The Main Reading Text
Taiwan is often called "Silicon Island" because it is the world’s most important center for making computer chips. These tiny chips, known as semiconductors, are used in almost everything, from smartphones and laptops to electric cars and advanced AI systems.
At the center of this success is TSMC, the world's largest foundry. For decades, Taiwan has developed a complete supply chain that includes design, manufacturing, and testing. These high-tech chips are produced in extremely clean rooms by highly skilled engineers who work around the clock.
Because of its advanced technology and constant innovation, Taiwan's role is essential for the global economy. Most of the world's most advanced chips are made right here. Without Taiwan’s contribution, the digital world we live in today would look very different. Taiwan truly leads the way in shaping our future.
Key Learning Points
點擊下方的頁籤，切換不同的學習重點。
semiconductor
n./ˌsem.i.kənˈdʌk.tər/ — 半導體
A material that can conduct electricity under some conditions but not others, used in electronics.
- semiconductors are the brains of modern gadgets.
半導體是現代裝置的大腦。
foundry
n./ˈfaʊn.dri/ — 晶圓代工廠 / 鑄造廠
A factory that produces metal castings or computer chips for other companies.
- TSMC is the world's most successful foundry.
台積電是世界上最成功的晶圓代工廠。
innovation
n./ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ — 創新
The use of a new idea or method.
- Technology thrives on constant innovation.
科技靠著不斷的創新而繁榮。
essential
adj./ɪˈsen.ʃəl/ — 至關重要的
Necessary or needed in a basic way.
- Fresh water is essential for life.
淡水對生命至關重要。
contribution
n./ˌkɒn.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/ — 貢獻
Something that you do or give to help make something successful.
- He made a great contribution to the team.
他對團隊做出了巨大的貢獻。
Without ..., ... would...
這是「與現在事實相反」的假設語氣，表達「若非有某物，現在的情況將會不同」。
- Without Taiwan’s help, the world would be in trouble.
若沒有台灣的幫助，世界將陷入困境。 - Without your support, I wouldn't be here today.
如果沒有你的支持，我今天就不會在這裡。
Passive Voice in Industry
在描述工業或生產流程時，常使用被動語態 (be + V-pp)，因為「產品」才是重點，而非具體的工人。
- These chips are produced in clean rooms.
這些晶圓在無塵室被生產。 - Most chips are made in Taiwan.
大多數晶片是在台灣製造的。
supply chain
供應鏈
- The global supply chain was disrupted last year.
去年全球供應鏈受到了干擾。
around the clock
日以繼夜；24 小時不停歇
- Engineers worked around the clock to fix the issue.
工程師們日以繼夜地修復問題。
lead the way
領先；帶路；引領趨勢
- Taiwan leads the way in semiconductor technology.
台灣在半導體技術方面處於領先地位。
Countable Nouns
island, chip, center, smartphone, laptop, car, system, foundry, room, engineer
Uncountable Nouns
success, technology, innovation, economy, contribution
| Present | Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| make | made | made |
| know | knew | known |
| develop | developed | developed |
| produce | produced | produced |
| lead | led | led |