1. Is a Test of Spoken English Necessary?

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

　　On the other hand, some others still maintain that a good command of reading and writing skills will be enough for the English learners. To some extent their opinion derives from the fact that students are already under considerable pressure from their coursework. Another required test will only add to their burden. Moreover, some students may take the shortcut by focusing on several guessed questions according to the fixed format of the test, hoping for a coincidence to bring them good luck.

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

　　2. Interests

　　It is no doubt that everyone has his interests. For example, your sister is interested in stamp collecting; your brother takes interest in physics; and you yourself have a liking for computer.

　　To develop your interests will help you make way in the world. If you like to be a teacher and you receive adequate education, you will certainly make yourself a successful one. If you cultivate your various interests properly, you will probably find it easier to find a job or profession.

　　Sometimes you have to give up your interests for one thing or another. If you have a family and still you have a great interest in watching TV or some other pastime, you have to give it up from time to time so that you can help with housework or spend time with your lovely kid.

　　3. Honesty

　　What is honesty? Honesty means telling the truth and being fair and upright in act. Honesty is a good virtue. He who lies and cheats is dishonest. Those who gain fortunes, not by hard labour, but by other means, are dishonest.

　　Honesty is the best policy. If you are honest in all matters, you'll be trusted and respected by others. A liar is always looked down upon and regarded as a black sheep by the people around. Once you have lied, people will never believe you even if you are telling the truth. The fable of the shepherd boy just makes a typical example. Honest, your reputation will become great. Dishonest, your name will be spoiled and your personality degraded.

　　Since honesty is so important, we must cultivate it. We should tell the truth at all times instead of making such an excuse as "A little dishonesty is only a trifle thing". We should eradicate immediately the seed of dishonesty once it is sowed in our minds.

　　4. The Generation Gap

　　The generation gap is the different ideas and attitudes toward the same matter between different generations.

　　What causes the differences then? It is the rapid changes in a society that make many things different. Different generations receive distinct education, and therefore have different knowledge and experiences. Parents want their children to follow their old-fashioned and traditional rules and values. But the youngsters like to accept the modern ones and reject to maintain the old ones. Each generation has different things to do and they tend to have different attitudes towards many matters. Therefore, generation conflicts always arise.

　　In order to narrow the gap, each generation is supposed to be aware of the needs of the other. Has the idea ever occurred to you that each generation should respect the other, listen to the other and discuss problems with the other patiently?

　　5. Travelling

　　People who like travelling have their reasons. They maintain that travelling can help them expand their scope of knowledge, especially geographical and historical learning. They go on to point out that touring provides more chance for them to enjoy food and try on clothes, which otherwise would be impossible.

　　Those who dislike travelling have their reasons, too. They would argue that travelling means a considerable amount of money and energy. For example, traffic and accommodation calls for money and walking while seeing sights often tires you.

　　In practice, travelling does more good than harm. If your finance and health permit, you might as well do some travelling from time to time. It will at least enable you to get familiar with people and things that you may well grow to like and love.

　　6. A Good Friend

　　Everyone wants a friend who encourages the best in him. Such a friend shows he is interested in strengthening another. He can be counted on to give his support, and he will criticize, too, because he knows a person has to have feedback to grow and change.

　　A good friend thinks carefully before he criticizes. He always asks himself whether his criticism is fair. He tries to find out all the facts involved in a situation because he knows how harmful inaccuracy can be.

　　Kindness is also important to him. He wants to understand what the other person is feeling and respect those feelings. If a friend is both accurate and kind as a critic, everyone respects what he says. His criticism is something like love.

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