2019年英语专八写作作文辅导：Western Festivals
Part Ⅵ Writing (45 min)
Nowadays a lot of Chinese celebrate Western festivals. Some
people are afraid that this would lead to the loss of Chinese
culture. What do you think? Write an essay of about 400 words.

In the first part of your essay you should state clearly
your main argument, and in the second part you should support
your argument with appropriate details. In the last part you
should bring what you have written to a natural conclusion or
make a summary.

You should supply an appropriate title for your essay.
Marks will be awarded for content, organization, grammar and
appropriateness. Failure to follow the above instructions may
result in a loss of marks.

Sample
The Celebration of Western Festivals
No one can have failed to notice the fact that Western
festivals gain ever-increasing popularity in China. An
increasing number of Chinese are fond of celebrating Western
festivals today. On Valentine’s Day, many people, especially
the young, give flowers or chocolate to the one they love;
when Christmas approaches, nearly every store put on
decorations like Santa Claus, snowflakes and even Christmas
trees, not to mention the millions of people immersed in the
thrilling atmosphere of festival on Christmas Eve; even such
holidays as Halloween and the Easter Day are becoming known
and celebrated by more and more Chinese. In comparison, such
traditional Chinese festivals as the Spring Festival, the
Festival of Lanterns and the Mid-Autumn Day seem to be losing
their attraction.

In view of such a situation, many are worried that Chinese
culture will be ignored or even ruined by the invasion of
Western festivals. Personally, I believe that we needn’t be
over worried. Actually, the increasing popularity of some
Western festivals in China is nothing accidental, but some
thing justifiable.

First, it is a part of cultural globalization. With the
development of communication science and technology and along
with more and more nations opening up to the outside world,
the world today has turned into a global village, with many
national things becoming international. China is no exception.
While we are absorbing advanced science and technology from
foreign countries, we are also taking in different cultures.

Secondly, it is a sign of China’s rejuvenating. As a nation
boasting a civilization of 5,000 years, Chinese have been
known for their spirit of accommodation or open-mindedness.
China used to be a melting pot of cultures as the U.S. is
today. In the prosperous Tang dynasty, China was host to
travelers and settlers from over the world. Actually, being
accommodating is a sign of any thriving nation. Therefore, we
should be pleased rather than upset to see Chinese people
embracing foreign festivals.

It is true that some traditional Chinese festivals are
losing their appeal to many people, but this does not
necessarily the ruin of Chinese culture. Actually, a closer
inspection reveals that most Chinese celebrate Western
festivals merely out of the wish to seek novelty, to find a
new way to entertain themselves or to express their identity
in the face of the older generation. On the other hand, most
Chinese have not ignored their native festivals. A convincing
proof is that the Spring Festival still sees the largest flow
of population in the world as most Chinese rush to their
homes for family reunion.

In a word, while we are giving priority to the preservation
and development of traditional Chinese culture, we needn’t
worry too much about the inflow of foreign culture.