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 problema 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。

　　13. Perhaps the most dangerous phenomenon gripping the nation today is official corruption , which is pervasive in all levels of government .

　　也许当今困扰国家的最危险的现象是遍布各级政府的官员腐败。

　　14. Inflation is yet another new and bitter truth we must learn to face .