Unit 4 课文精读 · Information Technology（Avatars / The Internet Harms Friendships / The Internet Helps Friendships）
一、课文原文及逐段翻译
【课文一】Avatars 虚拟形象
引语段
The avatar you choose says a lot about you. The article will help you understand your choice of avatars better.
你选择的虚拟形象能透露出你的很多信息。这篇文章将帮助你更好地理解关于虚拟形象的选择。
第1段
When you are online, you can be anyone or anything. You can create your own image and a new personality. These digital identities, known as avatars, are a key part of how people use the Internet to communicate and express themselves.
当你上网时，你可以是任何人或任何事物。你可以创设自己的形象，并且拥有新的个性。这些数字身份，被称作"虚拟形象"，这是人们利用互联网进行交流和表达自己的关键部分。
第2段
The first simple 2D avatars appeared in role-playing computer games in the 1980s. Yet, very few people knew that future avatars would have such a wide variety of forms and uses. By the late 1990s, they had been used in web chats like instant messenger.
二维虚拟形象最早出现在20世纪80年代的角色扮演电脑游戏中，当时，很少有人知道虚拟形象后来会有如此广泛的形式和用途。20世纪90年代末，虚拟形象被用于网络聊天，如即时通讯。
第3段
When people started creating their own avatars, they discovered that they were going to have the power to create new identities that did not look or act like their real selves at all. They could dress their avatars in fancy clothes, or they could try being someone of the opposite sex, and call themselves "Andy" instead of "Anna"! When Internet users realised that their avatars would be seen by many people, not just their friends, they started having more than one avatar: a sensible one for work; a friendly, good-looking one for meeting people; and a silly one for having fun. Avatars let you express yourself and they give you lots of room for creativity.
人们开始创设自己的虚拟形象时，他们发现自己将有能力创设一种新的身份，这种身份在相貌和行为上可以与真正的自我完全不同。他们可以给自己的虚拟形象穿上华丽的衣服，或者尝试换个性别，可以给自己取名为"安迪"，而不是"安娜"。当互联网用户意识到很多人会看到他们的虚拟形象，而不仅仅是他们的朋友时，他们开始使用不止一个虚拟形象：一个朴素实用的虚拟形象用于工作；一个友好的、好看的虚拟形象用于交友；一个傻乎乎的虚拟形象用于取乐。虚拟形象让你可以表达自己，还给你很多创造空间。
第4段
Of course, the avatar you choose says a lot about your personality. If your blog avatar is a picture of a cute cat, your message is "I like relaxing and having fun". Well-known cartoon characters or laughing monkeys say "I'm a really funny person". Most people create avatars that have similar features to their personalities and that look more or less like them and act like them. However, nearly all avatars are tall, young and nice-looking, so people obviously make their avatars look better than they do in real life. They also experiment with things like different hairstyles—which says a lot, perhaps, about what they want to look like.
当然，你所选择的虚拟形象会在很大程度上显露你的个性。如果你的博客头像是一只可爱的猫，你传递的信息是"我喜欢放松和享受"。知名的卡通角色或微笑的猴子传递的信息是"我是个很有趣的人"。大多数人创设的虚拟形象与他们的个性有着相似的特征，看起来或多或少像他们，在行为上也像他们。然而，几乎所有的虚拟形象都个头高挑、样貌年轻、面容较好，所以人们显然想让他们的虚拟形象看起来比现实生活中更好。人们还进行新的尝试，例如换上不同的发型，这可能从很大程度上透露了他们希望自己看起来是什么样子。
第5段
Nowadays, avatars are everywhere. In most web chats, people choose an avatar from a selection of ready-made images, or create their own images. You can also use avatars that move around and talk when you type in your message. The avatars in online worlds can talk, walk and fly around, meet people, go shopping and attend classes.
