活動介紹


為提升本校在學生基礎中英文寫作閱讀之能力,109年度開始在tms+自主微課程系統開設「中英寫作線上練功房」,每月公布中英文指定題目,同學可任選有興趣的題目寫作,除了能得到專業教師的批改,同儕還能互相觀摩、評論,持續寫作和獲得優良寫作的同學另有獎勵。
活動累積成果
*數據統計從109年3月2日至111年12月28日。
優選寫作
歷屆題目
中文題目
- 111-2
- 111-1
- 110-2
- 110-1
- 109-2
- 109-1
- 108-2
- AI與藝術創作 -人工智慧是藝術的阻力或助力?
AI的應用除了科技,也廣泛發揮在藝術領域,只需在AI繪圖網站輸入關鍵字,電腦即會自動生成數位繪圖作品,構圖設計、鮮豔色彩在彈指之間成形奪目。藉此,未經繪畫訓練的人也可以產出精美的數位繪圖,不需美感素養、嘔心瀝血、耗盡心神體力,也能化字句為圖畫,成為繪畫創作者。藝術家在AI的輔助下也得以更快速地完成作品;但也有人批評以AI輔助大大降低繪圖的技術及創意門檻,忽視了創作者的心血、熱忱。例如2022年有藝術家以AI繪圖的作品拿下藝術博覽會的冠軍變引起譁然,部分藝術家更指控該作品的創作者根本不是人類而是AI,靈感、創意、技巧非人為,此為作弊之舉。 你如何看AI繪圖?你認為人工智慧會成為藝術的助力還是阻力?
- 「綠領」人才荒 --我們與綠領的距離
你知道什麼是綠領人才嗎?綠領人才是指可將綠色思維融入工作的人才。 對於非環保專業的人而言,或許會覺得自己和綠領人才的距離遙遠,其實隨著減碳意識抬頭,任何產業都需要綠領人才的投入。例如一位能安裝太陽能板的水電工、一位能計算碳排數據的會計人員,即便產業與綠色無關,但他們都是能將綠色思維融入工作的綠領人才。近年的來綠領人才職缺,如雨後春筍般不斷出現,其中不乏高科技、金融公司。綠領人才需要對「永續發展 」懷抱熱忱,再加上跨領域的經驗、合作,能幫助企業在環境保護、社會責任、公司治理達到永續發展的目標。 請試想未來您可能從事的領域,會需要怎樣的綠領人才?或你生活中有哪些現狀亟需綠領人才改善? *您可參考以下影片初步了解綠領人才的定義: https://youtu.be/dqdklrAj14A --如您想更深入分析,可嘗試在文中加入以下提問的見解-- 你認為如何培養綠領能力(永續相關知識、溝通協調、環境管理能力等)? 此趨勢是否能加速全球減碳的腳步呢?
- 美得毫不費力?——濾鏡與真實(請以新詩體寫作)
一鍵操作,鏡頭下的人即可擁有明星臉孔和超模般的身材,讓自己用更亮麗的方式展示於大眾,塑造更好的形象;然而螢幕與現實的差距也引發部分人焦慮,研究顯示,有青少年曾經因為加上濾鏡的自拍照看起來不像自己,而遭到同儕霸凌,甚至有學者擔心,相機濾鏡的盛行會使大眾對「美」的定義更加侷限。 請以相機濾鏡為發想,自訂標題,用新詩體表達您對相機濾鏡的所思所想。 備註:對新詩體不熟悉的同學,可先觀看「新詩的趣味」線上課程學習。 備註:對新詩體不熟悉的同學,可先觀看「新詩的趣味」線上課程學習。
- 如果我是國民法官
司法判決總在情理法間拉扯,為使審判更加周全,臺灣於今年(2023年)推出國民法官制度,年滿23歲符合資格的民眾有機會與法官共同審判案件,從制度面將不同的經驗與價值帶進法庭。 國民法官制度的實行,可以提高民眾參與司法的程度,並減少裁判員在審判中的主觀性和偏見;但同時,也有人擔心國民法官沒有受過專業司法訓練,對法律的理解和應用能力有限,且情感大於理智,影響判決的公正性。 假設您符合資格並被選為國民法官,您的心境會是如何?而您認為會面臨什麼困難,又會如何克服呢? 您可直接論述,或是進一步設想一場審判,並從國民法官的角度出發描述所思所想。 國民法官制度可參考司法院說明: https://social.judicial.gov.tw/CJlandingpage/ 國民法官相關評論可參考相關新聞報導:https://www.twreporter.org/tag/62c27b3aea635d0600e9bc15
- 造就臺灣是行人地獄罵名的原因
去年年底,國內發生一對母子遵守規則過馬路慘遭公車奪走生命的憾事,交通死亡率一直高於犯罪案件,同時也比其他國家高2-6倍,國外媒體甚至以「行人地獄」來形容臺灣的交通亂象。請討論形成行人地獄的主因,以及分別從政府與人民的角度尋求解決方法。
- 口罩禁令解除的容貌焦慮對社交的影響
睽違三年,人們終於盼到禁令的鬆綁,然而心情卻沒有隨之解放。新聞報導指出青少年對口罩禁令解放的擔憂,除了健康安全以外,更多是「以真面目示人」所引起的容貌焦慮,影響到日常的社交活動。你對脫下口罩後的容貌焦慮有什麼想法?請試著探究一下引發容貌焦慮的可能原因、其如何影響社交活動、是否有改善焦慮的可能性。
- 生命權和生育自主權孰輕孰重?2022年6月24日,美國聯邦最高法院的大法官投票,正式推翻了49年前、確認憲法保障「女性墮胎權」的〈羅訴韋德案〉( Roe v. Wade)。此一決定自此放寬了十多個保守派執政的州政府,即刻重啟「全面墮胎禁令」也就是除了懷孕威脅母體健康外,不分孕期長度,就連遭遇強暴、亂倫等犯罪行為而受孕者全都不得人工流產的嚴苛禁令。
正方痛批判決殘酷,剝奪婦女選擇權,反方則歡呼是「生命權的勝利」。目前全美50州,已有13州正預告、或已經啟動墮胎禁令。當無法合法墮胎,使得女性只能透過地下管道自行流產或被迫產子,將可能導致母體安危、影響人生計畫甚或是付出巨大的人生代價。
作為人類生育唯一管道的母體,承載孕育下一代責任的女性,女性的生育自主權,是否應受到保障?「你的子宮不是你的子宮」、「少子化應珍惜生命」、「胎兒也有活下來的權利」,「生育自由權是個人隱私和自由意志的權利」請以「生命權和生育自主權孰輕孰重?」為題,敘述你的看法。 - 清晨清晨,彷彿黎明前的魔術時刻,在深色畫布上滲入幾筆橙光,也為大地帶來新氣象。這樣日夜交替的時刻,亦挑動著人的思緒。對於清晨,你有如何的所思所想?是否沉迷於這樣的靜謐,享受著獨處;或是感受到一日的沉重壓力即將來襲,預備開啟忙碌時光?
