Final Exam-Group Interaction

Group Discussion
Topic1: How to enjoy life more?
亭: How do you do?
雅: Oh, forget it. It’s just a mess.
亭: Why? What’s going on?
雅: I’ve been under a lot of pressure because the final exam is coming. I’m so nervous! My room is full of books and I am afraid that I can’t follow the study schedule I set.
安: Hey, relax! Don’t take it too seriously. It’s not the end of the world. Stop worrying about that. Just follow your own step.
樺: Yah, stop over-scheduling. Make some time to do something else such as listening to the music, chatting with friends; then, back to your study, you’ll find it is not that unbearable.
亭: Maybe you can find another way to figure out. For example, try to look things on the bright side; you will have different views towards the exam.
臻: Like me, I take a yoga class twice a week. It really helps me to get rid of my stress and let my heart feel peace from doing so.
敏: Don’t be too critical to yourself. The exam is just a small part of your life. Open up your mind to appreciate other things around you. There is still something good that you can enjoy.
Topic2: A life-changing experience
臻: Hey, did you watch the news that reported a factory in Tauyuan was on fire and claimed three little girls’ lives, ten workers injured yesterday?
亭: Yah, I saw the news. I feel so sorry about that. The accident definitely changes their lives of those people’s families because without them their families are not complete anymore.
安: After hearing the news, something has changed in my mind. Everything we pursue such as fame, money, authority, etc. can not replace the importance of life. Have you guys ever experienced any events that change your life?
樺: I agree with what you say. My uncle died of heart attack three years ago. This shocked me a lot. So sudden, that I didn’t have any preparation. I can understand the sadness of those people who lost their beloved family.
敏: Well, I can’t realize that emotion deeply like you because I haven’t experienced it personally yet. But I still have something that changes my life. That is when I entered to the high school, I made some good friends who really know me and make me more open-minded.
雅: No matter what kinds of experiences you have, if you can learn some lessons from it is good; although, you may be upset or angry at that moment. And the most important thing is cherish everyone and everything around you.
Topic3: The music you listen to
雅：So, What kind of music does the Postal Service play ?
樺：
安：Wow! So cool, you really have your style of music, and how about you? You have mentioned Ma Yo Yo, have you ever been to his concert?
臻：No, it’s a pity that I didn’t have the chance. I only saw him on TV. But I hope I’ll have the opportunity to attend his concert once in the future.
亭：That’s sound great. If next time you’re going, don’t forget to tell me, I’d like to go with you!
敏：Hey, you said you only listen to Western music, then how about Chinese songs? How do you feel of them?
雅：Well, Jay Chou’s songs were once my favorite. But since his music style never change or improve a lot, I don’t like him as much as I used to. And about other singers, I just pick their most popular songs to listen to.
樺: Hmm, you both like Soda green, then… what’s so special about them? And what’s their first single recently?
安：Because they started to play music when in senior high, so they also called student band. Soda green’s music is different from other singers, and is full of individual style.
敏：And their first single now is Absolutely Beautiful. Its lyrics truly touch me deeply in the heart.
臻：So, it seems that we all have our favorite own style about music！
Topic4: The role of music in your life
樺：So, some people said that classical music can calm them down. You listen to the classical music, and then is it really making you feel more peaceful?
亭：Yes, it is, classical music does pacify my mind and soothe the emotion. But just as what I said, I usually immerse in the music world. So it’s better for me not to listen to classical music when studying.
雅：Hey, you’re totally different from me. I like to listen to pop music when I study. It somehow helps me concentrate on my studying. Besides, when I’m too tired, those active melodies can cheer me up.
臻：Yeah, same here, and I won’t listen to classical music when studying, because I’ll fall asleep easily.
安：Wow, after listening to all your opinions, I think music really plays an important in everyone’s life.
臻：Right！Music is really an indispensable element to us. It has lots of benefits.
敏：Yeah, music can release one’s emotions, and makes you easily to get along with people because you have the same topics to carry on a conversation with others.
安：Well, in other words, music is also the international language around world.
Topic5: The benefits of music
敏：It sounds like music really has lots of benefits.
臻：Yeah, it is not only good for people but also have a special effect on animals.
安：It really shocked that music can increase the quantity of milk that cows produce.
雅：Me too, it’s quiet an interesting news to me.
樺：Well, music does play an important role for we human beings. Not only physical but also intellectually. As for me, music is like a friend of mine.
亭：You’re right, music has accompanied me through many difficult time. When I feel sad, I listen to light music most of the time.
敏：Same for me, and besides, in occasions like parties, music is an essential part to cheer everyone up.
雅：As you said, different kinds of music has different effects.
Pops in parties, classical for sleeping, jazz for company, and so on.
亭：And some lyrics do reflect the problems of the society. You can learn something from those lyrics which have deep meaning.
安：So, to sum up, music does have many positive effects for us.
Topic6: Financial IQ
安: I have read a magazine which said there are more and more people becoming card slaves who can not afford their credit card’s bills in our society now.
雅: Yah, these people might do something dangerous to get rid of the debts. For examples, some of them may commit suicide and some of them will stray on the street just want to run away from paying money.
