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2026 Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui High School (County School) Development Community Senior Year October Joint Exam

23. Read the material below and write according to the requirements. (60 points)

The reading in Part I of this paper mentions, “A true essayist must possess both heart and mind, blending emotion and intellect in their writing to achieve a balance of softness and strength.”

What insights and associations does this statement inspire in your interactions with others?

Requirements: Choose a precise angle, determine the theme, clarify the writing style, and create your own title; do not use templates or plagiarize; do not disclose personal information; no less than 800 words.

Excellent Essays

Essay 1: Why Not Shake Hands and Make Peace? (55 points)

To Meursault:

In the torrent of the times, rationality of technology has invaded every corner of humanity.In a world that moves fast every day, I have become a believer in efficiency, a sinner of rationality, and an enemy of myself.

84 years ago, the bullet you fired on the beach of Algeria is now piercing the chest of every modern person,we are all bearing the wounds of a collapsing system of meaning, facing the dilemma of emotion versus rational knowledge.

The softest part of humanity is covered with hard ice; I want to revisit your diary to see the ultimate fate of this extremely intellectual outsider.

I admit that rationality is a beneficial armor for individuals to protect themselves, and it is also an extraordinary plow for humanity to expand its territory.You shattered the critique of logic against phenomena with your cold gaze, standing on the shore with a clear understanding, avoiding the entanglement of the world. I see that it is intellect that has achieved your uniqueness, your resilience, and your extraordinary nature.

Rationality can shape such a powerful personality. I also see that the rapid dissemination of knowledge and the natural overflow of wisdom have become the tone of this era, the jungle law in the forest of steel.

However, a personality shaped solely by intellect is incomplete, a value standard established solely by intellect is one-dimensional, and a world shaped only by intellect is flat.

I ask you, have you ever felt the warmth of the soul rather than the mere heat of objects? Have you ever marveled at the vitality of nature rather than the material form of mountains and stones? You killed someone, and the bright red blood gushed out; why do you not feel shame, guilt, or sorrow? This soul with extremely high purity of intellect is like an artificial lake, colorless, a superficial creation, depriving the natural spirit.

Thus, I want to begin to call for the beauty of human emotion, to sing the brilliance of humanity. I want to prove to you that the principles of interacting with others can never drop emotion, that is, the ability to understand, feel, and tolerate the emotions of others.As a human being, I can empathize with the joys and sorrows of all beings; seeing the night snow in Jiangnan and the lonely smoke in the north, I will be moved by the greatness and compassion of Mother Earth; walking through the journey of life, I will be delighted by the birth of every life and mourn the death of every life, just as written in “The Man on the Stars”: “Every birth of life is as great as a victory in war. Every death of life is as painful as a thin disaster.”

For survival and standing, we need the restraint of intellect; however, for communication and interaction, we need the expression of emotion.

Facing the surging sea, I do not want to go ashore to hide, nor do I want to become a cold outsider; I want the waves to surge for me.

Since life cannot be escaped, why not shake hands and make peace? Dance with this intellect, blend with this emotion, live freely, and deal with things calmly.

Insider

2025.10

Essay 2: Combining Softness and Strength to Achieve Endurance (54 points)

Mr. Yu Guangzhong once said in explaining the emotion and intellect of essays that a true essayist must possess both heart and mind to achieve a balance of softness and strength, writing beautiful articles rich in rational interest. And in dealing with others, is it not the same? Only by integrating emotion and rationality can one be calm and composed in interactions.

Intellect and rationality can help people clarify the pros and cons of things from an objective perspective, while emotion helps people take emotions into account—both are indispensable, and together they form the spiritual world of humanity. The way we interact with others is the external manifestation of this spiritual world.

Integrating intellect and emotion makes a person’s inner character more complete.Intellect is the ability of humans to make objective judgments formed during the process of evolution, capable of meeting the needs for accuracy and efficiency; while emotion evolves from people’s emotional perceptions, which is innate.When a person loses intellect, they are easily controlled by impulses and various boundless emotions, falling into the endless ocean of desire; when a person loses emotion, they lose the most essential characteristic of being human, losing all emotional perception and creativity, and completely becoming a precise instrument programmed byinstrumental rationality code, locked in the structured, fast-paced iron cage of modern society, losing the most authentic meaning.