請以「清晨」為發想,寫出你的所見、所思、所想。題目可自訂,用新詩體描摹出與「清晨」相關的意象。
舉例:清晨的邂逅、清晨之貓、異次元的周日清晨等,題目可自擬,與清晨意象相關即可。 - 愛情人與人之間透過往來互動聯繫彼此,建立情誼,而愛情則是其中最令人嚮往的,令人捉摸不定的。每個人對於愛情的詮釋各有不同,有人認為愛情是無怨無悔的付出;有人認為是享受濃烈的愛;是無畏地追求心動而不留後悔。有些人認為愛情是生活的調劑品,抑或是細水長流的陪伴。那你呢?你認為愛情是什麼?
- 文化與生命的競逐經由時間積累代代傳承的技藝、精神與習俗,亦是人類珍貴的資產,也是人類生命的重大意義。其中賽鴿、鬥牛、賽馬等活動,是人類流傳已久的傳統文化,卻也是頗受爭議的議題。訓練動物從事競技行為,甚至作為賺錢的工具,呈現動物的極限能力之外,也突顯人類行為對生物的影響。請以「文化與生命的競逐」說明你對人類文化與動物生命的看法。
- 施與受之間古人云:「施惠無念,受恩莫忘」,強調不圖任何回報幫助他人的觀念,但是,接受他人的幫助,更是可以建立彼此信任與連結的機會,施與受都是重要的循環過程。生活中,我們會付出,也會有需要他人幫助的時候。當你幫助他人,以及你接受他人的幫忙時,各有著什麼樣的感受呢?請以「施與受之間」為題,寫下你的看法與經驗。
- 界線界線可以是國家、職業或階級之間的差異,也可以是約束個人的框架、和他人相處時設下的距離。有了界線,別人可以知道怎麼對待我們,而我們也能知道與他人相處,彼此有了尊重和信任。在生活中,你與他人相處的界線是什麼?為什麼需要這條界線?而界線是否能被打破?打破界限的原因會是什麼?請以「界線」為題,寫下你的看法與經驗。
- 我對2022年時事所感即將進入2022年末,回顧今年,無論在世界或臺灣都發生過許多讓人印象深刻的事件。
請任選2022年您最關注的時事,您認為該時事的重要性為何?與你我的關連性為何?並發表您的見解。
備註:您可附上相關報導或資訊連結,讓有興趣的讀者深入進一步瞭解該議題。 - 我看社會大眾對於大學生的印象「大學可以盡情玩」、「三大必修學分(課業、戀愛、社團)」您是否聽過這些說法呢?無論從親戚朋友口中或在新聞媒體上,您曾聽過哪些社會大眾對大學生的印象為呢?您認同這些看法嗎?請分享您聽過的見解。
- 消失的風景時間悄然流逝,周遭的人事物在不經意間,漸漸淡出這個世界,就在某一天猛然回首,才驚覺曾經擁有過、見證過的美好已經遠去,如今只能在記憶的迴廊中遠遠遙望,回味那已不復存在的一切。請以「消失的風景」為題,以記敘兼抒情的筆調,記下一段已經走遠的風景,以及你個人的感悟。
- 離別教會我們的事人生中有很多場離別,不論是再也無法相見,沒有勇氣再相見,或是為了有更好相遇的離別;在這無數的心傷與欣喜,離別是結局也是過程。請寫一篇文章,描述對你而言印象最深刻的離別,並闡述這場離別有哪些意義或體會?
