IELTS Writing Sample Essays Bank

Question

Sample Essay

In this time and age, higher education is advancing at an alarming rate. A sizable percentage of people hold the opinion that the government should be responsible for the full tuition of college students. They claim that after graduation, college students will contribute much to the society. However, I am convinced that university students should pay for their tuition fees. There are many reasons supporting my view.

The main reason is that it can ensure the quality of college education. If the college students do not pay the tuition fee, it will lay a heavy burden on the government. If the government is unable to invest enough money on university education because of the limited budget, the quality of education cannot be ensured.

The second reason for my propensity is that it is quite fair to require students to pay the full tuition. Some high school leavers give up their further study because they have their own life aim. That is to say, going to university is a totally personal choice. Therefore, it is not unreasonable that the people who make such choice pay for it.

Some people may say that students from the countryside and undeveloped areas cannot go to college if they are required to pay full tuition. It is a great loss to the country as well as a misfortune to students themselves. In fact, there are some feasible methods to solve the problem. The first option is the bank loan, although it may have to be paid back at a later date. In addition, students can work part-time to earn money to cover some expenses.

So, as I see it, college students should pay for the full tuition.

Score: 7

Question

Sample Essay

In the long history of human education, great changes have taken place in every field of study. However, testing a person by examination is still regarded as the only reliable and feasible method to measure one's knowledge and ability. From elementary schools to universities, students have to take many examinations. They even regard examinations as an indispensable part of their life.

Some people hold that examinations have negative impacts on students. First of all, examinations are unable to evaluate one's true ability. They can only test memory or the skill of working rapidly under pressure. Secondly, examinations encourage bad study habits. Students tend to lay emphasis on what will be tested. They are encouraged to memorize rather than to think. Finally, examinations lower the standards of teaching. Teachers have to train students exam-taking skills instead of teaching their subjects.

Many other people, however, believe examinations have some advantages. In the first place, they serve as a driving force to stimulate students to work hard. Laziness is part of human nature. Without examinations, students tend to ignore their studies. Moreover, the results of examinations are just like mirrors for both students and teachers. Students can assess themselves and teachers can adjust their teaching method according to the information they obtain from examination. Finally, till now no better methods have been discovered to replace examinations. Other forms of assessment are too time-consuming and therefore infeasible.

In my opinion, examinations have positive effects on teaching. They make students hard working. They also provide a clear objective standard by which the students can assess themselves and teachers can know what they should do next. Furthermore, at present no better methods are available. Therefore, I am sure examinations will continue to play an essential role in education.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Over the last several years, along with the rapid development of economy, an increasing number of parents have been sending their children to study abroad. A majority of people hold the view that studying abroad brings students many benefits, while others are of the opinion that students should finish university education in their motherland. It is quite natural that people from different backgrounds may have divergent attitudes towards it.

Those who advocate that studying abroad has a lot of disadvantages have their sound reasons. First of all, living far away from home, students will suffer from loneliness and homesickness. Overseas students often feel disoriented and depressed for lack of adequate knowledge and understanding of the local customs and lifestyle. Secondly, many students do not want to return to their native country after graduation because most of them want to have a more comfortable life and a brighter future overseas. This may result in a serious brain-drain and our country will inevitably incur a huge loss of talents.

To this issue, some other people hold a different attitude, arguing that students should go abroad to study. To begin with, it can broaden the students' vision. They get a chance to experience a totally different culture. The knowledge of social customs acquired in other countries helps them become more open-minded. Next, there are academic advantages. Students can learn advanced science and technology. They receive a different education. The book resources are more up-to-date. The professors are aware of all the latest development in their fields. Therefore the standard of teaching is much higher. Moreover, when they finish their study abroad, they will have more choices for their future career. All the above merits are conducive to their self-betterment and self-realisation.

For my part, I stand on the latter opinion that while overseas study has its drawbacks, the advantages are more obvious. It can broaden one's horizon. Students have easy access to the first-rate facilities and the latest development in science and technology. In addition, when they finish their study, they have more job opportunities. Therefore, as long as it is financially feasible, an overseas education may do a person more good than harm.

Score: 7

Question

Sample Essay

The job market for college graduates is getting tighter and tighter. According to a survey, in 2005 only 60 percent of college graduates found jobs. Why do college graduates find it increasingly difficult to get jobs? There are some personal and social reasons.

Graduates themselves are responsible for the situation. Nowadays university students cannot concentrate on their studies. High technology brings them many interesting things which can easily attract their attention such as watching TV, surfing the Internet and playing games. They are addicted to these activities, totally neglecting their studies. In addition, some graduates set too high salary standard and they are reluctant to seek a job in the less developed areas, where there are many opportunities for success and career development. Furthermore, there is no denying the fact that the students better equipped with practical knowledge are more competitive in job hunting, while those majoring in history, geography and the like have fewer job opportunities.

Should students assume all the responsibility? There are some social reasons, one of which is the boom of college graduates. For example, in China, only half of high school graduates were admitted to colleges and universities in 1997, but in 2001 two-thirds of them entered colleges. Obviously we will experience a sharp increase in the number of college graduates. Moreover, the world economy is in depression, which makes the situation of job market worse than ever. Another reason is that there exist some unreasonable employment policies such as sexual discrimination and residence permit restriction.

In order to solve the problem, college graduates should spend more time on their learning to improve their academic performance. They also need to have a moderate salary requirement. Meanwhile, the government should encourage the development of the economy to create more job opportunities to young people. All the unreasonable policies should be abolished.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

College is a place where students can gain more new knowledge and experience. Of course, different people have different reasons for attending college: some may want to further their study in college; some hope to find a good job while some others wish to exchange their present situation through studying in college. In my opinion, college study can be best defined as a preparation for one's future life.

Firstly, students can gain new knowledge and experience from studying in college. Teachers and professors in college who possess not only abundant professional knowledge but also plentiful of teaching experience will supply students with new knowledge and direct them to solve problems in reality. With their help, students can be equipped with knowledge in a specific area, which will pave the road for their future career.

Secondly, students can learn how to arrange time efficiently. Before studying in college, their life may often be arranged by their parents, and their study by teachers. It is very different for them to live and study in college, because they will have to arrange their life and study by themselves. They have to decide things such as when to get up, when to play, and when to finish their assignment, etc. This experience is of great importance for their work and life in the future.

Thirdly, studying in college gives students an opportunity to live with others and learn to cooperate with others. Usually, people feel uncomfortable about living with strangers because of different habits and values. But in the long run, it will turn out good for them because in the process of forcing themselves to cooperate with others and solve problems together, they will learn to care for and understand other people. It is a preparation for students to cooperate with others in society.

All in all, students can not only gain lots of new knowledge but also accumulate much more experience, such as how to arrange time and how to cooperate with other people. Therefore, college study serves as an important preparation for their future work and life.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

What should be the purpose of college education? No doubt, different people, or even different universities, may see it quite differently. As to me, I tend to support the view that it should aim at cultivating the students' overall abilities.

First of all, social progress needs overall developed college graduates in the long run. When we ask ourselves the question: "What kind of college graduates does the society need?" The answer is just too obvious: ones with a good command of the knowledge in their own fields of study, ones with a healthy body, ones with a healthy mentality, ones with good communication skills, ones with teamwork spirit, ones with creative, innovative ability or the ability for implemen-tation. What are all these things? Again, the answer is just simple overall abilities.

Second, an overall developed graduate would find a job more easily. You can ask an employer of a certain enterprise: What type of employees do you wish to employ? If this question is a little unclear, we can make it more specific by letting him make a choice: A. an overall developed college graduate; B. a non-overall developed college graduate. Sup-posing every other things remain equal, we have sound reasons to believe that he will defi-nitely select A.

Admittedly, it is praiseworthy of universities to be concerned about their graduates' job-hunting issues, for anyone should first solve the problem of making a living before talking about later on development. Besides, it is also the shared aspiration of all college graduates to have a well-paid job that they like and that points to a good prospect in the future. However, no one would ever deny the fact that to cultivate the overall abilities of the students is always closely re-lated to and in no way conflicts or contradicts against good job opportunities.

