夜雨聆风7月4日（第一套）
You recently enrolled in an online language course and have enjoyed it. However, you are havingsome trouble with the online class platform. You need to contact the course instructor, Mrs. White,to resolve this issue.Write an email to Mrs.
White in your email, do the following：
Mention what you enjoyed most about the course.
Describe the issue you are having with the online platform.
Propose a solution to resolve this problem.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Diaz：
We've been talking about the role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional settings. Emotional intelligence involves the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others. Do you think emotional intelligence is more important than technical skills in the workplace? Why or why not?
Andrew：
I think emotional intelligence is more important than technical skills in the workplace. Being able to communicate effectively, manage stress, and work well in teams can lead to better collaboration and a healthier work environment.
Paul：
In my opinion, technical skills are more important in the workplace. Without the necessary technical expertise, employees wouldn't be able to perform their tasks efficiently. Emotional intelligence is valuable, but technical skills are essential for job performance.
7月4日（第二套）
You are a member of a local community club that organizes monthly events, such as neighborhood clean-up days and guest-speaker nights. You attended the local university's workshop on planning large community events and wanted to share what you learned with your local community club president, Ms. Jackson.
Write an email to Ms. Jackson. In your email , do the following：
Mention what you enjoyed about the online workshop you attended.
Explain how what you learned in the workshop can be applied to future events in your local club.·
Request a meeting to discuss further.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Diaz:
We've been discussing the importance of ethical behavior in business. Ethical practices, like fair wages or sustainable production policies, can enhance a company's reputation and build trust with customers. Some argue that companies should prioritize ethical practices even if it affects profitability, while others believe that profit should always come first. What is your opinion on this issue？
Paul:
Ethical practices should be prioritized in business. Building trust with customers and maintaining a positive reputation can lead to long-term success. Even if it affects short-term profitability, ethical behavior ensures long-term, sustainable growth.
Claire:
Profit should come first in business decisions, especially in cases when the business is new and needs to grow.Companies need to be financially healthy to continue operating and providing jobs. Ethical practices are important, but they should not compromise a company's ability to be profitable.
7月5日（第一套）
You recently purchased a piece of furniture for your dorm room from an online store called 'Home Comforts.' When the item arrived, you discovered that it was damaged during shipping. You are disappointed because you were looking forward to using the new furniture. You need to contact customer service to resolve the issue.
Write an email to the customer service representative, Ms. Brown. In your email, do the following:
Describe the item you purchased and the damage it sustained.
Explain why you are disappointed with the situation.
Request a replacement or a refund for the damaged item.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Gupta：
Next week, we will be discussing the impact of minimum wage laws on the economy. Minimum wage laws are designed to ensure that workers receive fair compensation for their labor. Some argue that raising the minimum wage helps reduce poverty and improve living standards, while others believe it can lead to job losses and increased costs for businesses. What are your thoughts on this issue? Are minimum wage laws good or bad for the economy overall?
Claire：
Minimum wage laws provide a lot of benefits if they are handled properly. If there is no minimum wage, or if it is too low, many people will not be able to afford food, housing, and medicine even if they work hard. Raising the minimum wage reduces poverty and improves living standards. It ensures that workers can afford basic necessities and contribute to the economy.
Andrew：
Increasing the minimum wage can lead to job losses and higher costs for businesses. Employers may cut jobs or reduce hours to offset the increased wages, which can negatively impact workers and the economy. The economy works best when prices and wages are determined by supply and demand, not by laws. So on the whole, minimum wage laws do more harm than good.
7月11日（第一套）
You recently stayed at a resort during your semester break and enjoyed the overall experience. However, you encountered some issues with your stay. You want to provide feedback to the resort manager, Ms. Garcia, to address these concerns.
Write an email to Ms. Garcia. In your email, do the following:
Mention what you enjoyed about your stay at the resort.
Describe the issues you had with your stay.
