1 People

Proverb：

A friend in need is a friend indeed．

= A friend who helps when one is in trouble is a real friend．

Sample Answer:

Your Best Friend

A Classmate

A Happy Person

A Smart Person

A Famous Person

A Famous Foreigner

A Person in History

A Leader

A Person You Would Like to｝nterview

Practice：

A Neighbor

A Successfu！Person

A Leader You Admire (=A Person in History)

A Person You Would Like to Interview

Key Words

Your Best Friend

·Name? When where did we meet?

·How often do we see each other? What do we have in common?

·His qualities

·A memory

·The future

Let me tell you about my best friend. His name is Jeff and we met in high-school where we used to be classmates．Jeff is my best friend because I can really count on him：he's the person I trust most. He's extremely considerate．He's very thoughtful. He always cares about other people.

We often get together to play basketball. We hang out on the weekend. We have a lot of things in common. We both like sports; we both love to watch the NBA and especially the Houston Rockets. We sometimes play online games too, or watch movies together.

Jeff is a very good listener. He's very enthusiastic and always optimistic. Whenever I have a problem at school, he's always there to cheer me up．He's fun to be with!

Last year, we had to study hard for the college entrance examination and he helped me with the science subjects．He's a hard-working student and he can be serious too because he wants to become a lawyer, and he knows what his priorities are.

Next year, I will go to America to get a Bachelor's degree and Jeff will stay in China, but I know that we will keep in touch through emails and messages．And even if we don't get to see each other often, we both know we can rely on each other and THIS is true friendship！

1.How do people meet new friends?

Well, I think that most young people make new friends at school or at university. It is always easier to become friends when you see each other every day, and when you have the same interests or goals．On the other hand, when we become older, it's common to become closer to our co-workers. It is also possible to form a good relationship with people when you participate in an activity together such as a basketball team, or a dance troop．A lot of old people get together for dancing every night where I live.

2. What can cause people to lose contact with friends?

I think that time and distance can make you lose touch with your friends. When we get older, people follow different paths and people move to other cities. As time goes by, we meet new friends; we get responsibilities in our work, in our families, and it's possible to forget about the past, and our old friends．

3.What are some of the responsibilities of being a good friend?

A good friend must support and advise you. A good friend should always be there to listen to you, especially when you're having some troubles ． I believe that a good friend should be thoughtful and kind. A good friend is someone you can trust and rely on at any time.

4.  Do friends or family have more influence on young people today?

That's a hard question, because in today's China, parents are still very influential. Children listen to their parents, even if they might disagree．There is always this notion of respect towards parents．On the other hand, young people spend more and more time with their friends：they chat online all the time, they are able to send text messages to each other anytime they want, and friendship is an extremely important value in our society. I would say that young people probably consider their friends’ advice first, but ultimately (= eventually ＝ at last) they follow their parents’ decision.

5.  How important is friendship in the workplace?

I        think that friendship at work is extremely important (= essential) because if you get along well with your colleagues and your boss, you will enjoy work better, and as a result, the job will get done more efficiently. I believe that team work is now fundamental to any type of business． If you are good friends with your colleagues, you can help, advise and support each other.

6.  Do you think that parents and children can be good friends？

I        think it is possible, but difficult. Friendship is based on communication and trust. So if the parents talk a lot to their kids, and give them freedom, then I think it is possible for them to be friends．But you know in China, very often, parents want to control their children's lives．They don't give them enough space, and this creates a gap between the two generations．Many children believe that their parents represent authority, and that they always have to do what their parents ask them: this is not friendship．

A Classmate

Tell me about one of your classmates.

You should say： who the classmate is/was and how you met him/her what the classmate is/was like whether you have/had a good relationship

and say whether other people in your class have/had a similar opinion．

·Name? When? How long?

·Physical description

·Qualities

·Class memory

·Nowadays, future

Let me tell you about my high-school classmate, Xiaojiao. We met in grade 9, and we were in the same class for 3 years in a row. We had plenty of time to get to know each other better, and we often sat together in class．

To give you an idea of her physical appearance, I will describe her to you. She's quite tall with dark shiny hair. She has large bright eyes and freckles on her cheeks．Actually, talking about cheeks, I used to tease her about hers, because she has a baby face, and I love to pinch her just below the cheek bone. She hates it when I do this, but it makes me smile.

