Unit 4 Living with Technology 阅读·久久为功-【新课程学案】2025-2026学年高中英语选择性必修第二册教师用书word（译林版）

本高中英语讲义以科技主题为核心，从主题名句积累切入，通过《人工智能：是敌是友？》《虚拟现实》两篇课文的精读构建语言输入支架，包含对译、难句破解等模块，辅以词汇记忆和写作范文形成输出闭环，最后通过主题集群阅读拓展认知，形成“输入-内化-输出-拓展”的完整学习链。 该资料以核心素养为导向，课文精读结合对译和难句分析提升语言能力，拓展阅读中不同观点讨论培养思维品质，词汇“适时回首”和范文背诵强化学习能力。例如人工智能课文通过霍金警告引发批判性思考，虚拟现实对话增强语境理解，课中辅助教师分层教学，课后帮助学生查漏补缺，提升综合语言运用能力。

附：《阅读·久久为功》 一、背主题名句，写大气文章 1．(教材名句)The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don't really even notice it, so it's part of everyday life.—Bill Gates 技术的进步是基于让它融入你的生活，这样你甚至不会真正注意到它，如此一来它就成为了日常生活的一部分。——比尔·盖茨 2．Science and technology constitute a primary productive force.—Deng Xiaoping 科学技术是第一生产力。——邓小平 3．Acquiring knowledge needs to be good at thinking, thinking and rethinking.That's how I became a scientist.—Einstein 学习知识要善于思考，思考，再思考。我就是靠这个方法成为科学家的。——爱因斯坦 4．I have never made an accidental invention in my life.All of my invention is passed over in one's mind and strict test results.—Edison 我平生从来没有做出过一次偶然的发明。我的一切发明都是经过深思熟虑和严格试验的结果。——爱迪生 5．What is the most valuable knowledge? The consistent answer is science.—Spencer 什么知识最有价值，一致的答案就是科学。——斯宾塞 二、课文不厌百遍读，书中自有“黄金屋” 课文1　Artificial intelligence: friendly or frightening？(人工智能：是敌是友？) 　Imagine waking up one morning with the option of staying in bed and pressing a button to send a robot to do all the work for you.How cool that would be! It may seem like building castles in the air, but given the rate at which artificial intelligence, or AI, is being developed， in the future ① such dreams may actually come true. [课文对译] 想象一下，某天早上你醒来，可以选择继续躺在床上，按下一个按钮，就能召来一台机器人为你处理所有的工作。那该有多酷啊！这听起来可能像是在建空中楼阁，但鉴于人工智能(AI)目前的发展速度，这样的梦想在将来也许真的可以实现。 [难句破解] 句①　at which ...是“介词＋关系代词”引导的定语从句，修饰先行词the rate。 　　At the basic level, artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that aims to create intelligent machines.One of the essential aims of AI is to develop computer intelligence ② capable of learning from experience, adjusting to new inputs and performing tasks like humans.To achieve this aim, many approaches to creating true AI have been put forward， including “deep ③ learning”， which enables a machine to improve its own performance by learning from the results of its previous actions.Deep-learning AI has the capacity to analyse massive amounts of data through multiple layers, imitating the complex networks of the human brain. [课文对译] 从基础层面上讲，人工智能是计算机科学的一个分支学科，其目标是研发智能机器。AI的基本目标之一，是开发能够学习过往经验、适应新的输入内容并且能够像人类一样执行任务的计算机智能。为了实现这个目标，人们提出过许多创造真正的AI的方法，其中包括“深度学习”——这种方法可以让机器通过学习自己先前的行为结果，来提升自身性能。深度学习AI拥有从多个层次分析海量信息的能力，它模拟的是人脑的复杂网络结构。 [难句破解] 句②　to develop ...是不定式短语作表语，解释说明主语的内容；learning from experience, adjusting to new inputs and performing tasks like humans 为并列的动名词短语作介词of的宾语。 句③　谓语动词have been put forward使用了现在完成时的被动语态；句首的To achieve this aim为动词不定式短语在句中作目的状语。 The dream of AI has been around for centuries, and the development of computers since the 1940s has finally made it a reality.Years before the term “artificial intelligence” was coined in the mid-1950s, the theory had been explored by Alan Turing, one of the pioneers in the field of ④ computer science. However, for a long time, AI technology developed very slowly.A major breakthrough in AI came in 1997, when Deep Blue, a chess-playing computer, beat the world chess champion Garry Kasparov.Then in 2017, a computer program named AlphaGo defeated Ke Jie, arguably the best human Go player, which demonstrated a significant advance in deep-learning AI systems. 　　