阅读理解

　　Around the world many people are taking part in dangerous sports and activities．Of course, there have always been people who have looked for adventure-those who have climbed the highest mountains, traveled in unknown parts of the world or sailed in small boats across the greatest oceans．Now, however, there are more and more people who hunt for an immediate excitement from a dangerous activity which may only last a few minutes or even seconds．

　　Bungee jumping is a good example of such an activity．You jump from a high place 200 metres above the ground with an elastic(弹性的)rope tied to your ankles．You fall at up to 150 kilometres an hour until the rope stops you from hitting the ground．It is said that 2 million people around the world have now tried bungee jumping．Other activities which most people would say are as risky as bungee jumping include jumping from tall buildings and diving into the sea from the top of high mountains．

　　Why do people take part in such activities as these?Some scientists suggest that it is because life in modern societies has become safe and uninteresting．Not very long ago, people's lives were constantly in danger．They had to go out and hunt for food．If they were badly ill, it was not easy for them to get well again．In fact, life was a continuous battle for living and existing．

　　Nowadays, according to many people, life offers little excitement．They live and work in safe conditions; they buy food in shops; and there are doctors and hospitals to look after them if they become ill．The answer for some of these people is to look for danger in activities such as bungee jumping．