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The Internet has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. As is depicted in the picture above, there is a keyboard of a computer and a mouse which is connected with our beautiful planet.

This suggests that through the Internet we are connected to the world wherever we are. Like TV, the Internet benefits people a lot. With the Internet, the home becomes a library, a school, an office and an entertainment center. All transactions, from banking to shopping, can be conducted online, and all information, from train schedules to discounted products, can be obtained with just a click of the mouse. In addition, the Internet even enables us to communicate directly with people all over the world.

Despite the efficiency and convenience generated by the Internet, the changes it brings could well lead to potentially adverse consequences. For instance, as many activities could be carried out at home, we may become hermit-like, feeling no need to go out. And it's most unfortunate that our children in particular may be so addicted to surfing the Internet that they may be less involved in real-life interactions. Therefore, we should learn to make rational use of the Internet.

近年来，因特网越来越盛行。正如上图所描绘的，有一个电脑键盘和一个鼠标，鼠标连着我们美丽的星球。

这表明：我们不论在哪里，都能通过因特网和世界上的其他地方联系。和电视一样，因特网给人们带来了很多好处。有了因特网，家里就成了图书馆、学校、办公室和娱乐中心。所有业务--从银行业务到购物--都可以在网上进行；所有信息，从列车时刻表到打折产品，只需点击一下鼠标就能获取。此外，因特网还能让我们直接联系到世界各地的人。

尽管因特网给我们带来了高效和便利，它所带来的变化也很有可能造成潜在的不良后果。例如，由于很多活动都可以在家里进行，我们有可能变得像个隐士，不想出门。而且，特别是我们的孩子可能会非常沉迷于上网，以致他们参与现实交流越来越少，这真是太遗憾了。因此，我们应该学会合理使用因特网。

prevalent 盛行的

depict 描绘

keyboard 键盘

computer 电脑

conduct 执行；实施

train schedule 列车时刻表

discounted 打折的

click 点击

communicate 交流

efficiency 效率

mouse 鼠标

connect 连接，联结

planet 行星

suggest 表明

convenience 便利

generate 产生，引起

potentially 潜在地

adverse 不利的

consequence 后果

carry out 执行；实现

wherever 无论在哪里

entertainment 娱乐

transaction 业务，交易

banking 银行业务

hermit 隐士

unfortunate 令人遗憾的

surf 冲浪

real-life 现实的

interaction 交流

rational 合理的

1 On the one hand, there is no denying that the Internet is currently one of the most efficient media for interpersonal communication.

一方面，不可否认因特网目前是人际交流使用的最高效媒介之一。

2 As a college student, I get online every day to discuss about news with other people on the BBS, to study English by enrolling for online courses, to chat freely through MSN or QQ with my friends.

作为一名大学生，我每天上网与他人在BBS上讨论新闻，通过注册网络课程来学英语，还通过MSN或QQ和我的朋友们自由聊天。

3 On the other hand, a good many people admit that they are too much addicted to the Internet to maintain face-to-face contact with their friends and colleagues.

另一方面，很多人承认，他们太沉迷于网络而不习惯与朋友和同事进行当面交流。

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