亭: That might bring the society a lot of problems. Those people become the burdens of the society. Besides it disturbs their family because the bank will call them to pay the money back all the time and they are also worried about the debtor who may do something harm to his/herself or others.
雅: How could it be and how to solve this problem?
樺: The government can legislate some laws to limit the use of credit cards. And banks can provide a lower interest to help the debtors pay the bill. But the most important thing is control your desires and don’t spend exceed how much you have.
敏: We can set some financial plans to better use our money as well. In addition to paying back the money you owe and depositing it in the bank; you can divide your money into several parts to do some investments to earn more money.
臻: Remember to keep track of your spending. And to absorb more information about the financial management, it can help you to make a correct decision when dealing with the money. After all, money won’t increase automatically.
全: That’s right!
Topic7: What would you do if you won a 10 million NT lottery?
敏：It sounds like most of us want to travel around the world if winning the lottery.
安：Who doesn’t? I have longed to go to Japan for a long time.
雅：And me, I’d like to go to New Zealand or to Canada seeing the Northern light.
臻：Wow, you must have to prepare lots of clothes, it’s freezing cold there. Traveling is such a good choice, but I think adopting children from Africa is a good idea, too！
樺：Yeah, there are still lots of people need money more than us. It’s is really a meaningful activity to help them and I feel happy to provide assistance for those needed people.
安：However, to full fill our dream is also important. Hey, 文亭, didn’t you just say that you want to have your own restaurant?
亭：Yeah, it’s one of my dreams. I want to do lots of exotic dishes, like French, Thailand, and Mexican food and so on. And best of all, I want to mix them up to create my own style.
雅：Wow, that’s fabulous, if you do have your own restaurant in the future, don’t forget to invite us and also give us a special discount.
亭：No problem, I’ll do my best to treat you！
敏：It seems that 10 million dollars can do lots of things. Oh！How I want to win the lottery！
Topic8: Appropriate dress
敏: Hey, did you guys have any embarrassing experience about wearing wrong cloths? My brother wore slippers to a restaurant last week, everyone in the restaurant looked at him, because it is inappropriate and noisy.
亭: I have! When I was junior high, I joined a camp, they asked us bring a long skirt, and I really did. On the party night, I put on my long, long skirt, and everybody looked at me. Cause every girl wear normal skirt.
臻: Well, that’s not your fault. They asked you to bring it, right? But it’s really embarrassing. You are lovely too, there’s no girl wearing long skirt now.
樺: Hey, I got a worse experience. At that time, I was a junior high school student. One day I got up, I found I was very late to school, I brushing、 washing my face and run out. On my way to school, every one looked at me and laughs. I don’t know why. But when I got school, my friend told me that I’m wearing my pajamas!
安: That’s really embarrassing. But it’s also very funny. I can’t image that scene. If I were you, I would dig a hole, hide in, and never out.
雅: Wow. It’s seems like you guys have some really interesting experience. Fortunately, I had nothing.
亭: You will. Someday you will.
樺: Yes, and at that time.
敏: It’s our turns to laugh at you.
Topic9: Fashion and style
文: Teenager will change their dress by the style of singer movie star or the advertisement .Hey 宜 what hair style do you think more adapt to men?
宜: In my opinion I like boy who has long brown hair and in the bell bottoms.
敏: Oh my god, don’t you think that is too flashy and out of style?
宜: Of course not! How about you 虹安. How do you think about fashion?
安: I prefer more elegant style. Not to be too formal but also not out of style.
彥: I agree with 虹安 opinion. And what more, we are just students. I don’t think wearing too flashy or too formal is a good idea.
雅: After attending in college, unlike the senior high school I agony about what to wear to school every day.
文: Me either, I always feel I am wearing the same clothes every day.
宜: This is every girl’s common problem.
彥: I like buying some fashion cloths, but what's bother me is, they're always becoming old-fashioned soon.
敏: I think we just to dress up to your own style.
安:Yes, that’s what I’ think too. Find your own style. And you don’t need to care about fashion.
雅: Me too. I think always keeping yourself clean and wearing appropriate will be nice.
Topic10: On becoming beautiful
文 : Hey “宜樺”you look beautiful today!
敏 : Do you makeup today ? Or do you wear false eyelashes?
宜 : Yes I also go to nail polishing and hair transplants!
虹 : Wow! I think you might spend a lot of money, don’t you!
彥 : Now as long as you have money, you can change your appearance easily.
雅 : I have heard that cosmetic surgery is very popular in Korea now. You don’t have to worry about what you look like any more.
文 : As long as having money, you can change your appearance whenever you want and whatever you like.
敏 : Have you all ever seen 醜女大翻身 before?
宜 : Oh, I know that movie, the leading lady become so pretty after cosmetic surgery.
虹 : Even though cosmetic surgery can change one person’s appearance, but I like nature beauty more.
彥 : My opinion is same as 子雅. The technology has become more and more advance now. Though we can change our appearance whatever we want. The inner beauty is still more important.
安 : Now so many girls care about their weight since they are already thin enough.
文 : They sometimes use amazing way to reduce their weight.
敏 : Actually, the general standard of beauty doesn’t always fit everyone.
宜 : I think if you really want to reduce your weight you can use more healthy way like exercise or something.
虹 : Just like 彥臻 said just now the inner beauty of a person is much more important than your appearance.

