Lesson 7 The Age of Miracle Chips
Unit 7 The Age of Miracle Chips
I. Background Information
Origin:This text is taken for a 15-page special section entitled“The Computer Society” presented by the American magazine Time, February 20, 1978. In this section there are several stories-The Age of Miracle Chips, Living：Pushbutton Power, Business: Thinking Small, Science: The Numbers Game and some others. This series of reports explains just how the world of electric sorcery works, and examines its impact on people?s daily lives. Our text is based on the first two stories.
To make such a complicated technical phenomenon understandable, a team of six correspondents, five writers, four reporter researchers and three photographers spent a month interviewing scientists, visiting manufacturing plants and trying out the newest and most exciting computerized products. The whole project was under the direction of Time?s Senior Editor Leon, Jaroff, who holds degrees in electrial engineering and mathematics from the University of Michigan.
II. Type of writing
This passage is an exposition [,eksp?…zi??n]. 说明(文)
Expository / Exposition means explanation, explaining.
While narration and description appeal primarily to the emotions and the imagination, exposition appeals primarily to the understanding. It aims at making the reader understand something.
The purpose of a piece of exposition:
-- to inform or explain
Ways of developing the thesis of a piece of exposition:
-- comparison, contrast, analogy, identification, illustration, analysis, definition, etc.
The central thought or thesis :
New microtechnology will transform society.
This inert fleck has astonishing powers that are already transforming society.
Effective Writing Skills
1. making effective use of specific verbs and adjectives
2. employing various methods to make the science writing understandable and interesting
Special Difficulties
1. understanding the terms connected with computer
2. paraphrasing some complicated sentences
Questions for Discussion
1. What does a miracle chip look like? What is it made of?
2. What is the significance of the computer revolution?
3. Is the computer a humanizing or dehumanizing factor?
4. The author tries to make his science writing interesting and popular. What are some of the methods he employs to achieve this?
III Text Analysis
Title: Miracle chips:
A miracle is an event or action that apparently contradicts known scientific laws and is hence thought to be due to supernatural causes, especially to an act of God. 奇迹，神奇妙事
A chip is a tiny square of a material, such as silicon, processed to have specific electronic characteristics. (集成)电路片, 基片, 芯片
Therefore, miracle chips are these silicon squares capable of accomplishing incredible tasks.
Subtitle:
Microtechnology: application of technical knowledge to smaller and smaller things.微电子技术
Transform: v. make a thorough or dramatic change in the form, appearance, or character of彻底改变，使发生巨变，使改观，变革
Part one (p1-p3)
Paragraph 1
Question 1: what does a miracle chip look like?
Question 2: What is it made of?
General idea of P1: the appearance and elements of the miracle chip.
Writing features and methods: Description of the an integrated circuit,
using simile and metaphor (figure of speech)
1.It is tiny: Here it refers to the miracle chip, which is not mentioned until the next paragraph. Giving characteristics of something without naming it arouses the reader?s curiosity.
2. a quarter of an inch square: a squ are measuring a quarter of an inch(1/4″) on all 4 sides(1英寸=2.54厘米)
3. stylize: v. depict or treat in a mannered and non-realistic style使格式化，使程式化
Here stylized means conforming to a specific, typical style. 具有独特风格的
4. Navaho […n?v?h?u] rug: rugs of intricate geometric designs woven by the Navaho (Indian) tribe in THE U.S. Navaho纳瓦霍人(美国最大的印第安部落)
Rug: n. a small carpet小地毯
5. aerial view of a railroad switching yard: A railroad switching yard is an area where railroad trains are made up and cars are switched, stored, or serviced. The miracle chip looks like a railroad switching yard looked at from an airplane or helicopter flying above.
Aerial […??ri?l] : existing, happening, or operating in the air在空中（存在、发生或进行）的
Switch: (铁路)转辙器; 铁道侧线
6. Like the grains of san d on a beach … on the surface of the earth: Sand on a beach is made mostly of silicon. So is the miracle chip. Silicon is available in nature in huge quantities. The only thing there is more of is oxygen. Here the word grain means a tiny solid particle, as of salt or sand. Element: 元素
Grain: a small hard particle of a substance such as salt or sand小而硬的颗粒（如盐粒或沙粒）
Silicon […s?l?k(?)n] : [mass noun]the chemical element of atomic number 14, a non-metal with semiconducting properties, used in making electronic circuits. Pure silicon exists in a shiny dark grey crystalline form and as an amorphous powder(Symbol: Si) （化学元素）硅(符号：Si)
Oxygen .[…?ksid??n] : [mass noun]a colourless, odourless reactive gas, the chemical element of atomic number 8 and the life-supporting component of the air. Oxygen forms about 20 per cent of the earth's atmosphere, and is the most abundant element in the earth's crust, mainly in the form of oxides, silicates, and carbonates(Symbol: O) 氧(符号：O)
Abundant: e xisting or available in large quantities; plentiful大量的，多的；充足的
Paragraph 2
Question 1: What was the computer of 25 years ago like? What is the miracle chip of today like?
General idea of P2: Its uses, the advantages / superiority of microcomputer/miracle chip over the old type of computers.
Writhing methods in exposition: contrast (the difference between the modern computer and the computer of 25 years ago)
1. inert fleck: a bit of a thing having few or no active properties
Inert .[?n??:t] : 1) lacking vigour缺乏活力的，无生气的
2) chemically inactive（化学）惰性的，不活泼的
Fleck: a small particle or speck of something小块，小片
2.For the so-called miracle chips … 25 years ago: This tiny fleck can store as much information as the huge computers of the past. These chips have such an extraordinary capability that they almost seem to perform miracles. Calculating capability is its ability to process (many and complex) mathematical data.
3.hulking: adj. (of a person or object) very large, heavy, or clumsy（人或物）庞大笨重的，笨拙的
4.Caliban .[…k?lib?n]: a huge, uncouth, deformed creature, the slaw of Prospero, in Shakespeare?s The Tempest. The old computers were big, ugly things like Caliban. 凯列班(莎士比亚剧《暴风雨》中半人半兽形怪物), 〈喻〉丑恶而残忍的人。
凯列班生在一个海岛上，他的父亲是个恶魔，母亲是个女巫。米兰公爵普罗斯帕罗（Prospero）来到了这个岛屿并收服了他。但凯列班无法改变他的野性。因此，他一直被囚禁在岩洞中做苦役，喻指“野性难改的丑怪”
5.vacuum […vakj??m] : a space entirely devoid of matter空，真空状态
6.tube: n. 1) a long, hollow cylinder of metal, plastic, glass, etc. for holding or transporting something, chiefly liquids or gases（金属、塑料、玻璃等材料的）管，管子
2) a cathode ray tube, especially in a television set阴极射线管，电视显像管
Translation 13 我看你的电视机需要修理一下，显像管似乎有点毛病。
I?m afraid that your TV set needs repairing. It seems that there is something wrong with the tube.
vacuum tubes: (真空管)electron tubes containing an almost perfect vacuum电子管
7.tangled: adj. twisting together into a confused mass紊乱的,混乱的,杂乱的; 纠缠的
tangled wires: not literally tangled; so many wires that they appear to the casual observer as if they were tangled
错综复杂的导线
8.the hulking Calibans of vacuum tubes and tangled wires: vacuum tubes and tangled wires like the hulking Calibans. Metaphor
More examples:
She is a fine figure of a woman.
They went into a cave of a room.
He is an idiot of a man.
The world?s first electronic computer made in 1946 in the U.S. had 18,000 electronic tubes, weighing 130 tons, occupying a floor space of 170 square metres.
