Derek and Shirley walked out of the airport building and into the bright sunshine. Looking up at the brilliant blue sky and then at the faraway mountains rising above the swaying palm trees, they couldn’t wait to start their holiday.
A taxi pulled up swiftly and silently. Derek dropped their suitcases into the boot and joined Shirley in the back seat. “Palm Trees Hotel, please,” Derek said excitedly. “Certainly, sir,” replied the driver, as he turned around with a flashing white smile. Derek and Shirley gave each other a puzzled look as the taxi eased smoothly into the traffic. “Excuse me, er, your face seems very familiar—in fact, you remind us of that famous film star, Rocky Overton... but of course, you can’t be.”
Derek and Shirley sat in silent disbelief as the driver explained that he was not a real person, but a robot made to look like a famous actor. “Rocky” explained that the taxi company had purchased the latest model of robot drivers since they were programmed to be safer and more reliable than human drivers. “So, here I am,” “Rocky” continued, “your first robot taxi driver!”
Derek and Shirley held each other’s hands more lightly. “Relax,” “Rocky” reassured them, “there is nothing for you to worry about. I can assure you that my driving skills are excellent. I’m equipped with perfect vision and superior reactions, and I know every street in the city. I am instantly updated with the latest traffic information so that I can avoid traffic jams and get you to your destination in the quickest and least stressful manner. Please sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.”
Derek and Shirley, feeling a little better, leaned back in their seats and closed their eyes. “And another thing,” “Rocky” added, “my line of robots represents the ultimate (最高典范) in computer technology. I am beautifully designed, made from only the best materials and subject to the strictest quality checks. Therefore, you are entirely safe with me. Nothing could possibly go wrong... could possibly go wrong, wrong… go wrong…”
4. Why did Derek and Shirley feel puzzled when they got into the taxi?
A.Because the driver was a robot. |
B.Because the driver was Rocky Overton. |
C.Because the driver gave them a big smile. |
D.Because the driver looked like a famous actor. |
5. What do we know about the taxi driver “Rocky”?
A.It has the perfect vision and superior reactions. |
B.It is the first robot taxi driver in the world. |
C.It is instantly updated with the latest news. |
D.It has never get stuck in traffic jams. |
6. What does the underlined word “reassured” in paragraph 4 probably mean?
A.Threatened. | B.Persuaded. | C.Surprised. | D.Comforted. |
7. What can we infer from the last paragraph?
A.Robot drivers are perfectly designed. |
B.Robot drivers are able to repeat the words. |
C.Robot drivers are not so reliable as expected. |
D.Robot drivers are not safer than human drivers. |