OralWorkshop:Argument(HANDOUT)(HANDOUT)01Lesson 1Does Television Play a Positive or Negative Role in the Modern Society?02Arguments1.Televisioninnowplayingaveryimportantpartinourlives.2.Televisionisnotonlyaconvenientsourceofentertainment,butalsoacomparativelycheapone.3.Televisionkeepsoneinformedaboutcurrentevents,allowsonetofollowthelatestdevelopmentsinscienceandpoliticsandoffersanendlessseriesofprogrammeswhicharebothinstructiveandentertaining.4.Alotoftelevisionprogrammesintroducepeopletothingstheyneverthoughtofbeforeandhaveneverheardofbefore.5.Televisionserieshavedoneagreatjobinpopularizingmanyliterarymaster-pieces.6.Televisionhasbeengoodcompanytothosewhodonotwork,likehouse-wives,lonelyoldpeople,etc.7.Withtelevisionpeoplearestillfreetoenjoyother“civilizedpleasures,orevenmore.8.Thereisaconsiderablevarietyofprogrammesontelevision.Theviewerisalwaysfreetochoosewhateverhewantstosee.03Arguments9.Televisionprovidesenormouspossibilitiesforeducation,likeschoolprogrammesviaclosed-circuittelevision.10.TelevisionprovidesspecialbroadcastsforthoseinTVUniversity,orOpenUniversity.Italsooffersspecializedsubjectslikelanguageteaching,sewing,cooking,painting,cosmetics,etc.11.Televisiondoesthejobofeducationinthebroadestsense.Instructiveprogrammesachievetheirgoalthroughentertainingtheviewers.12.Televisionprovidesanoutletforcreativetalents.13.Peopleallaroundtheworldarenolongerdistantandisolatedfromeachother.Themostdistantcountriesandthestrangestcustomsarebroughtrightintoonessitting-room.14.Comparedwiththeradio,everythingontelevisionismorelifelike,vivid,andreal.15.Televisionmaybeavitalfactorinholdingafamilytogetherwherethereare,forexample,economicproblemsandhusbandandwifeseematbreakingpoint.04Counter-arguments1.Televisionisagreattime-waster.2.Peoplewhodontwatchtelevisionarehappierthanthosewhowatchitbecausetelevisiongoeswiththekindoflifewhichleavestheviewernothingtospare,nothingleft.3.Televisionmakestheviewercompletelypassivebecauseeverythingispresentedtohimwithoutanyeffortonhispart.4.Theverydangerofwatchingtelevisionliesinthefactthattheviewertakesnoinitiative.Hemakesnochoiceandexercisesnojudgment.5.Televisionpassesontochildrenthecorruptingvaluesofacorruptsociety.6.Televisionistoblameforthefactthatchildrentakelongertolearntoreadthesedaysandbarelyseethepointatallofacquiringtheskill.7.Televisiontakesuptoomuchofourtime.Wenolongerhaveenoughtimeforhobbies,entertainingactivities,andotheroutsideamusementliketheatres,cinemas,sports,etc.8.Unfortunatelyallourfreetimeisnowregulatedbytelevision.9.Peoplerushhome;gulptheirfood,whichisoftenassimpleassandwichandaglassofbeer,andstartwatchingtheTVprogrammes.05Counter-arguments10.Themonster,i.e.television,demandsabsolutesilenceandattention.Noonedarestoopenhismouthduringaprogramme.11.Peoplehavegrownaddictedtotelevision,oftenneglectingthenecessaryandmoreimportantthingslikemeals,sleepandevenwork.12.Alotofparentsusetelevisionasapacifierfortheirchildren.Theyputtheirchildreninfrontofthesetanddontcarewhetherthechildrenareexposedtorubbishycommercialsorspectaclesofviolenceaslongasthechildrenarequiet.13.Mostofthetelevisionprogrammesarebadandtheydonotkeeppacewiththehighdemandofviewersanddonotmaintainhighquality.14.Thewidecoverageoftelevisionprogrammeshasreducedsocietytotheconditioninpre-literatecommunities;weareutterlydependentonthemostprimitivemediaofcommunication;picturesandspokenwords.15.Whattheviewerreceivesfromtelevisionisnothingbutsecond-handexperience.Heiscompletelycutofffromtherealworld.16.Themorethatviewerwatchestelevision,thelazierhebecomes.Heisgluedtothesetinsteadofgoingout.17.Televisionpreventspeoplefromcommunicatingwitheachother.Ithasdonealotofharmtotherelationshipbetweenfamilymembers.06Lesson 2Are Pets Good for Mankind?07Arguments1.Thegreatvirtueofpetsisthattheycankeepuscompany.2.Ananimalinthefamilyhelpstokeepushuman.3.Apetiskeptasacompanionthatmakesusfeelhappy.Itssuggestedthatpetsshouldbesenttoastronautsinaspacecrafttohelpreducethelonelinessofspaceflights.4.Besidesprovidingmerecompanionship,petsinviteustoloveandbeloved.5.Oftenacatoradogcancomfortusattimeswhenhumanwordsdonthelp.6.Petsgiveusasenseofbeingimportantandneededbecausetheydependonusforahome,foodanddrink.7.PetsareofparticularimportancetochildreninthisPlasticAgewhenmostofusliveinlargecities.8.Apetinafamilykeepspeopleintouchwiththemorenatural,animalworld.08Arguments9.Watchingtheeverydayactivitiesofapethelpsachildtounder-standnatureandcopewithproblems.10.Learningtocareforapethelpsachildtogrowupintoalovingadultwhofeelsresponsibletowardsthosedependentonhim.11.Animalscancommunicatewitheachotherintheirparticularway.Theycommunicatewithhumanbeings,too,fortheyarequicktosenseangerandsorrow.12.Peoplekeeppetsforemotionalratherthaneconomicreasons.13.Apetdogbringsitsmaster(owner)asenseofconfidence,forhecanseeinthedogthatfaithfulnessdoesexistandhedoeshavesomethingtotrust.14.Sterilizationofpetsinutterlycruel.Ifthereisalargenumberofpets,thenthemore,themerrier.09Counter-arguments1.Keepingpetsisjustawasteoftimeandresources.2.Petsarehumanizedbythosewhokeeppets.Owingtotheirneedforahome,forfoodanddrink,petsaretamedandidealizedbytheirowners.3.Petsandchildrenoftenfightovercareandloveinthefamily.4.Peoplenowadaysaresocrazyaboutpetsthattheyevenneglectcaringfortheirownchildren.5.Acampaignshouldbelaunchedagainsttheoverpopulationofpets.6.Thegrowingnumberofpetshascausedserioushygieneproblemsthatcannotbesolved.10Counter-arguments7.Theearthwillnolongerbeaworldofhumanbeingsandanimalsbutaworldofanimalsonlyifwedonttakemeasurestostoptheincreaseofpets.8.Petdogsandcatsofbothsexesshouldbesterilizedbecausetheanimalsthemselvesareindangerofbecomingthefirstvictimsforthesimplereasonthattheirownersdonthaveenoughtimefortoomanyofthem.9.Asamatteroffactthosekeeppetsdontalwaystreattheirpetswithkindness.Theysometimesabandontheirpetswhentheygoawayonholidayandareunabletotakethepetsalongwiththem.10.Itsashamethatmanyanimalseatmuchbetterfoodthanwehumanbeingsdo.11.Itsreallyagainstnaturetocagebirds,chaindogsandkeepcatswithinthehouse.12.Petsareanimals.Theyshouldbeseenintheirnaturalhabitatratherthaninthehomesofhumanbeings.11Lesson 3Should the Brain Drain Be Stopped by Restrictions?12Arguments1.Ourgovernmentshouldtryeverywaytostopthebraindrainforthesurvivalofourcountry.2.Manyofthosewhogooverseasarecollegegraduatesonwhomthecountryhasspentalargesumofmoney.Whyshouldweeducatepeopleforothercountries?3.Chinanowfacesakeenshortageofqualifiedpersonnelbutonebatchofgiftedpeopleafteranotherhavegoneabroad.Tochangethisgrimsituationitisimpe-rativetostopanyfurtheroutflowoftalentthroughstricterrestrictions.4.Mostpeoplegoabroadtoseektheirfortunes.Inordertomakemoneyforthem-selves,afeweventakeupindecentjobs.Wemuststopsuchkindsofpeoplefromgoingabroad.5.SomepeopledonotwanttocontributetotheconstructionofourcountryandsaythattheywillcomebackwhenChinabecomesarichandpowerfulcountry.Restrictionsfortheseunpatrioticpeopleshouldbeevenstricter.6.Itistruethatsomepeoplegoabroadtolearnadvancedscienceandtechnology,butwhataboutthosewhomajorinChinesefolksongsanddancesorthosewhomajorinsubjectsforwhichChinahasthebestteachersandthemostmaterials?13Arguments7.ManyChinesestudents,nomatterwhattheirmajorswereincollegesanduniversitieshere,turntobusinesscoursesintheUnitedStatesbecausethatmakesiteasierforthemtofindajobintheUSaftergraduation.Thisshowsthattheydonotplantocomeback.Shouldwenotstoppeoplelikethemfromgoingabroad?8.ManyofthethingsstudentslearninforeigncountriescannotbeappliedinChina.Therefore,weshouldnotwastetimeandenergysendingpeopleabroadtostudy.9.Manyyoungpeoplegoabroadatsuchanearlyagethattheyhardlyunder-standtheirowncultureandareeasilyinfluencedbyWesternideas.Thatiswhystricterrestrictionshouldbeputonyoungpeoplegoingoverseas.10.The5-year-service-systemforcollegegraduatesisnecessaryandsensible.Thisistheleastacollegegraduateshoulddoforthecountry.11.The5-year-service-systemisgoodnotonlyforthecountrybutalsofortheindividualsbecausegraduatesfreshfromcollegecanhardlydotheirresearchwell.Afewyearsofworkexperiencewillhelpthemrealizetheirownweak-nessesandmakethemmoreeagertolearn.14Counter-arguments1.Thebraindrainshouldnotbestoppedbyrestrictionsbecausetheycanonlypreventpeoplefromgoingabroad,butcannevermakethemservetheneedsofourcountrysconstructionwhole-heartedly.2.Restrictionsareuseless,forinChinatherearealwayswaystogetaroundrestrictionsandmanypeoplehavealreadyfoundwaystodoso.3. Backward management should be changed in order to bring peoplesinitiativeintofullplay.4.Unfairdistributionsystemsshouldbegotridoftomakesurethatpeoplewhohavemadethemostcontributionaredulyrewarded.5.Intellectualslivingandworkingconditionsshouldbeimproved.Onlyinthiswaywillpeoplebewilling,ratherthanforced,tostayinourcountry.6.Tothosewhohavestayedinforeigncountriesbeyondtheirtimelimit,weshouldgivemoretrustandunderstandingratherthanlabelthemasunpatrioticordismissthemfromtheirformerjobs.Onlyinthiswaycanweattractthosewhohavealreadygoneabroad.7.The5-year-service-systemisunreasonablebecauseapersonlearnsbestwhenheisyoungandfreefromfamilyduties.15Counter-arguments8.Whatoccursasaconsequenceofthe5-year-service-systemisthatmanyhighschoolgraduatesrefusetogotocollegebecausetheydonotwanttobeboundbytheseregulations.9.Peoplearerequiredtopayalargesumofmoneyistheydontwanttofulfillthe5-year-serviceobligation.Thishurtsthefeelingsofmanywhoactuallywanttocomebackaftertheirstudiesabroadandforcesthemtoremainoverseaslongenoughtoearntheirmoneyback.10.Formanypeopletheirdesiretogoabroadbecomesevenstrongerwhentherearerestrictions,forpeoplearealwaystemptedtodowhatisforbidden.11.Chinasirrationalemploymentandpersonnelsystemshouldbechangedsothatpeoplewhodoreturnfromabroadcanusetheskillsandknowledgetheyhaveacquiredabroad.12.Peopleabroadoftensufferfromlonelinessandhomesicknessandlongtocomeback,butcertainrulesandregulationshavefrightenedthemaway.16Lesson 4Does Criticism Do More Harm Than Good to People? 