现在，虚拟形象无处不在。在大多数网络聊天中，人们都是从现成的图片中选择一个作为虚拟形象，或者创建自己的图片。当你输入信息时，你也可以让虚拟形象活动起来或说话。网络世界中的虚拟形象可以交谈、走路、飞行，还可以结识他人、购物和上课。
第6段
The use of avatars has also caused a few concerns. Some users worry that they are spending so much time in virtual worlds that they are becoming afraid of meeting people in the real world. The use of several avatars can also be a risk, as people can use avatars to cheat others online. However, other users view avatars in a more positive light. They look forward to a time when their avatar will act like a real person and travel around bigger, more exciting virtual worlds.
虚拟形象的使用也引起了一些担忧。一些用户担心他们在虚拟世界中花费了太多时间，以至于开始害怕在现实世界中与人见面。使用多个虚拟形象也可能会带来风险，因为有人可能会在网上使用虚拟形象来欺骗他人。但是，其他用户则以更为积极的态度看待虚拟形象。他们期待着有朝一日，自己的虚拟形象会像真人一样去环游更广阔、更精彩的虚拟世界。
【课文二】The Internet Harms Friendships 互联网对友谊有害
引语段
While the Internet can bring people closer together, it can also harm friendships.
虽然互联网可以让人们更亲近，但它也会损害友谊。
第1段
Firstly, talking online is no replacement for face-to-face contact—images really cannot replace a real-life smile or hug. According to a parenting expert, Denise Daniels, communicating through a screen makes it more difficult for children to concentrate or show kindness to others. As we know, important social skills are developed through direct contact with other people. It is these skills that enable us to develop lifelong friendships.
首先，在网上聊天并不能代替面对面的交流——图片当然无法代替现实生活中的微笑或拥抱。根据育儿专家丹尼斯·丹尼尔斯的说法，通过屏幕交流会使儿童更难集中注意力或对他人表示善意。众所周知，重要的社交技能是通过直接与他人接触培养的，正是这些技能使我们发展终生的友谊。
第2段
Secondly, the Internet can make people self-centred—not thinking of anyone or anything but themselves. For example, instead of having proper conversations with their friends, some people are only concerned with their online popularity—How many "likes" did I get? How many followers do I have?—though we know that the number of "likes" or followers cannot compare to having long-term and rewarding friendships. In addition, a lot of the content posted on social media is shallow or trivial. Posts about funny cat images do not necessarily help form meaningful relationships.
其次，互联网使人们以自我为中心，不去想除自己之外的任何人或任何事。例如，一些人不再和朋友好好地交谈了，他们只关心自己网上的人气——我得了多少个"赞"？多少人关注了我？——尽管我们知道有多少"赞"或关注者无法与拥有长期和有益的友谊相比。此外，很多发布在社交媒体上的内容都很肤浅或琐碎。在网上发布搞笑猫咪的图片并不一定会帮助我们发展有意义的关系。
第3段
Thirdly, online relationships may not be what they appear to be. Friendships are built on the basis of trust, and with online communication you can never be 100 percent sure that the people you are chatting to is being honest about who they are. Because of this, going online can be particularly dangerous for people who are easily influenced or too trusting.
第三，网络关系可能并不是它们看起来的样子。友谊建立在信任的基础上，通过线上交流，你永远不能百分之百地确信与你交谈的人是否以诚相待。因此，对于那些容易受影响或过于信任他人的人来说，上网尤其危险。
第4段
In my opinion, friends should focus more on face-to-face communication, and less on online communication. This is the best way to maintain healthy relationships.
在我看来，朋友们应该多关注面对面的交流，少进行线上交流。这是保持健康关系的最佳方式。
【课文三】The Internet Helps Friendships 互联网对友谊有益
引语段
The Internet can help develop friendships in many ways.
互联网在很多方面都有助于友谊发展。
第1段
Firstly, the Internet makes communication much more convenient. You can stay in touch with friends no matter where you are or what you are doing. Using a smartphone, a tablet or a computer, you can be in contact at home and also when you are on the move.
首先，互联网使交流更加便捷。无论你在哪里，在做什么，都可以和朋友保持联系。通过使用智能手机、平板电脑或电脑，无论你在家里还是在外面都能与他人联络。
第2段
Secondly, the Internet has also made communication more fun. Traditional ways of communicating, like letters and phone calls, can be limiting and take time. However, you can share photos, videos, news stories and websites with your friends online. You can give a brief response to a message with an emoji or a picture. There are so many online tools you can use to be creative!
