It has long been proposed that secondary school students should have “International News” course. This proposal, for me at least, is not quite well-grounded. The evidence below will clarify my view from different aspects.
To begin with, secondary school students are heavily burdened already with numerous courses like Math, Physics, Chemistry, Algebra, to name just a few. The students have to devote most of their time to their study, in class and after class, like a ceaseless machine. Furthermore, they have to finish complicated assignments at home. Compared with the subjects mentioned above, “International News” is not as important and it will only become another burden to the students.
Besides, it is not the case that students will not be aware of what happened outside without a course named “International News”, for the students can actually get news home and abroad instantly through multiple media, especially in the era of the rapid development of network technology. In addition to internet, the students can get news on radio, TV, and so on. Therefore, “International News” course is “much ado(n.小题大
做) about nothing”. It is found that secondary students are not void of the
knowledge of international news; on the contrary, they seem to know more than their teachers and parents. This shows that secondary students abound in international news and knowledge even though they have not a course-“International News”
It is useless to worry for nothing about trouble that may not come. Facts show that school students are not isolated from the outside world due to the fantastic development of information technology. By the way, I have no habit to read newspapers and watch TV, but I can know what happened throughout the world. My messenger is my daughter-a 15-year-old secondary school student. (290 words)
Some people say that children should obey the rules of their parents, while others claim that too much control will not prepare for children’s adult life. Please discuss from both sides.
“A child is like a young tree”. The metaphor(比喻) illustrates that children cannot grow without the guidance and rules from their teachers and parents; otherwise, they will go astray like a tree bent by a hurricane or eroded by diseases. As for me, a child’s growth cannot do without
parental and tutorial guidance.
Physically, children are too young to attend themselves. Therefore, they have to observe the rules from their parents and tutors. For instance, children are forbidden to climb ladders in case they fall down; children are forbidden to use knives and scissors in case they hurt themselves; children are forbidden to play with fire in case houses catch fire. Rules are different from shackles. The former can develop children’s sense of order and make them stride on the right track. The latter, on the other hands, prevent the development of children’s ability and mobility. We should not mix rules with shackles or equate them.
Psychologically, children cannot realize danger for immaturity and lack of social experience. Without the control and supervision of parents and tutors, children are likely to go into danger unconsciously. There is a lot of tragedy caused by children’s unawareness of danger. “South Municipal News” reported recently that a five-year-old boy drowned in an artificial lake nearby his residence. The tragedy could have been avoided if his parents had given enough supervision.
Certainly, too much control on children can play negative role. In that case, children will behave according to the rule like a puppet, without
their own idea and creation. A plausible(似乎可能的) suggestion is that children should be given rules when they are still young. As they grow older, parents should give them some space for free development. (284 words)
Some people say that schools should only teach academic courses rather than music, arts and sports. What do you think?
Academic courses are laid more and more stress in school education, and subjects like music, arts and sports are not heeded properly due to the incessant changes of information technology. Facing the digitized world, can we human beings appreciate the delight of arts and sports any more?
Certainly, academic courses like mathematics, physics, and philosophy facilitate students with the capability of thinking, deducing, calculating and rhetoric. However, they are not the whole life of students, who also need the spiritual enjoyment out of the fatigue after class. It is hard to imagine what the life would be without arts, music and sports in school life.
Take music as an example. The magic of music is far beyond description. Researches indicate that music can develop the imagination of students
and practice the functions of the right hemisphere of human brain. Therefore, arts like music are indispensable for the healthy development of students. And also, creations and inventions are sometimes inspired when a person is enjoying an orchestra or a peaceful serenade. Music can also nurture students’ emotion and personality.
Sports are also as inalienable as arts in school life. Sports elevate students’ physical and psychological health. Regular participation in sports builds up students’ body. And more than that, sports can develop students’ team spirit. For instance, every player performs his role in a basket ball or football game, from which students can realize the importance of cooperation. Sports can also make students’ perseverance and endurance.
In brief, sports and arts both play their roles in the shaping of students’ characters and personality. Academic courses proper can only make students become cold machines, without the nourishing of arts and sports. (278 words)
Do the positive effects of advertising outweigh the negative effects?
Advertisement worms its way into every crevice in the wake of the
flourishing development of media. We see and hear it everywhere: alleys, highways, subways, radio and TV. We are sometimes lost in the mist of the TV commercials and newspaper advertisements, without a correct judgment of what to buy.
The flooding of advertisements entices people to buy things of no use. Persuaded by the elegant pictures and exaggerated functions of products, people are likely to make irrational decisions. The result is that they paid much more than what they got from their purchase. What’s worse, people are likely to be cheated by the false advertisements. Some people are credulous of the advertised items, which make losses to consumers. In addition, advertisement increases the cost of products, and the cost is transferred on the consumers who are not aware that they have paid the bill for the manufacturers. Advertisement also arouses chaos sometimes. Posters on highways are no more than the sources of accidents, for posters are easy to distract drivers’ attention. The disadvantages of advertisement are more than I can numerate.
