A. available B. measure C. technological D. invented E. exploiting F. statistics G. overall H. developing I. definitely J. force K. standard |
Technology is the application of knowledge to production. Thanks to modern technology, we have been able to increase greatly the efficiency of our work 41 . New machines and new methods have helped to cut down time and expense while increasing 42 output. This has meant more production and a higher standard of living. For most people in America, modern technology is thought of as the reason why we can have cars and television sets. However, technology has also increased the amount of food 43 to us, by means of modern farming machinery and animal breeding techniques, and has extended our life span through medical technology.
Will mankind continue to live longer and have a higher quality of life? In large 44 the answer depends on technology and our ability to use it widely. If we keep making progress as we have over the past fifty years, the answer is 45 yes. The advancement of technology depends upon research and development, and the latest 46 show that the United States is continuing to pump billions of dollars annually into such efforts. So while we are running out of some scarce resources we may well find 47 substitutes for many of them through our research programs.
Therefore, in the final analysis the three major factors of production (land, labor and capital) are all influenced by technology. When we need new techniques in medicine, people will start 48 new technology to meet those needs. As equipment proves to be slow or inefficient, new machines will be 49 . Technology responds to our needs in helping us maintain our 50 of living.
JGABI FCHDK
Some people believe that greed and selfishness has become the basis of modern society, and we should return to the old traditions of family and community then we will have a better life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above opinion?
In this fast-paced world, many values are undergoing major changes. While people traditionally prioritize caring, sharing and generosity in life and work, modern people seem to be more self-absorbed and self-concerned.
Modern people act selfishly to survive the harsh competition of life. They say that it is a jungle out there. To survive, you have to fight with whatever means that come handy. Obviously greedy and selfishness go perfectly well with such ideas. In a company, employees do everything they can to get better pay and higher position, even at the cost of colleagues. We are in any way advocating any selfish conduct. It is just that people are pressured to act in a certain way due to outside influences.
In spite of common practice, it is hard to conclude that modern society is built on greed and selfishness, both of which are not newly invented vocabulary. In ancient times people also did greedy and selfish things though such behaviors were more condemned then. But we can not ignore the fact that people in the past lived a relatively more isolated life and faced less pressure compared with their modern counterparts.
Are we happier to share with others and be generous to them? There is no fixed answer either. Some people take great pleasure helping and giving to others while others feel happy doing the opposite. But I personally think that people should not be too selfish. Caring for others can actually encourage the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.
In conclusion, modern people appear to be more self-centered than those in the past due to strong outside pressure. However, we should encourage people to know the importance of being caring and generous and to build a mutually beneficial relationship with others.
Are Modern People Becoming More Selfish?
Main comparisons | Contexts |
__76__ are changing | In the past people put caring, sharing and generosity in the first ___77____. |
Nowadays, people seem to be more ____78____about themselves. | |
___79___are changing too. | People in the past appeared to be modest and self-effacing(谦让的). |
People may strive to achieve their own __80___ at the price of their coworkers. | |
The author’s understanding | |
___81____ for the changes in author’s eyes | Fierce __82___ and great __83___on modern people may be responsible for the changes. |
The author’s ___84____towards topic | A relationship which can ___85___ two sides should be established. |