中学生创新英语大赛写作范文及评分细则

                         吴昌荣             四川省平昌中学

Writing 　　

     Nowadays a lot of Chinese celebrate Western festivals. Some people are afraid that this would lead to the loss of Chinese culture. What do you think? Write an essay of about 400 words.
　　　               The Celebration of Western Festivals

　　No one can have failed to notice the fact that Western festivals gain ever-increasing popularity in China. An increasing number of Chinese are fond of celebrating Western festivals today. On Valentine’s Day, many people, especially the young, give flowers or chocolate to the one they love; when Christmas approaches, nearly every store put on decorations like Santa Claus, snowflakes and even Christmas trees, not to mention the millions of people immersed in the thrilling atmosphere of festival on Christmas Eve; even such holidays as Halloween and the Easter Day are becoming known and celebrated by more and more Chinese. In comparison, such traditional Chinese festivals as the Spring Festival, the Festival of Lanterns and the Mid-Autumn Day seem to be losing their attraction.
　　In view of such a situation, many are worried that Chinese culture will be ignored or even ruined by the invasion of Western festivals. Personally, I believe that we needn’t be over worried. Actually, the increasing popularity of some Western festivals in China is nothing accidental, but some thing justifiable.
　　First, it is a part of cultural globalization. With the development of communication science and technology and along with more and more nations opening up to the outside world, the world today has turned into a global village, with many national things becoming international. China is no exception. While we are absorbing advanced science and technology from foreign countries, we are also taking in different cultures.
　　Secondly, it is a sign of China’s rejuvenating. As a nation boasting a civilization of 5,000 years, Chinese have been known for their spirit of accommodation or open-mindedness. China used to be a melting pot of cultures as the U.S. is today. In the prosperous Tang dynasty, China was host to travelers and settlers from over the world. Actually, being accommodating is a sign of any thriving nation. Therefore, we should be pleased rather than upset to see Chinese people embracing foreign festivals.
　　It is true that some traditional Chinese festivals are losing their appeal to many people, but this does not necessarily the ruin of Chinese culture. Actually, a closer inspection reveals that most Chinese celebrate Western festivals merely out of the wish to seek novelty, to find a new way to entertain themselves or to express their identity in the face of the older generation. On the other hand, most Chinese have not ignored their native festivals. A convincing proof is that the Spring Festival still sees the largest flow of population in the world as most Chinese rush to their homes for family reunion.
　　In a word, while we are giving priority to the preservation and development of traditional Chinese culture, we need’t worry too much about the inflow of foreign culture.

　Some people claim that, in the age of television, reading books is not as important as it once was and that people can learn as much by watching television as they can by reading books. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Write an essay of about 400 words.
　
　　              

                      Books Speak as Loud as TV

　　This is an era filled with various scientific achievements, and television is one of the most flamboyant among them, influencing several generations' behavior by molding them into the same mindset regardless of their race, gender, and background. Intoxicated by the superficial success of TV culture, some throw the irresponsible statement that reading is not as important as it once was, for people can learn as much by watching television as they can by reading books. This is far from the truth. Though television has become an integral part of our daily lives, the role that books play is still irreplaceable and merits further advocating.
　　Admittedly, television gives us an option to traditional education through reading and classroom teaching. Indeed the vivid images it produces succeed in the education of children, who are much more inclined to accept visual information than abstract letters or characters. Television also raises our consciousness by providing the latest news and discoveries, extending our horizon by such documentary programs as "National Geographic" and "Discovery", whose contents might otherwise be unapproachable in an entire lifetime.
　　Despite all these advantages, the shortcomings of televisions are equally, if not more, apparent. Television stations operate as profit enterprises. Consequently, television programs are profit-based, and their commercial orientation drives them to be entertaining more so than educational, for the latter are typically less profitable.
　　Furthermore, watching television can neither provoke abstract thinking, which is most crucial in advanced scientific research, nor can it teach effective management and adequate control of written language. Written language carries the utmost importance in inheritance and dissemination of knowledge. Books contain the collective human experience, knowledge and wisdom. Human talents of abstract thought, logical dialogue, philosophy and writing style can be acquired only through the reading, digesting, and rumination of novels, texts, essays and speeches. Shallow, short-sighted, entertainment programs offer no such enrichment.
　　In addition, watching television tends to overemphasize machinery, ignoring humanity. Open an ancient book and read the comments by those living centuries ago, thousands of miles away. The book itself connects readers and writers across time and space, giving one the sense of belonging to one large human family. Lying on sofa watching television with popcorn in hand can only cause isolation, alienation and depression.
　　Borrowing the saying John Keats inscribed on his tombstone, we can describe television programs as "written on water". They are ephemeral. Whereas for books, as William Shakespeare wrote, "nothing of them doth fade/but doth suffer a seachange/ into something rich and strange".

