Automation refers to the introduction of electronic control and automatic operation of productive machinery. It reduces the human factors， mental and physical， in production， and is designed to make possible the manufacture of more goods with fewer workers. The development of automation in American industry has been called theSecond Industrial Revolution.

　　Labor‘s concern over automation arises from uncertainty about its effects on employment， and fears of major changes in jobs. In the main， labor has taken the view that resistance to technological change is futile. In the long run， the result of automation may well be an increase in employment， since it is expected that vast industries will grow up around manufacturing， maintaining， and repairing automation equipment. Unquestionably， however， there will be major shifts in jobs within plants and displacement of labor from one industry to another. The interest of labor lies in bringing about this transition with a minimum of inconvenience and distress to the workers involved. Also， union spokesmen emphasize that the benefit of the increased production and lower costs made possible by automation should be shared by workers in the form of higher wages， more leisure， and improved living standards.

　　To protect the interests of their members in the era of automation， unions have adopted a number of new policies. One of these is the promotion of supplementary unemployment benefits plans. It is emphasized that since the employer involved in SUB plan has a direct financial stake in preventing unemployment， he will have a strong incentive for planning new installations so as to cause the least possible disruption in jobs and job assignments. Some unions are working for dismissal pay agreements， requiring that permanently laid off workers be paid a sum of money based on length of service. Another approach is the idea of theimprovement factor，which calls for wage increase based on increases in productivity. It is probable， however， that labor will rely mainly on reduction in working hours in order to gain a full share in the fruits of automation.

　　16. We learn from paragraph 1 that automation will probably lead to_______. [A] industrial expansion [B] an increase in employment [C] displacement of labor from one industry to another. [D] an increase in unemployment.

　　17. Labor has the opinion that _______. [A] all efforts must be made to prevent automation [B] automation will cause a rise in consumer costs [C] its main interest lies in increasing all wages. [D] technological change cannot be stopped.

　　18. What is the relation between automation and employment in the opinion of labor？

　　[A] Automation will definitely leads to more unemployment. [B] From a long-term point of view automation will bring about more jobs. [C] Automation will not cause much change in employment [D] sooner of later automation will do all the work instead of man

　　19. The union stresses that ________. [A] workers should also enjoy the fruits brought about by automation. [B] no workers should be fired in the development of automation [C] it is necessary to slow down the development of automation [D] workers should be paid according to their length of service

　　20. How many new policies of the unions have been listed in this passage？

　　[A]1 [B]2 [C]3 [D]

     5）

　　VI Writing （20%）

　　Directions： People may hold different views as to the dispute over when the shaping of a person‘s character， or natural disposition is completed. Some people state that the process of forming one’s character is fulfilled in one‘s childhood， whereas others argue that it is achieved after one finishes his school studies or has worked for a year beyond campus. What do you think？ Provide details in support of your argument with at least 180 words.