Northwestern Polytechnical University's well-stocked library is a popular study place. It has a large collection of books ranging from science to arts, and from educational books to literature. These books help students a lot. The library provides comfortable study rooms as well. Every day, many students wait outside the door before it opens, just so they can find a better seat. The students truly appreciate the bright appearance of NPU's library, but they are especially grateful for the way its resources and study-spaces aid their studies.

More than just Puffed Rice (Doris, Junior 2002-03) I particularly liked this paragraph because of its unique subject.

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These paragraphs talk about some of China's cities.

A Description of Xi'an (Personal paragraph; Amy, Junior 2002-03)

I love Xi'an, my hometown, because of its history, food and people. Xi'an most remarkable feature is that many ancient ruins still exist. The emperors of eleven dynasties in ancient China set their capitals in Xi'an. Secondly, there are various delicious snacks here (especially on Snack Street), and Xi'an gathers flavors from all over the country. Last but not least, people in Xi'an are very friendly, warm-hearted, diligent and brave. However, Xi'an isn't perfect. The biggest problem in is pollution, and sometimes you see sandstorms in spring or fall. Nonetheless, I believe Xi'an has a bright future; people here are trying their best to improve the environment. I love my hometown, and I welcome you to come meet the wonderful people, taste the great food, and learn about Xi'an's rich history.

Beijing Undergoing Great Changes for the 2008 Olympics (Academic paragraph; Laura, English Teacher at YNUBS 2005)

Great structural and social changes have been taking place in Beijing while the city prepares for the coming 2008 Olympics. First, Beijing is in the midst of a dizzying architectural transformation aimed at creating a modem, high-tech metropolis by 2008. The city is preparing to erect the 80,000-seat, 360-million-dollar National Stadium, nicknamed “bird’s nest.” A 17,000-seat National Swimming Center and eighteen other sports facilities are also being built. Furthermore, Beijing's public transportation system is being improved. About 150 kilometers of subway and urban railway lines are under construction to make downtown traffic smoother. Beijing International Airport will be connected to the city center with a high-speed railway. Third, Beijing people are starting to learn English so that they can communicate more effectively with the expected 42 million foreign visitors, and many Beijing citizens are enthusiastic about doing volunteer work during the Olympics. These architectural and transportation enhancements and an increased number of English speakers will ensure that Beijing’s 2008 Olympics are “the best-ever Olympic Games.” (166 words)
 

Changes Bring Prosperity to Kunming (Academic paragraph; Judy, English Teacher at YNUBS 2005)

Because of recent changes, the people of the old and beautiful “Spring City” of Kunming are enjoying richer lives for themselves, their children, and their community. Four years ago, visitors only saw narrow roads, short buildings and polluted lakes, which all suggested that this was a backward city. People here led ordinary lives, and therefore they didn't have extra money to enjoy their lives. But now, with the development of the economy, the living standard has improved. More and more families can afford to buy cars or even go abroad to travel. Almost no children have to drop out of school, thanks to the considerate government policies. In addition, people here have begun to realize the importance of protecting their own families and they are taking measures to make the city more beautiful. Now the proud citizens of Kunming are enjoying the educational and material benefits of economic development. (149 words)

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The following are good examples of Reviews from my Juniors. (I have shown book/CD/movie titles underlined AND in italics for emphasis.)

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE COLLEGE SOUL  Connie, Junior 2002-03

Chicken Soup For The College Soul, as its name indicates, nourishes me with a special soup made of love, joy, courage and strength whenever I read it. Top New York Times best selling authors fill this book with dozens of inspiring and humorous stories about college life. These true anecdotes cover various campus topics, such as lessons from college life, friends, tough stuff, communication and graduation. Although all the stories were written by native English speakers, we can share similar memorable experiences of transition from home to college and from adolescence to adulthood. As part of the successful Chicken Soup series, the book was specially compiled to prepare college students for their many emotional challenges. For every college student, Chicken Soup for the College Soul is indeed worth reading, for its stories will always offer the inspiration, motivation, insights and comic relief you need.

