Section A Directions: In this section, there
is a short passage with 5 questions or incomplete statements. Read the passage
carefully. Then answer the questions or complete the statements in the fewest
possible words. Please write your answers on Answer Sheet 2.
Technology was supposed to set us free, but in the car
industry it’s locking us out of our vehicles. And as many more car keys contain
electronic chips and come equipped with computerized anti-theft ignition
systems, this problem looks set to worsen, experts say. The days
of visiting a hardware store for an extra car key are quickly vanishing, and
consumers and advocacy groups say the time needed to replace missing or lost
electronic keys is inordinately long and expensive - and drivers may have no
recourse (求助对象) when dealerships are not open. Getting a new electronic key can
cost hundreds of dollars, including the cost of towing a car.
Unlike an old-fashioned mechanical key, which unlocks a door or starts an
ignition with its "teeth", an electronic car key works by sending a code that
must be read electronically before a vehicle’s engine will start. The technology
for these keys is evolving rapidly and only a few locksmiths are investing in
the technology needed to replace them, meaning most drivers who lose their keys
are forced to visit a dealership for a replacement. In a study
of the cost of replacing keys in 50 makes and models of vehicles in the
Washington, D. C. area, Ditlow’s group found that the average cost of an
old-fashioned mechanical key was $12, while the average local dealer price of a
"smart" or electronic key was $152. The highest key replacement cost was $335
for a 2004 Lexus IS300. Ditlow speculates that with a healthy
profit coming from their service and parts replacement divisions, auto companies
are reluctant to make the codes for their electronic keys more readily
available. For their part, automakers say making the information readily
accessible would lessen the effectiveness of their anti-theft systems. To remedy
this, Ditlow has suggested that the National Insurance Crime Bureau, which
combats theft and insurance fraud, maintain a database of key codes so they can
be easily located. Some automakers do indeed provide their
information, but not all. And as automobile electronics become increasingly
sophisticated and increasingly common, the electronic key problem looks set to
continue to dog drivers, experts say. Most luxury cars now have sophisticated
electronic key systems, and car lockouts are among the most common reasons for
roadside-assistance calls according to the AAA. Ditlow suggests making the code information of the electronic keys readily accessible under the supervision of ______.