[课文对译] AI的梦想已经存在了几个世纪，而20世纪40年代以来计算机的发展，终于让这个梦想成为现实。“人工智能”这个术语是在20世纪50年代中期被创造出来的，而在好几年前，这一理论就被计算机科学领域的先驱之一艾伦·图灵探索过。然而在很长一段时间里，AI技术发展得相当缓慢。1997年，AI发展有了一个重大突破，当时一台名叫深蓝的国际象棋计算机打败了国际象棋世界冠军加里·卡斯帕罗夫。之后在2017年，一个叫阿尔法围棋的计算机程序下赢了可谓人类最强的围棋棋手柯洁，这说明了深度学习AI系统的一大显著进展。 [难句破解] 句④　before引导时间状语从句，主句谓语动词为had been explored，使用了过去完成时的被动语态；one of the pioneers in the field of computer science作Alan Turing的同位语。 Nowadays, AI is already being applied in many fields: finance, health care, machine translation and art, to name but a few.From autonomous vehicles to domestic robots, from recommendation systems to computers writing novels, AI has an unlimited number of applications.Ordinary people are now using AI to get instant translations of text in foreign languages, and machines can recognize fingerprints and even faces. 　　[课文对译] 如今，AI已经应用于许多领域，如金融、医疗保健、机器翻译和艺术等，不一而足。从自动驾驶车辆到家用机器人，从推荐系统到撰写小说的电脑，AI有着不计其数的应用。普通人现在能够使用AI获取外语文本的即时翻译，机器也已经能够识别人们的指纹甚至面容。 　　In short, this technology is transforming the way we live.It is clear that we are at a turning point in history.With machines like AlphaGo now capable of thinking and learning from ⑤ their mistakes， we are getting closer to the dividing line between humans and machines.The question is, where will all this lead？While AI enthusiasts promise us a bright future where ⑥ intelligent robots will be working to our advantage， these undoubted benefits also bring concerns and fears.Could machines really develop human-like intelligence? And what would happen if they did? Would thinking machines work alongside humans or threaten the existence of humans? How would they be punished if they committed crimes or even murdered humans? As we become more and more dependent on computers, some scientists are urging us to think about the dangers ⑦ posed by the advances in AI. Stephen Hawking, for example, warned, “The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race.” [课文对译] 简而言之，这项技术正在改变我们的生活方式。显然，我们正处于历史的转折点。有了阿尔法围棋这种能够思考并从自身错误中学习的机器，我们正在向人类与机器的界限越靠越近。问题在于，这一切将会导致什么？AI 的热烈支持者向我们承诺未来会是美好的，到那时智能机器人将为人类谋利；但这些毋庸置疑的好处也带来了忧虑和恐惧。机器真的能够发展出像人类一样的智能吗？如果真的可以，又会发生什么？能够思考的机器是会与人类并肩工作，还是会威胁人类的生存？如果它们犯了罪甚至谋杀了人类，又该如何惩罚？随着我们对电脑的依赖越来越深，一些科学家正敦促我们思考AI的进步所带来的危险。例如，斯蒂芬·霍金就曾警告说：“完全人工智能的发展可能意味着人类的终结。” [难句破解] 句⑤　此处是“with＋宾语＋宾语补足语”形式的with复合结构，其中形容词短语充当宾语补足语，表示宾语所处的状态。 句⑥　while引导让步状语从句，意为“虽然，尽管”；从句中含有where引导的定语从句，修饰先行词a bright future。 句⑦　as引导时间状语从句，意为“随着”；posed by the advances in AI为过去分词短语作后置定语。 Apparently, such warnings demand our attention.We need to make sure that we will not fall victim to AI.We may still think it would be fantastic to relax all day and allow autonomous machines to do all the work for us — but perhaps we should not be too greedy and rather be careful what we wish for! [课文对译] 显然，这样的警告需要得到我们的重视。我们需要确保自己不会沦为AI的受害者。我们可能还是会认为，可以整天放松，让自动化机器为我们完成所有工作，这样的生活很美妙——但也许我们不该太过贪婪，而应对我们的期待保持谨慎！ 