Preview
In today's rapidly changing world, education is the key to a successful future. Passages in this unit are related to education in some way. The first passage analyzes the conflict between inherently conservative education, and changes in our world brought about by modern technology. In the second passage, a teacher provides his
insight into educational reform through a dialog between a tailor and a customer. The last passage shows us around Cambridge University, through which we appreciate not only the scenery but also the true spirit of this world-renowned university.
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A Technological Revolution in Education
First Listening
Please listen to a short passage carefully and prepare to answer some questions.
Schools are inherently conservative institutions. What goes on in classrooms has changed little over the last century. But schools can no longer avoid change in a world experiencing momentous technological revolutions.
The most important technological event of our time is the rise of the computer. In the future, education will be organized largely around computer-based technology. This technology enables individuals to educate themselves and adapt to a constantly changing job market. In addition to computer technology, other innovations — like medical, genetic and bio-technology — will also have impacts on education. The explosion of knowledge demands revolution in education, though in some respects a conservative approach may well be called for. (Words：111)
Second Listening
Listen to the tape again. Then answer the following questions. 1. Why is there a need for a revolution in education?
2. What is the most important technological event of our time? 3. What do you imagine a university will be like in the future?
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A Technological Revolution in Education
A human being transported from the year 1900 to our time would recognize much of what goes on in today's classrooms—the prevalent lecturing, the emphasis on drill, and the materials and activities ranging from the basic reader to the weekly spelling tests. With the possible exception of the church, few institutions have changed as little as those charged with the formal education of the next generation. Contrast this continuity with children's experiences outside the school
walls. In modern society children have access to a range of media that would have seemed like a miracle in an earlier era. The
visitor from the past, who
would readily recognize today's classroom, would have trouble
relating to the out-of-school world of a 10-year-old today. Schools — if not education generally — are inherently conservative institutions. In large measure, I would defend this conservative tendency. But changes in our world are so rapid and so decisive that it will not be possible for schools to remain as they are or to simply introduce a few superficial improvements. Indeed, if schools do not change rapidly and radically, they are likely to be replaced by other more flexible institutions.
The Transforming Power of Computers
The most important technological event of our time is the rise of the computer. Computers already permeate many aspects of our lives, from transportation and telecommunications to entertainment.
Scarcely ignorant of these trends, many schools now have computers and networking capacity. To some extent, these technological accessories have been absorbed into the life of the school, though often they simply deliver the old lessons in a more convenient and efficient format.
In the future, however, education will be organized largely around the computer. Computers will permit a degree of individual instruction that in the past was available only to the rich. All students may receive a curriculum tailored to their needs, learning style, pace, and record of success with earlier materials and lessons.
Computer technology puts all the information in the world at one's fingers, quite literally. This is both a blessing and a curse. No longer do we have to spend long periods of time hunting down a source or a person — now, delivery of information is
instantaneous. Soon we will not even have to type in an instruction; we will be able to simply ask a question out loud and the computer will print out or speak the answer. Thus people will achieve instant \" cultural literacy \".
Less happily, the Internet has no means of quality control; \"anyone can play\". Information and disinformation mingle comfortably and, as of yet, there are no reliable ways to
distinguish sense from the distorted facts and downright nonsense common on the Net. Identifying the true, the beautiful, and the good — and which of these truths, beauties, or goods are worth knowing — constitutes a formidable challenge. It might be said, in response, that the world has always been filled with misinformation. True enough, but in the past educational authorities could at least choose their favorite texts. Today's situation, with everyone having instantaneous access to millions of sources, is without precedent.
Customizing Education In a change from previous trends, the
acquisition of a diploma from certified institutions may become less important. Individuals will be able to educate themselves and
exhibit their competence in a simulated setting. Why
pay $120,000 to go to law school, if one can \"read law\" as in earlier times and then demonstrate one's repertoire of legal skills via a computer-simulated
practical examination? Or
learn to fly a plane or conduct surgery by similar means, for that matter?
Much of education in the past was essentially vocational: designed to make sure that individuals could carry out a single job, reliably, throughout their productive adult years. Nowadays, this assumption is flawed. Few people will remain in the same occupation for their whole lives; many will move frequently from one position, company, and sector of the economy to another. The explosion of new and rapidly changing roles in the economy makes education much more complicated. Most adult teachers and parents will not have
experiences on which they can draw to prepare youngsters for a world in which they can expect to change jobs regularly. In the absence of precedent, adolescents will have to prepare themselves for rapidly changing \"career paths\" and life situations.
The Further Effects of Technology
While computer-based teaching figures to be the dominant technological influence on education, other innovations will have impacts as well. Medical technologies will permit study of students' brain activity and blood flow as they engage in various kinds of problem-solving or creative activities.
Enhanced understanding of the genetic basis of learning is also likely to invade the classroom. It may be possible to
determine which youngsters are likely to advance quickly and which ones seem doomed to \"difficult\" school experiences. Some
authorities will insist that these findings be applied in specific cases, while others will vigorously object to any decisions made on the basis of genetic information. Drugs that claim to improve learning, memory, or enthusiasm will become readily
available. Teachers and parents may face moral dilemmas that would in earlier times have been restricted to science fiction. Finally, recent breakthroughs in biology and medicine may change education in the most radical ways. If individuals seek to \"design\" offspring through genetic engineering, or to alter the genetic structure of an already existing person, or if it becomes possible to clone humans, then our definitions of what it means to be a human being, and to be a part of a human society, will be changed forever.