9.evolve: v. develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form逐步发展；演变
Translation 9 计算工具早在很久以前就存在了，而现代的电子计算机就是从过去的计算工具逐渐发展而来的。
Calculating instruments were in existence long ago. And it was from those past calculators that the
latter-day computer evolved.
10.mass produce= mass-produce: to produce in large quantity 大量生产,大批量生产
Translation 3 这种新产品正在成批的生产。
The new products are being mass-produced.
11.infinite: limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate无限的，无穷的；无边的；难以估量的，无数的
12.versatile .[…v?:s?tail] : able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities多功能的；多才多艺的; (指工具、机器等)多用途的, 多功能的
13.convenient: involving little trouble or effort省事的；方便的
Translation 12 这种仪器便于携带，因此对勘探人员很方便。
This device is portable; therefore it is convenient for the explorers.
14. Unlike the hulking Calibans … infinitely versatile and convenient: Chips have evolved from computers, which were made of many vacuum tubes and lots of wires. They were ugly and clumsy like Caliban (See Note 4 to the text). Since they are made of silicon, chips can be produced easily and inexpensively on a large scale (cheap and easy to mass produce). They can do a limitless number of operations (infinitely versatile) and do them rapidly (fast). They are easy to handle and operate (convenient). Therefore the chips are a major advance over the earlier models of computers.
Paragraph 3
Question 1: What is the significance of the computer revolution?
General idea of P3: The significance of this miracle chip. The development of the microcomputer marks the third stage of human development, following the invention of hand tools and that of steam engine.
Writing methods : comparison ( the significance of computer revolution and that of the industrial revolution ) 1. The miracle chip represents a development… the discovery of the steam engine: The miracle chip is a great technical development for humanity. It is as important as the development of hand tools or the invention of the steam engine.
Before tools, people hand only their hands to use for doing and making things. A steam engine is an engine that converts heat energy of pressurized steam into mechanical energy. Before the steam engine, everything was operated by sources of energy found directly in nature-human, animal, wind and water power. Therefore, the development of “miracle chips” is a technological breakthrough (a major achievement that breaks through existing limitations in knowledge and leads to further progress), just like the development of hand tools and the steam engine.作者将微电子技术的迅猛发展和深远影响与手工生产工具的出现和蒸汽机的发明做了类比。意在强调微电子技术作为一项技术突破，势必会给人们的生活带来革命性的变化。Analogy
Discovery is not the best choice here. Discovery implies finding something that already exists. Development or invention would be better.
Acquire: buy or obtain (an asset or object) for oneself（为自己）买到，获得（资产，物品）
Force: the powerful effect of something影响力，威力，感染力
Associate [??s?u?ieit]:v. connect (something) with something else because they occur together or one produces the other（由于两者同时发生或一者产生另一者而）把（某物）与其他事物关联起来associate with和...来往, 和...共事, 同...联合; (在思想上)同...联系在一起
Translation 4 学生们正在收集与微型技术有关的材料。
The students are collecting information/materials associated with microtechnology.
2. Just as the Industrial Revolution took over an immense range of tasks… and thereby expand ing the mind?s capacities in ways that man has only begun to grasp: The steam engine was a technological breakthrough because it could be applied in a great number of ways(versatile). It made possible a revolution in industry. This revolution involved the development of different steam-powered machines which could do a great number of jobs formerly done by hand and powered by human or other natural energy. Work became less strenuous. The machines could also do a lot more work and more quickly than humans. So there was a breakthrough in productivity as well. The extensive mechanization of production, with the resulting shift from home manufacturing to large-scale factory manufacturing, brought about great social and economic changes. This is why it?s called a revolution. In the same way, the new, small computers are rapidly taking on much of the tedious mental work formerly done only by the human brain. As they are further developed, computers, according to this author, will be able to help the human mind to do much more. The different ways in which the computer can do this cannot yet be clearly foreseen. Simply freed the human body of many strenuous, unpleasant physical tasks, so the microcomputer will free the human mind of many strenuous, unpleasant mental task.
take something over: 1) assume control of something接管；控制
2) become responsible for a task in succession to another接任
Muscles肌肉---physical tasks/chores体力劳动metonymy
Human brain---mental labor脑力劳动metonymy
Expand: become or make larger or more extensive扩大；扩充；扩展
Productivity: n. 1) the state or quality of producing something, especially crops（尤指生产庄稼）生产力，生产能力
2) the effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input生产率（尤指工业投入与产出的比率）
Assume: take or begin to have (power or responsibility) 承担（责任）；就（职）
Burden: a load, typically a heavy one负担，担子
Drudgery .[…dr?d??ri:]: hard, menial, or dull work苦工，乏味的工作
Thereby: by that means; as a result of that因此，由此，从而
Grasp:1) seize and hold firmly抓牢，握紧
2) get mental hold of; comprehend fully理解；领会
3. With the chip, amazing feats of memory and execution become possible… to a baby?s nursery: By means of the chip, we are now able to perform wonderful feats of storing information and carrying out programmed instructions in every field from … to a baby?s nursery.
1) feat: an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength壮举，功绩
2) memory: In electronics, memory means the components of a computer, guidance system, etc. designed to accept, store, and recall information or instructions. （计算机的）存储器
2) Execution .[,eksi?kju:??n] : the carrying out or putting into effect of a plan, order, or course of action实行,
执行Here means processing and retrieving information in a computer
3) Corporate offices: offices of corporations
4) Outer space: space beyond the atmosphere of the earth; space outside the solar system宇宙空间，外层空间
1st Part:
Section 1: What it is like, the outlook, the appearance of the miracle chip. P1
Section 2: Its uses, the advantages / superiority of microcomputer over the old type of computers. P2
Section 3: The significance of this miracle chip. The development of the microcomputer marks the third stage of human development, following the invention of hand tools and that of steam engine. P3
One can almost say that the development of hand tools marks the transformation of human being from ape to man. And it is known to all that the development of steam engine greatly emancipated productivity, accelerated the advancement of human development from feudalism to capitalism and imperialism.
It can be estimated that the new technology will affect our life in ways both we know and we don't know.
Technique adopted:
Description of the an integrated circuit
Comparison and contrast
Part II (p4-P17)
Subtitle：
Living; Pushbutton Power: the things that can be done by just pushing a button
The subtitle means pushbutton power will play an important part in living (daily household chores will be performed by pushbutton power in the age of miracle chips). In the first two paragraphs of this section, the present tense is used to describe future actions in order to achieve dramatic vividness.
Paragraph 4
Question 1: Why did author name the hero mdoern “Aladdin” or “Mr. A” in this text?
Question 2: Try to describe a day of Mr. A.
1. burrs .[b?:] : 1) sings; makes a whirring sound( onomatopoeia). 发出嗡嗡声
2) Burr is the trilling of r, with uvula or tongue, as in the dialectal speech of northern England and Scotland. 说话带地方口音尤指颤r音
2.Venetian blinds: a window screen made of a number of horizontal slats that can be raised or lowered with one cord and all set at a desired angle with another cord, thus regulating the amount of light admitted.
Venetian .[vi?ni:??n] : of or relating to Venice or its people (the adjective of Venice […v?n?s] . ) （与）威尼斯（有关）的；（与）威尼斯人（有关）的
3. snap: cause to move or alter in a specified way with a brisk movement and typically a sharp sound使吧嗒一声（快速移动或改变状态）
Eg: Rosa snapped her bag shut. 罗莎吧嗒一声把包合上了。
4. the thermostat boosts the heat to a cozy 70: The thermostat raises the heat to a comfortable 70 degrees Fahrenheit […f?r?n,ha?t]华氏温度, approximately 21 degrees centigrade.
