Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay based on the picture below. You should start your essay with a brief description of the picture and then discuss the heavier and heavier burden on pupils. You should give sound arguments to support your views and write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.

The Burdens on the Shoulders of Pupils

What is delineated in the picture is that more and more pupils are becoming overweight not because of their own weights but because of their heavier backpacks. We may wonder why pupils’ backpacks become heavier and heavier under the quality-oriented education. As far as I’m concerned, there are several reasons to explain it.

First of all, they have to take a lot of courses at school. Many pupils have to take many exams by the end of the term. The pressure on learning makes them carry many books to school everyday. Secondly, in addition to taking many courses at school, they need to gain knowledge and skills in some cram schools. Many parents feel worried that their kids would lag behind others if they do not go to tutoring centers. Thirdly, in their spare time they also have to take part in such contests as math contests and English contests in order to get themselves more opportunities to enter key schools.

Undoubtedly, pupils should have a happy time in their childhood. I hope they can be carefree without so

many learnin~ burdens on their slim shoulders.