A CHANCE OF SUNSHINE     Sky, Junior 2002-03

A Chance of Sunshine is one of my favorite music CDs. Exactly speaking, it is a musical story. The price is just seven yuan. Maybe you have read Jimmy’s cartoon A Chance of Sunshine, but this CD gives you different feelings from the book. To my surprise, Jimmy (the author) and Elva (a famous pop star) tell the whole story on this CD: A boy get used to walking right and a girl used to walking left. Although they live in the same flat, they never meet each other. Finally, they come across each other in the park and fall in love. Unluckily, they lose their respective telephone numbers and have no chance to meet again. The CD features some dulcet background music. When listening to songs like “Tiger in The Night,” “Lullaby for Lucas,” and “Quai,” I always lose myself. No doubt, A Chance of Sunshine is worth collecting because its sweet music and sad love story will soon become your favorite too!

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER    Eddie, Junior 2002-03

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain, is a great literary work. This book describes an interesting story in which some smart boys defeated a bad guy. Tom Sawyer (a mischievous and disobedient boy) played a game with his friends in which the boys played the role of brave Red Indians. While testing their courage is a graveyard, they saw a murder. An innocent man was charged with the crime; Tom rescued him by exposing the real murderer – Injun Joe. But Injun Joe escaped from the courthouse, putting Tom and his friends in great danger. At the end Tom and his friends defeated the murderer and actually became rich. Through a lot of funny things that happen in the story, Mark Twain makes us laugh and think. Which is more important, good behavior or a pure heart? Let a young boy show you the answer in the Mark Twain classic: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

FU TIAN FAST FOOD RESTAURANT     Paul, Junior 2002-03

Fu Tian Fast Food Restaurant is an instant food service place. I often go there and find it really a good one. It offers customers both western food and Chinese fast food. Bread with juice, sandwich biscuits, sesame seed cake, roast meat and bean cake are tasty and easy to take away. Soybean milk and nonfat milk are always fresh. The fast service is suitable for office workers. Besides specially made sweet bread, cake, cooked food and tasty soup, Fu Tian Fast Food Restaurant also provides popular low-priced dishes. Due to the variety of dishes available and its convenient service, Fu Tian Fast Food Restaurant is really a good place to enjoy your meals. I highly recommend that you go there and have a try.

A Review of Titanic    Erica, Junior 2002-03

The film Titanic is really titanic! The main story (about love between a man and a woman) happened on a vessel named Titanic which sank in the North Atlantic. This film exhibits plenty of drama—luxurious feasts, the power of nature and desperate struggles for life. Each spectacle is accompanied by fitting and touching music. The alternate cinematographic use of present realities and memories lends credibility to this film. However, Titanic is not only a story but also a vivid description reflecting deep thinking about love, lives and human nature. Each of these elements has two conflicting sides—selfish and generous love, frail and strong lives, noble and humble facets of human nature. As the North Atlantic is full of treasures to be explored, the film Titanic is flowing with values for your eyes, ears and hearts to discover.

WHO MOVED MY CHEESE    Clara, Junior 2002-03

Who Moved My Cheese is a philosophical story that tells people how to adjust themselves to their changeable lives. The story has four heroes: two little mice and two short little men.  They live in a place where there is a lot of cheese. However, one day the cheese is moved away and they cannot find it. Finally, after overcoming a series of difficulties, one of the short men (who is not afraid of changes and who actively thinks about questions) discovers the cheese. From this story I learned that when I confront difficulties, I should not complain or be frightened. In order to find the solution, I must adjust myself to the change, and that is the right attitude toward life. Who Moved My Cheese can be the guide you need when you feel puzzled and depressed. Just read it.

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The following editorials were written in May 2003 in response to the SARS virus.

Prevention: the Best Medicine    Jessie, Junior 2002-03

            When SARS came, students suddenly became aware of keeping personal hygiene. While cleaning up the dormitories, they were surprised by the mess they had produced and stored. Likewise, while they take the preventive medicine, they have doubts about its effectiveness if they go on living in dirt.

