Unit 4 Section A I Background Knowled s 1. telecommunications Telecommunications. from Greek. means "communications at a distance Telecommunications through voice, data, and image communication is changing the world. The ease of accessing information and people anywhere at anytime is having major impacts on society, business, and finance. Two major trends have occurred in the technology that is applicable to telecommunications. The first trend has been the incredible increase in the processing power of digital computers, namely, dramatic decreases in physical size along with equally dramatic increases in complexity, speed and capacity. The second trend has been the explosive growth in transmission capacity through the widespread use of optical fiber across continents and under oceans. These two trends have had impressive long-term consequences for telecommunications around the world. The internet and the world wide web have already created a global system for the access of information. It has become popular that people check flight, weather, and hotels before traveling to a foreign country. E-mail makes it easy to keep in contact instantly with colleagues and friends around the globe. But many of the peoples of the world do not even have a telephone, much less access to the Internet and he information. The challenge to the telecommunications industry is to bridge the digital gap and extend the availability of communications to all parts of the planet 2. optical fiber e Optical fiber(or"fiber optic?")often refers to the medium and the technology associated with transmission of information as light pulses along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. Optical fiber carries much more information than conventional copper wire and is in general not subject to long-distance lines are now of optical fiber. Transmission on optical fiber wire requires repeater at distance intervals. The glass fiber requires more protection within an outer cable than copper For these reasons and because the installation of any new wiring is labor-intensive, few communities yet have optical fiber wires or cables from the phone company's branch office to local customers( known as local loop). Single mode fiber is used for longer distances, multimode fiber is used for shorter distances 3. Information Age When we say that we live in the Information Age, we mean that we live in a time when information is very important and easy to get. The Information Age is an era of fundamental and global change in intellectual, philosophical, cultural and social terms. Todays Information Age began with the telegraph. It was the first instrument to transform information into electrical form and transmit it reliably over long distances. New techniques of encoding and distributing digital information are pacing the spread of the Information Age throughout society 4. information superhighway The information superhighway can be understood to be a highway which has computer technology and modern communication technology serving as the base of the road and
Unit 4 Section A I. Background Knowledge 1. telecommunications Telecommunications, from Greek, means “communications at a distance”. Telecommunications through voice, data, and image communication is changing the world. The ease of accessing information and people anywhere at anytime is having major impacts on society, business, and finance. Two major trends have occurred in the technology that is applicable to telecommunications. The first trend has been the incredible increase in the processing power of digital computers, namely, dramatic decreases in physical size along with equally dramatic increases in complexity, speed and capacity. The second trend has been the explosive growth in transmission capacity through the widespread use of optical fiber across continents and under oceans. These two trends have had impressive long-term consequences for telecommunications around the world. The Internet and the World Wide Web have already created a global system for the access of information. It has become popular that people check flight, weather, and hotels before traveling to a foreign country. E-mail makes it easy to keep in contact instantly with colleagues and friends around the globe. But many of the peoples of the world do not even have a telephone, much less access to the Internet and the information. The challenge to the telecommunications industry is to bridge the digital gap and extend the availability of communications to all parts of the planet. 2. optical fiber Optical fiber (or “fiber optic”) often refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of information as light pulses along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. Optical fiber carries much more information than conventional copper wire and is in general not subject to electromagnetic interference and the need to retransmit signals. Most telephone company long-distance lines are now of optical fiber. Transmission on optical fiber wire requires repeater at distance intervals. The glass fiber requires more protection within an outer cable than copper. For these reasons and because the installation of any new wiring is labor-intensive, few communities yet have optical fiber wires or cables from the phone company’s branch office to local customers ( known as local loop). Single mode fiber is used for longer distances; multimode fiber is used for shorter distances. 3. Information Age When we say that we live in the Information Age, we mean that we live in a time when information is very important and easy to get. The Information Age is an era of fundamental and global change in intellectual, philosophical, cultural and social terms. Today’s Information Age began with the telegraph. It was the first instrument to transform information into electrical form and transmit it reliably over long distances. New techniques of encoding and distributing digital information are pacing the spread of the Information Age throughout society. 4. information superhighway The information superhighway can be understood to be a highway which has computer technology and modern communication technology serving as the base of the road and
