Topic 81 Has technology made the world a better place to live? Standing at the turn of the new century, we observe (наблюдаем) the twentieth century as a great advance in technology

Standing at the turn of the new century, we observe (наблюдаем) the twentieth century as a great advance in technology. With those advances, human lives have changed dramatically. In some ways, life is worse, but mostly, it is better. So personally speaking, I am, and probably will always be, one of those who agree with the idea that technology has made the world a better place to live.

Стоя на пороге нового века мы наблюдаем ХХ век, как большой шаг вперед в технологии

First of all (прежде всего), technology has brought with it (принесла вместе с собой) a more comfortable life. Not only do we use air-conditioners and heating systems during summer and winter, but also do we experience many changes in food preparation methods to prepare delicious food (вкусная еда). Due to the (В связи с) development of architectural technology, our living conditions are greatly improved.

outweigh - [autweɪt] – перевешивать satisfaction - удовлетворение, -нность

Besides (Кроме того), traveling and communication are much more convenient nowadays. We can travel around by airplanes and railway networks. We can talk to each other through telephones. Twenty years ago, it was a dream that we could obtain information (мы могли бы получить информацию) as well as shopping via the Internet.

Reconcile - [rekənsaɪl] – урегулировать, примирять

The last but not the least (Последнее, но не менее важное), through the process of technology improvement, people begin to realize the fact that only reconciling (согласованно) with the nature can we maintain a sustainable development. That is why we today pay so much attention to environmental protection. Many factories have achieved economic growth without polluting the environment by utilizing certain new technology.

swiftly to the future - стремительно к будущему продвигаться вперед - forge ahead

Instances (случаи) of the same sort can be multiplied indefinitely (mʌltɪplaɪ размножены до бесконечности). When taking into account all these merits (принимая во внимание все эти достоинства) we may safely arrive at the conclusion that advantages of technology outweigh any disadvantages it may bring to our lives. Though I must admit that people sometimes invent some things that threaten the lives of themselves, no one can ignore the additional conveniences and satisfaction offered by technology, and just with such experiences the human being forge ahead swiftly to the future.