17Arguments1.Onewillimproveonlywithcriticism becausegenerallyspeaking,oneknowsonesgoodqualitiesbetterthanonesbad.2.Criticismhelpspeopletoknowtheirnegativequalitiesbetterandwilladdtotheirself-knowledge.3.Very often criticism is more useful than compliments because those criticized canimproveandwillnotmakethesamemistakesinthefuture.4.Beingcriticizedmeanstobejudged.Suchjudgmentimpliesademandthatweshouldchange.Ifothersdonotdemandchange,wemayfeeltheneedtodemanditofourselves.5.Criticismworkseffectivelywhenitfocusesonthetaskthatisbeingdone.6.Oneshouldnottakeanegativeattitudetowardscriticism,forsuchanattitudewillkeptonefromknowingwhatothersreallythinkofone.7.Inourchildhoodweallgotagreatdealofcriticismand,asaresult,learninghowtohandlecriticismisnotnewtous.8.Criticismtousislikemedicinetothesick.9.Onlythosewhocareforuswillofferuscriticisminordertostopusfromerring.10.Eventhoughsomecriticismcomesfromunfriendlyintentions,stillitcanbetakenasawarning.18Counter-arguments1.Criticismdoesmoreharmthangoodtoonesconfidenceanddignity.2.Inreallifepeopletendtoholdaprotectivewebaroundthemselvesindefenseagainstcriticism,forcriticismisusuallyveryhurtful.3.Criticismmakespeopleloseconfidenceandbecomeverynegativeaboutthemselves.4.Somepeopleofillwillusetheirostensibleconcernforthegrowthofothersasanexcusetocriticizeandattackthem.5.Itisnotuncommonformanysensiblepeopletowithholdtheircriticismforfearofbeingdislikedorconsideredunfair,orforfearofhurtinganotherperson.6.Criticism,withfewexceptions,discreditsus,whatwehavedone,orwhatweplantodo.7.Criticismisauthoritarianbecauseitsetsunreasonabledemandsonthosecriticized.8.Criticismshouldfocusontheproblem,ifthereshouldbeany. Veryoftenitisthepersonwhogetspickedon.9.Criticismthrowspeopleintofrustrationratherthanurgethemtoimprove.10. Frequent criticism makes people completely baffled about how to behave and dothingsproperly.11.Criticismisnotasusefulascompliments.Complimentsencouragepeopleandofferthemahopefulprospectofthemselvesandtheirlives,butcriticismdoestheopposite.19Lesson 5Is It Good for Students to Have Part-time Jobs? 20Arguments1.Itsgoodforstudentstohavepart-timejobsbecausethishelpscultivateindependenceamongyoungpeople.2.Part-timejobsinbusinesscanfosterasenseofcompetition,whichisimportantforstudentsinthefuture.3.After-schoolworkenhancesayoungpersonssocialdevelopment.4. Being able to earn their own money gives students a feeling that theyve become adults and,therefore,makesthemfeelmoremature.5.Part-timejobsmakestudentsmoreconfidentinthemselves because throughtheworktheycanrealizetheirownvalueandprovethattheyarecapablepeople.6. Part-time job experience gives students an insight into what work is about and prepares thempsychologicallyfortheirfuturejobs.7.After-schoolworkteachesstudentshowharditistoearnmoneyandhelpsdevelopthriftinessinouryoungergeneration.8.Part-timejobscanhelpstudentsapplytheirknowledgeinpractice,and,inreturn,theirexperiencewillmakethemknowbetterwhattheyhavelearnedinclassesandbooks.9.Part-timejobsgivestudentsafeelingofachievementthroughcontributingtonationalconstruction.10.Part-timejobscanmakestudentslivesmorecolorfulandaregoodfortheirpersonaldevelopment.11.Studentspart-timejobscontributealot,inonewayoranother,tooursocialistconstruction.12. Students who have part-time jobs can relieve, to some extent, the economic burdens of theirparents.13.Withthemoneyearned,studentscanbuymanyofthebookstheylike.21Counter-arguments1.Itsnotgoodforstudentstodopart-timejobsbecausetheywillbecomemoney-oriented.2.Manystudentswhohavepart-timejobshaveshownadeclineintheirstudies.3.Part-timejobsdonothelpdevelopasenseofthriftinessamongyoungpeoplebecausemanystudentsspendthemoneyonhigh-priceditems,luxuriesthattheirparentscanhardlyafford.4.Part-timejobsoftendistractstudentsattentionfromtheirstudies,andsomestudentsevenplaytruant.5.Themaintaskofstudentsistostudyhardandlearnwhatisneededforthedevelopmentofournation.Socialexperiencecanbegainedlateraftertheyfinishtheirstudies.6.Sincestudentsareintheirformativeyears,part-timejobsmayexposethemtosocialillsatanagewhentheycannotdifferentiategoodfrombad.7.Somestudentsbecomejuveniledelinquentsbecausetheycomeundertheinfluenceofbadpeoplethroughpart-timejobs.8.Throughstudentswhohavepart-timejobsmayrelievetheirparentseconomicburdens,theirearlycontactwithsocietyaddsgreatlytotheworriesoftheirparents.9.Thoughsomeafter-schoolworkcanhelpstudentspracticewhattheylearninclasses,manyofthejobsrequirenothingofthestudentsknowledge.10.Somestudentshavebecomedrop-outsbecausethroughpart-timejobstheyvefoundthatthemoreeducationyouhave,thelessmoneyyoumake.11.Afterthechaotic10-year-longCultureRevolution,Chinanowhasashortageof60millionengineers.Theproblemofdrop-outsonlymakesthesituationworse.22Lesson 6Is Euthanasia Humane? 23Arguments1.Euthanasiaishumanebecauseithelpstohastenthedeathofterminallyillpatients.2.Death,asnaturalasbirth,issometimesahardprocessthatrequiresassistance,andeuthanasiaispartofsuchassistance.3.Deathisanormalandnaturalstageoflife,sopeoplehavetherighttodie.4.Itisunnecessarytomaintainlifeartificiallybeyondthepointwhenpeoplewillneverregainconsciousness.5.Extendinganincurablyillpatientslifemeansthesameasaggravatinghispain.6. Efforts should not be made to perpetuate what has become a meaninglessexistence.7.Euthanasiacanbringmentalandphysicalreleasetothepatientandhisfamilywhenheisterminallyillandhasnoprospectofrecovering.8.Mercykillingismotivatedbynothingbutloveandsympathyforthedyingpatient.9.Mostoftheterminallyillpatientsthemselveswanttodiewithdignityandpeaceinsteadofagonyanddegradation.Euthanasiaistheonlysatisfactorywayout.10. The majority of people brought to trial for mercy killing are usually foundinnocentintheend.24Counter-arguments1.Itisinhumanetoperformeuthanasianomatterhowpainlesstheprocessis.2. Anyone who voluntarily, knowingly or premeditatedly takes the life ofanother,evenoneminutepriortodeath,isakiller.3.Euthanasiaisacriminaloffensebecauseitinvolvesthekillingofaperson.4.Legalizedeuthanasiawillinviteabuseofhumanlifebecauseanyformofmurdermaybeconvenientlydubbed“mercykillingbyunscrupulouspeople.5.Euthanasiaraisesmanymoralissuessinceitimpliesthatactivemeasuresaretakentoterminatehumanlife.6.Doctorsandnursesshoulddoeverythingtheycantosavedyingpatientsinsteadofhasteningtheirdeathbyactivemeasures.7.Nothingcanbemorebrutalthantakingawayhumanlife.8.Theinstinctforself-preservationisthestrongesthumanbeingspossess.Itisuntruethatanypatienthimselfshouldwanttodie.9.Doctorsandnursesinvolvedineuthanasiahavediscreditedtheirprofession,foreuthanasiaisaviolationofthefundamentalmedicalprincipletosavehumanlife.25Lesson 7Do Examinations Do More Harm Than Good? 26Arguments1.Examsareprimitivemethodsoftestingthestudentsknowledgeandability.Theydomoreharmthangoodtothestudents,theteachers,educationitselfandthewholesociety.2. Many exams are not scientifically designed, but are subjective assessments by someanonymousexaminers.3. Exams do more harm than good, for students often spend so much time revising forexaminationsthantheycantfindenoughtimefornewwork.4.Examinationsdonotmotivatethestudenttoreadwidely,butrestricthisreading.5.Examsoftencauseanxiety,forstudentswillnotgetgoodjobswithoutgoodmarks.Manystudents suffer from bad health, and some even commit suicide because of