作文百句 101~148
作文百句 101~148
想要寫出好的作文，就要多閱讀別人寫的文章，並從中選取適當的用字遣詞與描述手法運用到自己的文章，藉此來增添文章的豐富度。
101.
We are presented with a pie chart regarding the causes of stress among 12th graders at Greenwood High School. The chart comprises six segments, each of which is a common source of stress for high school students. Nearly half of all students cited academic performance as something that worried them, making it the most common stressor by far.
In fact, it's over three times the number of students who reported being insecure about their physical appearance (16%). A quarter of students are stressed by their relationships, whether with their parents (10%) or with romantic interests (15%). Finally, only 8% of students reported anxieties about the future as their primary stressor, followed by the 2% of students who reported other sources of stress as their most pressing concerns.
When looking at this chart, I find myself in the minority. In contrast to the 49% of 12th graders at Greenwood who worry about high school academics, I'm kept up at night by thoughts related to my future. Where will I go to university? What should I study? Should I even attend a university? What is it that I want to accomplish? It's enough to make anyone's head spin - but I have a trick for dealing with it. I knit when I get worried or stressed, and not only does it calm me down, but it leaves me with a scarf, socks or a hat by the end. It doesn't solve my problems, but it puts me in the right frame of mind to approach them from a different perspective.
102.
A survey was conducted to show young people's preference for holidays in Taiwan. As can be seen from the chart, 25% of the respondents ranked the Lunar New Year as their top pick when asked what holiday they most look forward to. In the second spot was Mother's Day, chosen by 20%. The Moon Festival came in as the third favorite holiday, tied with New Year's Eve at 14%. Less popular holidays included the Dragon Boat Festival (8%) and Father's Day (6%), with 13% of people naming other holidays as their favorite.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family gatherings, is my favorite holiday. For people in Taiwan, no Mid-Autumn Festival would be complete without mooncakes or barbecues. When the holiday draws near, we can find bakeries advertising mooncakes of all kinds and supermarkets displaying grill kits close to the entrance. A festive atmosphere fills the air, making people who work far away from their home eager for a family reunion. Therefore, the best part of the holiday for me is to chat over barbecue with people I hold dear. Besides yolk pastries, pomelos are also another holiday essential that we never leave out. My family and I always enjoy making pomelo hats. All of these activities bring everyone together and make the Mid-Autumn Festival special to me.
103.
Jane was walking to the store yesterday when she came across a surprising sight. While on her way, she found a man defacing the side of a building with graffiti. This was shocking to Jane, as her town was always clean and tidy, and the people were always well-behaved. She decided to try to dissuade the man from vandalizing the building. The man heard Jane yelling at him, "Hey! You shouldn't be doing that!" He stopped spraying paint on the wall and looked confused. It turned out that the man was anything but a vandal, though he knew how his behavior might have looked to Jane.
"Oh, this is a part of a charity art project," he explained. "My name is Adam. I have the store's permission." Adam was a member of an arts group devoted to raising money for homeless people. Artists around the town created works on buildings in different neighborhoods. Screen-prints were made and sold, with the profits going to a homeless shelter. The artists used removable paint, and their work would be washed off after the event. Jane was a bit embarrassed, but she appreciated the explanation and the effort the group put into helping the needy in town.
104.
Why are people flocking to see movies, new and old, about fear, chaos, and violence, when the world is now in the seemingly inescapable clutches of the COVID-19 pandemic? To begin with, when we watch scary movies, our bodies react in remarkably similar ways to when they are subjected to real-life situations of danger or distress. Since the brain can't distinguish stories from reality, it falls back on the framework that has evolved to protect it: the fight-or flight response. Terrifying images like a villain plunging a knife into the movie's hero fill our bodies with adrenaline, a chemical that increases the heart rate and gives us a thrill in a perfectly safe way.
Furthermore, when we watch horror movies, we often identify with some of the horrible actions or emotions affecting the characters. While we'd never followed through on them, the mental exercise of facing these exaggerations of familiar feelings and considering different outcomes guards against being overwhelmed by those feelings in real life. Similar to other horror films, apocalyptic movies give you a shiver as you recognize reality in the events shown in the movie. Real life forces you to stew on the state of the world and wonder when- or if- things will ever change. In a movie you are guaranteed to see people taking action, and their action helps you release your emotions in a satisfying way. If there is a great suffering and loss in the movie, it might let you reckon with similar feelings you've been having. On the other hand, seeing a version of events where people band together or competent governments make smart decisions can provide a sense of hope.
105.
Sometimes we don't understand a person's advice until they are gone. That's exactly what happened to me when I was 15 years old. At that tender age, I often heard my grandfather saying, "Time if life!" Without trying to figure out his message, however, I idled away my valuable time. Spending hours upon hours daydreaming about what I wanted to achieve, leaving everything to the last minute, making pathetic excuses for what I failed to do, and ignoring priorities in favor of watching TV and playing video games - all these made my life a plight of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities. Still, "Time is life!" my grandfather repeated as I continued to ignore his words. And then, without warning, he passed away. It was only upon the news of his passing that I realized what he was trying to tell me - time is the most precious gift that we are blessed with, for without it, we have no life.
The next day, I bought a calendar and wrote several lists with set priorities and an appropriate amount of time allocated for each job. I then planned my morning and afternoon routines. The transformation was remarkable. I was completing all my homework ahead of time, and my domestic chores were no longer dark clouds hanging over my head. I then began to make lists of long-term goals and plans as to how to achieve them. I spent twenty minutes a day learning French, another twenty minutes a day practicing the guitar, and another twenty minutes a day working out. Two years later, I could speak French, play the guitar, and was fit and strong. My grandfather was right - time is life!
106.
After a week of rain, the sun finally came out. Happy to see the sunshine, Brian decided to play basketball with his friends in the school. He read his favorite comic books while listening to pop music as he walked to school. He thought this could save his tie and, most importantly, wearing the stylish headphones made him look cool. Unfortunately, he was too engrossed in his reading to notice someone was walking toward him. Then, he bumped into a fierce-looking man. He thought the guy was going to beat him up.
