1、Unit 1 To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science. -Albert Einstein 另一个是大爆炸理论，认为宇宙始于时空中的 一个点。稳恒态概念的最大拥护者是剑桥大学的弗雷德霍伊尔教授。在霍伊尔的一次讲座中，霍金在问 答环节站了起来，指出霍伊尔教授计算有误。错误纠正之后显示大爆炸理论而非稳恒态理论是正确的。不 久，天文学家用望远镜观察宇宙
2、，验证了霍金对大爆炸理论的研究。一位明星就此诞生。 So, what made Stephen Hawking a genius? Besides being brilliant, he was brave, though sometimes careless in what he said or did. He was willing to say what others were afraid to say, and to dream of what others were afraid to dream about. Furthermore, he was quite determine
3、d. This had helped him as a scientist, and had helped him even more in his fight against his disease. Above all, Hawking was willing to admit his faults. This odd combination of characteristics had made him one of the greatest thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries. 那么，是什么使史蒂芬霍金成为一名天呢?除了才华横溢之外，他还是一
4、个勇敢的人，尽管有时 候言行举止比较随意。他敢说别人不敢说的话，做别人不敢做的梦。此外，他意志坚定。无论是作为一位 科学家，还是与病魔作斗争，这种品质对他都大有帮助，最重要的是，霍金敢于承认错误。这些性格特点 的奇特组合使得他成为二十世纪与二十一世纪最伟大的思想家之一。 Reading and Writing (Workbook) 1 Read the passage and choose the correct answer to complete the statement. Al AND HUMAN BEINGS Is it possible to make machines think
5、 like humans? This is one question in research in the field of Artificial Intelligence, or AI”. To think like a human, it involves feelings, morality, hopes, and dreams, Humans are capable of making decisions by themselves without input from others, and they can learn from experience. 有没有可能让机器像人类一样思
6、考？这是人工智能，即 AI 领域研究中的一个问题。要像人类一样 思考，就涉及到感情、道德、希望和梦想，人类能够在不需要他人输入的情况下自己做出决定，并且可以 从经验中学习到知识. In addition, humans are able to create things from their own inspiration for their own pleasure. The question is whether machines can ever really think in all these aspects. 此外，人类还能根据自己的灵感创造出自己喜欢的东西。问题是，机器是否真的能
7、在所有这些方面进 行思考。 The idea of a computer that is all-powerful and can think and make decisions for itself terrifies many people. In some films, Al even decides that all humans must be killed. Many people are also concerned that AI will be used to replace humans. 一台全能的电脑，可以自己思考和做决定，这个想法让很多人感到恐惧。在一些电影中，Al
8、 甚至决定 必须杀死所有的人类。很多人还担心人工智能会被用来取代人类。 Yet others are comforted by the thought of Al, Maybe with Al, robots can be made to replace loved ones who have died. Today, the creation of an all-powerful computer capable of human thought is still in progress. We have companion robots, and it is likely that the
9、y will grow more important in our lives as time goes by. However, the need for such robots does not seem to be as critical as our head for intelligent machines that can solve problems by learning from their observations and experience. 然而也有人因为想到了 Al 而感到欣慰，也许有了 Al，就可以让机器人来代替死去的亲人。如今，能 够实现人类思维的全能计算机的创
10、造还在进行中。我们已经有了陪伴机器人，而且随着时间的推移，它们 在我们生活中的重要性可能会越来越大。然而，对于这种机器人的需求似乎并不像我们的脑袋那样关键， 我们需要的是能够通过观察和经验的学习来解决问题的智能机器。 For example, Al is already being used with great success in Internet search engines and as a personal assistant in our smartphones. It learns from our habits to help us find what we want and
11、like. Al is also used to diagnose problems and suggest solutions. Researchers are also experimenting with the use of Al in driverless cars which can sense their surroundings and decide on the best way to reach a destination. It is also being used in education, particularly in online courses. Further
12、more, industries that use robots for repetitive or dangerous work often turn to Al to manage these electronic workers. In addition, virtual assistants are also being used in some homes today. In the near future, it is likely that Al will be used to manage smart homes and handle an even greater varie
13、ty of tasks such as setting out favourite clothes and helping us with our personal grooming. 例如，Al 已经在互联网搜索引擎和我们智能手机的个人助理中得到了非常成功的应用。它可以从我们 的习惯中学习，帮助我们找到我们想要和喜欢的东西。Al 还被用来诊断问题并提出解决方案。研究人员还 在尝试将 Al 用于无人驾驶汽车，它可以感知周围环境并决定到达目的地的最佳方式。它还被用于教育， 特别是在线课程。此外，那些使用机器人进行重复性或危险性工作的行业往往会求助于 Al 来管理这些电 子工人。此外，如今一些家庭
14、也在使用虚拟助理。在不久的将来，Al 很有可能被用来管理智能家居，并处 理更多种类的任务，比如摆放喜欢的衣服，帮助我们进行个人修饰。 The Al of today has already proven its superiority to humans in many areas. Do you think that we can create a robot that thinks like a human or one that is even more intelligent? If so, is there truly a difference between AI and a hu
15、man? 如今的 Al 已经在很多方面证明了它对人类的优越性。你认为我们可以创造出一个像人类一样思考的 机器人，或者是一个更加智能的机器人吗？如果可以，人工智能和人类真的有区别吗？ Unit2.BRIDGING CULTURE I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world. -Mary Anne Radmacher 在世界的另一端看过月光闪耀，我就不会是同样的自己了。 Reading and Thinking WELCOME，XIE LEI BUSINESS STUDENT BUILDI
16、NG BRIDGES “欢迎你，谢蕾欢迎你，谢蕾!” 商科学生搭建文化交流的桥梁商科学生搭建文化交流的桥梁 Six months ago， 19-year-old Xie Lei said goodbye to her family and friends and boarded a plane for London. It was the first time that she had left China. “I was very excited but also quite nervous. I didnt know what to expect,” Xie Lei recalled.