psychologicalpressure.6.Sinceexamstestastudentsmemoryratherthanhisabilityandaptitude,theynevertrainhimtothinkforhimself.7.Itisunfairtojudgestudentsbytheresultsofexamsbecausetheycanhardlyperformwellundergreatpressureorafterasleeplessnight.8.Examslowerteachingstandards,too.Sinceateachersworkisoftenjudgedbytheexamresultsofhisstudents,heoftenteachesthemexamtechniquesratherthanknowledge.9.Theexamsystemleadstotheduck-stuffinglecturingmethod.10.Theexaminationsystemoftenproducespeoplewithgoodmarksbutpoorabilities,formanysuccessfulexamineesarewelltrainedinexamtechniquesratherthanwelleducated.11.Thestandardofeducationcannotbeimprovedsolongastheexaminationsystemexists.27Counter-arguments1.Examsareawell-triedsystemwhichoffersthebestandquickestwayofassessingacandidate.2.Examshelpusfindpeoplewithrealabilities,forthestudentscannotpossiblydowellrelyingmerelyonmemoryandexamtechniques.3.Ifstudentsworksteadilyallthetime,theyneednotspendsomuchtimepreparingforexamsandwillnothavetosufferfrompsychologicalpressure.4.Manystudentshateexams,butadmitthatwithoutexams,theywouldntdoanyworkatall.5.Examsprovideaclearstandardbywhichthestudentscanassessthemselvesfromtimetotime.6.Teacherswantexamsbecausetheyindicateclearlywhatteachersshoulddo.7. Exams help employers in their selection of employees. Though teachers can writereportsabouttheirstudentsforemployers,theyareoftensubjectiveandbiased.8.Examsareconstantlybeingimproved.Thereisalotofresearchintoobjectivetestingtechniques to eliminate human error, and computers are already widely used to markspeciallydevisedtests.9. Pernicious aspects of the system, such as duck-stuffing, are not the fault ofexaminations,butofteachers.10.Theexamsystemmaynotbeperfect,butitsthebestwehave;itmaybepainful,butsoaremanythingsinlife.28Lesson 8Should We Diet in Order to Keep Fit? 29Arguments1.Beingoverweightisbadforoneshealthbecauseitleadstoheartdisease,highbloodpressure,etc.2.Medicalsciencehasprovedthatanimalfatsandanexcessiveamountofsugarareharmfultooneshealth.3.Fatpeoplesufferpsychologicallyandphysically.4.Itishardforfatmenandwomentogetready-madeclothes.5.Fatpeopleandwomenareunattractivetolookat.6.Fatpeoplegettiredeasily.7.Fatpeopleshouldputthemselvesonadietbecausetheyeatmorethantheyreallyneed.8.Dietingisassociatedwithsensibleandrationalliving.9.Dietingleadstolongevity.10.Dietingenablepeopletoenjoylifemore.11. Obese people are often objects of ridicule owing to their abnormalfigures.30Counter-arguments1.Dietingdoesmoreharmthangoodtooneshealthforthesimplereasonthatadietersufferconstantlyfrommalnutrition.2.Dietersleadamiserablelifebecausetheyareforeverhungryand,atthesametime,theyhavetogothroughthetortureofwatchingothersenjoytheirthreemealsaday.3.Dietersdonotenjoylifefully.Theymissoneofthemostimportantthingsingoodfood.4.Manypeopledietnotbecausetheyreallywanttoliveahealthylife,butbecausetheyarevain.5. Many dieters are merely fashion followers. They will undertake gainingweightifbeingfatbecomesfashionableoneday.6.Whatdietersareinterestedinisnothingbutthebattleagainstspreadinghips,protrudingtummies,doublechins,etc.7.Dietersmaylosesomeweight.Oncetheystop,however,theygainweightagain,whichismoreharmfultooneshealth.8.Thoseonadietaresimplysenseless.Theytrytokeeptheir“goodfiguresattheexpenseoftheirhealth.31Lesson 9Is It a Good Idea to Control Population Growthin the World? 32Arguments1.Therapidriseinworldpopulationiscreatingproblemsforallcountriesonearthbecausetheresimplyarentenoughresources.2.Both rich and poor countries of the world should take united action to deal with thepopulationexplosion.Otherwise,therewillbemorepeoplefightingforlesslandandfewerresources,andthefuturewillbringpoverty,miseryandwartousall.3.Populationincreaseindevelopingcountrieshaswipedoutthematerialbenefitsthattheyhaveachieved.4.Statisticsshowthatwherethepopulationrateishigh,peopleslivingstandardsarelow.Thismeans,peopleslivingconditionscannotimproveunlessthereisareductionintheincreasedrateofpopulation.5.Inmoderntimes,afamilywithfewchildren,orevenwithnochildrenatall,isstillahappyfamily.6.Withfewerchildreninafamily,parentsspendlesstimeonhouseholdchoresandconcentratemore on their own interests, and their children enjoy better material and educationalopportunitiesthanthoseinbiggerfamilies.7.Themostpressingproblemcreatedbytherapidincreaseinpopulationisashortageoffood.Atpresentalargeproportionoftheexistingpopulationisnotgettingenoughoftherightkindoffood(e.g.peopleinIndia,Ethiopia,etc.).8.Overpopulationcreatesashortageofschools,teachers,hospitalsanddoctors.9.Overpopulationcausesproblemsinhousingandemployment,especiallyincities.10.Justimaginehowmuchbetterlifewouldbeiftheworldpopulationwerecutbyhalf!33Counter-arguments1.Morechildren,morehappiness.Thisisespeciallytrueforelderlypeoplewhoalllovechildren.2.Peopleinagriculturalareasneedmorechildrentohelpthemwiththeworkinthefields.3.Whethertohavechildrenornotinaprivatematterandnobodyshouldinterferewithit.4.Itisunfairtoblamealltheproblemsontheincreaseinpopulation.Itisthosegreedymanufacturersandbusinessmenindevelopedcountriesthatmaketheheaviestdemandsontheworldsresourcesandcausethemostpollution.5.Ifpopulationcontrolwereamust,itshouldbecarriedoutindevelopedcountriesaswellbecauseababybornintheU.S.willuseinhislifetime30timesmoreoftheworldsresourcesthanababyborninIndia.6. Children are the most important thing in life. With fewer children around, life will be dull,meaninglessandunhappy.Itisincredibleforacoupletohavenochildatall.7.Childreninafamilygivetheparentsasenseofresponsibilityandpride.Theyareveryimportanttothestabilityofafamily.8.Populationcontroldoesgreaterharmthanwerealize.Forinstant,iftheonechildpolicyisstillinpracticein100years,peoplethenwillhavelittleideaofkinshipties,formostofthemwillhavenobrothers,sisters,uncles,aunts,orcousins.9.Withthegovernmentsfamilyplanningpolicyinoperationwenowhaveagenerationof“onlychildfamilies:mostofthemarearrogant,selfish,andspoilt.10.Abigfamilyofferschildrenachancetolearnhowtocopewithandcareforotherpeople.11.Childreninbigfamilieshavethechancetocompetewitheachother,intermsoftheirmannersathome,theirstudyatschool,theirperformanceattheirplaceofwork,etc.Olderchildrenusuallyhaveagreatinfluenceontheyounger.34Lesson 10Should Students Only Learn from Books? 35Arguments1.Onlybookscanprovidepeoplewiththeknowledgethatmakesthemeducated.2.Thecriticismthatwhatstudentslearntodayisnotadaptedtopresent-daysocietyisutterly wrong because education can never be seen only in terms of how useful thesubjectsarewhenstudentsleaveschool.Weoughttoevaluateeducationintermsofhowmuchthestudentsenjoythosesubjectsandhowmuchtheymeantothosestudents.3.Insteadofbeingtrainedtobeutilitarian,studentsshouldbeencouragedtodothingsfortheirownsake,forgettingsatisfactionoutofthemratherthanforwhatisachievedattheend.4.Thosewithagoodcommandoftheknowledgeprovidedinbookscanadaptthemselvesbettertotheirfuturelifethanthosewithout.5.Thosewhostressonlypracticalskillsandtechniquesandignorethefunctionofbooksareshort-sighted.6.Onlybyurgingstudentstoreadmore,writemoreanddomoreexercisescaneducationbeimproved.7.Beingpractical,manychildrenleaveschoolandstartearningmoneyatanearlyage.Becauseofthis,quitealargenumberofchildrenjointheranksoftheilliterateinthecountry.8.Withouttheknowledgeprovidedinbooks,thereisnopointintalkingabouttrainingqualifiedpersonnelandfosteringversatiletalents.36Counter-arguments1.Educationisagradualextensionofoneself.Itdoesnotonlytakeplaceinechoolbuildings.Itisalife-longexperience.2.Studentsshouldbetaughthowtoliveandhowtogetonwithoneanother.Thisismoreimportantthanreadingandwriting.3.Writing,readingandarithmeticdontreallymatter.Whatmatteristhatstudentsshouldlearntounderstandtheworld?4.Studentsaresooverburdenedwithclass-workandhomeworkthatmanyofthemdonotenjoygoodhealth.5.Insteadofofferingstudentsbook-learningonly,weshouldencouragethemtogettoknowsocietysothattheywillbemoreadaptabletoreallife.6.Manystudentsarespoiltbyourpresent-dayeducationalsystem.Theymaybetopstudentsatschool,buttheyareatalossastohowtodealwithpracticalmatters.7.Educationisbutafailureifitonlyproducespeoplewhoareunabletoputtheoryintopractice.8. We should put right the tendency of stressing only students academicachievementandignoringtheirmoralandphysicaleducation.9.Students,intheirformativeyears,shouldhaveachancetobroadentheiroutlookratherthanfeelcompelledtoworktowardspassinganexam.37Lesson 11Dose Parental Permissiveness Affect Childrens Development? 