- 影響我最深的一堂課課堂的形式非常多元,有坐在教室裡的課程,也有學校之外各式各樣的挑戰。這些課程總能帶給我們許多的體會與提升,請寫一篇文章,分享對自己來說印象最深、影響最大的課程。
- 距離社交距離,是爆發疫情後常常出現的詞彙。據疫情指揮中心的建議及規範,社交距離維持1-1.5公尺,是考量民眾的合理權益以及國內的防疫安全。然而,除了物理的距離外,距離也能是抽象的概念、感受,如與他人關係的親疏遠近。請寫一篇文章,在各樣距離的解釋、情境裡,分享自己對於距離的所思所想。
- 與自己對話從小,父母幫忙我們決定了許多事情,不斷傳遞認真讀書才有好學校、好工作的價值觀,而我們也很努力去扮演好讓人稱讚的角色,卻忽略了關注自己的內心。 新學期開始前,不妨趁著暑假練習每天跟自己對話。 跟自己對話,不等同於自言自語,而是一種內在的自我語言、省思與回饋機制,從「自我觀察」、「看到自己」、「接納自己」、「愛上自己」這4步驟開始。請以「與自己對話」為標題,寫一篇文章,觀察、省思自己的生活,並給予回饋。
- 時間的淬鍊時間對每個人來說都有著獨特的意義,時間可以改變許多的人、事、物,而也因為如此,每個人對於時間的想法與經歷的過程都不同,以時間的淬鍊為題,述說時間所帶來的改變與成長。
- 恰巧在張愛玲的《愛》中,於千萬人、千萬年之中,恰巧碰上了那個人,因此唯有輕輕地問:「噢,你也在這裡嗎?」;美國流傳的《每個人都有自己的時區》網路詩中提及,生命中有些人看似走在你前頭或後頭,但不必著急,在命運為你安排的時區裡,一切都會準時;而賈伯斯對史丹佛大學畢業生演說也提到,你必須相信人生中每個看似不經意的點,終將在你的未來以某種方式連接。因此不論是在陽光明媚的那天搭上了某班公車、邂逅轉角的他、迷路中遇見的美景,亦或是在過去某個陰錯陽差的瞬間,形成了現在「恰好」的某件事,都是偶然中形成的定數。生命中的恰巧,不疾不徐,不遠不近,可以具體事例敘述「恰巧」所帶來的種種感受或體驗。
- 躺平主義崛起2016年管理學者大前研一提出「低欲望社會」——日本正面臨高齡社會、少子化、無欲無求的年輕人不斷增加的現象。對應至近期「躺平主義」在年輕族群中掀起討論浪潮,當高物價、高房價、低所得的環境,讓年輕人覺得即使努力,但仍對未來愈感希望渺茫,於是決定躺平,認為與其跟隨社會期望堅持奮鬥,不如無欲無求地待在舒適圈。
「躺平主義」強調「維持最低生存標準,拒絕成為他人賺錢的機器和被剝削的奴隸」,意味著放棄婚姻、不找工作、降低物質需求等。
當躺平主義崛起,你認為是什麼原因造成年輕人的選擇,是經濟、社會發展又或是個人追求自由?而「躺平」是消極面對問題還是對現實的無奈?請闡述你的看法,也可思考躺平主義的影響。
- 當世界停止轉動
手機搭載相機的功能,是科技上的創新,也是人類留影目的與習慣的變革。隨著人手一機,照相已成輕而易舉之事;人人都是攝影師,時時可拍之外,也處處都是風景。即使一切飛快流逝,只要我們拿起手機,碰觸螢幕,便能留住任何角落的光影,捕捉剎那的美好。在這個時候,彷彿世界為我而停止轉動,永恆不再逃走。請以「當世界停止轉動」為題,或自訂標題,分享你曾捕捉到動人的瞬間。
- 生活的色彩
生活中充滿了顏色,不論是如雪的白色油桐、艷麗的木棉、街道旁的綠色行道樹、商店琳瑯滿目的服飾、夜裡繽紛閃爍的霓虹、海邊浪漫橘紅的夕陽;燦爛黃澄澄的向日葵;又或者打開書卷,其上那些寫滿藍色紅色的答案或記號、一張泛黃的照片、一杯黃綠香醇的茶湯等等,都是一種生活、一種感受。請寫一篇文章,抒發你對顏色的經驗及感受。Is being able to speak English equivalent to having an international perspective ?
- 真假之間,我的界線
社群軟體的蓬勃發展取代了真實人際互動交流,照片是人們在網路世界中的形象,可能是為了按讚數也可能是自我欣賞,將照片改造為「照騙」,時有所聞。各種濾鏡、美顏APP讓真實樣貌與虛擬形象落差更甚,美化過的照片雖然在網路世界中獲得更多的讚賞,卻也容易讓使用者更注意自身五官缺陷,影響審美、產生焦慮,甚至社群關係也隨之發酵。知名社群媒體IG關注到負面效應,在2019年底將整形相關的濾鏡功能下架,引來軒然討論。美顏濾鏡,讓人在虛擬中得到掌聲和滿足,卻有可能影響心理健康和對身體的不自信。請寫一篇文章,談談你對美顏濾鏡及其影響的看法,文長 600-1300字。
- 知微
《禮記》中提到:「君子慎始,差若毫釐,繆以千里。」說明初時的微小差距,卻可能帶來極大的謬誤。而1963年氣象學家羅倫茲(Edward Lorenz)提出「蝴蝶效應」,他認為一隻在亞馬遜河拍動翅膀的蝴蝶,進而有可能誘發一連串的改變,而使得異地下大雪或陷入龍捲風之中。縱然,後者亦強調我們無法得知哪一隻蝴蝶造成了天候的變化,即諸多變化是始料未及的;但兩者皆是強調微小之事,已有足夠的影響,能引起或產生巨大的反應與改變。請以「知微」為題,或自訂標題,闡述你對此的相關體會以及想法。
- 窗外
陶淵明曾言:「倚南窗以寄傲,審容膝之易安。」憑藉南窗遠眺,寄託傲世之情,即便空間狹小,也心安自得。生活中,有各種窗,家裡之窗、學校之窗、火車之窗、飛機之窗等各式建築物、交通工具之窗。從窗裡望向窗外,風景殊異,因而體會百種。望向窗外,陶淵明獲得開闊、坦然的心境,那麼,從你的窗裡,你看見什麼?想像什麼?又有何種體會及感悟呢?請以窗外為題,抒發你的所思所感,寫作結構完整的600-1300字長文。
- 我對網紅現象的看法
所謂的「網紅」,指在網路平臺上,透過影片、圖片、文字或是直播的分享,進而成為具有知名度或影響力的人。而近兩三年網紅的崛起,創造出前所未有的網紅經濟與學習、娛樂方式;另一方面,為了製造話題、增加點閱率,也帶來許多負面的現象:侵權、誤導觀眾、假貨之亂等屢見不鮮。'請以「我對網紅現象的看法」為題或自訂標題,分享你對網紅現象的看法。
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用理性對話推動民主化之後,公共討論成為生活的日常。然而,從死刑存廢、同性婚姻合法到非核家園,看到的多是用情緒性語言去攻擊對方或為自己辯解,而較少用理性思辨角度去尋求解決問題的方法,不但無法達成共識,歧異反而變得更極端。論辨時,若能以「尊重有禮」的態度,對自己的想法提出理由,也對他人的想法詢問理由,相信可以消弭彼此的歧見,攜手走得更遠。請以「用理性對話」為標題,寫一篇文章,就身邊出現的歧異意見,論述該如何進行理性思辨。
- 我看假新聞