Balancing intellect and emotion allows one to be calm and unhurried in interactions.Interactions are the connections between people and society, requiring intellect to maintain principles, axioms, justice, and ethics to ensure the orderly operation of society and maintain stability. However, at the same time, society is made up of people, and emotion, as a human nature, cannot be erased. In interpersonal communication, harmony and understanding, as well as people’s emotions, should be taken into account. When we have rationality, we can maintain order; when we hold emotion, we can maintain humanity.

Intellect and emotion are not opposing forces but need to complement each other to achieve balance, and at the same time, human personalities have differences. In pursuing reason and emotion, we should avoid conformity. Just as famous essays may emphasize either emotion or intellect, a person’s personality may also lean towards either emotion or intellect, which constitutes the “thousand faces of humanity” and creates the richness of society. We do not need to pursue absolute balance; we just need to avoid being cold-hearted in reasoning and not let emotion obscure reason.

The fast pace of modern society seems to advocate “instrumental rationality” in a tangible and intangible way, leading to the loss of “value rationality,” with some people being alienated into tools of rationality. The ground is littered with sixpences, and emotion is ruthlessly suppressed, but do not forget to look up at the moon.

Essay 3: Viewing the World with Emotion, Examining Oneself with Intellect (54 points)

In essay writing, emotion is the manifestation of sensory experience, and intellect is the output of knowledge and insights. The integration of both forms the vivid words of excellent essayists. Literature is like this, and so is interacting with others. With an emotional perspective to view the world and an intellectual perspective to examine oneself, one can achieve a balance of softness and strength, complementing each other.

Feng Zikai said, “Art is rich in sympathy,” and similarly, people should be rich in sympathy. The innate purity and kindness of humanity endow humans with soft hearts, thus we possess emotion.However, we often lose the warmth of the heart during the process of growing up, and the lack of empathy and understanding makes us indifferent to the people and things around us, while the disappearance of compassion and pity makes us no longer appreciate the flowers, trees, and nature, only seeing their value as commodities.Thus, the “falling clouds and lonely wild geese fly together, the autumn waters and the long sky share the same color” written by Wang Bo can only be deconstructed into the behavioral laws of birds adapting to nature; the interest of “drinking with the neighbor across the fence, calling for the last cup” can only be replaced by the high walls built between people.We need to regain emotion, using the warmth of humanity to combat the alienation of this world.

At the same time, we must activate our minds and construct intellectual thinking.Intellect is first the awareness of “knowing yourself,” then the calmness of “clearly examining this world,” and finally, using the experiences taught by society to look back at ourselves, to clarify principles, to constantly reflect, to self-examine, and to progress.Just like Baron Cosimo, who steadfastly adhered to principles, never coming down from the tree, pursuing the meaning of his existence, while caring for his family and the masses, helping them fend off robbers, build water conservancy, and drive away wild beasts. His life is a perfect embodiment of the integration of emotion and intellect.

Of course,the “softness” of emotion does not meanbecoming a good person who is controlled by others’ emotions, silently swallowing all grievances,nor does it meanbecoming a person who switches between self-pity and self-indulgence while meddling in others’ affairs and making “sadness for the heavens”; true emotion isfirst having one’s own subjectivity and then observing the world.Similarly, the “hardness” of intellect does not meanbeing devoid of humanity and only discussing philosophy and logic,nor does it mean adhering rigidly to rules like “Aji Luerfu.”True intellect isrational thinking combined with appropriate tolerance and clear insight into oneself.

McLuhan’s assertion that “the medium is the message” has been confirmed in today’s society. Sensational news stimulates the senses, depriving people of concern for others; the ways of expression have become diverse, and the processes of expression have become simple, depriving people of deep thinking. In response, we should find back the power of integrating emotion and intellect.

“Those in a hurry have no seasons, only one stop and the next,” but just like the delivery man Wang Jibing, we should also see, feel, and give others the warmth of this world between stops; think, explore, and give ourselves the composure and courage to face the world, to uphold justice.