fiber-optic cables serving as the surface of the road The"vehicles"are the multimedia machines equipped with computer, television and telephone, and high speed transmission and exchange of various multimedia information forms the web covering the whole nation. If the national superhighways all over the world are linked together, the global information superhighway will be created II. Text Analysis The reading passage deals with the popular and current topics of today telecommunications revolution. The passage explores the topic from different aspects: the advantages of telecommunications technologies, questions that should be considered in developing the new technologies for developing countries, different countries trying to solv different problems with different resolutions, and lastly the conclusions The whole passage can be divided into four parts Part One( Para 1-2) The two paragraphs focus on the overwhelming advantages of telecommunications revolution especially for developing countries Part Two( Para 3) This paragraph puts forward a question for consideration: how fast to develo telecommunications technologies in developing countries Part Three( Para 4-10) This part deals with 6 different countries or regions, such as Russia, China, Hungary, Latin American countries. Thailand and Vietnam in the transformation of telecommunications technologies. Different countries have different backgrounds and they seek different ways out of their respective problems to realize telecommunications transformation Part Four( Para I1) The passage comes to the conclusion that developing countries can catch up with Americans and Western Europeans in telecommunications technologies if they persist in their efforts even though they will make mistakes in the process of transformation I. Language points 1. The Telecommunications Revolution Telecommunications: n. the sending and receiving of messages over distance, esp. by telephone, radio and television the telecomm ns industry电信工业 a telecommunications satellite通信卫星 We will encourage the development of the most modern telecommunications networks 我们将鼓励发展最先进的通信网络 2. A transformation is occurring that should greatly boost living standards in the developing world. Para. 1) Meaning: A change is taking place that should greatly improve and promote standards of living of the developing countries 3. Places that until recently were deaf and dumb are rapidly acquiring up-to-date telecommunications that will let them promote both internal and foreign investment. ( Para. 1) Meaning: Those areas where until recently people were unable to communicate with the
fiber-optic cables serving as the surface of the road. The “vehicles” are the multimedia machines equipped with computer, television and telephone, and high speed transmission and exchange of various multimedia information forms the web covering the whole nation. If the national superhighways all over the world are linked together, the global information superhighway will be created. II. Text Analysis The reading passage deals with one of the popular and current topics of today--- telecommunications revolution. The passage explores the topic from different aspects: the advantages of telecommunications technologies, questions that should be considered in developing the new technologies for developing countries, different countries trying to solve different problems with different resolutions, and lastly the conclusions. The whole passage can be divided into four parts: Part One ( Para 1-2) The two paragraphs focus on the overwhelming advantages of telecommunications revolution, especially for developing countries. Part Two ( Para 3) This paragraph puts forward a question for consideration: how fast to develop telecommunications technologies in developing countries. Part Three ( Para 4-10) This part deals with 6 different countries or regions, such as Russia, China, Hungary, Latin American countries, Thailand and Vietnam in the transformation of telecommunications technologies. Different countries have different backgrounds and they seek different ways out of their respective problems to realize telecommunications transformation. Part Four ( Para 11) The passage comes to the conclusion that developing countries can catch up with Americans and Western Europeans in telecommunications technologies if they persist in their efforts even though they will make mistakes in the process of transformation. III. Language Points 1. The Telecommunications Revolution Telecommunications: n. the sending and receiving of messages over distance, esp. by telephone, radio and television the telecommunications industry 电信工业 a telecommunications satellite 通信卫星 We will encourage the development of the most modern telecommunications networks. 我们将鼓励发展最先进的通信网络。 2. A transformation is occurring that should greatly boost living standards in the developing world. (Para. 1) Meaning: A change is taking place that should greatly improve and promote standards of living of the developing countries. 3. Places that until recently were deaf and dumb are rapidly acquiring up-to-date telecommunications that will let them promote both internal and foreign investment. (Para.1) Meaning: Those areas where until recently people were unable to communicate with the
outside world because of the lack of communications facilities are now getting advanced telecommunications and this will allow them to attract or draw more investment from both home and abroad All these developing regions see advanced communications as a way to leap over whole stages of economic development. (Para. 2) Meaning: All these developing regions regard directly acquiring and making use of up-to-date communications as a way to catch up with the advanced countries 5. Widespread access to information technologies, for example, promises to condense the time required to change from labor-intensive assembly work to industries that involve Meaning: A great number of opportunities of using information technologies, for example will make it possible to lessen or shorten the time needed to change from labor-intensive assembly work to industries that involve engineering, marketing esi2 access to(sth ) means or right of using, reaching, or obtaining Students need easy access to books 要使学生很方便就能借到图书。 My ex-husband has access to the children at weekends 我的前夫有权在周末同孩子们在一起。 The system had been designed to give the user quick and easy access to the required information 该系统的设计使得用户能够快速简便地获得所需要的信息 condense: v. 1)(of a gas)to become liquid, or sometimes solid, esp. by becoming cooler When a gas or vapor condenses, it changes into liquid 气体或水蒸气冷凝时变成液体 2)reduce(esp sth written) to a smaller or shortened form I tried to condense the report into as few words as possible 我努力把报告压缩得尽可能短一些。 6. Modern communications"will give countries like China and Vietnam a huge advantage over countries stuck with old technology".(Para. 2) Meaning: Modern communications will give countries like China and Vietnam a greater chance of success than countries that still continue to use old technologies be stuck with: having to do, have, or deal with, esp. unwillingly We were stuck with relatives who came to stay unexpectedly 我们不得不应付那些不期而至住在我们这儿的亲戚 Jim always got stuck with cleaning the garage 吉姆总是不得不干打扫车库的活。 7. How fast these nations should push ahead is a matter of debate. Para 3) Meaning: People have different opinions as to how fast these countries should move ahead or advance 8. Still, there's little dispute that communications will be a key factor separating the winners from the losers. (Para. 4) Meaning: Still, people are almost of the same opinion/ almost all people agree that
