【题目】 If you're one of the millions of those who use escalators each year, you are probably deeply familiar with the vertical grooves(竖凹槽)that cover each stair. Few of us have stopped to consider why they exist, though. In fact, it's one of the everyday things we take for granted.

But it is a little complicating when you think about it. Sure, the deep, grey lines make an escalator's metal stairs more appealing to the eye. But regular stairs don't have grooves like these; why do escalators need them? Is it because of the movement?

It turns out those grooves serve a more functional purpose. And, yes, it does have to do with the movement, as well as with general cleanliness! Anyone who has ridden an escalator knows that the steps everlastingly circulate from the top to the bottom. You've surely noticed the ridged yellow lip at the top of the escalator. But here's what you may not have noticed: As an escalator's steps flatten, this ridge—also called the comb plate—sweeps away any trash or litter that might have fallen on the stairs. Those grooves lock the step and comb plate together, which makes it harder for any dangerous materials to slide underneath the lip. This prevents foreign objects from getting stuck in that gap, potentially causing the escalator to stop, or worse, break down completely.

That's not the only reason why the grooves were created, though. They are also a good place for water to pool together, protecting you from a bad fall on the slick surface.

So the next time you step on an escalator, take a moment to appreciate those metal grooves. They exist to make sure you get to your office meeting on time.

1What are the first two paragraphs trying to say?

A.Millions of people use escalators every year.

B.Few people think much about the grooves.

C.Escalators are complicated machines.

D.Grooves make the stairs look better.

2The ridge is mainly designed to____

A.clean off dangerous objects.

B. keep the stairs in movement.

C.flatten the steps.

D.lock the steps.

3What does the underlined word "slick” mean in Paragraph 4?

A.Smooth.B.Sticky.

C.Steep.D.Slippery.

4What's the passage mainly about?

A.The importance of escalators.

B.The reasons for grooves on stairs.

C.The look of grooves in escalators.

D.The safe ways of riding escalators.

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