K S LO ENGLISH

On April 26, 1986, a significant incident occurred in Ukraine that would profoundly impact human history. It unfolded in the heartland of the country, near the town of Pripyat, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. During the early hours of that morning, reactor number four experienced a catastrophic explosion, resulting in the release of an unprecedented amount of radioactive material into the atmosphere.

This event stands as one of the most severe nuclear disasters in history and has significantly influenced our understanding of the power and potential risks associated with nuclear energy.

Chernobyl’s Design

Chernobyl was an RBMK-1000 nuclear reactor, which differed from the commonly used water-moderated and water-cooled pressurized water reactors (PWRs) or boiling water reactors (BWRs) found in the West.

The RBMK design featured graphite moderation and water cooling.

However, the RBMK reactors did have safety systems in place to prevent meltdowns. While the RBMK design had inherent safety flaws, such as a positive void coefficient that could lead to power increases with increased steam formation, the safety features were intended to mitigate risks and were not deliberately deactivated.

The RBMK design, developed in the 1950s, was a second-generation reactor that originated in the Soviet Union. It was designed with a focus on rapid production and cost efficiency rather than redundancy and extensive safety measures. The reactor had certain design features that became highly unstable when operated beyond their intended specifications.

Unlike heavy water reactors, which required substantial maintenance and expensive volumes of heavy water for startup, the RBMK design utilized a graphite core and natural uranium fuel. This enabled the reactor to generate massive amounts of power at a significantly lower cost, making it an attractive option for power generation purposes. However, the design’s deficiencies and lack of safety redundancies ultimately led to significant safety concerns.

How does a Nuclear Reactor Function?

A nuclear reactor uses uranium or plutonium fuel to produce heat through a process called nuclear fission. When the fuel atoms are struck by neutrons, they split apart, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is used to generate steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. Control rods are used to manage the reaction and prevent overheating. Overall, nuclear reactors produce electricity by harnessing the heat generated from splitting atoms.

Mechanism of Reactor Stability

1. Graphite Moderation: The RBMK-1000 reactor used graphite as a moderator (moderating the speed of the neutrons). A moderator is a material that slows down the fast-moving neutrons released during the nuclear fission process. By slowing down the neutrons (thermalization), the graphite allows them to efficiently cause further fission reactions in the reactor’s fuel.
2. Water Cooling: The RBMK-1000 reactor used water as a coolant. The primary purpose of the coolant is to absorb the heat generated by the nuclear fission reactions. In the RBMK-1000 design, the water served two main functions: cooling the fuel and generating steam for electricity production.
3. Boiling Water Reactor: The RBMK-1000 reactor is classified as a boiling water reactor (BWR). In a BWR, the coolant (water) itself boils directly in the reactor core, and the resulting steam is used to drive the turbine and generate electricity. The steam is then condensed back into water and returned to the reactor core.

Design Basis Accident

In the event of a total power loss at the Chernobyl station, each reactor was equipped with three backup diesel generators. However, these generators took approximately 60-75 seconds to reach full load and generate the required 5.5-megawatt output to run one main pump. During this interim period, special counterweights on each pump were designed to allow them to provide coolant through inertia, bridging the gap until the generators were fully operational.

Nevertheless, there was a potential safety risk if a station blackout occurred simultaneously with the rupture of a 600-millimeter coolant pipe, which was known as the Design Basis Accident. In such a scenario, the emergency core cooling system (ECCS) was required to pump additional water into the core to replace the coolant lost through evaporation. This was crucial to prevent overheating and potential damage to the reactor core.

The Test, Part I

In order to generate electrical power for the Emergency Core Cooling System (ECCS) at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, it was proposed to utilize the slowly reducing rotational momentum of the reactor’s steam turbine. The idea was that the turbine’s energy could be used to power the coolant pumps for 45 seconds, bridging the gap of 60 seconds before the backup generators could power the pumps or the ECCS.

