When trouble comes, what do we usually do? We pick up our mobile phones and call for help. That’s easy, right? People with mobile phones often think so. But in an emergency, many people are unable to call for help. Floods and earthquakes come suddenly. Wars can hurt or kill. Successful communication can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

Meet French NGO Telecoms Sans Frontiers (Telecommunications Without Borders). Its goal is to use mobile communication technology to help people in need. TSF began in 1998. First, they opened their main base in France. Then in 2003, they started another base in Nicaragua. The next year they opened their Thailand base. Now if a disaster hits anywhere in the world, TSF is ready. They can send workers to a disaster area to set up communication systems within 24 hours.

Once TSF arrives at a disaster area, they set up telephone connections and Internet service. They share these services with other international helpers on the scene such as the UN or UNICEF. Mobile communication helps these other volunteers do their jobs better.

TSF also offers three-minute phone calls to local people who need to contact their loved ones. These communications can allow people to get together again after being separated(分開). Often the callers are moved to tears after speaking to a relative found to be still alive. Then the families can decide on a safe course of action for their family members.

Since 1998, TSF has helped thousands of people in many countries. Most of the TSF workers does not get paid with money, but the satisfaction(滿足感) of helping others and changing lives is often a great reward.

1. Telecoms Sans Frontiers is ______________________.

       A. a mobile phone company from France            B. a charity group from France

       C. a mobile phone company from Thailand          D. a charity group from Thailand

2. What does TSF mainly do?

       A. They teach people how to use Internet service.

       B. They provide clean drinking water for people.

       C. They offer communication services for people in need.

       D. They help other volunteer groups do their jobs better.

3. How soon can TSF send workers to a disaster area?

       A. In one day.        B. In two days.             C. In three days.           D. In four days.

4. Which one shows the right order of the following events?

       a. People are moved to cry.

       b. TSF workers set up communication systems.

       c. A disaster hits somewhere in the world.

       d. TSF arrives at the disaster area in a short time.

       e. People make free calls to other family members.

       A. a-b-c-d-e           B. c-b-d-a-e                C. c-d-b-a-e             D. c-d-b-e-a

5. Which of the following is TRUE?

       A. Most TSF workers are volunteers.         

       B. TSF has a history of over 20 years.

       C. TSF provides services for local people only. 

       D. TSF had opened 4 bases worldwide by 2004.