The Internet exerts such a profound effect on our life that it revolutionizes the way of people's living and thinking.

　　5. Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Computers

　　a. 家用電腦的普及

　　b .家用電腦的好處

　　c .家用電腦帶來的問題

　　Just a few years ago, the idea of having a computer in one's home seemed far-fetched for most Chinese. Now, however, with the advent and popularity of the home computer, its advantages and disadvantages have been a subject of discussion.

　　There is no doubt that like TV, computers benefit people hugely. With the computer, the home will become a library, a school, an office and an entertainment center. All transactions, from banking to shopping, will be performed electronically and all information, form train schedules to discount price goods, will be as close as the press of a key. In addition to providing us many of the facilities and services we now must travel to obtain, with the Internet, the computer will even let us communicate directly with other homes and with information sources worldwide. Despite the increase in efficiency and convenience generated by the computer, the changes it brings could very well lead to potentially adverse consequences. For example, as nearly all activities could be conducted in the comfort of our homes, we could all become hermitlike, never feeling any need to leave the house. This would be unfortunate because our children especially will become so addicted to computers that they might never be exposed to either peer pressure or social interaction.

　　Unquestionably, the challenge of the home computer means we all should consider how we can control it, so that it won't control us.

　　6. Should Euthanasia Be Legalized

　　a. 有人贊成實行安樂死

　　b. 有人反對安樂死合法化

　　c. 我的看法

　　Euthanasia, a quite and easy death, or "mercy killing" as we call it recently has made the headlines frequently. Many people applaud it and argue that euthanasia should be legalized.

　　As is pointed out, to practise euthanasia can benefit both the patient and his family. To a terminally ill person who is suffering excruciating pains day and night or living "like a vegetable", to be allowed to end his life painlessly is a good release. To his family it is also a big relief considering the financial and emotional drain on them that having to sustain his life entails. However, the legalization of euthanasia may also bring with it problems our society has not previously faced. Is it humane, for example, that a terminally ill patient is thus caused to feel guilty for remaining alive because he does not want to die? Is it wise that a patient is killed alive simply because of a mistaken terminal diagnosis? And is it possible that euthanasia could be taken advantage of for some ulterior or even criminal purposes?

　　Since the legalization of euthanasia will raise serous moral and social issues, the decision our society makes about euthanasia will undoubtedly have tremendous consequences in society.