Federal regulators Wednesday approved a plan to create a nationwide emergency alert (警报) system using text messages delivered to cell phones.
Text messages have exploded in popularity in recent years, particularly among young people. The wireless industry’s trade association, CTIA, estimates (估计) more than 48 billions text messages are sent each month.
The plan comes from the Warning Alter and Response Network Act, a 2006 federal law that requires improvement to the nation’s emergency alter system. The act tasked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with coming up with new ways to alter the public about emergencies.
“The ability to deliver accurate and timely warning and alters through cell phone and other mobile services is an important next step in our efforts to help ensure that the American public has the information they need to take action to protect themselves and their families before, and during, disasters and other emergencies,” FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said following approval of the plan.
Participation in the alter system by carriers — telecommunication companies — is voluntary, but it has received solid support from the wireless industry.
The program would be optional for cell phone users. They also may not be charged for receiving alters.
There would be three types of messages, according to the rules.
The first would be a national alter from the president, likely involving a terrorists attack or natural disaster. The second would involve “approaching threats,” which could include natural disasters like hurricanes or storms or even university shootings. The third would be reserved for child abduction (绑架)emergencies, or so-called Amber Alerts.
The service could be in place by 2010.
1.What is the purpose of the approval plan?
A.To warn people of emergencies via message. |
B.To popularize the use of cell phone. |
C.To estimate the monthly number of messages. |
D.To promote the wireless industry. |
2. The improvement to the present system is in the charge of ______.
A. CTLA. B. the Warning Alert and Response Network
C. FCC D. federal regulators
3.The carriers’ participation in the system is determined by _______.
A.the US federal government |
B.mobile phone users |
C.the carriers themselves |
D.the law of the United States |
4.Which of the following is true of cell phone users?
They must accept the alert service.
B. They may enjoy the alert service for free.
C. They must send the alerts to others.
D. They may choose the types of messages.
5.An alert message will NOT be sent if __________.
A. a child loses his way B. a university shooting happens
C. a natural disaster happens D, a terrorist attack occurs
6. Which of the following would be the best title for the test?
A.Cell Phone Alerts Protecting Students |
B.Cell Phone Alerts by Wireless Industry |
C.Cell Phone Alerts Natural Disasters |
D.Cell Phone Alerts Coming Soon |
On August 26, 1999, New York City was struck by a terrible rainstorm. The rain caused the streets __36___ and the subway system almost came to a stop.
Unfortunately, this happened during the morning rush hour. Many people who were going to work were __37__ to go home. Some battled to __38__a taxi or to get on a bus. Still others faced the ___39___ bravely, walking miles to get to work.
I ___40__ to be one of people on the way to work that morning. I went from subway line to subway line only to find that most _41__ had stopped. After making my way __42__ crowds of people. I finally found a subway line that was __43___. Unfortunately, there were so many people waiting to __44__ the subway that I could not even get down the stairs to the ___45__. So I took the train going in the opposite direction, and then switched back to the downtown train. Finally, after what seemed like forever, the train __46__ my stop. Then I had to walk several blocks in the increasingly heavy rain. When I got to my office, I was _47___ through, exhausted and __48__.
My co-workers and I spend most of the day drying off. When it was 5:00 pm, I was ready to go home. I was about to turn off my computer __49__I received an email from Garth, my Director:
I would like to thank all of you who made the effort and __50__ reported to work. It is always reassuring (令人欣慰), at times like these, when employees so clearly show their _51__ _to their jobs. Thank you.
Garth’s email was short, but I learned more from that ___52__ message than I ever did from a textbook. The email taught me that a few words of __53__ can make a big difference. The rainstorm and the traffic __54___ had made me tired and upset. But Garth’s words immediately __55____ me and put a smile back on my face.
36. A. break B. flood C. sink D, crash
37. A. forced B. refused C. adjusted D. gathered
38. A. order B. pay C. call D. search
39. A. climate B. scenery C. storm D. burden
40. A. used B. promised C. deserved D. happened
41. practice B. routine C. process D. service
42. A. to B. through C. over D. for
43. A. operating B. cycling C. turning D. rushing
44. A. check B. carry C. find D. board
45. A. street B. ground C. floor D. platform
46. A. paused B. crossed C. reached D. parked
47. A. wet B. weak C. sick D. hurt
48. A. ashamed B. discouraged C. surprised D. puzzled
49. A, while B. when C. where D. after
50. A. hardly B. casually C. absolutely D. eventually
51. A. devotion B. donation C. connection D. reaction
52. A, accurate B. urgent C. brief D. humorous
53. A. promise B. appreciate C. advice D. guidance
54. A. troubles B. signals C. rules D. signs
55. A. corrected B. supported C. amazed D. refreshed
Lucy’s new job paid twice as much as she had made ____ in the restaurant.
A.working |
B.work |
C.to work |
D.worked |
I bought a dress for you only 10 dollars in a sale; it was a real _____.
A.exchange |
B.bargain |
C.trade |
D.business |
Would it be ____for you to pick me up at four o’clock and take me to the airport?
A.free |
B.vacant |
C.handy |
D.convenient |
I began to feel _____ in the new school when I saw some families faces.
A.at home |
B.at heart |
C.at will |
D.at sight |