Not knowing what to do, Brian cried out and knelt down, begging for mercy from the strong and tough man. However, the man just remained silent and made some gestures that Brian didn't understand. Seeing two young men coming toward him, he was scared to death, thinking these three men might bully him. Brian cried out for help and was ready to run away. The two men seized him by the arm with a confused look, saying, "Why are you crying for help? My friend is a deaf-mute. He just wanted to know where you bought your cool headphones." Speechless with embarrassment, Brian would never ever forget what happened this day.
107.
The ability to become anonymous is a vital part of what the Internet offers. While this issue is certainly problematic, my overall opinion is that online anonymity is beneficial. One of the key reasons for this is the concept of free speech. The anonymity offered by the Internet allows people to share their beliefs without fear of consequences in the real world. Anyone living in a repressive country or community understands the significance of this. It allows them to be critical of their leaders and not get arrested, or discuss taboo topics in safety. Imagine people from a deeply conservative religious community discussing LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (Question)) issues, for example.
In addition to all of this, online anonymity allows whistleblowers to expose law-breaking companies or organizations without being targeted by them. Admittedly, there are disadvantages to online anonymity as well. It can cause distrust because we don't know who's posting something and what their motivations are. To take an example from above, a whistleblower might not be a person exposing real wrongdoing, but someone with a grudge against their boss. Online anonymity means that we can never truly take anything we read online at face value. Furthermore, there is the issue of cyberbullying and online abuse. However, I believe this is a problem with people. Online anonymity is simply a tool, and people can use it or abuse it as they see fit; I, however, am of the opinion that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.
108.
It saddens me to hear of people littering and making a scenic area, such as Ivy Mountain, look unsightly. Unfortunately, many hikers forget their obligation to be responsible citizens while having fun. What's more, much of this litter is made of plastic, which takes a long time to decompose. That means it is quite possible that the garbage may be eaten by animals, causing them serious injury or even death. Some have advocated that the number of visitors to areas like Ivy Mountain should be limited. Those in favor of such a measure say these actions will reduce the negative impact brought on by large crowds.
While this may be true, it is a rather drastic measure that I do not support. To me, these limitations cause people trouble and reduce their recreational opportunities. Instead, more signs reminding people to take away their garbage, along with warnings of the penalties if they are caught littering, should be put up. In addition, more staff, with the power to hand out fines to people who litter, could be hired to patrol the areas. To me, these are better alternatives and less of a constraint on people's freedoms.
109.
Exhausted after a long day at work, Erin was looking forward to relaxing with a magazine she had picked up on the way home. But no sooner had she sat down than she heard a loud banging sound coming from next door. Then she heard what sounded like the screams of a terrified little girl. Bang! The screaming got louder. Bang! Erin felt her blood boil. She was no idiot. The man next door must be beating that poor girl, she thought to herself. I have to do something. Wasting no time, she picked up her phone and called the police.
When they answered, she could hardly contain the flow of words: "Neighbor...awful noises...screaming...sounded terrified...come quickly." The police immediately dispatched a unit, and Erin tried to calm herself. She waited for what seemed like an eternity, and then she heard a knocking on the neighbor's door. Keen to see justice done, she peered out of her doorway. But what she saw was not at all the sight she had expected. In the living room was a man chasing a large spider and bringing a broom down upon it with such force that the furniture shook. And standing on the couch was a terrified girl with her eyes fixed on the horrible insect, screaming at the top of her lungs.
110.
Taken together, these images depict a common problem here in Taiwan: despite frequent water shortages, people still waste water. Although we have the highest rate of rainfall out of any developed country, Taiwan still experiences water shortages. That's partly because our reservoirs are capable of holding only six weeks' worth of water. In Taiwan, therefore, water is a previous resource. But the unfortunate fact is that we don't treat it as such. Because water is so cheap here, people don't view it as a valuable commodity. That mindset leads to waste.
To ensure that the water in Taiwan's reservoirs lasts, we need to be more aware of how much water we use on a daily basis. That might involve making some simple adjustments to our water-usage habits. For example, instead of leaving the tap running while we brush our teeth, we could switch it off. Another water-saving habit is limiting our showers to five minutes. Taking longer showers may be tempting, but it's unnecessary. There are almost 24 million people in Taiwan, so if we all make small changes to our water-usage habits, we can make a big difference to Taiwan's supply.
111.
I treasure my weekends. Not only do I have a bit of relief from my studies, but I also have free rein to explore my personal style. During the week, I have no choice but to wear my school uniform. On the weekend, though, I can wear what I like! In addition to my look, I often find myself considering the ethics of my fashion choices. Fast fashion offers me nearly infinite choice. At NET, H&M, and my local street markets, prices range from reasonably affordable to downright cheap. I could conceivably build an entire wardrobe with a wide variety of items for only NT$2,000 or so. However, cheap clothes are cheap because they're made by exploited workers, many of whom are children. Furthermore, the material that goes into making them is of poor quality.
Contrast this with more responsibly produced fashion. A pair of trousers might last you decades, as the fabric is chosen with care and the workers are ale to put more time and skill into their construction. High-quality garments are also easier to mend, allowing you to reduce waste by declining to throw away a torn shirt in favor of repairing it. The cost of better quality and more ethical labor is reflected in the high prices of these kinds of clothes. In my view, though, the cost is worth it. I'd rather buy long-lasting clothes that I can be proud of. I can combine my few items of clothing creatively to get the stylish wardrobe I want.
112.
The most noticeable change I have made since entering high school is that I'm much more eager to learn things. I was a procrastinator in junior high, and rarely submitted assignments on time. What's worse, I often tried to avoid doing them by making excuses. Now, I'm an active learner, eagerly participating in discussions and trying to express my point of view whenever possible. Moreover, I ask questions instead of remaining silent when I come across problems. I feel like I'm a more responsible student, and that I'm becoming more confident each day.
