Question

【题目】A cab company in one of Japan’s major cities is introducing silent taxi drivers. Miyako Taxi, which is based in Kyoto, shows the new idea in March. The business is currently operating five “Silence Taxis” across the city.

The cars look like any ordinary taxi，but a notice written on the back of the passenger seat inform passengers that they have entered one of the new silent fleet. Drivers will offer a greeting when their passenger enters the car, and aside from confirming the route they will not engage in small talk. The drivers can indulge in conversation, only if they are spoken to first, and they are also allowed to communicate in emergency situations.

Announcing the idea, Miyako Taxi said: “This service is currently in a trial stage, with the goal of creating an in-car atmosphere that provides the most comfortable ride for passengers through limiting the driver’s speaking.” According to Japan Today, they made the move after hearing reports from passengers that they were fed up being forced to chat with their drivers.

The company will assess the popularity of the trial before deciding whether to expand it and roll it out across more of their drivers.

Language and speaking is at the heart of another issue facing Uber drivers, after lost a High Court Battle to block written tests in London. Drivers applying for a minicab license in the capital will now have to pass the written exam following Uber’s failed challenge against Transport for London (TfL). The company argued it could see up to 33,000 existing drivers lose their licences under the new rule.

The company’s London head, Tom Elvidge: vowed to challenge the rule and said, “We’ve always supported spoken English skills, but writing an essay has nothing to do with communicating with passengers or getting them safely from A to B.”

【1】According to the passage, the “Silent taxis” .

A. has gained wide popularity in Japan.

B. has not operated yet.

C. looks like ordinary taxi.

D. is not safe enough for passengers.

【2】When we are in the “Silent Taxis” .

A. no one can say anything during the driving.

B. drivers are allowed to speak in emergency situations.

C. greeting is not allowed as well.

D. the fare is free if we say nothing during the driving.

【3】What is the purpose of the “Silent Taxis” according to the passage?

A. Creating a more comfortable atmosphere in the taxi for passengers.

B. Ensuring a safer atmosphere in the taxi for passengers.

C. Attracting more passengers to take taxis.

D. Changing the impression of the taxi driver in Japan.

【4】What is the attitude of Tom Elvidge to the “Silent Taxis”?

A. Indifferent.

B. Supportive.

C. Unclear.

D. Negative.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】C

【2】B

【3】A

【4】C

【解析】本文介绍日本一种新型的出租车“Silence Taxis”。

【1】C

细节理解题。根据第二段第一句The cars look like any ordinary taxi可知，“Silent taxis”看起来像普通的出租车。故选C。

【2】B

细节理解题。根据第二段最后一句they are also allowed to communicate in emergency situations.可知，当人们在“Silent Taxis”里时，司机可以在紧急情况下发言。故选B。

【3】A

细节理解题。根据第三段中“This service is currently in a trial stage, with the goal of creating an in-car atmosphere that provides the most comfortable ride for passengers through limiting the driver’s speaking.” “Silent Taxis”的目的是为乘客营造更舒适的出租车氛围。故选A。

【4】C

推理判断题。根据最后一段The company’s London head, Tom Elvidge: vowed to challenge the rule and said, “We’ve always supported spoken English skills, but writing an essay has nothing to do with communicating with passengers or getting them safely from A to B.”可知，Tom Elvidge对“Silent Taxis”的态度并不清楚。故选C。