The card requires users to give a spoken password that it recognizes using a built-in
Voice-recognition chip.The idea is to prevent thieves using a stolen card or fraudsters using
someone else's credit card details to buy goods online.
A model built by engineers at Beepcard in Santa Monica，California，represents the first
attempt to pack a microphone.a loudspeaker，a battery and a voice.recognition chip into a
standard.sized credit card.
They are not quite there yet：the card is the length and width of an ordinary credit card，but it
is still about three times as thick.The company now plans to make it thinner.
The voice card is based on an earlier Beepcard technology designed to prevent fraud in
online transactions This earlier card has no microphone，but has a built.in loudspeaker that it
uses to“squawk”（发出叫声）a voice ID signal via a computer's microphone to an online server.
By verifying（证实）that the signal matches the card details，the server can establish that the
user is not simply keying in a credit card number but actually has the card to hand.The ID code
changes each time the card is used in a pre—ordered sequence that only the server knows.
This prevents fraudsters recording the beeps，noting the card details and then playing back
the audible ID when they key in the details later But this earlier technology cannot prevent
fraudulent use of stolen cards The new one can
The new voice card also identifies itself by its ID squawk.but it will not do this until it has
verified the legitimate（合法的）user's spoken password Thieves will be unable to use the card
because even if they knew the password they would have to be able to copy the owner's voice
with a high degree of accuracy
The challenge for Beepcard has been to develop voice-recognition and audio circuitry that
Can be powered by a mini battery embedded（嵌入的）in a credit card.To maximize battery life，
the electronics are only switched on when the card is being used.Pressing a button on the card's
surface prompts it to utter “Say your password ”in female voice If the voice—recognition software
proves that the password is authentic（真实的），it sends its ID squawk which the server then
identifies.allowing the transaction to proceed
36 The voice credit card is an important invention because
A it can be made cost-effectively.
B it can leave voice messages，
C it makes online shopping easy
D it makes fraud difficult.
37 What is the problem which the model card？
A It is too large.
B It is toot hick
C It can't be used in online transactions
D It doesn't have a loudspeaker.
38 Which of the following statements about the earlier card is true？
A Its owner can change the ID code freely
B Its user does not need to key in the ID number.
C It can record its user's spoken password.
D It still can be used by someone else after being stolen.
39 What is the advantage of the new voice card？
A It recognizes only its owner's spoken password.
B It doesn't need to work with an online server
C It requires less ID information.
D It has a playback function
40 What can we learn from the last paragraph about the voice card？
A Only female voice passwords could be recognized.
B Further improvement should be made to extend battery life
C There is no limit to its application.
D Female customers like to use it
第三篇
More Than a Ride to School
The National Education Association claims，“The school bus is a mirror of the community.”
They further add that，unfortunately，what appears on the exterior does not always reflect the
reality of a chosen community.They are right—sometimes it reflects more！ Just ask Liesl
Denson.Riding the sch001 bus has been more than a ride to school for Liesl.
Bruce Hardy， sch001 bus driver for A1thouse Bus Company has been Liesl's bus driver since
kindergarten，Last year when Liesl's family moved to Parkesburg，knowing her bus went by her
new residence，she requested to ride the same bus.
This year Liesl is a senior and will enjoy her last year riding the bus.She says，“It's been a
great ride so far！ My bus driver is so cool and has always been a good friend and a ‘good listener
Sometimes when you're a child adults do not think that what you have to say is important ML
Hardy always listens to what you have to say and makes you feel important Her friends Ashley
Batista and Amanda Wolfe agree
Bruce Hardy has been making Octorara students feel special since 1975 This year he will
celebrate 30 years working for Althouse Bus Company.Larry Althouse，president of the company
acknowledges Bruce Hardy's outstanding record：“You do not come by employees like Bruce
these days.He has never missed a day of work and has a perfect driving record.He was
recognized in 2000 by the Pennsylvania School Bus Association for driving 350，000 accident
free miles.Hardy's reputation is made further evident through the relationships he has made with
the students that ride his bus''
Althouse further adds，“Althouse Bus Company was established 70 years ago and has been
providing quality transportation ever since My grandfather started the business with one bus.
Althouse Bus Company is delighted to have the opportunity to bring distinctive and safe service
to our local school and community and looks forward to continuing to provide quality service for
many more years to come.“
Three generations of business is not all the company has enjoyed Thanks to drivers like
Bruce Hardy ，they have been building relationships through generations.Liesl's mother Carol
also enjoys fond memories of riding Bruce Hardy's bus to the Octorara School District.
41 The word “mirror' 'in the first line could be best replaced by
A “vehicle”。
B “device”
C “need”。
D “reflection”。
42 Bruce Hardy has been working with Althouse Bus Company
A for 30 years.
B for 70 years
C since last year.
D since 2000.
43 Which of the following statements is NOT true of Bruce Hardy？
A He is popular with his passengers.
B He has never missed a day of work.
C He is an impatient person.
D He has driven 350.000 accident free miles.
44 Althouse Bus Company was founded by
A Larry Althouse.
B Althouse's grandfather.
C Liels's mother.
D Ashley Batista.
45 Althouse Bus Company pays much attention to
A employing young drivers
B running quality schools.
C providing free driving lessons.
D building sound relationships.