其次，互联网也使交流变得更加有趣。传统的沟通方式，如信件和电话，限制条件较多，而且比较耗时。而通过互联网，你可以在线与朋友共享照片、视频、新闻故事和网站。你可以用一个表情符号或一张图片简短地回复信息。你可以使用这么多的在线工具，让交流变得有创意！
第3段
Thirdly, online communication can actually bring people closer to each other. Nowadays, your friends are just a click away. Whenever someone needs help, friends from all over the world can immediately provide useful suggestions or information. This makes friends feel loved and cared for. To me, this is a very thought-provoking argument, as it points out the benefits of online friendships. As Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an authority on the subject, points out, online friends "fill holes real-life friends can't".
第三，在线交流实际上可以让人们更亲近。现在，只要点一下鼠标，就能找到你的朋友。无论何时有人需要帮助，来自世界各地的朋友可以立即提供有用的建议或信息。这能让朋友们感到被爱和被关心。对我来说，这非常发人深省，因为它指出了线上友谊的好处。正如艾琳·肯尼迪·摩尔所指出的，网络朋友"填补了现实生活中朋友无法填补的空白"。
第4段
Finally, I believe the Internet brings people closer together and makes communication with friends more convenient and interesting.
最后，我相信互联网能使人们更紧密地联系在一起，让与朋友的交流更加方便和有趣。
二、重点单词
［课文一 Avatars］
avatar n.：虚拟形象，头像。The avatar you choose
digital adj.：数字的，数码的。digital identities
identity n.：身份。create new identities
personality n.：个性，性格。a new personality
create v.：创造，创设。create your own image
image n.：形象；图像。create your own image
appear v.：出现。avatars appeared in ... games
variety n.：种类，多样性。a wide variety of forms
instant adj.：即时的。instant messenger
power n.：能力，力量。have the power to create
fancy adj.：花哨的，华丽的。fancy clothes
sex n.：性别。the opposite sex
sensible adj.：朴素实用的；明智的。a sensible one for work
silly adj.：傻的，好玩的。a silly one for having fun
creativity n.：创造力。room for creativity
feature n.：特征，特点。similar features to their personalities
obviously adv.：明显地。people obviously make ...
experiment v.：尝试，试验。experiment with different hairstyles
hairstyle n.：发型。different hairstyles
selection n.：可供选择的范围；选择。a selection of ready-made images
ready-made adj.：现成的。ready-made images
concern n.：担忧，忧虑。caused a few concerns
virtual adj.：虚拟的。virtual worlds
cheat v.：欺骗，作弊。cheat others online
positive adj.：积极的，正面的。in a more positive light
view v.：看待，看待。view avatars in a ... light
［课文二 The Internet Harms Friendships］
harm v./n.：伤害，损害。harm friendships
friendship n.：友谊。develop lifelong friendships
replacement n.：替代（物）。no replacement for face-to-face contact
contact n./v.：接触，联系。direct contact with other people
hug n.：拥抱。a real-life smile or hug
parenting n.：育儿，养育。a parenting expert
expert n.：专家。a parenting expert
concentrate v.：集中（注意力）。concentrate or show kindness
kindness n.：善意，友善。show kindness to others
lifelong adj.：终生的，终身的。lifelong friendships
self-centred adj.：以自我为中心的。make people self-centred
concerned adj.：关心的，关切的。be concerned with their online popularity
popularity n.：人气，受欢迎程度。their online popularity
follower n.：关注者，粉丝。How many followers do I have
rewarding adj.：有益的，有回报的。long-term and rewarding friendships
content n.：内容。the content posted on social media
shallow adj.：肤浅的，浅薄的。shallow or trivial
trivial adj.：琐碎的，不重要的。shallow or trivial
basis n.：基础。on the basis of trust
trust n./v.：信任。Friendships are built on ... trust