However, as Pope writes, “Whatever is, is right.” Advertisement will not disappear from our life even though it bears its defects. Advertisement transforms the latest information of products in the market. Consumers can know the up-to-date prices and popularity of products, then, they can
make decisions where and what to buy. Advertisement quickens the publicity of products, and meanwhile, accelerates the development of advertising industry. Advertising, as other industries, serves an important role in economy. Furthermore, advertisement can build a brand, which is a symbol of quality and good service.
Everything has double folds. Advertisement is of no exception. The point is advertising should be legislated and well managed. Otherwise, it will develop out of order and affect people’s life. (298 words)
Fruits and vegetables are transported by air in some countries. Please discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Emperor Qin Shihuang once ordered his men to transport lychees from Canton Province to the Palace by horse, in order to address his need of taste. He was unlucky that most lychees became half-rotten after a long journey. It is unimaginable for Emperor Qin that fruits and vegetables are transported by plane around the world today.
People now have more choices in the supermarket when they are choosing fruits and vegetables. Chinese people can taste mandarin oranges native to California, the United States; British people can cook
vegetables grown two thousand miles away from their islands; and African people don’t have to suffer starving, for vegetables and food are transported from everywhere to meet their hunger. The invention of airplanes accelerates economic prosperity and distance is no more an obstacle for the people to taste novelty.
However, consumers are paying high prices for the transported fruits and vegetables by air, when they are enjoying the freshness of fruits at table. Certainly, air transport is beneficial for the preservation of fruits and vegetables, but at the same time, consumers must pay for the fare. It is quite normal that the price of fruits is ten times higher than that of the original areas. Therefore, some imported fruits and vegetables have become a privilege of the rich.
Besides, air transport is energy consuming, which gives rise to the deterioration of environmental contamination. The consumption of fossil fuels multiples along with the amazing economic development. Many countries suffer a great deal for lack of energy, and the industry and manufacturing are affected seriously. Air-transported fruits and vegetables are too luxurious compared with the energy-impoverished world. Personally, I am not in favor of air-transported fruits and vegetables, for it sharpens the shortage of natural resources. (292 words)
People dare not go out alone for crimes increase in modern society. Some people say that crimes can be cured while others don’t hold the view and say we can do little about the prohibition of crimes. What do you think?
Crime is a common phenomenon facing our society. It disturbs people’s normal life and dwarfs the authority of government. Concerning the elimination of crimes, we must have a thorough research on the causes, and then adopt precautionary measures to tackle the issue.
Usually, outlaws commit crime because they are not satisfied with the society. Robin Hood was once regarded as a hero to rid the rich and relieve the poor. His deeds were widely imitated by the followers. Objectively, unfairness is likely to induce crime. However, it is not the only cause for crime. To satisfy one’s avarice and desire, some people will violate the law to address their personal needs.
Unemployment is another factor inducing crime. The fierce competition leads to the elevation of unemployment. To survive, the people unemployed have no choices but to carry out crime. Besides, the government is void of preventive measure to combat crime. For instance,
the gap of living condition is widened along the process of privatization. Some people commit crime just to let off their hatred and dissatisfaction.
To eliminate crime from the society seems an impossible mission. However, there is still a lot we can do. Firstly, the government should maintain a stable and fair society, which is a prerequisite for the reduction of crime. It is difficult to maintain a low crime rate in a chaotic society like Iraq. Secondly, the government should enact relevant laws to protect the interest of the poor. For instance, the government can provide opportunities for the laid-off workers to get retrained. Then, they can make a living through their own effort. Finally, the government should spare no effort to popularize laws among the people, especially juveniles and those without good education.
I am sure that crime can be reduced as lone as the government makes careful investigation and take effective measures to prevent it. (310 words)
With the development of our society, some traditional customs have been replaced by modern cultures and traditions. Is this a good thing? Please state your position and give specific details.
Modern society witnessed remarkable changes of traditions and customs in the old days. Some people are worried that our cultural relics/heritage will diminish. From my point of view, the replacement of modern traditions for old ones is not necessarily a bad thing, for new customs and traditions inject vigor to the traditional culture and customs. (55 words)
First of all, some old customs are out of fashion and do not fit in with the modern society any more. For example, years ago, people preferred to have a big feast at a wedding ceremony, which, according to the understanding of contemporary people, is really a waste of money and energy. Many families were deep in debt owing to the considerable expense. Now, most young couples choose to have a trip with their family. On the one hand, it will not cost so much money. On the other hand, traveling can enlarge our knowledge and create romance. (98 words)
Secondly, some old customs are superstitious and misleading. For instance, our hometown is famous for its crackers and fireworks. The brilliant fireworks lighten the sky on the eve of the Spring Festival. But sometimes, fireworks and crackers can cause tragedies and catastrophes, because they can hurt people, especially children, and set fire to buildings and forests. Originally, the invention of crackers is only for frightening the imaginary monster, which actually doesn’t exist at all. (74 words)
On the other hand, we have to preserve the essence of our culture, such as Chinese water-color painting, poetry, ancient constructions and traditional festivals, which have been handed down from generation to generation and undergone the ups and downs of history. (41 words)
In brief, it is unavoidable for new customs to take the place of old ones, but meanwhile, we should show our respect to our ancestors and pass on the essence of our traditional culture. (34 words) (302 words totally)
Can people acquire necessary qualities and qualifications to success through university education?