课文2　Virtual reality (虚拟现实) SUSAN: Frank, you've been working at the forefront of developments in virtual reality for ① many years.Can you tell us what virtual reality is and how it works? FRANK: Of course.The basic definition of VR lies in the name itself, which means “reality that is not real”．When you wear a VR headset equipped with sensors and a screen, you are surrounded by three-D images, sounds and other sensory information, which creates a super-realistic effect called “presence”．Though you know the sensory information surrounding you ② is not real, part of your brain believes it is — and acts accordingly. [课文对译] 苏珊：弗兰克，你在虚拟现实(VR)的前沿开发领域已经耕耘了很多年。你能告诉我们虚拟现实是什么，以及它的工作原理吗？ 弗兰克：当然可以。我们从虚拟现实的名字就能看出它的基本定义，意思就是“非真实的现实”。当你戴上配有传感器和屏幕的VR头戴设备时，你将被三维影像、声音和其他感官信息环绕包围，这些会营造出一种名为“临场感”的超现实效果。尽管你知道身边的感官信息是虚拟的，你大脑中的某些区域还是会相信它是真的——并且会作出相应的反馈。 [难句破解] 句①　have been working为现在完成进行时，强调从过去某一时间开始一直持续到现在，并且有可能持续下去的动作。 句②　though引导让步状语从句，从句中the sensory information ...为省略that的宾语从句；surrounding you为现在分词短语作 information 的定语。 SUSAN: Thanks, Frank.Can you give some examples of the practical applications VR has? FRANK: I'd love to.There are a host of educational applications.Academic VR enables students to interact with others in a three-D environment.There are endless possibilities for the subject matter that can be created in a VR system.Imagine studying the solar system or the human body in a fully immersive environment.By delivering the content in a meaningful way, this new approach to learning manages to engage students' interest and enhance learning efficiency.The applications can be expanded to make it easier to visualize data such as engineering projects and a variety of other design developments.It's pretty exciting! 　　[课文对译] 苏珊：谢谢，弗兰克。你能为我们举几个VR应用的实例吗？ 弗兰克：当然乐意。VR在教育领域有大量应用。教学VR使学生能够在一个三维环境中与其他人互动。能在VR系统中创作的题材具有无限的可能性。你可以想象在一个完全沉浸式的环境中学习太阳系或者人体构造。这种新的学习手段以一种富有意义的方式呈现内容，能够吸引学生的兴趣并且提高学习效率。这些应用还能进一步扩展，使得工程项目和其他各类设计开发项目的数据更容易得到可视化的呈现。这真的很令人激动！ SUSAN: This sounds like it has a lot of constructive applications.What about its uses for highly developed technical industries such as medicine? FRANK: Surgeons are already using robotic technology with VR to perform complex surgery.What if I told you that doctors could create a virtual “twin” in order to practise delicate ③ surgery before attempting it on the patient? This technology can be applied to train new surgeons; it also enables experts to test new techniques safely before trying them on human subjects.Treatments of anxiety and drug addiction are other valuable and cost-effective applications of VR. [课文对译] 苏珊：听起来VR有着许多具有建设性的应用。那么，它在医药等高新技术产业的应用如何呢？ 弗兰克：外科医生已经在借助VR和机器人技术完成复杂的外科手术。如果我告诉你，医生可以先造出一个虚拟的“孪生病人”练习精密的手术，然后再在病人身上进行实际操作呢？这项技术可以用来训练新晋外科医生，也可以帮助专家在对人体进行实验之前安全地测试新技术。焦虑和药物成瘾的治疗则是另外一些具有价值且成本低廉的VR应用。 [难句破解] 句③　What if ...? 为固定句型，意为“如果……将会怎么样？”；before attempting it on the patient 为before引导的时间状语从句的省略形式。 