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　　According to some surveys done by the Ministry of Education, there are about 153 million illiterates and semi-illiterates in China. Its illiteracy rate in the western region is much higher than the country's average level and it is as high as 40 percent. The rate for the country's whole population stands at 14 percent. Write an essay of about 120 words, stating your opinion about this issue now confronting China.

　　「参考范文」

　　The task of educating a huge population can be challenging to any country. Though China has shown great concern and done much in education, and in eliminating illiteracy, it still has 153 million illiterate and semi-illiterate citizens, according to some statistics issued by the Ministry of Education. So, in my opinion, raising China's education level, to a large extent, depends on greater educational achievement in its vast western region and some other backward areas.

　　In the past decade, China has moved to combat illiteracy and promote nine years of compulsory schooling, especially in poor areas and areas inhabited by minorities, and has achieved a great success, but it seems a difficult task in regions where educational opportunities are limited. However, we should set a target that, by 2010, nine-year compulsory schooling should be realized and the illiteracy rate among young and middle-aged adults should be reduced to the minimum. Only in this way can China raise its national educational level.