（1）
Dear Sir,
I’m a student of Senior 3. I am writing to tell you about the discussion we’ve had about whether to board in the school or at home. At the beginning of this term, my parents and teachers asked me to board in the school. They say it will be very convenient for me to ask questions whenever and wherever. Besides, they think boarding will make it possible to make full use of my night time, and that I can also develop the ability to look after myself. However, I have my own thought. Staying at home in the evening, I will have more time to work at my lessons. At the same time, I can learn what I think I’m not good at. I really don’t know what to do. Please give me your advice!
Yours,
LiHua
(2)
Dear editor,
I’m writing to tell you about the discussion we have recently had about whether we should know our parents’ income.
We do have different opinions on this matter. Most of us (about 70％) think we should know our parents’ income since it will help us understand how hard our parents have to work, no matter how much they earn. Then we will study harder and will not waste money any more. We may also learn to share our parents’ trouble.
About 30％of my classmates think it necessary to let the children know how much their parents earn. If they know their parents have enough money to support the family, they will not study hard since they needn’t worry about the future. It is said that, especially when the children know their parents have a relatively high income, the children will easily form a wasteful habit.
Yours truly,
Li Hua
(3)
Dear editor,
I’m writing to tell you about the discussion we have recently had about whether our parents should accompany us studying at school.
We do have different opinions on this matter. Most of us (about 70%) think our parents should not accompany us studying at school since it makes us fall into the habit of dependence, so that we won’t form the good habit of studying. What’s more, it is harmful for us to form the habit of controlling ourselves. At the same time it affects our parents’ work, studies and rest.
While about 30% of my classmates think it necessary for our parents to accompany us studying at school. Accompanying us studying at school can let us have more time to spare for our studies. Besides, we shall be healthier for their cooking. On the other hand our parents can help us set up our aim, urge us to finish our task, encourage us to overcome difficulties and get us into the good habit of studying.
Yours truly,
Li Hua
(4)
A Heated Debate
We’ve had a debate about whether middle school students should do social practice. The pros （正面）think middle school students should do social practice. They believe social practice can help them know more about the things around them and give them much experience. By doing so, the students’ ability can be developed. Besides, they can put what they have learned in the books into practice.
On the other hand, the cons（反面，反对的） think middle school students don’t have to do social practice, because they are too young to fit the world. They say it’s a waste of time and energy. What’s more, there are no such chances. The whole debate is heated.
(5)
Dear editors,
I’m writing to tell you about the discussion about whether it is good or not for families to own private cars. With the improvement of people’s living conditions, more and more people have their own cars. Some of us think it good to own a car. For one thing, the car is a kind of convenient, fast and pleasant transportation. For another thing, it shows that people’s living conditions are improving and our country is getting richer and stronger. Meanwhile, it makes other businesses and industries develop faster. However, others hold different views. They think waste gases from the cars pollute our environment badly. Besides, too many cars will have some had effects on the traffic and lead to more accidents. Also, parking is another big problem. In my opinion, we shouldn’t encourage people to own private cars.
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
(6)
Dear Mayor,
I' m a student of Senior Three. I'm writing to tell you about the discussion we’ve had about whether the city government should demolish illegal buildings. Opinions between us are divided.
About 70% of the students are for the government’s decision. They think the illegal buildings have taken up too much of the greenbelt and always blocked the traffic. What’s more, most illegal buildings are over years or out of date, which not only breaks the beauty of the city but also exists some hidden dangers.
About 30% of the students, however, hold the opposite opinion. The main reason is that a lot of illegal buildings are done by people who were out of job. They want to run some small business to support their families. So, to pull down these buildings will make some of them lose the means of earning a living.
Best wishes
Yours
Li Hua
(7)
Wealth and Health
Which is more important, wealth or health? Different people have different opinions.
Some people prefer wealth, holding that money can not bring everything, but without it, one can do nothing. In order to accumulate more money they can do anything. However, other people regard health as more important. Once health is lost, it is no use having a lot of money.