SUSAN: That is amazing! It sounds like VR will be a life-changing technology as well as a life-saving one.How will it affect the different aspects of our everyday lives, such as entertainment, shopping and travelling? FRANK: The entertainment industry is one of the most enthusiastic advocates of VR.Current game systems come with headsets so that players can enter virtual environments and play against ④ either real or virtual opponents.It won't be long before virtual museums and interactive three-D ⑤ exhibitions become common. When shopping online, you can look forward to being able to have your own virtual reality clone try on clothes and to see products with 360-degree views.Also, people who want to go on holiday will have the opportunity to take a virtual tour of several ⑥ destinations before deciding where to go.In both of these cases, this technology will help people make more informed choices. 　　[课文对译] 苏珊：这太惊人了！听起来VR会是一种既能挽救生命又能改变生活的技术。对于娱乐、购物和旅行等日常生活的不同方面，它会带来怎样的影响呢？ 弗兰克：娱乐产业是最热切追捧VR的行业之一。目前的游戏系统配有头戴设备，能够让玩家进入虚拟环境，与真实或虚拟的敌人竞赛。用不了多久，虚拟博物馆和交互式三维展览就会变得司空见惯。网上购物时，你可以期待拥有自己的虚拟现实克隆人替你试穿衣服、360°全方位查看商品。此外，想要出门度假的人们将有机会以虚拟的方式游览一些目的地，然后再决定去哪儿。在这两种场景下，VR技术都将帮助人们做出更明智的选择。 [难句破解] 句④　so that引导结果状语从句。 句⑤　It won't be long before ...意为“不久……就……”，before从句中常用一般现在时。 句⑥　who want to go on holiday为who引导的定语从句，修饰先行词people; before deciding ...为时间状语从句的省略形式；where to go为“特殊疑问词＋to do”结构。 SUSAN: I can't wait! However, as with any technology, there must be some barriers to the ⑦ development of VR, I guess? FRANK: It really boils down to three things — time, cost and technical limitations.We will need time to develop and fine-tune the hardware and software.The initial cost will discourage most people in the beginning but that should be fixed over time.The last issue is our own technical limitations.Just trying to figure out how to do what we want in terms of technology will prove challenging in some areas. [课文对译] 苏珊：我都等不及了！但是任何技术都有瓶颈，VR的发展想必也是如此吧？ 弗兰克：其实说到底可以归结为三个方面——时间、费用和技术局限。我们需要时间来开发并调试硬件和软件。早期费用在一开始会吓退大多数人，但这个问题应该会慢慢解决。最后的问题在于我们自身的技术局限。在某些领域，光是试图弄清楚如何从技术角度实现我们的想法就将是挑战重重的。 [难句破解] 句⑦　must be为情态动词的推测性用法，must表示肯定的推测。 SUSAN：Considering there are so many challenges to deal with， are you still optimistic ⑧ about the future of VR? FRANK: Sure.When talking about VR, we should keep in mind its quick rate of evolution.The possibilities seem endless.For example, 5G technology, with its potential to serve up more stable mobile connectivity at faster speed, will make it possible for people to enjoy a more immersive VR ⑨ experience wherever they are.Indeed we are only limited by our imagination.What excites me the most is that young people today are digital citizens who are comfortable with technology.They're well equipped to become part of a technological generation that will develop and use VR to do things we might think impossible today. SUSAN: Thank you, Frank.It all sounds wonderful. [课文对译] 苏珊：考虑到需要应对这么多挑战，你对VR的未来还抱有乐观心态吗？ 弗兰克：当然。当我们谈论VR的时候，需要牢记它的进展之快。VR似乎有着无限可能。比方说，5G技术能够以更快的速度提供更稳定的移动网络连接，它将使人们在任何地方都能享受到更为沉浸式的VR体验。我们的确只是受限于我们的想象力罢了。最令我感到激动的是，如今的年轻人都是数字公民，对技术都已习以为常。他们具备良好的条件成为技术一代的一员。他们在未来将会发展并使用VR所做的事情，在今天的我们看来可能是难以想象的。 苏珊：谢谢你，弗兰克。这一切听起来都很美好。 [难句破解] 句⑧　considering引导条件状语从句，意为“鉴于，考虑到”。 句⑨　make it＋adj./n.＋(for sb.) to do sth.为固定句型，意为“使某人做某事怎么样”。 三、词汇记忆无诀窍，适时“回首”记得牢 1．castle n．　　　　　　　 城堡 搭配 2．input n. 输入的信息；投入 vt.(input，input) 输入(信息) 反义 3．capacity n. 领悟(或理解、办事)能力；容量，容积； 职位，职责；生产量 4．analyse vt. 分析 5．massive adj. 巨大的，大而重的；非常严重的 6．network n. 网络，网状系统；关系网，人际网； (互联)网络 7．coin vt. 创造(新词语) 8．breakthrough n. 