38Arguments1.Theexcessivepermissivenessofpresent-dayparentsisdoingmoreharmthangoodtochildrenandsocietyaswell.2. Children should develop the habit of working and living independently and,meanwhile,practicethevirtueofbeingfilialtotheirparents.3.Ifoneletsthechilddowhateverhewantsto,hewillruinthechildforlife.4.Wehavetoadmitthefactthatwenowhavegotagenerationofspoilt,self-centeredbratswithnorespectfortheirelders.5.Thespreadofjuveniledelinquencyinourageislargelyduetoparentalpermissiveness.6.Childrenwhohaveasurfeitofhappinessintheirchildhoodoftenemergelikestodgypuddingsandfailtomakeasuccessoflife.7.Thefactthatyoungpeoplenowadaysareself-centered,indifferentandinconsiderateofothersislargelytheoutcomeofparentalpermissivenessintheirchildhood.8.Parentalauthorityinafamilyhelpsachildtodevelophischaracterhealthily.9.Itisridiculousthat,insteadofshowingduerespecttotheirparents,childreninChinatodayenjoyextremepietyfromtheirparents.10. Parents should exercise strict discipline over their children because, the morepermissive the parents are, the more rebellious against their parents the children willbecome.11.Lavishcareandexcessivepermissivenesswillonlygiverisetohedonismamongtheyoungergeneration.39Counter-arguments1.Morecareforchildrenisnotthesameaspermissivenesstothem.2.Thetruthisthatparentsnowadaysdonottakeenoughcareoftheirchildrenandoftenneglecttheirdevelopmentbecausetheparentsareonlyinterestedintheircareers.3.Parentsarenotatallpermissivetotheirchildren.Violenceoftentakesplaceinfamiliesinwhichchildrenareabused.4.Onlyarelaxedfamilyatmospherecanhelpthephysicalandpsychologicalgrowthofchildren.5.Toletchildrendowhattheylikecontributionstotheirindependenceandcompetenceintheiradultlives.6.Itisunfairtoblameparentsforthespreadofjuveniledelinquency.Therearealotofothercausesinvolved.7.Manycasesshowthatchildrenleavehomeandbecomemembersofstreetgangsjustbecausetheycannotbearauthoritariancontroloverthembytheirparents.8. Strict discipline does not always work in terms of developing childrens personalqualities.Toomuchpressureonchildrenleadstorebellionandotherextremeactions.9. Parents are not justified in using violence to keep discipline and maintain theirauthorityoverthechildren.10.Childrenarehumanbeings,too.theyneedtobeprotectedinsteadofbeingfrequentlyscoldedorphysicallyabused.40Lesson 12Is It Necessary to Develop Tourism? 41Arguments1. It is necessary to develop the tourist trade, for it contributes a lot to increasingunderstandingbetweennations.2.Asthesayinggoes,“Seeingisbelieving.Onlyatriptoanunfamiliarlandcanhelpusunderstandthepeopleandculturethere.3.Sincetourismhelpsincreaseunderstandingbetweenpeople,itwillfinallywipeoutprejudiceagainstothernations,andmaketheworldamorepeacefulone.4.TourismcontributessignificantlytomanycountriesGNP(GrossNationalProduct).Theeconomyofsomenationsisbasedonthetouristindustry.5.Tourismhelpsdevelopanationscommercebecausetouristsaremostlikelytobuysouvenirswherevertheygo.6.Tourismprovidesjobsformanypeopleandhelpssolveoreasethesocialproblemofunemployment.7.Tourismalsohelpspromotethecateringtrade.8.Tourismhelpsimprovethetransportationsystemofanation.9.Tourismhelpsaccelerateacitysconstructionanditsembellishment.10.Contactwithtouristsfromafarwidensthehorizonofthelocalpeople.11.Thetouristtradegivespeopleachancetoenjoythebeautifulsceneryoftheworldandthewondersofmankind.12.Tourismwillhelppeoplelearnaboutdifferentculturesoftheworld.13.Travelcanwidenoneshorizonandmakeonemoreopen-minded.42Counter-arguments1.Tourismcannotincreaseunderstandingbetweennationsbecausetouristsareoftentrappedinbighotelsandonlygazeatthenativesfromadistance.2.Tourismdoesnotwipeoutprejudice,butleadstothepersistenceofnationalstereotypes because when traveling, you notice only characteristics whichconfirmyourpreconceptions.3.Itistruethatforeignfriendscanmakepeopleunderstandstereotypesareabsurdandharmful,butthetouristtradepreventspeoplefrommakingforeignfriends.4.Sincetouristsdonothavetimetomixwiththelocalpeople,theycannothaveafullviewofthelocalculture.5.Tourismmakessomepartsoftheworldtoocrowdedaplacetolivein.6.Tourismcreatespollutionandhasdestroyedmanybeautifulscenicspots.7.Touristscannothaveafullenjoymentofthebeautifulscenerybecausetheplacestheyvisitarerestrictedbyorganizers.8.Asthesayinggoes,“Travelmakesawisemanbetter,butafoolworse.9.Contactwithandassimilationofothercultureswillreducetheuniquenessofonesowncultureandmaketheworldlesscolorfulthanbefore.43Lesson 13Work to Live or Live to Work? 44Arguments1.Somepeoplelivetowork.Theywanttohaveafulfillingprofession.2.Workthatisworthdoinggivesmentalsatisfactiontothedoer.3.Oneshouldalwaysenjoywhatonedoesevenifthesalaryislow.4.Onewillfeeltenseifheisinthewrongjob.5.Doingwellintherightjobhelpstoimproveonesrelationshipwithonescolleaguesandfamilymembers.6.Whateveronedoesisacreativeexperience,likecooking,sewing,andother“do-it-yourselfactivities.7. We shouldnt regard work merely as a breadwinning process.Weshouldtakeawiderperspectiveonwork.8.Peopleworkforthesakeofsuccess,positionandcontrolinsociety.9.Workinggiveswomenasenseofindependenceawayfromthefamily.10. Work fulfilshuman beings and they should not be prey to baseimpulses.11.Toworkisahumanneedandauniquehumancharacteristic.45Counter-arguments1.Somepeopleworktolive.Toliveistosurvive.Itisafundamentalhumanneed.2.Workisameanstoanend.Itisabreadwinningprocess.3.Oneishappyifhisjobenableshimtoearnenoughtolivewell.4.Thepersonwhoworkstolivehasaverystrongsenseofresponsibilityforhisfamilyandhimselfaswell.5.Thepurposeofworkingistolivesatisfactorily.6.Workshouldnotruleoneslife.Assoonasonearriveshomefromwork,heshouldforgetabouttheoffice.7.Workisdrudgery.Peopleworksothattheywillenjoytheirleisureorwhatevercomesafterit.8.Formostpeople,workhasverylittlevalueatall.9. Nowadays, we do things which are either totally futile and useless or have very littlejustification.10.Formostofustheonlyreasonforworkingisthatweneedtokeepourselvesalive,topayforsomewheretolive,topaytofeedourchildren.11.Alotofpeoplehavefoundthatworkinghasbecomeadispiritingexperience.Soworkcanneverbethegoaloflife.12.Toworkistoearnmoney,andmoneycanbuyhappiness.13.Makingmoneyisgratifyingandexciting.Peopleslivesareactuallygearedtowardsthisbecausetheamountofmoneyoneearnssymbolizeshispositioninsociety.14.Peoplearevain.Theydontadmitthefactthattheyworkhardinordertoenjoylife.46Lesson 14Does the younger Generation Know Best? 47Arguments1.Theyoungarebettereducatedandmorebroad-minded.2.Theyoungenjoyalotmorethingsthantheold:theyhavemoneytospend;theyarelessdependentontheirparent;theygrowupmorequickly;andtheyenjoymorefreedom.3.Theyoungdonotblindlyaccepttheidealsoftheirelders.4.Theoldassumetheyknowbest,butitisonlyamaterofexperience.5.Theyoungquestionthevaluesandassumptionsoftheoldergenerationandtheyareright.6.Theyoungrejectconformity,indress:drabgreysuitsandconvicthaircut.7.Theyoungenjoymorefreedomandhaveastrongersenseofresponsibility.8.Theoldtendtosettledifferencesbyconventionalpoliticsandviolence.9.Theoldareunhappyandguilt-riddenintheirpersonallives.10.Theolddonothavenobleambitionsandonlystriveformaterialpossessions.11.Theoldareunabletokeepawayfromtheratrace,inwhichtheyhavelosttouchwiththemostimportantthingsinlife.12.The old can learn from the young. Young people are more devoted totheirfriends.13.Theyoungknowhowtoenjoyworkandleisureandnottobeinhibited.14.Theyoungliveinthepresentratherthaninthepastorfuture.48Counter-arguments1.Theyoungdonotassumetheirresponsibility;theyevadeit.2.Theyounghavetoomuchmoneyandtheyarespoiled.3.Theyoungarenotinterestedinimportantquestions.4.Theyoungareonlyinterestedinthemselves.5.Theyoungareconcernedonlywithmakingmoneyandgettingahead.6.Theyoungseekmaterialpossessionslikeclothing,cars,etc.Theydonotwishtoworkforthem.7.Theyoungshouldfeelgratefultotheoldergenerations,whohavecreatedagoodlifeforthem.8.Theoldergenerationbroughtaboutpeaceandfreedomwhichtheyoungenjoytoday.9.Theoldprovidetheyoungwithagoodeducationandmoneytospend.10.Theoldergenerationfoughtinthetwoworldwars.Theyfacedrealproblems,buttheyounghaveaneasierlife.11.Theyoungareshallowandclingtopassingfashions:trendyclothes,popmusic,etc.12.Thewaymanyyoungpeopledressisinverybadtaste.Theygrowlonghair,andtheyaredirty,scruffy,andlazy.13.Youngpeoplehavetoomuchfreedomandhavenosenseofmorality.14.Theoldergenerationistookindandsoftwiththeyoung.Atougherpolicyisneededandmightworkwonders.15.Theyoungareunadventurousandtheylacknobleideals.16.Youngpeoplesoutlookontheworldisverybleakandtheyareskepticalofeverything.17.Youngpeopleareunstable.Theyarecocksure.49Lesson 15Should Smoking Be Prohibited? 