1. Introduction
The 2016 College Entrance Exam in China was keenly anticipated by millions of students and their families, marking a critical turning point in their academic lives. Among the subjects, English Writing is always a focus and a challenge for the examinees. In this article, we will examine the essay prompt, analyze some of the weaknesses of the sample essays, and provide a well-written example for reference purposes.
2. Essay Prompt Analysis
The essay prompt for the 2016 College Entrance Exam English Writing section was as follows: "The belief in equality has been described as the cornerstone of modern societies. Discuss the ways in which people can be equal and unequal, and what implications this has for society." This is a thought-provoking topic that requires candidates to demonstrate their critical thinking skills, writing proficiency, and cross-cultural awareness.
However, some candidates struggled with the prompt, either misunderstanding or oversimplifying the topic. For example, some solely focused on the material or financial inequality and failed to address other aspects of inequality like gender, race, or education. Others took a rather extreme position on the issue, arguing that complete equality is an impossible and undesirable goal for society. These approaches showed a lack of nuance and depth of analysis.
3. Weaknesses of the Sample Essays
The sample essays provided by the examiners showed some typical weaknesses that examinees should avoid:
Shallow or repetitive analysis: Some essays repeated the same arguments or lacked supporting evidence to back up their claims, leaving readers with minimal insights or impact.
Grammatical and structural errors: Some essays were riddled with grammar errors and used unidiomatic expressions, obscuring the writers' intent and lowering their scores.
Bland or clichéd writing: Some essays used clichéd phrases and lacked originality in their approach, showing a lack of creativity and competitiveness.
4. A Well-Written Example
Here's an example of a well-written essay that addresses different dimensions of equality and inequality and offers some insights into the topic:
The concept of equality lies at the heart of the modern societies that promote liberal democracy, human rights, and social justice. However, the realization of equality is far from straightforward, as people can be equal or unequal in many different ways. In this essay, we will explore some of the ways in which people can be equal and unequal, and what implications this has for society.
Firstly, let us examine some of the ways in which people can be equal. On the most fundamental level, all human beings are equal in their inherent dignity and worth, regardless of their gender, race, nationality, religion, or social status. This principle is enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights." Moreover, all people have equal access to basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, as well as education, job opportunities, and legal protection. These are the minimal conditions for a functional and fair society, where every member has a chance to improve their lives and pursue their goals.
However, the reality is that many people face various forms of inequality in their lives. For example, women often experience gender inequality in terms of lower pay, limited job opportunities, and unequal treatment in the workplace and public life. Ethnic minorities and immigrants may face discrimination and exclusion based on their race, nationality, or religion, leading to social and economic disadvantages. People with disabilities or mental health issues may face barriers to accessing education, employment, healthcare, or public services, depriving them of their human dignity and potential.
Moreover, inequality can be reinforced or exacerbated by social structures and institutions. For instance, the education system may favor students from wealthy families who can afford private tutoring, leading to a meritocracy that rewards privilege rather than talent. The tax system may favor the rich and corporations, leading to wealth and income inequality that widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots. The media may perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases, leading to a distorted and prejudiced perception of certain groups. These factors create a complex web of inequality that affects people's lives in various ways.
So, what implications does this have for society? Firstly, the persistence of inequality undermines the legitimacy and stability of the social order, as people feel alienated, resentful, or cynical about the system that does not treat them fairly. Secondly, inequality can harm social cohesion and trust, as people of different backgrounds may have different experiences, values, and aspirations that lead to conflicts and divisions. Thirdly, inequality can hinder the progress and prosperity of the society, as talented and motivated individuals may be excluded from the opportunities they deserve, leading to a loss of human capital and creativity.
In conclusion, the belief in equality is a noble and necessary principle for modern societies, but it is also a challenging and complex issue that requires constant attention and action. By recognizing the multiple dimensions of equality and inequality, and by striving to create a fairer and more inclusive society for all, we can work towards a better future where everyone has a chance to thrive.
5. Conclusion
The 2016 College Entrance Exam English Writing section presented a daunting challenge for many candidates, but also an opportunity to demonstrate their language proficiency, critical thinking, and cross-cultural awareness. By analyzing the essay prompt and some sample essays, as well as providing a well-written example, we hope to help students refine their skills and approach to this important task. Good luck to all the future candidates!