outside world because of the lack of communications facilities are now getting advanced telecommunications and this will allow them to attract or draw more investment from both home and abroad. 4. All these developing regions see advanced communications as a way to leap over whole stages of economic development. (Para. 2) Meaning: All these developing regions regard directly acquiring and making use of up-to-date communications as a way to catch up with the advanced countries economically. 5. Widespread access to information technologies, for example, promises to condense the time required to change from labor-intensive assembly work to industries that involve engineering, marketing, and design. (Para.2) Meaning: A great number of opportunities of using information technologies, for example, will make it possible to lessen or shorten the time needed to change from labor-intensive assembly work to industries that involve engineering, marketing, and design. access to (sth.): means or right of using , reaching, or obtaining Students need easy access to books. 要使学生很方便就能借到图书。 My ex-husband has access to the children at weekends. 我的前夫有权在周末同孩子们在一起。 The system had been designed to give the user quick and easy access to the required information. 该系统的设计使得用户能够快速简便地获得所需要的信息。 condense: v. 1) ( of a gas) to become liquid, or sometimes solid, esp. by becoming cooler When a gas or vapor condenses, it changes into liquid. 气体或水蒸气冷凝时变成液体。 2) reduce (esp.sth.written) to a smaller or shortened form I tried to condense the report into as few words as possible. 我努力把报告压缩得尽可能短一些。 6. Modern communications “will give countries like China and Vietnam a huge advantage over countries stuck with old technology”. (Para.2) Meaning: Modern communications will give countries like China and Vietnam a greater chance of success than countries that still continue to use old technologies. be stuck with: having to do, have , or deal with,esp. unwillingly We were stuck with relatives who came to stay unexpectedly. 我们不得不应付那些不期而至住在我们这儿的亲戚。 Jim always got stuck with cleaning the garage. 吉姆总是不得不干打扫车库的活。 7. How fast these nations should push ahead is a matter of debate.(Para.3) Meaning: People have different opinions as to how fast these countries should move ahead or advance. 8. Still, there’s little dispute that communications will be a key factor separating the winners from the losers. (Para .4) Meaning: Still, people are almost of the same opinion/ almost all people agree that
communications will be crucial in deciding who are the winners and who are the 9. To lick this problem, Russia is starting to install optical fiber and has a strategic plan to pump $40 billion into various communications projects. (Para. 4) Meaning: To overcome this problem, Russia is beginning to install optical fiber and has a strategic plan to put $40 billion into various communications projects in orde make these projects successful 10. But its economy is stuck in recession and it barely has the money to even scratch the surface of the problem. ( Para. 4) Meaning: But its economy is deeply involved in a difficult time and it has almost no money to solve even a small part of the problem stick in: remain in( a place, or situation), unable to move The poor cat has been stuck in the top branches all morning 这只可怜的猫整整一上午都困在高高的树枝上,动不了 He was stuck awkwardly in the middle 他处于进退两难的尴尬境地 I1. Wireless demand and usage have also exploded across the entire width and breadth of Latin America.(Para. 8) Meaning: There is a sudden popularity of mobile phones all over the countries in Latin America 12. For wireless phone service providers, nowhere is business better than in Latin America-having an operation there is like having an endless pile of money at your disposal. (Para. 8) Meaning: For wireless phone service providers, business is the more profitable in Latin merica than in other countries, and if you have an operation there, you are sure to make a lot of money without any risk 13. So mobile phones have become the rage among businesspeople, who can remain in contact d respite the traffic Para. 9) Meaning: So having mobile phones has become popular and fashionable among the people who work in business because mobile phones can keep them in touch with other people even when they are caught in traffic jams rage: 1)infiml a very popular fashion the latest rage(非正式)最时髦的东西 Dresses like this used to be all the rage. very fashionable) 像这样的衣服曾经风靡一时。 2)a feeling of violent anger that is difficult to control His suggestions have been greeted with rage by his opponents 对他的建议,他的对手们的反应是勃然大怒 ep pace with anyo keep pace with change quickly in response to sth. that is changing She works so fast I cant keep pace with her. 她工作的很快,我跟不上她的速度。 Earnings have not kept pace with inflation 收入的增长赶不上通货膨胀
