6. Should People Own Cars or Not?

　　(a)

　　There is no denying the fact that it has been a hotly debated topic in China whether people should have their own cars. People’s opinions differ sharply on this issue. Some hold the positive view. They say that the car provides the most convenient form of transportation. Besides, a car is a comfortable way to travel, especially in winter. Finally, a driver is usually safe in his car when he is out at night.

　　Others, however, hold the opposite view. They say that there are many disadvantages to owning a car. For one thing, it can be very expensive to purchase and run a car. For another, owning a car can also cause worry and stress. It is exhausting to drive a car in heavy traffic. What is worse, cars are responsible for most of the smog in cities, which pollutes the environment seriously.

　　In spite of all the above mentioned, I still favor owning a car. The reason is that the car gives a person the freedom to schedule his own time. Though we are confronted with a problem of energy crisis, I am sure that the real solution will have to be a new kind of car, one that uses cheap, efficient fuel and does not contaminate the air.

　　(b)

　　Nowadays, an increasing number of people have become car owners. Yet there is no consensus on the development of private cars. Some people hold the positive view. They say that the car is the result of modern science and technology and everyone is entitled to enjoy it. They also argue that the development of private cars will vigorously stimulate the development of other industries and the whole national economy.

　　Others, however, hold the negative view. They point out that the increasing number of cars have led to a series of problems. First, they result in air pollution, which seriously damage people’s health. Secondly, too many cars on the road easily lead to traffic jams, which actually slow down the pace of life and work.

　　Weighing the pros and cons of these arguments, I am inclined to agree with the latter point of view. The government should put a ban on the development of private cars and exert more efforts to develop public transportation, such as buses and subways. In this way, we can both enjoy efficiency and a clean environment.

　　7. Studying Abroad: Hardships and Rewards

　　There is no denying the fact that studying abroad is a hotly debated topic today. Obviously, studying abroad has a number of rewards/advantages. In the first place, a student can have access to advanced science and technology as well as desirable working conditions which might not be available at home. In the second place, he can be exposed to entirely new ideas and trends. Last but not least, by living and studying in a foreign country, one can improve his foreign language much faster than at home.

　　Nevertheless, as every coin has two sides, studying abroad also confronts one with a series of hardships. For one thing, learning a foreign language is far from an easy thing at the beginning for most people. For another, a completely new environment with different customs and habits may also be a barrier to overseas students, especially to the young. An added difficulty lies with finance: it can cost a lot to study abroad.

　　From my point of view, the advantages of studying abroad outweigh its disadvantages. But it is a big decision to go abroad to study and one should take into consideration his financial conditions and his ability to adapt to new surrounding. Personally, I choose to go abroad and study if I find it necessary.

　　(Therefore, studying abroad should be viewed as a two-edged sword, which presents us with both benefits and troubles. The best policy, as I see it, is to take into consideration his financial conditions and his ability to adapt to new surrounding. Personally, I choose to go abroad and study if I find it necessary.)