50Arguments1.Smokingshouldbeprohibited,fortheWorldHealthOrganizationpointsoutthatdiseaseslinkedtosmokingkillatleast2,500,000peopleeachyear.2.Scientificresearchhadshownthattheriskofdevelopinglungcancerincreaseswiththenumberofcigarettessmokedperdayandthedurationofthesmokinghabitanditdiminisheswiththecessationofsmoking.3.Smokingnotonlyleadstolungcancerbutmanyotherdiseasessuchasheartattacks,sorethroat,headache,chronicbronchitis,pulmonaryemphysema,etc4.Smokingisnotonlyharmfultothesmokerhimself(herself),butalsoresultsinthedeathsofnon-smokers.Statisticsshowthatpassivesmokingiscausing3,000to5,000lungcancerdeathsayearamongAmericannon-smokers.5.AnAmericanscientistestimatedthatsmokerswhoaverageapackageadayfor20yearswillloseabouteightyearsoftheirlives.6.Smokingmakestheindoorenvironmentfarmorepollutedthanoutdoorenvironment.7.Pregnantwomenwhosmokeruntheriskofhavingdeformedbabies8.Smokingisanexpensivehabit,forasmokerwhoconsumes10cigarettesadaywillhavetospendatleast40yuanamonth9.Smokinghasabadimpactonthepsycheofthesmokers.Ontheonehand,smokersrealizethebadeffectsofsmokingandarepersuadedfromtimetotimetogiveupsmoking.Ontheotherhand,manyofthemcanhardlyresistthetemptationtosmoke.Hencetheyoftenloseconfidenceinthemselves.10.Childrenexposedtoparentalcigarettesmokingareputatahigherriskofdevelopinglungdiseaseslaterintheirlives.11.Inthecountryside,somesmokerssharethesamepipe,whichisevenmoreunhealthy.12.Smokingnotonlypollutestheairbutalsomakesthestreetsdirty,forsomesmokersflicktheashofftheircigarettesandthrowcigaretteendseverywhere.13.Smokingspeedsuptheprocessofagingandhelpscausewrinklesonpeoplesfaces.51Counter-arguments1.Smokingshouldnotbeprohibited,forcigarettesgiveavastnumberofpeopleagooddealofpleasurealotofthetime.2.Nicotinecanproduceatranquilizingeffectduringhighemotions;andshocksituations,and,therefore,helpstocalmpeopledown.3.Smokingcounteractsthedecreaseinefficiencythattypicallyoccursinboring,monotonoussituations.4.Smokerscanimprovetheirperformanceincomplexsituationswhilesmoking.5.Smokershelpincreasetherevenueofourcountry.6.Smokingkillsnomorepeoplethanepidemicsortrafficaccidents.7.Mostnon-smokersspendalotofmoneyonsnacks,ahabitcostingasmuchassmokingifnotmore.8.Manygirlsadmirehandsomeboyswithacigaretteontheirlip,becausetheybelievesmokingisasignofmaturityinmen.9.Girlswhosmokeappearcoolandcapable.10.Ifsmokingiseliminated,alotofpeopleinthetobaccoindustrywillbeoutofjobs,andthatwillcreatemanysocialproblems.11.Smokingmaynotalwaysleadtodeath.WinstonChurchillwasachain-smokerbutenjoyedalonglife.12.Factshaveshownthatifachain-smokersuddenlyquitssmoking,hesmorelikelytohavelungcancerthanthosewhokeepthehabit.13.Everybodyhastherighttokeephisorherhabit.Smokersarenoexception.52Lesson 16Is Money the Most Important Thing in Life? 53Arguments1.Everythinginmodernsocietyisbasedonmoney.Asthesayinggoes,moneymakesthemarego.2.Parentsobjecttotheirdaughtersmarriagesunlesstheirfuturesons-in-lawhavejobswithgoodprospects.3.Manyyoungpeoplemarryformoneyratherthanforlove.4.SomepeopleinShanghaiwouldeventradetheirself-esteemformoney.5.Materialism influences education, too. Students acquire knowledge not for its ownsake,butforabiggerwagepacket.6.Studentschoosebusinesscoursesratherthanliberalartsforthesakeofearningbigmoneyinthefuture.7.Veryfewpeoplewanttobeteachersbecauseteachingisnotalucrativeprofession.8.Moreemphasisisputonmateriallifethanonspirituallifeinmodernsociety.Peopledoanythingintheirpowertoearnmoneytobuytheirhouses,furniture,cars,etc.9.Peoplearetrainedtobeacquisitivefromanearlyageandarenotconsideredsuccessfulunlesstheymakegoodmoney.10.PeoplespendmostoftheirlivesstrugglingfranticallytokeepupwiththeJoneses11.Wealthynationsoftendeprivetheirpoorerneighborsoftalentedpeoplebyofferingthembiggersalaries.12.Financialrewardsforpopstarsmakemanypeopleenvythem.13.Adesiretoearnmoremoneyisnothingtobeashamedof.54Counter-arguments1.Toomuchwealthleadstodisaster.Murderorkidnappingmightoccurwhenbigmoneyisinvolved.2.Thereisamarkedreluctanceamongpeopletoworklonghoursformoney. Manypeopledesiretohavearichandinterestinglife.3.Moneycorrupts.Themoremoneyyouhave,themoreyouwant.4. Success and wealth often earn one envy and even hostility which ruins good humanrelationship.5.Manyyoungpeoplerejectmaterialisticvalues.Theyaremotivatedbytheirinterestinwork.6.Manypeoplethinkitisvulgartobeaftermoneyallthetime.Theygiveawaytheirmoneytolessfortunatepeople.7.Manydevotedteachersconsiderteachinganoblecareerandarenotdemoralizedbytheirlowsalaries.8.Thereisnowareturnofinterestinthehumanities,whicharousepeoplesacademicinterest.Moneyisobviouslynotthesoleinteresttothesepeople.9.Thereexistmanyvolunteerorganizations,suchasneighborhoodcommitteesinChina,peopleinvolvedinworkwithoutareward.10.Whenpeoplearestruckbynaturaldisastersinonepartoftheworld,thoseinotherpartsoftheworldoftenhelpgenerously.11.Whatscientistsandengineerswantisoftenbetterconditionsforworkratherthanmoremoney.55Lesson 17Is Romantic Love the Most Important Condition for Marriage? 56Arguments1.Marriageistheresultandextensionoflove.Therefore,romanticloveisthemostimportantconditionofmarriage.2.Loveshouldbethemostimportantconditionformarriagebecauseamarriagewithoutloveislikehellinwhichthecouplessufferfortherestoftheirlives.3.Romanticlovewillenablethecoupletoconqueranydifficultiesintheirlifetogether.4.Infeudalsociety,manypeoplesufferedfromarrangedmarriagesbecauselovewasneveranelementforconsiderationinmarriagesatthattime.5. Romantic love can lead to the healthy psychological development of thecouple.6.Marriagesbasedonromanticlovewillbringforthbeautifulandintelligentchildren.7.Marriagesbasedonlovetendtocreateahappyandharmoniousatmosphereinthefamilywhichisgoodforthedevelopmentofchildren.8.Ahappymarriagehelpsonetoachievemoreinonescareer.9.Amarriagewithoutloveisworsethanbeingsingle.10.Marriagewithoutloveismostlikelytoendindivorcewhichcreatesmanysocialproblems.57Counter-arguments1.Loveisnotthemostimportantconditionformarriagebecauseloveisromanticwhereasmarriageispractical.2.Lackofmoneyinanewmarriagemightbringtroubleandchronicquarrelling.3. Education is the most important condition for a good marriage because a couple whoseeducationallevelsdonotmatcharenotlikelytohavemuchincommon.4.Amarriagebasedonromanticlovealonewillnotlastlong,forasenseofresponsibilityismostessentialtoasuccessfulmarriage.5.Ageisaveryimportantconditionforahappymarriagebecause,ifthecouplesbelongtodifferentagegroups,theytendtohavedifferentinterestsandfindithardtounderstandeachother.6.Loveisnotthemostimportantconditionforahappymarriagebecause,whenthechoiceiscarefullyandwiselymade,itsusuallyagoodone.7.Healthisaveryimportantconditionforagoodmarriage.Ifeitherpartyofamarriagesuffersfrompoorhealth,thenhappinessisimpaired.8.Asthesayinggoes,loveblindsamantoimperfection,soamarriagebasedonlovealoneisonlyabetforhappiness.9.Parentalapprovalisimportantformarriagebecauseitcreatesunityinafamily.Moreover,theexperienceofparentscanoftencorrectandrestraintheheadstronganddistortedchoicesofinexperiencedyouth.10.Loveisnotthesingle,mostimportantconditionforasuccessfulmarriage.Itrequiresthecombinationofmanyconditions,allofwhichareimportant.58Lesson 18Should Women Be Treated the Sameas Men? 59Arguments1.Prejudiceagainstwomenviolatesthefundamentalprinciplethatallpeoplearecreatedequal.2.Womenshouldnotbetreateddifferentlyfrommensince,accordingtostatistics,thereisnobasicdifferencebetweenthestandardandqualityofworkperformedbymenandwomenwhodothesamework.3.Thisisanunfairworld:mostofthetoppositioninsociety,likecompanydirectors,judges,universityprofessors,etc.areoccupiedbymen.4.Thisisamale-dominantworld.Overcenturiesmenhavebeentrainingandeducatingwomentoconsiderthemselvesinferiorandtoaccepttheirsuperiorposition.Asaresult,notonlymenareprejudicedagainstwomen,butsomewomenarealsoprejudicedagainstthemselvesbecausetheybelievetheyarereallyinferiorandonlyfitforhouseholdchores.5.Womenshouldnolongerbetreatedastheinferiorsex.Theyshouldstandsidebysidewithmenanddefinetheirroleinsociety,inwhichtheycanchoosetoworkoutsideorstayathomeandinwhichtheywillhavemoretimetodeveloptheirowninterests.6.Itisashameinthemodernworldtoconfinewomentothehomeandblocktheirwaytothefullexploitationoftheircapacityandpotential.7.Womenshouldbegivenanequalchanceofeducationinordertocompetewithmenonanequalfooting.8.Menshouldtakeanequalshareinhouseworksoastoliberatewomenfromthekitchen.9.Itisunreasonableforauthoritiestorefusetopromoteablewomentoimportantpostsjustbecausetheyhavechildrentobringup.60Counter-arguments1.Sincewealladmitthatwomenbelongtoadifferentsex,weshouldntcomplainaboutthedifferenttreatmenttowomen.2.Thefactisthatmosthousewivesarecontenttobehousewives.Theydontfeelthathousekeepingissomethingimposeduponthembymen.3.Womenarebynaturegoodathousekeepingsincethebiologicalfunctionofawomanisfirsttobringchildrenintotheworldandthentobringthemup.Womenshouldntattributetheexploitationoftheirbiologicaladvantagetomensdiscriminationagainstthem.4.Thedifference(womenusetheword“unequal)treatmenttowomenis,infact,thedivisionoflaborbothathomeandinsociety.5.Ifstayingathometakingcareofhouseholdchoresisasortofdiscriminationagainstwomen,dowomenagreetoworkoutsidewhiletheirhusbandsdothehouseworkathome?6.Actuallywomentodayhavealreadygotasmuchfreedomastheycouldpossiblywant.Theyenjoytherighttovote;theycangotouniversity;theycancompetewithmeninanyprofessionalfieldonequalterms.Itisgroundlessandunreasonabletoraisetheissueofunequaltreatmentofwomeninsociallife.7.Womenareborntobeattentiveandtender.Theirtalentslieinbeingmothersinsteadofinotherdirections.8.Ithasbeenprovedthatwomenarenotgoodatbusinessmanagement,politicaladministration,etc.Thatiswhywomendontholdmanyimportantpostsinsocialandeconomiclife.9.Mostwomenarefamily-orientedbynature.Nottoputtheminimportantpositionsisjusttoshowconsiderationfortheirnaturalinclination.10.Womenshouldnotattributetheirinferiorsocialstatustounequaltreatmentbymen.Theyhavetolookattheirownincompetenceandinabilityforanswer.11.Thefactisthatwomenhavereceivedtoomuchspecialtreatmentinsocietyatmensexpense.Womenshouldrealizethatmenareinanunfavorablepositionandarediscriminatedagainst.12.Womenshouldntcomplainabouttheirso-called“doubleburden(workandhouseholdchores)becausemenhavealwaysaskedthemtotakeonlyoneoftheresponsibilities,i.e.takingcareofthefamily.Itiswomenthemselveswhochoosetotakeupboth.61Lesson 19Is It Goodto Livein a Large Modern City? 62Arguments1.Largemoderncitiesaretoobigtocontrol.2.Trainsarepacked;streetsarecrowded;busesarefull.Therearebusqueuesandtrafficjamseverywhere.3.Commutingstretchesmansresourcestotheutmost.4.Unforeseenevents(e.g.power-cut,heavysnowfall,etc.)canbringaboutconditionofutterchaos.5.City-dwellersadoptawhollyunnaturalwayoflife.Theylosetouchwiththelandandtherhythmofnature.Theyarebarelyconsciousofseasons.Flowers,leaves,thechangesofseasonbecomeirrelevantintheirlives.6. Distinction between day and night is lost. There is always noise and traffic,everywhere.7.Rentsarehigh;buyingahouseofyourownaveragepeopleisimpossible.8.Thecostoflivingishighinbigcities.9.Citiesbreedcrimeandviolence;housesareoftenburgled.10.Tensioninbigcitiesshortenspeopleslives.11.Peoplelosetoomuchtimeingettingtowork.12.Inbigcitiestherearenotenoughcinemas,publictransportorpublictoilets.13.Pollutioninbigcitiesisbecomingimpossible.14.Citypeoplearenotaswarm-heartedandfriendlyascountrypeople.63Counter-arguments1.Mostpeoplelovecitiesandmanyareflockingtherefromthecountry.2.Modernmanistoosophisticatedforsimplecountrypleasures.3.Itisenoughtovisitthecountrysideatweekends.4. Commuting does not really affect those who live in cities; it is only a smallinconvenience.5.Gettingtoworkbybikeisveryhealthy.6.Peopleeasilyadaptthemselvestocitylife;noise,traffic,etc.arehardlynoticeable.7.Onlyasmallminorityofcity-dwellersareinvolvedincrimeandviolence.8. There are manyreasons why city life is preferable; there are more places forentertainment,etc.9.Itisgoodtobenearonesfriendsandnevercutoffbyweatherconditions.10.Lifeisneverdull;thereisalwayssomethingtodo.11.Therearebetterschoolsandservicesinbigcities.12.Therearemorechancesofemployment.Thereisagreaterrangesofjobsandthepayishigher.13.Thereismoreopportunitytosucceedinlife.14.Thereismoreopportunitytomeetavarietyofinterestingpeople.15.Livingstandardsarehigh.16.Itiseasytoearnalotofmoney.17.Theeducationallevelishigher;itisabetterplaceforchildren.64Lesson 20IsHousing ReformNecessary? 65Arguments1.HousingreformispossiblebecauseChinasoverallsocialreformenvironmentisnotyetreadyforit.2.ItstheStatesdutytoprovideshelterforurbanemployeesasakindofsocialwelfare.3. The commercializationor privatization of housing is synonymous with takingmoneyoutofpeoplespocketsandrunscountertotheidealsofsocialism.4.InChinasurbanareas,thepercapitamonthlyincomeisnomorethan80yuan,whichisnotevenenoughforfoodandothernecessities.Howcancitydwellersfindextramoneytobuyahouse?5.Housinggivestherichminorityratherthantheaverageminorityachancetolivebetter.6.Itisdifficultforenterprisestoearmarklargesumsofmoneytosupporthousingreformsincemanyofthemarenotprofitablyrun.7.Thepriceofhousinghasrocketedto2,000yuanasquaremeterinsomecities.Atthepresentsalarylevelateacherwouldhavetohavealifetimessavingsbeforebeingabletobuyatwo-roomapartment.8.Sincehousingreformiabeingcarriedoutinunitswithvastlydifferentconditions,itmayhappensthatsomeunitshaveemptyhouseswaitingforbuyerswhereasotherstrydesperatelytofindmoneytobuildnewhouses.66Counter-arguments1.Housingreformianecessarybecause,inthepastfewyears,theStatehasspent30billionyuanayearonbuildingandmaintaininghousesandsubsidizingrents,yettheinvestmenthasproducedlittlefinancialreturnandahousingshortagestillpersists.2.Commercializationofhousingwouldstopsomeofficialsfromabusingtheirpositionstoobtainextraorlargerhouses.3. Many couples who work in different units have two apartments living in one andkeepingtheotherfortheirchildrensfuturemarriage.Thissituationcanonlybechangedbyhousingreform.4.Therearestillcasesofthreegenerationssharingoneroom,simplybecausetheStatedoesnothaveenoughmoneytoimprovetheirhousingconditions.5.Ifonlyonehalfofthestate-builthousesnationwidearesoldtourbanresidents,upto200billionyuanwillberecouped,whichcanbeusedtoinventintheconstructionofmoreresidentialdwellings.6.Housingreformisnecessary,foritwillstopthe“backdoorismintheprevioussystemofhousingassignment.7. With construction costs shared by local governments, would-be buyers and localenterprises,peoplecanbuyatwo-roomapartmentforonly6,000to10,000yuan.8.Manypeoplestillliveindangerousandoldhouses,whichcanonlybeimprovedwiththemoneycollectedthroughhigherrent.67Lesson 21Should PeopleBe Promotedaccording to Ability? 68Arguments1. It is a matter of course that people should be promoted according to ability instead of age orexperience.2.Chinahasalongtraditionofselectingtalentedpeopletobeofficialsregardlessoftheirfamilybackgrounds.Thereisstillapointtothispractice,foritopposesappointmentbyfavoritism.3.Societyhasdonealotofinjusticetotalentedpeoplebyletting“yes-mentakeoffice.4.ItisadisgracethatpeoplegetpromotedsimplybecausetheyknowsomeVIPs(veryimportantpersons).5.Itisveryhardtodoawaywiththesystemofpromotionaccordingtoseniority.Thishaspreventedtalentedpeoplefromdevelopingtheirpotential.6.TheEstablishmentshouldletthetalentedgivefullreintotheirabilities.7.Nowadayswhatoneknowsismuchlessimportantthanwhoheknowsandhowoldheis.8.Itisunfairthatalotoftalentedpeople,especiallyyoungpeople,areatthebottomofthehierarchy.Ittakestwentyoreventhirtyyearsforthemtogetpromotedwhentheyarethoughttobeoldenoughfortheposition.9.Therehasbeenaviciouscircle:ThosewhowerekeptoutoftheEstablishmentwhentheywereyoung adopt the same attitude towards young talented people once they are in power. They takerevengeontheyoungforthesimplereasonthattheirtalentwasstifledinyouth.10.Itisashamethatsomepeoplegetpromotedsimplybecausetheyaregoodatflattery.Thosepeoplehidetheirambitiontomoveupbehindcompliments.11.Oncebyselectingtalentedpeopletooccupytheleadingpostscanwemakethesocietyabetterplacetolivein.12.Itisjustifiablethattalentedpersonnelbringtheirabilityintofullplaybybecomingleaders.69Counter-arguments1.Onestalentdoesnotmatterasmuchasonesfamilybackgroundoronessocialcircle.2.Itisabiasedviewthatpeoplestalentwillbestiflediftheydonotholdimportantpositions.3.Itisnecessaryforallthetalentedtoelbowtheirwayintoofficialdombecause,ontheonehand,therearenotenoughvacancies,ontheotherhand,notallofthemaresuitabletobeofficials.4.Inacompetitivesociety,peoplearepromotedaccordingtomanyfactorslikeonesenterprise,initiative,etc.notjuatability.5.Thosewhocomplainofunfairtreatmentinsocietyaremerelyjealousofotherssuccess.6.Differentpeoplehavedifferentstrengths,andnoteveryoneiscapableofbeinganofficial.7.Ifpeoplewithoutleadershipcapacityarechosentobeofficials,theywillbunglethings.8.Whatatalentisisdifficulttodefine.9.Thenumberofleadingpostsislimited,butthereisneveralimittothenumberoftalentsinphilosophy,literature,art,history,educationandnaturalsciences.Itisinthesefieldsthattheycangivefullplaytotheirstrengths.70Lesson 22Should Capital PunishmentBe a Major Deterrentto Crime? 71Arguments1.Thereshouldneverbesuspensionofcapitalpunishment.2.Murdererswhosemotiveismoneyshouldnotgetofflightly.Itisabsolutelywrongtothinkprofessionalkillersareinsaneandneedhospitaltreatment.3.Criminalsmustbemadetoseetheconsequencesoftheircrimes.