2008年10月英语写作自考试题

全国2008年10月自考
英语写作试题
课程代码：00603

I. Supply the missing paragraph (20 points)
   The following passage is incomplete with one body paragraph missing. Study the passage carefully and write the missing paragraph in about 100 words. Make sure that your tone and diction are in unity with the passage provided.
Different Types of Parents
    It is universally true that all parents in the world love their children. However, as parents’ views of life vary, they love their children in different ways. Generally speaking, in terms of how they treat their children, parents fall into three basic types: autocratic, democratic, and permissive.
    The autocratic parent’s word is the law. He always sets rules, expecting complete obedience from his children. He assumes that he knows what is best for his children and that they will learn discipline and respect for authority from his orders. He does not realize that he may not know best and that rules without mercy may breed contempt for authority. If the child came home late from a party because a major accident on the highway tied up traffic for miles, this parent would not allow the child to explain his reasons for being late. The child would be immediately punished. This kind of parent probably has good intentions, wanting his child to grow up “right,” but his approach to the task may lead to conflicts.
     The democratic parent is not so strict. He is willing to discuss rules with his children and listen to their side of an argument. If his child came home an hour late from a party, he would listen to the explanation instead of punishing the child immediately. In general, the democratic parent lays down fewer rules than his autocratic counterpart because he realizes children must learn certain things in life on their own. He prefers to play the role of an advisor and is always available when his children need help.

     Too few people with children are democratic parents, which is the best of the three types. Too much or too little authority often breeds disrespect and resentment. A good parent should offer guidance and advice; he should not try to rule his children or disregard his children completely.

Ⅱ. Write an outline (20 points)
  Read the following passage carefully and compose a “topic outline” for it.
  The Human Brain
   For centuries, people wondered about how the human brain works. Researchers were particularly concerned about its structure and functions. It was not long ago that scientists made the remarkable discovery that our brains are divided into two halves—left brain and right brain, and that each half has separate features and roles.
The left brain is said to be the logical brain. It is the left brain that we use to solve mathematical problems and go think logically. For example, if you are asked how to make coffee, this is what happens. Your left brain begins to work; it searches its files for information on coffee making. If it finds the files, it begins relating what to do step by step. If it does not find any record, it says it does not know.
    The right brain is often called the creative brain. It has the function of thinking creatively. This contains all the artistic functions, including art and music appreciation. When you want to draw a picture or compose a piece of music or write poetry, it is the right brain that is in operation. When you come across a new situation in your life, your right brain gives ideas on how to tackle it.
    To some people, the left brain is dominant and to others, the right brain is. Of people who are good in mathematics and language expression—that is, putting into practice what they have learnt, we say that they are more left-brained. They are not very sensitive and believe in doing everything only after reasoning. They are very sharp at arguments. They are the type who will not believe in anything until they see it. Right-brained people are more artistic and have a good sense of music appreciation. They are also more sensitive and tend to be emotional. They are more open to new ideas and are willing to accept radical positions.
    Is the left brain better or the right brain? Both sides of the brain are equally important. In an ideal situation, a person should be exactly equal in both sides of the brain. However, as in most things, the ideal never happens. People are dominated by one or the other side of their brains. In  order to function effectively in the world, we must learn to use both sides of the brain. In many situations that we meet in the world, there will be requirements for both sides of the brain to work together as partners. For example, when you want to write a story, which brain do you use? The answer is both brains. You need the right brain to think of the ideas and you need the left side to arrange everything in a logical sequence. You cannot go through life with only one side functioning.
   It’s fundamentally important for people to know these interesting facts about the human brains. However, many aspects concerning our brains still remain unknown. With scientists’ persistent efforts, more secrets of the human brain will be revealed.

Ⅲ. Compose an essay (60 points)
     Nowadays, some traditional beliefs and customs tend to be less valued. Choose one such belief or custom and explain why you think it should be continued or maintained. Write a 300-word argumentative essay defending your views.