Unit 6 LIFE IN THE FUTURE
Reading 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 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 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 a dvantages of online shopping. The Internet also makes it easier for comp anies 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. 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,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, 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 learning 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. One way to catch a glimpse of the future is to examine some of the major trends in contemporary society. 瞥一眼未来是什么样子的办法之一是考察一下当今社会的主要倾向。

(1) to catch a glimpse意为“看一眼；瞥见”。在句中作one way的定语；to examine some of the major trends in contemporary society作表语。① I caught a glimpse of our new neighbor. 我只看过一眼我们的新邻居。② I glimpsed her among the crowd. 我瞥见她在人群当中。③ The man glimpsed the thief climbing out of the window. 那人瞥见小偷从窗户爬出来。

(2) major (adj. & n. & vi.)主要的，较大的，主修的；major in主修。如：① The major aim of the air raid was the complete destruction of all means of communica- tions by bombing. 空袭的主要目的是通过轰炸彻底摧毁敌人的通讯设施。② Cities, such as Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou are major cities in China. 像上海、北京和广州等城市是中国的主要城市。③ Physics was his major subject in the university. 物理是他大学的主修课。④ He is a history major. 他是主修历史的学生。⑤ He majors in physics. 他主修物理。

2.Current trends indicate that transportation is becoming cleaner, faster and safer.
译文.当今的趋势预示着交通运输变得更清洁.更快捷.更安全.
indicate.
(1)指示;指出[+(that)][+wh-]
The light above the elevator indicated that the elevator was then at the fifteenth floor.
电梯上方的灯指示那时电梯在十五楼。
(2) 表明;象征;暗示[+(that)][+wh-]
His hesitation indicates unwillingness.
他的犹豫表明不愿意。
the way they do business
3.To ensure safety, the train is controlled by an advanced computer system.
译文,
ensure用作动词，意思是"确保；担保"，常用于以下句型

(1)ensure that... 保证......

I tried to ensure that everybody understood the instructions. 我设法确保每个人都明白这个说明。
I can't ensure that he will arrive there in time. 我不能保证他及时赶到那儿。

(2)ensure sb. sth. 确保某人某事/物
This medicine will ensure you a good sleep. 这药会确保你睡个好觉。

4.Many companies and consumers have already begun reforming the way they do business.
译文, 许多公司 和消费者已经开始改革他们之间的交易形式。

(1) reforming the way they do business是动名词短语作宾语。动词begin的宾语也可用不定式，可改为…begun to reform the way they do business；they do business作名词way的定语从句。

☆reform ( n. & v.)改革，改进，悔改。如：① The reform and open policy has brought us Chinese people a rich and colourful life. 改革开放的政策给我们中国人民带来了富裕和丰富多彩的生活。② We must reform the outdated rules and regulations. 我们必须改革那些过时的规章制度。③ He promised to reform if given another chance. 他答应只要再给他一次机会就一定悔改。

(2) 名词way(方法)后面的定语从句的关系词可用that代替in which，也可以如上句一样不用任何关系词。再如：① They way(that／in which)you're doing is completely crazy. 你这么干法，简直是发疯了。② I liked the way(that／in which)she organized the meeting. 我喜欢她组织会议的方法。
5.People in the future will be able to enjoy a longer and healthier life and remain active even in old age.
译文, 未来的人们将能够更长寿、更健康，即使年龄很大，也会很活跃的。(p.44 Reading ‘Health And Medicine’ 第1行)

remain active为系表结构，remain在此是系动词，意为“保持，依然，仍然，继续”。另外remain也是一个不及物动词，意为“留下，剩余，残存”。It remains to be seen…句型，意为“……还要看情况发展”。如：① I went to the city, but my brother remained at home. 我去了城市，可弟弟留在了家里。② How many weeks will you remain (stay) here? 你将在此停留几个星期? ③ He's determined to remain loyal to the team whatever comes his way. 他决心不管发生什么事都忠于球队。④ Peter became a judge but John remained a fisherman. 彼得当了法官，但约翰仍然是个渔民。⑤ The death of the innkeeper still remains a mystery. 客栈老板之死仍然是个谜。⑥ The fact remains to be proved. 事实尚待证明。
6,It is certain that things will change.(强调句型)
译文,事物肯定会有变化
certain.确信的,有把握的;一定会的[F][(+of/about)][+(that)][+wh-][+to-v]
They are certain to succeed. (They are certain of success.) (They are certain that they will succeed.)
他们确信会成功。
I'm quite certain of that.
对那事我完全可以肯定。
I was certain that he had seen me.
我肯定他已看见了我。
7.If we learn to accept change and appreciate what is new and different,
译文,如果我们学着改变.并欣赏各种事物/
1. 欣赏,赏识
Her talent for music was not appreciated.
她的音乐才能无人赏识。
2. 感谢,感激
They deeply appreciated his kindness.
他们对他的好意深表感谢。
3. 体会,领会,察知[W][+(that)]
I am afraid you have not appreciated the urgency of the matter.
恐怕你还没有意识到这件事的紧迫性。
4. 正确地评价,鉴别
好了,就这些.当然还有很多.这些只是高二中一定掌握的新知识.因为英语这东西本来就不分年级啦.加油喔.