Flying Cats 飛貓
Cats never fail to fascinate human beings. They can be friendly and affectionate towards humans, but they lead mysterious lives of their own as well. They never become submissive like dogs and horses. As a result, humans have learned to respect feline independence. Most cats remain suspicious of humans all their lives. One of the things that fascinates us most about cats is the popular belief that they have nine lives. Apparently, there is a good deal of truth in this idea. A cat's ability to survive falls is based on fact.
Recently the New York Animal Medical Center made a study of 132 cats over a period of five months. All these cats had one experience in common: they had fallen off high buildings, yet only eight of them died from shock or injuries. Of course, New York is the ideal place for such an interesting study, because there is no shortage of tall buildings. There are plenty of high-rise windowsills to fall from! One cat, Sabrina, fell 32 storeys, yet only suffered from a broken tooth. 'Cats behave like well-trained paratroopers.' a doctor said. It seems that the further cats fall, the less they are likely to injure themselves. In a long drop, they reach speeds of 60 miles an hour and more. At high speeds, falling cats have time to relax. They stretch out their legs like flying squirrels. This increases their air-resistance and reduces the shock of impact when they hit the ground.

4. As a result, humans have learned to respect feline independence.

結果是人們已經學會尊重貓的獨立性。

語言點1:句子結構分析:as a result充當結果狀語。Have learned是現在完成時，強調結果是什么。

語言點2:as a result表示“結果是”，在寫作中可以用很多方式表達“結果是”:

Accordingly,consequently,in the issue,in consequence,in the sequel,in the event,when all is said and done

5. Most cats remain suspicious of humans all their lives.

在它們的一生中，大多數貓都對人存有戒心。

語言點1:句子結構分析:remain(保持)是系動詞，后接形容詞。

6. One of the things that fascinates us most about cats is the popular belief that they have nine lives.

最使我們感興趣的一件事情就是一種通俗的信念—貓有九條命。

語言點1:句子結構分析:that fascinates us most about cats是定語從句，修飾one of the things。That they have nine lives是同位語從句，解釋說明popular belief。主句的主體結構是One of the things is the popular belief。

語言點2:they指代cats。