Part IV. Writing

　　Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad.

　　Directions: Write an essay of about words to state your view.

　　In the first part of your essay you should present the advantages of studying abroad. In the second part you should put forth¹ the disadvantages of studying abroad. And in the last part you should clearly state your views about whether you prefer to study abroad or to study in your own country.

　　Marks will be awarded for content, organization, grammar and appropriateness. Failure to follow the above instructions may result in a loss of marks.

　　参考范文：

　　Some people believe that attending a college or university in a foreign country has many advantages. They think that attending a college or 　　university abroad can help them learn more than they can from universities in their own country, especially when they go to a developed country where they can catch up with the pace of scientific and technical advance of the world from that country' s modern lab facilities. In addition, they can pick up the latest developments of the living language there more quickly, develop their ability of coping with the routine matters such as finding a part-time job, renting a house and helping² with the house work, and learn many new things to widen their views and broaden their minds.

　　But some people don't agree to it. They think that attending a college or university in  foreign country also has many disadvantages and the disadvantages outweigh³ the advantages. They hold that students studying in a foreign country will have more difficulties in both life and study. The most serious problem is the language barriers. They have to spend much time learning a foreign language and even if they have learned the language, they still can' t understand thoroughly⁴ what the foreigners and teachers say just because of the unfamiliar⁵ culture background and social customs. So ff they are not persons full of courage, flexibility⁶, and determination, they are most likely to fail and learn nothing eventually. Besides, since costs and expenditure⁷ are much higher than those in their native country, most overseas students have to work for a living, and will find it impossible for them to pay all attention to studying. So it is of benefit to them if they study in their own country.
The above two viewpoints, I should say, are all reasonable in some respects. But I support the first kind of people. I think people should attend a college or university in a foreign country ff they can. In this way they can learn not only the useful knowledge of science but also the culture and Customs of other nations.

　　Besides, they can learn some new ideas and, when they come back, bring in some fresh air in our way of thinking and promote the development of our country. If nobody went to study abroad because of the disadvantages, the development of our country would be slower.