            People believe that prevention is better than cure. However, good living habits are better than prevention. Prevention and cure are the measures people take consciously when something bad is coming, or has come. Such measures may cause nervousness with their connotations of emergency. For example, it is reported that two panic-stricken students have taken so much medicine that they got diarrhea. In contrast, good living habits are a series of routine activities that are beneficial. They are done subconsciously on all occasions. Sayings like “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” and “early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise” point out that good living habits are the best safeguard.

            The SARS’ invasion has provided an impetus to remind people of how to live healthily. The point is: people should have good living habits at all times because they offer continuous protection against illness.

 The Restricted but Joyful Campus Life    Elaine, Junior 2002-03

            With the spread of the SARS epidemic, NPU students are not allowed to go out of campus. Some students complain about the boring life in this “Forbidden City,” while others enjoy these special circumstances.

            Actually, the restricted campus life is not that bad. With nowhere to go, more and more students enjoy sports, such as playing badminton and table tennis, which are helpful to build people up. Furthermore, students play with sandbags, Hula Hoops and Jianzi (a bag made of leather and copper for kicking). All these games make people nostalgic and bring back their good memories. The restricted campus life helps to promote communication between students, too. They sit on the lawn with their friends, singing, chatting and playing cards. They are enjoying the leisure time that they have not had for a long time. Apart from that, some students take photos on campus. Amazingly, they find that early summer has come and the campus is filled with many flowers—all of which they have neglected to notice before.

            Though students cannot enjoy as much entertainment as before, the restricted campus life with sports, friendship and a peaceful atmosphere is pleasant as well.

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These essays are from my 2002-2003 sophomores.

Basi Banana Recipe (Fraya, Sophomore 2002-03)

Basi Banana (Silken Bananas) is a favourite Chinese dish with traditional flavor. First, make three bananas into lumps, and dip them in a mixture of one egg, 1 T water and a cup of flour. Next, put a pan of 3T oil on the stove with high heat for five minutes. Then, put the bananas into the pan. After two minutes, take them out, and add 2T oil and 1T sugar into the pan. Then put the bananas into the pan with low heat. After ten minutes, take them out and serve them. When you pick up a banana lump you will find something like “silk” connecting it to the others—hence it’s name! Most Chinese people do not like sweets but both adults and children like stir-fried Basi Bananas because they are delicious. Try them; and you will like them, too!

Academic Paragraphs about celebrations in China

70th Birthday Celebrations in Zhejiang (Kris, Sophomore 2002-03)

People in Zhejiang like to hold a three-step, family celebration on their 70th birthday. First, all the family members attend a gathering to discuss the details of the celebration. Then there is a ceremony party. The honored guest always wears a traditional “Tang Zhuang” with the Chinese character shou (long-life) on it. Young people give their best wishes to the elder and the elder gives red envelopes containing money to them. After that, a reception for the guests is held; often, excellent food is served. Family participation and a special dinner party make 70th birthday celebrations in Zhejiang a happy time.

The Celebration for a One-month-old Child  (Megan, Sophomore 2002-03)

By tradition, parents hold a celebration when their child is one month old. Take my nephew, for example. On that day many relatives came to my nephew’s home, and gave him beautiful clothes or toys with blessings. Furthermore, they expressed their concern to the mother. The baby’s grandparents gave him a special ancient chain made up of new money and coins. It can protect the baby. After that, a reception for all the guests was held at home. The traditional one-month-old child celebration gives relatives a chance to shower gifts and blessings on a baby, and to show that he has been accepted as a member of society.

The Celebration for the First Birthday. (Jean, Sophomore 2002-03)

A Chinese baby’s first birthday is important because the child’s choices and the parent’s gift to neighbors may predict or influence the baby’s future. On a baby’s first birthday, relatives get together and put many symbolic things on the table. For example, a pen stands for being good at studying, a brush predicts artistic talent, an abacus stands for math ability, and an apple represents life-long safety (in Chinese, “apple” sounds like “safe”). Then, they let the baby grasp one thing to predict what will happen to him/her in the future. The parents also send their neighbors eggs, painted red in order to bring good luck. A symbolic party game, family and friends' participation, and parents' hopes combine to make a Chinese baby's first birthday memorable and meaningful.