Apart from being enthusiastic about learning, another goal for me to reach after high school is to become an amicable person that people like to be around. To achieve this goal, I need to take a few steps. First and foremost, I need to pay close attention to the feelings of the people around me. That way, I can cheer them up when they are discouraged or reach out to them when they need help. Furthermore, I need better communication skills to become a great listener as well as an articulate speaker. If I achieve these goals, I'm confident I'll succeed in whatever I choose to do in life.
113.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. -Helen Keller I believe Keller's quote means that life is only worth living if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. often we're too used to the sense of stability and security to even imagine what it would be like to explore the unchartered waters. Afraid to make mistakes and reluctant to go where success is not guaranteed, we content ourselves with what we are and never imagine what we can be. Herself the best example, Keller encourages everyone to venture into the unknown instead of taking things as they are.
Besides being a loving and caring granny, my grandmother devoted her life to living out the true meaning of Helen Keller'e quote. Having experienced first-and the horrors of two World Wars, Grandma is no stranger to hardships and turmoil. When, in her mid-70s, she could finally enjoy the fruits of a lifetime of hard work, she made the unfathomable decision of backpacking across Europe. When asked if such endeavor would be too risky for someone of her age, she replied, "Risk is good. Risk makes you stronger." With that, she embarked on her trip - the first of many that followed. Grandma demonstrated that unpredictability and setbacks are the exact nutrients a person needs to grow and live life to the fullest. I aspire to follow her example, going on all the adventures life has in store for me.
114.
The line graph presents the electricity bill a household paid in 2021. Between February and June, their electric bill rose steadily. Over the following two months, it soared to a peak in August before plunging sharply in October. Over the final two months, the bill continued to decline. On the whole, the closer it got to the summer, the higher their electric bill was. This probably resulted from their extended use of air conditioning in the summertime to cool down the house. When summer ended, the bill dropped steeply.
Here are a few tips for the family to save on their electricity bill. First of all, switch off the lights when leaving a room. Furthermore, identify the more energy-consuming appliances in the house. Use them less or replace them with more energy-efficient ones. In the summertime, use the air conditioner economically. For example, keep the temperature set to 26 degree Celsius and use a fan at the same time. Also, set the timer on the air conditioner rather than leave the machine on all night.
115.
I grew up in a family that values spending quality time together, so we engage in quite a lot of fun-filled activities. The most unforgettable one occurred two years ago when I did an escape room game with my parents and siblings in Taichung. Over the span of 60 minutes, we worked as a team, trying to solve the clues and figure a way out. In the end, the lock sprang open, and we cheered in triumph with our arms raised high in the air. It was such a thrilling and memorable experience that it will stick in my mind forever.
Locked in a room as a team, we had to crack codes, think outside the box, and contribute ways to solve the mystery before the time was up. The game had us laughing and connecting with each other all the way. On top of that, all of the puzzles required different skills, so every one of us got a chance to show off our talent. After the game, we went for some ice cream, talking about the clues we'd missed and what we'd pulled off. It is an unforgettable experience where everyone was involved without smartphones or devices getting in the way. This escape room activity is something that my family will talk about for years to come.
116.
Everyone can see that there are many problems with Taiwan's traffic situation. Cars, buses, trucks, and motorcycles crowd the island's streets, leading to many traffic jams and, unfortunately, way too many accidents. The government has tried to solve the problem by developing MRT projects and introducing free bicycles for public use. More laws have been passed in an attempt to address the problem. In my opinion, eliminating U-turns would be a positive step in the right direction. Many times I have witnessed drivers making very dangerous turns into oncoming traffic. U-turns are already illegal in many countries, and they should be illegal here as well.
The immediate benefit would be safer roads. It's nearly impossible for drivers to check both directions of traffic carefully. Another benefit would be a smoother traffic flow. Drivers waiting to make U-turns often block one lane of traffic as they wait for traffic to clear. This causes other drivers to slow down and move to the right to avoid the waiting car. Eliminating U-turns would help get rid of this unnecessary congestion. Most importantly, though, it would reduce injuries. And isn't this the whole point of making laws?
117.
COVID-19 has impacted almost every sector of the economy, as well as the way people conduct their daily lives. When the pandemic was at its peak, many countries around the world responded by imposing partial lockdowns or placing restrictions on traveling. In Taiwan, the government implemented soft lockdown measures by closing leisure and entertainment venues, such as bars, gyms, and movie theaters. Taiwan also banned eating at restaurants and convenience store during the Level-3 alert period.
They asked all citizens to wear face masks and practice social distancing when out in public. During this period, I rarely ventured outside and began using food delivery services when I need to eat. I felt tired of eating delivery food because it lacked variety, and the food all seemed to taste the same. I began to take an interest in cooking after I watched a cooking show on YouTube. By reading my mother's cookbooks and practicing in the kitchen, my new skills progressed by leaps and bounds. I often shared the photos of the dishes I made with friends on social media platforms. If this pandemic ever ends, I think I'll keep learning new cooking skills so I can become a chef in the future.
118.
Injustices occur practically every day. When witnessing one, some people are brave enough to step up, while others freeze up or just look on. If I see an injustice in my daily life, I'll speak up and make those behaving unjustly aware that what they are doing is wrong. First, I'll seek help from other bystanders because there is strength in numbers. Approaching the attacker or bully as a group makes it safer to intervene. Next, I'll report it to people in authority and partner with like-minded people to back the victims up.
I used to be a bystander when one of my friends was bullied. Some guys at school ridiculed whatever he did, called him names, and isolated him. Unfortunately, I stayed on the sidelines whenever I saw him bullied because I was afraid that I'd be excluded as well if I tried to help. Several months later, our teacher told us he transferred to another school, and I lost touch with him. It was at that moment that I felt regret for being a silent onlooker. If only I had stood up against the bullying. Silence gives consent, so I told myself that I should step up and help stop injustices to prevent anything regrettable from happening again.
119.
