试题解析
VI. Translate the passages (10)
A. From English into Chinese (5)
Rapid changes in information technology and communications have contributed significantly to the expansion of international trade and the way it is carried out. Companies can communicate better and faster with their customers in providing service and information. Companies now have 24hr service centers to be able to respond to their customers around the world. In effect the time zones have shrunk and customers and companies can communicate any time of day or night. With the service barrier being removed, with customers expecting instant service, employment opportunities have been created. （2003年外经贸英语试题）（见教材276页）
信息技术与通讯领域的迅速变化，极大地促进了国际贸易的拓展和运作方式的（改变）。公司在提供服务与信息时，能够与客户更有效、更快捷地进行交流。现在，公司拥有自己的24小时服务中心，可随时对世界任何地方的客户（要求）作出反应。世界的时区实际上已经缩小了，客户和公司之间可以在白天或夜晚的任何时间进行交流。随着服务方面的障碍不断消除，同时也由于客户不断要求提供即时服务，就业机会也因此应运而生。
1、contribute to意为“对……起促成作用”，expansion of后有两个宾语，一个是international trade，另一个是the way it is carried out。
2、in表示“在……方面”，该介词短语in providing service and information意为“在提供服务与信息方面”。Communicate with意为“与……进行通讯联系（交流）”。
3、to be able to respond to their customers不定式短语，作定语，修饰service centers。
4、in effect意为“实际上”，time zones意为“时区”。
5、with可以译作“随着或由于”，barrier此处是“障碍”的意思。