1.媒體的影響
段落大意：媒體通過傳遞信息影響著觀眾，這一影響既有積極的一麵，又有消極的一麵。
Media are devices used for delivering information through time or space. They link the sender to the receiver. When a message is sent to a certain receiver or audience, this receiver will eventually interpret its meaning. Therefore, the audience will be influenced and will change in a certain way. In fact, influence refers to the way in which the mass media, in all their forms （television, books, films, etc.）, affect the way we, as audience, behave and act in our society and in our daily lives. Depending on the circumstances, mass media can influence people’s beliefs, opinions, and attitudes, and change their thinking about public and political issues. Media can have both positive and negative effects on us.
2.媒體對美國人的重要性
段落大意：媒體對美國人有著重要的影響，其傳播了信息，並影響著人們的言行舉止。
Today, more than ever the media plays a pivotal （關鍵的） role in influencing the ways in which Americans think and behave. Media can influence the masses in a number of ways. Without the media it would be virtually impossible for the typical American citizens to be informed of today’s events. However, spreading information is not always the media’s goal. In fact, it rarely is. Many Americans feel that they can form opinions on their own. In fact, opinions are formed unknowingly （不知不覺地） by what paper or television channel tells them. The views of the President are greatly affected by the media due to the overwhelming amount of coverage by every form of media.
3.媒體對信息的選擇
段落大意：媒體的目的是為了傳播信息、娛樂、廣告，其不僅傳播信息，還決定著傳播何種信息。
The three main purposes of mass media are to provide information, entertain, and advertise. Media does not only provide information, but also decide which information is important. What we see on television and the Internet and what we hear on the radio have all been selected and modified by the media.
4.媒體的教育功能
段落大意：媒體給予人們信息和知識，對人們的教育等有著積極的影響。
There are many things in our surroundings that influence our behaviors. Among other things （除了別的以外）, the education system, family values and the media have shaped our views in life. Whether they are right or wrong, they define to a large extent what we are. The media are where we gather our information. They provide us with education, bring us worldwide information and give us access to global communication. Through the media, viewers enjoy a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. For instance, discovery and history channels on TV provide scientific and cultural information for viewers. It is beneficial for those who cannot go to school to learn these things or those who are still at school. Newspapers, magazines, radio, and television also help people to enhance their understanding about the world.
5.有關媒體是暴力的主要來源的爭論
段落大意：媒體是不是社會上暴力行為的主要來源這一問題，引起各方激烈爭論。
Does violence in the media influence the behavior of society? It is the question that has been asked by authorities, educational institutes （協會） and parents. Some say yes, others say no. To fully comprehend this question we must first understand what violence in the media means, and whom it affects, if there is any. Also, does violence in the media come first, or is it derived from violence in the “real world”? Both sides have their own arguments. Some say that the escalation of violence in society is a symptom（征兆） of deteriorated value systems and poor parental instruction and that it has nothing to do with violence in the media. Others say, and this is backed with factual evidence, that violence that is seen on television, in the movies or video games is directly linked to the violence in society.
6.媒體的暴力影響
段落大意：人們將暴力行為的原因歸於媒體，這一想法是錯誤的。
People are quick to blame violence in our society on television, movies or video games because they are believable targets. We have to look beyond this disinformation （假情報） and attack the real causes for the violence in our society. People watch violent images all the time, and only a very small percent of them actually commit violent crimes. Research on the subject does not necessarily support the argument, but they do not counteract it either. The research is too often inconclusive （無結果的）. We wrongfully blame these media sources for violent crimes, rather than put the blame where it rightfully belongs. If we can do away with all the disinformation on this topic, we can stop fooling ourselves into thinking that censoring media could prevent the occurrence of violent behaviors.
7.媒體暴力對孩子的影響 Ⅰ
段落大意：媒體中的暴力對天天受媒體包圍的孩子來說，有著不利影響，對於那些成長環境更為惡劣或無法明辨是非的孩子來說尤甚。
The media is a part of everyday life for American kids. Children are surrounded by newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and the Internet that are full of violence. It has influence on kids, but does it really mean that kids would act it out even though they know violence is wrong? We must admit that mass media and its components are very powerful and can influence one’s mind, as well as their behavior. Characters in the media use violence and display aggressive behaviors, which makes children believe that violence can happen without consequences. For children who grow up with poor adult examples or don’t have a clear idea about what’s right or wrong, media violence can have a greater negative effect.
8.媒體暴力對孩子的影響 Ⅱ