2023届高考英语三轮复习·冲刺押题·外刊阅读理解训练 (27)

2023届高考英语三轮复习·冲刺押题 外刊阅读理解训练 ——改编自Why everyone should be able to understand code 【文章】 The phrase “You are not expected to understand this” has been appearing in computer source code since the Unix sixth edition in 1975. Although it was intended as a remark in the spirit of “This won’t be on the exam,” it has also become a rallying cry for programmers who believe that computer science is too esoteric for the uninitiated to comprehend. Unfortunately, many people have unconsciously seized upon this challenge as an excuse not to try and understand the underlying concepts of how computers work. In the UK, students are able to abandon maths or science lessons earlier on in their schooling compared to other countries in the rich world, where it is seen as a moral and social problem. Poor numeracy and statistical understanding can limit employment opportunities, constrain social mobility, and create skills shortages. Furthermore, one of the most exciting developments in public policy and private businesses is the development and deployment of algorithms and machine learning to solve complex problems. However, to gain access to these benefits, politicians, business leaders, and ordinary people need to have a basic understanding of the underlying concepts. Governments instruct officials to use plain language in their communication precisely because they believe that all citizens should be able to understand what it is that their government is doing and why. Technical literacy is as important for people’s ability to be informed citizens of a democracy as actual literacy. Providing courses to MPs and legislators would make them better regulators and commissioners of tech, leading to a greater comprehension of the trade-offs involved. Government ministers would also realize that voters do, in fact, need to understand the basics of computer code. In conclusion, understanding the basics of computer code is as important as actual literacy in our modern society. Governments should