However, before implementing this concept, it was necessary to confirm its feasibility through experimental testing. Previous attempts at conducting such tests had been unsuccessful. An initial test in 1982 revealed that the excitation voltage of the turbine generator was insufficient to maintain the required magnetic field after the turbine was tripped. Modifications were made to the electrical system, and a second test was conducted in 1984, but it also proved unsuccessful. A third test in 1985 faced issues with the recording equipment and yielded no results.

Despite the unsuccessful tests, another test was scheduled to be carried out in 1986 during a controlled power-down of reactor No. 4, which was part of a planned maintenance outage. The test procedure had been written, but the authors were not aware of the peculiar behaviour of the RBMK-1000 reactor under the planned operating conditions.

It’s worth noting that the test procedure was considered to be purely an electrical test of the generator and not a comprehensive unit test, even though it involved critical unit systems. According to the regulations in place at the time, such a test did not require approval from the chief design authority for the reactor (NIKIET) or the Soviet nuclear safety regulator.

The test program involved disabling the emergency core cooling system, which is a system designed to cool the reactor core in the event of a loss-of-coolant accident. If the reactor started to rapidly heat up, there would be no way to save it.

The Test, Part II

Based on the information available from 1986, the test procedure was intended to run as follows:

1. Test Preparation:

• The test would be conducted before a scheduled reactor shutdown.
• The thermal power of the reactor would be reduced to a range of 700 MW to 1,000 MW. This reduction was necessary to ensure adequate cooling because the turbine would be spun at its operating speed while disconnected from the power grid.
• The steam turbine generator would operate at its normal operating speed.
• Four out of the eight main circulating pumps would be powered by off-site power, while the remaining four would be powered by the turbine.

2. Electrical Test:

• Once the correct conditions were achieved, the steam supply to the turbine generator would be closed off, and the reactor would be shut down.
• The voltage provided by the coasting turbine would be measured, along with the voltage and RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) of the four main circulating pumps that were powered by the turbine.
• When the emergency generators supplied full electrical power, the turbine generator would be allowed to continue free-wheeling down.

The Test, Part III

The test was scheduled to take place on April 25, 1986, during the day shift as part of a routine reactor shutdown. The day shift crew had received instructions in advance regarding the operating conditions required for the test. Additionally, a team of electrical engineers was present to conduct a one-minute test of the new voltage-regulating system once the appropriate conditions were met. The power unit’s output had been gradually reduced to 50% of its nominal 3,200 MW thermal level by 01:06 on April 25.

During the day shift, various unrelated maintenance tasks were carried out, and the test was planned to be performed at 14:15. Preparations for the test, including the disabling of the emergency core cooling system, were carried out. However, there was an unexpected outage at another regional power station at 14:00. As a result, the Kiev electrical grid controller requested a postponement of the further reduction of Chernobyl’s output, as the power was needed to meet the peak evening demand. Consequently, the test was postponed.

After the delay, the day shift was replaced by the evening shift. Unfortunately, the emergency core cooling system remained disabled. Although the system would not have impacted the subsequent events, leaving the reactor operating without emergency protection for 11 hours outside of the test indicated a general lack of safety culture.

At 23:04, the Kiev grid controller permitted the reactor shutdown to resume. However, this delay had significant consequences. The day shift had already finished their work, the evening shift was preparing to leave, and the night shift would not take over until midnight, which was well into their shift. According to the original plan, the test should have been completed during the day shift, and the night shift would have only been responsible for maintaining the cooling systems to manage the decay heat in a shut-down plant.

Inexperience of the Night Shift

The night shift had very limited time to prepare for and carry out the experiment. Anatoly Dyatlov, deputy chief engineer of Chernobyl, was present to supervise and direct the test. He was one of the test’s chief authors and was the highest-ranking individual present in the Reactor 4 control room. Unit Shift Supervisor Aleksandr Akimov was in charge of the Unit 4 night shift, and Leonid Toptunov was the Senior Reactor Control Engineer responsible for the reactor’s operational regimen, including the movement of the control rods of the core itself. Mr. Toptunov, who was working as the Senior Reactor Control Engineer, had 3 months of experience.

