日本的nuclear crisis在國內(nèi)部分地區(qū)引發(fā)了對碘鹽和碘片的熱購（sparked a shopping spree for iodized salt and iodine tablets），就聽到來自一些“憤世嫉俗”人士（cynics） 諷刺“中國人就是愛搶購”的雜音。可惜，這種自卑來得實在沒道理。在大洋彼岸，美國公共衛(wèi)生署長Regina Benjamin就公開地宣稱，“We cannot overemphasize how to prepare. Even if we save only one life， it is worth it.” 核輻射（nuclear radiation） 帶來的威脅早晚會過去，但妄自菲薄（self-deprecation）所帶來的心理輻射（lowered self-esteem）也許將滯留更久。

1 Little has been done to prevent animals and plants from dying out， even though people have been aware of this problem for a long time. Why do people still do so little about it？ Give your suggestions on how to solve this problem.

2 The government should control the amount of violence in the media to reduce the number of violent crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree？

3 Advanced technology has brought many changes to our lives. At the same time， the work of artists such as musicians and painters should also be valued. To what extent do you agree or disagree？

4 People get information through news programs and newspapers. Meanwhile， they are uncertain whether the news is trustworthy. Should we trust journalists？ What qualities should a good journalist possess？

5 Differences between countries are less evident now. People in different countries share the same films， books and TV programs. To what extent do the disadvantages of this trend outweigh the advantages？

6 For couples who prepare to have a child， the mother or the father should stop working to look after the child. What is your opinion？

7 Some teachers think students should be organised into groups to study. Others argue students should study alone. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

8 Some people think that schools should select students according to their academic abilities while others believe that it is better to have students with different abilities study together. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

9 Pressure on school and university students is increasing and students are pushed to study hard when they are young. Do you think it is a positive or a negative development？

10 In many countries， good schools and medical facilities are available only in cities but not in rural areas. Some people think new teachers and doctors should work in rural areas for a few years while others think everyone should be free to choose where they work. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.