以下答案为按课堂已讲方向整理的课后复习改进版，内容仅基于本次课堂中已经出现的观点、例子和表达。
How should managers motivate their employees to take on difficult challenges?
I think managers can do two main things. First, they can give employees cash incentives, such as bonuses for actual work done. Most people work to improve their living standards, so if managers expect people to take on extra challenges, it is reasonable to reward them for that effort. Second, managers should provide the necessary tools, training, and resources. Sometimes employees are not unwilling to solve a problem; they simply do not have the proficiency or support they need. For example, some companies now give employees free access to AI tools so that they can improve their productivity. Managers can also give employees credit for the work done, so they feel proud of their contribution.
Is there a line where encouragement becomes excessive pressure?
Yes. I think it depends on whether the challenge is still within reach. If the goal is challenging but possible, it is in the learning zone, and encouragement can help people grow. But if the expectation is unrealistic and way beyond someone's ability, then encouragement can become pressure. Also, encouragement should not be only verbal. If a manager just says, "You can do it," but gives no resources, tools, or support, the employee may only feel stressed instead of motivated.
Why do people's schedules change more frequently in modern life?
I think people's schedules change more often because modern life has become more complex. In the past, many people had a simple routine, like going to work, going home, cooking, and resting. But now people have more tasks and more unexpected updates in daily life. Information also travels very fast. People can receive messages at any time, so their boss, friends, or family can suddenly change a plan. In other words, things do not always go as planned, and nowadays people have more ways to reach you.
What personality traits help someone adapt better to unexpected changes?
Resilience is very important. When something changes suddenly, some people feel stressed because the situation seems out of control. If they have resilience, they can calm down quickly and focus on solving the problem instead of wasting time on emotions. Communication and coordination skills also help. For example, if a classroom for a study group suddenly becomes unavailable, you need to contact the school and tell other students about the change. Some people also have a plan B, and they are able to think on their feet.
Why do some people think it is better to ask for advice from friends than from parents?
Some people think friends know them better than their parents do. When people grow up, there are some things they only tell their friends because they do not want their parents to worry. Friends are also peers, so they often share a similar environment and similar experiences. For example, if a student is thinking about applications, friends may understand the current situation better, while parents may only know what the world was like when they were young. Also, friends are usually less judgmental, so it can be easier to talk to them.
When would old people ask young people for advice?
Older people may ask young people for advice when something is related to new technology. For example, they may ask how to download a photo from a website, how to send a message, or how to pay for things online. Many apps are not designed for older people. The text on the screen can be too small, and the design can be complicated. Older people may also ask young people about trendy things, such as what music is popular or what clothes can make them look younger.
Is it good for us to ask advice from strangers online?
It can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, online strangers may come from different professions and different fields. Some of them have expertise that you or your nearby friends do not have. For example, when choosing a university, it may be helpful to ask people who are familiar with universities. Also, online advice allows you to cross-reference different opinions. But it can also be risky because you do not really know those people. They are not accountable for the advice they give, and you may not know their motivation.
What are the problems if you ask too many people for advice?
The main problem is that too much information can make it harder to make a decision. If you hear many different opinions, especially conflicting ones, you may feel overwhelmed. This can lead to decision fatigue, because all the advice may sound possible and you do not know which one to follow. Asking for advice also takes time. If you spend too much time asking for suggestions, you may not have enough time to evaluate them or actually execute the decision.
When should parents encourage their children?
I think parents should encourage their children when the thing is not too dangerous and when the child is trying to do something meaningful. For example, if a child wants to perform at school, parents should encourage them because children often need motivation from their family. Home should be a safe space. If even parents do not encourage their children, children may feel that nobody supports them. But if something is truly dangerous or has serious consequences, parents should not encourage it.
Should children do everything their parents ask them to do?
Of course not. Parents can also make mistakes, and sometimes their advice may not be suitable for the child. For example, parents may ask a child to choose a major just because they think it is easy to find a job, but the child may prefer another field. As children grow older, they should learn to think independently. They can respect their parents, but they do not have to do everything their parents ask.
What kind of encouragement should parents give?