Suggest ways to improve the service.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Diaz：
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of inexpensive clothing for mass-market sales. Fast fashion allows consumers to buy trendy items at low prices and provides job opportunities in manufacturing countries. But critics argue that fast fashion leads to vast amounts of pollution in the form of discarded clothing, which harms the environment, and that workers experience poor working conditions. In your view, what would be the most effective solution to the problems associated with fast fashion?
Andrew：
I believe that laws should be created to hold fashion brands accountable for the problems their products create. This responsibility could push them to innovate and create new, environmentally friendly production methods. These innovations might not only reduce environmental damage but also improve conditions for workers.
Kelly：
Based on my experience, today’s consumers demand products that are made in environmentally and socially responsible ways. As a result, market forces are effective at getting companies to adopt better practices voluntarily. Consumer demand can encourage positive change without the need for strict accountability being imposed on clothing makers.
7月11日（第二套）
You and your friend, John, are planning a trip to Europe this summer. You have done some research and found some interesting destinations and activities that you would like to include in your itinerary. You want to share your ideas with John and get his opinion.
Write an email to John. In your email, do the following:
Describe the destinations you have researched.
Explain why you think these destinations would be enjoyable.
Ask for his opinion on the suggested itinerary and any additional ideas he might have.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Gupta：
Next week, we will be discussing the importance of preserving indigenous cultures that were present a long time ago and survive today. Indigenous cultures face numerous challenges, including globalization and environmental changes. Some experts argue that preserving these cultures is vital. Others believe that adapting to modern society is equally important for the survival and prosperity of indigenous peoples. What are your thoughts on this issue?
Claire：
Preserving indigenous cultures is essential for maintaining cultural diversity and historical knowledge. These cultures offer unique perspectives and wisdom that contribute to the richness of human heritage. Efforts should be made to protect their traditions and languages because the history of civilizations are often preserved by cultures with a long, storied past.
Paul：
While preserving cultural heritage is important, adapting to modern society is also crucial for the survival and prosperity of indigenous peoples. Integration into modern systems can provide additional resources for education, healthcare, and economic development. Indigenous peoples can be part of a modern society without sacrificing their history and culture.
7月18日（第一套）
Your professor, Dr. Smith, recently assigned a group project due in two weeks. You are frustrated because not all of your group members are contributing equally to the project.
Write an email to Dr. Smith. In your email, do the following:
Describe the issue you are facing with your group members.
Describe your specific contribution to the project.
Explain why you and the group have been unable to address this issue.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Gupta：
We’ve been discussing various leadership styles in business management. Some leaders are known for their authoritative approach, making decisions independently and expecting compliance from their team. Others prefer a collaborative approach, involving team members in decision-making and encouraging feedback. Which leadership style do you think is more effective in a business setting? Why ?
Claire：
I believe a collaborative leadership style is more effective in a business setting. Involving team members in decision-making can foster a sense of team cohesion. This feeling tends to produce better result, in terms of both quantity and quality.
Paul：
I think an authoritative leadership style is typically more effective. It ensures clear guidance from one person, which can be helpful to all others in high-pressure situations when interactions may require a more nuanced approach.
7月19日（第一套）
You are organizing a farewell party for a colleague who is leaving the company. Write an email to Mr. Teller, the coordinator in charge of company events to discuss the arrangements.
In your email, you should:
Explain the purpose of organizing the party and what you hope to achieve.
Describe the type of venue you prefer and the decoration style you have in mind.
Request a brief meeting with the coordinator to finalize the specific details of the event.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Diaz：
This week we have been discussing strategies to promote workplace productivity and employee performance. One particularly controversial topic that has emerged is multitasking. While some argue that the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once is essential in today’s fast-paced work environments, others believe that multitasking actually reduces efficiency and increases the likelihood of errors. Do you believe that managers should promote multitasking in the workplace? Why or why not?
Paul：
I think managers should promote multitasking. It helps employees handle routine tasks simultaneously and mirrors real-world demands. Even outside of the office, who has the luxury of focusing only on one task? With the right tools and training, multitasking can improve time management and adaptability—key traits in today's dynamic workplaces.