Xiaojiao is a great person to be with. First of all, she's very smart. She's interesting to talk to. Her point of view is often right and she's quite mature about things. She always acts as a big sister for everyone. In addition, she is considerate, and extremely thoughtful. She is a reliable friend, and at school, I knew I could count on her.

I remember once I was sick for a couple of days, and she came to my house to bring me all the lessons I had missed. She had personally copied everything for me, and she had written some comments about our teachers and our classmates in the margin to make me smile．In class, she was a great student. She always did well on the tests, and teachers appreciated her very much. I don't remember the number of times our math teacher told us he wished we could all be as responsible as Xiaojiao. We had a lot of fun too after class.

We would walk home together, and occasionally go shopping on the weekend with other friends．Nowadays, we go to different universities, but we still chat with each other online, and we try to meet during the holidays. Last Spring Festival, she came to my house and we looked at old pictures, and reminisced about high school. I think we have built a strong relationship over the years.

1.Why do people choose the friends they do?

People become good friends because they get along well. They must enjoy each other's personality. Two friends must definitely have things in common： it could be a hobby, or an ambition that makes them work together. I chose my friends because they are considerate, and also a lot of fun to be with.

2.  Which is the most important relationship in a person's life?

I        think that it really depends on your age, on the life stage you are in. I believe the parent-child relationship comes first. But there is another stage: when you get married, your husband or wife will definitely be the most important person in your life. Then you have a child, and the parent-child relationship goes back to being the most important.

3.  How do friendships change as we get older?

I        don't think that real friendship changes with time. It can only get stronger if it's a true friendship. However, when we get older, we have different priorities with our family or our job, so we might not see our friends as often as we used to at college. But it doesn't mean that the feelings change.

4.  What kind of students can become popular in school?

The popular students are usually the good-looking ones and the funny ones. If you want to be appreciated among young people, it's important to look cool and trendy. Generally the girls like the tall guys who are athletic. And the boys pay attention to the cute girls who know how to dress up ．In addition, if a kid is humorous and quick-minded he will also attract his classmates’ attention.

5.  How important is friendship to young people?

Friendship is essential for young people because they need friends to have fun and share good moments with. Most important they can influence each other, and learn from one another. A child who doesn't have friends is usually unhappy and lonely. With the "One-Child Policy", many kids are often at home on their own. However, it's very necessary for them to socialize in order to improve their interpersonal skills and, most importantly, for them to realize they can rely on their friends．

6.  What are the possible factors that cause a friendship to break up?

Well, there could be different reasons, I suppose. The main cause could be that two people follow a different path (= road) in life, and as they grow older, they simply lose contact. For example, next year I am going to move to America and I might not be able to remain good friends with everyone I know here. In addition, friends might disappoint each other, or argue with each other about something. Sometimes you trust someone who later betrays your trust. It's never good when someone lies to you or says bad things behind your back.

7.  Do you find it easy to make friends with others?

Not really; I'm rather shy, and it's never easy for me to open up to people. I know I should be more outgoing and confident, but it's hard to change your personality. I usually get along well with girls who are as introverted (= shy) as I.

A Happy Person

Tell me about a happy person you know.

You should say:            who the person is how you came to know him/her whether you know him／her well

and say what makes this person such a happy person．

·My cousin Xiaofeng: university student, great personality

·Enthusiastic about everything: always eager to try new things (full of life)+ smiles a lot

·Good student, good university, good friends＋good life

·Optimistic：can cheer everyone up, considerate＋reassuring

·Always shares great stories：future job = probably teacher or pediatrician: good with kids

Let me tell you about my cousin Xiaofeng. She's going to turn 22 pretty soon I think, and she's still at university. She's the happiest person I know, and everyone agrees that she has a great personality.

First of all, she's extremely enthusiastic about everything. She's always eager to go out to meet new people. She's full of energy, and she's never tired. I have never heard her complain about anything. She always looks at the bright side of things. She smiles a lot, and sometimes we tease her because she can't stop smiling. She constantly has this big grin (= smile) on her face.

