高二上朗读unit 06

　　LIFE IN THE FUTURE

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 glimpse 1 of the future is to

examine some of the major trends in contemporary society.

TRANSPORTATION

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 maglev 2 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 aspeople 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

necessity 3.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 diseases 4,such as SARS. Some diseases,for example

smallpox,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,nes

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 studfy whenever the have time and

wherever they may be.The way we view learning 5 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

eforts 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.