Unexpected Power Drop

The Test had called for a gradual drop of the power to 700-1000 MW. A power of 720 MW was reached at 00:05 in the morning.

However, due to the reactor’s continuing production of Xenon-135 (see Xenon-135), in normal circumstances, the xenon is “burned off” by the neutrons, creating highly stable xenon-136, which doesn’t absorb neutrons easily. However, as the power was kept at half power, the xenon did not “burn off” as there were fewer neutrons being given off. As such, the power continued to drop below 700 MW.

When the power dropped to ~500 MW, the reactor power control was shifted from the Local Automatic Regulator (LAR) to the Automatic Regulator (AR) to manually retain power. AR-1 then activated, removing all four of its control rods automatically, but AR-2 failed to activate due to an imbalance in its ionization chambers. In response, Toptunov reduced power to stabilize the ionization sensors. The result was a sudden power drop to an unintended shutdown state, with a power output of 30 MW thermal or less.

The reactor was now operating at 5% of the required power level for the test. In response, the operators of 211 control rods in the core left only a few remaining fully in the reactor, still high enough for safety regulations to dictate.

As several minutes went by, the reactor power slowly climbed to 200 MW thermal, which was not high enough for the test, but high enough by manually managing the water flow, and they produced enough steam to drive the turbines up to speed.

Then, the operators turned two cooling water pumps on, which reduced reactivity in the core. In response to this problem, the operators pulled even more control rods, and at this time, the control rod number in the core fell below the required number of 15. As the RBMK didn’t have a system for counting the number of control rods pulled, the operators couldn’t know. Of 211 control rods, only 6 remained.

The Test Begins

At 01:23:04, the test finally began; 4 of the 8 Main Circulating Pumps were to be powered by the coasting turbine, while the four other pumps were to be powered by outside power.

The steam to the turbines was shut off, beginning a run-down of the turbine generator. The diesel generators started and started to pick up loads; as the rotational momentum of the turbine generator decreased, so did the power it produced for the pumps. The water flow rate decreased, leading to increased formation of steam voids in the coolant flowing up through the fuel pressure tubes (Positive Void Coefficient).

As the voids increased, the power started to jump rapidly.

1:23:40, AZ-5

At 01:23:40, as recorded by the SKALA central control system, Akimov signals to Toptunov to engage AZ-5, the emergency SCRAM, in effect like brakes on a car. However, unbeknownst to the operators, the control rods had a graphite displacer rod on the ends of them, and when AZ-5 activated, it displaced the water at the bottom portion of the core, accelerating the reaction.

At 01:23:43, the water remaining in the core vaporizes into steam, rupturing the fuel channels; the control rods in those channels are now stuck at 1/3 insertion, endlessly accelerating the reaction.

The caps on the fuel channels, weighing 300 kilograms each, start jumping up and down. An operator sees this and runs to stop AZ-5, but it is too late.

1:23:45

At 1:23:45, Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, designed to operate at 3200 MW thermal, went beyond 33000 MW, simulations indicate that it may have exceeded 300000 MW thermal.

In an instant, the Upper Biological Shield of the Reactor gets blown away. At this point, the core is blown apart, the water inside the core gets so hot that it dissociates into hydrogen and oxygen, coupled with superheated graphite, ignites and explodes, sending the core, or lack thereof, into the open air. A fire instantly ignites.

An Accident has occurred; Send the Fire Brigade.

The Fire Brigade arrived at Chernobyl, scrambling to put out the fires before it could damage the core. In reality, there was no core left.

The immediate priority was to extinguish fires on the roof of the station and the area around the building containing Reactor No. 4 to protect No. 3 and keep its core cooling systems intact.

Many firefighters climbed up the reactor and tried to put out the fires from the top. A firefighter tried to hook the hoses to the pumps, but only air came. He called, “Get me some pressure!” He didn’t know that the pipes had all burst.

A firefighter, Vasily Ignatenko, climbed up the ladder to the roof, and when he started to come down, every firefighter on the roof vomited while descending. He didn’t know that he had seen the eyes of death.