As far as I am
concerned, I love wealth, but I value health more. Everybody wants to live a
happy life. So they try their best to earn money which they can ensure they
lead a comfortable life, but if happiness and comfort are achieved at the cost
of their health, how can they be happy? Without health money becomes
meaningless.
In my opinion, no one
agrees that a wealthy person without good health can be happy. So, just do our
best and keep fit.
(8)
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to tell you about a recent discussion our class have had on whether or not university students should be financially independent.
60% of the students think that university students don’t have to be financially independent, because trying to make money will affect their studies. They also think that they can repay their parents in the future.
25% of my classmates hold the view that doing part-time jobs will help one gain work experience and learn more of society. Besides, when students find it hard to make money, they won’t waste their money any longer.
15% of the students, including myself, partly agree with the opinions above. Personally I think that as grownups, we should not depend on our parents any more. However, if our parents can afford to pay the tuition for us, we should put our studies in the first place.
Thank you for reading my letter
Yours,
Li Hua
(9)
I am a Senior 3 student. I often quarrel with my mother over whether I can watch TV after school. My mother holds the view that students in Senior 3, heavily burdened with their studies, are too busy to spare any time to watch TV. It seems to her that once I am allowed to do that I will not be able to control myself and forget all about my study. She also thinks that it is bad for my eyes to watch TV too often. But I really can’t accept her ideas. I think it is relaxing to watch TV after a day’s hard work. Not only can it set my mind at rest, but it can broaden my horizons. Now we have at last reached an agreement that I can only watch TV at weekends, and the programs should be limited to news and programs of entertainment, sports or science。
(10)
Dear friends,
With the development of our living standard, we get more and more pocket money given by our parents or relatives. But how should we spend it?
First of all, you can save it in the bank to cultivate a good habit of saving money. When you really need money you can take it out. Secondly, you can buy some book on science or arts which bring more knowledge. Or, you are interested in stamp collecting, music or sports, you can use your pocket money on it.
School students may make different choices on their pocket money. But never waste it just eating or playing electronic games.
Yours,
(11)
China’s second manned spaceship Shenzhou VI was launched success fully on October 12, 2005 and returned to the earth on October 18. The six-day space trip is a great success to China and draws (to itself) the attention of the media from all over the world. The Chinese people feel very pleased and cheer for that. As a student as well as a Chinese, I feel not only happy but also proud of this great achievement made in aviation. I strongly believe that the development of China’s aviation and future will be better and better. As far as I am concerned, now I must work hard so that I can make a contribution to our great nation.
(12)
Society Calls for Heroes
In my opinion, it is not so easy to be a hero. First, a hero must be brave. When he sees someone do a bad deed, he must be brave enough to catch him or to stop him. Secondly, he must be strong enough; otherwise instead of catching the criminal, he himself will be beaten to death. There are fewer heroes now for several reasons. I think the most important reason is that people don’t want to mind other people’s business because they think it will do them no good. But I think it will do them no good. But I think society calls for heroes. Fighting against crimes is not just the job of the police. It’s the duty of every citizen.
(13)
Dear Jane,
Thank you for your letter and the photo of your family. Now I am writing to tell you why I am the only child in my family.
As you know, the population of China is growing very fast. In order to control the rapid increase of population, in the 1980s the government of China began to put into practice the family programme---- one child for each couple. As a result, most families have only one child. The child in the family can get more love from the family and chances to get better education. On the other hand, the only child is selfish, and not so independent. Sometimes they feel lonely. I think, every the only child like me should learn to make more friends.
Hope that we write more often.
Best wishes!
(14)
Reading Newspapers Is A Good Habit
Newspapers are important media. They can provide all kinds of latest news from both at home and abroad, which can help us understand the world better.
Newspapers can also make our life rich. In newspapers, we can read stories about a variety of people, find weather reports, introductions to new books, advertisements on traveling, and so on.
As English learners, reading newspapers in English, such as “China Daily”, is one of the best ways to improve our English. There are many words, phrases and structures for us to learn, and what’s more, we can acquire abundant knowledge of history, culture and society.