                       Topic  3

　    In some elementary or secondary schools, students are asked to wear school uniform. When asked why, school authorities said that it is conducive to students’ teamwork and discipline. Do you share such justification? Write a composition of about 400 words to state your view.
　　I　　     

            Students Should Be Required to Wear School Uniform

　　Of all the great changes that have taken place in the system of compulsory education, school uniform of diverse patterns has proved to be a success. Today, however, a controversy towards school uniform stretches widely as it is feared that such uniform somewhat diminishes the individual personality of students. My opinion is that it is worth the praise it has received.
　　In the first place, school uniform helps students foster team spirit and strengthen the spirit of cooperation. Providing a sense of unity, the uniform makes everyone feel that he or she is influential and indispensable in the team. Regardless of performance in class or examination, one student is wearing the same clothes as the others and working on his share for the team responsibility. Naturally they will be willing to participate in the team and proud of their contributions. Brought up in this caring and inclusive environment, students will have an easy time functioning in new community and collaborating with coworkers.
　　In the second place, school uniform reinforces the sense of equality for a diversified student body. School uniform tends to narrow down the discrepancy between students from families of low and high economic status. In this sense it may help lift some psychological obstacles. Owing to school uniform, the bias against poor students will disappear gradually. Had it not been for school uniform, wearing shabby clothes would be a constant reminder of poor family conditions. And what’s worse, they would feel ashamed of whom they are and the low self-esteem may have adverse impacts on study.
　　Last but not least, school uniform takes effect when accidents occur and the safety of students is endangered. The name or logo of school printed on uniform will help witness to know the victim’s identity and come to timely and efficient aid.
　　On the whole, students will benefit a great deal from their uniforms for the reasons ranging from their personality cultivation to aids in face of danger. Considering all above factors, it bears no reasoning to abandon school uniform.

                  Why Do I Attend University?

　　Every summer hundreds of thousands of young students attend the college entrance examination, fighting hard to be among the lucky ones to enter universities. But have this large crowd asked themselves such a question: why do you want to go to university? It is dangerous if so many people try so hard to do something without clear purposes. For me, going to university can fulfill three important purposes.

　　The most direct motive for going to university is to secure a good job in the future. With the largest population in the world, China is certainly to be a gathering place of labor force. When there is more than enough labor force, one has to be extraordinary in order to succeed in the job market. As not all young people can go to university now, an education experience in university is sure to guarantee some advantages. If you open a classified advertisement, you may find that most of the well-paying jobs require a university degree or higher. Therefore, without university education, I cannot possibly find a decent job to support myself and my family.

　　Besides good job and income, a more important motive for going to university is to acquire knowledge. Since high school I have become increasingly interested in learning knowledge. I was usually fascinated by what teachers taught in various classes, and this curiosity drives me to know more. I have found that things taught in high school are just on very basic level. If I want to dig deeper, the best place is here at university. With the help of professors and books, I can learn the knowledge more thoroughly and systematically. I won't be satisfied with my life unless I can satisfy my curiosity for knowledge in university.

　　The most profound motive for going to university is to make some contributions. Due to the influence of my parents, I do not just want to just support myself in the society; I also want to do something for the society. Of course I don't have to go to university in order to make this contribution, but I find that more education can surely help me do it better. History reveals that those who have made more contributions are invariably better educated. Great figures like Newton, Einstein are all well educated. How can I make more contributions without university education?

　　Therefore, three motives drive me into the gate of my university. I come here for a good job, for more knowledge, and most importantly, for better contributions. I am sure with the knowledge I learn here, I will achieve the three purposes. And I am also sure that other people will also find university education rewarding to their life.

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