We will live forever

Anatoli Zakharov, a firefighter who had been helping at the construction of Chernobyl when it was first being built, saw smooth black chunks of rock on the ground. He remembered when he was helping to construct it, he saw it in the core, and he felt disturbed. His fellow firefighters saw the look on his face; they asked, “Anatoli, what is it?” Anatoli replied, “Lads, it’s the guts of the reactor.” He then said, “If we survive until morning, we will live forever.”

Containment

As the fire burned at several hundred degrees Celsius, regular water could not extinguish it. They could only use sand and boron (a neutron-absorbing material to contain radiation). However, as the sand insulated the heat, the sand and boron melted, creating radioactive lava (corium). Fearing a supercriticality because of full water tanks inside the reactor, they sent three men to drain them, in effect, sending three men to die. However, as water absorbs radiation, the three men were relatively unharmed; two now live today, and one died from an unrelated heart attack.

Effects

The Chernobyl disaster, which occurred in 1986, had profound effects on both humanity and the environment. The immediate impact resulted in the loss of life and acute radiation sickness among workers and nearby residents. Long-term health effects, particularly an increased incidence of thyroid cancer, have been observed. The accident led to the permanent displacement of communities and the creation of an exclusion zone due to high levels of contamination. The environment suffered from widespread contamination of soil, water, and vegetation, which affected the local ecosystem and wildlife. The economic burden was significant, with substantial costs for cleanup, healthcare, and ongoing management. Despite mitigation efforts, the effects of Chernobyl continue to be felt to this day. Chernobyl will be safe 24,000 years from today.

In Remembrance of Those Who Saved the World

The 30 who died for the world:

• Akimov, Aleksandr Fyodorovich (CoD: ARS)
• Baranov, Anatoly Ivanovich (CoD: ARS)
• Brazhnik, Vyacheslav Stepanovych (CoD: ARS)
• Degtyarenko, Viktor Mykhaylovych (CoD: ARS)
• Ignatenko, Vasily Ivanovych (CoD: ARS)
• Ivanenko, Yekaterina Alexandrovna (CoD: ARS)
• Khodemchuk, Valery Ilyich (CoD: Crushed by debris, permanently entombed inside)
• Kibenok, Viktor Mykolayovych (CoD: ARS)
• Konoval, Yuriy Ivanovych (CoD: ARS)
• Kudryavtsev, Aleksandr Gennadiyevych (CoD: ARS)
• Kurguz, Anatoly Kharlampiyovych (CoD: ARS)
• Lelechenko, Aleksandr Grigoryevich (CoD: ARS)
• Lopatyuk, Viktor Ivanovich (CoD: ARS)
• Luzganova, Klavdia Ivanovna (CoD: ARS)
• Novyk, Aleksandr Vasylyovych (CoD: ARS)
• Orlov, Ivan Lukych (CoD: ARS)
• Perchuk, Kostyantyn Grigorovich (CoD: ARS)
• Perevozchenko, Valery Ivanovich (Looked into the core; CoD: ARS)
• Popov, Georgi Illiaronovich (CoD: ARS)
• Pravyk, Volodymyr Pavlovych (CoD: ARS)
• Proskuryakov, Viktor Vasilyevich (CoD: ARS)
• Savenkov, Vladimir Ivanovych (CoD: ARS)
• Shapovalov, Anatoliy Ivanovych (CoD: ARS)
• Shashenok, Vladimir Nikolaevich (CoD: blunt force trauma)
• Sitnikov, Anatoly Andreyevich (CoD: ARS)
• Tishura, Vladimir Ivanovych (CoD: ARS)
• Titenok, Nikolai Ivanovych (CoD: ARS)
• Toptunov, Leonid Fedorovych (CoD: ARS)
• Vershynin, Yuriy Anatoliyovych (CoD: ARS)
• Vashchuk, Nikolai Vasilievich (CoD: ARS)

The following saved the world and died for it:

• Valery Legasov (Cause of Death: Suicide)
• Boris Scherbina (Cause of Death: Cancer)

Coda: Вічная Пам’ять, Memory Eternal

As the years passed, Chernobyl became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of nature. The aftermath of the disaster remained etched in the memories of those who lived through it, but slowly, hope began to replace the anguish that had gripped the region.