From the foregoing discussion, we can come to the conclusion that the purpose of college education should always target at cultivating the overall abilities of the students.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

While some people think that the best way to get prepared for future career is studying in a college or university, there are others who hold that one should leave school as early as possible and develop his career through work experience. In this essay, I will discuss the two views from the following aspects.

Firstly, going to college is very useful. One needs to learn and acquire a lot of fundamental and theoretical knowledge that will prove to be of practical significance in his future career development. In this respect, a college education can well serve as a means to the end. It is not hard to reckon that the theoretical and fundamental knowledge one acquires at college will at least help broaden his vision and horizon and thus give him the edge over those who have not done so.

Secondly, one's success, especially financial success, is not determined by whether or not he has been educated in college. It seems that work experience and opportunity play a more important role. I have quite a few friends who merely managed to finish primary or junior high school and went into business right away. Some of them struck rich in a few years and are now managing very large companies which employ over 1,000 workers, most of their employees being college graduates.

However, our society is undergoing fast development and changes, thus raising higher and higher requirements for knowledge. In this context, people's education levels gradually reveal their corresponding advantages and disadvantages. So far as employment is concerned, those who have received a college education naturally have more chances than those who have not. And in terms of the new models of achieving success, tremendous fortune is in-creasingly related to the trend of scientific and technological development, fully demonstrat-ing the value of college education.

So, even though there are quite some stories of successful people without a college education, we can assert from the development trend of the world that this will become rarer and rarer. Therefore, if one has the chance, it is more advisable for him to go to college.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

In most countries, most high school graduates go directly to university. Some people oppose this practice. They claim that students should get a job or have a travel for one year before starting their university education. They argue that, by this way, students can obtain work experience and their sights can be enlarged. However, I doubt whether the arguments could hold much water.

First, it is a waste of time. Since students are in their formative years, the main task of students is to study hard and learn what is needed for the development of our nation. The knowledge and skills which they have gained in high school are surely inadequate. Compared with studying, working and traveling, to some extent, are more relaxing and less painstaking, so after one-year exciting experience outside campus, some young people tend to give up their learning. At least, they cannot concentrate on their studies. It is a great loss to themselves as well as a great misfortune for our country.

Second, young students may be hurt psychologically. The job or the trip may expose then to social ills at an age when they cannot differentiate good from bad. Their early contact with the complicated society makes them more easily contaminated by unwholesome influence. For example, they maybe become money-oriented.

Finally, studying in university can also enrich their social experience and widen their vision. The university is a small society so university students have to communicate with teachers, peers and other people and they have to deal with some problems. During holidays, they can find part-time jobs and go out to travel.

In conclusion, students should continue their studies after graduation from high school. Social experience can be gained after finishing their studies.

Score: 7

Question

Sample Essay

There is no denying that a college or university education is very beneficial. Those who receive higher education have more opportunities. They often hold better jobs, earn a higher income and enjoy a more comfortable and secure lifestyle. Unfortunately, places in university are often limited and reserved for "good" students. It is my belief that this practice is not only detrimental to those "bad" students, but to the society as a whole. Therefore, higher education should be available to all students.

One reason that higher education should not be limited to good students is that not all sec-ondary students study in equal circumstances. The facilities and teaching at some high schools are superior to those at others, and the students who study there enjoy a great ad-vantage. In addition, a student's performance can be affected by his or her home environ-ment or family financial pressure. It is often more difficult for a student from a disadvan-taged environment and school district to perform well. However, this does not mean that the students would not appreciate and benefit from higher education if given the opportunity

Another reason for making higher education available to all is to encourage less capable students to improve. If marginal students believe that they have no hope of entering university, they may feel that there is no point in studying diligently. However, if they see a more direct relationship between their academic performance and their future opportunities, they will be more motivated. In this way, a poor student may turn out to be a good one.

Finally, a better educated population contributes to the growth and prosperity of a society as a whole. For this reason, it is advantageous to educate as many young people as possible. Furthermore, by denying higher education to students who do not make their mark in their secondary education, the country may be ignoring a future Einstein. When every person in the society is given the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, the society will benefit.

For all of these reasons, I believe that higher education should be available to all students, not only to those with good academic performance in high school. Of course, it is desirable to encourage good performance in students. This can be done by offering financial support in the form of scholarships to those who work hard. In this way, we can ensure that students have the ability to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Recently, parents tend to attach greater importance to their children's education. Some parents hold the opinion that the school has the main duty to educate their children. How-ever, some teachers take the view that parents should also assume the responsibility. Views on this issue vary from person to person.

People who hold the opinion that the school should shoulder the major responsibility to educate children have some sound reasons. In the first place, most of the children's waking time is spent in schools, and their purpose to attend school is to receive education. Secondly, the parents pay for the education of their children, so they have the rights to receive correspondent services. As an institution of education, the school has the sole responsibility to educate the younger generation. Moreover, there are well-equipped facilities and welltrained teachers in schools.

However, the other side of the coin voices its strong opposition, saying that the parents should assume the main duty of children's education, First of all, the parents know their children more than the school, and they know what to teach and in what way can it be accepted. In the second place, it is beneficial to teach children in accordance with their specific features. Furthermore, in school, each child gets inadequate individual attention, and sometimes his or her particular needs are passed over.

Admittedly, there are merits to both arguments. From my own perspective, I would like to take a more balanced position. Schools and parents are both essential to children's all-around development and they should take the responsibility together.

Score: 7

Question

Sample Essay

When asked what kind of school, a boarding or day school, is better for young children's education, some people think a boarding school is more desirable while some prefer a day school.

Those for a boarding school are justified, I think, in holding that children can learn to be in-dependent earlier when they are far away from home at an early age. Being away from home, young children are less likely to be spoiled by their parents or grandparents. They have to care for themselves, like washing clothes, buying necessities of life, etc. They also think that living in a boarding school, together with people of the same age, is greatly bene-ficial to the building-up of children's personality. Young children can learn what cannot be learned at home, such as getting on well with others, the idea of cooperation, collectivism, and caring for others.

However, those for a day school think quite the opposite. They argue that family education is also very important in addition to school education because family care and love amount to much in the development of children's personality, particularly in their childhood. There will be some psychological defects in a person, like being indifferent, unsociable, and cruel, if he does not enjoy enough family care and parental love during the formation of his charac-fer. The second reason is that young children need parents' supervision and guidance be-cause they are still not mature enough to restrain themselves. Although teachers play a part, they cannot spare enough attention for each student.

As far as I am concerned, I think there is truth in the arguments of these two parties. I would like to have a balanced view-a day school and home living are good for children in their childhood. When they are old enough to go to high school, it will be more desirable for them to go to a boarding school.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

These days, there is a growing tendency for students to enter private schools. A large number of people hold the opinion that private schools play a more important role in education than public schools. Other people, however, hold the opinion that public schools offer their children more advantages. For my part, I think both public schools and private schools are indispensable to our society.

On one hand, it is increasingly acknowledged that private schools, with their unique characteristics can provide their students with more practical skills, which makes them more competitive in the job market. Generally speaking, a private school is renowned for certain fields of study, such as law or medicine in which many eminent authorities serve as tutors. In general, private schools, financed mainly through contributions and high tuition fees, have plenty of funds to invest in advanced teaching facilities, which can make the students' lives and studies more convenient and comfortable. But, at the same time, high tuition fees are an obstacle for gifted but poor students.

On the other hand, the great contributions of public schools cannot be ignored. Poor students have easier access to the public schools that are supported by the government. Schools, ideally, should provide profound, systematic learning of various subjects. The public school that provides wide-ranging subjects for the students is ideal for such training. Furthermore, since education has been more and more emphasised nowadays, the government will, undoubtedly, invest more money in public schools.

From what has been discussed above, we may safely draw the conclusion that both public schools and private schools are necessary to train young people for our country's development and construction.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

At most universities there is a variety of housing options for students to choose from. Two of the most common ones are university dormitories and off-campus apartments. Each of these options has its advantages, so students should make their decisions carefully.