communications will be crucial in deciding who are the winners and who are the losers. 9. To lick this problem, Russia is starting to install optical fiber and has a strategic plan to pump $40 billion into various communications projects. (Para.4) Meaning: To overcome this problem, Russia is beginning to install optical fiber and has a strategic plan to put $40 billion into various communications projects in order to make these projects successful. 10. But its economy is stuck in recession and it barely has the money to even scratch the surface of the problem. (Para. 4) Meaning: But its economy is deeply involved in a difficult time and it has almost no money to solve even a small part of the problem. stick in: remain in ( a place, or situation), unable to move The poor cat has been stuck in the top branches all morning. 这只可怜的猫整整一上午都困在高高的树枝上，动不了。 He was stuck awkwardly in the middle. 他处于进退两难的尴尬境地。 11. Wireless demand and usage have also exploded across the entire width and breadth of Latin America. (Para. 8) Meaning: There is a sudden popularity of mobile phones all over the countries in Latin America. 12. For wireless phone service providers, nowhere is business better than in Latin America—having an operation there is like having an endless pile of money at your disposal. (Para. 8) Meaning: For wireless phone service providers, business is the more profitable in Latin America than in other countries, and if you have an operation there, you are sure to make a lot of money without any risk. 13. So mobile phones have become the rage among businesspeople, who can remain in contact despite the traffic jams. (Para. 9) Meaning: So having mobile phones has become popular and fashionable among the people who work in business because mobile phones can keep them in touch with other people even when they are caught in traffic jams. rage: 1) infml a very popular fashion the latest rage （非正式）最时髦的东西 Dresses like this used to be all the rage. ( very fashionable) 像这样的衣服曾经风靡一时。 2) a feeling of violent anger that is difficult to control His suggestions have been greeted with rage by his opponents. 对他的建议，他的对手们的反应是勃然大怒。 14. … to keep pace with anyone… (Para.10) keep pace with: change quickly in response to sth. that is changing She works so fast I can’t keep pace with her. 她工作的很快，我跟不上她的速度。 Earnings have not kept pace with inflation. 收入的增长赶不上通货膨胀
15. For countries that have lagged behind for so long, the temptation to move ahead in one jump is hard Meaning: For countries that have been backward for a long time, it is hard for them to resist sta lag behind to move or develop more slowly than others He lagged behind the rest of the children because he kept stopping to look in shop wind 他由于不断地停下来看商店橱窗,所以落在其他孩子的后面。 Why is this country lagging behind in the development of space technology? 为什么这个国家在发展太空技术方面落后了呢? IV Writing Comparing and contrasting, or thinking about similarities and differences, is an activity that we do everyday wherever we have to make decisions. When buying a new car, you compare and contrast several cars before choosing one. when thinking about what classes to take next semester, you compare and contrast the teachers and the class hours before making your choices Even deciding where to eat involves comparing and contrasting We also frequently make comparisons and contrasts in writing. In the business world,you may have to evaluate proposals from two companies who want to do business with you, or you may have to evaluate two jobs applicants, two computer systems, or two health insurance plans A comparison and contrast essay can be organized in the following way The thesis statement in a comparison- contrast essay should clearly name the topics of the comparison. It should also indicate that this is going to be a comparison-contrast analysis. The thesis statement sometimes also names the points on which the topics are going to be compared and contrasted The concluding paragraph of a comparison-contrast essay can follow the same pattern as other onclusions: concluding sentence(s) followed by the writer's final thoughts When you want to compare something within a sentence or between two sentences, comparison tructure words and phrases are useful. These words and phrases connect the two parts of a comparison of two items, places, persons, and so on COMPARISON STRUCTURE WORDS AND PHRASES Similarly, likewise, also, too, and . (too) as, just as, just like, the same, alike, similar to, the same as, equally, both-and, not only... but also, to compare.with, in comparison with, be different from, on the contrary, unlike Sample One Typhoons and earthquakes are relatively common in Southeast Asia, both of them can be very destructive and frightening <. When a typhoon hits, there is usually enough time to issue a warning. People are told to go nside. They should close the windows and lock the doors. Anything left loose may blow away a typhoon is a very powerful storm with strong winds and lots of rainfall. It blows down signs, trees, telephone poles and anything else it can. A very strong typhoon is often followed by floods that destroy houses. After a typhoon there is often a lot of damage to repair
15. For countries that have lagged behind for so long, the temptation to move ahead in one jump is hard to resist. (Para.11) Meaning: For countries that have been backward for a long time, it is hard for them to resist the temptation to leap over whole stages for economic development. lag behind: to move or develop more slowly than others He lagged behind the rest of the children because he kept stopping to look in shop windows. 他由于不断地停下来看商店橱窗，所以落在其他孩子的后面。 Why is this country lagging behind in the development of space technology? 为什么这个国家在发展太空技术方面落后了呢？ IV. Writing Comparing and contrasting, or thinking about similarities and differences, is an activity that we do everyday wherever we have to make decisions. When buying a new car, you compare and contrast several cars before choosing one. When thinking about what classes to take next semester, you compare and contrast the teachers and the class hours before making your choices. Even deciding where to eat involves comparing and contrasting. We also frequently make comparisons and contrasts in writing. In the business world, you may have to evaluate proposals from two companies who want to do business with you, or you may have to evaluate two jobs applicants, two computer systems, or two health insurance plans. A comparison and contrast essay can be organized in the following way: The thesis statement in a comparison- contrast essay should clearly name the topics of the comparison. It should also indicate that this is going to be a comparison- contrast analysis. The thesis statement sometimes also names the points on which the topics are going to be compared and contrasted. The concluding paragraph of a comparison-contrast essay can follow the same pattern as other conclusions: concluding sentence(s) followed by the writer’s final thoughts. When you want to compare something within a sentence or between two sentences, comparison structure words and phrases are useful. These words and phrases connect the two parts of a comparison of two items, places, persons, and so on. COMPARISON STRUCTURE WORDS AND PHRASES Similarly, likewise, also, too, and…(too) as, just as, just like, the same, alike, similar to, the same as, equally, both—and, not only…but also, to compare…with, in comparison with, be different from, on the contrary, unlike Sample One Typhoons and Earthquakes Typhoons and earthquakes are relatively common in Southeast Asia, both of them can be very destructive and frightening. When a typhoon hits, there is usually enough time to issue a warning. People are told to go inside. They should close the windows and lock the doors. Anything left loose may blow away. A typhoon is a very powerful storm with strong winds and lots of rainfall. It blows down signs, trees, telephone poles and anything else it can. A very strong typhoon is often followed by floods that destroy houses. After a typhoon there is often a lot of damage to repair
