Question 1

Describe a happy person you know.

Accepted Answer

One of the most genuinely happy people I have ever encountered is my maternal grandmother, who turns 78 this year and still lives independently in her quiet riverside hometown in southern China. She is a warm, unflappable woman with a face crinkled permanently in a soft half-smile, and she has a knack for putting even total strangers at ease within minutes of striking up a casual conversation. She radiates joy through small, consistent gestures: she hums 1960s folk tunes while tending to her lush vegetable patch, she brings homemade osmanthus cakes to any neighbor going through a tough patch, and she laughs so heartily at her own silly puns that everyone around her can’t help but join in. I believe her happiness stems from two core traits: first, she has a deeply grateful mindset, never taking small comforts like a sunlit morning or a video call from her grandkids for granted. Second, she is inherently altruistic, deriving far more satisfaction from giving than receiving. Even when she battled a minor stroke three years ago, she kept her spirits up by knitting woolen scarves for the left-behind children in her village. Her ability to find joy in ordinary moments is truly inspiring.

maternal grandmother /məˈtɜːnl ˈɡrænmʌðə(r)/：外祖母；外婆

left-behind children /left bɪˈhaɪnd ˈtʃɪldrən/：留守儿童

have a knack for /hæv ə næk fɔː(r)/：有…的天分；擅长

unflappable /ʌnˈflæpəbl/：沉稳的；临危不乱的

radiate joy /ˈreɪdieɪt dʒɔɪ/：洋溢着喜悦

altruistic /ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/：利他的；无私的

genuinely /ˈdʒenjuɪnli/：由衷地；真诚地

stem from /stem frəm/：源于；来自

Question 2

Should teachers know what children are doing all the time?

Accepted Answer

I don't think teachers need to know what kids are doing all the time. Children should have some personal space to explore their individuality and make their own choices. Being constantly monitored might make them feel pressured or mistrusted, which could harm their confidence. Instead, teachers should focus on creating a supportive environment where children feel encouraged to express themselves openly. Trust and independence are important for kids to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for their growth.

Question 3

Do you think teachers are able to spot the unhappy children?

Accepted Answer

I don't think teachers can always tell if a child is unhappy. Kids often hide their feelings really well, especially if they're shy or afraid to open up. Plus, teachers have so many students to look after that it's hard to notice subtle changes in behavior. Some children might act perfectly normal on the surface, even if they're struggling emotionally. Without clear signs or the child speaking up, it's almost impossible for teachers to spot every unhappy student.

Question 4

How can the arts spread positive emotions in society?

Accepted Answer

The arts have an amazing way of connecting people and evoking emotions. A beautiful painting, a powerful song, or an inspiring movie can lift spirits and bring a sense of hope. Live performances like theater or concerts also create shared experiences that bring people closer. Art often reflects universal human feelings, making it easier for others to relate and find comfort. By expressing positivity and creativity, the arts can inspire, heal, and remind us of the beauty in life, which spreads a ripple of happiness throughout society.

Describe A happy person you know

Describe a happy person you know.

Part 3 Discussion