2015 National Entrance Test of English for MA/MS Candidates (English II)
Section II Writing (Part B)
Part B
48. Directions:
Write an essay based on the following chart. In your writing, you should
1) interpret the chart, and
2) give your comment.
You should write about 150 words on the ANSWER SHEET. (15 points)
【附图内容描述】我国某市居民春节假期花销比例饼图（单位：%）
图表展示了居民春节期间各项支出的分布情况：
1. 新年礼物 (New Year gifts)：占据最大比例，为 40%；
2. 聚会吃饭 (Gatherings and dining)：占 20%；
3. 交通 (Transportation)：占 20%；
4. 其他 (Others)：占 20%。
整体反映了中国春节期间典型的消费结构，突出了人情往来在节日中的重要地位。
Sample Essay
As is vividly illustrated in the pie chart, the residents' expenses during the Spring Festival holiday in a certain Chinese city are divided into four categories. Specifically, the expenditure on New Year gifts takes the lion's share, accounting for 40%. Meanwhile, the money spent on gatherings and transportation both stand at 20%, equaling the proportion of other expenses.
The intended meaning of this chart is profound: it reflects both traditional Chinese cultural values and the improvement of people's living standards. First and foremost, purchasing gifts and attending gatherings are essential ways for Chinese people to express affection and strengthen bonds with family and friends. Furthermore, with the rapid development of the economy, residents have more disposable income to spend on transportation, enabling them to travel back to their hometowns or go on trips during the holiday.
In my opinion, it is a positive phenomenon that people are willing to spend money celebrating the most important traditional festival. However, we should also maintain a rational attitude towards holiday consumption. Instead of pursuing extravagant gifts, we should focus more on the spiritual significance of the Spring Festival, which is family reunion and genuine emotional connection.
Essential Sentence Patterns
【图表描述：描述最大份额】
The expenditure on New Year gifts takes the lion's share, accounting for 40%.
【图表描述：描述持平数据】
The money spent on gatherings and transportation both stand at 20%.
【意义阐释：点明传统与经济双重背景】
It reflects both traditional Chinese cultural values and the improvement of people's living standards.
【意义阐释：分析人情消费的合理性】
Purchasing gifts and attending gatherings are essential ways to express affection and strengthen bonds.
【个人评论：倡导理性与注重精神内涵】
Instead of pursuing extravagant gifts, we should focus more on the spiritual significance of the festival.