高級(jí)英語(yǔ)大三unit 1 Technology in Reverse

1、Unit 1 Technology in ReverseBy Robert J. SamuelsonBy Robert J. Samuelsonn. adj. v. n. adj. v. in the opposite way or orderin the opposite way or orderin reversein reverse: : 反向，相反；反向，相反；go/ put sth. into reversego/ put sth. into reverse（使）出現(xiàn)逆轉(zhuǎn)，（使）出現(xiàn)逆轉(zhuǎn)，轉(zhuǎn)化為對(duì)立面轉(zhuǎn)化為對(duì)立面2021-12-21Teaching Objectives 1)To l

2、earn about some basic features of expository organizational pattern; 2)To grasp the new words and expressions; 3)Be familiar with the use of sarcastic words, expressions and sentences.2021-12-21About the Author Robert Jacob Samuelson (born December 23, 1945) is a contributing editor of Newsweek and

3、The Washington Post where he has written about business and economic issues since 1977. His columns appear in both publications. His articles also appear in the Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, and other influential newspapers.2021-12-21Warm-up Questions 1.What kind of technology has impressed y

4、ou most so far? 2. How has modern technology influenced our lives?2021-12-21Text Explanations The passage begins with the authors definition of the term retarded technology, that is exemplified by some technology-inspired waste and expensiveness. Then he explores some pro-technology reasons that are

5、 not need-based. What he is concerned with is the prevailing misuse of technology that is ordained by our ego and money.2021-12-21Text Structure The whole passage may follow into three parts: the first paragraph functions as the first part, introducing what is retarded technology by employing contra

6、st to advanced technology; the second part may include paragraphs 2-9, in which the author first exemplifies the waste and expensiveness of retarded technology, then he offers us the reasons for the survival of stupid technology: our ego and money; the last two paragraphs act as the third part, in w

7、hich the author advises us to be rational towards costly retarded technology by using another contrast.2021-12-21 Detailed Study of Text Para. 1 Questions: 1. Retarded technology vs. advanced technology 2. Does the author approve or disapprove of all technology? Why?2021-12-21Para.1 retard: (v.) slo

8、w the growth or development of, cause to move more slowly or operate at a slower rate 妨礙，妨礙，延遲，減緩延遲，減緩 Cold weather retards the growth of the crops.寒冷的天氣妨礙了莊稼生長(zhǎng)。 A rise in interest rates would severely retard economic growth.利率的提高將嚴(yán)重阻礙經(jīng)濟(jì)的發(fā)展。 retarded (adj.) : relatively slow in mental or emotional o

9、r physical development 智力遲鈍的，發(fā)展智力遲鈍的，發(fā)展遲緩的遲緩的2021-12-21 delay 耽擱，推遲，延誤；耽擱，推遲，延誤； hinder 阻礙，打擾；阻礙，打擾； impede 妨礙，阻止；妨礙，阻止； inhibit 抑制，禁止，使不能；抑制，禁止，使不能； slow down 減速，放慢速度；減速，放慢速度； hold back 退縮，阻礙；退縮，阻礙； keep back 隱瞞，保留，阻止；隱瞞，保留，阻止； What does the author imply in the sentence “Let me introduce you to ret

10、arded technology. “? Here the author implies that technology may not always push the world ahead, and that it sometimes holds it back.2021-12-21 elaborate： (v.) add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing; 詳細(xì)闡述，精心制作詳細(xì)闡述，精心制作 (adj.)

11、 intricate and rich in detail 詳盡的，精心制作的詳盡的，精心制作的 Orthodox Christian churches often have elaborate steeples.傳統(tǒng)的基督教堂都有精致的尖塔。 The curtains had an elaborate pattern of flowers窗簾上繪有精美的花卉圖案。 What youve told me of your plan sounds most interesting; would you care to elaborate it?你給我講的這個(gè)計(jì)劃很有意思，你能詳細(xì)地談一談嗎？202

12、1-12-21 alluring： (adj.) active or exciting誘惑的，吸引人的誘惑的，吸引人的 Yet another of Plutos alluring features is its bizarre atmosphere.冥王星另一誘人的特色，是其詭異的大氣層。 If Natures paradise sounds alluring, make a point of visiting South Island.如果大自然中的天堂聽(tīng)起來(lái)讓你覺(jué)得有吸引力，那么別忘了到南島去玩一玩。 an alluring smile 迷人的微笑 allure (n.) : the q

