新视野大学英语视听说教程 4 Unit 9-9

 

MODEL3   I don’t know what to say in the seminar.
Script
Nora: Hey John, Professor Brown asked us to discuss the economic gap between the rich and poor nations. But I don’t know what to say in the seminar.
John: If you don’t know anything, don’t say anything.
Nora: But participation¹ counts for 20 percent of the total grade. Will you tell me what you’re going to talk about?
John: Will, according to a report by the World Economic Forum², the technology gap between rich and poor countries is closing.
Nora: Sounds too good to be true. Only a few years ago, I heard that the gap between the North and the South was widening. Many people in developing countries are still struggling below the poverty line.
John: Different people may have different opinions on this issue. The World Bank also says the gap is narrowing.
Nora: Still, it sounds stange to me. How could it be possible now that the United States and other industrialized nations are developing IT so fast?
John: But it’s easier for others to copy new technology. Experts say the technological³ advantages of the developed countries are getting smaller.
Nora: I’m still unconvinced. Does a narrower technology gap nessarily mean a narrower economic gap?
John: Today, information tecnology is the most powerfull engine for economic growth, so the narrowed technology gap leads to a narrowed economic gap.
Nora: OK, I’ve learned a lot from you. Now I feel more confident about the seminar.

1 participation   

n.参与，参加，分享

参考例句：

• Some of the magic tricks called for audience participation.有些魔术要求有观众的参与。
• The scheme aims to encourage increased participation in sporting activities.这个方案旨在鼓励大众更多地参与体育活动。

2 forum   

n.论坛，讨论会

参考例句：

• They're holding a forum on new ways of teaching history.他们正在举行历史教学讨论会。
• The organisation would provide a forum where problems could be discussed.这个组织将提供一个可以讨论问题的平台。

3 technological   

adj.技术的；工艺的

参考例句：

• A successful company must keep up with the pace of technological change.一家成功的公司必须得跟上技术变革的步伐。
• Today,the pace of life is increasing with technological advancements.当今， 随着科技进步，生活节奏不断增快。