隨著社交網絡的興起,人人都可報導事件、表達觀點,藉由便利資訊工具,塑造話題、引導輿論,而由此帶來的後果是假新聞頻傳。當一件事用不同角度詮釋,甚至被加入個人情緒、價值觀時,我們如何判斷、相信什麼?以避免自己被蒙蔽?又該如何從這些雜亂無章的資訊中抽絲剝繭,拼湊出真相?請以「我看假新聞」為題,闡述你所思所想,敘述600字-1000字長篇作文
- 防範武漢肺炎疫情,人人有責(註:命題時普遍使用「武漢肺炎」,後多使用「新冠肺炎」)
武漢肺炎疫情,自爆發後至今,世界各國似尚未獲得控制。目前自大陸武漢市或搭遊輪返國者,必須集中隔離,自大陸其他地區返國者須自我隔離14日,若為確診者,則強制隔離治療。然而有少數應自我隔離的民眾,返國後到處趴趴走;也有將資料書寫不實,致使檢疫單位無法聯絡者,造成防疫漏洞。另外,政府相關單位呼籲民眾儘量避免前往公共場所、在公共場所需帶口罩、勤洗手、多喝水……等,以防止疫情蔓延。請就此命題,撰文抒論。
- 守舊與創新
安穩意謂穩定、平順、安全與安於現狀 , 通常讓人心安或有安全感;冒險則是代表變化、突破與危險犯難。冒險與安穩也似乎是變與不變,若變化多,常常有較多意外的狀況 ,要承受改變的壓力及不可預測的後果或收穫;不變雖然較固定 ,卻可以預測發展並提早計劃 ,但進步的幅度或許因此受限。然而 ,現世安穩可能是冒險創建而來的 ,看似極端的兩者 ,卻有著深厚的關聯 ,如此一來 ,我們應當如何抉擇或取得平衡 。請撰文抒論。
- 我對AI(人工智慧)的看法
現今AI正蓬勃發展,展現創造力,各種前所未有的應用發展,令人刮目。有些應用取代舊有人工,確實減少許多人力,增加生產效力達百倍、千倍、萬倍,甚至更多,但也有人擔憂將有50%以上的工作被逐漸取代,我們對於方興未艾的AI(人工智慧),究竟應該抱持何種態度?請就此命題,撰文抒論。
- 拉自己一把
臺北捷運車箱有一則看板:「拉自己一把」,底下有一行字:「請隨時緊握吊環或握把以保安全」,提醒乘客列車行進時得緊握吊環或握把,才能平安抵達目的地。在人生的旅途上,我們正處於大學學習階段,為了奠定爾後踏入社會的基礎,正須拉自己一把,無論在敦品勵學或待人接物等方面,都須積極勤勉學習。請就此命題,撰文抒論。
- 我看「N號房」
自從3C普及,科技日新月異,網路漸漸的可以讓每個人做任何事,交友、購物、學習……,其中也包括了新型的網路犯罪。日前在南韓,「N號房事件」被揭露,駭人聽聞的犯案手法比小說、電影情節更聳動,令世界譁然。而在南韓,兩百多萬人於政府網站上連署,要求不僅僅是主謀,更要連同「房客」們的資料一齊公布。這樣的請願讓許多會員們在搜尋引擎上緊張的想找尋刪除自己登入紀錄的方法,更有人為了逃避後續刑責與社會譴責自殺之案件頻傳。若今日身為執政當局,面對憤慨、恐慌的大眾,對於「剝奪他人人權的犯罪者,是否依然擁有人權」如此具爭議的議題,你會做什麼樣的決定?為什麼?
- 安穩與冒險
安穩意謂穩定、平順、安全與安於現狀 , 通常讓人心安或有安全感;冒險則是代表變化、突破與危險犯難。冒險與安穩也似乎是變與不變,若變化多,常常有較多意外的狀況 ,要承受改變的壓力及不可預測的後果或收穫;不變雖然較固定 ,卻可以預測發展並提早計劃 ,但進步的幅度或許因此受限。然而 ,現世安穩可能是冒險創建而來的 ,看似極端的兩者 ,卻有著深厚的關聯 ,如此一來 ,我們應當如何抉擇或取得平衡 。請撰文抒論。
英文題目
- 111-2
- 111-1
- 110-2
- 110-1
- 109-2
- 109-1
- 108-2
- A Plastic OceanPlastic has become an inseparable part of human activity. While it has all sorts of valuable usages, we have become addicted to single-use plastic products for their convenience. In doing so, we produce about 400 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. Rivers and lakes further carry plastic waste from deep inland into the sea, which is a major contributor to ocean pollution. What’s worse, it is estimated that 75 to 199 million tonnes of plastic is currently found in our oceans. In your writing, please talk about your views on plastic waste and marine debris in terms of the following questions: - What is the situation that is most likely to generate plastic waste? - How does it affect marine creatures? How does it affect your or our lives? - What changes can be made at the individual and social level? You are welcome to see the following website for reference: OurWorldInData.org/plastic-pollution UN environment programme
- Unintentional Harm“You must be good at singing for being an aboriginal, right?” “Being a girl this strong, you should worry that no one will love you.” Telling a person who is unable to walk: “Keep it up. You will be fine one day,” People may say these stereotypical words unintentionally but hurtful to some people. This is what we call “microaggression(微歧視).” Have you ever encountered such scenario? What actions can we take to stop microaggression?