Earthquakes are less predictable than typhoons. They can occur any time of the day or night ny time of the year. When an earthquake hits, the ground begins to shake, windows rattle, chandeliers and furniture move. A very strong earthquake may cause children to collapse, killing many people. Sometimes it starts a landslide or an avalanche Typhoons and earthq Southeast asians feel nervous and scared Sample Two The difference between Birds and airplanes The difference between birds and airplanes is in the way they move The birds move by apping their wings. It is very difficult to make the wings of an airplane like the wings of birds Another difference is birds don't have to depend on fuel. They get their power from their food Unlike the birds, an airplane can not take off unless it has a special type of fuel. It will come crashing down if it runs out of fuel while in flight. Lastly, a bird can land whenever and wherever it likes, while special airports have to be built for most types of aircraft to land Simon m. phil Focus on english Section b I. Reading skills Recognizing Paragraph Patterns(D) Paragraphs are important units of thought in the essays and stories you read. And figuring out the meaning or meanings in a paragraph is your basic challenge as a reader. The ability to recognize paragraph patterns can help readers to have a better understanding of the main idea of the reading passage, understand the text structure and even construct well-organized paragraphs or short compositions Paragraph information often appears in patterns that can be recognized or analyzed. If you know some typical paragraph patterns in which information may appear, you may find it easier to understand what you read. Of course, no writer follows any patterns rigidly. Usually, in any essay or story, many different patterns appear. In a single paragraph, in fact, they often overlap and combine In our New Horicon college English series, we have come across in our analysis: Cause and Effect, Comparison and Contrast, Time Sequence, a Set of Sequential Actions, a General Point Supported by Details/ Examples/ a List of Things, a Problem-Solution Pattern, etc Example Wireless demand and usage have also explored acmss the entire width and breadth of latin America. For wireless phone service providers, nowhere is business better than in Latin America-having an operation there is like having an endless pile of money at your disposal BellSouth Corporation, with operations in four wireless markets, estimates its annual revenue per average customer at about $2,000 as compared to $860 in the United States. That s partly because Latin American customers talk nwo to four times as long as on the phone as people in 1. What is the main idea of the passage? y North America. Para. 8, Passage A, Unit 4
Earthquakes are less predictable than typhoons. They can occur any time of the day or night, any time of the year. When an earthquake hits, the ground begins to shake, windows rattle, chandeliers and furniture move. A very strong earthquake may cause children to collapse, killing many people. Sometimes it starts a landslide or an avalanche. Typhoons and earthquakes often make many Southeast Asians feel nervous and scared. Sample Two The Difference between Birds and Airplanes The difference between birds and airplanes is in the way they move. The birds move by flapping their wings. It is very difficult to make the wings of an airplane like the wings of birds. Another difference is birds don’t have to depend on fuel. They get their power from their food. Unlike the birds, an airplane can not take off unless it has a special type of fuel. It will come crashing down if it runs out of fuel while in flight. Lastly, a bird can land whenever and wherever it likes, while special airports have to be built for most types of aircraft to land. Simon M. Phil Focus on English Section B I. Reading Skills Recognizing Paragraph Patterns (1) Paragraphs are important units of thought in the essays and stories you read. And figuring out the meaning or meanings in a paragraph is your basic challenge as a reader. The ability to recognize paragraph patterns can help readers to have a better understanding of the main idea of the reading passage, understand the text structure and even construct well-organized paragraphs or short compositions Paragraph information often appears in patterns that can be recognized or analyzed. If you know some typical paragraph patterns in which information may appear, you may find it easier to understand what you read. Of course, no writer follows any patterns rigidly. Usually, in any essay or story, many different patterns appear. In a single paragraph, in fact, they often overlap and combine. In our New Horizon college English series, we have come across in our analysis: Cause and Effect, Comparison and Contrast, Time Sequence, a Set of Sequential Actions, a General Point Supported by Details/ Examples/ a List of Things, a Problem-Solution Pattern, etc. Example Wireless demand and usage have also explored across the entire width and breadth of Latin America. For wireless phone service providers, nowhere is business better than in Latin America—having an operation there is like having an endless pile of money at your disposal. BellSouth Corporation, with operations in four wireless markets, estimates its annual revenue per average customer at about $2,000 as compared to $860 in the United States. That’s partly because Latin American customers talk two to four times as long as on the phone as people in North America. ( Para. 8, Passage A, Unit 4) 1. What is the main idea of the passage?