When moving into a university dormitory, students will find the following advantages. First, it is usually located on the campus and so it is very convenient for students to get to their classes, the library, and other university facilities. They will save the time that they would have otherwise spent commuting to campus. Second, living in a campus dormitory offers students a convenient life. They do not have to worry about cooking meals or paying utility bills on time because all these services are included. They will be able to devote more time to their studies and extracurricular activities. Finally, living in a dormitory makes it easy for students to meet others and develop friendships. In addition to sharing living and recreation space, students can meet others through activities organised by the university or the dormitory itself. This is especially helpful to new students.

As for off-campus apartments, there are also several advantages. First of all, living away from the university allows students to develop more independence. Having more responsibility for their daily needs when they are students, they may find it easier to adjust to life on their own after graduation. In addition, the more independent lifestyle offers more freedom. Without university restrictions, the students can keep their own hours and set their own limits. Finally, students who live off-campus have more personal space. They do not have to share their bedrooms or bathrooms with many other people. This may allow them to better relax when they are not in class.

In conclusion, both university dormitories and off-campus apartments offer certain advantages to students. Which one to choose depends on what is important to the student. As for me, I would choose to live in a university dormitory for the first year. This would allow me to make friends and get accustomed to school life without the distraction of having to worry about my daily needs. Later, I would move into an off-campus apartment in order to develop my independence and enjoy a freer lifestyle.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Many parents would like to spend more money sending their children to boarding schools so that they can receive a better education. However, there are many others who prefer to let their kids stay at home. In my point of view, it is better for students to live in school accommodations.

In the first place, living in school accommodations can cultivate students' ability to live Independently. Students have to deal with many problems when they live on campus, such as learning how to adapt to a new environment and how to get along with other people. For instance, I began to live in boarding school since high school. Though at first I found it difficult to live alone, I gradually became open-minded and understood how to solve different problems on my own. These benefited me a lot in my later career life. I acquired many interpersonal communication skills and knowledge through living in school.

Furthermore, living on campus can broaden our vision and horizon. Living in school accommodations, we are closer to many other students coming from various parts of the country and with diversified cultural backgrounds. Communicating with them enables us to learn from one another and make progress together. Unavoidably, we will be faced with some different opinions. Nevertheless, it is these counterviews that make us learn more.

Of course, everything has two sides. Likewise, living in school also has its drawbacks. For example, students will have to be confronted with many psychological problems, for they ften feel lonely and helpless in a new environment. However, these experiences may be omething beneficial to their future development.

Therefore, living in school has more advantages than living at home with parents.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

People's views on the size of a class vary. While some people hold that a small class is bet-ter for learning, there are others who argue that a big one is better. On a personal note, I am convinced that a small class is better for learning.

In the first place, with a small number of students in one class, the classroom atmosphere would be relatively quiet and, therefore, it would be possible for students to concentrate on their learning. This can be easily understood, for, after all, the noise made by 10 or 20 people is much lower than that made by 100 or even 200 people!

Also, with fewer students, the teacher would find it much easier to manipulate the class, that a to have the whole class under complete control. If there are too many students, the teacher would be at a loss as to what to do because controlling the situation Itself would be challenging enough.

Besides, in a small class, the students could have more interactive activities with the teacher and the teacher can give each student whatever instructions or help that he or she needs. When the number of students in a class is much too big, one-to-one or one-to-several tutoring is simply impossible.

From the above discussion, we can safely come to the conclusion that the size of a class does have much influence on the students' leaming effect. A small class is better for learning.

Score: 7

Question

Sample Essay

For many teenagers, dealing with their first days at a new school not only means encountering many exciting new things, but also means overcoming difficulties. They may be delighted to start pursuing more advanced study, another step towards their future success. But on the other hand, unpleasant sentiments, including loneliness, might hit them. when they have to work under the huge psychological pressure of adjusting to a new life of study.

Part of the difficulties they face over this period is due to a changed academic environment. When proceeding to a university or a new school overseas, a student may face a different set of academic norms and expectations. The differences are significant enough to require adjustments in their learning style and attitudes to knowledge, when difficulties arise. Challenges also come from their peers. To ensure that their study performance is equal to or better than their fellow students, they need to work very hard, under great psychological pressure.

However, there are more problems when they commence their new school life. For many students, this may be their first foray beyond the borders of the family home, perhaps living in another city or country. It may take them time to acclimatize and adapt, and local food might not suit their tastes. Sharing accommodation, they may not be able to get along well with other fellow students and suffer from the strain related to interpersonal relationships with relative strangers. To make matters worse, these new students are likely to find it hard to get used to and blend into the local culture, especially in the case of overseas students. In short, lack of familiarity adds to their homesickness, making them even more uncomfortable.

School authorities may play an important role in helping students to settle in. First of all, the orientation programmes could last long enough to enable students to feel at home. Furthermore, such programmes should be on a more individual basis so that new students can get a clearer picture of school rules and facilities, in addition to accommodating special needs of particular students. Moreover, it would be a good idea for schools to organise some excursions and outings during the first days. Such activities would give students a better understanding of the local culture, as well as promoting better mutual understanding between peers.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

A criticism often heard these days is that the subjects taught in schools tend to be too academic, and contribute little to preparing a young person for the real-life tasks he or she will have to perform after graduation. They say that academic subjects are rooted in the past, and are not useful for solving modern problems. I disagree with this point of view for three reasons.

My first reason is that it is the duty of parents, not teachers, to prepare their children to deal with the practical affairs of life. The home, not the classroom, is the ideal place to learn about home management and interpersonal skills. As for work abilities and attitudes. they are best learned on the job and under the supervision of an experienced older worker.

My second reason is that academic subjects have withstood the test of time. They repre-sent the accumulated wisdom of our ancestors down through the ages, and, far from being impractical, they equip us with the knowledge and confidence to make sound judgments about any problems which may crop up. In addition, academic subjects are good for train-ing us in mental discipline, while practical subjects are weak in this regard.

My third reason is based on the saying "Man does not live by bread alone." Schooldays devoted solely to instruction in down-to-earth practical matters would be dull indeed. Lessons in the best literature of the world and the epoch-making scientific and geographical discoveries of the past enrich our lives and make us feel that we are part of the great family of mankind.

All in all, the teaching of academic subjects in schools is entirely appropriate. It is my firmly held view that practical subjects have no place in the classroom. On the contrary, the curriculum should be more academic.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

I frown when I hear people suggest that job-oriented programmes should get a bigger share than traditional ones in curriculums of tertiary educational institutions in the hope that graduates can get easy access to employment. In my opinion, their view is short-sighted and flawed. Indeed, equal attention should be paid to both academic excellence and preparation for a working life.

Every subject performs a unique and important role in a student's personal and mental development. It is true that practical courses like computer science and business courses are very useful and students who are adept at them will have a unique advantage in seeking a job. However, if they know nothing beyond these job-oriented skills, they will become robots rather than human beings. As a result, nations, in the long run, will lose their cultural identities.

In fact, knowledge of history and geography is an integral part of human beings' overall qualities. This knowledge, which may seem less practical, is fundamental and necessary to shape students as useful members of society. For example, history teaches people about the development of their country, thus establishing a sense of national identity and pride. People with a knowledge of geography are generally more environmentally conscious, which, in the long run, is essential to achieving sustainable economic development and ensuring the survival of human beings.

In fact, without the benefit of knowledge of history and geography, students cannot do well in learning practical courses either. Students pursuing business courses will be involved in cross-cultural communication. When promoting their products in foreign markets, knowing the local culture, history and geography is a key for them to work out a successful marketing strategy.

A graduate with a wide range of knowledge besides his specialised and practical skills will get on better in society, and such a society will better off as a result. For these reasons. traditional courses deserve at least equal attention as practical ones.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Whether theory and practice are contradictory to each other has long since been a controversial issue and is still unresolved. Some people claim that university should not provide theoretical knowledge but to give practical training, which sounds unreasonable and even ridiculous to me. What my viewpoint towards this issue is that university should function as a comprehensive academic institution which can provide both theoretical knowledge and practical training.

