How Good Are US Drivers?
The CBS-TV“National Drivers’ Test”，showed that many US drivers have a lot to learn.Here’s why.
CBS picked 1799 sample drivers to take the test in TV studios in New York，Philadelphia，Chicago，and Los Angeles.More than two out of five of the drivers failed the test.And the average score was the lowest passing mark—51 points out of a possible 80.
Chicago drivers did best with an average of 53 points.Los Angeles drivers came next with 52 points.New York and Philadelphia drivers got 50 points—a failing score.Drivers with 50 points or less were rated“poorly informed”by the judges.
Here are some of the test results:
1.Are men drivers better informed than women ones?
Yes.Men averaged 52 points.Women got an average of 49.
2.Are older drivers better informed than younger drivers?
No.Drivers under 26 averaged 52 points.Drivers from 27 to 45 averaged 51.Drives over 45 failed with a 48-point average.
3.Does education make a difference?
Yes.College graduates averaged 52 points.High school graduates averaged 50.Those without high school diplomas(毕业证) got 48.And people who had taken driver education courses scored an average of 53 points—three more than those who hadn’t.
4.Does driving experience make a difference?
Yes.Drivers with three or more years of experience averaged 51 points.Drivers with less experience averaged 49.
Here are some surprising facts brought out by the test:
1.More than one out of three drivers did not know that a blinking red light means a full stop.
2.Three out of ten drivers did not know that an octagonal(eight-sided)sign means stop.
3.More than two out of three drivers did not know what to do when being“tailgated(追尾)”.
The answer:slow down，drive to the right，and let the driver behind pass.
The results of the test were turned over to the National Safety Council(委员会).They will help future safety planning.

1. 1.

   The author’s purpose is to_________.

   1. A.
      prove that men are better drivers than women
   2. B.
      give you safe driving directions
   3. C.
      tell you the results of a national drivers’ test
   4. D.
      require you to get an education
2. 2.

   From the information in this article，which of the following is TRUE?

   1. A.
      Older drivers are better informed than younger drivers.
   2. B.
      Experience makes a difference among drivers.
   3. C.
      Most drivers failed the test.
   4. D.
      Most people don’ t know what a blinking red light means.
3. 3.

   The test covered the following areas about drivers except_________.

   1. A.
      education
   2. B.
      years of driving experience
   3. C.
      sex
   4. D.
      health
4. 4.

   Which of the following as a group was rated“poorly informed”by the judges?

   1. A.
      Men.
   2. B.
      High school graduated drivers.
   3. C.
      Drivers from 27-45 years of age.
   4. D.
      Drivers with 3 or more years of experience.

Why!I have nothing to confess. _______you want me to stay?

A.What is it that                          B.What it is that

C.How is it that                           D.How it is that

—How wise of you to come round, but why?

— ________that all is right.

A. See      B. To see    C. Seeing    D. For seeing

—How wise of you to come round, but why?

— ________that all is right.

A. See      B. To see    C. Seeing    D. For seeing

How often do you use your car? Can you use your car less often? Do you know the following facts in the UK?

?? About 50% of all car journeys are just for fun.

?? Over 80% people go to work by car.

?? 25% car journeys are under two miles.

?? 70% car journeys are under five miles.

WALKING & CYCLING

Instead of using the car for short journeys, why not walk or ride a bicycle? Walking is a most popular form of exercise—it’s healthy and it can save you money. If you work nearby, try walking or cycling instead of driving. Walking your children to school gives them valuable road experience.

BUSES

Bus companies are using new buses: some run on new fuels which produce less pollution; some have easier access for disabled and old people. There are special traffic lanes (行车道) to make bus journeys easier and more reliable. So do something to help solve the pollution problem—let the bus take you to work and your children to school.

TRAINS

All car journeys, long or short, can be hard work. For some trips it is wiser to take the train. Leave your car at home and walk, cycle or take a bus to and from the station. Train travel is fast, safe and comfortable. Train tickets are not always expensive; some are quite cheap at discount.

The writer believes that ________ can give children valuable road experience.

A. walking to school                                  B. travelling by train

C. taking new fuel buses                           D. having car journeys for fun     

What does the writer think of travelling by train?

A. Tiring.                                                 B. Comfortable.

C. Exciting.                                       D. Awful.

What is the main purpose of this passage?

A. To advise people to use cars less often.

B. To encourage people to travel by train.

C. To teach people how to use the buses.

D. To tell people to obey traffic rules.