We have entered an information society. People with a formal education feel hard to find a satisfactory job and keep abreast with the ever-changing knowledge and technology. Therefore, a formal education is very essential to one’s success. Can we acquire the necessary qualities through university education? To my mind I can find no reasons to deny the fact.
First of all, a college or university is a paradise where people can receive systematic and scientific training in a certain field, which paves the way
for their future success. With the advent of the era of knowledge-based economy, a man without a sound academic background can hardly accomplish anything. Only in universities and other institutions of higher learning can he found a solid theoretical foundation and master the professional knowledge and relevant skills essential to his career.
Secondly, university is a small society, where students can learn how to communicate and cooperate with teachers and fellow students, during which one cultivates friendship and acquires the interpersonal skills, both of which are conducive to one's future career and success.
Finally, there are innumerable successful people who attribute their achievements to a formal university education they received. Many Nobel Prize winners are from world famous universities like MIT, Cambridge and Oxford, where emerge many great talents, scientists, artists and philosophers.
However, it is also a undeniable fact that many people become successful without a formal college education, some typical examples of which are Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft; Li Jiachen, a Hong Kong billionaire and Hua Luogeng, a world-class mathematician.
To sum up, we admit that a person can achieve great success without a formal education. But a formal university education is necessary to a person’s success and future career. (287 words)
Fashion changes very rapidly. Some people say that modern people have become slaves of fashion; therefore they suggest that people should be encouraged to wear that clothes they like, which are comfortable. Do you agree?
Fashion changes like a horse lantern in the modern society. Many people, young or old, merge into the trend of ever-changing fashion, which is the inevitable result of the advance of human civilization and also a mirror of social progress. On keeping up with the tide of the times, we should not pursue fashion blindly. Otherwise, we will become the slaves of fashion. (63 words)
There is no doubt that the pursuit of beauty is our nature and humanity. Everyone wants to be display the best side of him. For instance, an elegant fashion and decent demeanor embody one’s confidence in business negotiation. Furthermore, fashion now has already become a flourishing industry, which contributes a lot to the economy and society, offering many job opportunities. The development of fashion promotes
the prosperity and progress of the garment industry. (73 words)
However, we must not lose sight of the demerits of the pursuit of fashion. Things that enjoy popularity are not necessarily good things. Aimless pursuit of fashion only makes one waste time and money. If a student care too much about his clothes, he will astray from his study and be addicted to fashion. Besides, some fashion designs only focus on styles, ignoring the appropriateness and comfort. Years ago, mini-skirt was so populous that many people follow suit. Actually, mini-skirts are not suitable in offices, schools and other public places. Therefore, a mature and rational person should have ideas of one's own and should never be led by the nose. People should give priority to convenience and simplicity over fashion. (120 words)
In a word, we do not deny that the love of beauty is an essential part of human nature. Variety adds spice to life. A world without fashion is unimaginable. However, we should take a more critical attitude towards the pursuit of fashion. We shall never be slaves of fashion. The principle of dressing we shall hold on to is to be neat, tidy, clean, decent and convenient. (324 words totally)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of school uniform?
Many primary and secondary schools in China nowadays are insisting that their pupils wear a distinctive school uniform. From the angle of schools, uniforms make the students identified by the society. While in terms of parents, they think that school uniforms are of bad quality and waste a lot of money. Fairly speaking, there are two sides to the story.
On the one hand, school uniforms can cultivate students’ sense of responsibility and collectivism. Students live with their peers in the same school. There behaviors represent the image of their classes and schools. Therefore, school uniforms can give restrictions to the students. Many students are very proud of being in a reputable school. Furthermore, school uniforms can make students concentrate on their study and prevent them pursue fashion blindly.
However, critics say that the compulsory wearing of school uniforms has a negative impact on the development of characters and personalities of schoolchildren. They argue that uniforms are of the same style and color, which makes life monotonous and discourages individuality and creative thinking.. In order to make profit, some schools order the students to buy ten or even more sets of school uniforms in an academic year, which is a heavy burden to the students.
To sum up, school uniforms are beneficial to the development of a sense of dignity and discipline, which is what most young students lack. But there is nothing wrong with wearing the clothing of one' s favorite, if it is in one' s leisure time and on occasions of a less serious nature. (258 words totally)
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