At first, I would like to point out that university is an intermediate stage where the graduates from high school prepare themselves for their future in society. As we all know, high schools focus relatively more emphasis on elementary education, which means the teaching in high schools is based on theoretical knowledge instead of practical training. Provided the university only attaches importance to the practical training, how can the college students adjust themselves to society and make contributions later without learning about applying theory into practice?

Secondly, theoretical knowledge has settled foundation for practical training which serves as essentially as a cornerstone. The latter will not even be able to exist without the former one's guiding and directing. Take my own experience for example. When I was a freshman in university, I was offered a part-time job as a proofreader in a press. I accepted it without any hesitation considering it to be an extremely rare and valuable opportunity for practical training. Less than two weeks later I was dismissed by the chief editor who was mainly in charge of proofreading. The reason is simply that I was not qualified for the job due to lack of some correspondent theoretical knowledge.

Thirdly, theoretical knowledge itself derives from practice via a demanding and sophisticated course of refining and abstracting. To provide proper amount of theoretical knowledge can consequently save money as well as time which are supposed to be devoted to practical training.

In general, I stand my position that university ought not to replace theoretical knowledge teaching with practical training. Instead, we should attach the same importance to both aspects.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Some people hold that college students are supposed to study imperative courses assigned by the government while others argue that they should be endowed with the right to select whatever subjects appealing to their own interest. As far as I'm concerned, I side with the latter viewpoint and will demonstrate it in the following aspects.

First and foremost, it is the basic human right to make personal choices, including what to study on campus, as schools are mere places for receiving education rather than military camps forcing people to accept everything imposed on them. Students, despite the fact that they just step into adulthood and may thus be inexperienced, actually don't need the government to confine them to a tiny little framework of knowledge. As an independent university student, one is both supposed to and able to apply for any subject he's keen on and shoulders all responsibilities for the decision.

In the second place, each individual is distinctive, meaning that one doubtlessly has his own aptitudes as well as weaknesses. As is known to all, one man's meat could be another's pol son. Therefore, the government should be sensible enough to entitle every single student to design or at least decide on his own curriculum according to his specific learning style and preference. It would have been a total catastrophe to have forced Beethoven to major in math and Einstein to work on opera.

Every coin has two sides. Admittedly, there are still a few merits for students to take subjects determined by the government. For instance, students can better comprehend and pursue the latest trend of the country's cultural orientations, if they want to. What's more, they can lead a relatively easier acadernic life simply by following what is already prepared for them by the government. However, as we can clearly notify that these incentives are just for the sake of convenience.

To sum up, to select subjects on one's own will contributes more to students' all-round development and it conforms more closely to human nature as well.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

People are always learning and practicing through their whole lives. From reading words in textbook such as toy, car, etc., people develop concepts and ideas. They further understand the actual meaning of these words by playing toys, riding cars, etc. Education (books) and experience are the two main channels for people to gain their knowledge. Each plays a different role for people. In my opinion, knowledge from experience is more important than that from books.

Experience firstly can prove whether the knowledge from books is true or false. Textbooks are very wonderful in teaching people essential principles. However, people can only understand the real meaning of those from books and justify them if they are right through practices. A few hundred years ago, people learnt from textbooks that the earth was flat. However, navigators found that was wrong through observations and voyage.

Knowledge from experience can improve and advance the world and our society. As books have limitations, they only teach us about what people found in the past. The knowledge from the books is constrained to the certain conditions and environment. For example, the university course only taught me very simple cases. Most knowledge I possess is obtained from various difficult and complicated cases in my career. There are a lot of new inventions and new products, which could not be found yet in textbooks. Our society and world are developed through continuous practices. Some knowledge, never found in books, such as Internet, e-business, etc. are all developed through new practices.

"The truth comes from practices and experience", so goes an old saying. People are continually discovering new things and assessing the credibility of knowledge written in books. The knowledge from experience helps us much more than that from books.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

As we grow, we leam many things about life. Some of these lessons are easy and some are difficult. What is the best way to leam them? Some believe that they can leam best by listening to the advice of others, while some people believe that it is better to leam through personal experience. Both methods have their advantages.

In the first case, learning by listening to others, we have the benefit of learning from others' mistakes and are thus being able to avoid them ourselves. We can take advantage of the experience and wisdom of our friends and family. This will help us make better decisions and avoid costly errors. Furthermore, the people who know us well can advise us effectively because they understand our strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, they are sometimes able to see situations more objectively than we are.

In the second case, learning through doing, we have the advantage of gaining meaningful experience. We will no doubt better remember the lessons we learn when we enjoy the rewards or suffer the consequences ourselves. Moreover, we can often develop other skills through personal experience and can learn from our mistakes. Finally, no two people are exactly alike. Therefore, what family and friends think may be suitable for them, but not appropriate for us.

Given a choice between these two ways of learning about life, I would still choose the former, learning through the advice of others. This is because I believe I should take advantage of all the resources available, and the experiences of my family and friends are a valuable resource. For example, if I were preparing to take my first trip abroad on my own, the advice of others who have already experienced such a trip could only help me. Just as we can learn from history, we can learn from the past actions of those close to us.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Some people may believe that going to classes should be optional, but I disagree. I don't understand how university students can expect to leam anything if they don't attend classes. Personal experience can help people learn about themselves and the world outside the classroom, but when it comes to learning about academic subjects, students need to be in class.

In class they receive the benefit of the teacher's knowledge. The best teachers can do more than just go over the material in the textbook. They draw their students into discussion on the material. They present opposing points of view. They schedule guest speakers to come. give the students additional information, or show documentary films on the subject.

Also classes on any subject provide more than just facts. The students are taught how to leam, how to get information and then apply what they've learned in other situations. Their teacher is the best one to help them with these skills. They can't learn them just by reading the textbook.

By going to class, the students can learn how to work with the other members of the class. Many times, students will be given group assignments. This is different from what they did in secondary school. Here they are with people from different backgrounds and experiences. In this situation, they learn how to cooperate with people different from themselves to achieve a common good.

In short, by going to class, students get more than just information from the teacher. They also learn how to learn, how to work with others, and how to work responsibly. These are not optional skills in life, so attending classes should not be optional.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

In many universities, students are asked to evaluate their teachers after each course. Some people believe the system has many advantages to the students and the teachers. Others argue that it would lead to poor discipline in the classroom. Indeed, evaluation of their teachers by students has both pros and cons.

There are many drawbacks in student assessment. First of all, students are very young and, compared with their teachers, are less knowledgeable both in theory and practice on a subject. Therefore, they are unable to evaluate their teachers' performance in a sound way Secondly, student assessment would lead to poor discipline in the classroom. If each of the students is allowed to decide on what, how and when to learn, classroom management would become impossible. Thirdly, in order to gain a better evaluation, teachers would seek to please each of the students by lowering the study requirements. This would do harm to students' academic performance in the long run.

However, advocates of student assessment have their reasons. Firstly, this kind of feedback can be used to improve teachers' performance. Teaching methods can only be successful if they are student-centred. Therefore, listening to the students' constructive suggestions, teachers will have a better idea of what students' needs are and can then adjust their teaching to meet them. Secondly, the process of writing evaluations will help the students think in their own way independently. Students should be encouraged to learn by even challenging their teachers thinking. Thirdly, the matter could be considered in a commercial way. Teachers are those who provide paid educational services while students, paying for their education. are customers. In this way, it can be fully justified that students have the right to evaluate the services they receive.

In my own opinion, student evaluations of teachers would be beneficial to both teachers and students. Teachers can adjust their teaching according to the information they obtain from the evaluation. Students' ability of independent thinking and learning can be greatly Improved. Moreover, the practice is the outcome of market economy. Students have rights to evaluate their teachers.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

People's view on the advantages and disadvantages of learning from computers and from human teachers vary from person to person. While some people believe that learning from computers is more convenient and more economical than learning from human teacher, there are others who hold that learning with the help of human teachers can ensure better learning effect. On a personal note, I argue that these two approaches both have positive and negative aspects and thereby a combination of these two approaches of learning is the best policy.