The Four Steps in a Chinese Wedding (Ashley, Sophomore 2002-03)

In China, the journey of marriage begins with four interesting and joyful steps. First, the bride’s parents choose a "lucky" day for the wedding based on the Chinese lunar calendar. When that day arrives, the groom, following by his relatives and friends, joyously goes to pick up the bride at her home. At noon, the bride and groom go to a restaurant where they have a party with their relatives and friends. The bride usually wears a red dress and the groom wears a black suit to the party. The couple offer good food in exchange for lots of toasts with "double-happiness" wine. Afterwards, the party continues at the bridal chamber, as young relatives and guests go along to tease the newlyweds. In modern China, a couple often has their marriage license before the day chosen by parents arrives, but only after a traditional wedding--complete with a joyful visit to the bride, a toast-filled meal and the teasing of friends--are two people publicly acknowledged as a married couple.

Alternate topic sentences:

Choices, a party, and joyful visits help make a wedding day fun in China.

Four steps bring luck and create a happy atmosphere at traditional Chinese weddings.

Alternate conclusions:

Choosing a lucky day, going to the bride's home, celebrating with guests, and teasing the newlyweds give a Chinese wedding a cheerful atmosphere.

A Chinese wedding is interesting and enjoyable because it includes participation from parents, morning fun at the bride's home, a festive wedding party with loved ones, and even teasing from young guests on the wedding day.

An Ethnic Coming-of-age Ceremony (Belinda, Sophomore 2002-03)

Eighteen-year-olds in the Miao and Tu Jia ethnic groups hold a special ceremony to celebrate this important milestone. In general, the celebration is held on July 22. On that day, many single 18-year-old men and women, carrying their favorite possessions, gather on the bank of the Sun River. First, women and men compete by singing songs. The more songs you can sing, the best singer you will be. Then, men exchange their favorite possessions with women. If a man falls in love with a woman at this celebration, he must sell his possession to the women rather than exchange it for hers. If the woman bargains with the man, it implies that the man can date her. Finally, when evening is coming, women and men sing and dance hand in hand by an open fire. This ceremony ends at midnight. Interesting festivals are common among China's minorities, and this celebration that includes singing, dancing and dating, is an important feature of life for 18-year-olds in the Miao and Tu Jia ethnic groups.

Christmas Day in China (Emily, Sophomore 2002-03)

Many Chinese people like to celebrate the foreign festival of Christmas Day by singing, dancing, and spending time with friends. People from all walks of life celebrate it with their families or friends. If you celebrate it in Xi’an, many people go to East Street on Christmas Eve. Some of them wear a mask; some say hello to strangers. On this night, all clubs, cinemas and KTVs are full of people. They drink, dance and sing to their hearts’ content. Some of them play all night. In addition, some good friends give a gift to each other. This is a special Christmas celebration for Shaanxi people who relax with various forms of entertainment. For a growing number of Chinese people, the friendly, music-filled celebration of Christmas has become a fun way to enjoy a special night with friends.

Lei Feng Commemoration Day--Honoring a Chinese Hero (Carole, Sophomore 2002-03)

The name Lei Feng is well known in China, for this famous soldier exemplified the spirit of service. He was born in old China, and his parents died when he was a child. After New China was founded, he joined the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. From then on he helped others very often, but never told them his name. He gave his money to help poor people, and always tried his best to help those who were in trouble. Lei Feng said that since he was fed by the people he was a son of the people, so if others had some trouble he must help them. Unfortunately, Lei Feng died in an accident when he was young. The people of China have made March 5 “Learn From Lei Feng Commemoration Day.” Lei Feng's life shows how common people, filled with a self-less desire to serve others, can make a difference in this world.

