2005年1月甘肃自考00603英语写作真题试卷

全国2005年1月高等教育自学考试

英语写作试题

课程代码：00603

Ⅰ. Supply the missing conclusion (20%)

Directions: Study the following passage carefully and write a conclusion in no more than 100 words. Make sure that the tone and vocabulary you use are in unity with the passage provided.

Road accidents are responsible for the deaths of an ever-increasing number of people. Before solutions to this problem it can be found that it is necessary to examine the main causes of accidents: vehicle roadworthiness, road conditions and human error.

To begin with, many accidents are caused by inadequate vehicle maintenance. For example, driving with defective brakes or worn tires might increase the chance of accidents. Regular mechanical inspections would help reduce the number of dangerous cars or trucks on the road.

Road conditions also contribute to accidents. Heavy rain, fog or snow can make roads slippery and accidents can occur. In addition, narrow, winding roads and road surfaces in poor condition contribute to the number of road fatalities. A greater proportion of money needs to be designated to improving roads and providing clear road signs.

The third cause of accidents is driver error. Drunken driving and excessive speed are frequently the cause of drivers misjudging distance and losing control of their vehicles. Other examples are drivers failing to signal a turn and overtaking other cars without due care. Although these problems of human error are the most difficult to resolve, advertising campaigns have proved effective in educating drivers about road hazards. Furthermore, strict punishment such as heavy fines and suspension of license could be applied to discourage such dangerous behavior.

Ⅱ. Write an outline (20%)

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and try to compose an outline for the passage provided.

Various Kinds of Lectures

Since the beginning of last semester, the department heads began organizing various kinds of lectures in English for the students. Most of these lectures, delivered by our intimate teachers, can be termed as "mini—lectures", for most of them only last a little over one hour. Short as they are, these lectures can be divided into three main types: current issues, the study of English language, and background information.

Talks on current issues come first. Nowadays, even though college students concern much about events happening across the country and the globe, due to the lack of experience and limited vision, our views may not be mature. The well-read teachers speak on some hot domestic or international issues, such as the international significance of the return of Hong Kong and the re-election of Clinton. They present the latest information and facts from diversified sources, analyze them and give personal comments on them. Their interpretation is less dogmatic than what we hear over the mass media. The lectures on current issues and events attract most of the grads.

Tips on English studies are closely related to our major courses. These lectures usually deal with a single aspect of the English language. For example, in the lecture entitled "The stress and stress shift in English," the lecturer discussed the stress problems in English pronunciation and explained some basic principles on how to stress a two-syllable or a multi-syllable word. After attending the lecture, we feel more confident about the stress of English words. Likewise, several lectures on common errors in English usage clarified our confusion on synonyms. Lectures of this kind serve as complements to our academic courses and help to reinforce the knowledge we learn in class. Both the sophomores and freshmen are the frequent attendants of these lectures.

As English majors, the better acquainted we are with the English and American society, the easier it becomes for us to learn the language well. Cultural notes are lectures providing diversified background information on western society. They cover a broad range of topics, including music, sports, religion, and etiquette and daily lives of the people in English-speaking countries. This kind of one-hour presentation enjoys great popularity among students. Once a lecture captioned "American Country Music" even created a sensation on the campus. The lecture room that evening was virtually packed. All the students remained fervently faithful even during the blackout in the middle of the lecture. Both the lecture and the music the teacher played refreshed us; not only did we get knowledge but also entertainment. Cultural notes are welcomed by both freshmen and grads.

Short as they are, these lectures offer much background knowledge and information beyond textbooks, sharpening our language skills, deepening our understanding of western culture and society. Compared with the regular classes we have everyday, these mini lectures are more relaxing and more lively. As the attendance is not compulsory, we can choose the ones we are particularly interested in. Therefore, we concentrate better and get more out of the lectures. As a plus, they offer us a chance to taste different teaching styles of the speakers.

Ⅲ. Composition (60%)

Directions: Write an essay arguing for the necessity and importance of water conservation.