(或Actually, history abounds with examples of haste making waste. A well-known Chinese fable goes that a farm tried to help the shoots grow by pulling them upward, only to find that they died soon. Another case in point is the so-called Great Leap Forward movement in China in 1950’s and 1960’s. At that time, the Chinese people were so eager to develop their economy that they took some improper measures, only to hinder the expansion of economy.)
(或Here I can think of no better illustration of the proverb than the experience of my own. At the age of 11 or 12, I began to learn to ride. Eager to ride as well as others, I started by sitting on the saddle at the very beginning. Predictably, I often fell from over the bike. Lots of time had been wasted before I realized that I should do it step by step. I tried to slide by standing on one pedal. Then I began to ride the bike from under the cross bar. Finally, I succeeded. )
In short, laying a solid foundation is essential if we want to make achievements in our studies or work, or indeed in any other aspect of our lives. At every step, review what has been achieved and assess the problems ahead before moving to the next step. And remember, Rome was not built in a day.

（四）图表图画型
14. Reading Preferences
It can be seen from the table that popular fiction is most popular with American students, accounting for 65.9% of book circulation in the library. General nonfiction comes next, taking up 18.2%, while books concerning science, technology and education take up only 10.8%. The least preferred category is that of art, literature and poetry, with a circulation rate of merely 5.1%.
A number of factors could account for the reading preferences, but the following are the most critical ones. Firstly, popular fiction is fascinating to the young students. Secondly, books about science and technology are usually too complex and difficult to read. They often contain many special terms which most students can’t understand. Finally, in today’s market economy, much more emphasis is laid on practical and vocational books rather than arts or poetry.
When it comes to me, poetry and art are my favorites. Such kind of books can nourish my mind, broaden my horizons and render me a fresh feeling. Reading a piece of good poetry tends to relieve my burden and lessen my tension, making me more creative and dynamic. It gets me into an imaginary world, fresh and beautiful. I just love it!

15. Changes in the Ownership of Houses in China
 It can be seen from the chart that there have been dramatic changes in the ownership of houses in China in the past 50 years. While the percentage of state-owned houses has dropped from 70% in 1950’s to 20% in 1990’s, that of private houses has soared from 30% to 80% during the same period of time.
 A number of factors could account for the change in the chart, but the following are the most critical ones. First, thanks to the policy of reform and opening-up, the nation’s economy has been developing at a considerably high speed in the past decades. Therefore, people have more extra money to improve their housing. Secondly, other relevant state policies and the boom of real estate industry provide citizens with more opportunities to choose their own dwelling places. Last but not least, people have attached greater importance to their quality of life. Thus, more of them have purchased houses in their own favor.