Elon Musk is a businessman, inventor and engineer and is undoubtedly, one of the leading figures in the world of technology. Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa in 1971. At the age of 12, he taught himself how to programme computers. He was accepted to university in the United States where he completed a degree in Arts. After this, he started a PhD in physics at Stanford University. However, he dropped out to pursue his interest in startups and technology.
He founded an online payment site that eventually would become a global company. In 2001 Musk began meeting with scientists to discuss the possibility of human habitation on Mars. Using his own fortune, Musk founded his company that designs rockets and space vehicles. It was the first privately owned company to do so. In 2012, the rockets made by the company docked with the International Space Station. Musk also received contracts from NASA, thus making history by proving that the concept of commercial space exploration was both possible and affordable.
Another one of Musk’s innovations is the electric car. Musk started a company and became the CEO in 2008. The company is named after Nicolai Tesla, the Serbian-American inventor and physicist, who is best known for designing the AC electrical system. The cars made by Musk’s company are designed to end the dependence on fossil fuels and so reduce the negative effects of climate change and air pollution from cars.
Why does Musk devote himself to such innovations? By creating opportunities to explore new planets, Musk believes that in the event of a major catastrophe on Earth, there would be the potential for the human race to continue elsewhere. On Earth, Musk’s inventions are designed to find renewable, environment-friendly solutions to meet the challenge of an ever-growing global population.
【小题1】What can we learn about Musk?| A．He learnt computer programmes from his teacher at 12. |
| B．He graduated from Stanford University with a degree in physics. |
| C．He received government support to found the space company. |
| D．He named his company after a well-known scientist. |
| A．Getting achievements in arts. |
| B．Founding an online payment site. |
| C．Receiving contracts from NASA. |
| D．Becoming CEO of two companies. |
| A．To expand human reach and protect the earth. |
| B．To stimulate people’s curiosity about space. |
| C．To realize his dream of becoming a leading figure. |
| D．To make more profit and set up more companies. |
| A．Gifted and humorous. | B．Curious and honest. |
| C．Generous and considerate. | D．Creative and responsible. |