honest adj.：诚实的。being honest about who they are
influence v.：影响。people who are easily influenced
maintain v.：保持，维持。maintain healthy relationships
［课文三 The Internet Helps Friendships］
convenient adj.：方便的，便捷的。makes communication much more convenient
tablet n.：平板电脑。a tablet or a computer
traditional adj.：传统的。Traditional ways of communicating
limiting adj.：限制性的，局限的。can be limiting and take time
brief adj.：简短的，简洁的。a brief response
response n.：回复，回应。give a brief response
emoji n.：表情符号。with an emoji or a picture
creative adj.：有创造力的。use ... to be creative
click n.：点击。just a click away
provide v.：提供。provide useful suggestions
thought-provoking adj.：发人深省的。a very thought-provoking argument
argument n.：论点，论据。a thought-provoking argument
authority n.：权威（人士）。an authority on the subject
benefit n.：好处，益处。the benefits of online friendships
fill v.：填补，填满。fill holes real-life friends can't
三、一词多义与熟词生义
avatar 本义为印度教中"神的化身、下凡"，课文 These digital identities, known as avatars 中指网络语境的"虚拟形象、头像"，是信息技术领域的专用义。
digital 常见义为"数字的、数码的"（如 digital camera），课文 digital identities 中意为"（依托网络的）数字身份"，强调其虚拟存在属性。
variety 常见义为"变化、多样化"，课文 a wide variety of forms and uses 中意为"多种多样、种类繁多"，a wide variety of 为固定短语。
fancy 常见义为动词"喜欢、想要"（fancy doing），课文 dress their avatars in fancy clothes 中作形容词，意为"花哨的、华丽的、别致的"。
sensible 常见义为"明智的、理智的"（形容判断），课文 a sensible one for work 中意为"朴素实用的、得体的"，形容头像风格不张扬。
experiment 常见义为名词"实验"，课文 experiment with things like different hairstyles 中作动词，意为"尝试、试用"，experiment with 为搭配。
selection 常见义为"选择（这一动作）"，课文 choose an avatar from a selection of ready-made images 中意为"可供选择的一批、可选范围"。
concern 常见义为"关心、关注"，课文 has also caused a few concerns 中作可数名词，意为"担忧、忧虑"，与 worry 近义。
cheat 常见义为"作弊（考试）"，课文 use avatars to cheat others online 中意为"欺骗、诈骗（他人）"。
view 常见义为名词"景色、观点"，课文 view avatars in a more positive light 中作动词，意为"看待、看待"；in a ... light 意为"以……的眼光/角度"。
harm 常见义为名词"伤害"，课文 it can also harm friendships 中作动词，意为"损害、危害"。
replacement 常见义为"替代品、替换物"，课文 talking online is no replacement for face-to-face contact 中意为"（不能）取代……的东西"，no replacement for 为固定表达。
contact 常见义为"联系、联络"（抽象），课文 direct contact with other people 中意为"（面对面的）直接接触、接触"。
shallow 常见义为"（水）浅的"，课文 content ... is shallow or trivial 中引申为"肤浅的、浅薄的"，形容内容缺乏深度。
rewarding 常见义为"有报酬的"，课文 long-term and rewarding friendships 中意为"有益的、值得的、令人有收获的"。
basis 常见义为"基础、根据"，课文 on the basis of trust 中为固定搭配 on the basis of，意为"在……的基础上、基于"。
maintain 常见义为"维持、维修（机器）"，课文 maintain healthy relationships 中意为"保持、维系（关系）"。
brief 常见义为"简短的（时间）"，课文 give a brief response to a message 中意为"简洁的、三言两语的（回复）"。
authority 常见义为"权威、权力、官方"，课文 an authority on the subject 中意为"（某一领域的）权威人士、专家"，an authority on 为搭配。
fill 常见义为"填满、装满"，课文 online friends "fill holes real-life friends can't" 中为比喻义，意为"填补（情感上的）空缺、空白"。
四、重点词块
［课文一 Avatars］
say a lot about 透露很多关于……的信息
create your own image 创设自己的形象
digital identities 数字身份
be known as 被称为，被称作
a key part of ……的关键部分
express oneself 表达自己
role-playing computer games 角色扮演电脑游戏
a wide variety of 多种多样的
web chats 网络聊天
instant messenger 即时通讯（工具）
have the power to do 有能力做……
dress ... in ... 给……穿上……
fancy clothes 华丽的衣服
the opposite sex 异性
instead of 而不是
more than one 不止一个