The news that Taiwan is aiming to transform itself into a bilingual nation by 2030 certainly sparked a lot of discussion, not only in the media but also among my fellow students. As far as I'm concerned, this is a terrible idea. There are already many local languages that deserve attention. Besides Mandarin and Taiwanese, there's also Hakka, not to mention the many indigenous languages spoken here. I fear that these languages, as well as the cultures that speak them, will be neglected in the drive to make English one of Taiwan's official languages. Another consideration in this case is that Taiwan does not have enough qualified teachers to make this proposal work, and that is going to do more harm than good.
Let me elaborate on that last point. Suppose teachers who don't speak English well are asked to teach math and science classes in English. Some of the concepts are hard enough to explain in our native language, and trying to present them in English will just confuse things. Another problem is that while wealthy schools will be able to become bilingual and wealthy students will be able to attend them, poorer students will not. Many students will likely be left behind and the gap between the haves and the have-nots will widen. While I understand the government's motivation for making Taiwan bilingual, I don't believe this plan can, or should, succeed.
120.
Last Sunday was an "unforgettable" day for Chris and his two lovely dogs, Kiki and Nini. It was a scorching hot day, perfect for beach and water activities. Thus, Chris decided to go to a nearby beach with his dogs to relieve all of his pressure from work. Chris got up early, got things packed quickly, and happily set off. Before long, Chris arrived at the beach. There, he played with Kiki and Nini to his heart's content. They had such a wonderful time together. All of a sudden, something unexpected happened. A big wave crashed down on Chris, immediately sweeping him out to sea. Chris cried out loudly for help at that critical moment with his two dogs running anxiously and barking frantically.
It was when Chris had nearly drowned that a brave and kind-hearted man came to his rescue. The man, who ran a watercraft rental shop near the beach, saw Chris in danger and joined the rescue effort without a second thought. Fortunately, Chris was saved and pulled ashore in the end. After this terrible accident, Chris learned the harsh lesson that he should exercise greater caution while playing in the water since accidents can happen anytime and anywhere.
121.
The third stanza explores mental toughness and the power of will that one must possess. Life is a game of chance, the speaker warns, so sometimes you must bet whatever you have in one play of "pitch-and-toss" to be successful. However, even if you lose everything, don't indulge in self-pity. And if exhaustion overtakes you, rely on your willpower to carry you through. Ultimate success comes to those who fined inner strength and have the will to persevere.
As the speaker says, associate with people from all walks of life, from kings to common people, but retain a balanced world view in all your interactions. You will unavoidably encounter both friends and foes in life, but avoid being overly hurt or influenced by either. In addition, keep in mind that time is previous. It doesn't wait for anyone, nor does it give anyone a second chance. Be sure, therefore, to cherish every moment in your life and live it to the full.
122.
Food loss means what should have been available to people was not consumed for any reason. Food loss can happen at various points along the food chain, including production, processing, storage, retailing, and consumption. The figure showing the percentage of food loss in different regions of our world tells us that the major source of food loss differs from region to region. To begin with, developed countries tend to have a larger percentage of their food loss occur at the consumer level compared with developing nations, where loss is more likely to take place during production and handling. Second, less-developed areas tend to have more issues related to factors like poor infrastructure. On the other hand, consumer preference can be more likely to cause waste in the United States and Europe.
Based from the observation, we can come up with some ways to reduce the problem of food loss. Individually, we can prevent food loss and waste by paying more attention to how we treat the food we eat. Some actions we can take are planning our meals before grocery shopping, buying no more than what we need, and being creative with our food leftovers. More importantly, we need to avoid being seduced by bulk offers which might end up as waste. As for our government, the authorities can enact laws and policies that force the businesses and retailers to make good use of edible food. In addition, educating the consumers to do wise purchases on food can also decrease the possibility of food waste. Food loss is an urgent problem to be solved worldwide. It is better to act quickly than to wait.
123.
Although teachers, parents, and friends are always on hand to offer you advice and guidance, no one can live your life for you. The complexities of life are simply things you must experience and learn on your own. I often like to compare my life to mountain trekking. As an avid hiker, I am extremely annoyed to hear stories of people driving up to mountain summits. For my part, mountaintop views must be earned through the hard work, and patience of walking. It's not about rushing to the top, but about taking your time to enjoy the journey, taking in the scenery, and earning your rewards. Life must be similarly lived - at a leisurely pace. Meaning must be sought.
124.
My cheek was burning with embarrassment after delivering a simple speech in front of a crowd, and I was fervently praying that somehow I could become invisible. Looking back on the past two years in senior high, I have always been tormented by moments as such. The reason I am afraid of facing the crowd was because of a terrible experience from my first speech. If my memory serves me right, that day, I stepped up to the podium, cleared my throat nervously, and began my speech.
I could feel my heart was throbbing quickly and my hands were shaking uncontrollably. Suddenly, the microphone went dead. The crowd, hearing nothing but seeing me open my mouth wide trying hard to utter each word, started laughing and teasing me, which made me embarrassed. I couldn't help but dash out of the door with everyone roaring with laughter. Ever since then, public speech becomes the last thing I would like to do.
125.
With the rapid development of technology in modern times, people nowadays have far more types of houses to choose from. The two types shown in the picture are the most common ones in Taiwan. The one on the left is a rather traditional type of building; it is usually seen in less populated areas. It only has eight households with no elevators, but there are closer bonds between residents. In contrast, the one on the right is a modern high-rise apartment complex. It has eighty households and many facilities inside of it. It can be seen in urban areas, especially when there is limited space for housing. The two buildings have their own pros and cons and have remained popular for a long time.
As far as I'm concerned, I prefer the high-rise apartment to the traditional one. My family and I are usually occupied with work on weekdays, so we don't have time to wait for delivery people or the garbage and recycling trucks. In this case, the property management company of the complex can be of tremendous assistance. They can collect mail and parcels for us and dispose of the garbage for all the residents. Secondly, I am more of an introvert; therefore, I prefer staying home and enjoying the facilities in the apartment. For example, I can go swimming in the apartment pool or even work out at the community gym, both of which are not available in the traditional apartment building. Considering these two major benefits, the high-rise apartment is definitely better for me.