Conservatism Is Not Necessarily Evil
I have noted that education is conservative, and that this conservative tendency is not necessarily an evil. Indeed, with respect to the transmission of values and the teaching of certain subjects, a conservative approach may well be called for. Yet the explosion of knowledge calls for close and fresh attention to the curriculum. New and imaginative approaches will have to be
developed if young people are to be prepared for the rapidly changing roles they can expect to assume. Words: 1,009
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A Technological Revolution in Education
New Words
prevalent continuity inherent inherently decisive permeate telecommunications accessory literally bless blessing instantaneous literacy mingle distort a. (正式)（在某地或某时）流行的，盛行的；普遍的 n. 连续性，连贯性 a. 固有的，内在的，天生的 ad. 固有地，本质上，内在地 a. 1.无疑的，明确的 2.坚决的，果断的 3.决定性的，关键性的 vt. 渗透，渗入，充满 n. 电信 n. 1.附件，附属品 2.(怂恿、帮助罪犯进行犯罪活动，但犯罪时不在现场的)同谋，从犯 ad. 1.确切地，真正地 2.逐字地 3.按字面地 4.(用于加强语气)简直 vt. （祈求上帝）祝福，赐福于 n. 1.上帝的恩赐；幸事 2.批准，鼓励 a. 即刻的；瞬间发生的 n. 识字，能读能写，有文化 v. 相混合,（与另一物或人）混在一起 vt. 1.曲解；歪曲 2.使变形，弄歪 a. 1.困难的，难以克服的 2.可怕的，令人生畏的 n. (用来处理同类问题时行之有效的）先例 n. 毕业文凭，学位证书 vt. 1.授予合格证书 2.证明，证实 n. 能力，技巧 vt. （正式）模拟，模仿；假装 n. 1.全套，全部本领/功能 2.（演员或剧团的）全部节目; 保留节目 a. 职业上的，业务上的 a. 1.多产的；丰饶的 2.生产 ...... 的，生产性的 vt. 使有瑕疵 n. 缺点，瑕疵 n.&a. 青少年（的），处于青春期的孩子（的）（约13-16岁） n. 革新，创新，改革 adj. 遗传的，起源的 formidable precedent diploma certify competence simulate repertoire vocational productive flaw adolescent innovation genetic doom
dilemma breakthrough offspring clone imaginative vt. 使 ...... 遭厄运，注定，判决 n. 厄运，毁灭，死亡 n. 困境，两难境地，进退维谷 n. 突破,发现 n. 子孙，后代；幼兽 vt. 克隆，复制 a. 富于想像的，有想像力的 Phrases and Expressions
range from...to with the exception of have access to in large measure tailor to one's need hunt down draw on (experiences) in the absence of with respect to call for （在一定幅度或范围内）变动，变化 除外，除 ...... 之外 有接近（或使用）...... 的机会 在很大程度上，多半 使适应特定需要 找寻，搜寻 ...... 直至找到 凭借，动用，利用（经验） 缺乏，没有 关于，就 ...... 而言，在 ...... 方面 需要 prevalent a. (fml.)existing commonly, generally, or widely (in some place or at some time ); predominant (正式)（在某地或某时）流行的，盛行的；普遍的
The habit of traveling by aircraft is becoming more prevalent each year.坐飞机旅行一年比一年普遍了。
One simple injection can help to protect you right through the cold months when flu is most prevalent.只要打上一针预防针就能帮助你度过流感盛行的寒冷月份。
continuity n. [U]uninterrupted connection or union (through time or space)连续性，连贯性There is no continuity of subject in a dictionary.词典的主题没有连续性。This paper lacks continuity.
这篇论文缺乏连贯性。
inherent
a. existing as an essential constituent or characteristic; intrinsic 固有的，内在的，天生的
The communication skills that belong to each species of animal, including people, are not inherent.
包括人在内的动物所具有的交际技能并不是天生的。
With his inherent love of life, he started meeting people socially again, although he abstained from alcohol and cigarettes. 由于天生热爱生活，他又开始了社交生活，但戒绝了烟酒。
inherently
ad. in itself or oneself; by its or one's nature ;as such ;intrinsically 固有地，本质上，内在地
It is most difficult to carry out reforms in inherently conservative institutions like schools.
在像学校这样本质上保守的机构中进行改革是极其困难的。
decisive
a. 1. unquestionable 无疑的，明确的
Although the new chairman had his critics, it was clear that his method of management had produced decisive changes.
尽管这位新主席受到过批判，但他的管理方法显然带来了不容置疑的变化。 2. showing determination or firmness 坚决的，果断的
Top managers need to be decisive and should not push issues under the rug in the hope that they will solve themselves.