room for creativity 创造空间
your message is ... 你传递的信息是……
more or less 或多或少
in real life 在现实生活中
experiment with 尝试，试用
a selection of 一批可供选择的
ready-made images 现成的图片
move around 活动，走来走去
type in 输入
attend classes 上课
cause concerns 引起担忧
so ... that ... 如此……以至于……
be afraid of 害怕
in the real world 在现实世界中
cheat others online 在网上欺骗他人
in a ... light 以……的眼光/角度
look forward to 期待，盼望
［课文二 The Internet Harms Friendships］
bring people closer together 使人们更亲近
harm friendships 损害友谊
talking online 网上聊天（动名词作主语）
be no replacement for 无法取代……
face-to-face contact 面对面的交流
a real-life smile or hug 现实中的微笑或拥抱
according to 根据
a parenting expert 育儿专家
communicate through a screen 通过屏幕交流
make it + adj. + for sb. to do 使某人做……变得……
concentrate on 集中注意力于
show kindness to 对……表示善意
social skills 社交技能
direct contact with 与……直接接触
enable sb. to do 使某人能够做
lifelong friendships 终生的友谊
make people self-centred 使人以自我为中心
think of 想到，考虑
instead of doing 而不是做……
proper conversations 得体的交谈
be concerned with 关心，关注
online popularity 网上人气
long-term friendships 长期的友谊
compare to 与……相比
in addition 此外
posted on social media 发布在社交媒体上的
form meaningful relationships 建立有意义的关系
on the basis of 在……的基础上
be honest about 对……坦诚
because of this 因此，由于这个原因
be dangerous for 对……是危险的
easily influenced 容易受影响的
in my opinion 在我看来
focus more on ... and less on ... 多关注……少关注……
maintain healthy relationships 保持健康的关系
［课文三 The Internet Helps Friendships］
develop friendships 发展友谊
in many ways 在很多方面
make communication convenient 使交流便捷
stay in touch with 与……保持联系
no matter where/what 无论在哪里/什么
on the move 在移动中，在外奔波
be in contact 保持联络
make communication fun 使交流有趣
traditional ways of communicating 传统的沟通方式
share ... with ... 与……分享……
a brief response 简短的回复
online tools 在线工具
bring people closer to each other 使人们彼此更亲近
just a click away 一键可达，就在点击之间
whenever 无论何时
all over the world 全世界
provide suggestions 提供建议
feel loved and cared for 感到被爱与被关心
thought-provoking 发人深省的
point out 指出
an authority on 某领域的权威
fill holes 填补空白
五、长难句拆解
【原句 1】These digital identities, known as avatars, are a key part of how people use the Internet to communicate and express themselves.
【主干】These digital identities ... are a key part ...
【分层】两个逗号之间 known as avatars 为过去分词短语作后置定语，修饰主语（相当于 which are known as avatars）；表语 a key part 后接 of how ... 介词短语，其中 how 引导宾语从句作 of 的宾语；从句中 use the Internet to communicate and express themselves 用不定式表目的，两个动词并列。
【译文】这些数字身份，被称作"虚拟形象"，这是人们利用互联网进行交流和表达自己的关键部分。
【考点】过去分词作后置定语；how 引导的宾语从句作介词宾语；不定式表目的。
【原句 2】By the late 1990s, they had been used in web chats like instant messenger.
【主干】... they had been used ...
【分层】By the late 1990s 为"by + 过去时间点"结构，常与过去完成时连用，意为"到……为止（已经）"；谓语 had been used 为过去完成时的被动语态，强调"在过去某一时间之前就已被使用"；like instant messenger 为介词短语作后置定语，修饰 web chats，like 此处意为"例如、像"。
【译文】20世纪90年代末，虚拟形象被用于网络聊天，如即时通讯。
【考点】by + 过去时间点与过去完成时；过去完成时的被动语态；like 表举例。
【原句 3】When Internet users realised that their avatars would be seen by many people, not just their friends, they started having more than one avatar: a sensible one for work; a friendly, good-looking one for meeting people; and a silly one for having fun.