( The topics 1 2 6 are designed by 彥臻 and me;3 4 5 7 by 虹安 and 子雅;8 9 10 by 文亭 and 宜樺.)

Final Exam-Individual

Topic1: How to enjoy life more?
We can roughly divide the person into two kinds of personalities: optimism and pessimism. The person who is optimistic looks the bright side towards everything. As a result ,these kind of people may enjoy their life more because they can release the bad moods easily .On the other hand ,people who is pessimistic have their perspectives on life is full of negative things so they can’t relax themselves to see and live in a happier way .What they can do is take things lightly and not be too critical to themselves because things aren’t going so bad ,just relax !Open up your mind to view afresh this world and people around you and you’ll find that there is still something good in it .When you are happy ,everything you see is perfect ;then ,you will complain less and enjoy your life more!
Topic2: A life-changing experience.
I will say going to the high school ,HSNU ,change my life .In my junior high, I studied in a private girl school so my personality is a little serious and shy .When I entered to the high school ,I find it is quiet different from before. The tone in the school is so free that we live as a college student .The relationship between teachers and students is more like friends .Most important, I have known some good friends .They give me some ideas and look things in a different way which I’ve never thought before .They teach me don’t be too serious and fitly have some fun in my life.
Topic3: The music you listen to
The sort of music I listen to is popular music and some English old songs. The elements of music have melody, lyrics, beats, sound, etc. And the element that attract me the most is lyrics which are simple but hit my heart and build a connection between the song and the listener. The musician I like recently is “Soda Green” a student band. Besides the melody is good, the lyrics really touched my heart.
Topic4: The role of music in your life
Music is part of my life. I am used to playing music when I am alone. I sing when I am taking a shower and no matter I am in a good mood or bad mood. When I feel sad or upset, I listen to the rock music to cheer me up. When I am happy, I play some light music to share my happiness. Through music I can release my emotions and relax myself. And because of the company of music, I will not feel lonely even if I am alone. Music is really indispensable in my life.
Topic5: The benefits of music
Music can benefit in many ways such as emotional, social, physical, and intellectual. For example, first, it releases one’s emotions helping you to control your emotion better. Second, it makes you easily to get along with others because you have some topics to carry on a conversation with others. Third, it can sooth patients’ pain and let people sleep nicely. Last but not least, it can improve children’s study because music helps them concentrate.
Topic6: Financial IQ
I think money is important in our life. My spending habit is I will set a line how much I can spend this month and keep track of it. To earn a lot of money, you should not only work hard but also do some financial plans. My financial goal is make NT＄30 million when I retire. I have made some plans to achieve my goals, that is when my savings arrive some level, I will divide it into several parts to do some investment such as buying funds or stocks. The earlier you start to manage your money, the more you will earn.
Topic7: What would you do if you won a 10 million NT lottery ?
If I won a 10 million NT lottery, I will divide it into three parts. One, I will donate to the charity to help the poor, the orphaned hoping that it can improve their environment and live a better life. Another, I will do some investment or deposit in the bank to earn more money. Third, I will take it to do what I want to do such as traveling around the world with my family expanding my horizon. After all, life is short, trying to catch the opportunities to do what you desire because money can’t buy the time.
Topic8: Appropriate dress