13、uality of being attractive and exciting誘惑力，吸引力誘惑力，吸引力 eg: the allure of big city alluringly (adv.) 2021-12-21 It has made waste respectable, elaborate, alluring and even fun. It has made waste highly regarded, intricate, attractive and even fun. Conclusion of Para.1 In this paragraph the author defi

14、nes retarded technology- Let me introduce you to. To make his contrast more impressive, the author uses a play on word: useful new things .or to do old things”, “new and expensive ways of doing .that were once done simply and inexpensively“ (old ways). 2021-12-21Notice two points in Para.1 : 1) the

15、author by no means disapproves of all technology, because he classifies technology into two categories, advanced technology, and retarded technology, thus setting the tone of the essay: to discuss the misconception and misuse of technology. 2).made waste respectable, elaborate, alluring and even fun

16、 is explained in Paragraph 7 by Social Status, Adult Play, The Mount Everest Effect.”2021-12-21Para.2 Newsweek ： 新聞周刊新聞周刊 The International Newsmagazine (http:/ ), on which it says: The national press in each country is no longer sufficient to fully understand the ways in which nations and people in

17、teract, and the impact this has on all our lives. You need an international viewpoint, and for this, nothing can replace Newsweek2021-12-21 boom (n.) a state of economic prosperity 繁榮繁榮 (v.) grow stronger 使興旺，急速發(fā)展使興旺，急速發(fā)展 The economy was booming. The aftermath of the war was not a boom, but a rural

18、depression .戰(zhàn)爭(zhēng)的結(jié)果不是繁榮和興旺，而是農(nóng)村經(jīng)濟(jì)的不景氣。 The baby boom created a bulge in school enrollment.生育高峰造成學(xué)校入學(xué)人數(shù)的暴漲。 electronic book: 電子書(shū)電子書(shū)2021-12-21 customized (adj.) made according to requirements; made according to the specifications of an individual定制定制的的 The word customized refers to a product/service whi

19、ch is made to a customers specification.“定做”一詞指的是按照顧客要求的規(guī)格制作產(chǎn)品或提供服務(wù) a customized car 按需要定制的汽車(chē) customize (v.) 2021-12-21 swell (adj.) very good or pleasant; 非常好的，漂亮的，一非常好的，漂亮的，一流的；很愉快的，流的；很愉快的， We had a swell time. (n. v.) increase in size, magnitude, number, or intensity(使）膨脹，（使）隆起使）膨脹，（使）隆起; 增加，擴(kuò)大，

20、增強(qiáng)增加，擴(kuò)大，增強(qiáng) Add a little oil to the pan, continue to bake until the eggs inside the cake swell.在鍋里加一點(diǎn)油，繼續(xù)烘烤直到里面的雞蛋膨脹開(kāi)來(lái)。 Last years profits were swelled by a fall in product costs去年因生產(chǎn)成本下降利潤(rùn)有所增加。2021-12-21Heres a swell idea of retarded technology.The following sentences are obviously disadvantages of

21、retarded technology, but why the word “swell” is used in this sentence?to show the authors wry tone of writing this essay.2021-12-21 cumbersome (adj.) difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight; not elegant or graceful in expression 笨重的，累贅的笨重的，累贅的 Its rather cumbersome having to

22、 carry all these cases around. 把這些箱子都帶著走動(dòng)是件相當(dāng)麻煩的事。 Your article is too cumbersome. Lop off those repeated and empty words. 你的文章太冗長(zhǎng)了。把那些重復(fù)的，空洞的話(huà)都刪掉。2021-12-21 clog v. become or cause to become obstructed; impede the motion of, as with a chain or a burden 阻塞，障阻塞，障礙礙 Dont clog (up) your mind with usele

23、ss information.不要讓你的頭腦被無(wú)用的訊息所阻礙。 “Be sure to use skin-care products that wont clog your pores. “你要確定你用的護(hù)膚產(chǎn)品不會(huì)堵塞你的毛孔?！?clog (up) with (sth) / clog sth (up) (with sth) The narrow streets were clogged with traffic. 狹窄的道路上交通阻塞。 Within a few years the pipes began to clog up. 沒(méi)有幾年，管子就開(kāi)始堵塞了。 clog （n.) 木底鞋，

24、木屐木底鞋，木屐2021-12-21 If you take it to the beach, it gets clogged with sand. If you take it to the beach, it gets blocked with sand, which results in its malfunctioning. smash （n. v. adj.) break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over; hit violently打碎打碎 In case of emergency, smash the glass cover

