On Learning
Learning is one’s own business, which can not rely on others. As we know, learning is a process of accumulating knowledge. It is one’s life-long task, which cannot be accomplished in one move. A successful learner is an independent one, who has both an indomitable (不屈不挠的) will and amazing endurance. He will try to discover his own way of learning. Instead of waiting for the teacher’s help, he will make efforts to create favorable conditions on his own initiative. It will certainly be of great help, if there is good environment, sufficient books and equipment, as well as instructions from teachers and beneficial friends. But even if one has got all these favorable conditions, one cannot be sure to succeed in learning.
7
Is Failure a Bad Thing?
Failure is a common occurrence (发生的事情) in our daily life. Whatever we do, there are always two possible results: success or failure. Although everyone wants to succeed in what he tries, sometimes failure can’t be avoided.
Different people hold different attitudes toward failure. When faced with it, some can stand up to it, draw a useful lesson from it and try their best to fulfill what they are determined to do. Others, however, lose heart and give in. They do nothing but complain about themselves and objective conditions.
As a popular saying goes, “Failure teaches success.” In my opinion, what really counts is not the failure itself, but the proper attitude we should take after it. I trust that as long as we keep to what is right and correct what is wrong, that is to say, learn a lesson from failure, we will be certain to succeed. So I am of the opinion that failure is not a bad thing.
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On Today’s Education
I think one of the main problems with today’s education is that too much emphasis is placed on test score. It has become the most important criterion (标准) for college enrollment (入学). A student, however creative and intelligent, will not be admitted into a college for his total scores are just one point less than required. It is also one of the crucial (至关重要的) factors either in job assignment (分派) or in employment competitions.
The competition for high scores among students becomes intense. Students find themselves concentrating more on strategies(策略)to achieve high scores than on acquiring the knowledge. They will play truant (逃学) of some subsidiary (辅助的) courses and skip over the substance which will not be tested on.
Teachers are apt (有…倾向的) to give their students high scores. As their job is judged mainly by the students’ performance in terms of scores, some teachers tend to set easy papers to test their students on or narrow down the scope (范围) of the exam, even give them the hint (提示) to exams, or favor their students with fighter score.
As a result, the competition for high scores becomes so intense that it actually affects our education results.
9
Knowledge and Power
Knowledge and power are the two things most desired by man. There is close connection between these two things. The man having done his best in acquiring knowledge, will easily get a high position and perform it successfully.
Power depends on knowledge. Knowledge to power is just like a compass to a ship, by which her sailing is made safely across an unknown ocean. A great statesman(政治家) or a learned scholar can render(give) his good services to his country just because he has perfect and profound knowledge.
Power only follows knowledge. A man cannot do anything well unless he has some information as how to do it well. A man will sometimes lose his way in a strange land; an apprentice (学徒;生手) cannot produce any delicate(精密的) work. Why are these so? Because they are in want of knowledge. If the apprentice wishes to produce good work, he must pay attention to his instructor’s advice.
We are all the future masters of our country. Our country needs our services. How can we fulfill our future tasks? To get more knowledge is the only answer.
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Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
Learning English is like building a house. Laying a strong foundation(打基础) is the first and most important step. In other words, you should read and speak English every day. Memorizing new words and phrases is also helpful. Like building a house, learning English takes some time. So don’t be impatient. Remember “Rome wasn’t built in a day.
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Television Addiction
Television provides us with a wide range of information and entertainment. However, it’s a pity that it may also have a bad influence on young minds. For instance, some TV shows have too much violence and crime. These programs may lead youngsters astray( 误入迷途). It is easy for students to become addicted to the excitement of these programs and neglect(忽视) their homework. Parents must, therefore, keep an eye on what their children watch.