In the immediate aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, a massive sarcophagus was constructed to contain the damaged reactor and prevent further release of radiation. It stood as a stark reminder of the tragedy that had unfolded. But with time, scientists, engineers, and dedicated individuals from around the world came together to devise a long-term solution.

Years of planning and collaboration led to the construction of the New Safe Confinement, an enormous structure designed to enclose the damaged reactor and ensure the containment of radioactive materials for centuries to come. Completed with unprecedented engineering precision, it provided a sense of closure and security to the affected area.

Nature, too, began to reclaim the land. Wildlife, once decimated by the disaster, gradually returned to the evacuated zone. Wolves, bears, and lynxes roamed freely, and birds filled the air with their songs. The absence of human activity allowed ecosystems to flourish, creating a unique haven for biodiversity.

The people of Ukraine, though forever marked by the tragedy, found solace and purpose in rebuilding their lives. Many chose to return to their abandoned homes, determined to go back to their old lives.

Today, Chernobyl stands as a living testament to the consequences of a catastrophic event and the indomitable human spirit. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of safety, accountability, and the pursuit of knowledge. The lessons learned from Chernobyl have shaped global policies on nuclear safety, ensuring that such a disaster will never be repeated.

Visitors from around the world come to witness the haunting beauty of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. They walk through abandoned towns, their curiosity mixed with a deep sense of respect for those whose lives were forever altered. It is a place of remembrance, a place where the past is preserved to guide future generations.

The story of Chernobyl is one of tragedy, but also of resilience, hope, and the power of human endeavor. It is a story that reminds us that we are not the masters of the world, for we are only pawns in the fragile balance of nature. And as the sun sets over the abandoned city of Pripyat, casting its golden light on the overgrown ruins, it serves as a poignant reminder that the true mistress of the world is Mother Nature.

The Story of Chernobyl is also a testament to the power of lies. When the truth offends, humanity will lie and lie until we no longer remember that the truth is even there, but it is still there. Every lie humanity tells incurs a debt to the truth. The truth will wait for all eternity to be repaid; it cares neither about whether we are Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, or Atheist. It doesn’t care whether we are American, German, Irish, Russian, Ukrainian, or Kazakh. It will be paid. It always will be paid.

Now I ask, “What is the cost of lies?”
The answer is the happiness of all mankind.

In remembrance of those who saved the world.

Submitted on April 26, 2024. Thirty-eight Years after Chernobyl.

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my opposition to the quotation attributed to Jennifer Lawrence published in your magazine.

First of all, actors or actresses can actually “save” someone’s life indirectly. Take Tom Hanks, an Academy Award-winning actor, who was inspired by the performances of Spencer Tracy. Hanks admired Tracy’s ability to bring depth and authenticity to his characters, which motivated him to pursue a career in acting. Before discovering Spencer Tracy, Tom’s dream was to become a basketball player. Thanks to acting, Hanks is now renowned for his talent, versatility, and philanthropy. In my view, had he not embraced his acting talent, he would not have achieved the same level of success today if he had persisted in becoming a basketball player. Therefore, in a sense, Spencer Tracy “saved” Tom’s life by inspiring a pivotal change in direction.

Secondly, watching movies allows people to temporarily escape from reality. Consider the Korean romantic drama series “True Beauty”. It tells the story of an unattractive teenage girl who transforms into a beautiful young woman and falls in love with an extremely handsome boy after learning to apply makeup. Although the plot is unrealistic, it has captivated young girls who dream of such romances. From my perspective, these romantic films enable viewers to forget their worries and fears about relationships. To be honest, acting is not stupid but rather interesting for both actors and the audience.