最高经理层要果断，而不应该把问题掩盖起来，指望它们自行解决。 3. leading to a result ; deciding an issue 决定性的，关键性的
Sadly, the guru died before passing on any decisive conclusion. 可悲的是，这位大师还没来得及传授关键性结论就离世了。
permeate
vt. pass through or into every part of (sth.) 渗透，渗入，充满
The fragrance of flowers permeates every room. 每个房间都弥漫着花香。
telecommunications
n. the receiving or sending of messages by telephone, television, telegraph, or radio 电信
accessory
n. 1. (usu. pl.)sth. which is not a necessary part of sth. larger, but which makes it more useful ,effective, etc. 附件，附属品
He needs to buy a few accessories for his broken bicycle. 他需要为他的破自行车购买一些附件。
2. [C] one who incites, aids, or abets a lawbreaker in the commission of a crime, but is not present at the time of the crime (怂恿、帮助罪犯进行犯罪活动，但犯罪时不在现场的)同谋，从犯 He was accused of being the accessory of those murderers. 他被指控为那些谋杀者的同谋。
literally
ad. 1. exactly, without exaggeration
确切地，真正地
There are people in the world who literally do not know how to boil water.
世界上确实有不知道怎么烧水的人。 2. word by word 逐字地
It is difficult to understand his work when it is literally translated into Chinese.
如果将他的作品逐字翻译成汉语是很难理解的。
3. according to the words and not the intention 按字面地
Don't take my remarks literally. 别按字面理解我的话。
4. (used loosely to intensify meaning) (用于加强语气)简直
He was literally blue with cold. 他真是冷得全身青紫。
bless
vt. ask God's favor or protection for （祈求上帝）祝福，赐福于 Bless this house! 愿上帝保佑这个家。
blessing
n. 1.[C]a gift from God or anything that brings happiness or good fortune
上帝的恩赐；幸事
Blessings cannot simply be expected to come along in disguise. 不能总是指望祸事中隐藏着好事。 2.[U] approval; encouragement 批准，鼓励
This plan has my blessing.
这计划由我批准。
The panel has to give its blessing to the ending of the contract. 专门小组不得不批准结束合约。
instantaneous
a. happening at once, instantly, without delay 即刻的；瞬间发生的
The students can almost give instantaneous responses to questions raised by their teacher.
学生们几乎能立即回答老师提出的问题。
This photo studio applies new technology to make an instantaneous photograph possible.
这家照相馆应用新技术使快照成为可能。
literacy
n. [U] the ability to read and write 识字，能读能写，有文化
The king encouraged and demanded higher standards of literacy from his subjects.
这位国王鼓励并且要求他的臣民们有更高的文化水平。 a literacy campaign 扫盲运动
the literacy rate 文化普及率
mingle
v. mix (with another thing or with people )so as to be an undivided whole，or to be indistinguishable 相混合,（与另一物或人）混在一起
The president delivered a speech that contained praise mingled with blame.
总统发表了一篇有赞扬也有责难的演说。
The king mingled with the people in the streets. 国王与街上的人混在一起了。
distort
vt. 1. give a false account of ; twist the true meaning
曲解；歪曲
Comparisons are essential, isolated numbers merely distort the story. 对比极其重要，孤立的数字只能歪曲真相。
That newspaper's accounts of international affairs are sometimes distorted.
那家报纸对国际事件的报道有时是歪曲事实的。
2. twist out of a natural, usual, original shape or condition 使变形，弄歪
Her voice, distorted with tension, sounded so unnatural that at first no one recognized it.
她的声音由于紧张而扭曲了，听起来极不自然，刚开始大家都没有听出是她的声音来。
formidable
a. 1. difficult; hard to defeat 困难的，难以克服的
Chinese translators face formidable problems in tackling the translation of Shakespeare's sonnets.
中国翻译家们在翻译莎士比亚十四行诗的过程中面临难以解决的困难。 2. causing fear, doubt, anxiety, etc. 可怕的，令人生畏的
The head of the research section was a formidable old professor. 研究室主任是个令人生畏的老教授。
We cannot refuse, because we are in awe of the formidable woman running the PTA.
我们不能拒绝，因为我们畏惧家长—教师协会的那位可怕的女主任。
precedent
n. [C, U] an act or instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances (用来处理同类问题时行之有效的）先例
The President followed historical precedent in forming the Cabinet. 总统按照历史惯例组成内阁。
The trial could set an important precedent for dealing with large numbers of similar cases.
那次审讯可以为处理大量类似诉讼提供先例。 without precedent in history 史无前例
diploma
n. [C] an official paper showing that a person has successfully finished a course of study 毕业文凭，学位证书 a college diploma 大学文凭
The secretary had diplomas in both education and linguistics. 该秘书取得了教育学和语言学两个毕业文凭。
certify
vt. 1. give a certificate to (sb.) declaring official / professional recognition 授予合格证书
Under the Fire Precautions Act 1971, there is no requirement for fire authorities to re-inspect a certified building.
在1971年防火法案中，没有要求消防机构对审定合格的建筑重新检查。
a certified teacher
持有证书的教师
2.declare that sth. is correct or true 证明，证实
He had to certify that restoration was both practicable and in the public interest.
他必须证实修复既可行又符合公众利益。
competence
n. [U] the ability to do what is needed; skill 能力，技巧
His remarkable handling of this difficult case demonstrated his competence as a lawyer.
