第二讲 题型分析（１）
1. 列举类
1) Topics:
(1) We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are important.
(2) In general, people are living longer now. Discuss the causes of this phenomenon. Use specific reasons and details to develop your essay.
2) 例文分析
Topic 1: In most elementary and high schools in the United States, the average class size is 25 to 30 students. In some countries, schools have an average class size of more than 60 students. In your opinion, what would be the ideal class size? Explain why.
Which kind of class size is better? In the United States, a typical class in most elementary and high schools has 25 to 30 students, while in some other countries the average class size can amount to more than 60 students. As far as I am concerned, a class of about 20 students is ideal.
In the first place, the teacher can satisfy the demands of all the students in a small class. As there are only about 20 students in the class, it will not be long before the teacher comes to know his or her students well enough. The teacher can get to know the abilities and problems of each student, which makes it easy for the teacher to handle the class. Consequently, every question can be answered; every request can be satisfied, and every bit of talent can be tapped.
In the second place, teaching in a small class can be more effective than in a bigger one. The main reason, I suppose, is that there are more opportunities of communication between the teacher and the students in a small class. For example, the teacher can ask more questions and the students have more chances to answer questions. If necessary, a class can be conducted in the manner of discussion, in which all the participants, including the teacher, can actively exchange views over an idea or issue. In addition, not only does the teacher in a small class find it easier to organize the class, but also the students can hear more clearly and thus be more attentive in class. All this is almost impossible in a class of about 60 students. A case in point is the class size of the elementary and high schools in China. Because each class has more than 50 students, those who sit at the back of the classroom cannot hear the teacher clearly and hence often become absent-minded in class. The teaching result is often unsatisfactory.
In conclusion, I believe that a small class of about 20 students is more advantageous not only because in such a class the teacher can better satisfy the needs of students, but also because it makes the teaching and studying more effective. Therefore, I strongly advocate that all schools should adopt the policy of small class size.
Topic 2: Developments in transportation such as the invention of the automobile have had an enormous impact on modern society. Choose another development in transportation that you think is of great importance. Give reasons for your selection.
Human transportation has witnessed quite a few revolutionary changes. As far as I am concerned, one of the most important developments in transportation has been the invention of international jet transport. Since this style of transportation appeared in the 1950s, it has caused widespread revolutionary effects and has actually changed the way people look at the world.
In the first place, jet travel surpasses all other means of land transport in speed. A hundred years ago, it took weeks to cross the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans by ship. Today, those same trips can be completed in a matter of hours. One can attend a meeting in Paris and have dinner in New York the same day. In fact, the amazing speed of the jet plane has changed people''s concept of space. Today the world is much smaller than it was in the past.
In the second place, jet travel is less expensive but more comfortable. One hundred years ago, since an international journey was extremely expensive, only wealthy people could afford to travel comfortably, while poor people had to save for years in order to purchase a ticket. Besides, the traveling conditions then were almost unbearable. Today, however, due to the invention of jet planes, it is possible for more and more people in every country to travel in comfort. Businessmen fly from city to city to make fortunes; students fly home from abroad to visit their parents; and tourists fly from country to country to enjoy their sightseeing.
In conclusion, I argue that the international jet travel has changed the world not only because it can take us from place to place at a surprisingly high speed, but also because it makes it possible for more and more people to travel at a relatively low cost. Today, individual nations are not as isolated as they were in the past, and people now think of the whole planet as they once thought of their own hometowns. Therefore, I strongly hold that the development of the jet travel is of great importance in the history of transportation.
Topic 3: Some people say that exploration of outer space has many advantages; other people feel that it is a waste of money and other resources. Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
With the development of outer space exploration, many people begin to doubt whether the endeavor is worthwhile. It is true that some money and other resources must be spent in this area, but in my opinion, human beings should continue the adventure because it can add to our knowledge, acquire new resources, and even find places where human beings can live.
To begin with, the exploration of outer space will add to our knowledge about the universe as well as about the earth. Although human beings have been living on the earth for thousands of years, we know very little about it. For example, we are not even sure about how the earth came into being, why the dinosaurs disappeared altogether from the face of the earth, and whether there is life on other planets. The attempt to explore outer space will certainly help us answer all these questions and bring us a great many benefits.
In addition, the exploration of outer space may help mitigate the energy crisis. As we all know, our oil, coal, and other conventional fuels will be exhausted in the near future. Although the scientists are looking for alternatives on the earth, such as nuclear power, we may launch spacecraft to the moon or other planets, where natural resources might be abundant and untapped.
Last but not least, the exploration of outer space may find new habitation for human beings. Our earth is becoming more and more uninhabitable because of the population explosion. Although we have tried various means to relieve the burden of overpopulation, such as the building of skyscrapers and the practice of birth control, but the problem is getting increasingly serious. The best way, I think, is to turn our eyes to outer space. Some scientists are already working on the possible human migration to another planet, say, the Mars.
Since space exploration has so many important advantages, there is no reason for any objection to it. Those who only see the financial and material resources used for this undertaking are near-sighted. Would they leave the earth in a state of overcrowding, energy shortage, and severe pollution? Would they remain ignorant of the earth upon which human beings depend for survival? If not, they should change their position and support the scheme for space exploration
Topic 4: Some students like to have outdoor activities. Others like indoor activities. Which do you prefer? Give specific reasons and examples to illustrate your answer.
Students differ in the activities they enjoy. Some may be fond of outdoor activities, while others would like to spend almost all of their time indoors. Although I cannot persuade those who prefer outdoor activities to give up their hobbies, I, personally, can always find pleasure and satisfaction in the various indoor activities that interest me.
To begin with, indoor activities are more convenient and can be done at any time and in any place. Whether it is night or day, rainy or sunny, warm or cold, we can stay at home playing chess, reading books, listening to music, operating computers or even just thinking. Furthermore, we are free from the limit of space. For example, in order to do some reading, we do not need a court, which is necessary for playing tennis. And we will never be upset because we cannot afford a racket.
Another but more important advantage of indoor activities, I think, is that they can greatly help open one''s mind and make one intelligent. By reading, we can become more knowledgeable; by meditating, we can become wiser; by surfing on the Internet, we can wander in the wonderland of information and knowledge.
In short, I believe that indoor activities are more important and more beneficial. On the one hand, these activities do not require special conditions. On the other hand, we can benefit more from them.