Once you learn to write a good paragraph, then you can "move up" to multi-paragraph essays like these:

Academic Essays about Chinese Culture

Firecrackers (Sunny & Patty, Sophomores 2002-03)

            Setting off firecrackers is a traditional way to celebrate a holiday or a success in China. Firecrackers are important to Chinese people because they stand for delight, festivity and good luck.
            The invention of firecrackers is linked to the ancient beginning of Chinese New Year. It was said that there was a huge, evil animal named Nian in ancient China. People suffered a lot from it and they took great pains to cast it out. Finally, they found that Nian was afraid of crackling fire, so they lit some fireworks and Nian ran away.
            From then on, people led a happy and safe life and they celebrated that day every year. This custom was passed from generation to generation and the day when Nian ran away is known as Chinese New Year. Many years later, people started to use firecrackers instead of fire. People made all the firecrackers red because red stands for good luck.
            There are various kinds of firecrackers and fireworks and they are used on many occasions. During a fireworks display, you can enjoy yourself as hundreds of fireworks beautifully decorate the night. Furthermore, firecrackers are no longer restrained to New Year’s Eve. People set them off to celebrate any happy event, such as a birthday party, a housewarming, or a wedding.
            Setting off firecrackers, as a traditional way of celebrating in China, is important to Chinese people. It has an interesting history and people still enjoy setting them off on many celebration occasions.

The Chinese Dragon (Jimmy and Jordan, Sophomores 2002-03)

            The Chinese dragon is a symbol of China. Although dragons are imaginary creatures, they are well received by Chinese people as auspicious supernatural beings. People use them in many celebrations and decorations.
            The Chinese dragon was born with the first Chinese emperor, Qin (BC221-BC209). Qin thought he was the son of Heaven and he had the power to rule the country. To emphasize how he was different from general civilians, he said he was an incarnation of a dragon and asked his officials to create a symbol for him. After working hard, they produced a dragon with a snake-like body, a unicorn head and tail, and eagle-like claws. From then on, all the emperors accepted this symbol and it lasted until the year 1910, in which the last feudal emperor disappeared in China.
            For over 2000 years, the Chinese have taken the dragon as an auspicious supernatural being. It can bring good luck to people. It can harmonize the wind, the rain, the snow and the sunlight to bring a good harvest. It stands for peace and happiness.
            Chinese people like to present dragons on important occasions. People usually have dragon dances to celebrate great days. They also use paper-cut dragons to decorate their windowpanes, walls, etc.
            From the day it was born, the Chinese dragon has been loved not only as a symbol of power but also as a symbol of good luck, peace and happiness. As a heavenly sign that promises success, the dragon serves well as the main symbol of China. It appears on important occasions and celebrates great festivals with the Chinese people. The Chinese dragon has long been a part of the Chinese spirit and a part of our lives.

My Winter Vacation, By Erica, Junior 2002-03, February 2003 (Academic Essay format)

            What I did during last winter vacation was not very special compared with other vacations. However, it was different because I planned it well and spent it actively.

            Things went on according to my plan. For the first few days, I helped my mother wash clothes, and clean windows and the floor. After that, I went to visit friends and relatives. The visits to relatives offered me a good chance to learn table manners and communicating tactics, while the visits to sincere friends gave me warmth, confidence and determination. I also read two borrowed books according to my plan. I kept a diary and put something down whenever I had the impulse to write.

            I spent my winter vacation actively: studying, visiting friends and relatives, and helping around the house. It refreshed me so it was worthwhile.

TEM-4 Sample Essays

(Following are some sample essays, written/revised by Michael’s 2005 NPU students. I think the TEM-4 graders are looking for answers like these. Each essay had is around 200 words, as required on the exam.) Click here to see my notes regarding how to write an essay for this important exam.

It Pays to be Honest (Raphael)

            As the society is becoming more commercialized, it seems that profit and interest are the vital important factors of life. In order to get success, some people cheat others. However, it pays to be honest if you want to get a good relationship with other and win a permanent reputation.

