Do you remember last summer, when furious travelers were pounding on Congress to do something about airline customer service? Airlines promised to improve, and they adopted new standards just before Christmas. But as another summer nears, plenty of experienced travelers don’t see much improvement in customer service overall.This month, the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) inspector general’s office will issue its first critical article on whether airlines are honoring their promises. One survey suggests problems: The number of complaints to the DOT about the top 10 airlines in the first quarter soared 89% from a year ago.Hit last summer by passenger complaints and the threat of consumer-protection laws by Congress, 14 carriers voluntarily agreed to adopt a set of basic customer-service standards called Customers First. From immediate refunds to truthful reservation agents to toilets that flush during onboard delays, the “12 commitments” to passengers were introduced as a major effort to improve service. Since then, airlines have been redesigning websites, retraining employees and upgrading technology. Recently, DOT inspector general Kenneth Mead, at McCain’s request, sent 20 examiners to airports to document whether each airline is doing what it promised. Mead cautions travelers shouldn’t expect too much. Most of the promises are aimed at better communication with customers, not problems free flights.“We think passengers, both business and leisure, perceive travel as more of a quarrel these days,” spokeswoman Shelly Sasson says. “Some of this is perception, but a lot is reality.” “And when improvements are made, it takes a long time for them to be noticed”, she says. Now, the efforts may be working. During the first quarter, Delta had the second-lowest rate of complaints among the top 10carriers. Still, its rate, along with other carriers, is up from last year. McCain and other lawmakers say new consumer protection laws aren’t out of the question if the industry’s voluntary program doesn’t work.56. The passage tells us that ______.57. Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?58. Which of the following statements is closest in meaning to the sentence “Some of this is perception, but a lot is reality.” (Para. 5)?59. The author has written the last paragraph mainly to mean ______.60. In paragraph 1, the phrase “pounding on” means “______”.
No longer are contributions to computer technology confined to any one country; ( )is this more true than in Europe.
I. Translate the following passage into Chinese on your ANSWER SHEET. (10%)As the economic downturn forces corporations and small businesses to shed jobs, one large employer still has the “help wanted” sign out: the U.S. government. Experts say the federal government’s civilian workforce of 2.8 million is likely to expand significantly over the next several years as it gears up to stimulate the economy, rescue troubled banks, overhaul health care and pursue other elements of President Barack Obama’s agenda. With the economy in turmoil, the stability of a government career now holds greater appeal. And it doesn’t hurt that the new boss, President Barack Obama, has encouraged citizens to consider public service—a marked contrast to predecessor George W. Bush, who disparaged government.
As a country with a long civilized history China is also one big oriental country full of modern vitality, not to mention its unique, rich and varied tourism resources. Besides the picturesque natural scenery, profound history and extensive culture, China embodies the different folk customs of 56 nationalities. Now, there are 29 places that have been listed as World Cultural and Natural Heritages sites. Thanks to the further push by the opening up and reform, China’s modern construction is surging ahead and the cities and the country are experiencing daily changes. The ancient glory of China and its modern boom add radiance and charm to each other, joining to create a most favorable condition for developing our domestic and international tourism.
I’d rather you( )by train, because I can’t bear the idea of your being in an airplane in such bad weather.
If you go to the graduation ceremony in such shabby clothes, they may think you are a(n)( ).