Wireless demand and usage have explored across the entire Latin America. 2. What are the reasons to support the main idea? Wireless phone service providers are making a lot of money out of information technologies 3. What is the example given to support the main idea? BellSouth Corporation estimates its annual revenue per average customer at about $2, 000 as compared to $860 in the United States. 4. What is the structure of the paragraph? A general statement that is supported by details of reasons and an example Read the following paragraphs from Passage B and answer the questions 1. Your school has no professors of Japanese, a language you want to learn before visiting Japan Dont worry. Just sign up for the language course offered by a school in another district or city, have the latest edition of the course teaching materials sent to your computer, and attend by video. If you need extra help with a translation assignment or your pronunciation, a tutor can give you feedback via your computer. Para. 2) A. What is the problem identified? Your school has no professors of Japanese and you want to learn the language B. What are the solutions mentioned? Just sign up for a language course offered by a school in other places and the materials and instructions can be sent to you via your computer C. What is the structure of the paragraph? A problem-solution pattern 2. Poor people must also have access to high technology, says another expert. "Such access will be crucial to obtaining a high-quality education and getting a good job. So many transactions and exchanges are going to be made through this medium-banking, shopping communication, and information-that those who have to rely on the postman to send thei correspondence risk really falling behind, he says A. What is the main idea of the paragraph? Poor people must also have access to high technology B. In what way does the author support the main idea The author offers reasons such as the access to high technology is crucial to obtaining a high-quality education, getting a good job, and also important to banking, shopping, C. What is the structure of the paragraph? The paragraph starts with a general statement, which is supported by reas II. Text analysis This passage outlines the benefit of the information superhighway and the difference between the Information Superhighway and the Internet, but also points out some of the potential challenges which exist if the poor as well as the rich are to benefit If you need some help, you can turn to the Information Superhighway Paras. 4-9 What is Information Superhighway and the difference between the Information superhighway
Wireless demand and usage have explored across the entire Latin America. 2. What are the reasons to support the main idea? Wireless phone service providers are making a lot of money out of information technologies. 3. What is the example given to support the main idea? BellSouth Corporation estimates its annual revenue per average customer at about $2,000 as compared to $860 in the United States. 4. What is the structure of the paragraph? A general statement that is supported by details of reasons and an example. Read the following paragraphs from Passage B and answer the questions 1. Your school has no professors of Japanese, a language you want to learn before visiting Japan during the coming summer holiday. Don’t worry. Just sign up for the language course offered by a school in another district or city, have the latest edition of the course teaching materials sent to your computer, and attend by video. If you need extra help with a translation assignment or your pronunciation, a tutor can give you feedback via your computer. ( Para. 2) A. What is the problem identified? Your school has no professors of Japanese and you want to learn the language. B. What are the solutions mentioned? Just sign up for a language course offered by a school in other places and the materials and instructions can be sent to you via your computer. C. What is the structure of the paragraph? A problem-solution pattern. 2. Poor people must also have access to high technology, says another expert. “Such access will be crucial to obtaining a high-quality education and getting a good job. So many transactions and exchanges are going to be made through this medium—banking, shopping, communication, and information—that those who have to rely on the postman to send their correspondence risk really falling behind,” he says. A. What is the main idea of the paragraph? Poor people must also have access to high technology. B. In what way does the author support the main idea? The author offers reasons such as the access to high technology is crucial to obtaining a high-quality education, getting a good job, and also important to banking, shopping, communication, and information. C. What is the structure of the paragraph? The paragraph starts with a general statement, which is supported by reason. II. Text Analysis This passage outlines the benefit of the information superhighway and the difference between the Information Superhighway and the Internet, but also points out some of the potential challenges which exist if the poor as well as the rich are to benefit. Paras 1-3 If you need some help, you can turn to the Information Superhighway . Paras. 4-9 What is Information Superhighway and the difference between the Information superhighway
and the internet Paras 10-16 If both the poor and the rich are to benefit, some of the potential challenges exist III. Language points 1. Just sign up for the language course offered by a school in another district or city, have the latest edition of the course teaching materials sent to your computer, and attend by video ( Para. 2) Meaning: Just sign a document or contract to show that you want to take the language course that is offered by a school in another district or city, ask them to send the most recently published edition of the teaching materials for the course via computer and attend the course by video a tutor can give you feedback via your computer. Para 2) Meaning:.. a member of the teaching staff will give you advice or response by means of computer---through e-mail or online learning system 3. While nearly everyone has heard of the information superhighway, even experts differ on exactly what the term means and what the future it promises will look like. Para 4) Meaning: While almost everyone knows something about the information superhighway,even experts have different ideas about what the term really means and what it will bring about in future 4. Broadly speaking, however, the superhighway refers to the union of todays broadcasting cable, video, telephone, and computer and semiconductor industries into one large nected industry.(Para. 4) Meaning: Generally speaking, however, the superhighway relates to the joining together of todays broadcasting, cable, video, telephone, and computer and semiconductor lar Directing the union are technological advances that have made it easier to store and rapidly transmit information into homes and offices.(Para. 5) Meaning: It is technological developments that are controlling and guiding the union. These technological developments have made it easier to store information and send information into homes and offices ansmit: v. 1)to send out(electric signals, messages, news, etc. )by radio, etc; broadcast e.g. The ceremony was transmitted live by satellite to over fifty countries 庆典仪式通过卫星实况传输到50多个国家 e.g. This infection is transmitted by mosquitoes 这种传染病是由蚊子传播的 This information is transmitted from one computer to another through a telephone 信息通过电话线从一个电脑传送到另一个电脑 Some diseases are transmitted from one generation to the next. 有些病是从上一代遗传到下一代的