First, nowadays with the development of computer science, we use computers almost in every aspect of our life, especially in education. Some people predict that one day computer will take the place of human teacher. Is that true? It is true that it is both convenient and economical to learn this way. For example, we can listen to online lectures without leaving our homes and can stop at any time we want. We can also take free courses on the Internet.

But we also have to admit that if we have doubts and problems while we are listening to the online lecture, which is sure to happen from time to time, no one can help us out right away. To solve this problem, what we need to do is perhaps to send e-mails and then wait for the reply for days or even for weeks. However, we don't have to face such problems if we leam from human teachers as they can help us out at once. Also, they can adjust their teaching process according to how well we can follow them, that is, they can adapt their teaching methods to suit our actual levels.

While leaming from human teachers does possess many an advantage, it is also a fact that we will have to go to school every day and in so doing, we will have to spend a lot of time travelling to and from schools, thus suffering from traffic jams and all the kinds of inconveniences.

As a whole, both computer teachers and human teachers have their advantages and disadvantages in their own special and unique way. Therefore, I'm sure they will exist side by side in the future. This means that it is most advisable for us to combine these two ways of learning.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

I would argue in this essay that learning from teachers is more advisable in that with the help of teachers, we can learn faster and learn in a more enjoyable manner.

First of all, learning from teachers can make sure that we learn more quickly. As we all know, teachers have received professional trainings which means that they are supposed to know much more than we do on a certain subject. Besides, they have rich experience which can help ensure that we learn more effectively and that we can quickly understand what we should understand. This will be hard to achieve if we learn by ourselves, for, after all, both our knowledge and ability to solve problems are limited; otherwise, we would not need teachers at all.

Second, it is more fun to learn from teachers. As we know, learning is a long process which requires a lot of patience and endurance to be carried on. This naturally poses a great challenge to us all: how can we make it? The answer is simple: to develop interest. As the saying goes, "Interest is the best teacher." With interest, we would feel that learning, which used to be so boring, suddenly becomes so much fun and thus we are happy and self-motivated to learn. To do this is nothing easy because the entire process of learning is full of hardships and despairs. However, our teachers are capable of making their class teaching lively and interesting which in turn, can greatly arouse our passion and enthusiasm for learning and finally enable us to find fun in it, thus carrying it on and on.

Based on the above discussion, we see that learning under the guidance of teachers can make the learning process itself easier and more enjoyable.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

There is no denying that a teacher's role in the overall development of a student is multifaceted. As a teacher, one's primary obligation is to teach students academic knowledge. Yet, it is equally important for him to make sure that the students make progress in other aspects.

First of all, whether one can effectively pass academic knowledge to the students makes the first and most important criterion for judging him as a qualified or unqualified teacher. The main task for the students to perform at school is to lay a solid foundation for their study at a higher level, thus the task for a teacher is to assist them to achieve this goal.

Second, a teacher's obligation is not just confined to passing on academic knowledge to the students. The students are also supposed to develop their ability to judge right from wrong, thus becoming good citizens when they step out of school. To do this, a teacher will have more roles to play than just teaching academic subjects. He will have to set a good example of morality himself and share or discuss with his students his viewpoints towards different phenomena in society. In a sense, apart from the role as a pure academic teacher. he also serves the roles of students' parents at school.

Admittedly, a teacher can relatively be more sure about the academic progress of the students, but not that sure about their moral development for the simple reason that society is a big dyeing pool in which one's being dyed into a certain colour is the result of many factors of which family and many other things also have a role to play. Therefore, seen from this perspective, the influence of a teacher is, after all, limited.

From the above discussion, we can come to the conclusion that apart from teaching students academic subjects, a teacher should also try his best to mould their personality and moral image. Meanwhile, the society as a whole is also supposed to work together to ensure the students' overall development.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

It is a common practice for schools to require their students to wear school uniforms. It is very understandable that school authorities carry out such a policy, because it obviously benefits not only schools but also their students.

Schools are the places where students receive formal education. A sound study environment can contribute to students' satisfactory study performance. To require students to be in school uniforms is part of a school's efforts to create a good learning environment.

Wearing school uniforms is also seen to offer other benefits to students. An obvious one is to ease the financial burden for students. Being in school uniform from Monday to Friday means that there is almost no need for students to buy many other clothes to wear. Another potential advantage is the effect it may have on the students' personal development. School uniforms give children a sense of student identity and belonging to a particular school. Realising this, students tend to work harder on their courses.

One might argue that the requirement to wear uniforms may discourage individuality and creativity. As a matter of fact, such an argument is flawed. School uniforms of the same colour and design instill the notion that an organisation has greater importance on value than an individual's creativity. In fact, in today's highly organised society, it is this view which should prevail.

In conclusion, school uniforms play a significant role in encouraging the students to be hardworking and disciplined.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

It is quite common these days for young people in many countries to have a break from studying after graduating from high school. The trend is not restricted to rich students who have the money to travel, but is also evident among poorer students who choose to work and become economically independent for a period of time.

The reason for this trend may involve the recognition that a young adult who passes directly from school to university is rather restricted in terms of general knowledge and experience of the world. By contrast, those who have spent some time eaming a living or travelling to other places have a broader view of life and better personal resources to draw on. They tend to be more independent, which is a very important factor in academic study and research, as well as giving them an advantage in terms of coping with the challenges of student life.

However, there are certainly dangers in taking time off at that important age. Young adults may end up never returning to their studies or finding it difficult to readapt to an academic environment. They may think that it is better to continue in a particular job, or to do something completely different from a university course. But overall, I think this is less likely today, when academic qualifications are essential for getting a reasonable career.

My view is that young people should be encouraged to broaden their horizons. That is the best way for them to get a clear perspective of what they are hoping to do with their lives and why. Students with such a perspective are usually the most effective and motivated ones and taking a year off may be the best way to gain this.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

When it comes to whether children should be allowed to work outside school hours, some educators are strongly against it, claiming that part-time work may have a negative influence on their study. Obviously, if students spend too much time on employment, it may contribute to poor academic performance. However, if they do a part-time job over reasonable hours, it may be extremely valuable for them.

One of the clear advantages is that they could finance part of their education from their own eamings, easing the financial burden on their parents. The extra money earned may enable them to get better access to various educational resources, such as books, stationery. special courses, and special-interest clubs. Using money of their own, they tend to value such opportunities more. In return, this will undoubtedly benefit them a great deal in their study.

What matters even more is that when they do part-time jobs, they may learn something practical that they could never be taught at school. For instance, a student working part-time in a software company could keep himself well-informed about the latest software not even installed in his school's computer lab.

Students in part-time employment would also stand a chance of being exposed to different types of people, thus helping them to become mature when dealing with interpersonal relationships. Let's take the example of a student working in sales. To sell products, the young person is constantly obliged to assess and satisfy the needs of his customers. By and by, he learns to be considerate in associating with other people. This must be very beneficial for his future success.

In a word, students should be encouraged to take up part-time employment outside school hours.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

There is a growing tendency these days for students to take part-time jobs, even though they are following full-time higher-education courses. Many people criticize this on the grounds that working part-time interferes with their studies and gives them little or no useful experience. Besides, they say, the little extra money they eam does not compensate for the fatigue incurred by working and studying at the same time.

But it seems to me that working at a part-time job is useful for helping a student learn how to arrange his or her time properly. We all must learn to plan our time so that we do not become absorbed in one single task, no matter how important it is. In later life, the student will have to be able to balance the demands of a career with the demands of his or her family, and at the same time handle various unexpected crises.

As for the money eamed from part-time jobs, I firmly believe that it is not only useful but also necessary nowadays for students to eam extra money, no matter how little. Tuition fees and the prices of books, not to mention the cost of living, are soaring by the day. As a result, sometimes even a small sum of extra money is very important.

To sum up, I agree that full-time students should take part-time jobs. Working while studying teaches the student good time-management habits. Most students need extra money, and if the jobs are chosen properly they can benefit not only the students' pockets, but also their health and studies as well.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

There is no doubt that going to study in a foreign country, with its different language and culture, can be a frustrating and sometimes painful experience. But while overseas study has its drawbacks, the difficulties are far outweighed by the advantages. Indeed, people who go abroad for study open themselves up to experiences that those who stay at home will never have.