Thermostat […θ?:m?stat] : a device that automatically regulates temperature, or that activates a device when the temperature reaches a certain point温度自动调节器，恒温器.
It?s connected to a switch on a furnace. It can be set at a certain temperature and when the heat in the room where it?s located falls below that temperature, it automatically activates the furnace switch, causing the furnace to turn on and produce more heat until it reaches the desired level.
Boost: (informal) increase, raise增加, 提高
Cozy= cosy: warm and comfortable; giving a feeling of comfort, warmth, and relaxation舒适的;温暖的;安逸的?F: Fahrenheit
?C: Celsius, Centigrade
5. The percolator in the kitchen starts burbling:
Percolator .[…p?:k?leit?] : a coffeepot with a tube up the center. A basket with ground coffee rests on the top part of the tube. Boiling water is repeatedly forced up through the center tube and filters down through the basket, thus making the coffee. Some percolators require the heat of a stove; others operate electrically. 渗滤式咖啡壶Burble .[…b?:bl]: v. make a continuous murmuring noise发出汩汩声(onomatopoeia)
6. The TV set blinks on: the TV set turns itself on easily, smoothly, automatically and noiselessly.
Blink: shut and open the eyes quickly眨眼睛personification
7. newscast: a radio or television broadcast of news reports新闻广播
8. a selective rundown( ordered up the night before) of all the latest worldwide events affecting the economy-legislative, political, monetary: The night before, Mr. A. had placed his order for a summary of the particular world news that interests him, namely news about the economy. A person can instruct the computer to select only those kinds of items he is interested in. Here the three adjectives legislative, political, monetary all modify the word events.
selective: careful about what you choose挑选的；选择的
eg: He's very selective about the people he spends time with.
rundown: n. an analysis or summary of something分析；总结；概要，梗概
rundown of sth.: detailed report of a set of events
Translation 6 请你给我简要的总结一下上周的新闻。
Please give me a brief rundown of last week?s news.
Affect: v. have an effect on; make a difference to影响；对…有影响，对…起作用
Translation 5 你认为农业机械化会对我国农民的生活产生什么影响？
In what ways do you think mechanization in agriculture will affect the life of peasants in our country.? selective rundown: a detailed report of a set of events selected carefully
legislative […led?is,leiti v]: having the power to make laws有立法权的立法的
monetary .[…m?nit?ri] : of or relating to money or currency金钱的；货币的
9.after the news on TV comes the morning mail: The morning mail is also flashed on the TV screen like the newscast.
10. correspondent: a person employed to report for a newspaper or broadcasting organization, typically on a particular subject from a particular country（报纸，电台）（尤指写某一专题或驻某一国家的）记者
11. dictate: say or read aloud (words to be typed, written down, or recorded on tape) 口授
12. network: a number of interconnected computers, machines, or operations（计算机、机器或操作）网络
13. the latter-day Aladdin: the modern Aladdin. Note the analogy.
latter-day: modern or contemporary, especially［尤用于对照过去的人、事］现代的，当代的Here the future man is compared to Aladdin in The Arabian Nights, and the miracle chips to the genie.
For Aladdin, a son of a poor widow, who found a magic lamp and a magic ring. With the help of the geme (神怪）of the lamp and ring he became very rich and married the daughter of the Caliph.阿拉丁是《天方夜谭》(The Thousand and One Night)中的一个青年，一个穷寡妇的儿子，一盏神灯和魔圈，并借助它们的神力发了大财，后来娶了阿里发的女儿为妻。这里把未来的人比作阿拉丁。这段文字描写计算机进入家庭后带来的巨大变化，它像阿拉丁神灯一样，是今天生活的人—无数的阿拉丁们，过起了天方夜谭般的幸福生活。另外，文章还有一处运用了换称(Antonomasia .[,?nt?n??meizi?] )的手法，下一段第一句中的Alice A.(爱丽丝.阿拉丁夫人)
What is story of Aladdin？
Have you ever read the story of Aladin in A Thousand and One Night?
met his long-left uncle.
to a wasteland in a mountain.
a cave; saved him out of it.
At home Aladin took out the light he got in the cave.
A supernatural being of light appeared. Aladin ordered foods richer. married the king?s daughter.
uncle was annoyed. a wicked idea:
to exchange an old light into a new one. Aladin?s wife changed it to a new one.
Getting the magic light, A ladin?s uncle ordered to remove Aladin?s palace to Africa.
With the help of a ring, Aladin saw his wife. He ordered her to put some poison into his uncle?s
bowl.
His uncle came and Aladin?s wife did it. uncle died.
Aladin took back the magic light. palace back to the original place.
Later, Aladin inherited the throne
a just king, was adored by people.
country richer.
14. snug : adj. comfortable, warm, and cosy; well protected from the weather or cold温暖舒适的；不受天气（或寒冷）侵袭的
snug as a bug小虫(in a rug) : (幽默)非常舒服的(humorous)in an extremely comfortable position or situation 15. abed: adj. adv. in bed, on a bed在床上
Similarly:
afoot- on foot (also in process of being carried out)
aboard- on board( a ship)
ashore- to or on the shore
16. bedside box: apparatus at the side of the bed床头柜
17. issues a string of business and personal memos: He gives forth a series of messages of both a personal and business nature. Since it doesn?t say otherwise, he must have given the messages orally.
issue: v. 1) send sth. out; make sth. known 发送,发表
eg: to issue orders, instructions, etc.
The minister issued a statement to the press.
2) supply or distribute (something) 提供，分配，分发
Eg: issue visas to foreign visitors
issue warm clothing to the earthquake survivors
3) put (something) on sale or into general use发行
Eg: issue books, stamps, bank-notes, shares
A string of: a set of things tied or threaded together; a series of一连串
Memo is a short form of memorandum (sing.); memoranda, -dums (pl.), a written communication or record as in a business office, also a short note written as a reminder to oneself. Here it is not necessary to write it since the “genie screen” will record it for him.
18. Genie[…d?i:ni:] :a spirit of Arabian folklore, as traditionally depicted imprisoned within a bottle or oil lamp, and capable of granting wishes when summoned魔仆,神怪, 妖怪（指阿拉伯民间传说中的一个精灵，被囚禁于瓶子或油灯中，被召唤时现身问召唤者有何愿望，得到回答后即能使愿望实现）
(plural form) genii .[…d?i:niai]
the genie is out of the bottle : used to say that an action has been taken that will cause a big and permanent change in people?s lives, especially one which might make a situation worse妖怪已经放出魔瓶了(形容将对人们的生活造成永久性的、尤指负面影响的事件已经发生)
Genie screen: a screen that seems to have magic powers like the genic (or jinni) in Moslem legends.
on the genie screen: it seems that the TV screen is more than just an ordinary TV screen but one which is capable of receiving and transmitting a fantastic variety of messages in many different forms as if it had miraculous, supernatural powers like a genie.
19. Mr. A. is alerted by a buzzer and a blue light on the screen: He apparently has programmed his computer to notify him( by a buzzer and blue light on the screen) when his boss leaves for work so that he?ll know when he should leave for work too.
Alert .[??l?:t] : v. warn (someone) of a danger, threat, or problem, typically with the intention of having it avoided or dealt with（尤指为了避免或应付危险、威胁或问题而）提醒，警告（某人）
Eg: he alerted people to the dangers of smoking. 他提醒人们注意吸烟的种种危害。
Buzzer .[…b?z?] : an electrical device, similar to a bell, that makes a buzzing noise and is used for signalling蜂鸣器
20. saunters out to the car: strolls, walks leisurely to his car. This shows there is no need for him to hurry since everything has been looked after by the chips. He lives a very leisurely, relaxed life.