Xiaofeng studies in a prestigious university in Beijing, so I don't see her as often as I used to, but we often talk on the phone. She does very well in her studies ： she does a lot of extra curriculum activities; she makes a lot of friends, and last I heard she was dating a very cool guy too．She's got every reason to be happy, but it's mostly because of her ability to remain positive.

She's always optimistic. She doesn't seem to be afraid of anything. I remember, when she was in high school, she always told everyone that she would be okay in spite of all the homework and tests she had to face. On the other hand, she can cheer everyone up just with her spontaneity (= she's so spontaneous)．I sometimes call her to tell her about a problem I have, and she always gives me useful advice. She's considerate and reassuring too.

Right now, she's thinking about becoming a pediatrician (= doctor for children) ． I think she’11 be a great doctor and teacher for kids, because her cheerfulness can be contagious. She always shares some funny stories with everyone. She makes us laugh, and she's a pleasure to spend time with.

1．What effects can a person's standard of living have on their happiness?

Well, I think that it is definitely easier to be happy when you have money. If you earn a high salary or come from a wealthy family, I suppose that you have more opportunities to make your life more colorful. Money can't buy everything, but it undeniably（＝definitely)helps you enjoy yourself.

2.  What changes in people's lives increase their happiness?

There are a great number of events that change our lives in a positive way. I think that students are always thrilled（＝excited) to graduate and begin a new experience at university. Later on, people are delighted to find a job or get a promotion in their field. In terms of personal life, getting married or having a baby can definitely make people ecstatic（＝ extremely happy)·

3.  How do people try to achieve happiness?

Well, nowadays professional success is essential for many people; so many individuals are looking for a stable job, with a high income（＝salary)．If they succeed, they will be satisfied with themselves, and therefore happier. In addition, in order to be happy, people want to find love. I think that getting married and founding a family should be the main source of happiness in one's life. On top of this, it's always possible to enjoy yourself through traveling, or eating good food, or shopping. A lot of young people enjoy partying. Some even find comfort in drinking…

4.  Do children and adults show their feelings in the same ways?

No, definitely not! I believe that adults are frequently careful with the way they show their feelings. You know, in my country we learn how to control our emotions. Adults smile and only talk a little about their feelings, but they usually internalize（＝keep emotions in) a lot. On the other hand, kids don't think so much and they happily display their feelings：they laugh out loud, and they scream and jump around whenever they are thrilled about a gift or something else.

5.How can the effects of early family life influence a person's later development?

Well, what happens during childhood is extremely important for the development of one's personality. Parents will definitely influence a child's character a lot, and the early relationships will shape the kid's mind. For example, if a father mistreats his child at an early age, chances are the kid will grow up to become violent, and he won't trust anybody. On the other hand （＝ However), if the parents look after the child, and cover him with love, the child will learn how to be considerate ． Whatever happens in our early childhood has psychological consequences on everyone.

6. How can governments help to make people happy?

Well, that's a great question. I think that the government must provide nice facilities and infrastructures, like parks, schools and stadiums. In addition, governments could organize free activities and events for the citizens to enjoy themselves, maybe a concert or a parade. And naturally, our leaders should fight against unemployment, try to keep the taxes low and offer occasional surprises to please the people. Like last year, the government lowered the price of public transport in my city, which everyone appreciated.

A Smart Person

Tell me about a smart person you know.

You should say:           who the person is how you came to know him/her whether you know him her well

and say what makes this person such a clever person．

·My Chinese teacher in high school：smartest person I have ever talked to

·Knowledgeable＝loves reading＋can cite many famous authors＝lively fascinating class

·Studied at prestigious Tsinghua University in Beijing: bright but modest

·Debate team member＋organized debates at school＝he's quick-minded

·Just wrote a book on education. Elegant writing style＋independent thinking

Let me tell you about my Chinese teacher in high school. His name is Mister Li, and he is one of the smartest people I have ever talked to．He is now in his late fifties, and he has taught Chinese as well as History for many years．I graduated last year, but I still keep in touch with him.

First of all, Mister Li is extremely knowledgeable. He loves reading, and he has read every single classic from Chinese as well as foreign literature. When he taught us, he always made references to different authors．He was able to cite and use many famous philosophers and poets to illustrate his ideas. As a result, his class was always lively and fascinating.