(15)
Is a Training Class or Family Teacher Necessary?
More and more middle school students are going to all kinds of training classes or having family teachers at the weekend. There are two different viewpoints about it.
Some thinks it necessary. Firstly, it’s more effective to study with a teacher than by themselves. Secondly, it can strengthen what is learnt in class. Besides, they can learn a lot more, Others think it unnecessary. For one thing, students can easily form the habit of dependence. For another, students need time to relax from time to time. What’s more, the purpose of many training classes and teachers is to make money.
In my opinion, whether a training class or family teacher is needed just depends. If you are really very weak at or interested in a certain subject, maybe it’s OK for you. But be sure to choose a good and suitable class or teacher, otherwise it would be a waste of time and money.
(16)
The Advantages and disadvantages of Space Travel
There are several advantages of space travel. First of all, it could provide man with new places to live in and new sources of energy. In addition, space travel helps people understand the universe better. Also space travel research does good to other research fields.
However, space travel also has some disadvantages. It uses up too much money which could be spent in other ways. What’s more, the idea of man living on other planets is unrealistic. Space travel could be dangerous, too.
In a word, though there are the disadvantages, I think space travel is a good thing. It is important for man to explore and learn about the universe.
(17)
My Choice
If I were a "Super girl", I would go on with my studies rather than touring performance. Anyway, learning at school is more important to one’s life experience. We all know that knowledge is power, so with more knowledge, I shall surely become more successful, which means a brighter future for me. At the same time the excessive amount of work during the tour is hard. My company doesn’t seem to care about my future development. All of this made me feel terrible, physically and mentally. Nevertheless, I’d rather return for further studies and obtain a sound foundation for my future. I think I shall become a singer — a real singer.
(18)
China has become a shock to the world in Olympic Games 2004, so the Chinese government will offer each gold medal winner the bonus of ￥200,000, local reward not included, which has become a household talk. Some say the players have own the honor for our country after taking great pains, so they deserve it. What’s more, it will benefit the training of future players. Others on the opposite side believe the players get well trained and paid by the country. It will go against our wish if the players quit after getting much money. Besides, it’s said that some enterprises are taking advantage of this to sell their products. I think I will admire the sportsmen who worship not money but the spirits of the Olympic Games.
(19)
Recently we have had a heated discussion on whether people should keep pets at home in cities.
Some students think it's a good idea to keep pets because many old people who live alone at home can get some comforts from pets. Besides, getting along well with animals will make our life interesting. On the contrary the other students are against the idea. In their opinion if too many people keep pets at home, it's bad for the environment. What is worse, pets may make too much noise and even attack people.
I like animals, so I don't think it's bad to keep pets at home. But we must take some measures to prevent them from polluting our environment.
(20)
Several years ago, when a foreigner appeared in China, many people would gather around and stared at him or her as if they were watching a rare animal.
However, it’s not uncommon to meet some foreigners even in middle schools now. There’s no doubt that schools will be better known. What’s more, it’s good for students to develop interest in English study as well as learn more about foreign cultures. Meanwhile, their oral English will be improved a lot. On the other hand, some foreigners, though well paid, find it difficult to get used to the way of life in a foreign country and they sometimes worry about their safety. The most important thing is that they are not quite familiar with the students. As a result, many students can’t benefit from them.
(21)
The Chinese government has decided to develop central and western China. This part of China includes 9 provinces and autonomous regions and one municipality, covering an area of 5.4 million square kilometers with a population of 285 million. The government will pay special attention to its transportation. Some high ways and railways will be built. To protect the nature, peasants will return farmland to forest. Also measures will be taken to prevent pollution. Western China is rich in natural resources which can be exploited and made full use of. To meet the need of development, all kinds of experts and skilled workers are to be brought in. We have every reason to believe that the government will be a great success. As a result of the great project, central western regions of China will surely achieve better and faster development in the new century. The people will have a better life and China will surely be richer and stronger.
