申論題

3. Summarizing: Write a summary in English between 80 to 100 words to get the gist of the
following article. (It is strongly recommended not to copy the same sentences of the original texts.)
       It all started with Queen Margaret of Scotland, who, in 1288, degreed that in a leap year a woman
could propose to any man, as long as he was single. Any man who declined such a proposal must pay a
fine, ranging from a kiss to a pair of gloves to a silk dress to £100.
      The law was dropped years later, but the custom remains: February 29th is traditionally the day for
ladies to turn the table and propose to their partners. It’s the once-in-every-1461-days opportunity.
      Consider for example the case of Joanne Mills: she was fed up with waiting over nine years for her
boyfriend, Michael Cordwell, to pop the question. So she took a tin of red paint to the place where he
worked, and painted a proposal across the side of his van. “I was very embarrassed – not because she
had asked me, but the way she did it was so unsubtle,” said Michael. He told her to get down on one
knee and ask the permission of his father. She did, and they tied the knot. (continued on next page)
      But, according to a survey by a London-based cosmetics firm, couples should look before they leap.
Only 29% of men would say ‘yes’ if their girlfriend proposed to them on February 29th. One in three
women admit they are too nervous of being turned down, and more than half of them believe it is still a
job for the boys.
       Whether the proposal should come from men or women, there is a large body of opinion which
believes that a proposal, particularly a romantic one, remains a vital ingredient in the recipe for a
successful marriage. What’s behind the idea is that people want commitment and to be seen together,
just like they are all for big dresses for the wedding.
      Set against the romantic school is the modern school, which thinks that lengthy thought and
thorough consideration are more important. Not only the impulsive action of popping the question can
lead people to ill-fated marriage, but it is also a cheeky thing to do because one is under great pressure to say yes. It is an invitation to be kicked in the face.