“Aneyeforaneyeandatoothforatoothistheverybasisofjustice.4.Capitalpunishmentprotectsunarmedpolicemenandyoungchildren.5.Capitalpunishmentismorehumanebecausethecriminaldoesnotsufferthetortureoflifeimprisonment.6.Onlythereturnofthedeathpenaltycanensurethatpeoplecansleepsafelyintheirbeds.7.“Societyistoblameforthecrimesisanincorrectargument.Itwillleadtomorecrimes.8.Murderersarenothumaneand,therefore,theycannotexpecttobetreatedashumans.9.Wearefailingtopunishcrimejustly.Thelawistoolenient.10.Capitalpunishmentisnotcruel.Modernmethodsarepainless.11.Capitalpunishmentshouldbeamajordeterrent.Otherstrictlawsshouldalsobeputintopractice.12.Alifesentenceisonlyanominalsentence.Itleavesachanceforthecriminaltoescape.13.Thosewhoarelenienttocriminalsareunkindtoinnocentpeople.14.Weshouldntbeblindedbyemotionalarguments,whichleadstorelaxationofharshlaws.72Counter-arguments1.Capital punishment should notbeamajordeterrent.Emphasis should beputonthereformofcriminals.2.Ithasbeenprovedmanytimesinthepastthattherelaxationofharshlawshasneverledtoanincreaseincrime.Therefore,the“deterrentargumentisabsurd:capitalpunishmentneverprotectedanyone.3.Thoseinfavorofcapitalpunishmentaremotivatedonlybyadesireforrevengeandretaliation.4. There has been a marked trend in society towards a more humane treatment of less fortunatemembers.Thesameattitudecharacterizesourapproachtocrime.5.Hanging,electricchairs,garotting,etc,arebarbaricandcruel.6.Suspensionofcapitalpunishmentisenlightened,civilizedandhumane.7.Crimecanonlybedrasticallyreducedbytheeliminationofsocialinjusticesnotbycreatingso-called“deterrentswhentherealproblemsremainunsolved.8.Itisillegaltomurder,butarewejustifiedintakingawaythelifeofthemurderer?No.capitalpunishmenthelpscreateabloodyworld.9.Lenientcriminallegislationhelpscriminalstostartanewlife.10.Hewhonevererrsdoesnotexist.Thedeathpenaltyleavesnochanceforfirstoffenderstoreform.11.Murderersvary.Somekillpeopleonlytodefendthemselveswhileothersaretrigger-happy.Itisunfairtogivethedeathpenaltytoeverymurderer.12.Somecriminalscanbereformediftheyarehandledproperly.Thedeathsentenceleavescriminalsnohopeatall.73Lesson 23Is It Necessaryto Keepthe “Iron Rice Bowl? 74Arguments1.“Ironricebowlisadead-endbecauseitleadstolowefficiencyandstagnancyinanenterprise.2.Losingajobdoesnotnecessarilymeanbadluck.Itmaybringabetter,moresatisfactoryjob.3.IntheruralareasinChina,breakingthe“ironricebowlhasbroughtfarmersabiggerincomeandabetterlife.4.The“ironricebowlsystemisunfairbecausepeoplegetroughlythesamepayregardlessoftheircontribution.5.Doingawaywiththe“ironricebowlsystemwillpermitlayingoffincompetentstaff,increaseefficiencyandgiveailingenterprisesanewleaseonlife.6.Togiveupthe“ironricebowlsystemwiilcausepainanddifficulties,butwehavetorememberwewontbeabletoachieveanythingunlesswearereadytomakesomesacrifice.7.Breakingthe“ironricebowlofferspeoplefreedominthelabormarket.Itisthisfreedomthatenablespeopletodevelopfullytheirpotentialandcreativity.8.Afterbreakingthe“ironricebowl,peoplehavebeguntopaymoreattentiontotheirpersonalcalueandhavedevelopedasenseofcompetition.9.Lackofsecurityandasenseofcompetitionforcepeopletodoabetterjobthanothers,whichleadstoprogressinsocietyasawhole.10.Ajobwhichiseasy,confortableandsafedoesnotalwaysbringhappiness,satisfactionandsuccess.11.The“ironricebowlshacklesthosewhoaretalented,competitive,andchallenging.75Counter-arguments1.The“ironricebowlsystemprovidespeoplewithasenseofsecurityandguaranteeoflife.2.Unemploymentisasocialevilandshouldbeavoidedatallcosts.3.Onlythesecurityofjobscanensurethestabilityofenterprisesandsocietyasawholebecauselarge-scaleunemploymentleadstodisturbanceandchaos.4.Manycrimesarecommittedbythosewhoareunemployed.5.Frequentjobchangescausetroubletotheadministrationandmanagementofanenterprise.6.Withoutapermanentjobassignment,peoplewillhavetofacealotofproblems:medicalcare,pension,etc.7.Nobodyisjustifiedindeprivingothersoftherighttowork.Breakingthe“ironricebowlsystemisequivalenttotakingawaysomeonesrighttowork.8. Many who quit their permanent jobs and became private business owners have startedexploitingothers,whichisanevilthatshouldbeforbiddeninoursociety.9.Certainadministrativemeasuresshouldbeadoptedtostoptheflowofpersonnelinordertokeepfactoriesandgovernmentofficesinnormalworkingorder.10.Thosewhochangetheirjobsfrequentlydonothavetheslightestsenseofresponsibilityforwhattheydo.Whattheyseekisnothingbutmoneyandpersonalsuccess.11.The“ironricebowlhasnothingtodowiththeinefficiencyofabusiness.12. Breaking the “iron rice bowl does little good to society as a whole. It only givesopportunistsachancetomakeprofitsforthemselves.76Lesson 24Does FashionContribute Anythingto Society? 77Arguments1. A good appearance makes a person look younger, feel relaxed andconfident.2.Agoodappearancemayhelppeoplemakeabetterimpressioninsocialcontacts.3.Whenpeoplearegettingold,theyshouldpaymoreattentiontotheirappearance.4.Lifeiscolorful,sopeopleshouldnotbecladonlyindrabblue,grey,blackandgreen.5.Thewaypeoplearedressedhelpsthemtopreserveasenseoftheirownvalueandpersonality.6.Investinginjewelleryisabetterhedgeagainstinflationthansavingpapermoney.7.Fashionaddsspicetolifewithitsrichcolor,variety,andbeauty.8. Men and women follow fashions in order to please each other andthemselves.9.Theworldwillbeadullplacetoliveinifpeoplealwayswearclothesofthesamestyleandcolor.78Arguments10. There is no commercial exploitation of women because a hugedemandfornewstylealwaysexists.11.Massproductionmakeswell-designedclothescheap,availabletoeveryone.12.Thesedaysmenarefashion-conscious,too.Theypaymoreattentiontotheirhairstyles,shirts,suits,shoes,belts,andsoon.13.Thefashionindustryisanenormousone.Itprovidesemploymentforpeopleliketextileworkers,designers,shopkeeper,etc.14.Thefashionindustryhashelpedindustrialresearchinthesensethatalotofnewmaterials,likenylon,rayon,etc.havebeenmadetomeetthedemandoftheconsumers.15.Thefashionindustryhasbecomeahugeimport-exportbusinessanditisimportanttoworldtrade.16. Being well-dressed is of psychological importance becauseconfidenceinonesappearanceleadstoconfidenceinonessuccessinlife.79Counter-arguments1.Onlyirresponsibleyoungpeoplearecrazyaboutfashion.2.Fashionappealsonlytothosewhodonthavearealsenseofbeauty.3.Moneyshouldbeinvestedinthingsotherthanjewellery.4.Peoplesometimeslookoddwiththeso-calledfashionablehairstyles,make-up,anddress.5.TopdesignersinParisandLondonaredictatorial,fortheylaydownthelawandthewholeworldrushestoobey.6.Fashiongoeslikethis:oneyear,onething;thenectyear,thereverse.7.Fashion-followersaremercilesslyexploited.8.Peoplearesovainthattheyareafraidofbeingseeninold-fashionedclothes.9.Weshouldalwaysbearthisinmind:Dontjudgeapersonbyhisappearance.80Counter-arguments10. People, especially the fashion-followers, are blackmailed by fashion-designersandstores.11.Changingfashionsisadeliberatecreationofwastebecauseonewillhavetodiscardalotofnewclothesinordertofollowfashions.12.Inordertofollowfashions,peoplewastealotofmoneybythrowingawaynewthings;theywastealotofmoneybyalteringhem-lines,waist-lines,neck-lines,etc.13. Fashion designers are not interested in important things like warmth,comfort, and durability of the clothes. They are only interested in outwardappearanceandprofits.14. The odder the clothes, the more expensive they are, and the morefashionbaletheybecome.Itsagreatpitythatpeoplehavelosttheirappreciationofrealbeauty.15.Inordertofollowfashions,peoplehavetoputupwithgreatdiscomfort,suchassufferingfromcoldinwinter.16.Onesconfidencedoesnotgrowfromthewayoneisdressed,butfromtheinnerqualitiesonepossesses.81Lesson 25Do Advertisements Playa Positive or Negative Rolein Our Society? 