- Gender Gap in Science and Technology“Single-sex schools: Simple segregation or a path to gender parity in STEM?” https://apolitical.co/solution-articles/en/single-sex-schools-simple-segregation-or-a-path-to-gender-parity-in-stem In light of the article: What are the potential risks of the gender gap in STEM industries? Why do some experts believe that single-sex schools are a solution to gender disparities in STEM fields? Based on your own experiences and research, what are your thoughts on single-sex schools as a strategy to address gender gaps in STEM fields? Aside from answering the above questions, please provide examples or evidence to support your arguments and insights.
- A Letter to My CityDo you like the city you live in? What kind of city do you envision living in the future? Starting from the city we live in, Taipei, or your hometown city, please write a letter to the government describing the improvements you hope to see and trying to convince relevant authorities to adopt your suggestions.
- Priority Seat: Should it exist?On public transportation such as MRT or local buses, priority seats are usually located close to the doors. It is often considered a virtue to offer priority seats to those in need. However, news of whether to give seats have caught the attention of the public. Have you ever witnessed such occasions? In the article, talk about your ideas about the installation of priority seats. Do you think they should be kept or removed? Draw on personal experiences wherever appropriate.
- Machine learning in translationMachine learning in translation and interpretation has re-defined the process of translation, as machine translation is capable of handling various missions at a time without the assistance of human beings. Tools are readily available to the general internet users; people can easily translate a large amount of information using Google Translation, ChatGPT, or other translation tools. In your article, please express your opinion on (make sure you include both topics): Do you think machine translation would replace human translators in the future? Or is it already a fact? What are the respective advantages and drawbacks? As machine translation continuously advances itself, is it possible that one day, it may not be be necessary for people to learn foreign languages?
- A picture is worth a thousand wordsA good photo speaks more than a thousand words. The Pulitzer Prize, American journalism’s most prestigious honor, releases award-winning photo every year.
2022 Pulitzer Prize winning images: https://abcnews.go.com/International/photos/2022-pulitzer-prize-winning-images-84618624/image-pulitzer-prize-feature-photography-reuters-84626362
Please choose one picture from the Pulitzer Prize winning images, take a look at the picture closely, and write down your reflection. In your text, please also indicate the specific image by providing the link of the photo or website.
Think about the following questions to help you organize your ideas.
What do you see? What do you think the image is trying to tell? Is there a story behind the picture? How do you feel? Why do you think this image could win Pulitzer Prize? - Dating Apps, yes or no?The rise of dating apps has given us new options to socialize and to meet new friends just in the palm of our hands. Evidences show that installs of dating apps have continued to increase. Dating apps allows us to meet like-minded person in a more efficient way and can open the opportunities beyond our geographical locations. However, the convenience can also facilitate romance scams. In this essay, please write about your attitude toward dating apps. Would you recommend using one? Why or why not? Please read the article for more information on the topic. You are encouraged to include ideas from the article or your personal experiences in your essay.
https://au.reachout.com/articles/dating-apps-101-how-to-avoid-burn-out - One day.Is today another typical day for you? Describe what may happen/had happened in a day; you may decide the time, space on your own, or think back on a specific day in your life. You may write it as a diary using first-person narrative, or tell the story about that day from a third person point of view. Limit the timeline of your essay within “a day” and describe the details in your own style. Here are some options for your reference:
1. One day in Taipei
2. One day in the future
3. One day back in my childhood
…etc.
(Speaking of one day, you may want to add these books to your shelf:
https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/5181/one-day
https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/999/for-one-more-day ) - If I were granted superpower, I would like to…
When we were little, some of us imagined ourselves gaining superpower that would enable us to do what we were keen to do. If you could have any superpower,
What would that superpower be?
What would you want to do with that superpower, and why?
What impact would that superpower have?
Do you think that superpower would be good for you and/or anyone (or anything) else, why or why not? - Forgetting or remembering: which one is better?Is remembering always good and forgetting always bad? What about those who have experienced adversity and therefore suffered from trauma? It’s better for them to forget or remember?
We all have memories that we want to forget or remember. In your essay, please state your point which one is better and give examples. You may also refer to books or stories you know. - Infographic Writing:Tourism in Taiwanchart source: https://stat.taiwan.net.tw/
The line chart, by Taiwan Tourism Bureau, shows the number of tourists visiting Taiwan from different countries from 2012 to 2021. In your writing, please first briefly introduce the chart. Information such as what, who, where, why, and how is essential when you describe a chart. It’s best that you don’t go too wordy, and that your words could still help the reader picture the chart in his mind. Next, interpret what its implications are. You might want to focus on just one or two patterns/trends, and share your insights with your readers. Finally, provide possible reasons to support your interpretation.
For information on how to do a chart writing, see: https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/writing/b2-writing/writing-about-bar-chart - A person’s worth should not be measured by their looks or behaviorsWe have learned time and again that a person’s worth cannot be measured by their looks or behaviors. Indeed, a person who appears difficult to get along with may in fact be friendly. But it can be tempting to judge someone else simply by how they look or what they do.
In your essay, please answer the following questions:
Have you—or someone else you know—ever judged a person simply by the first impression they gave?
Who was the person judged, and why?
Do you agree or disagree that a person should be judged by their looks or behaviors, and why? - My Ideal Lifestyle at Older AgeSpeaking of getting old, what comes to your mind? How will you feel when you are aging? Some people might hold a negative attitude towards the elderly as they seem unproductive and therefore are a drain on the society. Others, on the other hand, consider older people as an asset.
Without doubt, Taiwan has officially become an aged society. In 2021, the life expectancy is 80.86 years. While getting old is inevitable, however, we can still age gracefully if we give it a lot of thoughts.