126.
In the past, Taiwanese students had limited lunch options. We either brought a lunch box from home or ate whatever was provided by the school cafeteria. Now, with the rise of food-delivery services, a whole new culinary world has opened to us. Good riddance to bland boiled cabbage and mystery meat served over white rice. These miserable lunches should have been replaced long ago with tasty, diverse options that cater to students' individual dietary preferences. Now that such options are available, there is no good reason why they should be withheld from us.
Allowing food-delivery options in schools is a good idea for many reasons. First, it empowers students to make dietary decisions for themselves. Without a variety of options, we will never learn to make smart food choices. Second, it enables students with allergies or dietary restrictions to quickly and easily order suitable- and tasty- meals. Finally, it ensures that students have access to high-quality foods. Often, catered options are poor at best, and this is surely the case in many Taiwanese schools. I strongly believe that schools should allow students to order food-delivery options for lunch. If adults are free to choose their lunchtime meals, why shouldn't students be?
127.
The first highlights the potential long-lasting consequences of false information. In 1998, a British researcher published a small-scale study in a respected medical journal, and it linked the MMR vaccine to autism. The media provided extensive coverage of this flawed study. As a result, the belief that the MMR vaccine could cause autism became widespread. Some people's confidence in the vaccine was shattered, and vaccination rate dropped. However, subsequent studies with larger samples revealed different results, and the original study was eventually proved inaccurate. Even so, years after, parents were still exposed to large numbers of negative reports, and some refused to vaccinate their children for fear that it might do more harm than good.
128.
The widespread support for producing meat in this way is due to the fact that it holds several substantial advantages compared to more traditional methods. Firstly, one could argue that traditional or old-fashioned meat production facilities, such as farms or factories, hardly ever have the animals’ best interest at heart. Growing meat in a laboratory instead would help eliminate the need for slaughterhouses and the unethical treatment of these animals. In other words, you can rest assured that the so-called lab-grown beef patty on your plate didn’t come from a cow that had to endure physical or mental torment.
Better still, it could help make meat production more sustainable. The raising of livestock needed to fulfill the current global demand for meat actually takes a heavy toll on the environment. Whether we like it or not, lab-grown meat is a rising trend that would have a long-term impact on a global scale. It might, however, come at a price. To ensure that future foods are both sustainable and healthy, it is therefore essential for us to conduct more-inclusive research first before we jump to any conclusions. For now, all we can do is keep a close eye on this rapidly growing trend as it takes us further and deeper into the unknown.
129.
As the world’s sea levels continue to rise, largely owing to human factors, the outlook for Venice remains grim. Indeed, the case of Venice poses a test for humanity - a test of how we can make joint efforts to curb global warming and prevent the environment from being destroyed. Such efforts are far from being the responsibility of only individual governments or groups but instead require all humans to acknowledge what is happening and work toward the common goal of preserving our beloved Earth for future generations.
130.
Dear customers, As the chief executive of QQQ Bakery, I want to express my sincerest apologies and deepest regrets to you over our company’s inappropriate actions. In spite of pledging to always keep our bread free of artificial ingredients, we used artificial flavor essences, in addition to artificial dyes, as a cost-saving measure. Not only did we fail to uphold our commitment to using all-natural ingredients in our baked goods, but we also misrepresented our products to you, our valued customers. Words can’t express how sorry we are for that, and we are taking action to remedy our mistakes while doing all we can to be as transparent as possible about our products going forward.
Effective immediately we are no longer using artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives in any of our products. Customers will now find full nutritional information and ingredients lists for each product next to the shelves where they are sold in-store as well as on our website. When it comes to previously purchased artificially-flavored bread from QQQ, customers may bring in their receipt to get a store voucher valued double at the price of the purchased items, which can be used to buy any product available in our stores. We once again apologize and hope to earn your continued business in the future with products that are healthier than ever before. Yours truly, Elizabeth Reese Chief Executive QQQ Bakery Ltd.
131.
Whenever I jog down memory lane, my grandma's house is the one that I happen to miss a lot. It is one of my favorite places from childhood. Located on the outskirts of the city, it was the most peaceful summer spot for us. Just like my grandma’s charismatic personality, this house, too, was very special. There was always something about it that set it apart from all of the places that I have been to. The summers called for an extended stay at Grandma’s. It was a family gathering spot for all of us. Whether it was birthdays, graduations, or simple barbecues, Grandma’s it was! The entire house was filled with laughter. The sweet aroma of apple pie lurked around the rooms. Aunt Beth always made her famous chicken wings. Uncle Murphy’s chilled mint margaritas washed down this dish. However, it was never an evening until we dug into our grandma’s signature apple pie.
Our grandma has dedicated a kid’s sleepover room. In this way, all of the cousins stayed in one room. She also brought midnight treats. The fun did not end yet. Her bedtime stories were the most awaited part of every single day. We used to form a tent using all of the blankets. She would then cuddle with us and narrate the most intriguing stories. It was a whole experience. The story was not always goody-goody. She took us on an emotional roller coaster. There were a lot of hidden lessons and morals in it. The house has a big backyard. Our grandma used to grow all sorts of herbs and veggies. “The real food,” she called it. Unlike others, she used to enjoy the food supply that came out of her garden. We used to love her version of the famous “ratatouille.” She used to add a little meat and sprinkle it with parmesan cheese. It was an otherworldly dish. The titbits never went to waste. She was a food magician, and that enabled her to make new dishes out of leftovers.
The front porch was her favorite spot. We used to sit there for hours. Our discussions spiraled into different topics. She never missed an opportunity to feed a bird or a squirrel. The entire neighborhood respected her for her charm and kindness. She was indeed the ace of our hearts. Her place was welcoming to all. No one in our family would ever trade it for a weekend on a hill station. There are countless memories of my grandma’s house. Whenever our family gathers around, we always talk about the occasions and the incidents that happened. Though she is not here today, her house still stands to be the best place for us. It is the same summer spot that we will never turn down since it is our favorite place.
