【正确答案】Topic Card A
a. Life
What is the relation between stress and memory?
Many people believe that stress is harmful for one's health, but I think stress can prompt the body to produce certain stress hormones which improves memory function. When I feel stressful, I will concentrate myself on the challenges I face. And then I will find my memory becomes better. I think it's the stress hormones that help nerve cells handle information and put it into storage. However, in the long run the stress is not good for people's health.
b. Society
Why do some people want to seek jobs abroad?
More and more people intend to pursue international careers in recent years. I think the reason why professionals seek career experience abroad is that they want to recharge their batteries with a new challenge. They may want a position with more responsibility that encourages creativity and initiative. The reason why some workers choose to go abroad may be the higher income they can get. Some workers wish to make a big fortune abroad in several years and then come back to start a business of their own. Another group of people seek jobs abroad may wish to expose their children to another culture and the opportunity to learn a second language.
c. Education
What do you think of "older parents" who give birth to children above 45 years old?
Older parents are a group of people who give birth to their children above 45. I think older parents are more thoughtful. They use less physical discipline and spend more time with their children. Kids of older parents are often smarter, happier and more sociable because their fathers are more involved in their lives. However, raising kids takes money and energy. Many older parents find themselves balancing their limited financial resources, declining energy and failing health against the growing demands of an active child. Older parents should face more challenges to raise their children. They have to overcome the fear that they will die and leave young children.
Questions maybe asked:
1. Do you like to live abroad?
No, I don't. I like traveling abroad. I can experience different kinds of customs, food and tradition. But I don't like to live abroad. The lifestyle and tradition overseas is quite different from that I've been used to since my childhood. Besides, living abroad means living in a strange environment. I have to adapt myself to new customs. I don't like too many changes. So I will travel abroad but I won't live abroad.
2. How old are your parents? Do you usually communicate with each other?
Both my parents are just above 50. They are just like my friends. We often talk to each other about almost everything. When I read something interesting, I will share it with them. When I encounter some problem, I will ask them for advice. I don't think there is generation gap between us. We are close friends.
Topic Card B
a. Lifestyle
What do you prefer, bottled water or tap water?
I prefer bottled water either at home or at work place, because tap water is not purified enough and tastes bad. Sometimes the tap water in my city contains some sands, which makes people feel it is dirty. The city government announces that the tap water is appropriate to the standard. However, most of my neighbors choose bottled water too. We believe bottled water is cleaner and better for our health.
b. Education
What do you think of Internet-based instruction?
It's a new trend of education. In recent years, many universities have begun offering some form of distance learning. Some even grant degrees entirely on the basis of online instruction such as University of Phoenix in America. Distance learning signifies a course in which the instructors pose syllabi, reading assignment, and schedules on Websites, and students send in their assignments by e-mail. Face-to-face communication with an instructor is minimized. Some students think it's convenient, but some criticize the quality of the online course is not as good as the classroom course.
c. Environment
What do you think of global warming?
Global warming is one of the great environmental crises of the 21st century. Although many people argue over it, few efforts have been done to avoid it. I think this is because human needs economic growth and personal freedom such as electricity usage, driving and travel, which use more energy and produce more greenhouse emissions. The practical conclusion is that if global warming is a potential disaster, the only solution is new technology. We need to find ways of breaking our dependence on fossil fuels.
Questions maybe asked:
1. What do you think of the canteen service on your campus?
I think the food is of poor quality. The rice is just like bullets and the buns are like hand grenades. They are too hard for us to chew. And the vegetables are so overcooked as to lose their nutrients. The fish and meat are not given full measure. Besides, the price of the food is high. So, many of us go out to have meals.
2. Have you ever traveled in Nanjing? What is it like?
Yes, I went to Nanjing 2 years ago. It's a pleasant journey. Nanjing is a cultural center, offering abundance of artistic and musical performances. It's also a city of beautiful gardens and parks, such as the Xuanwu Lake Park. With all these features, we will have a fun-filled week; especially in early-October, there are many sunny and mild days for outdoor activities.