Mister Li got a Master's degree from Tsinghua, a prestigious university in Beijing．This is a school for the Chinese elite. Only the top-notch students can get into this university. I know this because my classmates and I asked him about his educational background once after class ． Otherwise, he would not brag about it. Although he is very bright, he's a very modest（＝humble) person.

Mister Li also told us that he used to be a member of Tsinghua' s debate team, and he competed against many other universities from all around the country. Apparently his team won many prizes and competitions. He can think and react very fast. He's so quick-minded.

In addition，he just finished writing a book on education. I haven't read it yet, but I think I will during the holiday. He's a very intelligent person, so his writing style must be very elegant. In class, Mister Li always asked us to think for ourselves．He always wanted to hear our opinion. He shared a lot of stories with us, but he always tried to make things as simple as possible for students to understand clearly. You know, in China, we recite a lot of things, but we don't always understand them, especially with old Chinese literature. But I remember he told us many times that it was meaningless to learn something by heart if we could not use it again.

1 ．How would you define "being smart"?

What does it mean to be intelligent? That's a tough question to answer. Well, there are different kinds of intelligence, I suppose. First, there is the academic intelligence that is based on general knowledge, and how well you remember things．I think we can assess this intelligence through an IQ test. In addition, some people are very independent and resourceful, and this is another kind of cleverness ． This other kind of intelligence is what we call EQ. It's based on emotions, and how you resolve problems. Some people can have a very high IQ, but be very naive at the same time. As a result, they might not do as well in certain jobs and probably shouldn't become managers, doctors or teachers.

2.  What is more important: IQ or EQ?

I would say that the Emotional Quotient is more important because without the ability to deal with problems, stress, and communication issues, it would be very hard to succeed in today's society. On the other hand, someone who has very little knowledge in terms of basic subjects such as verbal skills and mathematics, and just reasoning in general, would also have serious problems in daily life. So they are both fundamental, and IQ is not the opposite of EQ· They are complementary (=they work in pair).

3.  How important is reading for someone's education?

It's fundamental to be able to read, and to read a lot. Reading allows us to learn information about everything ： news around the world, articles on specific subjects, and also logical and pragmatic (= practical knowledge. People who are illiterate don't have access to all the resources available.

4.  Do you think that intelligence can be inherited?

This is a question we should ask scientists. I believe that we all inherit certain abilities and characteristics through our genes, so I would say we can inherit the aptitude to learn from our parents．Some kids are more talented than others．However, I am sure that this predisposition (= gift of nature) is not enough: education is more important. People are not born smart; they can become intelligent through education.

5.  How can parents help their children become smarter?

Well, I think that parents should help their children with their homework when they are young, or at least go over their assignments, in order to correct and explain whatever might be wrong. In addition, I strongly believe that parents should talk to their children a lot, and ask for their kids’ opinion all the time. It's essential for children to be able to think independently. This will stimulate their creativity, and teach them how to deal with situations on their own. If possible, parents could also pay for extra lessons on the weekend for their children to learn more skills like English or music.

6.  How do you think that artificial intelligence (AI) will influence our lives in the future ?

Well, we can imagine that robots will be able to help us with daily chores at home. I guess that our appliances at home or at work will also be equipped with AI devices. For example, computers will recognize our voice and greet us, our refrigerator will count how many calories we have been eating, and cars will sense when we are tired of driving. It will happen; it's only a matter of time.

A Famous Person

You should say:            who the person is why he/she is famous why you admire him／her

and say how he/she contributes to society.

·Yao Ming. Athlete＋Chinese ambassador overseas

·Born in Shanghai, drafted in NBA＝became an idol

·Extremely famous, in the news, on TV every day＝successful＋rich

·But also generous and thoughtful (charity)

·Businessman＋No one will ever forget him.

Let me tell you about Yao Ming, one of the most famous celebrities in China. He is an incredible athlete who plays in the NBA. He is 2.29m, and is currently the tallest player in the league ． He is obviously very skillful and talented, but he’s also a great Chinese ambassador overseas.