            First and foremost, honesty is a virtue that can help you acquire good interpersonal relationships. Since people live in a large community, when dealing with people, you have to be honest. It will leave people a bad impression if you cheat them. Gradually, you will be isolated. On the contrary, if you communicate with them honestly, people will be willing to strengthen relations with you. Therefore, you will gain good interpersonal relationships.

            Furthermore, dishonesty can’t be everlasting. Even though you enjoy an honored reputation through cheating, the trust will come out sooner or later. “You can cheat once, but you can’t cheat for a whole life,” as the Chinese proverb goes. In the long run, it’s worthwhile to be honest.

            Honesty is still important in modern life, because it entitles you to not only good interpersonal relationships but also an everlasting reputation. What people need to do is treasure it and apply it to daily life.

It Pays to be Honest (Jeffson)

            Honesty, which is regarded as a virtue, can bring people or nations much praise; while dishonesty, as sin, can bring people or nations much trouble. Therefore, it pays to be honest.

            More often than not, honest people or nations are well treated by their counterparts, while dishonest ones are usually looked down upon; the results for them are poles apart. Honest people win good reputations, for what they say counts, and people can turn to them for help. In order to show gratitude and respect, people are glad to make friends with them and treat them as well as possible. So is the case with nations. Nations who always keep to what they say will win credit. Therefore, other nations are willing to trade or cooperate with them, which may help these nations flourish. By contrast, dishonest people or nations are often met with distrust. For example, a nation notorious for pirating products will not share other nation’s markets, and its economy will be severely affected.

            To summarize, honesty can bring fame to people or flourish countries; while dishonesty can ruin them. So to be honest is not merely an expression of good virtue but also a clever choice.

It Pays to be Honest (Lillian)

            With the development of the society, more and more people have become dishonest. The consequences can be in everything from personal relationships to the death rate. Therefore, honesty is a basic characteristic that human beings must have and it is very important to the world.

            For one thing, being honest will produce better relationships directly. There will be fewer misunderstandings among people. For instance, if a couple is honest with each other all the time, they will have a good relationship in their family. If they are dishonest, everything will be the opposite.

            For another thing, honesty will reduce the death rate. An honest doctor can save a lot of people, but a dishonest doctor can kill a great number of people with his/her dishonest words because some wrong medicines may cause patients to lose their lives.

            To sum up, the world needs honest people, so all of us should be honest. Better relationships, less misunderstandings, and reducing the death rate depend on honest hearts. Therefore, honesty and dishonesty are closely related to our lives, societies, and even the whole world.

It Pays to be Honest (Helen)

            In recent years, people have become more individualistic. Some people have even become more selfish. They have forgotten the value that has long served as a foundation of Chinese character: honesty.

            The traditional value of honesty can enhance relationships because it is a foundational aspect of our character. First of all, honesty is one of the wonderful traditions in China. Because it has influenced many generations, we should keep honesty firmly in our minds. Moreover, honesty is a good way to enhance the relationships among people. If you treat your friends or relatives honestly, they will treat you honestly in return. In other words, people will get on well with each other with the help of honesty. Finally, honesty is one of the elementary aspects of our whole character. Because of honesty, we can trust others, and also others can trust us. It provides a chance for people to communicate with each other equally and fairly.

            To summarize, honesty is one of the wonderful traditions in China; it can enhance people’s relationships, and it is one of the elementary aspects of our character. We should treat everyone honestly in our daily lives.

Reduce Waste on Campus (Rachel)

            If every student on campus wastes a gram of rice and throws away a piece of paper every day, the total waste would be beyond people’s imagination.  Even small resources, when used well, can help meet needs and aid development. Students can reduce waste on campus by saving food and paper.

            In order to avoid wasting food, students and cafeteria workers must make an effort to ensure the balance of supply and demand for food. Students can buy a certain amount of food everyday which is just enough for their needs. Cafeteria workers can provide students with different amounts of food to cater for different needs.