In your essay, please share your ideal lifestyle at older age (over 60 years old). What will be your life focus? Will you enjoy being retired or still keep working? Where do you want to live? Will you prefer being alone or staying with your family? What about friends?
*Feel free to read the below article for more information and ideas.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200327-what-the-japanese-can-teach-about-super-ageing-gracefully.
- My Family Legacy
No matter who we are, where we are raised, or what our goals may be, parents always pass to their children a legacy…good, bad or some of both. It can be a certain habit, a belief, a family recipe, a unique piece of antique, or even a religion. Please write an essay on one or more things that your family or your parents have passed down to you. How have you been influenced by your family, and what is the legacy that you would like to passed down yourselves when you have your own kids?
- Roommates or not? My thoughts on having/not having roommates.
When one moves out of his/her home because of work or education, sometimes there would be roommates to share the temporary residence with. Have you ever lived with someone else? If yes, talk about your experiences of having roommates; what are the pros and cons? If not, you could think about whether you expect to have roommates, or that you prefer to live alone.Here are some suggestions to help you get started, feel free to talk about them in your essay(regardless of your situation):*Do you like to live with someone else? *Do you consider yourself a good roommate? *What would you do to get along with roommates? *What are the advantages/drawbacks of having/not having roommates?
- If there were a time machine, I would…
For now, no one could rewind the clock and go back in time. If there were a time machine, what would you do? Would you choose to travel back in time? If yes, is there a particular time that you’d like to go back to, or is there anyone you wish to see? If you decide not to use the time machine, why? In your essay, please explain whether you would use the time machine if there were one, and illustrate your point in detail.
- Children or pets?
Please read the attached article and share your opinions. You could talk about your ideas about whether you’d like to have children or pets, or both, or none? Also, you could elaborate on the advantages/drawbacks of having either children or pets.https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/05/pope-couples-choose-pets-children-selfish
- Welcome to my Department and Let’s Talk about my Major
There are departments of all sorts in different colleges, let alone the majors a department can have. What is your department and what is your major? What professional skills can an high school applicant gain and what are its future prospects? What about people’s stereotypes/misconceptions about your major? These are the questions that you could include besides introducing, or promoting your major.
- A High-paying Job or a Fitting Job?
Leon is a college graduate who is about to enter the workforce. Luckily, he has been offered two job opportunities—job A and job B. Job A not only provides high salary but also seems highly prospective, but it doesn’t quite fit Leon’s interests. On the other hand, Job B suits Leon’s interests perfectly and he also finds it challenging, but its salary, although enough to make ends meet, is only about two-thirds of that of Job A. Unable to make the right decision and becoming more and more anxious, he writes you a letter for your advice. What is your take on this? Writing down your suggestions in the letter form to help him decide.
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If you were a different kind of animal, what would you want to be and why?Human beings are a very special and different kind of animal. If you were given a chance to choose to become another kind of animal, what would you want to be and why? In your essay, elaborate the characteristics or traits of this animal that have attracted/impressed you. You could also compare yourself to this specific animal, and see how similar or distinct you are.
- The Loss of Things That Changes Your Mind
I believe every one has had the fear that one day we will reach into our back pocket and, uh-oh, the wallet’s gone. Such occurrences can range from losing a sock, a train ticket to things that you hold near and dear to your heart. What they all have in common is that they lead to a disruption of your normal sense of control. In this essay, please describe the thing you lost, how it happened, and in what way this experience has changed you.
- How the Covid-19 pandemic has changed my life
Taiwan raised the Covid-19 alert to Level 3 from the middle of May due to the rising number of confirmed cases. People must wear masks and indoor gatherings were limited to five people. Public venues were closed. Some workers started to work from home (WFH). Students had to switch to online learning. Covid-19 has changed our lives in many aspects. In your writing, please share how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed your life and give examples.
- My View on the Purpose of Higher Education
Rising university fees and scarce employment prospects for graduates have led some people to say that universities should not focus on academic knowledge and only offer practical degree courses that provide vocational training and maximize chances of employment. Do you agree or disagree? Please give reasons for your opinion and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
- Are you an early bird or a night owl?
When do you usually go to bed and get up? Some people find themselves to be more productive in the early morning, while others may have the highest work efficiency late at night. In this essay, please indicate the benefits/drawbacks of being an early bird or a night owl. You could also reflect on your own sleep schedule to see if there’s anything you’d like to change.
- Media in Our Lives
This year in Taiwan, vaccination is one of the most discussed topics. Countless opinions and views from the experts, politicians, and even our friends are published on the media, helping us form our own views and decisions. It shows that media are undoubtedly powerful, informative, yet often misused tools. Please write about AT LEAST ONE problem of the media that you have observed. Have it led to any real-life consequence? How do you personally deal with the problem? You’re welcome to refer to the following site for a better understanding: What is media literacy, and why is it important? https://www.commonsensemedia.org/news-and-media-literacy/what-is-media-literacy-and-why-is-it-important
- What can we do to cheer people up when they're under stress?
The causes of stress could vary. When confronting feelings of stress, one may be anxious, irritated or depressed; stress also leads to physical symptoms such as aches and pain. There are countless ways to deal with stress, what do you usually do to make someone stressful feel a bit (or much) relieved? Think about the moment when your friends, family members or loved ones are under stress, what would you do/what did you do to comfort them?Here are some bullet points to help you get started, you could talk about: -Events/circumstances that could bring stress -How people feel/react under stress -Ways to handle stressLearn more about stress here if you're interested- https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/stress-symptoms-signs-and-causes.htm#
- A Value Worth Advocating
Values are basic and fundamental beliefs that guide or motivate our attitudes or actions. They help us determine what is important to us. Imagine that you are an opinion leader, such as professionals, politicians, or social media influencers, etc. Pick a role of your liking and write about the value you would like to advocate with your influence. Why do you support it? What strategies or ways will you implement to spread the idea?
