全国2010年1月高等教育自学考试

　　英语写作试题

　　课程代码：00603

　　I. Supply the missing paragraph (20 points)

　　The following passage is incomplete with one body paragraph missing. Study the following passage carefully and write a paragraph of about 100 words. Make sure that the tone and vocabulary you use are in unity with the passage provided.

　　The Advantages and Disadvantages of Young People's Early Independence

　　Compared with the older generation, young people nowadays tend to be more independent at an earlier age. Some think it is good to young people; others worry about the possible negative impacts on them because of the lack of their parents' proper guidance. I am of the opinion that young people's early independence has both advantages and disadvantages.

　　Many people believe that earlier independence helps young people understand the world better and accumulate more social experience, which is invaluable for their future life and career. As far as I am concerned, one learns best from practical experience. Thus early independence can offer more opportunities for young people to experience more without their parents' guidance. In this way, it is more likely for them to succeed and bring their talent into full play. Moreover, living on their own means, they have to face and overcome difficulties by themselves. Therefore, it may help them mold a sound and unyielding character on their way to strive for their independence and maturity.

　　________________________________________________________________________

　　Therefore, young people should be well advised to give serious thought to both the advantages and disadvantages of early independence before making the decision to leave home and face life's challenges alone.

　　II. Write an outline (20 points)

　　Read the following passage carefully and compose a "topic outline" for it.

　　My Opinion on Campus Flea Market

　　As we university students progress from one grade to another, we may find that besides other things, we have accumulated a large pile of things that are no longer useful, for example, textbooks, test preparation materials, tapes and CDs. How to deal with the pile is really a big problem. Some throw them away, some keep them as souvenirs, and some sell them in the flea market on campus.

　　The flea market has much to offer for sellers. Obviously it can help sellers get some money. By selling things that are no longer needed, they can cover some of the original cost. This can be of much importance to students who need money. Last semester I sold about 30 books in the flea market, and the money was enough to cover my food bill for almost a month. Besides, selling things in the flea market can also help sellers cultivate a good habit of making the fullest use of their belongings. This will prevent them from throwing things away at will, thus becoming a thrifty person.

　　If it just benefits sellers, the flea market can not be so prosperous. In fact, buyers also gain a lot. Things sold in this place are usually much cheaper than the new ones in stores, but the function is almost the same. If students buy their textbooks and other reference books here, they can save about 200 yuan every semester. It is said that second-hand book stores are very popular in foreign countries, and many students from poor families finish their studies by getting most of the books there. In China there are also many students troubled by financial difficulty. If the university authorities can organize a regular flea market, many poor students will find it easier to finish their university.

　　The third benefit, which is usually neglected, is the positive influence on environment. This may sound irrelevant, but in fact, if we use second-hand products, we can help save paper and printing materials, and this can greatly reduce the negative impact on the already fragile environment. What's more, if we develop the habit of reusing products, we can make our contribution to the establishment of recycling economy that the government is advocating. Experts estimate that if all the textbooks in universities can be used again, we can save about one hundred million yuan in environmental protection. This fully demonstrates the social significance of the tiny market place.

　　Therefore, if well managed, flea markets on campus can benefit sellers, buyers and the whole society as well. Of course, some of the used things may become valuable souvenirs and we should keep them all our life. As for those things that we can get rid of, we should carry them to the flea market rather than to the dustbin.

　　III. Compose an essay (60 points)

　　Some people think that they can learn better by themselves than with a teacher. Others think that it is always better to have a teacher. Which view do you agree with? Write an essay of about 300 words discussing this issue with the title “Are Teachers Necessary in the Process of Learning?”