重大进展，突破 adj. 突破性的 9．finance n. 财政，金融；资金；财力，财务管理 vt. 提供资金 10．to name but a few 略举几例 11．autonomous adj. 自主的，有自主权的；自治的 12．domestic adj. 家庭的，家用的；本国的，国内的 13．threaten vt. 危及，对……构成威胁；威胁，恐吓 拓展 14．commit vt. 犯(罪)；承诺，保证；花(钱或时间) vi. 全心全意投入，忠于 15．crime n. 罪，罪行；犯罪活动 16．murder vt.& n. 谋杀，凶杀 17．urge vt. 敦促，催促；大力推荐，竭力主张； 驱赶，鞭策 n. 冲动，强烈的欲望 搭配|urge sb. to do sth. 强烈建议某人做某事 18．pose vt. 造成，产生；提问，质询 vi. 摆好姿势 n. 姿势 19．apparently adv. 显然，可见 20．warning n. 警告，先兆；警戒 21．demand vt. 需要；强烈要求 n. 要求，所需之物；需求，需要 搭配|meet one's demands 　 满足某人的需求 22．victim n. 受害者，牺牲品；受骗者；祭品 搭配|fall victim to 受伤，受损，被害 23．greedy adj. 贪心的，贪婪的 24．recognition n. 识别，认出；承认，认可；赞誉，赏识 25．database n. 数据库 26．alternative n. 可供选择的事物 adj. 可供替代的；非传统的 搭配 27．hacker n. 黑客 28．theft n. 偷窃，偷窃罪 29．break into 强行闯入，撬开；突然开始(笑、唱等)； 顺利打入 30．fail-safe adj. 有自动保险装置的，具有自动防止故障性能的 31．drone n. 无人驾驶飞机 32．distribution n. 分发，分送；分配，分布 拓展|distribute vt. 使分布；分发；分销 33．predict vt. 预言，预告 34．decrease vt.& vi. 减少，降低 n. 减少，降低 反义|increase v．& n. 增加；(使)增长，增多 35．deny vt. 否认，否定；拒绝承认，拒绝接受 搭配|There is no denying that ... 　　　　 不可否认…… 36．quantity n. 数量；大量 搭配|in large quantities 大量，大批 37．airline n. 航空公司 38．spy vi. 从事间谍活动 vt. 突然看见 n. 间谍 搭配|spy on 暗中监视，窥探 39．illegal adj. 不合法的，非法的 反义|legal adj. 合法的 40．monitor vt. 监视，跟踪调查；监听 n. 显示屏；监测器；班长 41．licence n. 许可证，执照 42．stadium n. 体育场，运动场 43．highlight n. 最好(或最精彩)的部分 vt. 突出，强调；使醒目 44．capsule n. 小塑料容器；(装药的)胶囊；太空舱 45．bury vt. 埋藏；埋葬，安葬；覆盖；遮盖；使陷入 46．fountain n. 喷射，涌流；喷水池；源泉，丰富来源 搭配|fountain pen 自来水笔 47．contemporary adj. 当代的，现代的；属同时期的，同一时代的 n. 同代人，同辈人 48．seed n. 种子；起源，起因 49．wheat n. 小麦，小麦粒 50．muscular adj. 肌肉的；强壮的 51．conclude vt.& vi. 断定，推断出；达成，订立；(使)结束，终止 搭配|to conclude 总之 52．justified adj. 合乎情理的，事出有因的；有正当理由的 53．superiority n. 优越感；优越性，优势 54．virtual adj. 虚拟的，模拟的；很接近的，事实上的 55．at the forefront of 处于最前列，进入重要地位 56．definition n. 定义；释义，解释 57．headset n. 耳机 58．sensor n. 传感器，敏感元件 59．practical adj. 实际的，真实的；切实可行的； 有用的；实事求是的 60．a host of 许多，大量 61．academic adj. 教学的，学术的；学习良好的；纯理论的 62．immersive adj. 沉浸式虚拟现实的 63．engage vt.& vi. 吸引住(注意力、兴趣)；雇用， 聘用；与……建立密切关系 拓展|engaged adj. 忙于，从事于；已订婚的 搭配|be engaged in ... 忙于……；从事于 64．twin n. 双胞胎之一；一对相像的事物之一 adj. 双胞胎之一的；成对的，成双的 65．clone n. 好像一模一样的人，复制品； 克隆动物(或植物) vt. 克隆，以无性繁殖技术复制 66．barrier n. 障碍，阻力；屏障，障碍物；分界线，隔阂 67．boil down to 归结为，基本问题是 68．fine-tune vt. 对……微调 69．initial adj. 最初的，开始的 n. 首字母 70．optimistic adj. 乐观的，抱乐观看法的 71．annoy vt. 使恼怒，使生气；打扰，骚扰 72．weed n. 杂草，野草 搭配|like weeds 大量 73．state-of-the-art adj. 使用最先进技术(或方法)的，最先进的 74．globe n. 球体，球状物；地球仪；地球，世界 75．satellite n. 人造卫星；卫星 76．expense n. 费用；开销；开支 搭配|at the expense of 在牺牲(或损害)……的情况下 77．gender n. 性别 78．envy n．& vt. 羡慕，忌妒 79．pub n. 酒吧，酒馆 四、范文佳作多背诵，写作增分最实用 (一)单元写作任务范文背诵 写作话题　科技进步 假定你是李华，你的外国笔友Peter听说在中国，人工智能已经进入人们的日常生活，其中包括旅游业。他来信询问你“十一”假期是否有这方面的体验，请你给他回信，内容包括： 1．购买门票可直接手机支付； 2．脸部识别入景区； 3．邀请他来体验。 注意：1.写作词数应为80左右； 2．可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。 [推荐范文] Dear Peter， I'm happy to hear from you.Just as you've learned, Al is now widely used in China.Here I'd like to share with you what I experienced during the week-long National Day holiday. When traveling, we were amazed at the changes and convenience brought by Al.First of all, wherever and whenever we went, we could use the mobile payment, including buying admission tickets.More interestingly, we no longer had to get into tourist attractions with the ID card.We could do it through a face recognition app now, which really saved time so that we didn't have to wait in a queue.What an amazing experience! I do hope you can come to China and experience all of this when you have spare time. Looking forward to your arrival. Yours, Li Hua (二)单元主题优美语段背诵 语段　遭遇机器人故障 Derek and Shirley looked at each other with wild panic in their eyes. The taxi was moving faster and faster, and “Rocky” seemed to be malfunctioning. “Slow down！” Derek shouted, but “Rocky” did not respond. The robot drove even faster than before and narrowly missed a car. Terrified, Derek grabbed his phone. With trembling fingers, he called the taxi company. “Hello？” Derek shouted into the phone, “Our robot driver is having a breakdown and he's completely out of control. We need help quickly！” Derek和Shirley互相看了一眼，眼里充满了惊慌。出租车开得越来越快，“洛基”似乎出了故障。“慢下来！” Derek喊道，但“洛基”没有回应。机器人(司机)比之前开得更快，差点撞到一辆汽车。Derek吓坏了，抓起手机。他颤抖着手指，打电话给出租车公司。“喂？” Derek对着电话喊道，“我们的机器人司机出了故障，完全失控了。我们急需帮助！” 五、主题集群阅读，拓展主题认知 时尚悦读(一)　新发明时代 Interviewer: Good evening, and welcome to Between the Pages.This evening, I'll be talking to ① Dr Richard Fairhurst, whose new book The New Age of Invention has just been published.Welcome, Richard! Richard: Thank you.It's a pleasure to be here. Interviewer: I guess you have been asked about the title of your book before.It suggests that the present day is a new age for inventions, but many people might think that the great age of ② invention is over. Richard: Well, that's an interesting point.There have been golden ages of invention throughout history.Think of the four great inventions in Ancient China: gunpowder, papermaking, printing and the compass.These things changed the world forever.Then there were the great Western inventions: the steam engine, the telephone and the radio.And now, we find ourselves in the great new age of technology. Interviewer: So are most of the new great inventions tech-based? Richard: A lot, yes.For example, advances in virtual reality and wearable tech, as well as the flexible battery, mean we should soon be seeing further developments.In addition, important advances have been made in medicine and environmental science thanks to increasing computer power. Interviewer: Can you give us some examples? Richard: Sure.New inventions like 3D printers have been used to make replacement hearts and bone parts.In terms of the environment, it is now possible to create an intelligent walking house.It is capable of using GPS technology to travel to different places, with computing technology controlling its “legs”．What's more, huge advances in solar technology mean it can be eco-friendly, too. Interviewer: Impressive stuff! I've also been told that you're an inventor yourself.Is that correct? Richard: Yes, I am, but I'm only one member of a big team — most inventors now work as part of big international teams. Interviewer: I see.So what is it that inspires us to invent things? Richard: Most inventions start with recognising a problem that needs a solution.This was no doubt the reason behind the invention of