六级写作快速提高精讲（20）

　　On the other hand, there are many people who say that firecrackers should be banned. They point out that firecrackers are responsible for fires which destroy property, and for injuries suffered both by the people who set them off and by innocent bystanders. They also say that firecrackers are a waste of money and resources.

　　My own point of view is that we should preserve the old custom of letting off firecrackers, while at the same time making them harmless. We can do this by banning firecrackers from public places. In addition, we should restrict the setting off of firecrackers to festival days.

　　There is no denying the fact that setting off firecrackers has been a hotly debated topic in China. Peoples opinions differ sharply on this issue. Some hold the positive view. They say that it is an ancient Chinese custom which should be preserved. They also claim that firecrackers make festivals and holiday occasions more colorful and entertaining for both adults and children. Without firecrackers, festivals would become dull and cheerless.

　　Others, however, hold the opposite view. They maintain that firecrackers should be banned. They point out that firecrackers are responsible for fires, which destroy, property, and for injuries suffered both by the people who set them off and by innocent bystanders. They also argue that firecrackers are a waste of money and resources.

　　Personally, I believe that we should not go to extremes. On the one hand, we should preserve the old custom of letting off firecrackers; on the other hand, we should make it harmless. This can be done by banning firecrackers from public places. In addition, the setting off of firecrackers should be restricted to festival days.

　　There has been much controversy over setting off firecrackers in the past years, with each party owning convincing evidences. Those who are in favor of setting firecrackers claim that it is an ancient Chinese custom that should be preserved. They also argue that firecrackers make festivals and holiday occasions more colorful and entertaining for both adults and children. Without firecrackers, festivals would become cold and cheerless.

　　On the other hand, there are many people who are of the opinion that firecrackers should be banned. They point out that firecrackers are responsible for fires which destroy property, and for injuries suffered both by the people who set them off and by innocent bystanders. Besides, they maintain that firecrackers lead to a waste of money and resources.

　　Personally, I think that both sides have something right. Actually, firecrackers should be viewed as a two-edged sword, which presents us with both benefits and troubles. But we should not give up eating for fear of choking. The best policy, as I see it, is to maximize their advantages and minimize their unhealthy influence, so that they can benefit us in a better way.

　　6. My View on Opportunity

　　There is no consensus of opinion in society about opportunities. There are some who think that opportunities come only rarely, and only to lucky people. Others argue that opportunities come to everyone from time to time.

　　Personally, I agree with the latter opinion. It seems to me that various kinds of opportunities are all around us all the time. The secret is to recognize opportunities and to grasp them in time, because they will not come to you of their own accord. For example, my classmates once refused to enter a national chemistry competition, because they thought that they had no chance of winning. But I took this opportunity, and by preparing well I managed to win the first prize.

　　Now my motto is: Watch out for opportunities, and at all times prepare yourself to take advantage of them.