Saunter .[…s?:nt?] : v. walk in a slow, relaxed manner, without hurry or effort闲逛；漫步
Eg: Adam sauntered into the room. 亚当悠闲地踱进房间。
Let?s go for a saunter along the river.我们沿着河走走吧。
21. The engine, of course, is running: It goes without saying that the engine of the car is running because it has also been looked after by the chips.
Paragraph 5
Question 1: How will a household computer work?
Question 2: Try to describe a day of Alice A.
1. Alice A.. That is Mrs. Alice Aladdin. The name “ Alice” was probably chosen to bring up in the mind?s eye of the reader a picture of the little girl in Alice in Wonderland.
2. Alice.A. concentrates on the screen for a read-out … and markets: Now Alice Aladdin uses the “geni e screen” to find out where she can buy the things she needs at the cheapest prices.
Read-out: n. computer term for presentation of information by a computer, which is in the form of numbers, words, or other readable symbols输出读出；信息显示a visual record or display of the output from a computer or scientific instrument
Comparative prices: The price of any particular item often vary from one store to another. She wants a listing of all the prices so that she will know where to buy. This is called comparative shopping.
local merchants?: possessive所有格because the word shops is understood
3.eyeball-to-eyeball: seeing and talking directly to someone ;
similar to face-to-face and eye-to-eye. Of the three, face-to-face is the least forceful; eye-to-eye is more forceful than face-to-face, but eyeball-to-eyeball is the most forceful. A similar phrase is nose-to-nose, but it implies on the verge of conflict, e.g. the two boys were nose-to-nose when the teacher arrived and prevented a fight.
4. consultation .[,k?ns?l?te???n] : the action or process of formally consulting .[k?n?s?lt] or discussing请教；咨询；磋商negotiation
5. on the tube: (informal) on the TV screen.
Slangs for TV: boob tube (boob .[bu:b]: stupid or simple-minded person笨蛋，蠢人);
idiot box. Both these expressions refer to TV of low quality in the West—only boobs and idiots watch it a lot.
6. commandeer [,k?m?n?d??] : v. officially take possession or control of (something), especially for military purposes征用（尤指作为军用）
Eg: All automobiles in the town were commandeered by the army. 城中所有的汽车均被部队征用了。Here the word means to place an order, submit a list of supplies.
7. Pressing a couple of keys on the kitchen terminal: She obviously has a control panel控制板in her kitchen which is connected to the computer. The panel consists of several keys.
key: control button or lever on a machine or computer
terminal: end point of a computer system. （计算机）终端（设备）
8. memory bank: n. the memory device of a computer or other device（电脑或其他设备的）存储体，内存库Computers can receive, store, and sort out a tremendous amount of information. They can also give forth information that has been received, stored and sorted. The storage of information is called a memory bank. The bringing forth of that information is called information retrieval. (Retrieve: get back, regain.) Therefore, this computer has been programmed to receive, store, sort out and retrieve Alice?s recipes.
9. recipe .[…res?pi] : 1) a set of instructions for preparing a particular dish, including a list of the ingredients required烹饪法；食谱
2) a medical prescription处方
a recipe for living long长寿秘诀
10. to compute the ingredients for six servings: to determine how much of each component part of the dishes is needed to feed six people to compute
compute .[k?m?pju:t]: to reckon or calculate (a figure or amount) 估计，估算；计算（数字，数量）computerize: convert to a system which is operated or controlled by computer计算机化;用计算机操作(或控制) ingredient .[in?ɡri:dj?nt]: n. any of the foods or substances that are combined to make a particular dish（菜肴的）配料，原料material
serving: n. a quantity of food suitable for or served to one person（食物）一客，一份
11. televise: v. [usu. as adj. televised] transmit by television用电视播放，用电视放映
12. Byzantine.[bi?z?ntain]: of or relating to Byzantium, the Byzantine Empire, or the Eastern Orthodox Church （与）拜占庭（有关）的；（与）拜占庭帝国（有关）的；（与）东正教（有关）的
Byzantine art: designation of words of transitional style of the Byzantine Empire, which came into being as a result of the adoption of Early Roman art to the requirements of the Christian faith and which flourished from 328-1453 A.D. In architecture it was characterized by domes on substructures with 4 or more corners. In painting it was characterized by a preference for birght color (gold, blue) and austere, slender figure. 拜占庭艺术风格（发展于拜占庭帝国，传入意大利、俄罗斯等地，其艺术作品常华丽并以宗教偶像为风格，建筑尤以多穹顶，极具装饰的教堂为典型）
Alice then joins a televised discussion of Byzantine art: The computer has information stored on Byzantine
art( see Note 12 to the text). Alice has retrieved this information from the computer. The computer teaches in the same way a book does. Now she joins a discussion group of people in different locations who hear and see each other through special television apparatus.
13. wander .[…w?nd?] : v. walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or aimless way漫游，漫步，闲逛
14. computer room: The room in which the computer is located. All the other computer operations in the house are controlled through terminals of this computer.
15. Al (“ Laddy”) Jr. : Al is usually diminutive for Albert, but in this case it is for Aladdin, which can also be shortened to Laddy. Jr. stands for junior, which means the son has the same first name as his father. Father would be Al Sr. (senior).
This is done only with men?s names. If the name continues for the third generation, Roman numerals(Ⅰ.Ⅱ.Ⅲ.etc.) are used. This happens mainly among upper class families, e.g. John Rockefeller Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ.
16. headset: earphone, headphone, set on the head; a set of headphones整套头戴式耳机
17. drill: exercise,
18. verb conjugation .[,k?nd?u?ɡei??n]: the different inflectional forms of a verb. In some languages a verb has different forms, determined by the person, number, tense, mood, or voice of the said verb.动词变位
19. groovy […ɡru:vi] (groovier, grooviest): adj. (slang) enjoyable and excellent令人快乐的；顶呱呱的，出色的
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Question 1: How will a hospital computer work?
1. wellsian […welzi?n] : adj. of Wells, as fantastic as the stories in Wells? novels (英国作家)威尔斯的, 威尔斯
作品的
Herbert George Wells (1866-1946), the son of a gardener and a lady?s maid, He went to the Normal Sc hool of Science in London and studied biology under Professor Thomas Henry Huxley, the principal exponent in England of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. By 1895, he had published The Time Machine, the Wonderful Visit and a volume of short stories. These made Wells the pioneer of science fiction in the world.Among his works, besides the above mentioned, The Invisible Man, The War of the Worlds, The First Men in the Moon and The War in the Air are outstanding.
Wellsian fantasy: fantasy in the science fiction stories.(The Time Machine, The First Men in the Moon. Etc) written by the English novelist H.G.Wells (1866-1946)
Wellsian fantasy: See Note 13 to the text. Wellsian is the adjective for Wells, a made up word. The question is elliptical省略的. In full, it should be : Is all this a Wellsian fantasy?
2. matutinal .[,m?tju(:)?tainl] : adj. of or occurring in the morning早晨的，清晨的
Scenario [s??nɑ:r???] (pl. -os): 1) a written description of the action to take place in a film, play, etc. （电影或舞台剧的）脚本，剧情概要
2) a description of a situation场景
Here it means an outline of possible chain of events.
3. Such painless, productive awakenings will in time be a familiar thing: Mr A. is awakened in a pleasant way and his time is immediately put to efficient and constructive use. In the future this will become a common and familiar phenomenon.
Painless: 1) not causing or suffering physical pain无痛（苦）的
2) involving little effort or stress不费力的
Productive: achieving or producing a significant amount or result 富有成效的
Awakening: n. an act of waking from sleep(正式)睡醒
in time: not late; punctual没迟到；及时
4. Barring headaches, tummy aches and heartaches: with the exception of headaches, tummy aches and heartaches
Barring: prep. except for; if not for除…以外；除非
tummy:a child?s word for stomach, a person's stomach or abdomen人的）胃，肚子
heartache .[…hɑ:teik]: emotional anguish or grief, sorrow伤心; 悲痛
The author implies these are the only problems the computer can?t set right.