132.
Humans are constantly searching for more reliable and cleaner energy sources than fossil fuels. Some people applaud nuclear power, whereas others favor renewable energy. In the charts, we can see a visual analysis of the two energy sources. According to the spider charts, each energy source is graded based on five criteria: cost efficiency, space efficiency, reliability, safety, and sustainability. Nuclear energy performs better on the former three elements, while renewable energy scores higher on the latter two elements.
If I were to choose between the two energy sources, I’d definitely opt for renewable energy because nuclear safety is a huge concern for me. In addition to a potential for a nuclear disaster like the one in Fukushima in 2011, nuclear waste is tricky to get rid of safely. Meanwhile, renewable energy poses no threat and produces less pollution. Further, renewable energy promises to last forever. As long as there is wind, sunshine, or water, we will be able to draw power from them. Therefore, I hope we can switch from nuclear energy to renewable energy.
133.
There are lessons that we learn the hard way, and it is such lessons that transform how we perceive life. For me, this valuable lesson came in the form of a horrifying experience when I was in ninth grade. In the dead of night, a terrific jolt rocked me out of a deep, peaceful slumber. The windows were rattling, the power was out, and the quake showed no sign of dying down for what seemed like forever. Since it was too dark to see, a loud crash told me my treasured Lego car model was now in pieces scattering on the floor.
Paralyzed by fear, I lay powerlessly in bed and prayed to Guan-Yin, Goddess of Mercy, for the safety of my family. My mother soon rushed to my bedside, comforting me, and I drifted into an uneasy sleep. What I saw on TV the next morning again struck me dumb. Houses were reduced to ruins; people were injured, killed, or still unaccounted for. Many had their belongings and loved ones taken from them. Overcome with shock, I did something I hadn’t done since I became a teenager - I hugged my parents and my baby sister, telling them how much I loved them. A surge of gratefulness finally eased my fear. I learned to never take anything, or anyone, for granted. More importantly, I learned to show my appreciation for them while I still could.
134.
The rise of social media has changed how we deal with information not only because it has become a primary source of news for many, but because anyone can share information effortlessly, contributing to the speed at which it spreads. Newspapers are supposed to be objective and balanced, but these ethics can be easily ignored on social media. Therefore, social networks are often clustered with huge amounts misinformation, and it is difficult for people to assess its truthfulness, especially when it comes to issues of public concern or emotionally charged content.
Last year a post circulating on social media claimed that lemon juice mixed with green tea would eliminate the COVID-19 virus and that Vietnam recorded no death due to widespread consumption of hot lemon tea. After reading the news, my grandmother, worried sick about the vaccine’s side effects, decided to skip vaccinations since she was convinced that drinking lemon tea would protect her from infections. Shocked by her decision, my parents tried to prove such claims were false and make her realize the best way to stay healthy was to get vaccinated, but to no avail. Soon, she got COVID-19 and even developed long COVID. Clearly, misinformation often misleads the public into making wrong decisions and thus poses a threat to public safety.
135.
Leisure activities are getting more valued nowadays. It is not unusual to find people spending their weekends at various campsites so as to escape concrete jungle, get closer to nature and relish the mellow vibes. There are campsites situated in national parks or natural surroundings, like campsite A, offering plain and primitive experiences for campers. They can build a campfire with woods at the fireplace to enjoy the roughly-made yet delectable food. Encircled by forests, campers can fully immerse themselves in the peaceful air in nature. There is, however, one thing that not most people can get used to; that is, only cold water is available for showers. Those aiming for a comfortable camping experience may prefer Campsite B, a more luxurious alternative for camping.
Aside from public shower rooms and toilets, these campsites are mostly run by holiday resorts and well-equipped with modern facilities. Electricity and wifi are no doubt one feature to Internet addicts who tend to post their updates on social media in no time. With its convenience, Campsite B, charging six thousand and eight hundred dollars, costs twice more than Campsite A. It’s obvious that these two campsites appeal to different customers, who arrange their holiday for different purposes. As a nature lover, I prefer types similar to Campsite A. The experience as well as price are my major concerns. Although there is no wifi, I can be entirely embraced by nature and will not be disturbed by annoying line messages all the time. In the morning, my friends and I can have fun in the creeks near the campsite, which is a rare chance for people like us staying in urban areas most of the time.
I have always wanted to try to freeze fresh cucumbers in the icy river water, just like many Japanese would do in the movies. After we expose ourselves to sunlight during the outdoor activities all day, a cold shower in the evening sounds refreshing. For dinner, we can set up a campfire to cook instant noodles, grill smoked sausages and roast marshmallows, enjoying them with crunchy cucumbers cooled by the creek. What excites me the most is that we can sleep under the night sky with twinkling stars dotted all over since there is no air pollution at the campsite. It definitely will be a glamorous and unforgettable scene. In addition to the unique experience in nature, Campsite A charges much less than Campsite B. My friends and I can afford a weekend like this without a tight budget. I find it far more attractive and can’t wait to book a tent for my vacation.
136.
Rules are rules. Many people, however, question the need for many public dos and don’ts until they have found themselves in trouble. To illustrate the point, Peter always wonders why there are so many rules specifically for dog owners. He mumbles to himself about the rules he and his dog Toby have to follow: “I’m not allowed to take Toby into most shops, and if I want to use the MRT, I have to put Toby into a special dog basket. And I’m sure there are more!” Peter is feeling a little sorry for himself. It is early in the morning. There isn’t a soul in sight, so Peter decides to let Toby off his leash. “What harm can it do? We have the whole park to ourselves.”
