参考答案 - 选修第二册第一单元
UNIT 1 SCIENCE AND SCIENTISTS
Reading and Writing
① Read the passage and choose the correct answer to complete the statement.
AI AND HUMAN BEINGS
Is it possible to make machines think 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. 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.
The idea of a computer that is all-powerful and can think and make decisions for itself terrifies many people. In some films, AI even decides that all humans must be killed. Many people are also concerned that AI will be used to replace humans.
Yet others are comforted by the thought of AI. Maybe with AI, 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 they 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 need for intelligent machines that can solve problems by learning from their observations and experience.
For example, AI 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 like. AI is also used to diagnose problems and suggest solutions. Researchers are also experimenting with the use of AI 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. Furthermore, industries that use robots for repetitive or dangerous work often turn to AI 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 AI will be used to manage smart homes and handle an even greater variety of tasks such as setting out favourite clothes and helping us with our personal grooming.
The AI 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 human?
According to the author, we_________________AI machines that think like humans in every way.
A know that we can make
B don't know if we can make
C have already made
D will never make
② Answer the following questions using the information from the passage.
1 Which of the following attributes of human thought does AI have now?
□ creativity
□ problem-solving ability
□ feelings
□ hopes
□ learning
□ independent thinking
□ morality
□ dreams
2 Why are many people concerned about AI? What do some people hope AI will be able to
do in the future?
③ Discuss the questions in groups.
1 What do you think AI will be able to do in the future?
2 What possible benefits or problems will AI bring us?
④ Write about how science and technology has influenced your daily Life.
1 In groups, talk about your average day from morning until night. Fill in the table below with your notes.
What technology do you use every day?
What technology affects you in your daily life, either in a good way or bad way?
Which of this technology is old [e.g., the microwave oven], and which is new [e.g., the smartphone]?
What would your daily life be like without this technology?
2 Choose one kind of technology from your discussion and use your notes to write an essay about its impact on your daily life. You can start your essay like this:
Every day, I use all kinds of technology. I begin my day by using...
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第一单元 科学与科学家
Answers
Activity 1
B
Activity 2
1 problem-solving ability, learning
2 The idea of a computer that is all-powerful and can think and make decisions for itself terrifies many people. Many people are also concerned that AI will be used to replace humans. On the other hand, some people hope that in the future robots can be made to replace loved ones who have died.
Suggested Answers
Activity 3
1 AI will be able to run most of the high-tech systems we have in the world, and even many household machines will use AI.
2 A possible benefit will be that we will have more time for leisure. A possible problem might be a loss of control over many things in life, where an AI machine will be dictating to use what we want.
Activity 4
1
What technology do you use every day?
I use my computer, smartphone, and tablet.
What technology affects you in your daily life, either in a good way or bad way?
My computer is completely necessary for my life and studies. My smartphone can be a problem at times, as I keep getting interrupted with unnecessary text messages, and I end up spending too much time on social media.
Which of this technology is old (e.g., the microwave oven), and which is new (e.g., the smartphone)?
The only old technology that I really use is a coffee maker. Everything else is fairly new.
What would your daily life be like without this technology?
I could not survive without my computer.
2
Sample Writing
Every day, I use all kinds of technology. I begin my day by heating my breakfast in the microwave oven. It's easy and convenient, Then I turn on the radio to listen to the news while eating breakfast. I go to school by bus. My school day is mostly low tech. However, when I get home I am back on the computer again doing my homework. My friends always contact me after school by smartphone—they either call or text. After I finish my homework, I watch TV, tablet in hand. I use the tablet for social media during TV commercials. Some of the new and old technology I use is nice, while some is essential. It seems impossible to live nowadays without some technology in our lives.