【主干】... they started having more than one avatar ...
【分层】When 引导时间状语从句，从句中 that 引导 realised 的宾语从句（过去将来时被动 would be seen），not just their friends 为补充说明；主句 started doing 意为"开始做"；冒号后为三个并列的名词短语（a sensible one / a friendly, good-looking one / a silly one），用分号隔开，分别说明头像的三种用途，one 代指 avatar。
【译文】当互联网用户意识到很多人会看到他们的虚拟形象，而不仅仅是他们的朋友时，他们开始使用不止一个虚拟形象：一个朴素实用的虚拟形象用于工作；一个友好的、好看的虚拟形象用于交友；一个傻乎乎的虚拟形象用于取乐。
【考点】when 时间状语从句；过去将来时被动；冒号与分号的并列列举；one 代指前文名词。
【原句 4】According to a parenting expert, Denise Daniels, communicating through a screen makes it more difficult for children to concentrate or show kindness to others.
【主干】... communicating through a screen makes it more difficult ...
【分层】According to ... 为介词短语作状语，Denise Daniels 为 a parenting expert 的同位语；主语 communicating through a screen 为动名词短语（动名词作主语，谓语用单数 makes）；make 后接形式宾语 it，真正的宾语是 for children to concentrate or show kindness（for + 名词 + 不定式复合结构），more difficult 作宾补。
【译文】根据育儿专家丹尼斯·丹尼尔斯的说法，通过屏幕交流会使儿童更难集中注意力或对他人表示善意。
【考点】同位语；动名词短语作主语；make it + adj. + for sb. to do 形式宾语结构。
【原句 5】It is these skills that enable us to develop lifelong friendships.
【主干】It is these skills that enable us to develop ...
【分层】这是 It is + 被强调部分 + that ... 的强调句型，被强调的部分是 these skills（原句为 These skills enable us to develop lifelong friendships.）；强调句中 it 无实义，去掉 It is ... that ... 后句子仍成立；enable sb. to do 意为"使某人能够做"。
【译文】正是这些技能使我们发展终生的友谊。
【考点】It is ... that ... 强调句型（强调主语）；enable sb. to do。
【原句 6】Friendships are built on the basis of trust, and with online communication you can never be 100 percent sure that the people you are chatting to is being honest about who they are.
【主干】Friendships are built ..., and ... you can never be sure that ...
【分层】and 连接并列句；前句为一般现在时被动 are built，on the basis of trust 为"基于信任"；后句中 with online communication 为介词短语作状语，that 引导 sure 的宾语从句；从句中 the people 后接省略关系代词的定语从句（you are chatting to），从句谓语为 is being honest（现在进行时表当前状态），who they are 为 about 的宾语从句。
【译文】友谊建立在信任的基础上，通过线上交流，你永远不能百分之百地确信与你交谈的人是否以诚相待。
【考点】被动语态；and 并列句；that 宾语从句；定语从句省略关系代词。
【原句 7】You can stay in touch with friends no matter where you are or what you are doing.
【主干】You can stay in touch with friends ...
【分层】stay in touch with 意为"与……保持联系"；no matter where ... or what ... 引导让步状语从句，意为"无论在哪里或（在做什么）"，no matter + 疑问词 相当于 疑问词 + ever（wherever / whatever），or 连接两个并列的让步从句。
【译文】无论你在哪里，在做什么，都可以和朋友保持联系。
【考点】stay in touch with 搭配；no matter + 疑问词 引导让步状语从句。
【原句 8】Traditional ways of communicating, like letters and phone calls, can be limiting and take time.
【主干】Traditional ways ... can be limiting and take time.