Emotion views the world, intellect examines oneself. In practical life, integrate both, achieving a balance of softness and strength.

Essay 4: With Heart to Store True Feelings, With Mind to Clarify Direction (54 points)

Just as essay writing requires the integration of heart and mind, emotion and intellect, so should interactions be a balance of softness and strength, using the heart as a vessel to contain true feelings and the flowing water of perception; using the mind as a rudder, thus one can navigate steadily and far in the vast history.

Heart and mind, emotion and intellect point to the two ends of human nature. The former is like the swaying lake water, while the latter is like the solid distant mountains, together painting a life that is both hazy and clear, both vivid and solemn.

The “heart” represents emotion and intuition, which is the beginning of rational thinking.Without the longing and sighing of “when will the spring flowers and autumn moon end,”how can there be the eternal sorrow of “not knowing I am a guest in my dreams, indulging in joy for a while”?Without the sudden inspiration while reading ancient texts,how can there be the great achievement of “holding the sweet wormwood and saving the world”?Thorough observation and deep reflection come from a sensitive soul drawing inspiration and emotional thoughts from the myriad phenomena of the world.

The “mind” points to rationality and contemplation, filtering and purifying the “heart,” transforming wild imagination into clear analysis and impactful expression.Du Fu gave rhythm to the chaotic phenomena, resulting in the orderly and rich lines of “the wind is urgent, the sky is high, the ape cries sadly, the islet is clear, the sand is white, and the birds fly back”; Wen Tingyun’s mind provided the heart with a carefully edited draft, allowing the waves of emotion to be controlled by the rational valve, maintaining a balance and proper arrangement, ensuring that society has principles and bottom lines, running smoothly and with integrity.

From this perspective,the heart serves as the precursor for the “mind” to function, while the warmth of the heart also engraves the individual mark on the solid framework of rationality, converging and flowing to create the vibrant water of creativity. Observing from the perspective of interactions, both must be balanced and harmonized.“An era with truth but no deep feelings is frightening.” In an age of high technology and fading humanity, some call for the return of emotions, giving a name to the ever-changing heart. The sensitivity and perception of the heart towards all things undoubtedly ignite sparks of thought, rekindling the warmth of humanity in the cold and hard modern society.

While the emphasis on the heart is indispensable, I believe that the highest realm is to uphold both.The lyrical expression of the wise is never empty and superficial, but rather uses the order of the mind as a dam, while deep wisdom is neither rigid nor cold, but can be both solemn and humorous, conveying true meaning amidst laughter and anger.Su Shi’s all-night drunkenness did not hinder him from creating the timeless masterpiece “Red Cliffs” in the moonlit water, while Confucius also “was warm yet strict” and “imposing yet not fierce,” pausing to enjoy the songs of the spring breeze by the Yi River—heart and mind are by no means oppositional but rather complement each other in their integration.

In the current era of rampant utilitarianism, we must be cautious not to focus solely on the mind, which can lead to absolute quantification and scheming, losing the warmth of the heart; we must also use the mind as a rudder to steer the ship of life, avoiding falling into the trap of meaningless complaints or reckless bravery.When the emotional heart and the mind communicate and harmonize, the youth can achieve a dynamic pace that is neither reckless nor rigid; the strings of life resonate with the softness of the heart and the hardness of the mind, flowing with a flexible and resilient melody of life.

Essay 5: Poetic Progress in the Balance of Emotion and Intellect (53.5 points)

“This evening, the creek and mountains face the bright moon, not a long howl but a howl.”In “The Mountain Moon Record,” Li Zheng mistakenly equates the arrogance of self-importance with emotion, and the utilitarianism of becoming famous through poetry with intellect, ultimately transforming into a fierce tiger, buried in the mountains.

In the present, the “achievement society” described by Han Byung-chul also presents contradictions, imbalances, and confusions regarding “emotion” and “intellect.”On one hand, individuals desire to realize their self-worth through “intellect” amidst the ups and downs, pursuing life goals; on the other hand, individuals yearn to touch their own emotions, poetically residing on the earth.However, when seeking reason and achieving goals through a rational and calm intellectual approach, we often feel that our emotions and feelings are abandoned and forgotten.