5. All thanks to the miracle of the microcomputer, … time-consuming tasks: Such a life will be possible because of the amazing capabilities of the very inexpensive microcomputers which will relieve humans of a tremendous variety of dreary jobs.
supercheap: a made up word. Super has become a very common prefix, meaning to a very great, extraordinary extent. It can refer to size amount, quality, degree, e.g. supermarket, superabundant, superman, supernatural, superpower. The word super by itself is a new slang, meaning ideal, first-rate.
Shoulder: v. 1) put (something heavy) over one's shoulder or shoulders to carry肩扛；肩挑
2) (figurative)take on (a burden or responsibility) (喻)肩负（重担，责任）
Array [??re?] : an impressive display or range of a particular type of thing显眼的一系列,展示, 陈列
an array of : An impressively large number, as of persons or objects一排; 一群; 一批
time-consuming: taking a lot of or too much time耗费时间的；旷日持久的
eg: an extremely time-consuming process. 极耗时的方法。
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1. The microelectronic revolution promises to … by the utopians: The breakthrough in microelectronics will change people?s lives in ways no one has ever thought of before. People with a visionary scheme for an ideally perfect society.
Promise: v. give good grounds for expecting (a particular occurrence or situation) 有…可能；给…以指望
Here the word promise means to give a basis, cause for expecting.
Eg: it promised to be a night that all present would long remember. 这会是一个所有在场的人都可能长久记住的夜晚
The dark clouds promise rain.
The autumn crops promise to be a good harvest.
Ease: v. 1) make (something unpleasant, painful, or intense) less serious or severe减轻，舒缓，缓解
2) make (something) happen more easily; facilitate使容易；使便利
Enhance [?n?hɑ:ns]: intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of提高…的质量（或价值、程度）
enhance life: improve the quali ty of people?s lives
utopian .[ju:?t??pi:?n] : adj. modelled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic 乌托邦的；理想主义的
(These people are often thought of as dreamers. Therefore, even these dreamers never dreamed of such possibilities.)
Paraphrase 1The microelectronic revolution promises to ease, enhance and simplify life in ways undreamed of even by the utopians
1.The breakthrough in microelectronics will change people?s lives in ways no one has ever thought of before.
2.The breakthrough in microelectronics will make life simple and easy by lessening its pressure and improving its quality which even the zealous reformers have never thought of before.
2. perform: v. 1) carry out, accomplish, or fulfil (an action, task, or function) 执行（任务）；完成；实施（行动）；履行（职责）
2) work, function, or do something to a specified standard工作；运行；表现
Translation 7 使用电子计算机才使得他们有可能快速并高效的完成任务。
The adoption of computers made it possible for them to perform their task quickly and efficiently.
3. leisure time, greatly increased, will be greatly enriched: People will have more leisure time( because the computers will perform many tasks now done by people). They will be able to spend their leisure time in more meaningful and rewarding ways (because the computers will provide a wide variety of educational and recreational pursuits of high quality).
Enrich: v. To make fuller, more meaningful, or more rewarding丰富、使更有意义或益处
add to the cultural, intellectual, or spiritual wealth of使丰富
Eg: An appreciation of art will enrich your life
4. dreary .[…dri?ri] (drearier, dreariest): dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing沉闷的，枯燥无味的；阴郁的；无生气的；令人沮丧的
5. capricious [k??pr???s]: given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behaviour（心情，行为）突然且莫名改变的；任性的
6. may be invested with inspiriting quality of an Oxford tutorial: Public education may be furnished with close, individual attention to invest means to put money into business. Here it means to furnish with power, privilege, or authority.
Invest: (invest someone/thing with)provide or endow someone or something with (a particular quality or attribute) 赋予，赋有
Inspirit: encourage and enliven (someone) 鼓舞，激励；使振作，使振奋[usu. as adj. inspiriting]
tutorial .[tu:?t?:ri:?l]: of or relating to a tutor or a tutor's tuition（与）大学导师（有关）的，（与）家庭教师（有关）的，（与）大学助教（有关）的；（与）辅导（有关）的，（与）指导（有关）的
Oxford tutorial: a system of instruction practiced at Oxford University, England, in which a tutor directs and supervises the studies of a small group of students assigned to him.
preschool: n. a nursery school ; equivalent to kindergartens in China托儿所
7. precision: n. The state or quality of being precise; exactness; accuracy .[…?kjur?si] 精确；准确性；精密（度）
precise adj.
eg: clockwork precision 无比精确
The diagram had been copied with great precision. 该图表复制得极精确
precision timing 恰到好处的时机
precision instruments/tools, ie those designed for very accurate work, measurements, etc 精密仪器[工具]
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1. astray: adv. 1) away from the correct path or direction离开正确的路；迷路
2) into error or morally questionable behaviour步入歧途；堕落
go astray : (of an object) become lost or mislaid（东西）被遗失；被放错地方
2. walk the street: Walk, used transitively, means to go through, over, or along at a moderate pace on foot, e.g. to walk the deck, the street, etc.
3. virtually: adv. nearly; almost几乎；差不多
Eg: virtually all those arrested were accused. 几乎所有被逮捕者都受到指控。
4. transaction .[tr?n?z?k??n] : an instance of buying or selling something; a business deal交易；业务
financial transactions: activities that are conducted or carried out which ordinarily involve the exchange of money, e.g., purchases at a shop. This is already done by computer to some extent-computerized credit cards and cheques.
5. conduct .[k?n?d?kt] : organize and carry out: 组织；执行；实施；进行
6. the microelectronic village: refers to villages and suburbs where microelectronic computers will be widely in use. Village--society
7.In the microelectronic village, the home will ag ain be … before the Industrial Revolution: Before the Industrial Revolution, the home was the center of society, the center of production. With readily accessible goods and services made available by means of the computer, society will seem smaller and closer together. Comment: The home will not become the center of production again like before the Industrial Revolution, but it will become the center of more social activities.
microelectronic village comes from “global village”. Thus with these miracle chips, the world will become so small that it becomes a small village.
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1. domestic devices: mechanical inventions or contrivances that help out in housekeeping, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and air conditioners, etc.家用电器
2. as much a part of the home as the kitchen sink: as common as the kitchen sink in the home
sink: n. a fixed basin with a water supply and outflow pipe水槽
3. it wi ll program washing machines …: The household computer will plan, direct the domestic appliances for specific tasks. It implies no operator will be required.
Program: v. provide (a computer or other machine) with coded instructions for the automatic performance of a particular task为计算机等）设计程序；为…编制程序design a program
Translation 10 尽管这些神奇的集成线路片有数不清的性能，但还需要有人为它们编制程序。
Though these miracle chips have countless capabilities, they still need to be programmed by human beings.
4. robot vacuum cleaner: A vacuum cleaner is a machine that picks up dirt form floors and rugs. A robot vacuum cleaner is a cleaner operated not by the human hand but by a man like mechanical device.