他对这件难断的案子的出色处理显示了他当律师的能力。
To be a good teacher requires both competence and patience. 做一个好老师既要有能力也要有耐心。
simulate
vt. (fml.) give the effect or appearance of ; imitate; closely imitate the conditions of a particular situation （正式）模拟，模仿；假装
Eyewitnesses stated that they saw soldiers simulating a leg injury. 目击者称他们看到士兵们假装腿部受伤。
The case studies simulate a variety of international business situations in which English would be the likely language of communication.
这些个案研究模拟以英语为可能交际语言的国际商务情景。 a computer-simulated explosion 计算机模拟的爆炸
repertoire
n. 1.[C] (fig.) a whole set of (functions, talents, etc.) 全套，全部本领/功能
He had a large repertoire of jokes. 他会讲很多的笑话。
2.[C] the collection of plays, pieces of music, etc. that a performance or theatre group can perform （演员或剧团的）全部节目; 保留节目 That song is not in my repertoire. 我演出的节目中没有这首歌。
vocational
a. relating to a particular type of job 职业上的，业务上的
The new company got valuable vocational counseling from the experienced counselors.
这家新公司从经验丰富的顾问那里获得了可贵的业务建议。
Big companies, such as IBM, spend millions of dollars annually on vocational training for their employees.
像IBM这样的大公司每年都花费几百万美元来给雇员进行职业培训。
productive
a. 1. that produces well or much 多产的；丰饶的
He is a very productive writer, who wrote a lot of well-known novels. 他是一位多产作家，写了大量为人熟知的小说。
The talented composer reached his most productive years of creation in his twenties.
这位才华横溢的作曲家在二十几岁时达到创作高峰。 2. causing or producing (a result ,value ,etc. ) 生产……的，生产性的
Employers get profits from the productive labour of their employees.
雇主们从其雇员的生产性劳动中获得利润。
flaw
vt. damage; make imperfect 使有瑕疵
It's a pity that the scar flawed her skin. 很遗憾，这块伤疤变成了她皮肤上的缺陷。
n. [C] damage or imperfection (usu. minor) 缺点，瑕疵
They tolerate no flaws in their plan because some VIPs will be present in the meeting.
他们不允许计划有半点纰漏，因为有几位要人要出席会议。
adolescent
n.&a. (of) a boy or a girl in the period between being a child and being a grown person; a young teenager of about 13—16 青少年（的），处于青春期的孩子（的）（约13—16岁）
innovation
n. [C, U]the introduction of sth. new 革新，创新，改革
The rise of computers has led to technical innovations in almost every aspect of human life.
计算机的兴起导致人类生活方方面面的技术革新。
Educational innovations are called for in order to cater for the rapidly changing world.
教育需要革新以适应迅速变化的世界。
genetic
adj. of or concerning genes or genetics 遗传的，起源的
doom
vt. （usu. pass.）cause to unavoidably experience or suffer sth. unpleasant
使……遭厄运，注定，判决
Any attempt to destroy the friendship between our two nations is doomed to failure.
任何破坏我们两国间友谊的企图都注定要失败。
n. [C, U] a terrible fate ;unavoidable destruction or death 厄运，毁灭，死亡
Forecasting doom is a habit of Mr. Prophet. 预测灾难是预言家先生的习惯。 go to one's doom 走向毁灭
dilemma
n. [C] a difficult choice to be made between two courses of action 困境，两难境地，进退维谷
I am in a dilemma whether to do math or English.
我左右为难，不知该做数学还是读英语。
Ph.D. students who haven't completed their dissertations by the time their fellowships expire face a difficult dilemma: whether to take out loans to support themselves, to try to work part-time at both a job and their research, or to give up on the degree entirely.
奖学金到期而尚未完成论文的博士生们面临进退两难的境地： 是申办贷款维持生活, 或尝试半工半读, 还是彻底放弃学位。
breakthrough
n. [C] a major advance or discovery (often in a particular field); an act of breaking through or overcoming an obstacle or problem 突破，发现
Surgeons have made a great breakthrough in kidney transplantation. 外科医生在肾移植方面取得了重大突破。
Recent scientific breakthroughs may change people's life in most radical ways.
最新的科学成就能彻底改变人类生活。
offspring
n. [U] a child or children ;the young of an animal 子孙，后代；幼兽
A clone refers to one or more offspring derived from a single ancestor, whose genetic composition is identical to that of the ancestor.
克隆是指来自同一祖先的一个或多个后代，其基因构成与其祖先完全相同。 We need to preserve the environment for the benefit of our offspring. 为了我们子孙后代的利益我们需要保护环境。
clone
vt. make multiple identical copies of 克隆，复制
imaginative
a. using or having imagination 富于想像的，有想像力的
He described his future wife in the most imaginative way.
他以最富有想像力的方式描述了他未来的妻子。
Even a most imaginative poet fails to describe the beauty of my homeland.
即使最富于想像的诗人也无法描述我家乡的美丽。
range from...to
vary within specified limits （在一定幅度或范围内）变动，变化
The temperature ranges from 10 to 20 degrees in spring. 春天气温在10到20度内变化。
There is a big age difference among pub-goers, ranging from 17 to 70. 去酒吧的人年龄差异很大，从17岁到70岁不等。
with the exception of
except ; apart from
除外，除……之外
The house is almost perfect, with the exception of its sewage system. 除了排水系统外，这房子完美无缺。
have access to
have the right to approach, enter, exit, or make use of 有接近（或使用）……的机会
Citizens may have free access to the library.
