Directions: Carefully read the following passage and write a short composition of about 250 to 300 words. You should write the composition on the ANSWER SHEET. Note that your score will be awarded mainly on the base of content, logic, style and language. (30 points)
In the United Kingdom and many other European countries, many old buildings are well reserved and protected by historic trusts and international organizations such as UNESCO. In China, a number of public administrations however believe that old buildings stand in the way of progress.
Why is protection of old buildings important in China or not? An argumentative is expected to support your viewpoint.
【写作思路】
开头段：开门见山，提出中心论点：保护历史建筑对于保护文化遗产和促进可持续发展至关重要。
主体段：具体阐述保护历史建筑的重要性：保存文化遗产、促进可持续发展和带动当地经济发展。
结尾段：总结全文，重申观点。
【参考范文】
The Importance of Protecting Old Buildings
In recent years, China has undergone rapid modernization, resulting in the demolition of many old buildings to make way for new development. While some public administrations argue that old buildings impede progress, the protection of historic architecture is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development.
Firstly, old buildings are tangible reminders of our country’s history and culture. They often represent significant moments in our nation’s past, such as the rise and fall of dynasties, the development of art and architecture, and the evolution of social structures. By preserving these buildings, we can maintain a connection to our heritage and ensure that future generations have a physical link to the past. Furthermore, the destruction of old buildings can lead to environmental degradation and unsustainable development. The construction of new buildings consumes vast amounts of resources and generates enormous amounts of waste. In contrast, the restoration and conservation of historic buildings promote sustainable development by reusing existing materials and reducing the need for new construction. Lastly, old buildings can serve as important landmarks and tourist attractions, generating revenue and supporting local economies. Visitors from around the world are drawn to historic architecture, which can provide a significant boost to tourism industries and create jobs for local communities.
In conclusion, the protection of old buildings is essential for preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and supporting local economies. While progress is important, it should not come at the cost of losing our connection to the past and sacrificing our environment and economic well-being.
【重点词汇】
demolition /ˌdeməˈlɪʃ(ə)n/ n. 拆毁，毁坏 impede /ɪmˈpiːd/ v. 妨碍，阻碍
degradation /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ n. 毁坏，恶化 tangible /ˈtændʒəb(ə)l/ adj. 有形的
tourist attraction 观光胜地 at the cost of 以……为代价
【精选句型】
1. While some public administrations argue that old buildings impede progress, the protection of historic architecture is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable development.（提出中心论点）
虽然一些公共管理部门认为老建筑阻碍了进步，但保护历史建筑对于保护文化遗产和促进可持续发展至关重要。
2. Visitors from around the world are drawn to historic architecture, which can provide a significant boost to tourism industries and create jobs for local communities.
来自世界各地的游客被历史建筑所吸引，这可以极大地促进旅游业，并为当地社区创造就业机会。
3. In conclusion, the protection of old buildings is essential for preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development, and supporting local economies.（总结全文）
综上所述，保护老建筑对于保存文化遗产、促进可持续发展和支持当地经济都是必不可少的。
【全文翻译】
保护老建筑的重要性
近年来，中国经历了快速的现代化，许多旧建筑被拆除，为新的发展让路。虽然一些公共管理部门认为老建筑阻碍了进步，但保护历史建筑对于保护文化遗产和促进可持续发展至关重要。
首先，老建筑使我们真实地领略到国家的历史和文化。它们通常代表我们国家过去的重要时刻，如朝代的兴衰，艺术和建筑的发展，以及社会结构的演变。通过保护这些建筑，我们可以与我们的遗产保持联系，并确保子孙后代与过去保持物理联系。此外，旧建筑的破坏会导致环境退化和不可持续的发展。新建筑的建造消耗了大量的资源，产生了大量的垃圾。相比之下，历史建筑的修复和保护通过重复利用现有材料和减少新建筑的需求来促进可持续发展。最后，老建筑可以作为重要的地标和旅游景点，创造收入，带动当地经济。来自世界各地的游客被历史建筑所吸引，这可以极大地促进旅游业，并为当地社区创造就业机会。
综上所述，保护老建筑对于保存文化遗产、促进可持续发展和支持当地经济都是必不可少的。进步固然重要，但不应以失去与过去的联系、牺牲环境和经济福祉为代价。