            Making the most of a piece of writing paper is another way to reduce waste on campus. Students often throw away pieces of paper, that are just partly used. Once students become aware that wasting paper is an ill habit especially while doing calculations, they can write smaller and make full use of margins. Also, both sides of paper can be used.

            College students should try their utmost to reduce waste on campus by saving food and paper. Students should take these little responsibilities seriously, because for a country to develop, the problem of waste should never be ignored.

Reduce Waste on Campus (Leroy)

            Reducing waste on campus is necessary and important because waste makes the campus dirty and unattractive. Increasing the cleaners’ dutifulness and the students’ responsibility are the two most effective ways to reduce waste.

            To begin with, the cleaners on campus should do their work dutifully. Each campus has many cleaners whose work is to clean the campus everyday. If they do it heart and soul, there will be less waste on campus. However, there are many cleaners who are not dutiful enough, which results in a dirty school. Therefore, the cleaners’ dutifulness is very important.

            In addition, students on campus are responsible for cleaning their school. Many students have bad behavior, such as throwing out waste everywhere. If they pay more attention to their bad behavior, the school will become cleaner. However,  if they do not care about their bad behavior, then it is not hard to imagine what the school will be like.

            In conclusion, both cleaners and students play an important role in reducing waste on campus. Every cleaner and every student should realize their importance and set a good example to others, so that the campus will become more beautiful and attractive.

Reduce Waste on Campus (Daniel)

            Due to the improvement of the living standard, wasting water and food have become habitual among many students on campus. It is even worse that some of them consider wasting acceptable.

            Wasting water is common on campus. First, without the help of their parents, lots of students have to do washing by themselves. Therefore, many of them use a large amount of water only to wash a pair of socks. They are not aware of the importance of water. Second, there are always some careless people, who forget to turn off the tap and leave the water running.

            In addition, it is quite normal to see that students throw away their food when too much is left. For example, they spend plenty of money on drinks for a party, but when they are no longer thirsty, they leave them without hesitation. Everyone is used to it.

            Wasting water and food seem quite little but actually they are to some extent huge problems. They indicate that students are not thrifty and not responsible. Therefore, if students really learn to consider wasting as a bad habit and take action to reduce it from now on, then campus is not only a place for study, but also a place to develop healthy habits that will improve society.

Reduce Waste on Campus (Sunny)

            Waste is shameful. However, even in universities, educated people are wasteful at the very time when the world is lacking resources. Food and paper waste are two remarkable problems on campus.

            Waste happening in cafeterias should stop first. While walking into cafeterias, the first sight coming to people’s eyes is not delicious food, but wasted rice and dishes poured in a huge bucket. In China, there are still numerous poor people in remote areas who don’t have enough food to feed themselves. If the food that cannot be eaten were saved and distributed, it would help many starving people.

            Next is the problem of paper waste on campus. Recently, more and more printed advertisements are filling the campuses. They are advertisements for job-hunting, CET exam training, and so on. Most people throw those advertisements away after they receive them, which results in paper pollution on campus. If people don’t print so many useless advertisements, how many trees can be saved?

            If people save the food they waste, there may not be so many famines; if people change to another means to advertise, the earth will be covered with more vital forests. These are just two examples of the benefits of reducing waste on campus.

Reduce Waste on Campus (Helen)

            Every afternoon when walking around campus, you will find that all the litterbins on campus are full of waste. Then you can see how much waste people at NPU produce. Reducing waste on campus is extremely vital because of the pollution it brings; because of China’s needs, and because of China’s global reputation.

            Wasting brings pollution and goes against the fact that China is a developing country with a tradition of being economical. First, too much waste results in pollution. Pollution poses a great threat to people’s existence. Furthermore, China is still a developing country despite its conspicuous development. Many Chinese still live in poor conditions, so their fellow citizens should not be wasteful. Last, a lot of the so-called waste thrown away is still useful. Chinese people have great renown for being frugal, so they ought to make reasonable use of everything.

            In conclusion, the harm of pollution, the needs of a developing country, and the tradition of being frugal all demonstrate that it is wrong to waste. NPU students should learn not to waste, and then take this to their jobs so that the whole community can make better use of the precious resources.