25、 and press the button.遇到緊急情況時(shí)，擊碎玻璃罩并摁下按鈕。2021-12-21Paragraph 3 fragile： easily damaged or broken; weak and uncertain 易碎的，不牢固的，脆弱的易碎的，不牢固的，脆弱的 The author is making his comparisons in terms of , , and between electronic book and old-fashioned book . costmobilityfragilitydurability2021-12-21 traumatizi

26、ng： adj. very shocking and upsetting for a long time受受精神創(chuàng)傷的精神創(chuàng)傷的 (v.) traumatize： inflict a trauma upon 使受精神創(chuàng)使受精神創(chuàng)傷傷 She was completely traumatized by the death of her mother. (n.) trauma 精神創(chuàng)傷，痛苦經(jīng)歷精神創(chuàng)傷，痛苦經(jīng)歷 Losing it is not a traumatizing event.: Even if you lose it, you wont be too upset.2021-12-21

27、Paragraph 4 Pro-: Pro-: prefix (in adjectives prefix (in adjectives 構(gòu)成形容詞）構(gòu)成形容詞） in favor of ; supporting in favor of ; supporting 擁護(hù)，支持，贊成擁護(hù)，支持，贊成 反義詞反義詞antianti Usage: In informal spoken English Usage: In informal spoken English pro is sometimes used as is sometimes used as a a prepositionpreposit

28、ion. . Eg: She is very propro the present government.她極其贊成贊成現(xiàn)政府 pro: : n. (plural pros) a person who works as a (plural pros) a person who works as a PROFESSIONAL, especially in a sport PROFESSIONAL, especially in a sport 從事某職業(yè)的人，職從事某職業(yè)的人，職業(yè)選手業(yè)選手 a golf pro a golf pro 職業(yè)高爾夫球選手職業(yè)高爾夫球選手 pros and

29、cons:pros and cons: the reasons for and against something the reasons for and against something 正反正反兩面，贊成者和反對(duì)者，事物的利與弊兩面，贊成者和反對(duì)者，事物的利與弊 Eg: We weighed up the Eg: We weighed up the pros and conspros and cons。 我們權(quán)衡了利弊我們權(quán)衡了利弊得失。得失。2021-12-21 A pro-technology comeback : Note 2 : a quick reply in favor of

30、 technology to what is said above compress： v. to press sth. into a smaller space. 壓縮壓縮 comeback: n. a quick reply that is often clever, funny and insulting 反駁，回應(yīng)反駁，回應(yīng) n. if a person in public life makes a comeback, they start doing sth. again which they has stopped doing, or they become popular aga

31、in. 復(fù)出；重返；再度受歡復(fù)出；重返；再度受歡迎迎2021-12-21 vista: n. a view, especially a splendid view from a high position 景色，景觀，遠(yuǎn)景景色，景觀，遠(yuǎn)景 He could see through the windows a vista of green fields.透過(guò)窗戶(hù)他可以看到碧綠的田野風(fēng)光。 This discovery open up new vista of research for biologist.這一發(fā)現(xiàn)為生物學(xué)家展示了新的研究前景。 The days stretch out in an

32、 endless vista. 時(shí)日在無(wú)窮的展望中延展著.2021-12-21 Arithmetic 算術(shù)算術(shù) /算法算法 Algebra 代數(shù)（學(xué)）代數(shù)（學(xué)） Geometry 幾何（學(xué)）幾何（學(xué)） Calculous 微積分微積分 call up: to find and show information on a computer screen 調(diào)出儲(chǔ)存，調(diào)出備用調(diào)出儲(chǔ)存，調(diào)出備用 eg: I called his address up on the computer 我在計(jì)算上調(diào)出了他的地址。2021-12-21 The computer creates a bottleneck. T

33、he computer creates a problem-only one reader can read the books called up on the computer at a time. bottleneck： (n.) the narrow part of a bottle near the top; a narrowing that reduces the flow through a channel; 瓶頸，障礙物瓶頸，障礙物 bulky: adj. too big and taking up much space. 體積大的，體積大的，龐大的，笨重的龐大的，笨重的202

34、1-12-21 .do most people really need access to the entire collection of the New York Public Library? Do most people really need to be able to read all the materials in the New York Public Library? access accessible accessibility2021-12-21Questions in Para. 41. How does the author argues against the p

35、ro-technology comeback” on computerized libraries? The author discusses his view in two perspectives: arithmetic and common sense, that is the compressed 200,000 books available to one personVS.2,000 books available to 2,000 persons, and the necessary of making the entire collection available to mos

