and began to sink under the water. A boat reached Latham just in time. He was sitting calmly on the wing and was coolly lighting a cigarette.

　　Bleriot took off six days later. He flew into some very bad weather and very low cloud. He somehow got to the English side and landed in a farmer’s field. When he did so, a customs officer rushed up to his plane. “Have you anything to declare?” The officer demanded.

【In 1909 an English newspaper offered £ 1,000 to the first man阅读理解答案】相关文章：

★ Attention to detail is something everyone can阅读理解答案

★ This selection of books and guides helps you appreciate阅读理解答案

★ Alex London Research Laboratory (ALRL) is part of Alex Co., 阅读理解答案

★ You might think going to school during the summer 阅读理解答案

★ Animals seem to have the sense to eat when they are hungry阅读理解答案

★ I was saved from sin(罪过) when I was going on thirteen.阅读理解答案

★ Ask most American children what they want to 阅读理解答案

★ The oldest and most common source(来源) of renewable energy阅读理解答案

★ While beach vacations may be a great way to take your mind off work，阅读理解答案

★ All of us go through some difficult times as we approach完形填空答案