Task Description: In this section, you are expected to compose an essay of approximately 120 words centered on the theme: Environmental Conservation. Your composition should adhere to the following Chinese outline provided. Feel free to organize your response into multiple paragraphs, but ensure all points from the outline are comprehensively covered.
1. The correlation between human existence and the environment;
2. The escalating severity of current environmental pollution (briefly outline the causes);
3. Environmental protection as a pivotal responsibility.
Sample Essay
Preserving the Environment
Environment encompasses the land, water, and atmosphere that sustain our lives①. It is the Earth, our sole planetary home and sanctuary for the human race②. There is universal agreement that our survival is inextricably linked to the integrity of these natural elements.
Nevertheless, the contemporary scenario presents a grim reality. Continuously, at every conceivable interval, the air, forests, soil, oceans, and aquatic ecosystems are deteriorating at an alarming rate④, jeopardizing our very existence. The primary catalysts⑤ for these environmental crises stem from the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and the rampant discharge of⑥ industrial effluents during manufacturing processes.
Upholding the environment is of paramount significance⑦ to humanity in the present era. We are compelled to implement urgent measures⑧ to combat⑨ pollution. The notion of “conquering nature⑩” must be abandoned. Instead, we should perceive nature as an indispensable ally. Safeguarding the environment is not merely about preserving our habitat but also the very fabric of human civilization11.
Annotations
① live by: subsist on; depend on
② human race: humanity, equivalent to the general populace
③ survive: to endure through adversity
④ … with increasing speed …: the preposition “with” introduces a present participle phrase functioning as an adverbial, describing the manner of the action.
⑤ excessive use of …: “excessive” denotes “excessive” or “extreme,” thus this phrase indicates “overuse of…”
⑥ massive discharge of …: the large-scale release of…
⑦ be of crucial importance: the linking verb “be” combined with the preposition “of” conveys that something possesses a particular quality or attribute; “crucial” means “determinative” or “critically important.” Hence, this phrase conveys that environmental conservation is crucial for humanity today.
⑧ take immediate measures to: “take measures” signifies “to adopt measures,” so this phrase implies “to adopt emergency measures to…”
⑨ fight against: to engage in struggle against
⑩ conquer the nature: to dominate nature
11 as well: also, similarly (are)
Reviews
This essay is a structured composition based on outline cues. The examiner mandates that candidates, within a stipulated timeframe, concentrate on the prompt to articulate their perspective on the topic of “Environmental Conservation” in English.
In the first paragraph, the author employs the technique of explanation (explanation) from two distinct perspectives to define the term “environment.” It is noteworthy that both definitions inherently illustrate the close relationship between humans and the environment. Post-definition, the author posits that severe environmental pollution would render human survival untenable. This approach clarifies the viewpoint intended by the first outline point. The transition from the first to the second paragraph is facilitated by the word “however,” creating a logical flow and natural progression. The latter half of the second paragraph serves as the central sentence, indicating the direction of subsequent discussion. The author delineates the current state of environmental pollution from both temporal and spatial dimensions, subsequently attributing the issue to two primary causes: excessive natural resource utilization and the widespread release of⑥ pollutants during production. The author’s choice to discuss the issue from broad, abstract angles serves multiple purposes: fulfilling the requirement to “briefly outline” as per the prompt, and adhering to the length constraints of English composition writing. This demands a high level of comprehensive language proficiency from the author. Building upon the first two paragraphs, the third paragraph elaborates on the importance and urgency of “environmental conservation.”
Throughout the essay, the logic is coherent, and the language is expressed naturally and fluently. The use of “However” as a transitional word between paragraphs ensures a smooth shift, reflecting a well-structured composition.
Source: Li Huatian, editor-in-chief of “College English Writing for CET-4,” part of the New College English CET-4 and 6 Examination Spotlight Series edited by Li Huatian, Wuhan University Press, 2006.