大学体验英语第一册Unit5-Passage B

Passage B
The Web--My Main Sources of Information
As a resource, the World Wide Web (Web) contains huge amounts of information. The Web is extensive, relatively¹ easy to access, and provides virtually unlimited² information. An excellent resource to gain knowledge, the Web is leading the "information revolution". It has made a huge difference in the world, and will continue to do so. When you need current information and you need it now, there is no alternative.

　　 Over the past 12 years I have been involved in technology research. Originally, I obtained software information from printed reference materials and then from CDs. The advent³ of the Web as a research tool has greatly expanded the availability of information while reducing the amount of time needed on each task.

　　 The majority of my time on the Web involves looking up technical computer information, which I use for teaching Microsoft applications classes and providing technical advice at work. Outside of work, I really like following all aspects of the financial world, and the Web has turned into a great resource for this hobby.
　　 I can't imagine being without it. Although it takes time to sift⁴ through the multitude of sources, I find that after years of use I can quickly analyze⁵ the search results to find the most appropriate site. The amount of information on the Web is staggering, so it is important to remember what it is you are searching for and not get sidetracked.
　　 The Web is a wonderful resource when you can substantiate⁶ that the information provided is accurate and true. Like any other resource, the Web has good and not so good information to share. Depending on what you are looking for, you have to judge for yourself how relevant the material is for you. It is important not to believe everything you read and to attempt to stay away from personal sites, and I try to know who is responsible for the site before treating the information as fact.
　　 The more you use the Web, the more comfortable you get, and the more likely you are to use it even more. The Web certainly helps save time and allows you to focus resources in doing research and seeking out useful information.
　　 Overall, the Web has given me the opportunity to be many more times effective at obtaining data. If I find material but do not have time to read it, I print it out and read it later or on the commuter⁷ train. In addition, as I find things of interest, it takes only a few seconds to share that information with my team members and other professional associates. This enhances my networking capability⁸ to be in touch with many people with the same interest looking at a particular subject.
　　 The Web provides an excellent way to find information fast. It enables users to find research as it is occurring, rather than waiting for it to be published. It also provides a highly collaborative environment in which it is quick and easy to exchange ideas with colleagues.
　　 The Web is an excellent way to acquire knowledge quickly and easily, visit company websites, e-mail any questions you might have, research topics, conduct surveys, participate in special interest discussions, and gather information for further analysis without having to be physically⁹ present.

1 relatively   

adv.比较...地，相对地

参考例句：

• The rabbit is a relatively recent introduction in Australia.兔子是相对较新引入澳大利亚的物种。
• The operation was relatively painless.手术相对来说不痛。

2 unlimited   

adj.无限的，不受控制的，无条件的

参考例句：

• They flew over the unlimited reaches of the Arctic.他们飞过了茫茫无边的北极上空。
• There is no safety in unlimited technological hubris.在技术方面自以为是会很危险。

3 advent   

n.(重要事件等的)到来，来临

参考例句：

• Swallows come by groups at the advent of spring. 春天来临时燕子成群飞来。
• The advent of the Euro will redefine Europe.欧元的出现将重新定义欧洲。

4 sift   

v.筛撒，纷落，详察

参考例句：

• Sift out the wheat from the chaff.把小麦的壳筛出来。
• Sift sugar on top of the cake.在蛋糕上面撒上糖。

5 analyze   

vt.分析，解析 (=analyse)

参考例句：

• We should analyze the cause and effect of this event.我们应该分析这场事变的因果。
• The teacher tried to analyze the cause of our failure.老师设法分析我们失败的原因。

6 substantiate   

v.证实；证明...有根据

参考例句：

• There is little scientific evidence to substantiate the claims.这些主张几乎找不到科学依据来证实。
• These theories are used to substantiate the relationship between the phenomenons of the universe.这些学说是用来证实宇宙现象之间的关系。

7 commuter   

n.(尤指市郊之间)乘公交车辆上下班者

参考例句：

• Police cordoned off the road and diverted commuter traffic. 警察封锁了道路并分流交通。
• She accidentally stepped on his foot on a crowded commuter train. 她在拥挤的通勤列车上不小心踩到了他的脚。

8 capability   

n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等

参考例句：

• She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
• Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。

9 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。