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.
61. 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.
62. 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
63. 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
64. 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.
65. 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
66. 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
61-65 ACCBA 66 D
61. A 目的意图题。由第一段Federal regulators Wednesday approved a plan to create a nationwide emergence alert (警报) system using text messages delivered to cell phones.可知批准通过的一个新计划的内容就是研发一种通过手机短信形式发送警报的新系统。
62. C 细节理解题。由第三段最后一句话“The act tasked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with coming up with new ways to alert the public about emergencies.”可知FCC就是要来负责找到新的方法来提醒人们注意警报。
63. C 细节理解题。由第五段“Participation in the alert system by carriers –telecommunications companies is voluntary”，特别是其中的关键词“voluntary”（自愿的，自发的）,可知手机使用者自愿决定参加这个新系统的实验与否。
64. B 判断正误题。由第六段的内容描述，特别是关键句“They also may not be charged for receiving alerts.”可判断出参与者可以免费获得警报信息服务。
65. A 细节理解题。由最后一段的“The first would be a national alert from the president, likely involving a terrorist 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.”对三种信息服务的描述可知A项不是所发信息内容，B,C,D三项都分别在原文中提到了。
66. D 主旨大意题。由第一段的开门见山，点明话题到最后一段的重申主题，对未来这种新系统展望，可得出最准确的题目是D，A错在protecting students B项错在by wireless industry, C 项错在National Disasters。