Recently in many cities, such as Shanghai, Nanjing and Wuhan, passengers are not allowed to eat or drink on subways, and violators shall be fined. Should food and drinks be permitted on subways? The debate has been raging in China for a long time. Governments and passengers show different attitudes. Read carefully the opinions from both sides and write your response in about 200 words, in which you should first summarize briefly¹ the opinions from both sides and give your views on the issue.

Marks will be awarded for content relevance², content sufficiency, organization and language quality. Failure to follow the above instructions may result in a loss of marks.

YES

According to the laws and regulations, items that pose³ threats to the security of passengers cannot be taken to the subway. However, food and drinks will do no harm to the passengers’ safety, and therefore should not be forbidden. Besides, it is every citizen’s right to eat and drink during public transportation⁴. This right should not be deprived⁵ of by the government.

When passengers have to travel on subways for nearly one hour, it is necessary for them to eat some snacks or drink some water. If food and drinks are forbidden, it will cause inconvenience to some elderly passengers and children. In addition, many young people have to eat their breakfast on the subway when they go to work in the morning in order to save time. The new regulation will also affect their normal life and work.

NO

It is every citizen’s responsibility to build a clean and healthy public environment. Some passengers bring food and drinks to the subway, and leave litter everywhere. This inappropriate behavior makes the subway look messy and untidy. For citizens and tourists who travel on the subway, they will inevitably⁶ have a terrible impression of this city.

The subway is a relatively⁷ closed space, and therefore any unpleasant smell can easily spread inside the subway and cause uncomfortable feelings among passengers. Some food and drinks, such as the steamed buns or some other traditional Chinese breakfast, often carry strong smell. Although for people who are eating and drinking, it is of no harm, for others, the unpleasant smell may make them feel sick.