小站TPO extra 2 (TPO25) 独立＋综合，周末考 求狠批！！！

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Question: Summarise the points made in the lecture, being sure to explain how they cast doubt on specific points made in the reading passage.


The lecture stated that smart cars may not be as safe, fast and inexpensive as it seems, in contrary to what has been elaborated in the reading material. The lecture presented the following reasons.

Firstly, while the reading pasage suggests that smart cars will prevent accidents from happening by detecting cars and obstacles, the lecturer maintains that this does not necessarily reduce car accidents. The lecturer argues that even the most advanced technological devices may fail, not mentioning that more cars on the road may worsen the consequence of one single accident. Thus the smart car is not as safe as it is propogandised in the reading passage.

Secondly, the lecturer refutes the idea in the passage that smart cars will make car queues on the road more compact and thus fasten the commuting experience. The lecturer argues that even if it is true, there would be more people adopting the smart cars and made road congestion even worse.Thus, using smart cars to commute may be more time-consuming than adopting the conventional ways.

Thirdly, even though drivers may save money on replacing or repairing the conventional parts of the cars as argued in the reading material, the lecturer holds that the R&D (research and development) cost for the technology involved and the expenditure to repair the delicate high-end devices may be much more expensive. Eventually, the excessive expenditure render the smart cars more expensive than normal cars. Thus, it is not money-saving to obtain a smart car.

Overall, the lecturer completely refutes the idea in the reading passage, stating that smart cars are not safer, quicker or less costly in any way.


Question:
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement?
A person should never make an important decision alone.
Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.


A brilliant decision is the first step to success. As human beings, we are consistently faced with opportunities and dilemmas at the same time. More often than not, the right choice is not so obvious and tempting as it should be. Consequently, we repeatedly turn to our beloved ones, sometimes for advice, more for a share of responsibility if the choice fails. However, there are some circumstances where time and personal feeling are the most decisive factors, both of which I reckon would make it impossible for others to decide for oneself.

Firstly, good chances are usually temporary. As the proverb goes, the godness of luck simply knocks on everyone's door, but more often, the guy is in the inner room, unable to hear; while I would rather say that most of the time we do hear the knock, but we are too slow to welcome the luckiness. By turning to advisors, friends or family for help, one may lose the best chance to place his or her best bid on the opportunity. Not mentioning that sometimes by reciting the situation to others, the listener may as well make his or her decision to compete with us in the same field. Thus, to make timely decisions, we will need to quickly respond to the situation and work on ourselves to grab the chance.

Secondly, there exist cases where personal feeling is the prior factor counting in the decision. For example, in the choice of a life partner, no one could ensure the correctness of the decision but oneself. Though ocassionaly, the person may make a "foolish" decision that is later regretted by his or her, however, the lesson learned in this relationship may be more practical and impressive than the inconvincing persuation uttered by the relatives in the first place. Furthermore, making one's own decisions simply resembles the sense of responsibility. By accepting the choice along with its possible consequences, one may not be able to put the blame on others even if the choice fails. Consequently, as decision varies from person to person, decision-maker should have the biggest say in making a move.

To sum it up, although we frequently turn to our beloved ones for advice, the final bid should be placed by ourselves. And in cases where time is limited, it is better to bravely place your bid before the chance slipped away. More importantly, embracing the choice as well as its potential consequences, no mattar promising or sorrowful, may equip us to be a more responsible citizen who relies on his or her own to shine.