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7. An increasing number of people are joining the ”Information Age" via the Internet. In reaction to the phenomenon, some say the Internet has removed barriers and provided people with immediate access to the world. But do they realize that rapidly advancing information technology can also lead to intrusions of privacy?

越来越多的人通过互联网进入了“信息时代”。针对这一现象，一些人认为互联网消除了障碍，为人们提供了与世界即时链接的途径。但是，他们有没有意识到迅速发展的信息技术也能导致侵犯隐私？

8. The use of guanxi is a widespread method for conducting business, but is it a wise one? The method is now being challenged by more and more people.利用关系是做生意的普遍做法，但这种做法明智吗？现在，越来越多的人对这种方法提出了质疑。

9. These days we often hear about the widening gap between the rich and poor. Some argue the developed world has totally ignored the problem. But has it? Close examination fails to bear out the argument.

最近，我们经常听到贫富差距扩大了的说法。一些人认为发达世界完全忽略了这个问题。事实是这样吗？细致的调查无法证实这一观点。

10. We’re often told that the world is tethering on the brink of destruction. But is this really the case?

我们经常被告知世界处于毁灭的边缘。但事实真是这样吗？

11. One of the pressing problems facing our nation (China) today is overcoming disparities in urban and rural income levels.

我们国家（中国）如今面临的紧迫问题之一是克服城乡收入水平之间的差距。

12. One of the most serious problems many people talk about centers on the lack of adequate housing space.

许多人谈论的一个最严重的问题集中在缺乏足够的居住空间。