17、半年前， 19 岁的谢蕾告别家人和朋友， 登上了飞往伦敦的班机。 这是她第一次离开中国。 “我很激动， 也很紧张，不知道会发生什么。”谢蕾回忆道。 Xie Lei is studying for a business qualification at a university in China and has come to our university on a year-long exchange programme. I chose the exchange programme because I wanted to learn about global business and imp
18、rove my English. My ambition is to set up a business in China after graduation, she explained. 谢蕾在中国一所大学攻读商科，来我校参加为期一年的交流项目。“之所以选择这个交流项目，是因 为我想了解全球商务，并提高我的英语水平。我的志向是毕业后在中国创办一家企业。”她解释道。 At first, Xie Lei had to adapt to life in a different country. “You have to get used to a whole new life.” she said
19、. I had to earn how to use public transport and how to ask for things I didnt know the English names for. When I got lost, I had to ask passers-by for help, but people here speak fast and use words Im not familiar with. I ask them to repeat themselves a lot!” 起初，谢蕾不得不去适应异国他乡的生活。 “你必须习惯种全新的生活。 ”她说， “
20、我得学会使用公共 交通，学会要到我不知道英文名称的东西。迷路时，我得向路人求助但是这里的人讲话语速很快，而且使 用的是我不熟悉的单词。我老是让他们重复!” Although some foreign students live in campus accommodation, Xie Lei chose to live with a host family， who can help with her adaptation to the new culture. When I miss home, I feel comforted to have a second family， Xie Le
21、i said “When theres something I dont know or understand I can ask them. They are also keen to learn about China. Laura, the daughter of my host family, wants to study in China in the future. We take turns to cook each evening. They really love my stir-fried tomatoes and eggs! Laura says she always f
22、eels hungry when she smells it, so I taught her how to cook it, too. 虽然一些留学生住在学校里，但是谢蕾选择住在寄宿家庭有助于她适应异国文化。 “有第二个家，想 家时我会得到些安慰。 ”谢蕾说。 “当我有不知道或不理解的事情时，我可以咨询他们。他们对中国也很感 兴趣， 我房东的女儿劳拉将来想到中国求学。 我们每晚轮流做饭， 他们真的很爱吃我做的番茄炒蛋!劳拉说， 每次闻到香味，她就感到饥肠辘辘，于是我教她做这道菜。 Another challenge for Xie Lei is the academic requiremen
23、ts. The first time that she had to write an essay, her tutor explained that she must acknowledge what other people had said if she cited their ideas, but that he mainly wanted to know what she thought! Xie Lei was confused because she thought she knew less than other people. Her tutor advised her to
24、 read lots of information in order to form a wise opinion of her own 谢蕾面临的另一个挑战是学业要求。她第一次写论文时，导师跟她解释说，如果引用别人的观点就一 定要注明，不过他主要还是想了解她本人的观点!谢蕾困惑不解，因为她觉得自己懂得没有别人多。她的导 师建议她广泛阅读文献，形成自己睿智的观点。 Xie Lei also found many courses included students participation in class as part of the final result. Students need
25、to generate ideas, offer examples, apply concepts, and raise questions, as well as give presentations. At first, Xie Lei had no idea what she should say, but what surprised her was that she found herself speaking up in class after just a few weeks. “My presentation on traditional Chinese art was a g
26、reat success, which boosted my confidence,” she said. “Ill use these skills back home for presentations. They ll help me build a strong business in the future.” 此外，谢蕾发现很多课程的最终成绩都包含学生的课堂参与。学生需要形成观点、提供例子、运用概 念、提出问题并且还要进行展示。刚开始的时候，谢蕾不知道该说些什么。但令她惊喜的是，仅仅几周时 间，她就能在课堂上大胆发言了。 “我的中国传统艺术展示非常成功，提升了我的自信心。 ”她说，
27、“回国 后，我会将这些技能运用到展示中，帮助我未来打造一家强大的企业。 ” Now halfway through her exchange year, Xie Lei feels much more at home in the UK. What seemed strange before now appears quite normal to her. Engaging in British culture has helped, she said. As well as studying hard, Ive been involved in social activities. Brit
