necessities. You ask your landlord about a shopping center nearby for the following information:
Opening and closing time Ways of payment Location Discounts Transportation Delivery 19. Driving License
One day when you are chatting with your American landlord, you come to the topic of transportation which arouses your interest in getting a driving license in America. So you ask your landlord about the following information: Age limit for application Tests involved Health requirement Cost Training courses License validity 21. Going to a Football Match
You have been in Britain for a few weeks. You would like to watch a football match with your British friends. So you ask them about the following information: Ways to get a ticket Football Stars Ticket prices Starting time Teams involved Transportation 22. Renting an Apartment
You have just arrived in Arizona State University. You have read the ads about several large apartment buildings which are very close to the campus. You make a call to ask about the following information: Monthly rent Necessary documents Required deposits Gas and electricity bills Car park Sports facilities
Section 3
Explaining personal opinions
In this section, you are required to explain your point of view on the following topics:
1. Students in China used to enjoy free higher education, but now they have to pay tuition as well as rent for accommodation. Should students in China enjoy free higher education? What is your opinion? 2. The internet is now playing a very important role in our daily life and work. While it is making our life and work enjoyable and efficient, it also brings us problems. What is the negative side of the internet? Should children not be allowed to visit the internet? What is your opinion on this? 3. In school education, the teacher or the student himself may be responsible for the success of a student. Which of the two is more important? Or are they equally important? Give us your views.
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4. It is said that one aims at a wealthy life (having a good income and being able to afford good things in life), and important life (a life of achievement that brings one respect), or a family life (a life completely centered on one’s family). What is your choice? What do you consider important in life? 5. What can be done to reduce the traffic jams in big Chinese cities?
6. It was reported that the May Day golden week this year saw a reduction in the number of tourists. What do you think were the reasons? 7. Many parents complain that their children are having too much school work. Do you think that is true? How can parents help their children? 8. What can the government do about factories that seriously pollute the environment? 9. With the practice of May Day holiday, National Day holiday, and the Spring Festival, more and more people choose to travel to famous tourist attractions instead of staying at home. Enjoying the beautiful natural scenery is a great treat, but many tourist attractions raise the entrance fees considerably. Do you agree to it? Why or why not? 10. In recent years, China’s economic development has gained speed and great achievements have been made in this respect. But, while making profit, people often neglect environmental protection, even destroy the ecological balance. Do you think China should develop its economy at the cost of environmental destruction? State your point of view. 11. Each year around March 15, consumers focus their attention on fake products that do great harm to our daily life. More seriously, academic plagiarism has become rampant both in China and overseas, and eroding people’s trust in intellectual circles. In your view, what are the reasons for academic plagiarism? And how can scholarly dishonesty and cheating be prevented? 12. With the improvement of the living standard, private cars have become an important aspect of people’s life in many parts of the county, especially in large cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou. What changes do private cars bring about to our life? And what problems do they cause? In your opinion, how to solve those problems? 13. Parents are now attaching greater importance to their children’s education. Many choose to find a private tutor, or even several private tutors for their child. Do you agree to it? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing so?
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14. Please comment on the latest changes in housing conditions in Chinese cities. 15. Please comment on the benefits of sending scholars/university teachers abroad. 16. What are the alternatives of junior high school leavers in terms of education and training? 17. What can the government do to help the laid-of workers in finding ways of supporting themselves and their families? 18. Nowadays, while some parents are wishing to have more children, more and more young couples are choosing to go without a child. What is your view about such a phenomenon? 19. It is commonplace these days for people to change their jobs. Which do you prefer, to have a stable job or change jobs frequently? Explain your reasons. 20. It is suggested that students rate (evaluate) their teachers and teachers subsequently get paid according to students’ rating. Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not? 21. Some people think the Internet-based learning will one day replace school education. What is your opinion about this claim? 22. Young couples today are so busy with their work that their children are often brought up by the grandparents. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages? 23. House prices are rising sharply throughout China, creating greater financial difficulties for ordinary citizens. How do you think this situation can be improved? 24. University graduates are now finding it more and more difficult to get a proper job. What suggestions do you have to help solve this problem? 25. Some people claim that examination is not the best way to test students’ ability, but it is fair. What is your point of view? 26. The costs of medical care are increasing all the time. Governments are finding it difficult to balance the health care budget. How do you think this situation can be improved? 27. School children are feeling increasingly greater pressure from their studies, especially in that they often spend a long time doing their homework. Therefore,
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many of them do not have enough time to play sports, pursue hobbies, and enjoy themselves. What is your opinion about this issue?
28. We are becoming increasingly dependent on computers. They are used in business, hospitals, crime detection and even aviation. What is your opinion on the growing dependence? 29. As China grows more open to the outside world, it has become increasingly important for people of all ages to learn English. What difficulties have you encountered in your experience of learning English?
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