【答案解析】在技术飞速发展的时代，技术更新速度大大加快了，造成任何一项新技术的生命周期相应缩短。原先看来在同行业中遥遥领先的一项技术，在短暂的期限内又被另一项更先进、更完善、并表现出更大竞争力的技术所代替或超越，形成快节奏、高频率的技术更新局面。技术更新速度加快的事实在现代医疗器械领域显得更为突出。很多现代医疗器械的平均寿命已经缩短为三年。 [解析]
The technology change is speeding up, shortening the life cycle of a new technology in this era of fast technological evolution. A technology, once the most advanced in the industry, is quickly replaced or surpassed by another more sophisticated technology that demonstrates greater competitive power. Thus a new situation of fast-rhythm and high-frequency cycle of technology renovation has emerged. This speeding-up of technology renovation is specially marked in the modem medical equipment industry. The average life span of most medical equipment today is shortened to three years.

【答案解析】今天，许多在美国工作的男性受雇于女性老板。有些男士来自妇女只能在家中找到自身位置的国度，他们难以接受听命于女性。但在美国，不仅占劳动大军44%的是女性，而且很多女性还是法官、医生、公司总裁、大学校长或企业家。对于男士来说，尊重一个负有责任和权利的人士是重要的，不管此人是男是女。仅因其是女性就看低她不仅仅是在侮辱她，也是和当今美国文化格格不入的。 [解析]
Today, many men working in the U. S. A. have a female boss. Men who come from countries in which the woman"s place is still in the home may find it difficult to take orders from a woman. But in the U. S. A. , 44% of the work force is female, and many women are judges, doctors, company presidents, college presidents, and entrepreneurs. It is important for men to respect a person who holds a position of responsibility and authority, whether that person is male or female. To treat a woman as inferior just because she is female is not only insulting but also out of step with contemporary American culture.