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Do you think undergraduate students should work part-time?With a more flexible academic schedule, many undergraduate students choose to take up a part-time job. Purposes of working part-time may vary from one person to another; whether it be supporting oneself to be more financially independent, or gaining working experiences/skills that may be useful in the future. In your essay, please analyze the potential advantages or disadvantages of working part-time as an undergraduate student. You could also talk about your own experiences to build your argument.
- My Opinion on English-taught Courses
To create a submersion English-learning environment in higher education, plans of English-taught courses and English as a Medium of Instruction Courses (EMI) have become current focus in selected univerisities and colleges this year. Surely there will be pros and cons of such programs, please share some of your ideas in the essay. You could consider writing about… -Share personal experiences if you’ve ever taken any English-taught courses, what do you think about them? -If domain-specific courses are taught in English, how could students benefit from such act? For a brief introduction of the topic, please see: https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4280892- Printed books or e-books: which is the one for you?Most of us grow up reading physical books, and many of us may still have printed books on the shelves. As time goes by and the book market evolves, e-books have become a substitute for some readers. We know there are still differences between reading a physical book and an electronic one on a particular device, which one do you prefer? In your essay, please specify your preference, and explain why you prefer this one to the other.
- Are Zoos Necessary?Last year, a new aquarium located in Taoyuan opened, attracting millions of visitors with its marvelous aquatic installations. However, the hotspot has also received accusations of poor animal care and problematic spatial design from a few animal lovers. Please read the following article and write about your thoughts on whether zoos (and aquariums) are necessary to our society. Do include your own experience with the zoo in the essay and tell us how it influences your opinion.
- Are we losing our culture due to globalization?
Thanks to the rapid development of technology, people nowadays can easily travel to other parts of the world and learn about different cultures and lifestyles. However, globalization is not a fair game. Those with greater economies tend to be more influential. Some argue that human cultures are losing their identities and individualities due to globalization. Do you agree that our society has underwent cultural loss? If no, please write about what you have observed. If yes, please include your suggestions on cultural conservation.
Feel free to refer to this article for more thoughts:https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-52356136
- What is a genuine friendship for you?We have met countless people in our lives, yet probably only a few of them would become our friends. What do you see in a friend and what is a genuine friendship for you? In your essay, you could include examples of the qualities you cherish in a bosom/close/best friend, or share your experiences of building deep friendships with someone.
- A tough decision I have madeMost of us have to make difficult choices throughout our lives. Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision. What was the situation? How did you manage to make up your mind? What was the outcome? You may want to refer to a famous poem "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost to have more inspiration.
In your response, define the term “international perspective,” then describe—based on your definition of the term—to what extent you agree or disagree with this statement.
Note: When you define "international perspective," be sure to give a context where the term makes enough sense. To get a sense of how to define a term, click the address below and scroll down to read the example essay of "bravery." - A Letter to the City CouncilAs announced yesterday by the City Council of our city, the public library, located in the neighborhood, will definitively close its doors next month due to the economic situation that the City Council is going through.
You are a resident of the neighborhood and are a regular user of the public library. Write a letter addressed to those responsible for the City Council in which you express your opposition to the closure of the library. In the letter you must “at least” introduce oneself, tell what activities organized by the library you have participated in, and suggest possible solutions.Whether you'd experienced 1999 921 earthquake or not, it's vitally important to learn the fact that Taiwan is located in a seismic zone, which leads to many earthquakes every year.
Describe an earthquake that you remember vividly, and you may write of your own will to decide what details to include in the essay.To start, feel free to talk about the following topics:- What were you doing and how did you/people around you react to the earthquake?
- What have you learned from this experience?
- What do you think people should prepare in case of another earthquake?
- You may also do some research to include statistics such as its magnitude and epicenter.
- The influence of food delivery serviceBack in time, we spent hours preparing our meals or planned to eat out. Today, food arrives on our plate quicker than ever. Many people around the globe start to use food delivery service due to its convenience. As coronavirus panic deepens, online food orders are booming. It has changed our eating habits and lifestyle. However, it also brings disadvantages. In your writing, please firstly discuss the pros and cons of food delivery services that you have experienced or observed. Finally, please propose at least one possible solution.
To explore this phenomenon in more detail, check out the article below.
- Are you a procrastinator?The clock is ticking, and the deadline is approaching; yet there you are, sitting at the desk staring at a completely blank sheet of paper. Books borrowed from the library are already overdue, but you still have them on the shelves without ever actually read them. No matter it’s a homework assignment, or chores which await you to take care of, we’ve all been there- delaying and postponing whatever we have to do.
Procrastination is probably a common habit, so here’s the question: are you a procrastinator? If yes, please give some examples in your essay; you could also try to reflect on the reasons why you’re one. If no, please specify in your essay how you stay away from this dreadful black hole.The following article discusses the distinction between a workaholic and a hard-working employee.
https://www.inc.com/carolyn-cutrone-the-difference-between-workaholic-and-hard-worker.html
- Activate your entrepreneur mindImagine that you had enough money to start a business of your interest, whether that business is a for-profit or non-profit one. Describe the type of business you would like to start, why you want to start such a business, and how you might cope with the obstacles (if any) in running the business.
Note: Use whatever means (e.g., running an Internet search, asking your friends, teachers or family members, or drawing on your personal experiences) you can think of to write about this topic. - Stepping out of my comfort zoneWe tend to form an invisible circle around ourselves, this “comfort zone” makes us feel safe and protected most of the time. Yet, it’s also possible that sometimes, such comfort zone would kill our creativity or the desire to be an adventurer.
People’s comfort zone varies from one person to another, you may have heard people say they stepped out of their comfort zone by visiting a foreign country, or talking to a stranger on the street; it could also be the first time that they went to school alone when they were little.