Kelly：
I oppose multitasking in the workplace. It increases the chance of mistakes and leads to mental fatigue. For example, when employees answer emails during meetings, they often miss key details or misinterpret information. Deep, focused work is more effective for quality outcomes and long-term employee well-being.
7月25日（第一套）
You recently rented a car for a weekend trip with your dorm mate and were satisfied with the vehicle's performance. However, you had a bad experience with the customer service at the rental office. You want to provide feedback to the rental company manager, Ms. Turner.
Write an email to Ms. Turner. In your email, do the following:
Explain what features of the car you liked most.
Describe the issues that occurred during your customer service experience.
Suggest ways to improve the pick-up and drop-off process.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Diaz：
We've been discussing strategic growth in corporations. Businesses may often choose to expand globally or prefer instead to deepen local roots. Global growth offers access to new markets and new resources, but can dilute brand identity and strain resources. A local focus, on the other hand, builds community trust, adapts to regional needs, and strengthens customer loyalty. Do you think corporations should concentrate more on expansion or local business? Why?
Claire：
I think global expansion is vital for businesses. It unlocks opportunities, like broader talent pools and increased innovation. Most companies that I know seek to stay competitive in a connected world. While local focus has its strengths, going global builds resilience and relevance across cultures and economies. Why limit potential to one region when the world is within reach?
Paul：
Focusing on local business practices supports regional economies and allows companies to tailor offerings to local needs. It builds trust, loyalty, and authenticity—qualities that global strategies can struggle to replicate. My favorite businesses are the family-owned ones downtown. Sometimes, deep roots in one place can create more lasting impact than a broad reach across many.
7月29日（第一套）
You are a member of a local gym called Fitness Zone. Recently, you have noticed that some of the exercise equipment is problematic. You want to suggest this to the gym manager, Ms. Taylor.
Describe the issues you have noticed with the current equipment.
Provide reasons for why adding new equipment would improve the gym experience.
Explain the consequences on membership of not improving the services.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Gupta：
We've been discussing the role of public art like painted murals on building walls, statues in parks, and sculptures in city squares. Some people believe that these permanent artistic installations enhance neighborhoods and provide spaces for local artists to showcase their talents. Others argue that communities benefit more from funding temporary art events like outdoor concerts, theater performances, and art festivals that gather people together. What is your view？Should communities prioritize permanent public art or temporary cultural events？
Paul：
Permanent public art installations are more valuable for creating lasting community identity and pride. Colorful murals and interesting sculptures transform boring public spaces into inspiring environments where people enjoy spending time daily, which supports local businesses. Unlike temporary events, permanent art provides year-round cultural enrichment and gives residents constant opportunities to feel connected to their neighborhood's artistic character and history.
Claire：
I think communities benefit more from funding temporary cultural events like outdoor concerts, theater performances, and art festivals. These events bring people together for shared experiences, support local artists through paid performances, and attract visitors who spend money at nearby businesses. Temporary events also allow communities to experience diverse art forms and adapt their cultural programming based on changing interests.
7月29日（第二套）
You recently dined at a restaurant near your campus called The Garden Bistro and had an excellent experience. However, you noticed that the menu could be improved.
Write an email to Ms. Johnson. In your email, do the following:
Express gratitude for the dining experience you had and explain what you liked about it.
Explain your concerns about the menu.
Suggest ways to improve the menu and the restaurant.
Academic Discussion：
Dr. Gupta：
We are studying how companies maintain long-term brand through logos, colors, slogans, and advertising styles. Some companies have maintained the same visual design and core advertising messages for decades to build strong customer recognition and trust. Other regularly update their appearance and marketing approaches to adapt to current trends and changing customer preferences. Which strategy do you think is more suitable for maintaining long-term brand ？Why?
Kelly：
I believe companies should keep their brand identity consistent for a long time. When customers repeatedly see the same logo, colors, and slogans, they can easily recognize the brand.
Andrew：
In my opinion, companies should regularly update their brand image. Consumer tastes and market trends change quickly, especially with younger generations. If companies keep the same design for too long, their brand may appear outdated.
