阅读理解。
Technology is the application(应用) of knowledge to production. Thanks to modern
technology, we have been able to increase greatly the efficiency of our work force. New
machines and new methods have helped cut down time and expense while increasing overall
output. This has meant more production and a higher standard of living. For most of us in
America, modern technology is thought of as the reason why we can have cars and television
sets. However, technology has also increased the amount of food available to us, by means of
modern farming machinery and animal breeding techniques, and has extended our life span via
(通过) medical technology.
Will mankind continue to live longer and have a higher quality of life? In large measure the
answer depends on technology and our ability to use it widely. If we keep making progress as
we have over the past fifty years, the answer is definitely yes. The advancement of technology
depends upon research and development, and the latest statistics(统计) show that the United
States is continuing to pump billions of dollars annually(每年) into such efforts. So while we are
running out of some scarce resources(少的资源) we may well find technological substitutes
(代用品)for many of them through our research programs.
Therefore, in the final analysis the three major factors of production(land, labor and capital)
are all influenced by technology. When we need new skills, on techniques in medicine, people
will start developing new technology to meet those needs. As equipment proves to be slow or
inefficient, new machines will be invented. Technology responds to our needs in helping us
maintain our standard of living.
1. What is the best title for the passage?
A. The definition of technology
B. Modern technology
C. The application of technology
D. The development of technology
2. Which is the main idea of the passage?
A. Modern technology is the key to the improvement of standard of living.
B. The three major factors of production (land, labor and capital) are all influenced by technology.
C. Technology is the response to our needs.
D. The United States is making great efforts to advance its technology.
3. According to the passage, people can live a long life with the help of _______.
A. higher quality of life
B. medical technology
C. modern farming machinery
D. technological substitute
