高中英语人教版高二下课文01

[12:31.15]In some cases,new technology makes it possible for scientists
[12:37.39]to answer questions and solve problems that once were too difficult.
[12:43.93]With more and better information,scientists can develop new theories,
[12:50.30]which in turn lead to future scientific achievements.
[12:55.76]The wheel of scientific development keeps on turning.
[13:00.80]It takes time for a new technology to enter everyday life.
[13:06.47]In most cases,the first to use it are governments and businesses.
[13:12.63]For example,electricity was first used in factories
[13:18.38]and did not become available to homes until several years later.
[13:24.26]The same was true for computers and cellphones.
[13:28.93]In the early days,computers were so large,expensive and difficult to use
[13:36.20]that only government and industry experts could use them.
[13:40.92]Soon,however,the technology became cheaper
[13:46.07]and programmes were developed for people who had little or no training.
[13:52.03]New technologies also show the role
[13:56.28]and importance of scientific achievements in society.
[14:01.64]At first,a new technology is seen as rare and valuable resource
[14:08.30]that can strengthen a country and its economy.
[14:12.74]Later on,scientists and businessmen develop products
[14:18.80]that can be bought and used by ordinary consumers.
[14:23.84]At the same time,it becomes easier and cheaper to make the products,
[14:30.11]which means that more people can afford to buy
[14:34.84]products using the new technology.
[14:38.79]The computer chip is perhaps the best example.
[14:43.64]When it was first developed,a computer chip was very expensive
[14:49.70]and could only be made by a small group of experts in developed countries.
[14:55.87]Today,the technology is well known
[15:00.44]and computer chips are made in factories all over the world.
[15:05.80]Our ability to understand and use new technologies
[15:11.13]has also developed over the years.
[15:15.17]Science has become perhaps the most important field of study
[15:20.63]and many governments view science and technology
[15:25.39]as key to the development of a country.
[15:29.65]Schools and universities pay special attention to modern technology,
[15:35.39]both as subjects to study and as tools for teaching .
[15:41.24]In China,as in most countries,provinces and cities build"technology parks",
[15:48.90]such as Zhongguancun,to make sure that companies
[15:54.54]and customers can benefit from the latest advances in science.
[16:00.50]By supporting research and development,
[16:04.65]a government can make new technologies and products available to us
[16:10.81]faster and lower cost.
[16:15.18]We have come a long way since the earlier days of humankind,
[16:20.82]but new discoveries are important as ever.
[16:25.36]Whatever the next"age"may be,
[16:29.52]it is sure to change our life and the way we understand the world and ourselves.