5. rinse .[rins] : v. wash (something) with clean water to remove soap, detergent, dirt, or impurities用清水漂洗（某物）上的肥皂（洗涤剂，灰尘或脏物）
6. stack: v. arrange (a number of things) in a pile, typically a neat one把…（整齐地）叠成堆
7. When something goes wrong with an appliance, … will be made automatically: When something goes wrong with an appliance, you can put a question to the computer, and you will be given by the computer instructions on how to repair the appliance. But in the future, even this simple process will be unnecessary because the computer will be able to detect causes of breakdowns and make the repairs automatically. Appliance: a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, especially a domestic one（用于特定目的的）器具（尤指家用器具）
Elicit [??l?s?t]: evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions引出；探出（反应，回答，事实）
8. cut: reduce the amount or quantity of削减
9. direct: v. aim (something) in a particular direction or at a particular person将（某物）对准；朝向（某个特定的方向或特定的人）
Eg: heating ducts to direct warm air to rear-seat passengers. 将暖空气送往后排座位乘客的暖气输送管。
10. the device?s ubiquitous eye: (figurative).Actually it?s a sensor传感器, i.e. a device that can receive and respond to signal or stimulus, in this case possibly heat. Thus the device can tell where people are at all times as if had eyes everywhere.
Ubiquitous [ju:?b?kw?t?s] : adj. present, appearing, or found everywhere普遍存在的；无所不在的Eg: his ubiquitous influence was felt by all the family. 全家都能感到他无所不在的影响。
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1. Paper clutter will disappear as home information management systems … and the kitchen bulletin board: Computers will be programmed to store and sort information having to do with the maintaining of the household. This will eliminate a lot of paper work involved in this kind of job.
Clutter: a collection of things lying about in an untidy mass杂物
Eg: the room is full of clutter.
take over: take control of or responsibility for sth, esp in place of sb else接管; 获得对…的控制或管理
pad: n. a number of sheets of blank paper fastened together at one edge, used for writing or drawing on拍纸簿bulletin .[…bulitin]: a short official statement or broadcast summary of news公报
the kitchen bulletin board: a small notice board usually made of cork that hangs in the kitchen, used for putting up shopping lists, memos, messages to family members, etc.
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1. While it may be a number of years before the average housewife … in an ever-growing number of supermarkets: An increasing number of supermarkets already has the basic computer equipment which in a
number of years can be adapted to make shipping without leaving home possible. Currently the main computerized tasks in some supermarkets are financial: computers more sophisticated than adding machines received and store information on how much customers spend and on what categories of goods—meat, canned goods, etc. this also somewhat simplifies taking inventory and ordering of goods for the management. Average: of the usual or ordinary standard, level, or quantity普通的，平常的
Instrumentation [,instrumen?tei??n] : n. measuring instruments regarded collectively[总称]仪表，测量仪器
in place: working or ready to work; established到位的，就位的；已确定的
Paragraph 12
1. dehumanize.[di?hjum?,na?z]: v. deprive of positive human qualities剥夺人性，使非人化
dehumanizing factor: aspect, element that deprives life and its activities of human qualities; aspect, element that makes human beings machinelike. Human qualities include kindness, pity, individuality, creativity, etc. Paragraph 2 The computer might appear to be a dehumanizing factor, but the opposite is in fact true.
It seems that computers deprive human beings of their human qualities, but it is not the truth. Computers can bring some human qualities into our lives as well.
It seems that computers make human beings machinelike but it is not true.
2. the consumer society: (chiefly derogatory)a society in which the buying and selling of goods and services is the most important social and economic activity. The U.S. is sometimes referred to as a consumer society.( 主贬)消费社会
3.homogeneity [,h?m?(?) d???ni:?ti:] n. 同种,同质,同次性
homogeneous [,h?m?(?)?d?i:n??s] : adj. of the same kind; alike同种的；相似的
4. assembly: n. [mass noun][often as modifier]the action of fitting together the component parts of a machine or other object (机器等的）组装
assembly line: n. a series of workers and machines in a factory by which a succession of identical items is progressively assembled (工厂产品的)装配线
5. mass-produced homogeneity of the assembly line: The Assembly line is efficient and usually quite highly automated method of production. It can produce large quantities of exactly the same item. Homogeneity means uniform in structure and composition. Middle and upper class Americans strongly react against uniformity. Ideology of individualism emphasizes differences among people, no the characteristics they share I common. Therefore, they are displeased by the uniform results of assembly line mass production. Uniform products are seen as dehumanizing, as robbing people of their human qualities, because each person wants to be seen as special or different from everyone else.
6. made to order: custom-made; made according to the specifications to the individual purchaser
7. the production commanded and directed by computer: The author imagines a computer programmed with a vast variety of clothing and shoe styles which can be put together in an original design by the customer as he or she pleases. Then the customer presses buttons to instruct the computer which commands and directs the machines that make the product.
Command: v. give an authoritative or peremptory order命令
Direct: v. control the operations of; manage or govern控制；管理；统治
8. The custom-made object, now restricted to the rich, will be withi n everyone?s reach: Since custom-made goods must be individually designed and produced, they require much more labour and time than assembly line products and very few people can now afford them. The author claims everyone will be able to afford them in the future when the computer directs their production.
custom-made: adj. designed and made for a particular person定制的; 定做的
restrict: (restrict something to) limit something, especially an activity, to (a particular place, time, or category of people) 限定某事（尤指活动）于（某地、某时、某一类人）
(restrict someone to) limit someone to only doing or having (a particular thing) or staying in (a particular place) 限定某人只做（某事)，限定某人仅拥有（某物)，限制某人只呆在（某处）
Reach: here a noun, meaning the power of obtaining, e.g. within/out of/beyond one?s reach
within …reach: 1) inside the distance to which someone can stretch out their hand在某人双手的所及范围之内；够得着
2) within the capacity of someone to attain or achieve something在…力所能及的范围内, 在…能到达的范围内
Translation 8 再过若干年，普通的家庭都可以买得起电视机了。
In a few years, the TV sets will be within the reach of the average family.
Paraphrase 3 The custom-made object, now restricted to the rich, will be within everyone?s reach. Although at present only the rich man can afford the goods which are made according to their specification, all the people will be able to afford them in the future.
Although at present only the rich man can afford the goods which are designed and made for their own requirement.
Paragraph 13
1. In no area of American life is personal service so precious as in medical care: In normal order it should be: Personal service in any other area of American life is not so precious as in medical care. (inversion for emphasis) Translate the following sentences into Chinese, paying attention to the different meanings of the word personal:
1) The Ambassador made a personal appearance at the reception.( performed in person)
2) I have something personal to tell you. (concerning a particular person in an intimate way)
3) That was an uncalled-for, highly personal remark.(aimed pointedly at intimate aspects of a person, especially in a hostile manner)
4) She is very particular about personal cleanliness. (having to do with the body or physical being)
5) In the U.S. personal service in medical care is very expensive. (private, individualized)
6) These are my personal views. (of a person, individual)
7) This article deals with personal relationships I capitalist society. (involving human beings)
Precious[…pre??s]: adj. (of an object, substance, or resource) of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly （物体，物质，资源）贵重的；珍贵的，宝贵的
Paraphrase 4 In no area of American life is personal service so precious as in medical care.
Personal service in medical care is regarded as the most important part than that in any other fields in American life.
2. the computer has become a humanizing factor … than to a harassed and possibly intimidating doctor: The computer makes it easier for the patients to talk more freely and frankly of their troubles. Doctors are too often overworked and do not have sufficient time for a thorough check up. Because of this, or a poor bedside manner, or because some doctors speak in a technical language many people don?t understand, or because their status is so much higher than ordinary people, they sometimes (frighten patients. The computer, however, can get complete information on the patient?s symptoms, regiment and medical background. The questions printed out on the computer are in simple language so the patient can understand. Because of this and because the patient need not be inhibited, embarrassed or fearful of wasting a doctor?s time, he can respond more frankly and freely to a computer than to a doctor.
Note: Change of tense indicates this is already being done. Thus far it is being done on a small-scale, experimental basis.
