人教高中英语高二上UNIT6-1

What life will be like in the future is difficult to predict. It is, however, possible to use models to make forecasts about future developments. One way to catch a glimpse¹ of the future is to examine some of the major trends in contemporary society.
       Current trends indicate that transportation is becoming cleaner, faster and safer. Public transportation is already well developed in most urban areas of China. New technology is being used to make sure that the cars, taxis, buses and trains we use do not pollute the air. A good example of how transportation is changing is the new maglev² train, which is environmentally friendly, energy-saving and travels at an amazing 430 km/h. To ensure safety, the train is controlled by an advanced computer system. Scientists are also developing new fuels and engines that will let us travel without worrying about whether we are polluting the environment.
BUSINESS
 It will not be business as usual in the future. Many companies and consumers have already begun reforming the way they do business. E-commerce, or business done on the Internet, is becoming more and more popular as people discover the advantages of online shopping. The Internet also makes it easier for companies to keep in touch with customers and companies in other countries. For people who do go out to shops, shopping is no longer just a necessity³. It has become a form of entertainment. Instead of searching a crowded store for basic goods, such as food and clothes, people want to go to a pleasant mall and combine shopping with fun. The malls of the future will be like small cities where you can shop, eat, see a film and even dance. To pay for their purchases, people will use smart cards, which contain a tiny chip, instead of cash.
       &
HEALTH AND MEDICINE
People in the future will be able to enjoy a longer and healthier life and remain active even in old age. People now are paying more attention to the importance of a healthy diet and an active life. They are careful about what they eat and exercise regularly. Advances in medical science also allow us to deal with new diseases⁴, such as SARS. Some diseases, for example smallpox⁵, have already been successfully defeated. With a better understanding of the human body, scientists and physicians will be able to cure more diseases. Perhaps more importantly, new discoveries in genetics and biochemistry may lead to changes in the way diseases are cured and medicines are made.   EDUCATION   AND   KNOWLEDGE
       Homework will always be homework, but the schools of the future will probably be quite different from what they are today. We can study at home by watching educators on TV or on a computer screen. In the future, there may be more "schools on the air" and "e-schools". Real classrooms will always be popular, but distance education will help people study whenever they have time and wherever they may be. The way we view learning⁶ and knowledge is also changing. Instead of being students only when we are young, we will become lifelong learners.
       It is certain that things will change. We cannot be sure whether our dreams will come true, but we can at least be hopeful that our efforts to improve the world will be successful. If we learn to accept change and appreciate what is new and different, we will be well-prepared for whatever the future may have in store

1 glimpse   

vt.瞥见；n.一瞥，一看

参考例句：

• One glimpse at himself in the mirror was enough.让他照着镜子看自己一眼就够了。
• She catches a glimpse of a car in the distance.她一眼就瞥见了远处的汽车。

2 maglev   

n.磁力悬浮列车；adj.磁力悬浮列车的

参考例句：

• The engine for maglev trains is rather in noticeable.磁悬浮列车的车头是相当值得注意的。
• The high speed maglev railway is a new-style traffic system. 高速磁悬浮铁路是一种新型的交通方式。

3 necessity   

n.必要性，需要；必需品

参考例句：

• I look upon this as an absolute necessity.我认为这是绝对必要的。
• You must understand the necessity of education.你必须懂得教育的必要性。

4 diseases   

n.疾病( disease的名词复数 )；弊端；恶疾；痼疾

参考例句：

• Smoking is a causative factor in several major diseases. 抽烟是引起几种严重疾病的病因。
• The illness frequently coexists with other chronic diseases. 这种病往往与其他慢性病同时存在。

5 smallpox   

n.天花

参考例句：

• In 1742 he suffered a fatal attack of smallpox.1742年，他染上了致命的天花。
• Were you vaccinated against smallpox as a child?你小时候打过天花疫苗吗？

6 learning   

n.学问，学识，学习；动词learn的现在分词

参考例句：

• When you are learning to ride a bicycle,you often fall off.初学骑自行车时，常会从车上掉下来。
• Learning languages isn't just a matter of remembering words.学习语言不仅仅是记些单词的事。