市民可以免费使用图书馆。
The school children in the Far West have no access to the Internet. 偏远西部的学生没有机会接触互联网。
in large measure to a large degree; mostly 在很大程度上，多半
The problem was in large measure caused by his carelessness. 这个问题在很大程度上是由他的粗心造成的。
tailor to one's need
make, alter, or adapt for a particular end or purpose 使适应特定需要
The university offered a lecture that was tailored to the need of special interest groups.
大学提供了一次适合特殊兴趣小组需要的讲座。
hunt down
seek out; search for (and find)找寻，搜寻……直至找到 hunt down the escaped convict追捕逃犯 draw on
extract or take from experiences for one's own use凭借，动用，利用Our ancestors have accumulated rich experiences for us to draw on. 我们的祖先积累了丰富的经验供我们借鉴。
in the absence of lacking; for the want of缺乏，没有
In the absence of children, the picnic was a bore. 没有孩子参加，野餐单调乏味。
Sales are almost impossible in the absence of good technical support.没有良好的技术支持，销售几乎不可能有进展。
with respect to in relation to; in terms of ;concerning 关于，就……而言，在……方面
He never shows any opinions with respect to race. 关于种族问题，他从未发表任何见解。
The discussion is exhaustive with respect to financial terms.在金融条款方面讨论极其详尽。
call for demand; require需要
This work calls for a lot of patience.这项工作需要很大的耐心。 A big fund is called for if the research institution is to survive.
研究所要生存就需要一大笔资金。
Language Point 1
A human being transported from the year 1900 to our time would
recognize much of what goes on in today's classrooms—the prevalent lecturing, the emphasis on drill, and the materials and activities ranging from the basic reader to the weekly spelling tests. (Para.1)
Meaning: Anyone from the previous century would find most of what goes on in today's classrooms familiar. The things familiar to him include the common and wide use of the lecture mode, the emphasis on exercises, the teaching materials and the classroom activities like the use of the basic reader and spelling tests conducted weekly. Note: 1) Please note the subjunctive mood in “A human being transported from the year 1900 to our time would recognize much of...”. It is marked by the word “would”.
2) The sentences in the text are relatively long and the words chosen are formal, which is typical of a formal writing style.
Language Point 2
...what goes on in today's classrooms—the prevalent lecturing, ... (Para.1)
prevalent: a. existing commonly, generally, or widely; predominant It is surprising how prevalent such feelings still are, even among so-called career women. 令人吃惊的是这种情感竟仍然十分盛行，即使在所谓的职业妇女中也是如此。
One simple injection can help to protect you right through the cold months when flu is most prevalent. 只消打上一针预防针就能助你安全度过流感盛行的寒冷月份。
Language Point 3
With the possible exception of the church, few institutions have changed as little as those charged with the formal education of the next generation. (Para.1)
Meaning: With the exception of the church, no other institutions have changed so little as our schools, colleges and universities or any other educational institutions in charge of the education of the next generation.
Language Point 4
Contrast this continuity with children's experiences...(Para.2) Meaning: Make a contrast or comparison between the unchanging form of education with what our children experience outside the classroom ... Note that this is an imperative sentence. “Contrast” here serves as a transitive verb, meaning “to set in opposition in order to show or emphasize differences”.
Language Point 5
In modern society children have access to a range of media that would have seemed like a miracle in an earlier era. The visitor from the past, who would readily recognize today's classroom， would have trouble relating to the out-of-school world of a 10-year-old today. (Para.2)
Meaning: The children today have a wide range of media that were not imaginable in the earlier era. Any visitor from the past who feels what happens in the present day classroom is familiar to him would
have trouble adapting to all that is happening in the outside world of a 10-year-old child.
Language Point 6
Schools — if not education generally — are inherently conservative institutions. In large measure, I would defend this conservative tendency. (Para. 3)
Meaning: Schools — and in fact education in general — are
conservative by nature. To a great extent, I would argue for and defend this conservativeness.
inherently: ad. in itself or oneself; by its or one's nature; as such; intrinsically
The level of investment depends on business people's expectations of the future level of demand, but it has been demonstrated that the economy is inherently unstable. 投资额度取决于商家对未来需求的展望，但这已表明经济有其内在的不稳定性。
Language Point 7
But changes in our world are so rapid and so decisive that it will not be possible for schools to remain as they are or to simply introduce a few superficial improvements. (Para. 3)
Meaning: However, considering the fast and decisive changes in our world, it is impossible for schools to remain unchanged or to make merely some small or superficial improvements. decisive: a. 1)unquestionable
His judgment, that this picture is Picasso's masterpiece, is decisive. 这张画是毕加索的杰作，他的这个判断是确定无疑的。 2) showing determination or firmness
If you want to be a good leader, you have to become more decisive. 如果你要成为一个好的领导，就必须更果断。 3)leading to a result
This conversation may have been decisive for his future choice of
career. 这场谈话对他未来职业的选择也许起了决定性作用。
Language Point 8
Indeed, if schools do not change rapidly and radically, they are
likely to be replaced by other more flexible institutions. (Para. 3) Meaning: If schools do not undergo some fast and major changes, there is the possibility that they will be replaced by some more flexible institutions.