82Arguments1. Daily life needs advertisements because the main function of advertising is todisseminate information on commodities, services, culture, employment, studentenrollmentandevenmarriage.2.Advertisementsprovidethemostdirect,comprehensiveanddetailedinformation.Wegettoknowabouthouseholdgoodsfromadvertisements.3.Advertisingitselfisabusinessthathasprovidedagreatnumberofjobs.4.Withadvertisements,peoplesavealotoftimeinshopping,lookingforjobs,etc.5.Advertisingisaprocessofartisticcreation.6.Advertisingcreatesmassmarkets.Withoutadvertisements,manufacturersmayfinditdifficulttoselltheirproducts.7.Acheerful,wittyadvertisementmakessuchadifferencetoadradwalloranewspaperfullofnewsofcalamities.8. Without advertisements, newspapers, commercial radios and television, companiescouldnotsurvive.9.The“smalladsareanextremelyusefulservicetothecommunity.10.Youcanfindajob,rentanapartment,buyorsellahouse,etc.bywayofadvertising.11. Advertising helps stabilize industry and employment, improves quality, and, bycompetition,halpskeeppriceswithinbounds.83Counter-arguments1.Advertisementsaresimplymisleadingandcheating.Theyarefilledwithfloweryphrasesandemptypromises.2.Itsfrivoloustodefendadvertisingbecauseitprovidescheerfulreadingmatter.3.Fakeadvertisingcheatsconsumersand,insomeseriouscases,threatensgulliblepeopleslives.4.Advertisersareinconsideratetothepublic.Whattheycareaboutismakingmoney.5.Advertisementsarenotbasedonthequalityofthegoods,butontheprinciplethatifonkeepstalkingaboutthesamethinglongenough,eventuallypeoplewillpayattentiontoit.6.Advertisingencouragesconsumersto“keepupwiththeJoneses,i.e.itcreatesanacquisitivesocietyandademandformaterialthings.7.Advertisementsareaninsidiousformofbrainwashing,usingthesametechniques,likeslogans,catch-phrases,etc.8.Advertisingisoffensive:itappealstobaserinstincts.9.Consumersareencouragedbytheadvertisementstobuyinsurance(fear);buycosmetics(vanity);andeatmorethannecessary(greed).10.Advertisementsareunsightly:billboardsspoilthecountryside.11.Advertisingcheapensthequalityoflife:mostadsareinpoortaste.12.Advertisementsareimposeduponacaptiveaudience:e.g.ontelevision.13. Advertisements on TV are a nuisance: they interrupt television programmes at a shockingfrequenct.14.Bigcompaniesmakehugeprofitsoutofadvertising.15.Consumershavetopaymoreforthegoodsowingtotheadvertisingexpenses:highpricesaremaintainedbysuchartificialmeans.84Lesson 26Does DivorceRepresentSocial Progress? 85Arguments1.Divorceisaproductofcivilization.Sinceitisacontractbetweentwoequalpartiesbasedonlaw,itsdifferentfromdesertionintheolddays.2.Divorcerepresentssocialprogress,forthedivorcerateisoftenhigherindevelopedcountriesthanindevelopingcountries.3. The rising divorce rate is closely related to the Womens LiberationMovement, which encourages women to free thenselves from unhappymarriage.4. Divorce represents social progress, for its only possible when womenschancesodeducationandemploymentincrease.5.Thefactthatmanydivorcesareinitiatedbywomenshowsthattheynolongerdependonmenpsychologicallyandeconomically.6.InfeudalChinesesocietywomenwereexpectedtosufferunhappymarriagesinsilence,andforthosewhocouldnot,suicidewastheonlywayout.7.Therisingdivorcerateisnotasignofmoralcorruption,fordivorceisafterallbetterthanamarriagewithoutlove.8.Freedomoftherighttodivorcefreespeoplefromthebondageofunhappymarriagesandprovidesthemwithachancetofindjoyinanothermarriage.9.Divorcefreeschildrenofunhappymarriagesfrombeingtornbetweentheirparentsandgivesthemabetterchancetodeveloptheirpersonalities.86Counter-arguments1. Divorce represents social turmoil rather than progress and creates manyproblems.2.Divorcehasincreaseddramaticallyinthe20thcenturyasitisacenturyfullofsocialupheavalsandtremendoussocialchanges.3.InChinadivorceoftenresultsfromlongseparationofacouplewhocandonothingtosolvetheirproblem.Divorceprovidesthemwitharighttoendtheirseparation,butthisisonlytoreplaceonesocialproblemwithanother.4.ThedivorceratehasgoneupsharplyinChinainthe1980ssincetheopeninguptotheoutsideworld.Itofteninvolvesonepartythathasgoneabroad.5.SinceChinasopeninguptotheoursideworld,bourgeoisideashavefloodedintoourcountry. Manypeoplehaveextramaritalaffairs,whichoftenleadtodivorce.6. Divorce results in broken families and leaves a shadow in the hearts ofchildren. These children often end up psychologically unbalanced and someevenbecomejuveniledelinquents.7.Divorceresultsfromalackofresponsibility,manypeopleonlywanttoenjoyhappinessofmarriage,butnomarriagecanlastlongifthecoupledonotwanttotakeanyresponsibilities.87Lesson 27Is the Prospectof Growing Olda Bleak One? 88Arguments1. The prospect of growing old is horrifying: poor, sick, lonely, dependent,waitingforthelastdaytocome.2.Evenhospitalsdontlikeoldpeople;theytrytokickthemout.3.Anursinghomeisnoplaceforoldpeople.Therearentenoughnursestoattendtothepatientsneeds.4.Itisbeyondmanypeoplesmeanstokeepanoldandsickpersoninanursinghome.5.Oldandsickpeoplemaketheirfamilymemberssuffer.6.Thelongeroldpeoplelive,thelessthereistolookforwardto.7.Retirementistheendofoneslifetimedreams.8.Manyoldpeoplehavetoslaveawayfortheiryoungsters.9. People, especially young people, tend to find old people, as a group,unattractive.10.Oldageseriouslyaffectsapersonsmentalabilities.Onebecomessenile,forgetfulandslow.11.Oldpeoplehavestrangelivinghabits:gettingupinthemiddleofthenight,eatingatirregularhours,etc.12.Retiredpeoplearemerelyconsumers;theyareparasitesonthesociety.89Counter-arguments1.Whenoneisold,onedoesnthavemanyobligations,butenjoysmuchfreedom.Somepeoplelookforwardtoretirement.2. There is more opportunity to learn interesting thing: gardening, calligraphy, paiting, qigong,massage,foreignlanguages,etc.3.Peoplewhoreachtheageof65andmoreareluckybecausetheyarethestrongonesamongus.Theweakdieearly.4.MostretiredpeopleinChinahavelifesavingswhichcanhelpthemenjoylife.5.Retiredpeopledonothavetodothingstheyhate:e.g.attendinglonganduninterestingmeetings,doingboringwork,sittinginbusyoffices,etc.Theyhavemorefreedom.6. Retired people can choose interesting jobs and work for the society instead of being mereconsumers.7.Olepeoplecanaffordtimetobeoutsidemore,doingphysicalexercises,havingfreshair,etc.Asaresult,theyenjoybetterhealth.8.Manyoldpeopleareabletolookafterthemselves.Theykeepregularhoursandeatsensibly.9.Peoplewhoarehealthyinmiddleagetendtobehealthyinoldage.Itisnottruethatalltheoldaresick.10.Certainchangesdotakeplaceaspeoplegrowolder,butthishappensthroughoutlife.11.Peoplesmentalabilitiesarenotnecessarilyaffectedbyoldage.Themindsofmanyoldpeopleareveryalert.12.Oldpeopledontneedmuch;theyneedlessfood,lessfashionbaleclothes,etc.Theyarenotaburdentosociety.13.Oldpeoplecanbeofhelptotheirchildreninmanyways.14.Oldpeoplemostlylovepeace.Manyarepeacemakers,goodforthesociety.90Lesson 28Are CarsDoing More HarmThan Good? 91Arguments1.Carsareevilsresultingfrommodernization,fortheymakepeoplesufferratherthanenjoylife.2.Theroadsareoftenjammedwithcarsthatambulancesandfireenginesfinditdifficulttofulfilltheirduties.3.Drivingacaroftenbringsoutamansworstqualities.Heswearsandbecomesill-manneredandaggressive.4.Peopleshiddenfrustrationsanddisappointmentsarebroughttothesurfacewhentheydrive.5.Roadnetworksforcarshavenotonlymadecitiesuninhabitable,butalsodesecratedthecountryside.6.Townsaremadeuglybyhugecarparks.7.Carsoftenproduceairpollutionandfillthecitieswithunbearablenoise.8.Carsarethecauseoftrafficaccidents.Allovertheworldthousandsuponthousandsofpeoplearekilledorinjuredeveryyear.9. Traffic accidents caused by cars not only bring death and injury, but also make people suffermentallyandpsychologically.10.Everyyearcarownershavetopayvastsumstotheexchequer:roadtax,purchasetax,oiltax,etc.Thisisabigdrainontheirresources.11.ToownaprivatecarinChinawillnotonlycostyouafurtune,butalsobringyouallkindsoftroubl:gettingalicenseplate,keepingthemachineingoodrepair,findingaparkingplaceatnight,etc.12.SinceChinahassuchalargepopulation,thepopularizationofprivatecarswillonlybringaboutserioussocialproblems.13.IfeverybodyhadacarinChina,therewouldbenospaceontheroads.14.Carsshouldbedoneawaywith.Weshouldtrytofindasafermeansoftransportwhichwillbringjoyandcomfortratherthaninjuryanddeath.92Counter-arguments1.Motercarsarehighlydesirableforovviousreasons.Weshouldrecognizethisandadaptourselves.2.Motorcarsenablepeopletobecomemoremobile.Withoutcars,theworldwouldstillconsistofisolatedcommunities.3.Longdistancescanbecoveredrapidlyandpleasantly.4.Chinabadlyneedsthepopularizationofcarsinitsconstructionofmodernization.5.Busesareoftencrowdedandslow,especiallyduringrush-hour.Iftherearemorecars,peoplecangetaroundmoreeasily.6.Ridingabicycleistiringanduncomfortableespeciallywhentheweatherisbad.Peoplearewellprotectedincars.7.Withthepopularizationofcars,thesuburbswillbecomemoredeveloped,andthedowntownareawilllesscrowded.8.IftherearemorecarsinChinasruralareas,peoplecangettocitiesmoreeasily.Thegapbetweentownandcountrywillbecomesmaller.9.Possessingacargivesoneamuchgreaterdegreeofmobility,enablinghimtomovearoundfreely.10.Theownerofacarisnotforcedtorelyonpublictransportandis,therefore,notcompelledtoworklocally.11.Travellingbycarisverycomfortable.Thedrivercanadjusttheheatinginwinterandtheairconditioninginsummer.12.Carsandmotoristsarenottoblameforroadaccidents.Problemsliketoomanyroadsigns,faultytrafficlights,suddennarrowingofastreetandcongestedparkingaretherealcauseoftrafficaccidents.13.Onceaworld-widenetworkofmotorwaysisbuilt,peoplewillappreciateevenmoretheadvantagesofhavingcars.14. There must be universal adoption of multi-storey and underground car parks so that car-parks wontbecomeaproblem.9394