Part I Writing (30 minutes)

Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled Social Network Sites. You should write at least 150 words following the outline given below.

1. 当今社会，社交网站很流行

2. 各人对此看法不同

3. 我的看法

Social Network Sites

Part I Writing

参考范文一】

Social Network Sites

In recent years, social network sites like Renren and Kaixin have rapidly gained popularity among all kinds of people. Many people spend a lot of time on those sites chatting, making friends and playing games. Those sites have become a part of their life.

The public hold different views on this phenomenon. Some are in favor of those sites for they provide many opportunities to know other people and to know what’s happening in the world. Besides, they’re very convenient to access. One can use a computer or cell phone to log on at home, in a restaurant, or even in the subway. But some people don’t approve of the social network sites. They say that people are wasting too much time on the sites. Some even get addicted¹ to them and abandon their real life. After all, they don’t live in the virtual world.

In my opinion, the social network sites can be very helpful when we want to keep in touch with friends, but we must remember that the real world is the most important in our life.

参考范文二】

Social Network Sites

Social network websites have rapidly increased in popularity over the past few years. Many people have registered and become members of some social network websites, such as Facebook, Kaixin and Twitter. These websites have become a part of their daily life.

People’s opinions vary greatly on social network sites. Supporters regard social network websites as places to share feelings and experiences with their friends. Besides, they say these websites provide various interesting games and can help people relax. However, opponents think it is difficult to protect users’ privacy on social network sites. Apart from that, they maintain that users’ chances to gain employment may be reduced as more and more employers take the images which users portray² on social network sites into consideration.

As far as I’m concerned, social network sites serve as a good platform for us to make new friends and keep in touch with old ones. Still, we should be aware of the potential dangers involved. It is very necessary to adjust our privacy settings to control who has access to our personal information.