However, emotion and intellect are not contradictory; life is not a one-way journey but a poetic progress of walking and chanting.

Because emotion is not indulgence, not capriciousness, but rather touching, feeling, and pouring in; and intellect is not closed, cold rationality, but patiently sorting, peacefully reflecting, and clear cognition.In this sense, their integration becomes increasingly natural.Without emotion, there is no perception of the world, no reckless passion, no driving force for seeking “intellect.” And without intellect, emotion appears aimless, lacking direction, and will lose depth and subtle perception.

Therefore,we call for the balance of emotion and intellect, which is also a call for self-control, exploration, and touch, a call for the return of self-subjectivity.I will no longer misuse my emotions due to external fluctuations; at this moment, the generative nature of emotion gives it greater significance, like a candle flame that never extinguishes amidst the rain and wind, urging the soul to ascend. The delivery poet Wang Jibing said, “Writing is a heavy snow in my life; it cannot change my life, but it can make my life wonderful.” He allows his emotions to permeate every fiber of life, reshaping his life with the beauty of literature. At the same time, he understands that literature cannot change his life trajectory all at once; clear cognition allows him to feel less distress and resentment. In the self-consistency of emotion and intellect, the sails of life are filled with fullness.

Furthermore, it is precisely the intertwining of emotion and rationality that gives us the courage of “a heart like a stone, unmoved by the eight winds.”Many times, when we face difficulties, we neither endure completely nor give up entirely, but rather exist in a state of tempering. Emotion gives us the passion and hope to pour everything in, while intellect provides individuals with parallel perspectives and heart-searching solutions. On the path of life, we walk and chant, pursuing and achieving goals while still appreciating and embracing the beauty along the way.

In the balance of emotion and intellect, the knots in the hearts of individuals have long been resolved, with clear rational cognition, passionately embarking on this poetic journey, not wasting any life in the world, enough to have no regrets.

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Chongqing Bashu High School 2026 Second Adaptation Monthly Exam

Read the material below and write according to the requirements. (60 points)

“Plant a grain of millet in spring, and harvest thousands of seeds in autumn.” — Li Shen

To be a good seed, one must be healthy in body, spirit, and emotions. — Yuan Longping

Believe in seeds, believe in time. — Thoreau

The above materials have significant implications for the growth of young people. Write an article that reflects your insights and thoughts based on the materials.

Requirements: Choose a precise angle, determine the theme, clarify the writing style, and create your own title; do not use templates or plagiarize; do not disclose personal information; no less than 800 words.

Excellent Essays

Essay 1: Seeds and Harvest: Youth and Growth

“Plant a grain of millet in spring, and harvest thousands of seeds in autumn.” Watering the fertile land with sweat, the seeds ready to sprout grow upwards under the care of sunlight and rain. As time turns, they grow into towering trees. // The growth of young people is similar; pursuing knowledge, honing the body, and perfecting character, time settles, and they grow into pillars, merging into the torrent of the times.

Youth should enrich themselves and continuously improve, becoming a “talented” seed.

“There are golden houses in books.” Young people should draw wisdom from ancient and modern sages, gaining inspiration and enlightenment from the collision of thoughts, thus enriching their inner selves and gaining inexhaustible motivation for practice. You can see that the literary master Yu Qiuyu settled in the library during his youth, broadening his knowledge and laying the foundation for his later writing. At the same time, young people should arm their brains with knowledge, expand their abilities with technology, and ride the wave of progress for national rejuvenation and development. You can also see that young scientist Cao Yuan rooted in research, exploring deeply, ultimately solving the century-old problem of graphene; his resolute return to the country also reflects the patriotic aspirations of the youth.

Refining character and pursuing ideals, youth should strive for perfection, becoming a seed with ideals, warmth, and depth.