【分层】like letters and phone calls 为插入性举例（相当于 such as）；ways of communicating 中 of 后接动名词；谓语为 and 连接的两个系表/谓宾结构：can be limiting（系表）与 (can) take time（谓宾），共用情态动词 can；limiting 为形容词，意为"有局限性的"。
【译文】传统的沟通方式，如信件和电话，限制条件较多，而且比较耗时。
【考点】like 表举例；并列谓语共享情态动词；动名词作介词宾语。
【原句 9】As Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an authority on the subject, points out, online friends "fill holes real-life friends can't".
【主干】... online friends "fill holes ..."
【分层】句首 As 引导非限制性定语从句，as 指代后面整句话，意为"正如……"，points out 为从句谓语；an authority on the subject 为 Eileen Kennedy-Moore 的同位语，说明其身份；主句中 holes 后省略了关系代词的定语从句（real-life friends can't fill），完整为 holes (that) real-life friends can't fill。
【译文】正如艾琳·肯尼迪·摩尔所指出的，网络朋友"填补了现实生活中朋友无法填补的空白"。
【考点】as 引导非限制性定语从句（置于句首）；同位语；定语从句省略关系代词。
六、语法点清单
1. 过去分词短语作后置定语（known as）
These digital identities, known as avatars, are ... known as 相当于 which are known as，表"被称为……"，去掉后主句仍完整；同类还有 based on、called 等，是说明文凝练表达的主力结构。
2. by + 过去时间点 与过去完成时（含被动）
By the late 1990s, they had been used in web chats ... "by + 过去时间"意为"到……为止"，谓语用过去完成时（had done / had been done），表"在此之前已经发生"，注意区别于 by now（用现在完成时）。
3. 冒号与分号的并列列举
... more than one avatar: a sensible one for work; a friendly ... one ...; and a silly one ... 冒号引出具体说明，分号分隔并列项，one 代指前文名词（avatar），是英语"总—分"列举的高级写法。
4. 动名词短语作主语
communicating through a screen makes it more difficult ... 动名词（短语）作主语，谓语用单数；本课还有 talking online is no replacement ...，是议论文把"行为"当主语的常用法。
5. make it + adj. + for sb. to do 形式宾语
... makes it more difficult for children to concentrate ... it 为形式宾语，真正宾语是 for sb. to do 复合结构，adj. 作宾补；同类动词还有 find、think、consider，是"评价某事难度/价值"的标准句式。
6. It is ... that ... 强调句型
It is these skills that enable us to develop lifelong friendships. 强调句型可强调主语、宾语、状语（除谓语外），判断方法：去掉 It is/was 与 that/who 后句子仍成立；此处强调主语 these skills。
7. no matter + 疑问词 引导让步状语从句
... no matter where you are or what you are doing. no matter where/what 相当于 wherever/whatever，意为"无论……"，or 连接两个并列让步从句；注意从句用陈述语序。
8. as 引导非限制性定语从句（置于句首）
As Eileen Kennedy-Moore ... points out, online friends "fill holes ..." as 指代后面整个主句，可译为"正如……"，位置灵活（句首、句中、句末均可），常用于引用权威观点以增强说服力。
七、逻辑链
【课文一 Avatars】
引语（点题）：你选的头像"透露很多"——一句立骨，全文围绕"头像即自我投射"展开
↓
溯源（第1—2段）：定义数字身份（known as avatars）→ 发展简史：80年代角色扮演游戏的2D头像 → 90年代末进入网络聊天（instant messenger）
↓
功能演变（第3段）：从"设定形象"到"创造新身份"——可换装、换性别、改名（Andy 而非 Anna）；因观众不止朋友，遂分化为"工作/交友/娱乐"三种头像，释放创造力
↓
个性映射（第4段）：头像即性格（猫=爱放松，卡通=有趣）；多数人头像近似本人，但几乎都"更高、更年轻、更好看"——透露的是"理想自我"；换发型等尝试亦然
↓
现状与两面性（第5—6段）：如今无处不在（现成图/自制图、会动会说话、虚拟世界中上课购物）→ 担忧（沉溺虚拟、惧怕现实社交、多头像被用于欺骗）vs 积极期待（头像终将如真人，遨游更精彩虚拟世界）