the wheel in ancient times, which much later developed into the car.Now, reduced energy supplies and environmental pollution have led to more advances in the technology of new energy vehicles.But what remains important is that we have an incredible desire to think and create, and that's the real spirit of invention. Interviewer: One last question.This is the one everyone really wants to know: will anybody ever invent a time machine? Richard: I think you've been watching too many movies！Nothing like this has been invented yet and I'd say we're a long way from an invention like that at the moment! But, as they say, “ Never say never！” [难句破解] 句①　句中will be talking为将来进行时；whose引导非限制性定语从句。 句②　It suggests that ...是常用句式，意为“这表明……”。suggest意思是“表明”，that引导的是宾语从句，but后面的分句中that引导的也是宾语从句。 [助读译文] 采访人：晚上好，欢迎来到《字里行间》。今晚的嘉宾是理查德·费尔赫斯特博士，他的新书《新发明时代》刚刚出版。欢迎您，理查德！ 理查德：谢谢！很高兴能来到这里。 采访人：我猜已经有人就书名向您提问了。书名提示现在是发明创造的新时代，但可能很多人都认为辉煌的发明时代已经结束了。 理查德：嗯，这个观点很有意思。纵观历史，我们经历过很多发明创造的黄金时代。想想中国古代的四大发明：火药、造纸术、印刷术和指南针。它们永远地改变了世界。而后西方也出现了蒸汽机、电话、广播等伟大的发明。而现在，我们自己正处于伟大的科技新时代。 采访人：所以大多数伟大的新发明都是科技产品吗？ 理查德：是的，很多都是。比如说，虚拟现实、可穿戴科技设备与柔性电池技术的进步意味着我们很快会看到更多相关领域的产品研发。此外，得益于不断强化的计算机能力，医药与环境科学也取得了重要进展。 采访人：您能给我们举几个例子吗？ 理查德：当然可以。3D打印机之类的新发明已经应用于制作移植心脏与部分骨骼。在环境领域，建造智能可移动房屋现在已成为可能。它能依靠全球定位系统技术四处移动，计算机技术则控制着它的“双腿”。此外，太阳能技术的巨大进步也意味着它可以很环保。 采访人：真是了不起的发明！我听说您自己也是个发明家。是这样吗？ 理查德：是的。但我只是一个大型团队中的一分子——大多数发明家现在都在大型国际团队中工作。 采访人：明白了。那是什么激励着人们进行发明创造呢？ 理查德：发现某个需要解决的问题，这是绝大多数发明的起点。古代轮子的发明无疑也是如此，后来演变为汽车。现在，能源供应紧缩与环境污染推动了新能源汽车技术的进一步发展。不过有一点依旧重要，就是我们对思考与创造有着一种极度的渴望，而这正是真正的发明精神。 采访人：最后一个问题，也是大家都很想知道的：会有人发明出时光机吗？ 理查德：我觉得您是电影看多了！目前还没有类似的发明，而且我认为，我们离这样的发明还远着呢！不过，就像人们说的：“凡事没有绝对！” 时尚悦读(二)　人工智能：真正的威胁？ In the words of Professor Stephen Hawking, artificial intelligence will be “either the best, or the worst thing, ever to happen to humanity”．Technology of Tomorrow Forum wants to hear your thoughts on AI.Is it our greatest human achievement so far? Or is it the biggest threat to our existence？Here are the opinions of three netizens. Millenniumbutterfly Thanks to AI, I've got my own super-smart personal assistant built into my phone.She always has an immediate answer for any question I put to her, and even uses my answers to learn more about my preferences.It used to feel like 50 per cent of my time was spent researching new restaurants.In contrast, my PA only needs a few seconds to find the right place.Every recommendation she gives me is great since she can predict if I will like a particular restaurant. ① And speaking of hanging out, I'm hoping that self-driving cars are available soon.I've been taking driving lessons for over a year, and still haven't got my licence.Self-driving cars can learn to drive in the same way that we do, and can make judgements based on information.And as they won't be susceptible to human error, they'll certainly be a lot safer.The only thing is that there might be a few ② machine-learning problems when the first cars hit the market， so perhaps I'd better learn to drive first.Still, I do think that developments in AI will on the whole make doing day-to-day things a lot easier. Popkid The technology you're using and enjoying today is a basic form of AI which can't think