(22)
Dear Editor,
I’m writing to tell you something about the changes that have taken place in our English classes since modern teaching techniques started to be used in our school.
Our teachers used to speak alone all the time in class, keeping students busy taking notes and leaving us no time to think. As a result, what was taught in class was difficult to understand or to remember. The classes were so dull that we gradually lost interest in learning the language.
However, things are different now. With the help of computers and other equipment, the students in our school can not only listen, but also watch and speak a lot in class, which makes what is dull or difficult easier to understand and remember. Now English classes have become so interesting and lively that all the students are ready to master the useful tool.
Yours truly
Wang Lin
(23)
Beijing, the capital of China is a both ancient and modern city with a long history about 3 000 years. I am sure Beijing can successfully hold the 2008 Olympic Games.
First, Beijing is a beautiful city with convenient transportation. It has many places of interest. All the foreigners will enjoy themselves here. Second, China is a populous nation with a big sports industry. What’s more, China is one of those countries with the most rapidly growing economy, and the national power is being steadily strengthened. Third, Beijing has successfully held many national and international games, and plenty of money will be spent in bringing air pollution under control and improving the city's environment at large. What's the most important, the Chinese government and the Chinese people all support Beijing in the holding of the 2008 Olympic Games. Hosting the Olympic Games will add more value to world sports. That’s why I was excited at the news that Beijing had won its bid for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games.
(24)
Ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to our school. Now I would like to introduce our net-school
Our net-school is very helpful in many ways. First, it makes both teaching and learning easier
and more interesting. Students can get more knowledge in class. Whoever has a computer can
have the lesson we give at home. Second, we can make good use of the Internet, sending e-mails,
searching for any information we need, etc. Third, the net also helps improve our school
management and meet the needs of modern education. Fourth, as a key school in our city, it sets a
good example to the newly-built schools and may be of some help to them.
That’s all. Thank you.
(25)
It is reported that China won 19 Guinness World Records altogether this year.
The second certificate ceremony of Guinness World Records was held in Beijing on December 10th. People from all over the world saw for themselves the excellent performances by some of the winners of 2003. The president from the headquarters of Guinness World Records in Britain awarded them certificates. The records are concerned with economy, culture, history, technology, etc. Liu Jicun from Chongqing, one of the winners this year, said that a grand stage to show one’s particular abilities is provided by Guinness World Records. As a consequence, it will attract more attention.
(26)
No.48 Shennan Road
Shenzhen
February 26th, 2005
Dear Mr Margalet,
I’m glad to know that ten waitresses are needed in your hotel. I’d like to be one of them. I’m a Chinese girl of twenty. I’m single and healthy. I started school when I was six. I studied in No. 1 Primary School. At the age of eleven, I went Shenzhen Middle school for learning. After graduation in 2003 I began to work on a constructions site as an ordinary worker, I became a postwoman when I was twenty.
I had learned English for 6 years at school, and have kept on learning it since I left school. Now I can speak good English and type well. I enjoy singing and dancing. Last year I won the first prize in the competition for the spare time singers in the city.
Could you let me have a position in your hotel？
Looking forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Li Hua
(27)
A Brief Introduction to Haier Group
Haier Group is one of the most famous enterprises of China. The series products of the group include refrigerators, TV sets air-conditioners and so on, which sell well both at home and abroad. Haier Group has always been developing by relying on science and technology. Its series products have got the first place in the national electrical home appliance appraisal. The group regards the customers as God of the enterprise and has the best after-sale service. We are very thankful for your buying our products.
Please contact:No.68 Shaoxin Road Qingdao, China
Tel: 0532- E-mail Haier @ com.cn
(28)
China’s First Spaceman---Yang Liwei
Yang Liwei was born in an ordinary family in Liaoning Province in 1965. He became a pilot in Chinese Air Force in 1987, spending 1,350 hours in the air. He has spent 5 years training to become a spaceman.
Yang Liwei was sent into space at 9 a.m on October 15th by China’s Shenzhou V spacecraft, which orbited the earth 14 times. He landed safely at 6:23 a.m the next day, making China the third country successfully sending a person into space after the former Soviet Union and the USA.
