06: Do you think computers have 

Yes. Computers have definitely changed my life. I don’t think I could live without one now.

When I was in high school, all my homework had to be hand-written. I remember writing so much that my wrist ached almost every day. When I was doing my undergraduate degree, computers became quite common and sometimes we were asked to hand in digital copies. Since I started working, I barely have to write, and I sometimes forget how to write even very simple Chinese characters!

I also remember that when I was a student, giving a presentation was all about how to explain things clearly, and in order to achieve that, I needed to rehearse many times. But now, PowerPoint slides are often the focus of presentations, and I have to spend many hours in front of the computer working on my slides!

It’s true that computers have made both our study and work more efficient, but I sometimes feel that it has also made me less capable. To some extent, they are like a double-edged sword, and we need to use them wisely.

【短语集锦】

laptop 笔记本电脑 tablet computer 平板电脑 desktop computer (PC) 台式机 / portable 便携的 / versatile 用途广泛的，多功能的 / to function as 充当

Laptops and tablet computers are gradually replacing desktop computers and becoming widely used. They are very easy to carry (portable) and they can be equally powerful and versatile. Nowadays, even a smart phone can function as a mini computer.

-based 基于某物的 / distance learning 远程教育 / accessible 易得到，易使用的

Computers are playing an increasingly important role in education. In many schools, assignments and tests are becoming computer-based. Along with the Internet, computers have also made distance learning more easily accessible.

computer literacy 使用电脑的能力 / crucial 至关重要的 / modern-day 当代的（强调不同于以前的）/ office worker 上班族

Computer literacy means the knowledge and ability to use computers. It has already become a crucial skill for modern-day office workers.

model 型号 / dinosaur 可以表示很老，过时的东西 / to run 运行 / computer case （电脑）机箱 / application 程序 / to act as 扮演，充当

I have a very old model (a dinosaur) which is running Windows 98! The (computer) case is huge and always makes funny noises. I can’t run many applications on it, and it’s acting as my mom’s typewriter!

general health 总体健康状况 / to use sth. for entertainment 用某物来娱乐消遣

If you ask me, we are relying too much on computers. They damage our eyes and general health. Besides, most of the time we are just using them for entertainment!