难句解析
1. And since he needed a summer project for his student Emilio Graff, investigating the possibility of using kites as heavy lifters seemed like a good idea.
参考译文：因为他刚好需要给学生Emilio Graff布置一项暑假研究计划，调查用风筝做起重器的可能性是一个好主意。
语言点：
(1) investigate: v. to try to find out the truth about or the cause of something
The state police are investigating the incident.
I heard a noise and went downstairs to investigate.
(2) seem: v. to appear to exist or be true, or to have a particular quality
a. seem like
Teri seemed like a nice girl.
b. it seems (that)...
It seemed that Freeman had killed the man, and dumped the body in the lake.
2. The instant the sail opened into the wind, a huge force was generated and the column was raised to the vertical in a mere 40 seconds.
参考译文：风帆在风中展开那一刻产生一股巨大的风力，仅花了40秒石柱就被抬离地面。
语言点：
(1)句型分析
逗号之前的部分为the instant引导的时间状语从句，在instant后面若加上when应该就不难理解了。
(2) generate
a. v. to produce or cause something
The program would generate a lot of new jobs.
b. v. to produce heat, electricity, or another form of energy
Wind turbines generate electricity for the local community.
3. There are plenty of places around the globe where people have no access to heavy machinery, but do know how to deal with wind, sailing and basic mechanical principles.
参考译文：世界上很多地方的人没有大型机械，却知道如何利用风能、航海和基本的机械原理。
语言点：
(1) have access to sth.: to have sth. that you can use
Her mother doesn't have access to the advanced one.
(2) deal with
a. to take the necessary action, especially in order to solve a problem
Don't worry, I'll deal with this problem.
b. if a book, speech etc. deals with a particular subject, it is about that subject
These ideas are dealt with more fully in Chapter Four.
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