Language Point 9
Computers already permeate many aspects of our lives, from
transportation and telecommunications to entertainment. (Para. 5) Meaning: From transportation and telecommunications to entertainment, computers have already spread into many areas of our lives. permeate: v. pass through or into every part of (sth.)
The fragrance of rose, flower of love, permeates each room. 玫瑰——爱情之花的芳香弥漫着每一个房间。
Excessive respect for authority still permeates Japan's institutions. 日本的机关中仍然充斥着对权威的过度崇拜。
Language Point 10
Scarcely ignorant of these trends, many schools now have computers and networking capacity. (Para. 5)
Meaning: Schools are aware of these trends, and many of them now have computers and the ability to connect with the world via the Internet.
Language Point 11
To some extent, these technological accessories have been absorbed into the life of the school, though often they are simply used to deliver the old lessons in a more convenient and efficient format. (Para. 5)
Meaning: To some extent, these technological components have become part of our school life, although often they are simply used to deliver the old lessons in a more convenient and efficient way.
Language Point 12
Computers will permit a degree of individual instruction that in the past was available only to the rich. (Para. 6)
Meaning: Computers will allow people to learn on their own to a
certain extent. This was only available in the past to the rich.
Language Point 13
All students may receive a curriculum tailored to their needs,
learning style, pace, and record of success with earlier materials and lessons. (Para. 6)
Meaning: All students may follow a program designed according to
their own needs, learning style, pace and receive a record that shows how well they have done with previous materials and lessons.
Language Point 14
Computer technology puts all the information in the world at one's fingers, quite literally. (Para. 7)
Meaning: Computer technology enables an individual to have ready access to all the information in the world, and this isn't an exaggeration.
Note: Do not confuse “technology” with “technique”.
“Technology” means “the practical application of scientific knowledge, esp. in industry”; “technique” means “the way of doing sth., esp. using artistic or scientific methods”.
Language Point 15
Computer technology puts all the information in the world at one's fingers, quite literally. (Para. 7)
literally：ad. 1) exactly, without exaggeration
Even now people can be excluded, literally because an Immigration Officer says he is not satisfied about the person's intentions. 即使现在人们仍会被拒入境，那完全是因为移民官说他对该人入境的意图不甚满意。
2) word by word
He was required to translate the paper literally. 要求他逐字翻译这篇论文。
3)used loosely, to intensify meaning
Going into such a severe snow storm is quite literally playing with fire. 闯入这么厉害的暴风雪中简直就是玩火。
Note: Avoid using “literally” in formal English if the meaning is to exaggerate: “Our staff are working themselves to death”, not “literally working”.
Language Point 16
This is both a blessing and a curse. (Para. 7) Meaning: This is both good and bad.
blessing: n. 1) a gift from God or anything that brings happiness or good fortune
It was a blessing that no one was injured. 没有人受伤，真是万幸。 2) approval; encouragement
Any bid would probably be with the blessing of the society's management. 任何投标都可能得到社会管理部门的批准。
Language Point 17
No longer do we have to spend long periods of time hunting down a source or a person — now, delivery of information is instantaneous. (Para. 7)
Meaning: We no longer have to spend a long time searching for information on a fact or a person — now information reaches us immediately.
Notice the inverted order of the sentence. Usually sentences starting with negative words, such as “no”, “never”, “scarcely”, “hardly”, are put in inverted order to gain emphasis. Also notice the collocation of “spend”: spend (time, money, energy, etc.) doing sth.
Language Point 18
Thus people will achieve instant “cultural literacy”. (Para. 7) Meaning: Thus people will instantly become literate in culture. literacy: n. the state of being able to read and write an adult-literacy campaign 成人扫盲运动
It is said that in the universities there is a general decline in standards of literacy among undergraduates。据说，大学本科生的读写水平普遍有所下降。
Language Point 19
Less happily, the Internet has no means of quality control; “anyone can play”. (Para. 8)
Meaning: Less happily, the Internet has no control over the value or the quality of the information; anyone can post any information on it.
Language Point 20
Information and disinformation mingle comfortably and, as of yet, there are no reliable ways to distinguish sense from the distorted facts and downright nonsense common on the Net. (Para. 8)
Meaning: Accurate and inaccurate information mix so comfortably and right now, there are no effective ways to distinguish what is
sensible from information that has been twisted and that is totally nonsense, which occurs very often on the Net.
Language Point 21
Information and disinformation mingle comfortably ... (Para. 8) mingle: v. mix (with another thing or with people ) so as to be an undivided whole，or to be indistinguishable
They were looking at him with an air that mingled irony and respect. 他们用夹杂着嘲讽和尊敬的眼光看着他。
He escaped by mingling with the crowd. 他混杂在人群中逃跑了。
Language Point 22
... there are no reliable ways to distinguish sense from the
distorted facts and downright nonsense common on the Net. (Para. 8) distort：v. 1) give a false account of
The supporters of the Republic seek to distort the reality as usual. 共和党的支持者们又像往常那样企图歪曲事实。
2) twist out of a natural, usual, original shape or condition a face distorted by anger 因愤怒而扭曲的脸
Language Point 23
Identifying the true, the beautiful, and the good — and which of
these truths, beauties, or goods are worth knowing — constitutes a formidable challenge. (Para. 8)
Meaning: To identify the true, the beautiful and the good — and which of these deserve our attention — is a huge challenge.