and the Internet. Paras 10-16 If both the poor and the rich are to benefit, some of the potential challenges exist III. Language Points 1. Just sign up for the language course offered by a school in another district or city, have the latest edition of the course teaching materials sent to your computer, and attend by video. (Para. 2) Meaning: Just sign a document or contract to show that you want to take the language course that is offered by a school in another district or city, ask them to send the most recently published edition of the teaching materials for the course via computer and attend the course by video. 2. … a tutor can give you feedback via your computer. (Para.2) Meaning: … a member of the teaching staff will give you advice or response by means of computer--- through e-mail or online learning system. 3. While nearly everyone has heard of the information superhighway, even experts differ on exactly what the term means and what the future it promises will look like. (Para.4) Meaning: While almost everyone knows something about the information superhighway, even experts have different ideas about what the term really means and what it will bring about in future. 4. Broadly speaking, however, the superhighway refers to the union of today’s broadcasting , cable, video, telephone, and computer and semiconductor industries into one large all—connected industry. (Para . 4) Meaning: Generally speaking, however, the superhighway relates to the joining together of today’s broadcasting, cable, video, telephone, and computer and semiconductor industries as one large all—connected industry. 5. Directing the union are technological advances that have made it easier to store and rapidly transmit information into homes and offices. (Para.5) Meaning: It is technological developments that are controlling and guiding the union. These technological developments have made it easier to store information and send information into homes and offices. transmit: v. 1) to send out (electric signals, messages, news, etc.) by radio, etc; broadcast e.g. The ceremony was transmitted live by satellite to over fifty countries. 庆典仪式通过卫星实况传输到 50 多个国家。 2) to send or pass from one person, place, or thing to another e.g. This infection is transmitted by mosquitoes. 这种传染病是由蚊子传播的。 This information is transmitted from one computer to another through a telephone line. 信息通过电话线从一个电脑传送到另一个电脑。 Some diseases are transmitted from one generation to the next. 有些病是从上一代遗传到下一代的
6. The greatly increased volume and speed of data transmission that these technologies permit can be compared to the way in which a highway with many lanes allows more cars to move at faster speeds than a two-lane highway---hence, the information superhighway. (Para. 6) Meaning: The greatly increased volume and speed of data transmission made possible by these the situation in which a highy more cars to move at faster speeds than a two-lane highway, and for this reason, people se the term"information superhighway 7. But while the Internet primarily moves words, the information superhighway will soon make routine the electronic transmission of data in other formats. such as audio files and images Para 8) Meaning: But while the Internet mainly transmits words, the information superhighway will soon make it normal to allow the electronic transmission of data in other formats, for example, audio files and images 8.... deciding the correct dose of medicine to give the patient,.(Para. 8) Meaning:. making decisions about the proper amount of medicine to give the patient 9. "Sending a segment of video mail down the hall or across the country will be easier than typing out a message on a keyboard, "predicts one correspondent who specializes in technology. Para 9) Meaning: One reporter who specializes in technology predicts that it will be easier to send a piece of video mail down the hall or across the country than to type out a message on a 10. Gore wants the federal government to play the leading role in shaping the superhighway ( Para. 10) Meaning: Gore wants the federal government to have the most important role in constructing and developing the superhigh 11. However, in an era of smaller budgets, the United States government is unlikely to come up with the money needed during the next 20 years to construct the superhighway.( Para. 10) Meaning: However, the United States has smaller budgets now and it is unlikely for it to give the large sum of money needed during the next 20 years to build the superhighway 12. That leaves private industry--- computer, phone, and cable companies--- to move into the vacuum left by the governments absence. (Para. Il) Meaning: Because the government is unlikely to come up with the money needed to construct the superhighway and it cannot play its role in constructing the superhighway, private industry-computer, phone, and cable companies--- plays the leading role instead of 13. And while these industries are pioneering the most exciting new technologies, some critics fear that profit-minded companies will only develop services for the wealthy. (Para. 11) Meaning: And while these industries are the first to be engaged in the most exciting new technologies, some critics worry that companies that only think about making money will only offer services to the rich people 14. " If left in the hands of private enterprise, the data highway could become little more than a thetic universe for the rich, .(Para. 11) Meaning: If it were to be controlled by private enterprise, the data highway could become almost nothing but a man-made world for wealthy people
