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After the violent earthquake that shook Los Angeles in 1994, earthquake scientists hadgood news to report: The damage and death toll(死亡人數) could have been much worse. More than 60 people died in thisearthquake. By comparison, and earthquake of similar __1__ that shook Americain 1998 claimed 25,000 victims.
Injuries anddeaths were __2__ less in Los Angeles because the quake occurred at 4:31 a.m.On a holiday, when traffic was light on the city’s highway. In addition, __3__made to the construction codes in Los Angeles during the last 20 years havestrengthened the city’s buildings and highways, making them more __4__ toquakes.
In the past,making structures quake-resist-ant meant firm yet __5__ materials, such assteel and wood, that bend without breaking. Later, people tried to lift abuilding off its foundation, and insert rubber and steel between the buildingand its foundation to __6__ the impact of ground vibrations. The most __7__designs give buildings brains as well as concrete and steel supports, calledsmart buildings, the structures respond like living organisms to anearthquake’s vibrations. When ground shakes and the building tips forward, thecomputer would __8__ the building to shift in the opposite direction. The newdesigns should offer even greater __9__ to cities where earthquakes ofen takeplace.
The new smart structures could be very __10__ to build. However, they would save manylives and would be less likely to be damaged during earthquakes.
[A]changes
[B]flexible
[C]decrease
[D]recent
[E]push
[F]reduce
[G]relatively
[H]safety
[I]resistant
[J]expensive
[K]force
[L]accordingly
[M]intensity
[N]security
[O]opposed