He was born in Shanghai in 1980, and he played basketball there for quite a few years before entering the NBA. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets and has been playing for them since 2002．He's a hero in China because very few Chinese players get their chance in the NBA. Many young Chinese boys regard Yao Ming as their idol, and he has really made a name for himself.

Yao is everywhere in the national news，and journalists always report on his achievements or difficulties on a daily basis．Because of his size, Yao Ming often gets injured, but he also keeps busy with many advertising campaigns. I read somewhere that he was the richest celebrity in China.

People admire Yao Ming because of his hard-work and also because of his humanity: he always organizes charity events and he hosted a telethon to raise money against SARS a few years ago．After the devastating earthquake that hit Sichuan, he donated 2 million dollars．In addition, a few months ago, he bought his former club in Shanghai, as they were facing financial problems．

He hopes to help the club regain its prominent place among China's other teams．

Yao Ming is respected by everyone and I believe he will be remembered long after he stops playing basketball. I think he's a well-rounded man, and that's what people appreciate about him.

1.How do people become famous nowadays?

Well, there are many ways to become famous nowadays, and I think it is easier than before because of the Internet, and the quick access to information. But in general, you need to be talented if you want to become a celebrity: if you have a gift for sports, music or writing, you can make a name for yourself. I believe that people who are not truly talented cannot stay famous very long.

2.  What are the possible problems of being famous?

Being a star also comes with disadvantages．Celebrities are recognized wherever they go, so they need to sign autographs, and talk to their fans everywhere. They don't have so much privacy because paparazzi follow them everywhere. We all know what happened to Princess Diana…

3.  Why do some people want to be famous?

That's an obvious answer, isn't it? People who are famous are usually rich. They can use their image, their name, to make more money. In addition, I believe that when you are famous, you must have access to many privileges．For examples, you might not need to pay when you go to a restaurant, because the owner will feel honored by your visit. I am sure there are a lot of other advantages.

4.  How can having a famous parent affect a child?

Well, it could influence the child in a positive or in a negative way. If your father is successful (and rich), you might get access to a better education or you might have more opportunities to meet important people who could help you for your personal career. On the other hand, it's possible that the child will lack confidence if he constantly compares himself to his father or mother. I think it must be tough when you introduce yourself, people always mention your famous Mom or Dad.

5.  How do celebrities influence our lives?

I        think that celebrities mostly influence the lives of young people who look up to them as role models．Teenagers might decide to copy the way their favorite stars speak, dress, or even eat. They might also be influenced in terms of ideas. For example, when Yao Ming gives an interview, he often repeats how important it is to work hard if you want to succeed. This could have a good impact on young people's attitudes.

6.  How does the media in your country report on famous people?

In China, we get reports on the entertainment industry in the newspapers and on TV on a daily basis, but the news is usually very positive; I would say just informative. On the Internet, some articles are more scandalous（＝shocking)：they report more on sensational news in order to shock readers.

7.  Why is the general public so interested in the lives of famous people?

I        think everyone is curious about celebrities. They are supposed to have everything we ever dream of: fame, money, power, good looks…We all would like to know if they have any secrets, if they are very different from us. This is why there are so many TV programs about famous people's lives and careers. It makes us dream.

A Famous Foreigner

You should say:            who the person is admire. why he/she is famous how why you admire him/her

and say how he/she contributes to society.

·David Beckham: football player＝extremely famous

·Successful athlete: won the European Champions League

·Successful marriage = looks like a happy family

·Notorious for his good looks, and style = advertising

I will give you a short presentation on David Beckham, one of the most famous football players in the world. He's extremely well-known, and I believe that everyone around the world could recognize him if they saw him on TV or in a newspaper.

First of all, in the 1990s, Beckham used to be a very successful athlete. He used to play for Manchester United, and he won the Premier League 6 times with this club. They even won the European Champions League, which is the most prestigious club competition in the world. Everyone praised his ability to kick the ball, and deliver amazing passes. Goalkeepers always feared his free kicks, and a movie entitled Bend it like Beckham was even made. He was a role model for many young people.