The most obvious advantage of overseas university study is real-life use of a different language. While a person can study a foreign language in his or her own country, it cannot compare with constant use of the language in academic and everyday life. There is no better opportunity to improve second-language skills than living in the country in which it is spoken. Moreover, having used the language during one's studies offers a distinct advantage when one is applying for jobs back home that require the language.

On a campus, the foreign student is not alone in having come from far away. He or she will likely encounter many others from overseas and it is possible to make friends with people from all around the world. This is not only exciting on a social level, but could lead to important overseas contacts in later professional life.

Finally, living and studying abroad offers one a new and different perspective of the world and, perhaps most importantly, of one's own country. Once beyond the initial shock of being in a new culture, the student slowly begins to get a meaningful understanding of the host society. On returning home, one inevitably sees one's own country in a new, often more appreciative angle.

In conclusion, while any anxiety about going overseas for study is certainly understandable. it is important to remember that the benefits offered by the experience make it well worthwhile.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Studying a language in a country where it is widely spoken has many advantages. It is, therefore, a good idea to study English in a country such as Australia. However, I believe it is not the only way to learn the language.

In the first place, most students in non-English speaking countries leam English at secondary school, and some even at university nowadays. Although their spoken English is not usually of a very high standard, their knowledge of grammar is often quite advanced. This is certainly useful when students come to an English-speaking country to perfect the language.

Secondly, studying the basics of English at secondary school is less stressful than learning the language while overseas. This is because students living at home do not have to worry about problems such as finding accommodation, paying for their study and living costs, and trying to survive in a foreign country where day-to-day living causes much stress.

However, there are obvious advantages of leaming English in an English-speaking country. Every day there are opportunities to practice listening to and speaking with native speakers. Also, students can experience the culture first-hand, which is a great help when trying to understand the language. This is especially true if they choose to live with native speakers, as part of a homestay family, for example. Furthermore, if students attend a language school full-time, the teachers are native speakers. In this case, not only will students improve speaking and listening skills, but attention can be paid to developing reading and writing skills as well.

In general, even though it is preferable to study English in an English-speaking country, a reasonable level of English can be achieved in one's own country, if a student is gifted and dedicated to study.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

I fully support the assertion that to learn a language well, we should be familiar with the country as well as the cultures and lifestyles of the people who speak it.

Let's first see how we normally define "learning a language really well". To my understanding, learning a language well means being able to speak the language in a proper way. Here, with speaking it property, we need to know that due to cultural differences, many things are just so different from culture to culture. For example, the Chinese often greet each other by asking "Have you taken your meal?" which, to the Western ears, would make an invitation to lunch or dinner. Therefore, the lack of a knowledge of the cultures of different countries tries will give rise to wrong interpretations of the message issued or received and as a result, lead to misunderstandings. In this way, we can not say that we are speaking the language properly and further, we can not say that we speak it well.

Second, the ultimate purpose for us to learn a language is to use it in our communication with other people who speak it, mainly the native speakers. Suppose we know nothing about the US or Britain, including its government, its people, its tradition, and its other aspects. Do you think you can speak English properly, thus achieving effective communication with the American or British people? I'll say at least I can't.

Third, the lifestyles of the people whose language we are learning are also something we need to know in order that we can speak their language properly. For instance, some people eat pork, but this is not the case with Muslims. Also, Muslims are very religious people and perform rituals many times a day, If we don't know these things, how can we expect to communicate with them without incurring troubles? In this logic, if we cannot make sure that we are speaking their language properly, how can we say that we have learned their language well?

From the above discussion, we finally draw the conclusion that to learn a language really well, we also need to be familiar with the country as well as the cultures and lifestyles of the people who speak it.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Which kind of friends is more desirable, different friends or similar friends? Since people's criterion for friendship differs, they may never agree on the above issue. Personally, I have made trends with people from all walks of life, and these different friendships are such a precious treasure for me.

In the first place, a mixture of friends can bring us many practical benefits. As the saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Since we all need to move on in life, we need new friends to lead us to new adventures, new career opportunities and new life. In fact, most of us have to make new friends when we leave school and find employment Besides, different friends can help us with the different difficulties that we encounter in life And the friend in a foreign country might be able to arrange cheap accommodation for a holiday.

In the second place, the contact with different friends gives us a broad outlook on life. As the Chinese sage Confucius put it, "When three persons walk together, one of them can surely be my teacher." Since we all have our own weaknesses, the strengths of different friends can always complement each other. For example, from a friend who majors in computer, I have learned how to design my own web page: by exchanging e-mails with an American pen-friend, I have greatly improved my English writing. In addition, different friends can help me to enjoy a variety of interests, and we can always attract each other with our different hobbies, ideas and experiences. I feel that I can always find new things to learn from my various different friends.

All in all, although "birds of a feather flock together," I would like to fly with "birds" of different feathers, which would certainly make my life more colourful.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

When you are young, there is often a great deal of peer pressure pushing you to be in a relationship. Although most young people spend a lot of time dreaming about finding the right boyfriend or girlfriend, I believe that early relationships can lead to many problems which young girls and boys might not be able to solve easily.

Firstly, having a special friend is a large responsibility. It takes a lot of time to look after the needs and interests of another person. It could be better to spend the time studying or playing sport. After all, there will be plenty of opportunities for young people to share their lives later, when they are grown-up.

Next, there is the financial situation to consider. Some activities are cheaper to do together, but most are not. Often one partner has more money than the other and has to pay for both when, for instance, they go to the movies or to a restaurant. Also, young people love to buy each other gifts, and may try to impress by spending more than necessary.

Some people argue that today's youth are better informed than their parents were, and. therefore, might be more capable of making a relationship succeed. This may be true, but young people today still have many emotional problems to face, especially in a relationship it is more difficult. For instance, it is hard to have complete trust in someone without a strong commitment. Jealousy can be very destructive, especially at an early age.

In general, while it is true that, for young people, being together and in love is wonderful, there are often many difficult issues to cope with in a full-time relationship.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Friends play a very important part in everyone's life. And each of our friends is special and unique. Some friends may be good advisors or confidants while others challenge our opinions or push us to try something new. Therefore, we may like to pursue different activities with different friends, and we may like to be with a large group of friends or spend time with just one or two. Each has its advantages.

One advantage of spending time with one or two close friends is that these friends usually know us well. We can communicate with them easily and are unembarrassed to share our feelings. We know that these good friends won't judge us. In addition, we are likely to share many of the same interests and will, therefore, find it easy to talk about many things. Finally, it is much simpler to arrange activities when only two or three people are involved.

Spending time with large groups of friends also has its advantages. First, being with a wider variety of people exposes us to many more new ideas. We may be introduced to new things and develop new interests as a result. Also, we will be more likely to find someone to do things with when we associate with many friends. Last but not least, being with a large group of people can be fun and happy. There will always be enough people to play any game or make up a team.

As for me, although it can be fun to spend time with a large group of friends, I prefer to stay with one or two close friends. It is easier for us to match our schedules and arrange a time to meet. Also, we have a deeper relationship, so I find the time that I spend with them to be very valuable. No matter how we like to spend time with friends, there is no denying that friends are very important to us.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

School violence becomes very protrusive in many countries, most of which are caused by the attitudes of students. Some governments and the authorities show great concerns about the problems. From my point of view, these problems are aroused by three factors, the development of society, the influence of family and media and the weakness of school education.

The rapid development of the society offers young students more opportunities to contact the outside world. Due to the lack of social experience, some youngsters are not capable of distinguishing right from wrong. Curiosity drives them into imitating what they have seen on TV or from the people around them. Therefore, it is easy for them to be addicted to alcohol, smoking and drugs. Some students even smoke or take drugs at school.

Family violence is another major factor causing problems in schools. Family violence hurts children both physically and psychologically. Physically, family violence will hurt their tender body because children are still in the stage of development. Psychologically, physical punishment will hurt children's self-confidence and make then have a tendency of violence. Recently, school gunshots hit the headlines frequently, which should be partly attributed to family violence.

