1. Is a Test of Spoken English Necessary?

A test of spoken English will be included as an optional component of College English Test (CET). Some people argue that it is absolutely necessary to hold a test of spoken English in China because we have been informed frequently that a Chinese student who has been learning English for over ten years cannot even communicate with a native speaker. A test of spoken English will bring the college students an awareness of the importance of oral English, and will thus help them with their communicating skills.

On the other hand, some others still maintain that a good command of reading and writing skills will be enough for the English learners. To some extent their opinion derives from the fact that students are already under considerable pressure from their coursework. Another required test will only add to their burden.

In my opinion, a test of spoken English will do more good than harm. Since China will continue its policy of opening and reform, the ability to speak English fluently is a must for anyone who wants to surpass others in a highly competitive society. Whether I take the test or not, I shall spare no efforts to practice oral English in the remaining years of my college study.

2. Do “Lucky Numbers” Really Bring Good Luck?

There are people who believe that some numbers bring good luck, while others bring bad luck. For instance, in China the number eight is thought to be lucky. Turning our attention to the West, we find that the number seven is considered lucky, but the number 13 is avoided like the plague.

In spite of all these claims, most people would agree that there is little evidence that numbers have any influence on our lives. In fact, they say, the reverse seems to be the case. For one thing, we might expect calculators to break down every time they note the number 13, and for another, although every week has seven days we know that not every week is lucky for us.

Weighing the pros and cons of these arguments, I am inclined to agree with the latter point of view. It is obvious that there is no scientific basis for the belief that there is a connection between luck and numbers. All in all, it seems to me to be superstition.

3. My View on Job-Hopping

Job-hopping, or frequent change of jobs, is becoming increasingly common in China today. As the economy grows, more opportunities for employment are appearing than before. The result is that people, especially young people, are tempted to change jobs frequently, seeking higher salaries or more interesting positions.

Nevertheless, many people prefer to stay in their old jobs. This is partly because they feel loyal to their work units, and partly because they dislike the idea of having to spend much time training for a new job. In addition, although a new job may offer higher pay or more opportunities for promotion, it may be located far from home and be inconvenient to reach.

I think it is a good thing for the workforce to be flexible, so that new demands for personnel can be satisfied quickly. However, if a person changes jobs too often, he or she will cause losses to the employing units. Moreover, frequent job-hopping prevents a person from gaining valuable job experience and developing good work habits.

4． Why I Take College English Test Band 6

(a)

Some people consider that it is unnecessary to take College English Test Band 6 (CET-6). One reason they cite is that most schools set CET-4 as the main requirement. Another reason is that they think that CET-6 is simply too difficult for them.

I, however, have decided to accept the challenge of CET-6. The preparation for this test will force me to raise the level of my English ability. Besides, I regard CET-6 as a stepping-stone to further qualifications in English which will help me in my future career.

All in all, taking CET-6 is advantageous for both a student’s studies and his personal development. The first advantage is that he will improve his English skills in an all-round way. The second is that he will strengthen his character by continuing his English studies when other people have been lazy and stopped.

(b)

When it comes to College English Test Band 6 (CET-6), opinions differ from person to person. Some hold the positive view. They believe that taking CET-6 is advantageous for both a student’s studies and his personal development. The first advantage is that he will improve his English skills in an all-round way. The second is that he will strengthen his character by continuing his English studies when other people have been lazy and stopped.

Others, however, hold the opposite view. They maintain that it is unnecessary to take College English Test Band 6 (CET-6). One reason they cite is that most schools set CET-4 as the main requirement. Another reason is that they think that CET-6 is simply too difficult for them.

Personally, I have decided to accept the challenge of CET-6. The preparation for this test will force me to raise the level of my English ability. Besides, I regard CET-6 as a stepping-stone to further qualifications in English which will help me in my future career.

5. Should Firecrackers Be Banned?

(a)

Some people think that setting off firecrackers is a good thing. They say that it is an ancient Chinese custom which should be preserved. They also claim that firecrackers make festivals and holiday occasions more colorful and entertaining for both adults and children.

On the other hand, there are many people who say that firecrackers should be banned. They point out that firecrackers are responsible for fires which destroy property, and for injuries suffered both by the people who set them off and by innocent bystanders. They also say that firecrackers are a waste of money and resources.

My own point of view is that we should preserve the old custom of letting off firecrackers, while at the same time making them harmless. We can do this by banning firecrackers from public places. In addition, we should restrict the setting off of firecrackers to festival days.

(b)

There is no denying the fact that setting off firecrackers has been a hotly debated topic in China

Others, however, hold the opposite view. They maintain that firecrackers should be banned. They point out that firecrackers are responsible for fires, which destroy, property, and for injuries suffered both by the people who set them off and by innocent bystanders. They also argue that firecrackers are a waste of money and resources.

Personally, I believe that we should not go to extremes. On the one hand, we should preserve the old custom of letting off firecrackers; on the other hand, we should make it harmless. This can be done by banning firecrackers from public places. In addition, the setting off of firecrackers should be restricted to festival days.

(c)

There has been much controversy over setting off firecrackers in the past years, with each party owning convincing evidences. Those who are in favor of setting firecrackers claim that it is an ancient Chinese custom that should be preserved. They also argue that firecrackers make festivals and holiday occasions more colorful and entertaining for both adults and children. Without firecrackers, festivals would become cold and cheerless.

On the other hand, there are many people who are of the opinion that firecrackers should be banned. They point out that firecrackers are responsible for fires which destroy property, and for injuries suffered both by the people who set them off and by innocent bystanders. Besides, they maintain that firecrackers lead to a waste of money and resources.

Personally, I think that both sides have something right. Actually, firecrackers should be viewed as a two-edged sword, which presents us with both benefits and troubles. But we should not give up eating for fear of choking. The best policy, as I see it, is to maximize their advantages and minimize their unhealthy influence, so that they can benefit us in a better way.

6. My View on Opportunity

There is no consensus of opinion in society about opportunities. There are some who think that opportunities come only rarely, and only to lucky people. Others argue that opportunities come to everyone from time to time.

Personally, I agree with the latter opinion. It seems to me that various kinds of opportunities are all around us all the time. The secret is to recognize opportunities and to grasp them in time, because they will not come to you of their own accord. For example, my classmates once refused to enter a national chemistry competition, because they thought that they had no chance of winning. But I took this opportunity, and by preparing well I managed to win the first prize.

    Now my motto is: Watch out for opportunities, and at all times prepare yourself to take advantage of them.