Beckham got married to a former band member of the famous Spice Girls. His wife's name is Victoria and she is an attractive bimbo who somehow managed to bring Beckham to another level of fame. The two of them are the constant center of attention of the press. Paparazzi follow them on a daily basis, and I believe that there is not a day without an article published about Beck and his sweetheart. They seem happy. You know, so many celebrities divorce, but they've been together for a long time.

I think that his wife played a major role in his career. Actually, nowadays, although Beckham still plays for AC Milan, which is one of the strongest teams in Europe, I think that he has become more notorious for his life outside football rather than on the pitch (= the field). David is a good-looking man, and he learned how to make full use of his name and appearance. Beckham advertises for many famous brands. He models; he acts; he publishes books too. He's a real businessman.

When he played for Real Madrid, his name brought millions to the club because fans from all over the world bought jerseys with his name printed on the back. I think he still has a couple of years in him before he puts an end to his football career, but I am positive that he will keep busy in

Hollywood and on TV sets for a long time after he retires.

1．What kinds of people become famous these days?

If you want to become famous, I guess you need to be on TV, you know, like in the news at least. So I would say that talented athletes as well as artists are the people who get the most attention these days. Young people look up to some trendy role models like singers, actors and supermodels. In addition, because China has been developing so quickly, people enjoy hearing about the accomplishments of successful businessmen. They are also placed in the limelight（＝on stage) quite often on national television.

2.  Is this different from the kind of achievement that made people famous in the past?

Well, to some extent it has always been the same, but I guess that 40-50 years ago, people didn't have a TV so they didn't idolize（＝worship) celebrities as much as nowadays． My parents used to have tapes with the pictures of the famous singers on them．My grandparents were not crazy about pop stars, but they admired opera singers．In addition, I think that twenty years ago famous people were mostly politicians in my country. People heard about them on the radio, and they were considered to be wise leaders everyone should look up to．My mother always told me about famous army soldiers and generals who did good deeds for our society. Their accomplishments won them a lot of recognition．

3.  What are the advantages of being famous?

Well, I'm sure being famous must come with a lot of advantages．First of all, stars get paid incredible amounts of money to do their jobs．In addition, celebrities must get invited to a lot of parties and fancy dinners（＝very nice meals) where they don't need to pay for anything. They get to travel a lot to promote their new movies or music albums．Famous people are recognized and admired. People show them gratitude （＝ nice feelings) and support all the time. It must be a pleasant feeling.

4.  Do you think it's fair that superstars earn so much money?

Well, for the most part they are talented and I couldn't do their job, so they must deserve the money they make. If I had a wonderful voice, or if I had a talent for acting, then I would ask for a high salary too. I know their incomes are phenomenal, but that's the way society works：there is a lot of cash to be made for people who can stand out from the crowd.

5.  What do people usually do to show their love to their idols in China?

Young people frequently buy posters of their idols to stick on their bedroom walls at home. They download pictures on the Internet and they upload them onto their mobiles so that they can see their favorite star every time they use their cell phone. What else? They create websites and blogs dedicated to their icon （＝ admired person), and they are ready to pay huge amounts of money to see them in person at a concert, or at an autograph signing appearance（＝when they sign their names).

6.  How can superstars give back to society?

I think that most celebrities participate in charity events in order to collect funds for victims of natural disasters, or terrible illnesses that could affect anyone. For example, Yao Ming organized a telethon a few years ago to raise money for SARS research. Superstars have the advantage of being listened to by the public. As a result, they can really make a difference.

A Person in History

You should say:            who the person is when you got to hear about the person what he/she achieved

and explain how he/she influenced society．

·Obama = U.S．President, extremely famous and appreciated

·2008 election against Hillary Clinton: a woman or a black man?

·His background＝cosmopolitan (Hawaii, Kenya, Indonesia, New York)

·Obama = hope for the future (war＋global warming)

·Active＋smart＋promising（Nobel Peace Prize already)

I would like to tell you about Barack Obama, the current President of the United States. He's in his late 40's, but he has already achieved a lot, and obviously, it is only the beginning for him. I think it is no exaggeration to say that he became the most famous man across the world in 2009, and that his name could now be recognized by everyone on the planet. Actually, he has already received the Nobel Peace Prize for his many speeches and actions to strengthen world diplomacy (=cooperation)．

In China, we really first heard of him when he decided to run for President. At thetime，he had to win his own Democratic Party's primary election. He was opposed by Hillary Clinton：a woman against a black man. It was the first time in American history. Obama made history by defeating Republican nominee John McCain and becoming, I think, the 44`b American President.