Finally, the weakness of school education is an important factor causing school problems. Some schools only stress students' achievements in their study, while neglecting their moral education. Therefore, even some top students are apt to stride on the criminal road.

To solve these problems, I think we should take the following measures. Firstly, schools should strengthen students' moral education, giving them correct directions and cultivating their ability to tell right from wrong. Secondly, parents should spare some time to communicate with their children, resolving difficulties and troubles for them timely. If the school and family can join hands in solving these problems. I think the students will develop healthily and the environment in schools will become much clearer.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

The famous English philosopher Francis Bacon said, "Reading makes a full man". Reading books can strongly shape you Inclination, mature your thoughts, widen you horizon and enrich your personality. Life is limited, but knowledge is boundless. The more books we read, the more knowledge we get. Hence, we should encourage our children to read more books.

However, books can also be harmful, particularly the pornographic books. Bad books always contain evil thoughts. In them, there might be much description about violence, superstition, and sex. Let's suppose that you are in the position of a parent. Would you allow your children to read whatever appeals to them? If your answer to the question is "yes", you are either extremely permissive or just plain irresponsible. If children read bad books, the evil thoughts would poison their mind gradually. They will be dispirited and perhaps commit a crime.

Good books, on the other hand, teach and help children to do good things. Good books are children's real companions, and they are both instructive and inspiring. Children know past events from history books, study communication by language book, learn space and numbers through mathematics books. In a word, different kinds of good books can give them a large amount of ideas and knowledge.

Consequently, those who read good books can be inspired to grow healthily, while those who read bad ones will lead a wicked life and meet with miserable failure. So before we encourage our children to read books, we should teach and help them to identify good and bad books.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

The process of growing up is very complex for children. Among countless factors that influence children's growth, the behaviours of adults play a significant role in shaping children's inclination and character. After the baby is born, the first and the nearest adults are his/her parents. The little babies have started to learn from their parents by observing and copying the adults talk. This learning environment is important for the babies.

There is a special case reported by the press. A baby was abandoned when she was born. A sow fed her as a piglet. When she was about eight years old, some villagers found her, her intelligence was just similar to the two-year old baby and all of her behaviours were looked like a pig. From this case, we know child is a "mirror" which will reflect the behaviour of the closest adults.

Along with the children's growth, adults will influence them much more, such as logical thinking, decision-making, cooperation with others, etc. The behaviours of adults can give children both good and bad influence. Most of the behaviours represent adults' inclination. For instance, if media report chiefly on the seamy side of the society, children will easily incline to violence and excessive sex. Therefore, they will be infected with bad mental state.

Behaviour is a direct and convincing method to teach children. Things are easier said than done. Parents always tell children those principles repeatedly, but most children can not accept it through these boring methods. Adults behaviours are the most effective education methods to let them observe the whole process of how to deal with the problems. The children will learn from the adults naturally.

Children are like young trees, who need to be carefully irrigated, fertilized and trimmed. Adults' behaviours will be greatly helpful to shape them into useful talents.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Today, education has become a priority for many parents seeking to secure a good future for their children in this rapidly changing world. They believe that if their children apply themselves and work hard at school, they will increase their opportunities to go for a higher education and eventually get a good job. Of course they are right, and as access to the best education and best job is becoming more competitive, it is true that children have to make the best of their study time when they are young.

However, the parents who do not allow their children sufficient free time for leisure activities outside school hours are misguided. Such activities are far from being a waste of time for the children simply because they are not academic. It is important to remember that children need to develop skills other than intellectual ones, and the best way to achieve this is through activities such as sports, games and playing with other kids. If they cannot play games, how can they develop their imagination? How can they learn physical co-ordination or learn important social lessons about the winning and losing if they do not practise any sports? Many children develop strong personal relationships with their friends they play with, and without the opportunity to this, they could grow up emotionally immature or unformed.

Finally, I think it is also important to remember that children need to relax as well as work. If everything they do must have some educational or academic relevance, then they will soon get tired of studying altogether, which is the last thing parents would want.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Some people think high school students should remain in general schools till 17 years old so that they are mature enough to know what speciality is suitable for their future careers. My opinion is identical with theirs.

In the first place, the policy tallies with the psychological traits of an average teenager. An average person won't become mature enough until they reach the age of 17 or 18. Students at the age of 17 will have a better understanding about themselves. They learn to be responsible for what they decide.

In the second place, staying in high schools for longer years helps students to enlarge their common knowledge before they choose their speciality, which enables them to discover their real interests and strong points. With longer years in high school, students may have more experience which helps to understand life and the society so that they may choose their speciality according to the demand of the society. As a result, they may avoid detours.

Of course, I am not denying the merits of leaving high school earlier, before 17. Some people are mature earlier not only psychologically but intellectually. They may find quite inappropriate for them to remain in high school until 17. Those who leave high school earlier to receive higher education or pursue their careers will certainly possess an apparent advantage over others who don't. Therefore, we shall allow people to decide for themselves according to their specific condition.

Frankly speaking, both views are well-grounded. However, if I have to choose one of these two, I am in favour of the first opinion that students should stay in general schools till 17, which can ensure a sound and solid foundation for all the students to further their study at the tertiary level or pursue their career.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Thanks to the development of medical science, there is an increasing number of elderly people in the world. Some people believe that the seniors should be looked after at home. Indeed, it is the children's responsibility and obligation to take care of their parents when they are old. However, as for me, a better way to ensure them to live a happy life is to send them to the nursing home.

First of all, in such retirement homes, aging people can receive intensive medical care from professional doctors. Besides, they can receive a proper diet prepared by dieticians to meet their individual requirements. This is especially good for those old people in poor health. Moreover, they could have regular medical check-ups so that any disease could be diagnosed in its early stage. What is the most beneficial is that if any disease strikes them, medical services are immediately available.

Living in nursing homes, they have more opportunities to communicate with their peers. They do not feel lonely and can do a great deal of things together, such as doing morning exercise, playing games, and exchanging memories and stories from their past. On the contrary, if they live at home, they are often left alone when their children and grandchildren are away working or studying.

Some people may say that children have duties to take care of their old parents. However, nowadays people are confronted with fierce competition and suffer from great pressure. They are too occupied to spare time for their old parents. There are benefits for children's work and study when nursing homes take over the task of caring for the elderly. Children. tree from care, can devote themselves to work or study and achieve more success.

Since nursing homes benefit seniors and other family members so much, I believe that old people should be sent to nursing homes.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

In recent years, many parents have little time for their children. Some people are of the opinion that children do not get as much attention from their parents as children did in the past. On the other hand, towards the same issue, other people have a different attitude, Before giving my opinion, I think it is important to look at the argument on both sides.

There are several reasons which suggest that children do not get as much attention from their parents as children did in the past. On one hand, people face fierce competition and suffer from great pressure. They have to devote more time and energy to their careers and therefore have no time with their children. On the other hand, high technology brings them more interesting things which can easily attract their attention such as watching TV, surfing the Internet and playing games. They are addicted to these activities, totally ignoring their children. More importantly, the record of divorce rate has been constantly renewed. Obviously, children from broken family get less care and attention from their parents.

However, there are a large number of people who hold a different view concerning this case. They believe that children gain more attention from their parents than children did in the past. For one thing, with the development of technology, more and more machines replace men's labour. Therefore, people enjoy more and more free time at home with their children. For another, with the development of economy, people earn more money. Some parents even give up their decent jobs and devote all their energy to their children. Last but not least, there is a sharp decrease in the number of children a family has. Consequently. each child gets more attention and care from their parents.

Both opinions make sense, and consequently it is hard to decide which one is more reasonable. From my own perspective, children get more attention from their parents than children did in the past. Parents spend more time with their children. They have more money to ensure their children's needs. In addition, the number of children decreases dramatically.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Nowadays, couples quarrel more often than they used to do. Brothers and sisters talk less and take less care of each other. Children turn less to their parents for advice. These scenes are just part of the whole picture of today's family alienation. As far as I am concerned, there are several reasons for the above phenomena.

