Directions: Some people believe that private cars should be encouraged in China. Others argue that private cars should be discouraged in China. There has been a controversy recently on the issue in a newspaper in China. Write a letter to the newspaper’s editor to
1. state the present situation of private cars in China
2. offer reasons for or against owning private cars
3. give your own opinion on the issue
Write a letter of about 200 words within 40 minutes. Your letter must be written neatly on ANSWER SHEET 2.
I’m writing to you to express my willingness to take part in the controversy on private cars and advance my views.
With the living standards rising rapidly, more and more Chinese people have cars of their own. Statistics show that in Beijing alone, there are 1620,000 cars, among which private cars add up to (=number) 560,000. the increase in the number of cars brings about a lot of problems, such as air pollution, noise and traffic congestion. Then a controversy arises: whether private cars should be encouraged in China? People differ in their ideas about it.
Many people are against owning cars. According to them, private cars have to be limited in China. The reasons for it are obvious. To begin with, cars contribute to air pollution. A lot of big cities in China are now plagued by serious air pollution. If people are to have cars of their own, the already contaminated atmosphere will get even dirtier. Secondly, private cars can be a dire threat to the already terrible traffic in China. If more cars are allowed onto busy streets, more traffic jams will happen, which is really a public hazard to all of us. Finally, cars consume a large amunt of fuel. Though China is rich in its oil resources, they are running out rapidly. All these facts allow of only one solution: to limit the ever growing number of cars.
In my opinion, private cars should be discouraged in China. To leave clean air, wide and safe roads and abundant energy resources to our descendants, we have to say “No” to private cars. As far as the great demand for means of transport is concerned, we can develop mass transit to take the place of private cars. In short, China does not need private cars.
If you require any further comment on the issue, please don’t hesitate to call me up. My home number is 66661818.