英语角-圆桌会议 RoundTable - 英国学士学位四大等级揭秘

Topic 1: Yunnan Baiyao admits toxic ingredientWhat has long been suspected but never officially confirmed about China's most famous medicine came to light recently when drugmaker Yunnan Baiyao (云南白药) changed the labeling of its products. On April 4th, for the first time, the toxin aconitum is now a listed ingredient in Baiyao's packaging inserts.

This, of course, raises the question of how safe it is to use. But, more importantly perhaps, why did it take so long for them to publish their active ingredient?

What is aconitum and how is it used in Yunnan Baiyao's products?

Topic 2: Chinese students not getting top degrees at UK universitiesMost of us assume that since Chinese students consistently score high on math and science exams that no matter what school they go to, they will succeed.

Unfortunately, that's not completely true. According to Higher Education Statistics Agency in UK, while nearly 68% of all students graduated with a higher degree in the country last year, this was true of only 42% of students from China.

First of all, how exactly do degrees work in the UK?

Topic 3: Death by overworkRecently, another young man's life was claimed by what his family is calling death from overwork. He neither smoked cigarettes nor drank alcohol and yet was found dead by his coworkers. Police have ruled out homicide and are calling it a sudden death case although the cause of death is still unclear.

Did he die from overwork?

Topic 4: Beijing ranked most global city on the mainlandEven as its pollution remains tohazardous levels, Beijing has jumped into the top 10 global cities.

A new survey has shown that Beijing has beaten out Seoul, Brussels, Singapore, and its US counterpart, Washington DC, to earn a place among the world's most globally influential cities.

According to the 2014 A.T. Kearney Global Cities Index (GCI) released earlier this week, the Chinese capital was ranked eighth, ascending into the top 10 for first time.

Do you think that Beijing really is more global than Washington DC?

Topic 5: Job Succession in SOERecently, thousands of employees and their relatives gathered in front of the gate of Daqing Oilfield in NW Heilongjiang protesting against the new recruitment rule.

In the past, children of Daqing Oilfield employees can join the company as long as they graduate from college.

But this year, graduates who studied other majors instead of Oil in secondary and third level colleges must accept one year training and pass an examination to get the job. English language skill is another new job requirement.

Why are they complaining and why did Daqing change their policy?

Topic 6: Popular Science Writers100,000 Whys, or Shi Wan Ge Wei Shen Me is a very popular science book series in China. Last year, the 6th edition of the books sold out quickly after publication.

However, according to an editor, it has become harder and harder to publish popular science books.

Is it true that popular science is dying?