研究生公共英语口语考试题目及答案

Topics for Discussion

1.Does “moving up the economic ladder” mean success? Why or why not? What other things do you think

can mean success?

No, Many people believe that a large income means success. But in my opinion, that success is more than money, and there are more gauges of success, such as fame, respect, and knowledge.

Most people assume that famous people are rich, but that isn’t always true. For example, many scientists are not rich by today’s standards, but they are successful in their fields. Addit ionally, there are many famous statesmen who are not rich. The late premier Zhou En Lai was one. Certainly, no one would say he was not successful.

I also believe that being respected by others indicates success. Without the respect, money means little. Fo r example, I once worked in a restaurant. The boss made a very good income, but he wasn’t a nice man. No one ever did work for him willingly. He ordered everyone around, but we didn’t respect him. In contrast, I had an English teacher in high school. He had to take extra jobs to make enough money to support his family. However, we had great respect for him and always listened to what he said. As a result, we were a top class in English. In my opinion, my English teacher was more successful than my boss at the restaurant.

Finally, I think one of the most important indicators of success is knowledge. For example, Qian Zhong-Shu, one of the world’s best-known writers, had a broad horizon and profound knowledge. He wrote the best-selling novel A surrounded City, which has been translated into 80 languages and published in almost all parts of the world. In my opinion, he was extremely successful.

When we look back in history, there are few people that we remember them because of their rich. Overall, we remember people who did something with their lives. They were influential in their own lives or contributed to society. If history is the ultimate judge of success, then money surely isn’t everything.

2.What is your attitude toward the spread of surveillance technology?

The surveillance technology is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can bring us the safety and convenience. For example，in the supermarket, the camera can tak e videos to record the people’s behavior. It ensure the safety of the goods and allows people carrying their own bags to go shopping. And the radioes can be an evidence if some cases occur. On the other hand, the abuse of surveillance technology will be a threat to privacy of people. Just like in the ATM, the thief install a microcamera to record the code of credit card, and stole money. And if there are lots of cameras on the street or in a room, it will make people in fear of security and even cause to a panic.