现代大学英语 阅读(第二版)2Text 12 technology in reverse

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Happy 2007-2008 School Year

Unit 1 Technology in Reverse

By Robert J. Samuelson

Randy Liu

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Objectives:1. Leadd-in Exercises 2.Text Explanations 1) General Analysis of the Text 2) Questions and Discussion 3) Language Work --language points -- Word-formation --exercises 4) Writing strategies 5) Homework Organization

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Leadd-in ExercisesTalk about the following questions: --What kind of technology has impressed you most so far? --How has modern technology influenced our lives? Do exercise I and II on pp.5-6.

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General Analysis of Text Organization:The passage begins with the author’s 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 not need-based. What he is concerned with is the prevailing misuse of technology that is ordained by our ego and money.

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The whole passage may follow into three parts: the first paragraph functions as the first part, introducing what is retarded technology by employing contrast 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 which the author advises us to be rational towards costly retarded technology by using another contrast.

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Questions and DiscussionPara 1 1. Let me introduce you to retarded technology. What does the author imply in the sentence? -- The author implies that technology may not always push the world ahead, and that it sometimes holds id back. 2. Retarded technology vs. advanced technology 3. Does the author approve or disapprove of all technology? Why? --Disapprove. Because he classifies technology into two categories, “advanced technology”, and “retarded technology

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4. What is the tone of the essay? –- to discuss the misconception and misuse of technology 5. “…made waste respected , elaborate, alluring and even fun”? In which paragraph can you find the examples of “waste” in this sentence? -– Paragraph 7

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Paras 2-41. Newsweek reported a boom in electronic books. --Newsweek The International Newsmagazine (http://doc.guandang.net/ ), on which it says: The national press in each country is no longer sufficient to fully understand the ways in which nations and people interact, and the impact this has on all our lives. You need an international viewpoint, and for this, nothing can replace Newsweek

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2. Here’s a swell idea of retarded technology. The following sentences are obviously disadvantages of retarded technology, but why the word “swell” is used in this sentence? -- to show the author’s wry tone of writing this essay. 3. Read paragraph 3 and then conclude the author is making his comparisons in terms of___, ___, ___, ____. (cost, mobility, fragility and durability) 4. Losing it is not a t

raumatizing: Even if you lose it, you won’t be too upset.

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5. In para 4: Talk about the following questions: --bottleneck: problem. What is the problem the computer creates? -- The author discusses his view in two perspectives: arithmetic and common sense. Talk with your peers about how the author argues against the pro-technology comeback” on computerized libraries. --What does the question at the end of the paragraph mean? It means Do most people really need to be able to read all the materials in the New York Public Library?

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Para 51. Read the first sentence of this para. The author is using an example to argue “technology racing backward”. Describe the meaning of the example to class. 2. Read the last sentence: The video costs more and does less. Discuss what technique the author uses to help him come to this conclusion.

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Para 61.Ask the students to read the whole paragraph and then 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 acknowledges 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. (F) (T) (F)

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2. Paraphrase the following sentence:Ours is an area of conspicuous technological upheaval. But the purported gains of new technology – rising incomes, greater productivity – seem to 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. seem to elude us: are beyond our reach

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3. Ask the students to discuss the meaning of “the paradox”. --It means that new technology is supposed to bring about benefits to us but in reality some of them seem to elude us. 4. Talk about the meaning of “whose full benefits will soon burst upon us”: -- which will unexpectedly produce advantageous impact on us.

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Para 7

Paraphrase the following sentences: a. Technology is often misused because the reasons people embrace it can be fairly frivolous. --- People often use technology in a wrong way because the reasons people eagerly accept it can be rather foolish. b. Genuine thought is discouraged. The same thought-deadening process afflicts American managers. --- Creative thought is not appreciated. American managers have been troubled by the fact that independent and active thinking gives way to dumb numbers.

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