英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable - 白米饭是垃圾食品之王？

Topic 1: Pension changes in 25 provinces25 out of 33 provinces and regions just raised the pension amounts for urban residents of the private sector with those from Beijing seeing the highest raises. However, some reports say that it isn't just the payouts that have risen, but also individual contributions from those still in the workforce.

Is there a need raise the payouts for urban residents who haven't worked for the government?

Topic 2: No trust for community hospitalAccording to a recent survey by the China Youth Daily, 68% of respondents say they don't trust community hospitals or local clinics.

Nearly, 42% choose top level hospitals when they get sick whereas only 27% would go to a community health center.

Even with the cost and hassle, people still seem very willing to go to the larger hospitals even when there is a hospital or clinic near them. Why do you think we're still seeing this type of contradiction?

Topic 3: Public Transport Cards to be IntegratedThe Ministry of Transportation says China is to set up a public transportation payment system which will allow holders of one IC card of public transportation to use it on all kinds of public transportation in all medium and large cities in China by 2016. The network is expected to cover all cities in the country by 2020.

Do we need this?

Topic 4: Rice is Junk FoodAn article claiming that rice is the king of junk food has attracted enormous amounts of attention online. The author claims that cooked rice has barely anynutritional value and that it may increase the likelihood of developing diabetes.

Are these claims true?

Topic 5: Graduates Go Through Cosmetic Surgery to Boost Competitiveness7.17 million college graduates will be competing for jobs this year, a 3% jump from last year. Facing again the toughest graduation season, some college students have resorted to Photoshop techniques and even plastic surgery to boost their competitiveness.

How widespread? Why?

Topic 6: Food more expensive in train stationsThe Beijing Youth Daily recently sent some journalists to the Beijing South Railway Station to take a peek at their food service business. What they was astonishing….. for some. Apparently, food sold at fast food restaurants was more expensive than in other places in the city.

Are you surprised?