Last but not least, a movie may profoundly influence society. Take “Barbie”, for example. This film is not just a childish animation but a meaningful commentary on gender equality. Public opinion was ignited following the release of “Barbie”. Some men expressed feeling offended by the film, believing patriarchal structures should be maintained. Conversely, women began to gain self-confidence and a stronger sense of self. As you can see, this movie was powerful; it awakened women to the reality of patriarchy and marked a significant step forward for women’s rights. Thus, acting is far from stupid; it has the potential to change the world.

To sum up, acting is not stupid in the slightest. Although it does not save lives directly, it changes and encourages lives. Therefore, acting is a significant and impactful art form, and actors play an essential role in society.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Wong

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Editor’s Remarks:

This letter to the editor was written in response to in the February issue of Vanity Fair, an American monthly magazine of popular culture, fashion, and current affairs published by Condé Nast in the United States.

Have you ever deeply understood Chinese culture? I have unshakable confidence that you will appreciate its subtleties. Spending time learning about it, I take pride in Chinese arts and language.

Of all the reasons why I am proud of Chinese culture, the first aspect I want to introduce is Chinese arts. As is not uncommon, Chinese people are known for tactfully expressing their feelings and thoughts through meaningful paintings and poetry. Understanding the background of these arts is crucial to appreciating their meanings, including historical context, the personalities of the artists, and their experiences. This is the point I am proud of – discovering the messages and meanings behind them, which offers a new understanding of our world. Different perspectives, feelings, and understandings will emerge. For example, Wang Wei’s poem “Mountain Life on an Autumn Evening” describes the peaceful and relaxing nature of human existence. It inspired me to experience and connect more with the world by putting down my smartphone. I take pride in feeling this connection.

Apart from Chinese arts, the language also plays a significant role in my appreciation of Chinese culture. Unlike other countries, China encompasses various dialects, including Wu, Xiang, Pinghua, Yue, etc., used in different regions. The core language is Putonghua, which unifies different regions into one. It is truly amazing, isn’t it? Learning different dialects becomes a symbol of identity. The most interesting fact is that most people do not know how to write these dialects, but they can effectively communicate using them. I am proud of this because it is rare to find a country with such diversity of dialects for communication among its citizens.

Considering all these aspects, it is my firm conviction that if you invest time in deeply learning about Chinese culture, you will come to love and appreciate it as much as I do.

S5 Champion, Chinese Culture Week 2023-24 English Writing Competition

I have recently visited the Chinese Cultural Museum and saw many astonishing displays showcasing various areas of the culture. As I walked through the halls of the museum, I was captivated by the incredible displays that showcased the richness and diversity of Chinese culture. In this article, I will share insights about Chinese art and festival culture.

One of the art forms that has had a profound impact on me is ink painting, also known as “shui mo hua”. Its simplicity and elegance fully embody the Chinese philosophy of harmony with nature. Whether it’s a tranquil landscape or a graceful bamboo forest, ink paintings convey a sense of tranquility and a deep connection with the natural world. Another art form that fascinates me is the intricate Chinese art of paper cutting. The meticulous and exquisite detail of these paper cuts showcases the skill and creativity of Chinese craftsmen. Each piece tells a story, drawing inspiration from folklore, mythology, and everyday life.

In festival culture, one of the most iconic festivals is the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year. This is a time for family reunions, ancestor worship, well-wishing, and enjoying a sumptuous feast. The streets are filled with colorful decorations, lanterns, and exciting lion and dragon dances. Additionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival is another celebration worth cherishing. Families and friends gather to admire the beauty of the moon, share mooncakes, and enjoy the company of loved ones. This festival symbolizes unity, as the moon represents togetherness.

I left the museum with a newfound appreciation for the depth and beauty of Chinese culture and a desire to continue exploring and celebrating its many wonders.

S5 First Runner-up, Chinese Culture Week 2023-24 English Writing Competition

The Peng, a majestic and powerful bird in Chinese mythology, would bring grandeur and grace to the zodiac if introduced as a replacement for the Rooster.

Its symbolism of strength, freedom, and resilience would inspire individuals to aim for greatness and tap into their full potential. People who are more of a leader would fit the spirit of the Peng; they would dream big and embrace their inner strength. This mythical creature’s presence would serve as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of the human spirit and its capacity to overcome challenges.

