The idea of building super headquarters is still relatively new to Japanese corporations. Senior managers in some of the worlds best-known companies have to put up with dull, crowded and smoky open-plan offices in the kind of buildings that architects do not put their names on. All this is changing thanks to Japans booming economy and the realization that head offices can be good showcases for new technology.
From the outside, the most distinctive thing about NECs skyscraper is the hole, 42 meters wide and 15 meters high, at the level of the 12th floor. This is a wind avenue which reduces the familiar phenomenon of the urban wind-tunnel , in which tall buildings create surrounding winds.
Inside, the panel controls the lights, and air conditioning, but it also contains an office directory showing visitors where each person sits and which members of staff are at their desks at that time.
These wall panels communicate with a control room in the basement, where central computers control everything from roof, which opens in fine weather, to the earthquake alarm. From two computer terminals on a control console, it is possible to check the temperature and humidity in any one of the 110-square meter blocks in the building.
Predictably, the new technology is at its most elegant in the boardroom, which NEC calls decision rooms , on the marble-paneled 38th floor. In the largest, 42 decision-makers each have their own monitor, which can show computer graphics or television programmes. A sound system almost unnoticeably amplifies each board member. Even a whisper is clearly audible across the 22-metre room and there is no way to switch off the concealed microphones. Everyone has to be heard, even if they are snoring, one employee said.
26. Architects do not put their names on the kind of buildings mentioned in the passage because_______.
A. they do not wanfpeople to know their names
B. they feel ashamed of designing such bad buildings
C. the buildings are not impressive or have nothing special
D. it is prohibited to let the public know about their names
27. Japanese companies are thinking of building impressive buildings because _______.
A. they think it a good way to show their technology
B. they are worried about their economy
C. they cant put up with the smoky offices
D. they pay especial attention to how the new buildings can withstand earthquakes
28. The NECs skyscraper and its gadgetry are controlled_______.
A. in the boardroom B. on the roof
C. by two computer terminals D. in the basement
29. The hole is built in NECs new building in order to_______.
A. add to the buildings balance B. hold a new avenue
C. reduce the effect of the wind-tunnel D. create surrounding winds
30. It is impossible for the board members to turn off the microphones in their offices as
A. they do not know how to do so B. they never think of doing so
C. they are unwilling to do so D. they are told not to do so
26. C 27. A 28. D 29. C 30. A
【托福词根联想】Word List 2
历年托福考试高频词汇-readmit
历年托福考试高频词汇系列-reap
托福阅读词汇选集(5):DE
历年托福考试高频词汇-realize
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托福备考误区:学习托福就是背单词
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历年托福考试高频词汇-pension
托福写作高分词汇:交通
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【托福词根联想】Word List 1
托福写作词汇活用 向高分突进
历年托福考试高频词汇-tap
少用第二人称:总结托福写作需注意的语法点
【托福词根联想】Word List 2
【托福词根联想】Word List 2
托福词汇记忆方法优缺点介绍
托福听力背景词汇:预约医生
名师指点托福备考两大难题:词汇与口语
历年托福考试高频词汇-realm
历年托福考试高频词汇-pensive
托福词汇记忆方法分享:单词拆分法 逐个击破
托福阅读词汇选集(4):CD
托福独立写作中易犯的十个错误
【托福词根联想】Word List 2
托福词汇:"And"特殊用法及汉译
托福阅读词汇选集(2):ABC
托福写作技巧:对中式英语说不
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