以下为按课堂已讲方向整理的课后复习改进版，内容仅使用本节课逐字稿中出现的材料和老师讲解方向。
Describe a car trip you would like to go to or a car trip you went on.
When I was a child, my dad was working at a dam far away from our home city, so on weekends my mom often drove me to visit him. For me, the whole trip was just like a journey.
I really enjoyed those car trips for several reasons. First, it was much more comfortable than taking a plane or a train. In the car, I had more space, and I could lie on the back seat when I felt tired. It was also quiet because there were only my mom and me in the car. We bought snacks, and sometimes my mom played some nice music, so I could eat snacks, listen to music, and look out of the window.
Another reason was the scenery. On the road, we could see grasslands and mountains, and the views were very relaxing. The best thing about a car trip was that we could stop whenever we saw something beautiful. Once, we passed by the foot of a mountain, and it was the season when many blue flowers were blooming. My mom and I got out of the car, picked some flowers, made a small bunch of flowers, and gave it to my dad. We also took many photos there. I still keep those photos, and every time I see them, I remember how happy I was on the way to visit my dad.
Why do people like to go on road trips?
I think the main reason is that people do not just want to arrive at the destination directly. They also want to enjoy the landscapes on the road. Road trips are also much more flexible. Whenever you see a beautiful landscape, you can stop by, take some photos, or take a walk. Also, the cost of a road trip can be flexible. If people want to save money, they can drive by themselves or even sleep in the car. If their budget allows it, they can hire a driver and stay in hotels.
What are the disadvantages of car trips?
There are some disadvantages too. If you do not hire a driver, you need to drive by yourself, and that can be very exhausting. If the driver is too tired, it can even be dangerous. Another disadvantage is that it might be a waste of time. Sometimes there is no beautiful landscape on the road, and it is just a highway, so the trip can become quite boring.
Has road trip become popular in recent years in our country?
Yes, I think road trips have become more popular in my country in recent years. First, with the development of the economy, more and more people can afford their own cars, so they have the choice to take a road trip. Second, transport infrastructure has improved. Our highway system almost leads everywhere, so it gives people more opportunities to travel by car. Also, people can be really stressed these days, so a road trip can be seen as a lifestyle, a way to escape from reality and pursue freedom.
Describe a time when you were stuck in traffic for a long time.
When I was a child, my dad was working at a dam far away from our home city. Once during the Chinese New Year holiday, my mom decided to take me to visit my dad. Our plan was to arrive there in about four hours, but unfortunately, we met a traffic jam because a lot of people wanted to go back home for Chinese New Year.
At first, we thought it would only last for about ten minutes, so we decided to take a rest and eat some snacks. However, the traffic did not move at all. My mom took a little break, and I listened to music and looked out of the window at the landscapes.
When my mom woke up, the traffic was still not moving. It was getting hot in the cars, so people started to get out of their cars. We also got out of our car and played soccer with other people on the grass by the highway. It was quite fun, and everyone seemed to forget how upset they were about the traffic jam.
When we were all tired, the road ahead was gradually cleared, and the traffic finally started moving. We arrived at the destination before evening. That experience made me feel that even a boring traffic jam could become a special memory.
What do people usually do when they get stuck in traffic?
Some people might just complain about the traffic. Some people choose to listen to music or scroll through their phones to distract themselves. Others may do nothing and take a nap, although taking a nap in the car can be a little dangerous in some situations.
Why do people get upset when they get stuck in traffic?
People get upset because they have things to do and places to go. A traffic jam can disrupt their plans and make them feel anxious or helpless. It can also make them lose their sense of control. Besides, there is often a lot of noise, such as honking, and the car can become uncomfortable, especially when it is too hot to stay in the car.
What can the government do to improve traffic flow in major cities?
The government can carry out some regulations to limit the number of cars on the road. For example, in some cities, there are rules that only allow some cars to be driven on certain days. The government can also invest money to improve transport infrastructure, such as building skyways to divert some traffic. Another way is to improve public transportation, for example by reducing the price or making it more available, so that more people choose public transportation instead of driving by themselves.
Describe a time when you changed an important opinion of yours.
I used to think that getting stuck in traffic was always a horrible thing. I thought it was boring, stressful, and a complete waste of time. However, one experience with my mom changed the way I see this kind of mishap in life.
Once my mom took me to visit my dad, and we got stuck in traffic for several hours. At first, I thought it was going to be horrible. But my mom was such a positive person. She first took out some snacks, and we ate and chatted in the car. Then we listened to music and looked at the scenery outside the window.
Later, the traffic was still not moving, and many people got out of their cars because it was hot inside. My mom found a soccer ball in the trunk, and we started to play soccer with some strangers on the grass by the highway. Surprisingly, everyone became happy, and the traffic jam turned into a special memory.
That experience changed my opinion. I realized that even when something undesirable happens, we can still try to make the most out of the situation. Sometimes the problem itself does not change, but the way we deal with it can completely change our experience.
When do children start to form their own opinions?
I think it depends on the kind of opinion. If it is just about what they like to eat or drink, children may form these preferences very early because some preferences are quite natural. However, if the opinion is more abstract, such as a cultural or political opinion, it takes more time. Children first need to improve their ability to think and reflect, because when we are young, we often just accept what our teachers or parents tell us.
Why can it be hard to change people's opinions?
I think there are two reasons. First, some people take their own opinions as part of their identity. If someone disagrees with them, they may see it as a threat. It is not just disagreement about a proposition; they might think they are being challenged as a person. Second, some people do not change their beliefs just because other people say something. They need to see valid and reliable arguments or evidence before they change their minds.
Do you think we should share our opinions online or on social media?
Yes, I think we should share our opinions online, but in a reasonable way. We are social animals, and we have a basic need to communicate with others and share our ideas. However, opinions can sometimes be mixed with emotions and become aggressive or controversial. So it is important to express our opinions in a clear and rational way. This can improve our understanding of each other.
Who do you think are more opinionated, young people or old people?
I think it is hard to say. On a superficial level, young people tend to express their opinions more frequently. They are more vocal in reality and online, while older people may just observe rather than engage. However, young people may also change their opinions more often because they are more open-minded and their opinions change with their life experience. Older people might be more stubborn because they have lived with their opinions for a long time, and sometimes they see their opinions as part of their identity.
Do people need to spend a lot of money to have a good time?
Definitely not. Happiness can come from many different feelings and experiences, and not all of them require a lot of money. However, I do agree that we need at least some money to fulfill our basic needs. If a person cannot find a safe place to live or enough food to eat, it is basically impossible to be happy.
What are the pros and cons of being rich or wealthy?
There are many advantages of being wealthy. Money can give people more freedom. They can buy what they want and go wherever they want, and they do not need to worry too much about healthcare, bills, or housing. However, wealth also has costs. Money does not grow on trees, and wealthy people often need to take more responsibility. For example, if they own a business, one small decision may lead to serious or even catastrophic consequences. So they may feel more stressed and need to be more cautious.
What are some good things that do not require money?
There are many good things that do not require money. For example, one of the greatest joys in many people's lives is the time they spend with their family and friends. This kind of genuine company cannot be bought. There are also many little moments in life that can make us happy, such as seeing a cute cat walking through the street, appreciating a stunning landscape, or smelling the crisp morning air.