Yang Liwei came back to the earth after a 21-hour trip to space. In space Yang recorded everything he saw and showed China’s national flag and the United Nations’ flag to the people watching on TV at home.
All of the Chinese are proud of our first spaceman---Yang Liwei.
(29)
During the final examination, LiMei seemed to have diffculty in working out the problems and meanwhile Zhang Hua cheated without being noticed/ caught, A few days later, the graded papers were returned. LiMei couldn’t help crying because of her poor result while Zhang Hua was pleased with his high marks. From then on Li Mei made greater efforts in her studies than ever before, but Zhang Hua didn’t listen to the teachers attentively any more. In the end, LiMei was admitted into a good university while Zhang Hua failed, regretting cheating and not working hard on his own.
(30)
Dear Editor,
I’m a middle school student named Li Hua. I’m writing to tell you something. Recently I’ve noticed that many of my schoolmates often go to the cyber café near our school. The other day, I went there, too. I was surprised to see many students playing computer games, seeing movies or chatting .Some students were even sending love letters online.
In my opinion, cyber cafes should be a place where we can find much useful information. Internet should be a window to the outside world rather than a place for playing games. Internet is good if we make good use of it. Otherwise, it will do us great harm. So the local government should take measures to make sure of the “safety” of students in cyber cafes.
Yours,
Li Hua
(31)
The boy and the girl in the picture sat on a bench talking merrily while eating a water-melon. When they went away they left the melon’s skin on the bench, making it very dirty. They didn’t want to take any trouble throwing it into the dustbin although it was very near where they were sitting. Instead, they said that there would be someone who should clean the rubbish.
However, what they did violate public morality. If everyone behaves in this way, the world will be a big rubbish dump with files flying round and people will live in a world of diseases. Besides, dustmen will have a very, very hard job to clean the world we live in.
(32)
Li Hua is a primary school student and he enjoys drawing very much.
One day, he went to the small woods not far from town to draw from nature, carrying a drawing board. He was glad to find a tree living although the rest had been cut down. “Let me start work at once,” he thought and began to set up his board.
Just then a strong young man came with a big axe and got down to cutting the tree. Soon he cut it down and pulled it away.
When Li Hua got ready and turned back to draw, he found the tree had disappeared.
“Dear me! Where on earth is the tree?” Li Hua wondered, very disappointedly.
(33)
More and more Chinese middle school students have gone abroad to study since the 1990s. As many language learners say, spending a time abroad is the best way to study a language. Studying abroad may have a lot of advantages. The students usually become fluent in the language and can make friends with people from different backgrounds and have a good knowledge of another culture. They can also broaden their horizons and improve their understanding of their own culture while studying abroad .Besides, they have to learn to depend on themselves.
Of course, studying abroad may have its disadvantages as well. It is possible that some of them may fall behind in their studies. On the other hand, some students may feel it unsafe to stay abroad on their own. Moreover, their parents may be concerned about the cost.
In my opinion, the students had better finish their college education in China and then go abroad to experience another education and culture. If parents do hope to send their children to study abroad, I advise them to look before they leap.
(34)
Dear Editor,
Recently our class held a discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of advertisements.
Daily life needs advertisements because they can offer information on goods, services, culture, employment, and so on. With advertisements, customers can save a lot of time in shopping. Advertisements also help factories or service providers find their market. In a word, advertisements have many advantages.
However, we also find advertisements a waste of time when we don’t need them, for example, when watching TV programs. To make things worse, some advertisements are misleading and cheating. Furthermore, huge advertising expenses are shared by consumers, which seems to be unfair.
Yours truly,
Li Hua
(35)
Studying at a Traditional School
Nowadays the Internet is more and more popular. However, I prefer to study at a traditional school rather than study on the Internet.
First, the school provides a place where all the students spend most of their time together, which allows friendship to develop. Students will benefit from this precious friendship all their life. They will also learn from teachers and classmates and thus improve their social skills. These advantages of a traditional school are where the disadvantages of the Internet lie. With nobody to discuss questions with, students can easily get lonely, which may lead to unhealthy personality.
