Section A
尽管有这些优势,本世纪呈现出的挑战就像过去出现在任何一个世纪的挑战那样难以对付。随着人口的增长和人类的需求逐步扩张,如何维持人类文明的不断进步,并改善生活质量的问题逐渐浮出水面。个人和公众健康的新旧威胁日益要求更加有效可行的治疗。对于流行疾病、恐怖暴力以及自然灾害的致命性要求我们认真研究新方法来保护自己,预防伤害。自从人们学会攫取火种和以车代步后,能增进居家欢乐的产品仍然是工程革新的首要考虑。
在人类众多的考虑——稳定性,健康,脆弱性,生活之乐中,极大的挑战等待着工程师的解决方案。全世界的工程类专家会努力将知识运用于实践中来迎接这类巨大的挑战。只要运用逻辑定律,科学发现,艺术美学以及灵感闪现,工程师们将会一如既往地为人类创造一个更加美好的未来。
Section B
Since 1900, the number of engineers and of engineering specialties has expanded dramatically. Artificial hearts, airplanes, computers, lasers, nuclear energy, plastics, space travel, and television are only a few of the scientific and technological breakthroughs that engineers have helped bring about in this century. Because science and technology are progressing and changing o rapidly, today’s engineers must study throughout their careers to make sure that their knowledge and expertise do not become obsolete. They face the challenging task of keeping pace with the latest advances while working to shape the technology of the future.
The field of engineering offers a broad range of job opportunities. Engineers may work in factories, offices, and government laboratories or at construction sites. Some engineers are involved in the research and development of new products. Others are responsible for turning plans and specifications for new structures, machines, or systems into reality. Still others use their background and training to sell and service technical equipment. Many engineers work on projects in teams that include scientists, technicians, and other engineers, however, some engineers act as independent consultants who sell their services to people who need engineering assistance. Engineers may also hold teaching positions or move up into management positions in business.