The Peng’s representation of power and beauty would inspire individuals to break free from limitations and soar to new heights. Additionally, it would enrich the zodiac’s spiritual significance, inviting people to connect with ancient wisdom and mythology that has shaped cultures for centuries. Its majestic presence would remind everyone of the vast potential within themselves and the world around them.

Overall, introducing the Peng to the zodiac would not only elevate its symbolic importance but also inspire individuals to embrace their innate strength and pursue their dreams with courage and determination. This addition would serve as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration for generations to come, reminding us of the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and reach for the stars.

S2 Champion, Chinese Culture Week 2023-24 English Writing Competition

In the past, Hong Kong didn’t offer many opportunities for learning. Times have changed, as well as government policy, so now every child has the opportunity to learn in a school. Nowadays, people’s education levels are increasing. Despite this, most people have already forgotten those so-called ‘old values’, and students have not been behaving too well. In my opinion, a student’s attitude should encompass the qualities mentioned below.

The Five Ways of Life, proposed by Mr. Cai Yuanpei, though initially intended as a political ideology for educating students, has become the basis of modern education.

I think the most important skill in the Five Ways of Life is social skills, as students take responsibility in different posts. The school is a small community that requires all students to participate in various roles because unilateral contributions from adults are unrealistic and students cannot learn anything from them. Taking responsibility allows students to cooperate, help, and respect others, thus helping the community.

Another element in the Five Ways of Life that I think is also essential is morals. Students nowadays have forgotten old values. Morals are about shaping human thoughts regarding their sense of belonging to family, community, and even country. It is the backbone of the Five Ways of Life and takes place in a psychological environment.

In conclusion, these are my thoughts about the attitude that a student should hold. I hope you, who have finished reading the article, will bear in mind whether you are in a prestigious school or not. Just remember to respect others, and everything will be just fine.

If I could choose a new animal for the Chinese zodiac, it would be a cat. Here is my personal insight into why the cat should be an extraordinary contender on the zodiac chart. Don’t let these lovable little furballs fool you; they are naturally agile, powerful, and flexible, with incredible night vision and an acute sense of smell and hearing.

According to traditional Chinese myth, the cat was initially one of the zodiacs on the lunar calendar, but the cunning rat took its place instead. Unfortunately, the poor cat never made it to the finish line to become one of the most dominant zodiacs because of the rat’s betrayal. The story might sound unbelievable, but the cat’s nine lives couldn’t even save it from the great loss of grabbing a spot on the lunar calendar. Isn’t that ironic?

People with the cat Chinese zodiac might possess some unique personality traits, such as carefulness, playfulness, independence, and protectiveness.

A cat person being careful is not a weakness but helps avoid any unfortunate mishaps. A feline can sense danger so it knows when to back off when encountering a disastrous situation, like a showdown with its enemies. For a cat, its arch-enemy may be a wild dog or a nasty skunk. For people, it is important to be careful in dealing with any unwanted confrontations, like arguing with their superiors.

Besides that, a cat has a playful side. It can spend time rolling around with a ball of yarn, showing its independence, unlike a dog that requires constant human attention. Therefore, people with playful and independent personalities do not often require human interaction yet can still enjoy their personal space.

Protectiveness is another significant trait noticed in cats. They are essentially solitary and territorial species that need a safe and protective environment to survive. A cat will show signs of aggression by hissing, blocking, and staring to control its territory. Similarly, humans will do the same to protect their family members and close friends.

Cats would definitely be great friends with dogs. A study suggests that cat and dog siblings can live happily together and even become best buddies. Many pet owners adopt both cats and dogs because they believe that cats can coexist with dogs if they are given time to comfortably get to know each other, especially when they are raised together at an early stage.

Undoubtedly, I believe that a cat is an ideal choice to be the new animal for the Chinese zodiac because of its unique personality traits. It is about time for a change and to debut the cat as the newest member of the Chinese zodiac chart.

S3 Champion, Chinese Culture Week 2023-24 English Writing Competition