28、ish people are fascinated by our culture and eager to learn more about it, so Im keen to share my culture with them. While Im learning about business Im also acting as a cultural messenger building a bridge between us。 年的交换生生涯现已过半，谢蕾感觉在英国过得轻松自如多了。以前看似奇怪的事情现在对她来说显 得十分平常。融入英国文化使我受益匪浅。 ”她说， “努力学习之余我还参加
29、了一些社交活动。英国人对我 们的文化十分着迷渴望了解更多中国文化，因此我也乐于同他们分享。攻读商科的同时，我也扮演着文化 使者的角色，在中外文化之间架起一座桥梁。 We will follow Xie Leis progress in later editions, but for now we wish her all the best. 我们会在随后的几期中跟踪报道谢蕾的进展情况，但现在我们祝她一切顺利 Using Language STUDYING ABROAD IS IT A GOOD OR A BAD IDEA? 留学留学:好主意，还是坏主意好主意，还是坏主意? Dear Edito
30、r 尊敬的编辑: In the past few decades, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people studying abroad. Although studying abroad can bring great benefits, I think the disadvantages for young people are greater. 过去几十年里，留学人数急剧增长。尽管留学大有裨益但我认为，留学对年轻人来说是弊大于利 To begin with, many students who study a
31、broad face great economic pressure. That means studying abroad is just not possible for everyone. Tuition fees and living expenses are much more expensive than at home and could end up costing most families an arm and a leg. Studying in China is much more convenient and can help save money 首先，许多留学生面
32、临着巨大的经济压力，这意味着并非每个人都有留学的可能。国外的学费和生活 开销比国内昂贵得多，大部分家庭最终可能要花费一大笔钱。而在中国读书则更加方便，还能省钱。 Another important factor to consider is the tremendous pressure that comes with studying abroad. Students must learn how to live in an unfamiliar environment with limited language skills. Some may struggle and suffer fr
33、om culture shock when learning how to behave in new surroundings. Other students are not mature enough to handle the challenges by themselves and may become depressed. Some students might even encounter problems with personal safety. In addition, different approaches to teaching and learning may com
34、e as a shock to many students 需要考虑的另一个重要因素是留学所带来的巨大压力。学生必须学会靠有限的语言技能在一个陌生的 环境中生活在学习如何在新环境中举止得体时，有些学生可能会感到吃力，并承受文化冲击的折磨，另一 些学生则还不够成熟， 无法独立应付各种挑战， 因而感到苦闷。 有些学生甚至会遭遇人身安全问题。 此外， 不同的教和学的方式对很多学生来说也是一种冲击。 A final point to consider is that while studying abroad does have potential benefits, young people who
35、 study in China also have a great future to look forward to! As China has boomed the educational environment has improved significantly, with many great universities now available. They have great facilities and outstanding professors, helping to educate young people who will contribute to the econo
36、my and further strengthen our country. 最后要考虑的一点是:尽管留学有诸多潜在的益处，但是在中国读书的年轻人同样未来可期!随着中国 的蓬勃发展，教育环境己大为改观，优质大学比比皆是。这些高校拥有一流的设施和杰出的教授，助力培 养为经济作贡献、进步增强我国实力的年轻人。 To sum up, one cannot deny the fact that studying abroad has its disadvantages, so when you think about studying abroad you should consider these
37、many factors 综上所述， 我们无法否认的事实是:留学有其弊端。 因此当你想要海外求学时， 应当考虑上述诸多因素。 Kind regard 谨致问候! Wang Li ( other of twin girls)王丽(一对双胞胎女孩的母亲) Dear Editor 尊敬的编辑 Is studying abroad a good idea or not? There are certainly disadvantages, but in my opinion, the advantages are much greater. As I always tell my son, there
38、 are no great difficulties or a person who is brave, optimistic, and willing to work hard! 留学是个好主意还是坏主意呢?留学当然有其弊端， 但我认为利大于弊。我时常告诚我儿子， 对勇敢、 乐观、愿意拼搏的人来说，世上无难事! The first advantage of studying abroad is personal growth. The education you gain and the experiences you have will change you for the better.