【课文二 The Internet Harms Friendships】
引语（让步立论）：While 互联网可拉近距离，它也会损害友谊——先承认对方合理，再亮明己方论点
↓
论点一（第1段）：线上交流无法替代面对面（图片≠真实微笑与拥抱）→ 引育儿专家：屏幕交流削弱专注与善意 → 社交技能赖于直接接触 → 强调句收束：正是这些技能成就终生友谊
↓
论点二（第2段）：使人自我中心——只顾"赞"与"粉丝"而弃真正交谈 → 而这些无法与长期有益的友谊相比 → 补充：社交媒体内容肤浅琐碎，无助于有意义的关系
↓
论点三（第3段）：网络关系未必如其所是——友谊基于信任，线上无法确证对方诚实 → 故对易受影响或轻信者尤其危险
↓
结论（第4段）：In my opinion 亮明立场——应多面对面、少线上，方为维系健康关系的最佳之道
【课文三 The Internet Helps Friendships】
引语（总起）：互联网在多方面有助于发展友谊——与课文二针锋相对
↓
论点一（第1段）：交流更便捷——no matter where/what 随时随地联系，居家或在外（on the move）皆可通过手机、平板、电脑保持联络
↓
论点二（第2段）：交流更有趣——书信电话受限耗时，而网络可分享照片视频新闻网站，表情符号即可简短回应，创意工具繁多
↓
论点三（第3段）：拉近彼此——朋友"一键可达"，全球朋友即时提供建议与信息，使人感到被爱与被关心 → 引权威 Kennedy-Moore：网络朋友"填补现实朋友无法填补的空白"
↓
结论（第4段）：Finally 收束——互联网使人更紧密，交流更便捷也更有趣
三篇合观：本单元围绕"信息技术与人的关系"展开三层递进。Avatars为说明文，以时间线梳理虚拟形象从2D游戏形象到网络身份的演变，落脚于"头像即自我投射与理想自我"；课文二、三是一组正反对照的议论文，同一议题"互联网对友谊的影响"各执一端：前者以 While 让步开篇，用 Firstly / Secondly / Thirdly 三层递进论证"有害"，以 In my opinion 收束；后者同样三段式论证"有益"，以 Finally 收束。两文结构完全对称、论据各引专家，构成标准的"辩论式"阅读素材——读时宜对照其论点、论据、结论三要素，并重点体会"让步—反驳"（While ... it can also ...）与"引用权威"（As ... points out）两种论证手法。
八、写作迁移
模板 1：... says a lot about ... —— 以小见大
课文：The avatar you choose says a lot about you.
仿写：The books on your shelf say a lot about who you are.（你书架上的书透露了很多关于你的信息。）——用具体细节折射性格，开篇即抓人，适合"以物写人"类文章。
模板 2：While ..., ... also ... —— 让步转折立论
课文：While the Internet can bring people closer together, it can also harm friendships.
仿写：While smartphones make life convenient, they also take away our ability to sit still and think.（虽然智能手机让生活便利，却也夺走了我们静坐思考的能力。）——先承认合理性再亮明观点，使议论更辩证、更有说服力。
模板 3：It is ... that ... —— 强调句型强化论点
课文：It is these skills that enable us to develop lifelong friendships.
仿写：It is small daily kindnesses that keep a friendship alive for years.（正是一天天微小的善意，让友谊多年不衰。）——用强调句突出核心要素，适合议论文段落的收束句。
模板 4：You can ... no matter where/what ... —— 无条件让步
课文：You can stay in touch with friends no matter where you are or what you are doing.
仿写：You can learn something new no matter where you live or how old you are.（无论你住在哪里、年纪多大，都能学到新东西。）——用 no matter + 疑问词 表"无条件适用"，语气坚定、覆盖面广。
模板 5：As ..., an authority on ..., points out, ... —— 引用权威佐证
课文：As Eileen Kennedy-Moore, an authority on the subject, points out, online friends "fill holes real-life friends can't".
仿写：As a well-known educator points out, "Children learn more from what you do than from what you say."（正如一位知名教育家所指出的："孩子从你的行为中学到的，远多于从你的言辞。"）——用 as 引导非限制性定语从句引出名言，是议论文增强说服力的高级句式。
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