At this moment, Toby suddenly bolts towards the other side of the park and out of Peter’s sight. Nonetheless, Peter can hear his pet barking. He follows the noise, only to be shocked by the sight that meets his eyes. Toby’s mouth is watering as he jumps up trying to steal a burger from a little boy. He doesn’t have time to sink his teeth into the burger before Peter manages to get him on his leash and pull him away. Peter is feeling very guilty, as the angry mother points to the sign and says, “Dogs must be kept on a leash.” Peter is upset with himself, but now he realizes the importance of signs for dog owners. Such rules protect the public from the radar-like noses of pet dogs. Otherwise, they may bite more than just burgers.
137.
My name is Fiona Lin. I have been living in Hualien since I was born. Growing up in this city, I am lucky enough to be bathed in wonderful natural scenery and amazing aboriginal cultures. The streets in Hualien are always crowded with visitors from other cities or even other countries; therefore, I often have a chance to interact with them, which, I think, is a pleasant and valuable experience. Dreaming of a tourism-associated career, I aim at studying in your Department of Tourism, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. I am a qualified candidate, as I have the qualities of being extroverted, passionate, organized, and always show initiative in whatever I do. Most important of all, I have a good command in English. Not only have I obtained a high score, 950, in TOEIC test, but I am also the winner of the English speech contest held by the city government.
138.
As we all know, people cannot lead a normal life without proper access to the everyday grocery. The way in which people purchase their necessities is undergoing some changes. This graph shows the upward trend in the growth and revenue of online retailing industry from 2018 to 2021. The revenue climbed by 178 billion dollars, which soared by 70% compared to the figure in 2018. It suggests that online shopping has been in a surge for the past four years. This is a faithful reflection of modern people's shopping habits. The internet brings everything to your door, hence the increasing inclination to shop online.
My parents hardly ever do their grocery shopping at a brick-and-motar supermarket; I cannot even remember the last time my friends mentioned visiting an actual bookstore. With a few clicks and in the comfort of our home, we can get almost everything we need. From my perspective, I consider the advantages of online shopping outweigh its disadvantages. Shopping online can save us a lot of time because we don't have to go out, tolerating the traffic to the stores, the crows and waiting lines in the stores.
Plus, we don't have to physically walk from store to store to find the best bargain, which saves us much energy. We consumers are really benefited from the growth of the online retailing industry. Nevertheless, online shopping is not a flawless way for shopping. Sometimes, the quality of the goods is not so nice as we see on the websites. In addition, disclosing so much personal information online puts us in danger, for it might be stolen by criminals. To sum up, only when we are very careful when shopping online can we really enjoy the benefits of online shopping.
139.
Drained of energy after a day's toil at school, I relished the prospect of relaxing at home and indulging myself with a luxury French dessert as a reward. Just as I sank into the couch with exhaustion, an excellent idea flashed across my mind - a food delivery platform. I immediately searched for a gourmet patisserie and placed an order for my cherished strawberry mille-feuille. Before long, a delivery man who followed the navigation system on his smartphone came racing into our community on a scooter loaded with a big isolated bad of food. Upon arrival, he hurriedly reached into the bad for my order and handed it to me, with beads of sweat standing out on his forehead.
At the sight of my favorite cake, I was flooded with joy mingled with a wave of warmth surging in my heart. I grasped an opportunity to thank him before he mounted his scooter and resumed his journey of delivering culinary delights and happiness to every corner of the city. Despite all the comfort and convenience of the food delivery service, I personally prefer physical restaurants. To begin with, a delivered meal can't compare with freshly cooked cuisine served at a restaurant. The meal tends to lose its original flavor after traveling a distance, and it is usually packed in a cheap box in sharp contrast to a restaurant's aesthetically decorated dishes. In addition, a restaurant creates a festive atmosphere and a memorable dining experience. I prefer to celebrate at a fancy restaurant on a special occasion and take glamorous photographs there. Last, ordering a meal through a food delivery platform does not cost less than dining out. There is a delivery charge for the service, which varies according to the distance traveled. Therefore, it appears that physical restaurants still hold irreplaceable appeal for me.
140.
These two posters advertise two preschools with distinctly different approaches. Bright Beginnings Preschool features total safety, allowing children to learn and play in a hazard-free environment. Things that children come into contact with, such as books, toys, and sandpits, are sterilized to make sure they are germ-free. Inflatable slides and soft toys help prevent injuries. Both teachers and kids wash their hands every hour to ensure maximum hygiene. On the other hand, Happy Trails offers an environment for children to explore. Instead of staying in the classroom, kids spend the majority of their time outdoors, exposed to things traditionally considered to be dangerous, such as fire. They are taken on walks in the woods twice a day, during which they can get a close look at nature. Kids here learn about things by actually doing things.
Having grown up over-protected, I think Happy Trails is a better preschool for kids aged four to six. When I was little, my parents tried everything to keep risks at bay. I was never allowed to try anything that were remotely dangerous. They said no to me playing basketball and yes to me playing chess, as the former involved more pushing and tripping, while the latter was less injury prone. This resulted in my/me being timid, unwilling to step out of my comfort zone. Happy Trails encourages kids to explore, challenge, and try, all under teachers' guidance and supervision. I believe Happy Trails is the right school for kids this age because it helps cultivate personality traits that are crucial for kids to grow up with.
141.
Most Monday mornings are intolerably quiet and boring, particularly on my way to school. When I got on the bus last Monday, I thought it was going to be another dull morning; indeed, people were silent, tired, and lifeless from a wild weekend. Not a word was spoken, nor a glance exchanged, as if each passenger were separated from the other by an invisible wall. Just as everyone was as usual mourning the passing of the weekend, the bus pulled over and a pretty girl got on. She elbowed her way to my side and gave me a big smile. Soon we started talking. I found her not only sweet but also smarter than most of my friends. "What an angel!" I thought.
When she reached up to grab the handgrip, however, my bubble burst - her armpit smelled like a pile of rotten apples drenched in expired perfume. While I thought I was going to throw up right then and there, others around her caught that smell too and squeezed themselves back, covering their noses and letting out a stream of curses that broke the early morning silence. Luckily, the buzzer went off, and I ran out of the bus at the next stop. As soon as I breathed in some fresh air, I said to myself, "Sometimes terrible things come in beautiful packages."