The first reason is that people spend more time on their studies and work. Nowadays. people face fierce competition and suffer from great pressure. As a result, they have to devote more time and energy to their careers. Some people are too busy to spare time for their families. What is more, many jobs require people to work in other cities and many children have to leave their parents at an early age to study or work elsewhere. As time passes, these people become emotionally estranged from their families.

The alienation among families is also attributed to the increasing number of entertainments available. High technology brings modern people more interesting things which can easily attract their attention, such as watching TV, surfing the Internet or playing video games. Consequently, people are addicted to these activities, totally neglecting the feelings of their family members.

Last but not the least, people are now more independent than before. Apart from their families, they can easily get help from their friends and it is much easier to make more friends as a result of the rapid improvement in telecommunication. Therefore they are not as dependent on their families as before.

To bring families closer, people put forward various suggestions. First, we should spare more time with our family members, no matter how occupied we are. Second, we should teach children the sense of family when they are still young. Last but not the least, the government should organise activities to promote public awareness of the importance of the harmonious family relationship.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Generation gap, which is inevitable between youngsters and elders, is not strange to modern people. As for the solution to that problem, various methods have been adopted including introducing relevant courses in schools to educate students how to be a good parent. I am in total favour of that idea.

If students can be provided with sufficient knowledge of what constitutes a qualified parent, they can better understand their parents. As we know, some generation conflicts derive not from intrinsic contradiction, but lack of mutual understanding, so if it is possible that children can have access to how to be good parents, they will recognise how much enormous sacrifice their parents have made to bring children up. Accordingly, a harmonious relationship between parents and children can be definitely established.

Additionally, through schooling about qualifications of parents, children are more prepared for their future adult life. It is generally agreed that the ultimate purpose of most education is to furnish students with essential skills to cope with problems confronted when stepping into society. One day, youngsters will not be naive, and they form their own families and become parents themselves. Thus some early information about desirable attributes of parents is invaluable and indispensable to blessed families. After all, the early bird catches the worm.

However, there should be some limitations on that practice. As children, nowadays, have been already overburdened with study, education of being good parents need not take up too much time. Secondly, taking children's premature cognitive power into account, teachers had better select such materials as can be easily understood for those still children. Only in this way can the desirable effect be achieved.

Overall, I welcome the reform that when children are at their early age, they know how to be a good parent. Perhaps, the term "generation gap" will be soon rendered out-of-date since parents and children begin to behave more like friends than strangers without too much in common.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Obviously, the earliest teachers we have in our lives in most cases are our parents, and they are generally the most involved in the development and education of their children. Yet neither are all parents good teachers nor are those good parents, in most cases, the best teachers.

First of all, not all parents are good teachers. As normal individuals, some parents more or less have bad habits. Even though parents almost instinctively devote themselves to cultivating their offspring, the outcome might turn out to be disappointing, for all children tend to unconsciously or subconsciously copy everything from their parents. Another deficiency of parents as teachers is the fact that most parents lack the common senses of education. All too often we observe that some parents tend to pursue their own cherished but failed dreams by forcing their children to develop in a prearranged direction.

Moreover, some parents are qualified as good teachers, but not all of them are the best ones. When children are in the preliminary school, it is not surprising that parents are capable of teaching their children almost every subject. But the situation will not last long. We live in a world where knowledge is accumulated by multiplying and at the same time becomes more and more specialised. Therefore, to be a professional in a certain field today takes a much longer time than ever before. No parent is able to be professional in all fields, though they might be experts in one or more fields.

Most parts of children's education is virtually beyond teachers' reaches. In a word, it is rather superficial to simply say that parents are the best teachers.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

It is generally accepted that a person's childhood years are very important years of their life. But it is hardly appropriate to say those years are the most important.

We do not reject the importance of childhood years. Actually it is rather important for the later part of a person's life. Our lives are subject to surroundings. Our world views have been structured from our childhood. Therefore, every one actually sees his own world differently to others. Even though we all live in a single world, every one of us in fact lives in a distinctive world, which are determined by our distinctive perceptions from individual to individual, Hence, we should not suspect that a person's life is influenced by one's childhood.

Childhood, however, is merely one of several factors that shape one's later life. Among various factors is one's learning ability. Human beings are superior to any other animals simply because of their ability to learn. Psychology teaches us that training and self-training can alter our characteristics which may eventually alter our lives. Furthermore, leaming is a life long process, which means every part of one's life could be an essential period and could play an indispensable role in one's life. For example, Einstein was taken for an idiot by his teacher when he was a child. The awkward attitude of his stupid teacher made Einstein's childhood an awful one. Nevertheless, Einstein did lead a wonderful life.

Most parents nowadays seem to believe that childhood is the most important phase of one's life, and therefore often force their children to learn those alleged essential skills. The fact is, such behaviour is rather presumptuous because there are still many other important factors that affect one's life.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Child care is a big issue in all families, and there is a heated debate on the best method of handling it. Nowadays there is a growing tendency for parents to send their children earlier to nurseries and kindergartens. Some even go to nurseries and kindergartens at age 2 or 3 so that mothers can be freed from child care and pursue their own careers. People from different backgrounds, however, hold different attitudes toward the matter in question.

Some people claim that children should be sent to nurseries earlier. First of all. psychologically speaking, the child needs more opportunities to communicate with his peers. The main task of the child care establishments is to inculcate honesty, courage, discipline, cooperation, friendliness, and good manners. Second, it is beneficial for them to receive systematic and scientific care and rudimentary knowledge from well-trained professionals. Last but not the least, sending children earlier to nursery schools enables mothers to devote more time and energy to their jobs. In this way, career success becomes more possible, which is very beneficial to the whole family.

However, people rarely reach an absolute consensus on such a controversial issue. The opponents argue that sending children earlier to nursery schools has its demerits. In the first place, it may lead to poorer parent-child relationship for lack of emotional communication. In addition, with mother staying at home, children will be better cared for and given more attention. On the other hand, in nurseries and kindergartens, there is the possibility of lacking adequate care and attention because there are so many children in a class. Moreover, although the family may lose some income, its expenditure will also be greatly reduced. It will no longer be necessary to pay for attending nurseries and kindergartens.

Undeniably, there are points in both sides of the argument. But after a careful consideration of the above reasons, I stand on the side of the opponents. To start nursery schools too early is harmful for children mentally. Children who are sent earlier to nursery schools lack the affection of parents. Furthermore, mothers are the first teacher of their own child and exert profound impact on the child's future growth.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Psychologists warn the parents to respect children's freedom and rights. A good old-fashioned corporal punishment is out of the question. However, cases of corporal punishment are reported to take place in families now and then, Indeed, the issue whether or not corporal punishment should be abolished has aroused a heated discussion among people.

Those who strongly advocate that corporal punishment should not be abolished have cogent reasons for it. First of all, as a proverb says, "spare the rod, spoil the child". Children should be taught to respect discipline, which is the basis of all achievements. Little children are like young trees. In order to grow well, they need to be carefully irrigated, fertilized and trimmed. Furthermore, it helps to reinforce the authority of teachers and parents. Children are hardy creatures. Sometimes they will test the patience of their parents and teacher: teachers and parents should not be too permissive; otherwise they will spoil the children.

But the people who hold the view that corporal punishment should be abolished also have sound reasons. In the first place, it seriously violates the legal rights and interests of chil-dren. Children are human beings too. They enjoy the same equal human rights as adults do. Their parents have no right to exercise corporal punishment on them. In addition, chil-dren may be hurt psychologically. Researches reveal that students who suffer from corporal punishment tend to resort to violence in their future life. Last but not the least, it endangers children's physical development. It is a kind of brutality and cruelty which may lead to injury or even death of the children. Recently it is reported in the newspaper that one child lost his hearing due to his father's cruelty.

When we consider these two sides more carefully, we can see that corporal punishment does more harm than good to children. Their rights are violated by the uncivilized action. It is detrimental to children's physical and mental development. Therefore, corporal punishment should by all means be forbidden in families.

Score: 8

Question

Sample Essay

Score: 8