Directions:

A. Study the following graph carefully and write an essay of about 200 words within 40 minutes

B. Your essay must be written neatly¹ on ANSWER SHEET 2.

C. Your essay should meet the requirements below:

   1. describe the increase in the farmer’s average personal income

   2. give possible reasons for the increase

   3. predict future prospect²

     根据表中所给的数字，自1970年至1990年中国农民的个人收入稳步增长。70年代中期农民的收入还是相当低的。其个人收入约为180元。但是，1980年平均个人收入增加将近50%，达到270元。如表中所示，他们的收入在1985年翻了一翻，总计为540元。此后收入的增加呈持续的趋势。总之，在这20年中，农民收入迅速增加。

     中国农民收入增加的主要原因有两点。首先，我国政府一直在贯彻执行改革开放政策。大量的乡镇企业已在农村建立起来了。这就大大促进了农村经济的发展。其次，中国的农业政策进行了巨大的改革，党的政策调动了农民的积极性。因此，农业产量不断上升。所有这一切使农民的收入不断增加。

     我认为，随着一系列新的农业政策的贯彻执行，中国的农业将得到更为迅速的发展。毫无疑问，农民的生活水平将大幅度提高。

     According to the figures given by the graph, the Chinese farmers’ personal income rose steadily³ from 1970 to 1990. In the middle of 1970’s their income was rather low. Their annual personal income was about 180 yuan. But in 1980 the average personal income increased approximately 50%, reaching 270 yuan. As is shown by the graph, in 1985 their income doubled, amounting to 540 yuan. After that there was a consistent tendency for income to grow. In a word, during the period of 20 years the farmers’ income had gone up rapidly.

     There were two reasons for the increase in the farmers’ income in China. Firstly, the Chinese government had been carrying out a reform and opening policy. A large number of county-run enterprises had been set up in the rural areas. Secondly⁴, a significant reform of agricultural policy had been carried out in China. The Party’s policy had brought farmers’ initiative into full play. As a result, the agricultural output had been on the rise all the time. All these factors resulted in the steady growth of farmers’ income.

      I believe that with a series of agricultural policies being carried out, there will be even more rapid development in China’s agriculture. There is no doubt that the farmers’ living standard will be improved to a great extent. (220 words)