Note: The gerund here serves as the subject of the sentence. Usually the gerund, instead of the infinitive, is used when the action is being considered in a general sense. Notice that such “imbalanced” structure is more often found in a formal style of writing. It is usual to place the pronoun “it” at the beginning of the sentence, and move the gerund to the end of the sentence to gain balance.
Language Point 24
...constitutes a formidable challenge. (Para.8) formidable: a. 1) difficult; hard to defeat
There are formidable obstacles to collecting reliable information on the disease. 收集有关这种疾病的可靠信息存在着难以逾越的障碍。 2) causing fear, doubt, anxiety, etc.
In the very first class, our professor gave us a formidable
recommended reading-list. 在第一节课上，教授就给我们列了一张令人生畏的推荐书目清单。
Language Point 25
It might be said, in response, that the world has always been filled with misinformation. (Para.9)
Meaning: One can reply that there is much inaccuracy in what we read anyway.
Note: “It is said that ...” is a familiar structure. “Might” here is a modal verb, expressing possibility.
Language Point 26
True enough, but in the past educational authorities could at least choose their favorite texts. (Para.9)
Meaning: Although this is true, in the past those in charge of education could at least choose what they liked as texts for teaching.
Language Point 27
Today's situation, with everyone having instantaneous access to millions of sources, is without precedent. (Para.9)
Meaning: Today's situation, in which everyone can have access to many sources of information instantly, is something that has never happened before.
precedent: n. an act or instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances
It was a situation they had never had to face before, and there was no precedent on which to base a decision. 他们从来没遇到过这种情况，也没有先例为他们做决定提供依据。
The decision sets a precedent for the interpretation of legislation. 这项决议为解释立法树立了先例。
Note: Do not confuse “precedent” with “precedence”.
“Precedence” means “priority”, and it is a formal word. His wish to remain in power took precedence over his family responsibilities. 他对维持权力的欲望高于他对家庭的责任感。
Language Point 28
In a change from previous trends, the acquisition of a diploma from certified nstitutions may become less important. (Para. 11) Meaning: Unlike earlier practices, getting a certificate from recognized institutions may become less important. certify: v.
1) give a certificate to (sb.) declaring official/professional recognition
Do you possess the US Certified Public Accountant qualification? 你有
美国特许会计师资格吗？
2) declare that (sth.) is correct or true
My accounts were certified by the bank. 银行证明我的账目无误。
Language Point 29
Individuals will be able to educate themselves and exhibit their competence in a simulated setting. (Para. 11)
Meaning: Individuals will be able to learn and show their ability in a situation which resembles the real one.
simulate: v. give the effect or appearance of ; imitate; closely imitate the conditions of a particular situation
Simulating the likely consequences of real events is an important, but almost untouched research area. 模拟真实事件的可能后果是一项重要但几乎从未涉及过的研究领域。
However cleverly simulated the emotion, simulated it remained. 无论伪装得多么巧妙, 那情感还是矫揉造作的。
Language Point 30
Why pay $120,000 to go to law school, if one can “read law” as in earlier times and then demonstrate one's repertoire of legal skills via a computer-simulated practical examination? (Para. 11)
Meaning: Why pay a huge sum of money to go to law school, if one can study law before and then show all of one's legal skills by means of a practical examination that is recreated by the computer to look like the real situation?
Language Point 31
Or learn to fly a plane or conduct surgery by similar means, for that matter? (Para. 11)
Meaning: Or learn to fly a plane or carry out an operation in the
same way?
Language Point 32
Much of education in the past was essentially vocational: designed to make sure that individuals could carry out a single job, reliably, throughout their productive adult years. (Para. 12)
Meaning: Much of education in the past was mainly to enable people to learn a skill to carry out a job: to make sure that individuals could carry out a single job properly, throughout their adult working lives.
Language Point 33
Nowadays, this assumption is flawed. (Para. 12)
Meaning: Nowadays we think this view has some faults.
Language Point 34
The explosion of new and rapidly changing roles in the economy makes education much more complicated. (Para. 13)
Meaning: The sudden increase of new and fast changing roles in the economy makes education much less straightforward/simple.
Language Point 35
Most adult teachers and parents will not have experiences on which they can draw to prepare youngsters for a world in which they can expect to change jobs regularly. (Para. 13)
Meaning: Most adult/experienced teachers and parents will not be able to tell young people, due to a lack of experiences, how to prepare
for a world in which they can expect to change jobs every now and then.
Language Point 36
In the absence of precedent, adolescents will have to prepare
themselves for rapidly changing “career paths” and life situations. (Para. 13)
Meaning: Without past examples, young teenagers will have to prepare themselves for career paths and life situations which change very quickly.
Language Point 37
While computer-based teaching figures to be the dominant
technological influence on education, other innovations will have impacts as well. (Para. 15)
Meaning: While computer-based teaching will be the main technological influence on education, other new developments will also have their impact.
innovation: n. the introduction of sth. new; a new product, system or idea
Note: 1) “New innovation” is to be avoided, since all innovations are new.