Reduce Waste on Campus (Alice)

            The waste on campus has recently been causing a series of terrible problems. Due to this situation, it is time for us to reduce it on campus, because it will provide students with a clean study environment and prevent them from suffering some terrible or even fatal disease.

            For one thing, reducing waste on campus can give students a clean study environment. If students study in a dirty place all the time, they will be depressed and will not focus on their studies. Most students prefer to study in a clean environment rather than study in a dirty place. Reducing waste can create a good environment to help students study more effectively.

            For another thing, reducing waste can prevent students from suffering some infectious diseases. SARS, for example, is a well-known deadly epidemic, and this kind of virus spreads easily, especially in dirty and crowded places. There are so many students studying and living on campus that if it is always dirty, diseases like SARS will spread easily and quickly.

            In conclusion, a campus with less waste can help students stay focused in clean surroundings and keep away from diseases. Therefore, everybody on campus should work diligently to reduce waste and make the campus cleaner, healthier, and more beautiful.

Studying Abroad (Vivian)

            With the development of China’s economy, parents have become more willing to send their children to study abroad. Some people believe that studying abroad has some disadvantages, like a great expense and loneliness. However, others think studying abroad has far more advantages.

            First of all, studying abroad can broaden students’ minds and open their eyes. Students go abroad to study different cultures, advanced knowledge and various views. All of these help students to learn about the world by a new way.

            In addition, studying abroad can also improve students’ English. Students are in an ideal environment to improve their English. The native speaker can help them with their pronunciation and grammar. The most important thing is that English will surround students most of the time during their studies.

            Finally, studying abroad can help students to form an independent character. Since students study abroad alone, they have to decide everything by themselves; although they will be more or less homesick, they will gain a lot.

            Studying abroad can help students broaden their minds, open their eyes, improve their English and form an independent character. Therefore, many parents in China believe that studying abroad is important for their children’s future.

The Advantages of Overseas Study (Edward)

            With the deepening of reform and openness, more and more Chinese students are going abroad to further their studies. Studying abroad has become a fashion for not only does it improve students’ foreign languages, but is also broadens their minds.

            Overseas study improves students’ ability to use a foreign language. Living and studying abroad, they need to communicate with others in a foreign language. Moreover, almost all the classes and lectures are given by foreigners rather than Chinese. In that case, students are practicing the foreign language and making progress every day.

            Overseas study also broadens student’s minds. Different countries have their own different cultures, thus it is interesting for Chinese students to learn foreign customs and cultures. Being abroad, students communicate with local people and are affected by different social environments. They have their minds broadened because they see and do what they cannot experience at home.

            Studying abroad improves student’s foreign languages and broadens their minds, which benefits them a lot and makes them competent members of the society. Those students who go abroad for further study will come back with enriched knowledge with which to contribute to the society.

Disadvantages of Studying Abroad (Neil)

            As globalization develops, many Chinese students would like to pursue their studies abroad. Advantages such as the chance to broaden one's perspective or obtain advanced information are often promoted, but many fail to foresee the difficulties. In the end, studying abroad can not help students as much as many people think because of language difficulties, financial problems and safety concerns.

            First, language is the biggest difficulty that prevents students from studying well abroad. The countries that most students want to go to are usually English-speaking countries. Though students have learned English for several years, they still have difficulties in daily life. It is even more difficult to study.

            Second, financial problems cannot be ignored. Studying abroad requires a huge sum of money, which lays a burden on the students and their parents. In that case, the students are often busy making money, not studying.

            Third, safety concerns have been arousing more and more attention during recent years. Discrimination and terrorism are prevalent in some countries. Therefore, there is sometimes violence between overseas students and natives, and overseas students may be attacked because of events in their mother countries.

            Though it has advantages, studying abroad can not satisfy a student’s need very well due to communication problems, lack of money and safety issues. Students who want to study abroad had better think carefully about the ways to solve these problems before going.