President Obama’s upbringing (= background education) is fascinating ， and it reflects a well-rounded man, very cosmopolitan．He comes from an atypical（＝unusual) background. He was born in Hawaii to a white American woman and a father from Kenya, Africa. But when he was very young, his parents divorced. He then moved to Indonesia with his mother. As a young adult, he first went to college in Los Angeles, and then transferred to the prestigious university of Columbia, in New York City, before being accepted at Harvard Law School.

Obama represents hope for the younger generations．People expect a lot from him. First of all, he was elected when the financial crisis hit the world, so his main goal has been to put an end to this severe world recession. In addition, there's been so much political tension with wars in Afghanistan, followed by the war in Iraq. Nowadays, people worry about global warming. People are looking for a leader to make the appropriate decisions.

It seems like the world is turning to President Obama to show the way. He seems to be a reliable leader, with great integrity（＝honesty). He's smart and very active. His future looks quite promising. We’11 see if he can live up to our expectations（＝meet our expectations)．

1.How important is it to learn about history?

I think it's extremely important to learn about history because whatever happened in the past can explain pretty much everything that is going on in our society nowadays. Learning about history is a great chance to find out about our national culture. Because of the current trend towards globalization, it's useful to learn about other countries' history and culture. It's beneficial to our understanding of the world we live in.

2.  What can students learn from famous historical characters？

Well, I guess that former emperors, generals and politicians, as well as national writers, can teach us some important values, such as loyalty, honesty, and hard work. They represent our culture and, most importantly, they helped shape our national identity. These people were extremely patriotic （＝nationalistic), and this is another important value we can learn from them. We definitely learn a lot from their success. However, we can also learn from the mistakes they might have made, and make sure we don't commit the same errors in the future．

3.  What should people do in order not to forget history?

Well, teachers must teach about the past, even if what happened was detrimental（= harmful) to the nation. I think it's important for students to talk about the national history in order to better understand what really happened. In addition, grandparents should also share stories and memories with their children and grandchildren. It is a great way for the younger generations to find out about the past. On top of this, cities should definitely build museums to display pieces of our national heritage. One more thing: in order to remember the past, we shouldn't destroy any ancient buildings, but renovate them instead. I think that architecture is a very important aspect of our history.

4.  How interested are people in the history of where they live?

I believe that people are very interested and proud of their local history. People always feel attached to their hometown and their roots. People enjoy promoting their local area, and if the region played an important role in history, people will happily remind you of this.In my city, I think people are only recently beginning to feel more fascinated by the past. In the last 30 years, people were more concerned about the future, and the development of theurban area. This is why they kind of forgot to protect old buildings and old neighborhoods．But as you say in English: "Better late than never."

5.  How important are historical monuments for attracting tourists to a country?

Extremely important！Thousands of people come to China to climb the Great Wall and visit the Forbidden City, or the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. These monuments symbolize Chinese culture, and this is what tourists want to see when they come to my country. But it's the same everywhere.

If anyone goes to Europe, they won't miss the Eiffel Tower, the BigBen and the Coliseum in Rome.

They are prestigious cultural legacies from the past. And they definitely attract visitors.

6.  In what ways does oral history add to knowledge about the past?

Well, personal stories can illustrate facts and give information that is not available in history books. Oral history is lively and full of details. Learning history through a story can make it more memorable.

A Leader

Tell me about a leader you admire.

You should say:           who the leader is what he/she do/did to become a leader what you would ask him/her if you met the person

and explain why you admire him/her.

Tell me about a person you would like to interview.

You should say:            who the person is

Tell me about one of your neighbors.

You should say:            who the person is

Tell me about a leader you admire.

You should say:              who the leader is what he/she do/did to become a leader whether you would like to be like him／her

and explain why you admire the person．

Tell me about a person you would like to interview.

You should say:            who the person is whether the person is famous or not what you would ask him/her if you met the person

and explain why you would choose to interview him/her.