independently without programming.Of course, it could be very useful to have a more advanced form of AI — a truly independent form of artificial intelligence, capable of exercising its own judgement, could help us solve many of the world's problems.But have you ever thought about the risks? After all, why would an independent form of AI need to consider the opinions and desires of humans? We could be seen as a “small” inconvenience that's in the way of a solution to a bigger problem.If we're lucky, AI might think we're valuable enough to keep around.If not, it might wipe us all out! Even if that doesn't happen, there are other risks.Millenniumbutterfly, you say how great it would be to have self-driving cars， but what about all the taxi drivers who would lose their jobs? ③ They would just be among the first victims of AI.Nearly every job is potentially at risk in the long run.Even journalists are now being replaced with technology that can write basic news reports.As it is, almost 50 per cent of US jobs are at risk from automation in the next 20 years. The truth is that none of us is prepared for the challenges of AI. Pink_ haze Machine learning is something we have come to accept as a part of our modern world.I believe most of the value of AI lies in its capacity to analyse and interpret vast amounts of data, which means it can even solve problems that are too challenging for human experts. But while super-intelligent AI could be the biggest leap forward in human history, if it goes wrong or falls into the wrong hands, it could also be the most dangerous.However, AI is not going to go away.We have no choice but to embrace it and regulate it.One thing I think we all agree on， ④ though, is that saying “My AI did it！” won't be any excuse for illegal or immoral behaviour! [难句破解] 句①　since引导原因状语从句，意为“由于，因为”，其中包含if引导的宾语从句，意为“是否”。 句②　The only thing is that ...是常用句型，用来引出唯一需要解决的事情。本句中that引导表语从句，when引导时间状语从句。 句③　how引导宾语从句，是感叹句形式，可还原为：it would be great to have self-driving cars。 句④　I think是插入语，we all agree on是定语从句，修饰先行词One thing，省略了关系代词that。 [助读译文] 用斯蒂芬·霍金教授的话说，人工智能将是“人类有史以来最好或最坏的事情”。明日科技论坛希望听到您对人工智能的想法。到目前为止，人工智能算是我们人类最伟大的成就还是对我们生存的最大威胁呢？下面是三位网友的看法： 千禧蝶 多亏了人工智能，我才可以在手机中内置个人超级智能私人助手。我向她提任何问题，她总能立即答复，甚至可以通过我的答案了解更多关于我的个人偏好。过去，我觉得自己有50%的时间花在了研究新餐厅上，相比之下，有了私人助手，只需数秒就能找到正确的餐厅了。因为她可以预测我是否会喜欢某一个餐厅，所以她给我的每一个建议都很棒。 说到出去玩，我希望自动驾驶汽车能很快面世。我已经上驾驶课一年多了，但仍然没有拿到驾照。自动驾驶汽车可以学习与我们相同的驾驶模式，并且可以根据信息做出判断。而且由于它们不会受到人为错误的影响，肯定会安全得多。唯一的问题是，当第一批汽车上市时，可能会有一些机器学习问题，所以也许我最好先学会驾驶。不过，我确实认为，总体而言，人工智能的发展将使日常工作变得更加容易。 小破孩儿 你今天正在使用和享受的技术是人工智能的基本形式，没有程序它就无法独立思考。当然，拥有更先进的人工智能形式非常有用，这种更先进的人工智能形式是一种真正独立的人工智能形式，能够运用自己的判断力，可以帮助我们解决世界上的许多问题。但是你是否考虑过风险呢？毕竟，为什么独立的人工智能形式需要考虑人类的选择和欲望呢？我们可能会被视为解决更大问题道路上的一个“小”麻烦。如果幸运的话，人工智能可能会认为我们足够有价值，可以留下来。否则，它可能会扫清我们所有人！ 尽管还没有发生什么，但确实存在其他的风险。千禧蝶，你说拥有自动驾驶汽车会很棒，但出租车司机会失业这个问题呢？他们将会是人工智能的第一批受害者。 长此以往，几乎所有工作都可能处于潜在危险之中。甚至现在的新闻工作者也正在被可以撰写简单的新闻报道的技术所取代。实际上，在未来20年中，美国有将近50%的工作会受到自动化的威胁。 事实上，我们中没有人做好了面对人工智能的挑战的准备。 粉红_烟雾 机器学习作为现代世界的一部分，已经成为我们接受的东西。我认为人工智能的大部分价值在于它分析和解析庞大数据的能力，也就是说它甚至能够解决对于人类专家来说具有挑战性的问题。 虽然超智能AI可能是人类有史以来的最大飞跃，但如果出错或者落入坏人手中，它同时可能是最危险的。但是，人工智能不会消失。我们别无选择，只能接受它并加以规范。不过，我想大家都认可的一点就是，“这是我的AI做的！”这句话不会成为非法行为或不道德行为的任何借口。 学科网（北京）股份有限公司 $