Humanize […hju:m?naiz]: v. 1) make (something) more humane or civilized使(某物)变得人道,使仁慈；使文明，教化
2) give (something) a human character使（某物）有人的特征
Candid […k?nd?d]: adj. truthful and straightforward; frank诚实的，正直的，坦率的
Account: n. a report or description of an event or experience报道，记述
Symptom […s impt?m]: (Medicine)a physical or mental feature which is regarded as indicating a condition of disease, particularly such a feature that is apparent to the patient: dental problems may be a symptom of other illness (医)症状
regimen […r?d??m?n]: daily health habits (e.g. diet, sleep, exercise) harassed: busy, having many other demands placed on him疗程；摄食制度，养生法
preliminary [pri?limin?ri]: adj. denoting an action or event preceding or done in preparation for something fuller or more important初步的；起始的；预备的
preliminary to : preparatory to; in advance of为…作准备；先于
harass .[…h?r?s]: v. feeling or looking strained by having too many demands made on one（因压力过大而感觉）疲惫的；有倦容的
Intimidate .[in?timideit]: v. frighten or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants（为使别人服从）恫吓，威吓，恐吓，威胁（他人）
Eg: The gang tried to intimidate the bank manager. 那帮歹徒企图恐吓银行经理。
He intimidates the children by shouting at them. 他朝孩子们大声叫喊以吓唬他们。
Paragraph 14
1. remind, alert: probably done by buzzer or some other signal and printout on TV monitor or other gadget
2. pharmacy[…fɑ:m?si]: n. a shop or hospital dispensary where medicinal drugs are provided or sold药店，药房
3. prescription: n. an instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment处方，药方
4. dosage .[…d??s?d?] : the size or frequency of a dose of a medicine or drug（药的）剂量；服法
Paragraph 15
1. Next to health, heart and home, happiness … the automobile:(Alliteration) he sentence means: besides good health, love, and a happy home, the automobile is also essential for the happiness of the Americans who move around a lot.
Heart: (metonymy);heart for love
2. computer technology may make the car, as we know it , a Smithsonian antique: The application of computer technology to the automobile might make the present-day car so out-of-date that it will belong in a museum.
Smithsonian: The world's largest museum and research complex, with 19 museums, 9 research centers and more than 140 affiliate[??filieit]隶属, 分支机构museums around the world.国家档案馆; 博物馆
3. microprocessor .[…ma?kr??,pr?ses?] : an integrated circuit that contains all the functions of a central processing unit of a computer微处理器
4. hood: metal cover over the engine of a car机动车的）发动机罩
5. ease tensions and make life simpler for the driver and passengers: Microcomputers will be able to diagnose and help solve problems with the car?s engine. This will make the car run better and safer so that drivers and passengers need not worry. They will also be spared the trouble of trying to figure out the problem when a car breaks down.
Tension: mental or emotional strain
6. Ford Motor Co.: 2nd largest auto manufacturing company in the U.S. 福特汽车公司
7. Continental Mark V: a luxury model car made by Ford; about 3 times more expensive than ordinary models （metonymy 由商标代替该物）
8. an option called “miles to empty”: a device which registers how much petrol is left in the fuel tank at any given time and how much further the car can be driven before the fuel tank is empty 燃料里程器
option: something available as a choice，a thing that is or may be chosen选择
9. refill: fill (a container) again; (of a container) become full again再装满；再注满；再填满（容器）
10.General Motors: (G.M.) largest auto manufacturing company in the U.S.大众汽车公司
11. 1978 Cadillac Seville:Cadillac[…k?dil?k]卡迪拉克is a brand name. Each company makes 3 to 4 cars with different brand names. For instance, G.M. also makes Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, Buicks and Chevrolets. Seville is one of the models of Cadillac, an expensive car. Each brand has more than one model; some have several. 1978: the year the car was made. Most models of American cars change every 2 or 3 years; some every year. Therefore to fully identify a car, the name of the company, brand, model and the year it was make must be given.1978年产的凯迪拉克牌的塞维利亚轿车(metonymy 由商标代替该物）
12. punch[p?nt?]:v. 1) strike with the fist（用拳）猛击
2) press (a button or key on a machine) 按（机器按钮，按键）
13. preset.[pri:?set]: n. a control on electronic equipment that is set or adjusted beforehand to facilitate use（电子设备的）预调装置
14. estimate: v. roughly calculate or judge the value, number, quantity, or extent of估计；判断
Translation 11 据估计，到今年年底，全世界将有12万个机器人在各个岗位上为人类服务。
It is estimated that by the end of this year 120,000 robots will be working at various posts in service of human beings all over the world.
15. the ultimate auto: the very advanced car of the future. 顶级汽车
Ultimate: being the best or most extreme example of its kind极点的，绝顶的，终极的
16. accommodate a pencil-sized portable phone: contain a telephone the size of a pencil that can be carried (or plugged into device I n a car)
accommodate: (of physical space, especially a building) provide lodging or sufficient space for（空间，尤指建筑物）容纳；为…提供膳宿（或足够空间）
Examples with accommodate:
1) I will accommodate my plans to yours. (adjust)
2) That table can accommodate more than ten diners. (have space for)
3) The hotel being built can accommodate 800 guests. (provide lodging for)
4) The bank will accommodate us with a loan. (help by supplying)
Portable: a dj. able to be easily carried or moved, especially because being of a lighter and smaller version than usual便携的，手提的，轻便的
17. capable: having the ability, fitness, or quality necessary to do or achieve a specified thing有能力的，有才能的；能胜任的
Be capable of (doing something): [指人]有...的能力; 有...的倾向[指物]易于; 有...的余地; 可以... Translation 2 这个装置能够在一两秒钟之内把信息发到另一个半球去。
This device is capable of sending messages to the other hemisphere within one or two seconds. Capability.[,ke?p??b?l?ti:] : n. the power or ability to do something能力，才能，才干
常作capability of doing/to do something
Translation 1 现代化的电子计算机除了数据处理之外，还有作出决定和选择的能力。
In addition to data processing, modern computers have the capabilities of making decisions and choices. 18. brake: n. a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels闸；刹车；制动装置
v. make a moving vehicle slow down or stop by using a brake用刹车）使（某物）减速或停下；刹住（车）
braking n. 刹车,制动,(用闸)减速adj. 制动的
19.miniradar: small device for detecting objects, their distance and speed of movement微型雷达
20. Avert.[??v?:t] : v. prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence) 防止；避免（麻烦事发生）
Eg: talks failed to avert a rail strike. 会谈未能避免一场铁路罢工。
21. Collision: n. an instance of one moving object or person striking violently against another猛烈）碰撞
Eg: his car was in collision with a lorry. 他的汽车撞上了一辆卡车。
a mid air collision between two aircraft. 两架飞机在空中相撞。
Collide: v. hit by accident when moving（偶然）碰撞
Eg: she collided with someone. 她和人相撞。
two suburban trains collided. 两列郊区火车相撞。
Paragraph 16
1. accrue[??kru]: (of a benefit or sum of money) be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time（利益，钱款）产生；增长; 得益，获利
Eg: 1) Interest accrues on a bank accout. 银行账户的利息在增长。
2) Satisfaction accrues to those who do useful work.
3) If you put your money in the bank, interest accrues.
Paraphrase 5 The widest benefits of the electronic revolution (unlike those of most revolutions) will accrue to the young.
It is the young people that will benefit the most from the electronic revolution.
