We at Break Down went to the automotive lot to kick tires on some new cars, but were startled to learn we’d need to wait for 6-months if we wanted a new set of wheels. That’s right, a global shortage of semiconductor chips is having an impact on all sorts of products, from automobiles to home electronics. Join ICRT’s Jane, Hope, and Tim as they discuss the global shortage, and contemplate a world without our favorite hi-tech toys and gadgets.
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ICRT Break Down is a fun and relaxing podcast to help you build your English vocabulary, and improve your understanding of common expressions in the news. So, join us with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. Just sit back, relax, and listen!
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我們跑到車商去踢踢新車的輪胎，很驚異的發現假如我們要訂一組新輪胎，必須等半年的時間！？
沒錯，全球都缺半導體晶片，而這影響的範圍極廣，從汽車到家用電子產品都有。請加入 ICRT 的播客節目，新聞說分明，聽聽 Jane, Hope and Tim 討論半導體短缺問題，以及沒有晶片的話，我們最喜愛的玩具和各種高科技裝置都動彈不得，會是什麼感覺。
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ICRT「新聞說分明」是輕鬆有趣的播客節目，不但增進對某項新聞事件的了解，同時順便學一點英文表達方式。
端一杯咖啡或是好茶，來聽聽新聞說分明。
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Vocabulary—AI
Semiconductor – 半導體
Without semiconductor chips, there’s no way today’s high-tech society could survive.
沒有半導體晶片，如今的高科技社會根本無法生存。
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Conductor — 導體
Copper is a good conductor of electricity, so it’s often used in electric wires.
銅是很好的導體，所以經常用來做電線。
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Semi – 半
A: What’s John doing in the office, I thought he retired last year?
B: No, he’s only semi-retired. He still works as a consultant to the boss.
A: 約翰在辦公室做什麼，我以為他去年就退休了?
B: 不對，他是半退休。他仍然替老闆當顧問。
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Nano – 奈米
News reports say Apple Computer will be the first tech company to receive TSMC’s new 3 nanometer chips.
新聞報導說，蘋果電腦將是首家獲得台積電供應3奈米晶片的科技公司。

Wafer – 晶圓
A wafer is a thin slice of semiconductor, such as silicon, used to make integrated circuits.
晶圓是一片薄薄的半導體，通常成分是矽，用來做積體電路。
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Binary – 二進制，二元系統
The binary system, composing just zeros and ones (0/1), is the primary language of computing systems.
二元系統只用0 和1，是電腦運算的方式。
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Gadget – 小機器
Hope loves buying the latest hi-tech gadgets. Last week she bought a wireless device for tracking her suitcase when she travels.
Hope 很喜歡買高科技的小玩意。上星期她才買了一個無線遙控器，可以在她旅行時，追蹤她的行李在哪裡。
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R&D (research and development) – 研發
Tech companies need to invest more money in R&D if they want to keep abreast of the latest technologies.
科技公司必須花更多經費在研方面，才能跟趕上最新科技。
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