Module 6　Old and New

　　三峡大坝位于中国湖北省宜昌市境内，是当今世界最大的水利发电工程。三峡大坝的修建，引发了上至政府高官下至普通百姓、甚至国外人士的广泛关注，对三峡的利弊也有各种各样的评价。那具体有哪些利弊呢？

　　The construction of the Three Gorges Dam began in late 1994 and didn't complete until July 4, 2012.While it serves many useful purposes for China and the world, there have been some harmful consequences.

　　The Pros of the Three Gorges Dam

　　First, it provides as much energy as 18 nuclear power plants do through harnessing the energy of running water.And all the energy it produces is renewable without destroying our environment in the process.

　　Second, the site of the Three Gorges Dam has been attracting visitors from all over the world since its construction began.In turn, this new tourism market has greatly promoted the economic development in the region.

　　Third, the Yangtze River has been known to flood, and when it does, tens of thousands of people lose their lives and homes.The construction of the Three Gorges Dam was originally meant to prevent this flooding from happening, and it has.

　　Fourth, it helps ships to travel along the river, since the dam is placed right in the middle of the Yangtze River.In addition, it ensures that the entire river receives enough water during dry seasons and remains travelable at all times.

　　The Cons of the Three Gorges Dam

First, the Three Gorges Dam has a bad effect on wildlife.The number of fish and plants that have been living in the Yangtze River for thousands of years is beginning to become smaller.Second, the construction of the Three Gorges Dam forced over one