視聽說(shuō)Unit4、6、7

1、Unit 4Lesson 1 Audio StudioA leading US scientist has predicted that computers will be as intelligent as humans by 2029. Futurologist Dr Ray Kurzweil told the American Association for the Advancement of Science that in the near future, machine intelligence will overtake the power of the human brain.

2、 He said that within two decades computers will be able to think quicker than humans. Dr Kurzweil painted a picture of us having tiny robots called nanobots implanted in our brain to boost our intelligence and health. He told reporters that these microscopic nanobots would work with our brains to ma

3、ke us think faster and give us more powerful memories. Kurzweil explained that we are already ahuman machine civilization andl that the upcoming tech no logy wiiabferther exte nsion of that.IIDr Kurzweil was one of 18 top intellectuals asked by the US National Academy of Engineering to identify our

4、greatest technological challenges. Other experts included Google founder Larry Page and the human genome pioneer Dr Craig Venter. Kurzweil has a very impressive background in science and innovation. He was an innovator in various fields of computing, including the technology behind CDs. He also pion

5、eered automatic speech recognition by machines. He predicts the pace of new inventions will increase greatly from now, say ing: the n ext half cen tury will see 32 times more tech ni cal progress tha n thepast half century.I This means scenes from science fiction movies, like Blade Runner, ThTermina

6、tor and I, Robot, will become more and more a part of our everyday lives. Lesson 2 Audio StudioThe scientists who launched the Human Genome Project believed in the power of genetic information to transform health care to allow earlier diagnosis of diseases than ever before and to fuel the creation o

7、f powerful new medicines.But it was also clear that genetic information could potentially be used in ways that are hurtful or unfair for example denying health insurance because of an increased risk for developing a particular disease.Aware of the danger and hoping to ward it off, the founders of th

8、e Human Genome Project created a program to explore the ethical, legal, and social implications of new genetic knowledge. The goal was to anticipate problems that might arise and to prompt solutions.For example, in the future, doctors will likely be able to give each of us a genetic report card I th

9、at will spell out our risk of developing a variety of different diseases. But will we really want that information? How will it be used? Who will have access to our genetic information? How will it affect our lives, our families, and our communities?The challenge of addressingthese issues is not res

10、erved for scientists. We all have a stake in making sure that everyone will benefit from genetic research and no one is harmed. Home listening1. complex devices2. inspired3. designed innovation4. antibiotics5. heart surgery6. take for granted7. interwoven with8. Though the impact of technology on ou

11、r lives9. less clear-cut10. science builds knowledge about the worldUnit 6Lesson 1 Audio StudioA solution may be at hand for holidaymakers who are finding it harder to get off the beaten track. For those who really want to get away from it all, a new holiday destination has sprung up Antarctica. How

12、ever, this new hotspot, or freezing zone, might only be for those with the deepest pockets if a new policy gets under way. Tourism on Antarctica has been increasing dramatically in the past twenty years, from a few thousand people in 1985 to more than 40,000 in 2007. The growing numbers are having a

13、 negative effect on the pristine environment of the South Pole. To combat this, researchers from Holland Msaastricht University have come up with a possible solution: limit the number of tourists allowed to visit and auction the vacations to the highest bidders.Many environmental protection agencies

14、 agree that there is a need to protect the frozen wilderness from the damage created by modern tourism. Antarctica is the last unspoiled place on Earth. It has a very delicate ecosystem that could be easily upset by hordes of tourists landing in airplanes and using skimobiles. A difficulty exists be

15、cause Antarctica is not a country and therefore has no government to pass laws or guidelines to control the number of visitors. The Maastricht University team s proposal to auction off a fixed numof tourist places seems a workable solution. It would limit the number of visitors and therefore contain

16、 the amount of environmental damage, and the money would be used to protect Antarctica s future.Lesson 2 Audio StudioTraveling to World Heritage sites is rewarding! It is about exploring unique environments, engaging with cultural splendours, experiencing a different way of life and building lasting

17、 memories. The following are some great travel tips that can enhance your trip and benefit the World Heritage sites you visit. Here are the tips:Before traveling, first find out as much as possible. The more you know about a World Heritage site before arriving, the more the site will come alive. Sec

18、ond, pack light. It is tempting to pack everything you think you might need, but remember to be smart about your necessities. Packaging items like the paper box of your film or the plastic wrapping of your new toothbrush simply consumes space in your bag and can create excess trash for the World Her

19、itage site. Finally, explore transportation options. Traveling affects the environment. Wherever possible, try to minimize your pollution and impact on the environment by looking to alternative transportation and off-setting your carbon emissions.Home listening1. impact2. potential3. contribute4. th

20、reaten5. emissions6. essential7. authentic8. connections9. find green lodging options in all budgets from hostels to luxury hotelsre visiting10. an effort to preserve and protect the natural and cultural environment of the place youUnit7Lesson 1 Audio StudioAnyone who has experieneed it knows all to

21、o well video game addiction is real. Although gaming addiction is not yet officially recognized as a disorder by the American Medical Association, there is increasing evidence that people of all ages, especially teens and pre-teens, are facing very real, sometimes severe consequences associated with

22、 compulsive use of video and computer games.Video games are becoming increasingly complex, detailed and compelling to a growing international audience of players. With better graphics, more realistic characters and greater strategic challenges, it nsot surprising that some teens would rather play th

23、e latest video game than hang out with friends, play sports or even watch television.Of course, all gamers are not addicts -ma ny tee ns can play video games a few hours a week, successfully balancing school activities, grades, friends and family obligations. But for some gaming has become an uncont

24、rollable compulsion. Studies estimate that 10 percent to 15 percent of gamers exhibit signs that meet the World Health Organization s critfeorria addiction. Just like gambling and other compulsive behaviors, teens can become so enthralled in the fantasy world of gaming that they neglect their family

25、, friends, work and school.Lesson 2 Audio StudioInternet Addiction Disorder has long been recognized as a social problem. According to psychological counselor Li Jianling, if you have the following symptoms, it is likely that Internet addiction has begun to infiltrate your life. Internet addicts los

26、e track of time and spend less and less time on meals at home or at work. They are used to eating in front of a computer screen. Also, they denyspending too much time on the Net. They can t helonline when already busy at work, and they sneak online when family members aren at home, with a sense of r

27、elief. Its a commonly known fact that Internet addiction candevastating effect on peoples heaaltnhd social lives. Adults may lose the most important years for their career development and students may waste too much of their youth in front of a computer screen.But why is Internet addiction so prominent in China? Li Jianling explains that many youths are the only children in their families. They don t