| Because oxygen is vital to survival1 at high altitudes, climbers on Everest must carry tanks of compressed air. Mallory's tanks, however, were heavy and often broke down. Andrew Irvine, Mallory's climbing partner, was responsible for their maintenance.2 Some think failure of these tanks may have doomed3 Mallory and Irvine.
Other clues to the men's disappearance are few. Irvine's ice ax was found in 1933. Also, Mallory, who was very forgetful, reportedly borrowed a camera to take to the summit because he forgotten his own. If this camera were ever found, it could provide more information about Mallory's final hours.
Mallory remained missing until 1999, when climbers found his broken remains4 on a steep slope near Everest's summit. From his injuries, they determined that the bold adventurer, who inspired5 generations of climbers, had fallen and hit his head. We may never know whether Mallory actually reached the roof of the world. Nonetheless, his story stands as testimony to6 the power of nature and the intrepid human spirit. 由于在海拔高的地方氧气是登山者赖以维生的必需品，因此攀登珠穆朗玛峰的人必须携带好压缩氧气筒。然而，马洛里的氧气筒既沉重又经常故障。而与他同行的安德鲁厄文则负责这些氧气筒的维修保养工作。有些人认为氧气筒的故障可能是造成他们丧命的原因。 人们几乎找不到线索去寻找这两个失踪的人。厄文的冰斧于 1933 年被人发现。此外，经常忘东忘西的马洛里，据说在登山前忘了带自己的照相机，因此向别人借了一台。这台相机如果能被找到，就能提供关于马洛里生前最后几小时的更多资料。 直到 1999 年，一群登山者才在珠穆郎玛峰山巅附近的一处陡坡发现了马洛里残破的遗骸。从他的伤势判断，这名启发后代无数登山者的勇敢冒险家，应是失足撞到了头部。我们也许永远不会知道马洛里是否曾登上了世界屋脊，然而，他的事迹见证了大自然的力量与人类勇敢无畏的精神。 Vocabulary ● 1. survival n. existing despite difficult circumstances 幸存；生存 In the frozen Arctic, an animal's survival depends mainly on its ability to stay warm. 在冰天雪地的北极，动物能否生存主要得视其保暖的能力。 2. maintenance n. work done to keep sth. in good working condition 维修；检修 Regular car maintenance, such as oil changes, is necessary if you want your vehicle to run well. 若要让汽车正常运行，像更换机油等定期维护是绝对必要的。 3. doom v. to cause sb./sth. to experience sth. unpleasant 使遭受（失败、毁灭等） Your refusal to prepare for the test was what doomed you to failure. 你拒绝好好为考试作准备，就是造成你考试不及格的原因。 4. remains n. pl. the body of a dead person or animal 遗骸 While walking down a country road, Andy passed the remains of a dog that had been hit by a car. 安迪走在乡间小路上，经过一支被车撞死的小狗遗骸。 ● 5. inspire v. to motivate sb. to do sth. 激励 Michael Jordan inspired many young boys to become basketball players. 麦可乔丹激发了许多年轻小伙子想要成为篮球运动员。 ● 6. testimony to n. phr. proof that sth. is true 证明 The businessman's diamond rings and sports cars were testimony to his immense wealth. 这名商人的钻戒和跑车都是他雄厚财力的证明。 More Information 1. altitudes n. pl. 高处；高地 2. compressed adj. 压缩的 3. steep adj. 陡峭的 4. intrepid adj. 勇敢的；无畏的 |