142.
Freddie's new shoes arrived two days later. However, it shocked him that the shoes were not right at all! Even though the design looked similar, the Nike logos were completely wrong. The shoes said "NICE" instead of "NIKE," and the famous "Swoosh" logo was mirrored! The shoes turned out to be fakes, but all Freddie could do was report the incident to the Executive Yuan's Consumer Protection Committee. He soon got a reply telling him that many others had fallen for the same scam. Freddie later heard the news that the person selling the fake shoes had been arrested. Although Freddie didn't end up getting his money back, the news made him feel a little better and reminded him not to covet a little and lose a lot.
143.
I think that out of the four parenting styles presented in the pictures, my parents are closest to the "authoritarian" style of running a household. They put a lot of emphasis on the proper roles of different people in the family, and how children are supposed to be polite and obedient and always listen to their parents. My parents have absolute authority over us children, and being seen as submissive is the only rule my family really has. If I don't abide by what my parents say, I will be punished for that act of disobedience.
I respect my parents for raising me and providing for me, but I don't think that style of parenting produces the best results. I think people often underestimate how intelligent children can be and how much they can understand. I think putting too much emphasis on obedience to authority just teaches children how to follow rules, instead of how to be good people. I also think it leads to them learning how to lie and trick people because they want to avoid being punished for their own mistakes. Overall, I think it is better to make clear rules that everyone understands and has a consensus on rather than just expect complete submissiveness.
144.
Mindy was a messy kid. She was a diligent student, but she couldn't be bothered to tidy up her room. As you might expect, her room was more like a garbage dump than a cozy place to rest or do homework. However, Mindy felt quite at ease with her mess since it kept her little brother from messing with her things. So disgusted was he by the spoiled food and spilled soda that usually covered Mindy's room that he didn't even want to get close to her room.
One day, however, everything changed. The afternoon started out like any other. Mindy pushed aside a banana peel and sat down to finish an assignment. She yelled in horror, though, when she suddenly caught sight of a cockroach! Even worse, no sooner had she seen one than she saw another, and another and another! Mindy rushed to the kitchen and grabbed a broom and a trash bag. She began to clean, and it wasn't long before her room was neat and tidy. To her surprise, once her room was clean, it wasn't so hard to keep it clean, and she was greatly relieved to see that the cockroaches stayed away.
145.
Food is an important part of our lives, and how we enjoy the meals is closely associated with how they are presented to our eyes. Many people in Taiwan find it a great pleasure to stroll through a night market, a place incorporating a wide variety of local snacks. With open-air food stalls lining up on both sides of the narrow aisles, visitors to a night market can witness how the delicacies are made. It is usually very crowded in a night market, and having a meal in a night market is subject to weather too - it may be raining or sultry, so some people prefer to dine in a spacious and air-conditioned food park. The food in a food park are usually severed in set meals with decorated plates, and customers there can choose from all sorts of exotic cuisines in the delis. Also, people can relax themselves on cozy seats while enjoying the cuisines in a food park. Therefore, the meals in a food park are much more expensive than those in a night market.
146.
As far as I am concerned, the dining environment that speaks to me the most is the Chinese banquet. A traditional Chinese banquet is a feast held for a reunion of relative and friends, on occasions such as weddings or family gatherings in lunar New Year. In a Chinese banquet, people would be seated in circle around a big, and usually red table, as a symbol of unity and happiness. The elaborate cuisines prepared by the host of a banquet, among which my favorite is the oil rice cooked with crabs, reflect Taiwanese people's affection and hospitality. For me, the appeal of eating in a traditional banquet does not lie in the flavors of food itself; what counts is the social interactions with all the others sitting at the same table, such as small talks, playing finger games, and toasting. In my eyes, this is the best way that food can be presented.
147.
Sometimes, the more effort you put into something, the more likely you are to fail. Last Sunday, Danny stared at his reflection with dismay. Where was the muscular guy he used to be? Since entering college, he had been attracted to a couch potato lifestyle, where decadently delicious food had replaced healthy home cooking, and the soft sofa had taken the place of the sunny soccer field as his favorite hangout. He was beginning to miss his healthy lifestyle. All the more so, because he felt as if the mirror that used to flatter him were now jeering at him. "Maybe it's time for a new self, or rather, my old self," he thought.
"But what am I going to do?" Danny pondered, while frowning at his belly in the mirror. "The treadmill!" the mirror kindly suggested. He figured he would quickly have a six-pack if he starved himself and used the treadmill for eight hours a day. So he hurried to the gym. One hour passed, and then two hours. Danny was already exhausted with every muscle aching. "No pain, no gain," Danny repeated to himself over and over. Eight hours eventually arrived - Day One was over! The next morning, Danny staggered out of bed in excruciating pain. He skipped breakfast, limped down to the gym, stepped onto the treadmill, switched it on, and within seconds fell flat on his face - he dislocated his kneecap and broke an ankle as well as his hope for a muscular build. An ambulance soon arrived to take him to the hospital. As he was carried slowly down the stairs on a stretcher, Danny cried, "Hurry up! I'm in agony." The paramedic responded, "Danny, haste makes waste!"
148.
Have you ever been walking on a sidewalk and been startled by a scooter suddenly riding up right behind you? Unfortunately, this happens hundreds, if not thousands, of times a day to pedestrians in Taiwan. As shown in the photo, even where a sign is posted telling people not to drive scooters on the sidewalk, some people, like the man in the photo, will ignore the rights of pedestrians for their own convenience. The photo thus conveys a simple but sad message about civic morals and basic courtesy.
Solving this problem would require improved social solidarity and governmental oversight. As citizens, we should regulate our own behavior to avoid jeopardizing the rights of others. Complying with regulations and warnings signs is crucial for every road user. As for the authorities, they should implement stricter regulations concerning the rights of pedestrians and clamp down on violations. After all, a sidewalk is for walking - it's right there in the word. But if everyone can obey traffic rules and be sure to respect others, we will have a safer road environment.
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