36、t people.2021-12-212. What does the author intend to convey in the question at the end of the paragraph 4? The author actually conveys the meaning that it is unnecessary and wasteful, since most people do not really need access to the entire collection of a public library.3. Summary of Para. 2-4 In

37、these paragraphs the author compares e-books with old-fashioned” books in an attempt to show the disadvantages of the former-they are both costlier and bulkier. 2021-12-21Paragraph 5 the video press release: Note 4 In my business .“: refers to the publishing business, since the author is a syndicate

38、d columnist for The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and The Boston Globe. bombard throw bombs at or attack with bombs; address with continuously or persistently, as if with a barragevBoth leaders were bombarded with questions from the press. 兩位領(lǐng)導(dǎo)人都遭到新聞?dòng)浾哌B珠炮似的提問(wèn)。vbombard sb/sth (with sth)2021

39、-12-21 In my business, were bombarded with press releases for products. In my business, we receive an overwhelming number of press releases for products. promotional: adj. intended to advertise sth. 推銷(xiāo)的，廣告宣傳的推銷(xiāo)的，廣告宣傳的 toss v. the act of flipping a coin; to throw something carelessly 扔，投擲，扔，投擲， I wou

40、ld toss them into the sea.我會(huì)把它們統(tǒng)統(tǒng)地扔進(jìn)大海。 toss and turn 翻來(lái)覆去難以入睡；輾轉(zhuǎn)反側(cè)翻來(lái)覆去難以入睡；輾轉(zhuǎn)反側(cè)2021-12-21 standard press releases“ refers to traditional press releases in the form of public statements on paper distributed to newspapers or magazines to publish if they wish. I can read standard press releases in 10

41、or15seconds before tossing 99percent of them. I can spend a little time reading normal paper press releases before I lose patience with most of them and throw them away. Sorry, no sale: Note 5 : informal usage, meaning “Sorry, no one would buy them.”2021-12-21Conclusion of Para.5 In paragraph 5, the

42、 author offers a third example that proves that retarded technology creates new and expensive ways of doing things that were once done simply and inexpensively, hence technology racing backward.” Again the author uses comparison and contrast in the production and effect of press releases and conclud

43、es: the video costs more and does less.2021-12-21Para.6 Heaves, no: Note 6 : an emphatic way of saying “no” conspicuous obvious to the eye or mind; without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious 顯著的，顯而易見(jiàn)的顯著的，顯而易見(jiàn)的 He was conspicuous among his colleagues .他在同事中是出類(lèi)拔萃的。 The building is conspicu

44、ous for its style.這個(gè)建筑風(fēng)格獨(dú)特，很顯眼。 Only under the dual guidance of school and family can conspicuous effects be achieved.只有在學(xué)校和家長(zhǎng)的雙重引導(dǎo)下,才能產(chǎn)生顯著的效果。2021-12-21 upheaval n. a state of violent disturbance and disorder (as in politics or social conditions generally); a violent disturbance 劇變，動(dòng)亂劇變，動(dòng)亂 Mass une

45、mployment may lead to social upheaval.大批失業(yè)會(huì)導(dǎo)致社會(huì)動(dòng)亂。 It was faced with the greatest social upheaval since World Warll.它面臨第二次世界大戰(zhàn)以來(lái)最大的社會(huì)動(dòng)亂。 Many years ago, Johnson faced a major upheaval in his life.許多年前，約翰遜遭遇生命中的劇變。2021-12-21 Ours is an era of conspicuous technological upheaval. Our age is (the) one i

46、n which hi-tech has brought about many tremendous changes. purported: adj. assumed to be such; supposed據(jù)稱(chēng)的，傳言的據(jù)稱(chēng)的，傳言的 purport (v. to inf) ：to claim to be sth. or to have done sth. When this may not be true 自稱(chēng)，標(biāo)榜自稱(chēng)，標(biāo)榜 The book does not purport to be a complete of history of the period. 本書(shū)無(wú)意標(biāo)榜為那個(gè)時(shí)期的全史

47、。 His plans are not what they purport to be.他的計(jì)劃并不如他們所聲稱(chēng)的那樣。2021-12-21 elude v. escape, either physically or mentally; 逃避，躲避逃避，躲避 They had minor breakthroughs but real success eluded them.他們?nèi)〉昧艘恍┬⊥黄?但是真正的成功卻和他們擦肩而過(guò). But a majority in the House of Commons may again elude them.但是下院的多數(shù)席位仍將和它無(wú)緣。 But the

