Writing Feedback / GRE Issue: On the value of history [4]

Well, I think the 3rd paragraph has some problem. Can anyone give me suggestions? Thanks!

TOPIC: ISSUE103 - "The study of history has value only to the extent that it is relevant to our daily lives."

The study of history is important since history is a mirror of human beings. History can provide us far more valuable insights on understanding ourselves and the world. Therefore, I do not agree with the speaker's statement that the value of studying history is judged by relevance to current lives.

It is hard to judge whether what happened in the past is irrelevant to our daily lives now. Admittedly, in the aspect of technology, we are living in a world of internet, computers and cell phones, which greatly influence the way of our living and differ us from past generations. However, basic problems such as wars, discrimination and poverty still exist. We are still facing the same issues raised by our ancestors because of the consistency of human nature. Therefore, one cannot come to a abrupt conclusion that any piece of history is irrelevant to our daily life.

I believe it makes more sense to judge the value of historical studies by whether it helps us understand ourselves and the world. It is generally the same standard when judging the values of other subjects like science. Take life sciences for example, most of the studies focus on molecular level, which is far away from our daily lives. However, it has potential values in understanding how our bodies function. Though some of the research can not be applied to our daily lives yet, by understanding ourselves further, future research based on these understanding may come up with efficient cancer drugs. Thus, the potential values from insights on us and the world cannot be neglected.

Historical studies also have value in the same way. As for understanding ourselves, the study of history provides enormous stories of people. By reading others' whole life stories in a short time, a person can gain lots of experience that cannot be obtained in real life. One of the most valuable lessons is the uncertainty of life. We get to know that a billionaire can one day be a prisoner, and a civilized and powerful nation may disappear because of intrusion of a uncivilized tribe. By understanding the uncertainty of our lives, we could be more prepared for sudden changes of life and stay optimistic, since there are so many unlucky people in the past. That is the reason why during Cultural Revolution in China, when professors were forced to become farmers in remote areas forever, most of history professors did not commit suicide and waited optimistically for ten years until they were released. The potential value of understanding ourselves can save us from disappear.

As for understanding the world, we may figure out reasons for the development of anything by examining its history. Take life sciences for example, the stories of past biologists do not have direct relevancy to one's own research. However, when a scientist examines the origin and development of life sciences, he or she may find that most of the remarkable breakthroughs are achieved by methods and devices of other fields. The discovery of cell is made possible by microscopes, and the structure of DNA is confirmed by methods used in Chemistry. If the methods of Physics and Chemistry were not applied in life science, most of the biologists would have still focused on plants and animal behaviors. Therefore, the history of Biology tells us that the development of Biology is greatly influenced by the application of fruits in other fields. If a scientist wants to make a great contribution to life science, he or she needs to know more about Physics and Chemistry. This conclusion cannot be reached without the study of bio-science history.

In sum, I believe that the study of history has value when it helps us understand ourselves and the world. History offers us a panorama of the world in any given time and place, and the nature of human and the world could be disclosed by the study of history.

Writing Feedback / GRE Issue: Suggestion on improving the quality of instruction at the college [4]

I'm preparing for issue topics and I feel that my weekness may be concerned with logics, structure, and examples. Hope anyone can point out these problems. Thanks!!

TOPIC: ISSUE50 - "In order to improve the quality of instruction at the college and university level, all faculty should be required to spend time working outside the academic world in professions relevant to the courses they teach."

I was very surprised that a graduate student told me that all the courses taught in university were irrelevant to his work when I just began my university life. Now I realize that it is a common complaint, and there is a need to enhance the connection between courses and the real world. However, I do not agree with the suggestion given above.

The training we under in university is too academic and needs to be closer to society. Most of professors in China were educated by books and do not know about how things worked. In a recent survey, half of the scientific research in China can not apply to industry because they are too far away from the real world. It could be a waste of resources if universities do not prepare students for a real world. Therefore, it is important that the instructions in university are more relevant to reality.

However, making all faculty working outside the academic world may not help solve the problem. Most of the faculties have their own research to do except teaching, and a few weeks' leave can cause trouble. Academic world keeps changing all the time and professors need to catch up with the newest published ideas. Working outside may be distractive to professors. Also, the students in their groups might lack their guidance. I'm afraid that a few weeks' superficial working experience cannot provide the real benefit for students and universities.

Besides, this suggestion cannot apply to some subjects like math. Since this kind of fields are directly related to academic world, students do not need any practical experience. Thus, it may be ridiculous for a math professor to get industrious experience for his or her students.

If the suggestion's aim is to give students a general picture of how things taught in courses are applied in industry, I believe there are more effective ways. Students simply could get the first-hand experience by themselves. Schools could encourage students to pay visit to companies and take internship during vacations. In addition, instructors could make it an assignment that all students should do a research on related professions. This can be interviews with professionals, taking a look on real companies or doing surveys. Teaching by first-hand experience is more impressive and more effective than a instructor says about his short visits outside academic world.

If it is hard to let student learn through their own experience, then an instructor can invite real professionals to give lecture to the class. They are able to provide insights by years of experience, and that is what an instructor cannot do by only a few weeks.

It is during higher education that the youth know about the society. To better achieve this goal, colleges and universities should help students get first-hand experience or invite professionals to classrooms to prepare them for their future career.