What you wear depends on where you go .If you go to a formal occasion, you should wear suit and leather shoes. If you go to a casual occasion such as a home party, you can wear T-shirt and pants but avoid being dirty and blowsy. My brother had an embarrassing experience about wearing wrong. He is a kind of person who don ’ t care his looks. Once we went to a restaurant. He wore slippers and he thought that is fine. But everyone in the restaurant looked at him in a strange eye not only because it is inappropriate but also it is noisy. As a result, he felt very uncomfortable during the time. He has learned a lesson to wear appropriate.
Topic9: Fashion and style
Fashion is changing all the time. Things that are popular now and everyone wants to have them may be old-fashioned next year. But somehow it will be hot again in the years. I think the best style is simple. Don’t change with fashion because it will cost you too much time and money. Simplicity is suitable all the time. It may not be very fashionable but it’s not going to be old-fashioned. After all, simplicity is beautiful!
Topic10: On becoming beautiful
The stars on TV have influence on our concept of beauty. It seems that girls who must be thin and have big bust are considered as beauty. How skin-deep it is! The true beauty is from our heart. If you have a kind, soft heart, people will ignore your appearance and think you are beautiful because of your heart. But if you are bad, doing bad things, people will think you are ugly no matter how pretty you are. The fairy tale” Snow White ” has already told us this conception!

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing in the UK used to be seen as something rather unfashionable that old people might do. For the past five years though, the popularity of ballroom dancing has soared thanks to a reality TV show. 'Strictly Come Dancing' is one of the BBC's big TV shows. Millions of people tune in every Saturday night to watch the show which airs from September right up to Christmas.
In the show a number of professional ballroom dancers each partner up with a celebrity. Every week they have to learn a different ballroom dance and perform it live on TV on the Saturday night. Four judges, all of whom have a background in professional dance, give the celebrities scores and comments about their dances. It's then up to the public to call in and vote for their favourite couple. The two least favourite then have to dance again and the judges decide who stays in the competition and who leaves.
The show demonstrates how glamorous ballroom dancing is. The celebrities get to wear colourful dresses and sequined suits to dance in, and it looks like a lot of fun. The TV programme also shows what good exercise it can be to ballroom dance and what hard work is involved in learning the dances and performing them properly.
Dance schools around the country have seen a boost in the numbers of people wanting to learn how to dance. And it's not only older people who're interested. Lots of children and young people in their 20s are keen to learn.
The format for the show has been copied in lots of countries around the world. In America, the show is called 'Dancing with the Stars'.
So you can forget your usual exercise - why not learn a foxtrot, a tango or a jive or for the less energetic, a waltz perhaps. It's the trendy thing to do!
~News from BBC.
More and more people learn ballroom dancing,even children are interested in it.It is like to be a fashion exercise these days.And the news reminds me of a movie"Shall We Dance?”(中譯:來跳舞吧!)It talks about a man, Mr.Clark(acted by Richard Gere),who has a successful job and a perfect family but still felt that his life is not complete.As a result,he went to a dancing class trying to find some passion in his life.There,he met some friends,each of whom has his own reason to learn ballroom dancing.They even entered their names to participate in the dancing competition.Although they didn't win a price,their hardworking and passion let the assistant teacher(acted by Jennifer Lopez)burn the enthusiasm again to the dancing.And she decided to go back to the Blackpool where she failed last time fighting for her dream she desires her whole life.It is a good movie full of love,friendship,courage,and also humor.If you haven't watched the movie before,you should rent it when you are free.