In a word, the school life is colorful and enjoyable.
Studying on the Internet
Nowadays the Internet is more and more popular. I think it is a good way of learning.
First, the Internet enables people to study whenever and wherever it is convenient. They can also choose to study whatever they are interested in. However, a traditional school doesn’t provide such great freedom. Students have to study given subjects in a certain classroom. Even if they have no interest in what is taught, they have to stay there. Besides, a single student’s weak subject can’t be paid enough attention to with a lot of students in a classroom.
I love studying on the Internet. It brings me a lot more choices and freedom.
(36)
Ladies and gentlemen,
I'm Li Hua. Today, I'm greatly honored to speak here on behalf of my school. I'm going to talk about the high school education of my city.
From Chart 1, we can see high school students are from different family backgrounds. Besides local students, who make up 91 percent, eight percent of the students are the children of non-local workers. There are even 1 percent foreign students.
According to chart 2, the students' choices after graduation have presented a wider variety. Sixty percent of them intend to go to university. Thirty percent choose to enter vocational schools, and the rest ten percent plan to go abroad for further studies.
(1) I think we have more freedom to choose what we would like to do after graduation. Going to college is no longer the only choice for most of us as it was years ago.
(2) I think our city government has made more efforts to help the non-local workers. For example, their children can enjoy the equal right of a good education with the city students.
(3) I think with the economic development of our city, more foreigners are attracted to set up businesses here and they are happy to send their children to local schools to learn more about China and Chinese culture.
I believe the future of the education in our city is promising!
That's all. Thank you.
(37)
Ownership of Houses in a Big City in China
As can be seen from the chart, ownership of houses in a big city in China changed in the past ten years. In 1995, 75 percent of the houses were state-owned. Five years later, the rate of state-owned houses to private ones was 3 to 2. But from then on, the ownership of houses changed rapidly and so far 80 percent of houses have been private.
What caused the changes? There might have been two main reasons. First, from 1995 up to now, the people's living standards have been improving. Most of them can afford to buy the houses. Second, most people do not save a lot of money in the bank for their children as their ideas of parents did in the past. They want to have their own home and enjoy life.
Such changes have had a great effect on the development of society. It does good to both the citizens and the government.
(38)
Dear Brittany,
How are you? I’m writing to you for some advice on my studies. Football is a very popular sport in the world and I think I have fallen in deep love with it, which makes me feel so crazy. I have spent lots of time doing many things related to football, like watching football matches, reading newspapers and magazines, searching the Web for more information about football. As a result, it certainly disturbs my normal study. I can’t concentrate on my lessons. I often stay up till late at night and fall asleep in class the next day. I can’t finish my homework on time. In a word, I have almost lost interest in my studies.
I want to know if you have the same problem. How should I deal with the contradiction between my studies and hobbies? I’m looking forward to your suggestions.
Best wishes.
Sincerely Yours,
Li Hua
(39)
An English Editor Wanted
Our school newspaper is looking for an editor for its English edition. The job mainly includes two parts: One is to choose proper English articles from other newspapers, magazines or the internet for us students. The other is to pick out articles from students in our school and edit them for use.
We hope that he/she could meet the following requirements: First, he/she is willing to devote some of the spare time to serving the others. Second, it’s necessary for him/ her to be good at both English and fine art. Needless to say that the ability to use the computer is important as well.
Those who are interested in the job, please get in touch with the Students’ Union this week.
Students’ Union
(40)
This afternoon we had a P.E lesson. Our teacher led us to practise long jump. When the bell rang, we gathered on the playground. After the warming-up exercises, the teacher told us the way of long jump and gave us an example. Then we followed the teacher and practised one after another. Soon came my turn and I felt nervous. I failed the fist time, but I wasn't discouraged. I kept on thinking the teacher's words and practising. At last I managed to jump over three meters.
From this class I come to realize that one can succeed if he has perseverance.