Please think back in your past experiences, have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone to do something that you’ve never done or tried?
Please write an 100-350 words essay to describe that particular experience. - The post pandemic era
Covid-19 has a huge impact on our lives the way we live from education, work, business, international relations and even climate. In your writing, please focus on ONE aspect to describe the reset life before and after Covid-19 pandemic.
Feel free to refer to this article for more thoughts:https://www.bbc.com/news/explainers-52356136
- A letter to my past selfHave you ever wished you could go back in time and tell yourself something? If you could send a letter to the younger self, what would you say? In the letter, please specify the particular age or time and the transition or challenge you were going through.
Feel free to refer to the following example and tips.
https://www.ed.ac.uk/reflection/reflectors-toolkit/self-awareness/writing-letters
- Is being able to speak English equivalent to having an international perspective ?
“As long as you can speak English, you will naturally develop an international perspective (國際觀).”
In your response, define the term “international perspective,” then describe—based on your definition of the term—to what extent you agree or disagree with this statement.
Note: When you define "international perspective," be sure to give a context where the term makes enough sense. To get a sense of how to define a term, click the address below and scroll down to read the example essay of "bravery." - The most unforgettable earthquakeThis year marks the 21st anniversary of the 921 earthquake, which happened in 1999.
Whether you'd experienced 1999 921 earthquake or not, it's vitally important to learn the fact that Taiwan is located in a seismic zone, which leads to many earthquakes every year.
Describe an earthquake that you remember vividly, and you may write of your own will to decide what details to include in the essay.To start, feel free to talk about the following topics:- What were you doing and how did you/people around you react to the earthquake?
- What have you learned from this experience?
- What do you think people should prepare in case of another earthquake?
- You may also do some research to include statistics such as its magnitude and epicenter.
- More connected, yet more isolatedThese days, people are more connected than ever before because of social media. With a few strokes on a keyboard, we can talk to a friend, comment on a video, or give a rating to the restaurant where we just ate. Despite all these links, some people actually feel more isolated now. Is social media truly to blame? What are your feelings about relationship between social media and isolation? Do you think you are more or less integrated in society? How about those around you? Include examples of friends, family members, or classmates who may have become lonely due to overuse of social media.
To explore this phenomenon in more detail, check out the article below.
- Are you a workaholic or just plain busy?When you tell your friends that you can’t attend to their baseball game this Saturday because of work, do they accuse you of being a workaholic? What some people do not realize is that workaholic is not synonymous with hard-working. Workaholics actually feel compelled to spend a long time on their job and may be unhappy when away from school or the office, whereas most of us may be simply overworked or just take pride in our service. Are you or any of your acquaintances addicted to work? Or perhaps you know of a public figure who is. Give some examples to show that it is not just a case of being very occupied but rather a compulsion to exert oneself for the job.
The following article discusses the distinction between a workaholic and a hard-working employee.
https://www.inc.com/carolyn-cutrone-the-difference-between-workaholic-and-hard-worker.html
- Is it fair to have internet privacy?
This March, the online sexual violence, Nth room case, carried out through encrypted messaging app Telegram drew widespread public attention. Criminals using the app were able to remain anonymous and untraceable. Also, the controversial video communication system, ZOOM, was recently banned by the Taiwanese government for fear that confidential information might fall into the wrong hands. Do you think it is fair or not to have internet privacy? Please include reasons to support your ideas.
- Distance Learning vs. Classroom Learning
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, education worldwide has taken up a new challenge as to how to ensure that students continue to learn. One most commonly adopted alternative is distance learning, in which students could stay home without the risk of getting infected while learning through online media. However, is distance learning really the same as real-life classroom learning? Leaving aside the current global situation caused by COVID-19, in your writing, write down your preference, and compare/contrast the two ways of learning.
- Why I want to learn English well like a native speaker
In Taiwan, learning English language is a popular culture and almost all parents try their best to help their children master it as early as possible. Describe your reasons and motivation why you also want to learn it well. Do include some actions or measures that you have been taking in helping yourself achieve this goal.
- To live, or not to live, that is not a question
An Italy Father, 72, died in March this year in Lovere, Bergamo, which is one of the worst-hit cities swept by Coronavirus. After being infected by the virus, his parishioners had purchased a respirator for him, but he gave it to a younger patient whom he did not know. What thoughts do you have after learning this sad story? You may want to refer to the news report “Coronavirus: At least 50 priests killed by coronavirus” released by BBC at https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-52015969.
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Should cars be made to go so fast?Ann Landers was a famous columnist in USA during the second half of 20th Century. She dealt with people’s personal problems by offering her advice. Today, the newspaper still keeps circulating her past advice given to the reader, and these are still available on the web. Read a letter sent to her, as below, and try to answer the reader if you were a car manufacturer, trying to help Ann Lander to explain your intention (as the manufacturer) to the reader. Dear Ann Landers: I hope you can answer a question for me. Why do car manufacturers build automobiles that can go over 85 mph? Every day, newspapers print hair-raising stories about auto crashes caused by speeding. The speedometer on my own standard sedan goes up to 120 mph. I am not a race car driver. Under what circumstances could I possibly need to go that fast?You know a great many experts, Ann. Please ask someone why car manufacturers create cars that can attain speeds that too often cause death and destruction. — M.M. If you want to, you can refer to Ann Lander’s reply at https://www.creators.com/read/classic-ann-landers/03/20/classic-ann-landers-af440. You are allowed to digest her thoughts, paraphrase them, comment with your thoughts, but do not copy her words exactly into your writing. The issue of leaving a kid with a single grandfather Read the news report “Virus Outbreak: Child home alone with dead grandpa” at http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/world/archives/2020/02/27/2003731710Write your comments how you feel about the boy’s case and his family.
- My Opinion on English-taught Courses