48、 purported gains of new technology .seem to elude us. It seems that the gains that new technology is supposed to offer us are far beyond our reach.2021-12-21 Ours is an area of conspicuous technological upheaval. But the purported gains of new technology rising incomes, greater productivity seem to

49、elude us. It is obvious that technology in modern age has brought great changes. Nevertheless, we have not yet benefited from the supposed gains of new technology rising income and greater productivity.2021-12-21 What does the author mean by the paradox? The author means that new technology is suppo

50、sed to bring about benefits to us but in reality some of them seem to elude us. .whose full benefits will soon burst upon us. which will unexpectedly produce advantageous impact on us.2021-12-21 corollary a practical consequence that follows naturally; (logic) an inference that follows directly from

51、 the proof of another proposition 推論，必然的結(jié)果推論，必然的結(jié)果 Blind jealousy is a frequent corollary of passionate love盲目的嫉妒往往是狂熱的愛(ài)所造成的。 Good health is a corollary of having good habits.健康的身體是良好生活習(xí)慣的結(jié)果。 corolla：the whorl of petals of a flower that collectively form an inner floral envelope or layer of the peri

52、anth 花冠2021-12-21 techno-dope one who knows nothing about technology. techno: related to technology technocrat 技術(shù)人員技術(shù)人員,技術(shù)統(tǒng)治技術(shù)統(tǒng)治; technologic 工藝的；技術(shù)的工藝的；技術(shù)的 dope: an ignorant or foolish person 笨蛋，傻笨蛋，傻瓜瓜 A corollary is that . Are holding back progress: Note 72021-12-21 In Para. 6, the author acknowl

53、edges that technology may not be all that bad, but expresses his doubt about the pro-technology theory judge the following statements whether they are true or false.1)The author denies that technology may not be all that bad, but expresses his doubt about the pro-technology theory. 2) The author ack

54、nowledges that technology may not be all that bad, but expresses his doubt about the pro-technology theory. 3) The author acknowledges that technology may not be all that good, but expresses his belief in the pro-technology theory. FTF2021-12-21Para.7 offset compensate for or counterbalance抵消抵消, 補(bǔ)償補(bǔ)

55、償 This may offset the benefit of spending time with your family, as they will only see you next to your computer.這樣可能會(huì)抵消掉與家人共度時(shí)光的好處，因?yàn)樗麄冎粫?huì)看到你窩在你的電腦旁邊。 be offset by eg. In 1992 the cost of the layoffs was offset by the savings on the payroll. 在在1992年，裁員成本年，裁員成本費(fèi)用因工薪總額的減少而得以彌補(bǔ)。費(fèi)用因工薪總額的減少而得以彌補(bǔ)。2021-12-

56、21 offset sth against sth eg. He was able to offset his travel expenses against tax. 他用旅費(fèi)抵消了他的稅。他用旅費(fèi)抵消了他的稅。 to make sth look better by being close to it and different 忖托出忖托出 eg. Streaks of blond in his hair offset his deep tan. 他頭發(fā)中的幾縷金發(fā)忖托出他黝黑的膚色。他頭發(fā)中的幾縷金發(fā)忖托出他黝黑的膚色。2021-12-21embrace: a. to put your

57、arms around sb and hold them in a friendly or loving way 擁抱擁抱 Eg. She embraced her son genderly.b. formal : to include sth as part of a subject, discussion etc包含包含 Eg. Linguistics embraces a diverse range of subjects such as phonetics and stylistics.c. formal : to accept and use new ideas, opinions

58、etc eagerly 欣然接受，樂(lè)意接受（思想，建議等）欣然接受，樂(lè)意接受（思想，建議等） Eg. How old were you when you embraced feminism?d. formal : to start to believe in a religion or political system 信奉，皈依信奉，皈依 Eg. She embraced the Muslim faith.2021-12-21 frivolous adj. (of people or their behavior) silly or amusing, especially when such

59、 behavior is not suitable 愚蠢的，愚蠢的，可笑的可笑的 not serious in content or attitude or behavior無(wú)聊的，無(wú)聊的，不嚴(yán)肅的不嚴(yán)肅的,輕率的，輕佻的輕率的，輕佻的 n. frivolity: lack of serious or sensible thought or behavior 輕率，輕薄，輕薄輕率，輕薄，輕薄 Technology is often misused because the reasons people embrace it can be fairly frivolous. People ofte

60、n use technology in a wrong way because the reasons people eagerly accept it can be rather foolish.2021-12-21 to wit (old and formal use): namely, that is to say eg: Several pieces of major legislation have been introduced in the US over the past few years, to wit: the Americans With Disabilities Ac