Passage 1

As for us Americans, you may think that we give too much importance to individualism and personal gains, so much so that it might sacrifice collective benefits, and even bring harm to the harmony of the society. //
    Yes, but you don’t have to be worried. American work ethic is more individual-oriented. We often value the results and accomplishments of work more than its process. //
    If I am not mistaken, the traditional Chinese work ethic is based on Confucianism, which stresses the benefit of communal harmony rather than individual freedom. //
    It’ s really very hard to say which is better because of the cultural differences. With the economic globalization, cultural exchanges have become more and more extensive and Americans and Chinese will know and understand each other better.

The knowledge-based economy represents a new strategic era that human beings are entering. So knowledge is becoming the most important source of growth as well as productivity. //
    The knowledge-based economy has one characteristic, that is innovation. Innovation means the ability to generate and use knowledge to innovate. It is not only a determinant of wealth; it: is also the basis of competitive advantage. //
    The first step towards the knowledge-based economy can be made if one is able to effectively develop a vision of the future, exploit one’s self-potential and stay open-minded. //
    I am very glad that China will soon carry out the National Medium-to-long Term Program for Education Reform and Development. This program, I’m sure, will encourage your young people to absorb new knowledge and apply it in science and technology.