The following questions has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B. Part A: Based on information in the passage, which inference is true?

A) Rollercoasters have not changed much.

B) Early rollercoasters were dangerous.

C) The first modern rollercoaster was in Russia.

D) Early rollercoaster rides were not fun.

Part B: Select a sentence which supports the answer for Part A.

A) "Then it was truly a 'roller coaster'!"

B) "Only the most daring would navigate down a narrow, 70-foot wooden ice ramp."

C) "The shoulder restraint is made of steel, and it locks in place over the shoulders."

D) "They were always in danger of derailing."

(1) Scream machines, sky rockets, or plain old roller coasters . . . whatever you call them, would you believe they have been around since the 1600s? Only back then, the ride wasn’t called a roller coaster, and people rode down on sleds. That’s right, sleds. It all started in the frozen land of Russia. Only the most daring would navigate down a narrow, 70-foot wooden ice ramp. When the idea of the Russian sleds moved to France, the winters weren’t cold enough for sledding. That’s when wooden tracks were added to the slide, and wheels were added to the sled. Then it was truly a “roller coaster”! People plummeted down the steep slope just for the thrill of it, hoping they wouldn’t get hurt. People then and now love the exhilaration of a good roller coaster ride. However, safety is much more important.

(2) Roller coaster safety has greatly improved since the opening of the first real roller coaster ride in the United States, in 1884. To ride “The Gravity Pleasure Railway,” passengers climbed a set of wooden stairs to the “station”. Then, they got into the car and were pushed down over a few hills. When the car stopped, passengers climbed up another set of stairs. Meanwhile, workers would heave the car up to the top of the second station. The passengers boarded the car again and rode back to the first station on a different track.

(3) At this time, roller coaster cars fit onto tracks similar to the way trains fit onto railroad tracks. They were always in danger of derailing. It wasn’t until 1912 that John Miller designed under-track wheels. The wheels underneath the track kept the cars from jumping off. The under-track wheels also made it possible to build gigantic wooden coasters with steeper hills, sharper turns, and faster speeds. Speaking of fast roller coasters and how to stop them . . . the first roller coasters did not have brakes! The ride operator was in charge of pulling a lever to engage the stopping system. Brakes today are automatic and controlled by a computer. They stop by using air pressure, and they don’t rely on the strength of the operator to make sure the ride comes to a safe halt.

(4) Another safety improvement is the type of restraint that holds riders in their seats. The first coasters had no restraints at all—not even a seat belt. Now, almost all rides have at least a seat belt, and most also have a lap bar as well. For the most thrilling rides, a shoulder restraint is also used. The shoulder restraint is made of steel, and it locks in place over the shoulders. It prevents riders from flying out when speeding through loops and spins, and it protects their bodies and heads from too much movement during the ride.

(5) Restraints became very important after 1959, the year the first tubular steel roller coaster opened to the public. Steel tubing allowed new coasters to be bent into loops, curves, and hills that had never been seen before. The tubes provided a major design and safety improvement because cars’ wheels could run on the top, bottom, and sides of the tube. This helps keep the car securely in place through all the hair-raising twists and turns of the ride.

(6) Today, roller coasters are safer than ever before. To be as safe as possible, be sure to read the sign posted in front of each coaster. The sign is meant to help you stay safe. Also, it is important to follow the safety instructions given when you enter the ride. The operator will explain how to properly secure yourself into the coaster. Once you are properly secured, the coaster will be a safe thrill for you to enjoy!