Parents can give both verbal encouragement and practical support. Verbal encouragement means saying things like "I'm proud of you" or telling the child that they are doing well. This is especially important because some parents are not good at expressing love or encouragement. Practical support is also important. For example, parents can give children resources, tools, or training when they need help. Encouragement is stronger when it is not only words but also real support.
Do you think a successful movie should have well-known actors or actresses in leading roles?
Well-known actors can help a movie, but they are not necessary. Famous actors already have many fans, so their fans may support the movie and help it sell better. Also, some actors are well-known for a reason, such as being good at acting. However, many successful movies have actors that most people had never heard of before. Some indie films or small productions can also be successful. Sometimes very famous actors may become too egotistic and spend less time improving their acting.
Do you think only well-known directors can create the best movies?
No. Even the most well-known directors had to start somewhere. Nobody is famous from the beginning. A director usually becomes famous because they first create a good movie. So a director's reputation is not the same as their ability. Sometimes actors may also turn to directing later in their careers, and some of their own projects may turn out well.
What kinds of movies do you think are successful in your country?
I think comedies are very successful in my country. Comedy is suitable for all age groups, from children to seniors. People in a fast-paced society can feel very stressed, and comedies can help them relax and forget about their daily life for two hours. Comedy also works for people in different moods. If people are already happy, they can become even happier, and if they are sad, a comedy may cheer them up.
Do Chinese people prefer to watch domestic movies or foreign movies?
I think Chinese people used to prefer foreign movies. Around two decades ago, good Chinese movies were few and far between, and the Chinese film industry was not as developed. Hollywood had many high production value movies, so many Chinese audiences preferred them. But nowadays, the domestic film industry is developing. Domestic directors and writers know their audience better, so it is easier to form a connection with local viewers. There is also a rise of national pride, and some people want to support domestic productions.
What games help develop children's imagination?
I think LEGO can be very good for children's imagination, especially when children build without following instructions. They have to build something out of nothing. Role-playing games can also help because children need to imagine the character they are playing, including the character's personality, way of speaking, habits, and story. This process encourages them to use creativity and imagination.
What kinds of jobs require imagination?
Any creative job requires imagination. For example, designers, painters, musicians, architects, and scientists all need imagination because they cannot simply follow other people's instructions. If they only copy others, they will never create anything new. Scientists also need imagination because they have to create new theories and push boundaries. Even teachers need imagination to make lessons fun and engaging.
How important is imagination for children?
Imagination is very important for children because it is the foundation of problem solving. It is not something magical or only related to art. When children use imagination, they learn to come up with new ways to solve problems. It is also important to develop imagination when they are still young, because adults may lose it when they face too many rules and responsibilities.
Do you think adults can have lots of imagination?
I think it is harder for adults to have a lot of imagination. Sometimes imaginative ideas may be criticized as unrealistic or irresponsible. In companies or in society, people often value stability and expect adults to follow instructions and do their jobs. If an adult wants to try a new strategy, the risk can be high because it may affect customers, coworkers, or the whole business. New ideas can be disruptive, so adults may have less freedom to use imagination.
What are the differences between childhood friendship and adult friendship?
Childhood friendship is usually easier and more innocent. Children may become friends simply because they sit together, play the same game, or share the same interest. There are usually fewer considerations of personal benefit. Adult friendship can be more complicated. Adults have work, families, and responsibilities, so they have less time to nurture a new friendship. It also takes more energy and effort to maintain adult relationships.
Is it easy for people to make new friends as they get older?
In some ways, adults may meet more people, so it can be easy to make social connections. For example, people may have dinner together or become so-called friends because they can help each other. But it is harder to make real friends. A real friendship requires time, energy, and care. Sometimes adults are tired and just want time for themselves, so it becomes harder to build a deep connection.
How has technology changed the way we socialize with friends?
Technology has changed friendship in two ways. On the one hand, it creates connections. We can meet people from different places, see our friends' lives on social media, and contact them very easily. On the other hand, it can also create boundaries. In their free time, many people prefer to stay at home and scroll on their phones instead of meeting friends offline. So technology may make contact easier, but it can also reduce real connection.