6. The greatly increased volume and speed of data transmission that these technologies permit can be compared to the way in which a highway with many lanes allows more cars to move at faster speeds than a two-lane highway--- hence, the information superhighway. (Para.6) Meaning: The greatly increased volume and speed of data transmission made possible by these technologies are similar to the situation in which a highway with many lanes allows more cars to move at faster speeds than a two-lane highway, and for this reason, people use the term “information superhighway”. 7. But while the Internet primarily moves words, the information superhighway will soon make routine the electronic transmission of data in other formats, such as audio files and images. (Para.8) Meaning: But while the Internet mainly transmits words, the information superhighway will soon make it normal to allow the electronic transmission of data in other formats, for example, audio files and images. 8. … deciding the correct dose of medicine to give the patient,…(Para.8) Meaning: … making decisions about the proper amount of medicine to give the patient… 9. “Sending a segment of video mail down the hall or across the country will be easier than typing out a message on a keyboard,” predicts one correspondent who specializes in technology.(Para.9) Meaning: One reporter who specializes in technology predicts that it will be easier to send a piece of video mail down the hall or across the country than to type out a message on a keyboard. 10. Gore wants the federal government to play the leading role in shaping the superhighway. (Para. 10) Meaning: Gore wants the federal government to have the most important role in constructing and developing the superhighway. 11. However, in an era of smaller budgets, the United States government is unlikely to come up with the money needed during the next 20 years to construct the superhighway. (Para.10) Meaning: However, the United States has smaller budgets now and it is unlikely for it to give the large sum of money needed during the next 20 years to build the superhighway. 12. That leaves private industry--- computer, phone, and cable companies--- to move into the vacuum left by the government’s absence. (Para.11) Meaning: Because the government is unlikely to come up with the money needed to construct the superhighway and it cannot play its role in constructing the superhighway, private industry—computer, phone, and cable companies--- plays the leading role instead of the government. 13. And while these industries are pioneering the most exciting new technologies, some critics fear that profit—minded companies will only develop services for the wealthy. (Para.11) Meaning: And while these industries are the first to be engaged in the most exciting new technologies, some critics worry that companies that only think about making money will only offer services to the rich people. 14. “If left in the hands of private enterprise, the data highway could become little more than a synthetic universe for the rich,”… (Para.11) Meaning: “If it were to be controlled by private enterprise, the data highway could become almost nothing but a man-made world for wealthy people,”…
15. Poor people must also have access to high technology, says another expert. (Para. 12) Meaning: Another expert says that poor people must also have the opportunity and right to enjoy the services and benefits of high technology 6. "Such access will be crucial to obtaining a high-quality education and getting a Meaning: Such access will be extremely important for people to get high-quality education and a good job 17. ". that those who have to rely on the postman to send their correspondence risk really falling behind, "he says. Para 12) Meaning:. that those who have no choice but to depend on the postman's service in sending their letters probably will suffer the unfavorable cons of falling behind 18. The companies denied they were avoiding the poor, but conceded that the wealthy would likely be the first to benefit. ( Para. 14 Meaning: The companies said that it was not true that they were only developing services for rich people and not for poor people, but they admitted that rich people would likely be the first customers of their service 19. Advocates for the poor want the companies building the data highway to devote a portion of their profits to insuring universal access.( Para. 15) Meaning: Those who believe poor people must also have access to high tech want the companies building the data highway to contribute some of their universal access possible 20. Many challenges face us as we move closer to the reality of the information superhighway. Para 16 Meaning: As we move closer to the reality of the infomation superhighway, we will encounter many tough problems 21. In order for it to be of value to most people, individuals need to become informed about what is possible and how being connected will be of benefit. Para 16) leaning: In order for the superhighway to be valuable to most people, individuals need to know about what is possible and how being connected to it will be beneficial to them 22. The possibilities are endless but in order for the information superhighway to become a reality, some concrete steps need to be taken to get the process started. (Para. 16) Meaning: There are endless possibilities but in order that the information superhighway may become a reality we need to take some real and specific measures ssage 电信革命 一个将会大大提高发展中国家生活水准的转变正方兴未艾。一些不久前还是信息闭塞的地 方正在快速获得最新的通信技术,这将促进当地对国内外投资的吸纳。亚洲、拉丁美洲和东欧 的许多国家也许需要10年的时间来改善其交通、电力供应和其他公用设施。但是单单一根直 径小于半毫米的光纤电缆就可以比由铜丝制成的粗电缆负载更多的信息。由于安装了光纤电缆、 数字转换器和最新的无线传输系统,从北京到布达佩斯的一系列城区和工业区正在直接跨入信息
15. Poor people must also have access to high technology, says another expert. (Para.12) Meaning: Another expert says that poor people must also have the opportunity and right to enjoy the services and benefits of high technology. 16. “ Such access will be crucial to obtaining a high-quality education and getting a good job.” Meaning: Such access will be extremely important for people to get high-quality education and a good job. 17. “… that those who have to rely on the postman to send their correspondence risk really falling behind,” he says.( Para.12) Meaning: … that those who have no choice but to depend on the postman’s service in sending their letters probably will suffer the unfavorable consequence of falling behind. 18. The companies denied they were avoiding the poor, but conceded that the wealthy would likely be the first to benefit.(Para.14) Meaning: The companies said that it was not true that they were only developing services for rich people and not for poor people, but they admitted that rich people would likely be the first customers of their services. 19. Advocates for the poor want the companies building the data highway to devote a portion of their profits to insuring universal access. (Para.15) Meaning: Those who believe poor people must also have access to high technology want the companies building the data highway to contribute some of their profits to making universal access possible. 20. Many challenges face us as we move closer to the reality of the information superhighway. (Para.16) Meaning: As we move closer to the reality of the information superhighway, we will encounter many tough problems. 21. In order for it to be of value to most people, individuals need to become informed about what is possible and how being connected will be of benefit.(Para.16) Meaning: In order for the superhighway to be valuable to most people, individuals need to know about what is possible and how being connected to it will be beneficial to them. 22. The possibilities are endless but in order for the information superhighway to become a reality, some concrete steps need to be taken to get the process started.(Para.16) Meaning: There are endless possibilities but in order that the information superhighway may become a reality we need to take some real and specific measures. Passage A 电信革命 一个将会大大提高发展中国家生活水准的转变正方兴未艾。 一些不久前还是信息闭塞的地 方正在快速获得最新的通信技术，这将促进当地对国内外投资的吸纳。 亚洲、拉丁美洲和东欧 的许多国家也许需要 10 年的时间来改善其交通、电力供应和其他公用设施。 但是单单一根直 径小于半毫米的光纤电缆就可以比由铜丝制成的粗电缆负载更多的信息。由于安装了光纤电缆、 数字转换器和最新的无线传输系统，从北京到布达佩斯的一系列城区和工业区正在直接跨入信息