Happy New Year!!

On the last day of 2007,I went to my friend's home,having fun with four of my high school classmates,ushering in a new year together.We made a big meal(chafing dish-火鍋)by ourselves.
Eating around the table,we talked about our college lives whether the teacher is good or not,is the classmates in college easy to get along......etc.,and had some gossips about other friends in high school.We really had a good time because the time past so quickly in our talk and laughter.Soon,it started to count on TV and when 101 shoot off the fireworks we congratulated to each other loudly and happily;although we weren't on the scene,the happy atmosphere still communicated to our hearts.It was not until 4:00am that we fell asleep.On that moment,I understood how much I missed them and the life in high school.But the world disperses all banquets,we all grow up and have our own life to live.

Elizabeth-The Golden Age

The story is against the backdrop that England queen-Elzabeth(acted by Cate Blanchett)was threatened by the betrayer of royal who believe in Catholicism,while the regime(政權) was believing in Protestantism.

Then a handsome young guy appeared.The man(acted by Clive Owen)who is totally unlike those athelings(貴族)caught the queen's eyes.He is adventurous,brave,and every word he said to queen is out of his heart.Soon,the queen fell in love.

But because the situation was quite bad,Elizabeth gave up this love for the whole situation and encouraged the man to associate with her beloved lady-in-waiting-Beth.

In the end of the movie, she said,"I have no master......I'm myself."

I think the movie is not bad.You can see a country leader must do some sacrifices(marriage,lover,family,etc.) to protect his/her people.It is not that easy to be a King or Queen we consider.

If you want to see this movie,I have a suggestion to tell is realizing more about the history will help you to get in the story further.

Cafe Triste,傷心咖啡店之歌

The story is talking about a group of people who lives in the prosperous Taipei want to find what the true value in their lives is and what they are desirably seeking for.
The leading character,馬蒂,is a thirty-year old woman but her life is actually a mess.
Her marriage is failed,the relationship in her family is indifferent,and she doesn't have any performances in her career,while most her classmates of university have done something in their field.
As a result,she begins to question herself whether she wants this kind of life or not.
But at the same time,she is afraid to persuade what she desires because she cares too much about other people's thinking and the value of society.
Then,she bumped into a group of people who run a cafe.
These people live their style and teach 馬蒂 to live for herself not for others,don't put emphasis on others' thought.
In the end,馬蒂 screwed up her courage heading for the place that she dreams her whole life,Madagascar.There,she has realized what is the true treasure to her and found the way in her life,although she died in an accident in Madagascar.
Sometimes when I am alone,I would think what I have done for 18 years.And sorrily I find that there are full of study and an variety of exams.I don't know what I am looking for and after all the school I have finished,what can I do and want to do?Working to death?Oh!That scares me.It seems that the dreams in our childhood disappear and the reality ties us up.We must find our dreams and passion back;otherwise,we will get lost and waste our life!That is why this novel attracts me.

Lust,Caution

CNN has interviewed with Ang Lee,the pride of Chinese people.Because after a controversial movie,"Brokeback Mountain"filmed,he has directed another one,"Lust,Caution"which depicted the psychologic struggle and female sexuality of a woman secret agent(acted by湯唯)against the backdrop of the war against Japan.The original novel is written by 張愛玲,a legendary woman in the contemporary Shanghai.I have not only seen the movie but also read the novel and I think it is a kind of Age tragedy.Falling in love with someone is not wrong.But at the background of Chinese eight-year war,the role you played and the one you loved should deeply considerate,not to mentioned,you two were in the opponent sides.So many people kept an eye on you and the social conscience would tie you up.It is the destiny that they would not have a happy ending; instead,one must kill the other one even her partner to ensure his savity.

http://www.bvi.com.tw/movies/lust_caution/main.html