39、 For example, you will certainly become more independent because you will have to deal with all kinds of difficulties by yourself. Studying abroad also helps you to gain a global perspective and improve your general competence 留学的第一个好处就是个人成长。你获得的教育和拥有的经历将有助于你提升自我。例如，由于你需 要独自应对各种困难，你一定会变得更加独立。留学还有助于你
40、获得全球视野，提升综合能力。 Another advantage is the increased chance for cultural exchange. Chinese students can be seen as cultural envoy promoting friendship between nations. International students in China also bring their colourful cultures here. Cooperating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds hel
41、ps us view the world from different angles and thus gives us more insight into our own culture. 留学的另一个好处是获得更多文化交流的机会。中国留学生可被视为增进国际友谊的文化使者。在华 的外国留学生也带来他们丰富多彩的文化。与来自不同文化背景的人合作有助于我们从不同视角看待世界， 进而让我们对自己的文化有更深入的了解。 Finally, studying abroad provides a great opportunity to contribute to the development of o
42、ur motherland. Chinas global outlook, with projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative, has helped us make connections across the world. Therefore, China needs more talented young people with a global perspective who are highly competent with languages have leadership and organisational skills, an
43、d have strong cultural awareness. Students who study abroad will develop such skills and abilities, and these in turn will provide them with better career opportunities 最后，留学是为祖国的发展作出贡献的好机会。中国“带一路”倡议等项目的全球前景帮助我们与世界 建立联系。因此，中国需要更多有能、有国际视野、语言能力极强具有领导力和组织能力、拥有强烈文 化意识的年轻人。 海外求学的学生能够培养这类技能， 而这些技能反过来又将为他们
44、带来更好的就业机会。 All in all, studying abroad helps to build character and increase peoples understanding of cultural diversity while strengthening China and building a shared future for all. I think this life-changing experience is certainly worthwhile and I hope my child will study abroad in the future.
45、总而言之，出国留学有助于塑造人格，增加人们对文化多样性的了解，同时增强中国的实力，为大家 打造一个共同的未来。我觉得这段改变人生的经历肯定是值得的，我希望孩子将来能出国留学。 Sincerely yours 此致 敬礼 Zhang Yi(ather of one boy)张毅(一个男孩的父亲) Reading and Writing (Workbook) Hi there, Aunt Joan 你好，琼姨 How are you? Mum said you asked how I was dong, so let me tell you about my life here. 你还好吗？妈妈说
46、你问我怎么样，所以让我告诉你我在这里的生活。 As you know, Ive been in China for around a month now. I want to study in a local university which is why I took those after-school Chinese classes. I decided on China because its a fast-developing country with trade links all over the word. Studying here could be useful in fi
47、nding a good job in trade or business. Whats more, Chinese Culture is really interesting, so choosing to come here was a no-brainer for me! 你也知道，我来到中国已经一个月了。我想在当地的大学里学习 所以我参加了课后中文课。我之所 以选择中国，是因为中国是一个快速发展的国家，贸易联系遍布全球。在这里学习可以在贸易或商业领域 找到一份好工作。而且，中国文化真的很有趣，所以选择来这里对我来说是个不二之选。 Having said that, China isnt
48、 like I thought it might be. I thought it would be quite old and traditional but in many ways, the cites are just as modem as back home in Vancouver, only with lots more people! Theres so much more food to try too, and its all delicious! Everywhere I go, I see restaurants and snack stallsit seems to
49、 be a big part of their culture. Food here is very reasonably priced so its great for my budget. The people I meet are all very welcoming towards me as a foreigner, and I even seem to be a point of interest! However, hardly anyone speaks English in my area, so it can be a bit overwhelming at times.
50、But I guess thats why Im here-to learn. 不过，中国并不像我想象的那样。我以为这里会很古老、很传统，但在很多方面，这里的城市和温哥 华的家乡一样，只是人更多而已。还有更多的食物可以尝试，而且都很好吃。无论我走到哪里，我都能看 到餐馆和小吃摊-这似乎是他们文化的重要组成部分。这里的食物价格非常合理，所以很适合我的预算。 我遇到的人都非常欢迎我这个外国人， 我甚至似乎成了他们的兴趣点！ 然而， 在这里几乎没有人会说英语。 然而，在我所在的地区，几乎没有人会说英语，所以有时会有点不知所措。但我想这就是我在这里的原因 -学习。 Right now, Im stud