2. M.I.T.: Massachusetts[,mas??t?u?s?ts] Institute of Technology <美>麻省理工学院
3. predict: v. say or estimate that (a specified thing) will happen in the future or will be a consequence of something断言；预言，预计；预卜
Eg: it is too early to predict a result. 现在就预言结果为时过早。
[with clause]he predicts that the trend will continue. 他预言这一趋势还将继续下去。
[as adj. predicted]the predicted growth in road traffic. 道路交通的预期增长。
4. pioneer of electronic education: a scientist who does exploratory work in the field of electronic education电化教育先驱
5. slide projector: a piece of equipment used for displaying photographic slides幻灯片on a screen幻灯机Slide: n. a mounted transparency, especially one placed in a projector for viewing on a screen（幻灯的）透明正片；幻灯片
6. recess.[ri?ses]: a break between school classes. 课间休息It is most commonly applied to scheduled break for a whole class or school and is therefore associated mainly with primary schools. Young children even talk about“ bringing/eating their recess”—a snack they take to school to eat during the break.
7. principal: adj. first in order of importance; main首要的；主要的
n. the head of a school, college, or other educational institution（中学、学院等的）校长；院长
Paragraph 17
1. magical beasts:Beasts here suggests that the computers are so extraordinary that they are considered as something alive, a new variety of life endowed with magical or supernatural powers.
2. assist: v. help (someone), typically by doing a share of the work帮助，协助（做一部分工作）
3. hassle.[…h?s?l] : v. bother.[…b?e?] , harass; pester打扰，纠缠; 不断烦扰
hassled: troubled, bothered. It is an informal word that has recently become very widely used, especially among teenagers.
e.g. Street gangs hassle passers-by.
4. incompetent.[?n?k?mp?t?nt]: adj. not having or showing the necessary skills to do something successfully不胜任的
5.They are revivifying soporific students … beyond the ken of most teachers: The computers are instilling new enthusiasm into bored students by promising and providing intellectual stimulation in a way that most teachers do not know how to do.
1) revivify [r??v?v?f??] : give new life or vigour to使复活；重振…的活力
2)soporific[,s?p??r?f?k]: drowsy[…dra?zi], drugged. Here ,figurative, bored. 困倦的，昏昏欲睡的,枯燥得令人厌烦的，单调乏味的
3) Dangle: 1) hang or swing loosely. 悬垂，悬挂，悬荡
2) (figurative)offer (an enticing incentive) to someone(喻)用（诱惑物）来诱惑（或激励）某人keep someone dangling : keep someone in an uncertain position使…不安
To dangle sth. in front of sb?s nose means to entice, suggesting to hold out a promise of sth.
4) deliver: provide(something promised or expected)提供，兑现
5) ken: n. one's range of knowledge or sight知识面；眼界
Eg: such determination is beyond my ken. 我无法理解这样的决定。
beyond sb.?s ken :人的理解能力之外
eg: Such things are beyond my ken. 我可不懂这些事。
Paragraph 18
1. the mighty army of consumers: the millions of ordinary American consumers
Mighty: adj. possessing great and impressive power or strength, especially on account of size强大的；强有力的2. circuit.[…s?:kit]: a complete and closed path around which a circulating electric current can flow电路，（电的）回路，线路
3. bend: n. a curve, especially a sharp one, in a road, river, path, or racing circuit(公路、河流、小道或赛道）转弯，弯道，急转弯
around the bend: (parody) 仿拟了词组around the corner 即将来到，作者通过仿拟英语习语still around the corner(还在马路的拐弯处)来喻指最大限度运用计算机革命所带来的成果“尚未到来”
Paraphrase 6 For the mighty army of consumers, the ultimate applications of the computer revolution are still around the bend of a silicon circuit.
Right now, millions of American computer users are not able to make full use of the computer.
4. benign.[bi?nain]: gentle and beneficial, promoting well-being. 温和的，宽厚的，健康的
In medicine, the opposite of benign is malignant(threatening to life of health). 良性的
5. stimulate: v. encourage interest or activity in (a person or animal) 激发（人的）兴趣；激励；刺激（动物）
6. intellect[…intilekt]: n. the understanding or mental powers of a particular person（某人的）领悟力，智力
7. liberating limbs: freeing people from any physical chores
Liberate.[…lib?reit]: v. set (someone) free from a situation, 解放，释放
Limb.[lim]: n. an arm or leg of a person or four-legged animal, or a bird's wing（人、四足动物的）肢，肢体；（鸟的）翼
8. propelling mankind to a higher order of existence: The computer revolution is moving humanity to a higher quality of life.
Propel: v. 1) drive, push, or cause to move in a particular direction, typically forwards推进，推
2) (figurative)spur or drive into a particular situation(喻)推动，刺激，驱策
order: level/degree of quality.
e.g. Her poetry is of a high order.
《暴风雨》描写了这样一个故事：弟弟安东尼奥为篡夺爵位和那不勒斯国王联手阴谋不择手段陷害自己的哥哥---米兰公爵普洛斯彼罗和三岁的侄女米兰达公主，使他们被迫流亡到一座荒岛，在那里苦苦生活了十几年。哥哥在孤岛上潜心研究魔法，终于可以呼风唤雨。于是趁安东尼奥、那不勒斯国王和其王子乘船出游享乐时唤起一场剧烈的狂风暴雨，让那不勒斯国王的王子被淹死（假相），安东尼奥和那不勒斯国王在面临暴风雨即将给他们带来的死亡面前，在饱尝失去自己的骨肉的巨大悲伤面前，他们方才醒悟，才发现生命中有远远比金钱和权力更重要的东西，对自己以往做过的事情感到羞愧和悔恨，发誓痛改前非，重新做人。
有意思的是今年伦敦奥运会开幕式就是以神奇岛屿为主题，刻在那个大钟上的经典台词：不要害怕，这个岛上充满了各种声音——就出自这个怪物之口。
Organization:
1st Part:
Section 1: What it is like, the outlook, the appearance of the miracle chip.
Section 2: Its uses, the advantages / superiority of microcomputer over the old type of computers.
Section 3: The significance of this miracle chip. The development of the microcomputer marks the third stage of human development, following the invention of hand tools and that of steam engine.
One can almost say that the development of hand tools marks the transformation of human being from ape to man. And it is known to all that the development of steam engine greatly emancipated productivity, accelerated the advancement of human development from feudalism to capitalism and imperialism.
It can be estimated that the new technology will affect our life in ways both we know and we don't know.
Technique adopted:
Description of the an integrated circuit
Comparison of the similarities and the differences
2nd Part:
Section 1. (Paras. 1. It is 7:30. 2. After her husband. 3. Wellsian fantasy?)
The matutinal scenario of Mr. Aladdin's family, an ordinary family in latter-day American society when equipped with computers.
The first section of this part is actually a narrative prose. The three paras give a vivid description of what life in an ordinary American family will be like when equipped with the computer. The author adopted a mixture of active and old fashion or big / military words to portrait the morning happenings in the family.
The clock burr, blinds snap up, percolator burbling, TV blinks on, snugly abed, saunters out... All these phrases created a picture of vivid, comfortable, smooth, perfectly ordered life.
The expression "eyeball-to-eyeball" is chosen instead of "face-to-face" or "eye-to-eye" to stress directness, closeness as if Alice were just standing in the market talking with the merchant.
The word "commandeer" makes the reader imagine that Mrs. A is like a person with commanding force, who seizes, or takes over everything she wants for her own use. And also the word "supply". Then she "orders", "directs..., obviously she has the governing power.
There are also some slang words such as "tube", "groovy" to make the general atmosphere light, pleasant, relaxed and lively.
Section 2. (Paras. from "The microelectronic revolution promises..." to "beyond the ken of many educators") The many uses of this microelectronic revolution.
In this section the technique of illustrating is adopted, that is, lots of examples are used to show the capability of the computer in various areas of life.
Section 3. Conclusion: the computer revolution is... to a higher order of existence.