2) Do not confuse “innovation” with “discovery” or “invention”. “Discovery”
means “the act of finding out sth. that already existed, such as a comet or a scientific law”; “invention” means “the act of creating or designing sth. that has not existed before”.
Language Point 38
Medical technologies will permit study of students' brain activity
and blood flow as they engage in various kinds of problem-solving or creative activities. (Para. 15)
Meaning: Medical technologies will permit experts to study students' brain activity and blood flow even while they are doing different problem-solving or creative tasks.
Language Point 39
Enhanced understanding of the genetic basis of learning is also likely to invade the classroom. (Para. 16)
Meaning: An increased understanding of the role played by genes in learning is also likely to find its way into the classroom.
Language Point 40
It may be possible to determine which youngsters are likely to advance quickly and which ones seem doomed to “difficult” school experiences. (Para. 16)
Meaning: It may be possible to decide which youngsters will learn quickly and which ones are unavoidably to experience problems in learning.
Language Point 41
... and which ones seem doomed to “difficult” school experiences. (Para. 16)
doom: v. cause to unavoidably experience or suffer sth. unpleasant Notice that the verb usually appears in passive form.
Businesses which are run by people who have little understanding of the products being made are ultimately doomed to failure. 由不懂其产品制造的人经营的公司最终注定会失败。
I don't particularly believe that all love is doomed. 我并不特别相信所有的爱情都是命中注定的。
n. a terrible fate ;unavoidable destruction or death
The roar of the cracking fire drew near and doom seemed inevitable. 呼啸的烈火越来越近，毁灭似乎不可避免了。
Language Point 42
Some authorities will insist that these findings be applied in
specific cases, while others will vigorously object to any decisions made on the basis of genetic information. (Para. 16)
Meaning: Some experts will insist that these findings only be used in specific cases, while others will strongly object to any decisions based on genes.
Note: It is possible in formal English to omit “should” in such an objective clause of “insist”.
Also notice that in the phrasal verb “object to”, “to” is a
preposition and can be followed by nominal phrases or v-ing forms.
Language Point 43
Drugs that claim to improve learning, memory, or enthusiasm will become readily available. Teachers and parents may face moral
dilemmas that would in earlier times have been restricted to science fiction. (Para. 16)
Meaning: Some people say that people can have easy access to the medicine that can improve learning, memory, or enthusiasm. Teachers and parents may face difficult moral issues and situations which in the past could only be found in science fiction.
Language Point 44
Finally, recent breakthroughs in biology and medicine may change education in the most radical ways. (Para. 17)
Meaning: Finally, recent discoveries in biology and medicine may
change education most radically.
Language Point 45
If individuals seek to “design” offspring through genetic
engineering, or to alter the genetic structure of an already existing person, or if it becomes possible to clone humans, then our
definitions of what it means to be a human being, and to be a part of a human society, will be changed forever. (Para. 17)
Meaning: If individuals seek to “design” their children through working on their genes, or to change the genetic structure of a
living person, or if it becomes possible to make identical copies of humans, then our definitions of what it means to be a human being, and to be a part of human society, will be changed forever.
Language Point 46
... or if it becomes possible to clone humans ...(Para. 17) clone: v. reproduce or propagate asexually; produce a copy of; imitate
This idea comes from false reports that cloning of a human has already been done. 这种想法来自于已创造出克隆人的失实报道。
Microsoft will purposely create features that are difficult to clone. 微软公司将特意创造一些不易被克隆的特征。
n. one that is a copy which closely resembles another in appearance or function
Most women do not look like cover girls, and they prefer to be beautiful in an inner way, not as a clone of an advertisement. 许多妇女并不貌似封面女郎，她们更喜欢内在美，而不是成为广告的复制品。 Whilst the age of the theme pub may be over, more and more old pubs are being transformed into identical clones. 主题酒吧的时代似乎结束，越来越多的古老酒吧已被转变成雷同的克隆体。
Language Point 47
I have noted that education is conservative, and that this
conservative tendency is not necessarily an evil. (Para. 19) Meaning: I have said that education is conservative, and that this conservativeness is not always negative.
Language Point 48
Indeed, with respect to the transmission of values and the teaching of certain subjects, a conservative approach may well be called for. (Para. 19)
Meaning: Indeed, when it comes to the passing of values and the teaching of certain subjects, a conservative approach may be absolutely necessary.
Language Point 49
Yet the explosion of knowledge calls for close and fresh attention to the curriculum. (Para. 19)
Meaning: Yet the sudden increase in knowledge requires us to pay close and fresh attention to the curriculum.
Language Point 50
New and imaginative approaches will have to be developed if young people are to be prepared for the rapidly changing roles they can expect to assume. (Para. 19)
Meaning: New and creative ways of teaching will have to be developed if we want to prepare young people for the fast-changing roles they can expect to take on.
Language Point 51
New and imaginative approaches will have to be developed ...(Para. 19)
imaginative: a. using or having imagination
Note: Do not confuse “imaginative” with “imaginary”.
“Imaginary” means “existing in the imagination, being fictitious and unreal”.
Compare: He was eager to meet the imaginary woman (the one he imagines, but who does not exist).
He was eager to meet the imaginative woman (one who does exist and who has fantasy and imagination).
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