The times are developing, technology is changing, but the inner pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty remains unchanged, always gathering into a prairie fire, showcasing the fundamental pursuit of being human. It is the persistence of not giving up until reaching the finish line on the sports field, which is an interpretation of the spirit of sports; it is the selfless dedication and courage to stand up on the front lines of fighting diseases, which is an interpretation of the great love for the world; it is the soldier’s oath of “pure love only for China,” which is the most sincere patriotism deep within; it is also the countless students who merge their personal ideals into the tide of the times, which is the faith and resilience on the road to dreams. All of this together constitutes the nutrients needed for a seed to grow and thrive, and is also the foundation for youth to stand tall.

Waiting patiently for flowers to bloom, the hopeful seeds will eventually grow into towering trees.

A flower has its blooming period, and a person has their opportunities for growth. Not every flower blooms in spring. But if there are ideals, responsibilities, pursuits, and actions, why fear being born at the wrong time? Moreover, we young people are in a time full of opportunities, and the stage of the world has never been so vast. A good seed will eventually sprout after enduring the test of time, and an excellent young person will surely welcome their own sky. If we inevitably encounter setbacks on the road to growth, we might as well look back at our original intentions, see how the seed endures a cold winter, ready to sprout, reflect calmly, self-improve, and find confidence and hope in the stillness and waiting, believing in time, and moving towards the future.

With simple steps, we walk towards the dawn. Today, planting a good seed that is “healthy in body, spirit, and emotions,” we wait patiently for the years to turn, and one day it will surely grow lush and green, becoming the hope of the nation and the pillar of the times!

Essay 2: The Power of Seeds Can Overcome All Difficulties

“Plant a grain of millet in spring, and harvest thousands of seeds in autumn,” the teachings of the ancients still echo in our ears. Even a “grain of millet” holds the hope of reaping “thousands of seeds”; Yuan Longping tells us that a “good seed” requires comprehensive development; and Thoreau, from a historical perspective, lets us believe in the seeds and the sedimentation of time. The three sentences intertwine, also enlightening us: to be a good seed, one must endure the sedimentation of time to reach our ideal shore.

To reap “thousands of seeds,” one must endure the hard work of sowing.Looking back at history, how many sages have tirelessly contributed to reap brilliant fruits? It is Confucius, who tirelessly traveled and lectured, burning himself into a candle in the dark kingdom, allowing the Chinese nation to soak in the teachings of Confucianism; it is Liang Sicheng, who studied architecture in the war rear, climbing mountains and visiting famous sites, laying a solid foundation for modern Chinese architecture. Reflecting on the present, college graduates give up the favorable environment of cities and resolutely return to teach in their hometowns. They were once “good seeds” nurtured, and now they become gardeners to sow and nourish the next generation of seeds. It is precisely because generations of people are not afraid of difficulties and tirelessly sow that the five-thousand-year history of the Chinese nation endures, allowing the seeds of hope to spread across the land.

To be a “good seed,” comprehensive development is necessary.If only one aspect is developed, it is inevitable to suffer from the “barrel effect,” wasting efforts. Grandpa Yuan Longping was once an athlete, possessing a healthy body, coupled with solid professional knowledge and resilient spirit, allowing his dream of “enjoying the shade under the rice” to eventually come true. Indeed, body, spirit, and emotions must all be healthy to be a good seed, so that it can thrive under the sun and rain. As young people, we should strive for comprehensive development in morality, intelligence, physical fitness, aesthetics, and labor, bravely facing unknown challenges.

Whether as individuals or as a nation, we should believe in the power of seeds.For individuals, the beginning of dreams is often difficult, like a seed that seems small. But please believe in the power of seeds; they will break through the soil, shatter the darkness, and bask in the warm sunlight. Dreams give us the courage to move forward and the strength to break free from shackles, advancing towards the ideal shore. For the nation, countless seeds gather the power of germination, allowing the Chinese nation to rise again and again in the face of seemingly insurmountable difficulties, bravely becoming the vanguard in the tide of the times.

As the youth of the new era, we should not shy away from hard work, striving to be “good seeds,” believing that seeds will unleash infinite power in the sedimentation of time and history, leading us to the shores of our dreams and guiding the nation towards a bright future!

(Language Craftsman)