Question

The term “Industry 4.0” refers to the fourth industrial revolution. The first industrial revolution was the production of goods with machines like steam engines, which was followed by the second industrial revolution that introduced mass production with the help of electric power, followed by the digital revolution —the use of electronics and IT in production.

Industry 4.0 is a high-tech project, which promotes the computerization of manufacturing (制造業(yè)). The basic principle of Industry 4.0 is that by connecting machines, work pieces and systems, we are creating intelligent networks along the entire value chain that can control each other automatically. The goal is the Smart Factory, which adapts well and uses resources efficiently as well as linking customers and business partners with great intelligence. Technological basis are the Internet systems and advanced factories. Experts believe that Industry 4.0 could be a reality in about 10 to 20 years.

So, what effects does this change have on the classic manufacturing? According to an expert, “it is highly likely that the world of production will become more and more networked until everything is connected with everything else.” Networks and processes have so far been limited to one factory. But in the time of Industry 4.0, the boundaries (界限) of individual factories will most likely no longer exist. Instead, they will be lifted in order to inter-connect multiple factories or even geographical regions.

How is an Industry 4.0 factory different from a today’s factory? In current industry environment, providing high-end quality service or product with the least cost is the key to success. Factories are trying to increase their profit as much as possible. In the time of Industry 4.0, various data sources are available to provide worthwhile information about different aspects of the factory. Using data for understanding the current condition and checking faults and failures is a natural thing. The sharing of information around the clock and around the globe will enable these connected systems to manage themselves independently, work more efficiently and identify any errors quickly.

The good news is that Europe is much better prepared for the Industry 4.0 revolution than one might think. Europe will position itself as a pioneer in the fourth revolution. Industry 4.0 is a project in the high-tech strategy of the German government. Meanwhile, in the U.S., some companies are also working hard on it. But the success of industry depends on whether business and politics can work together. It’s not only politics that needs to help open the door for Industry 4.0. Every company is advised to seize the new digital opportunities.

1.What marks the coming of Industry 4.0?

A. Steam engines. B. Mass production.

C. Use of electronics. D. Intelligent networks.

2.Industry 4.0 will probably result in ________ in the world of manufacturing.

A. production limited to an individual factory

B. everything connected with everything else

C. networks and processes no longer existing

D. classic factories stopping their competition

3.What’s the meaning of the underlined part in Para. 4?

A. Sharing information of the world time.

B. Global news broadcast at any time.

C. Instant worldwide information exchange.

D. Spreading news widely on the hour.

4.According to the last paragraph, who is the most active in pushing Industry 4.0?

A. The European companies. B. The American government.

C. The American companies. D. The German government.

5.The writer’s attitude toward Industry 4.0 can best be described as ________.

A. supportive B. negative

C. doubtful D. cautious

Answer 1

1.D

2.B

3.C

4.D

5.A

【解析】

試題分析：Industry 4.0是一個高科技項目，是第四次革命。Industry 4.0的最基本原則是通過連接機器和工作系統(tǒng)，創(chuàng)造智能網(wǎng)絡。歐洲使自己處于第四次革命的先鋒，其中德國最為活躍。

1.1】D細節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)第二段第二句The basic principle of Industry 4.0 is that by connecting machines, work pieces and systems, we are creating intelligent networks along the entire value chain that can control each other automatically. Industry 4.0的最基本原則是通過連接機器和工作系統(tǒng)，我們沿著能互相自動控制的整個價值鏈條正在創(chuàng)造智能網(wǎng)絡。故選D。

2.2】B細節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)第三段第二句According to an expert, “it is highly likely that the world of production will become more and more networked until everything is connected with everything else.”按著一位專家說的，很可能產(chǎn)品的世界將變得越來越網(wǎng)絡化直到每樣東西與其他的每樣東西連接在一起。故選B。

3.3】C詞義猜測題。根據(jù)第四段第六句The sharing of information around the clock and around the globe will enable these connected systems to manage themselves independently, work more efficiently and identify any errors quickly.忙碌的、廣泛的信息分享將使這些連接系統(tǒng)自主地管理他們自己，更加有效地工作和快速地驗證錯誤�？芍獎澗�部分的意思是快速、廣泛的信息交換，故選C。

4.4】D細節(jié)理解題。根據(jù)最后一段第二、三句Europe will position itself as a pioneer in the fourth revolution. Industry 4.0 is a project in the high-tech strategy of the German government.歐洲使自己處于第四次革命的先鋒。Industry 4.0是德國政府高科技策略的一個項目。故選D。

5.5】A推理判斷題。根據(jù)第一段第一句The term “Industry 4.0” refers to the fourth industrial revolution. Industry 4.0代表第四次革命；最后一段第一句The good news is that Europe is much better prepared for the Industry 4.0 revolution than one might think.好消息是更加充分地為Industry 4.0做好了準備。說明作者是支持的態(tài)度，故選A。

考點：考查科技類閱讀。