Elective Courses
The requirements of school systems differ from place to place. In some high schools students follow a strict program of study， while in others they have the freedom to choose some of their courses. In my opinion， elective courses are an important part of a complete high school education. Therefore， I believe that it would be beneficial for all students to be able to choose some of their courses. One reason for my belief is that choosing from a variety of courses would allow students to explore new areas of study. They may discover a new talent or interest and broaden their horizons. Another reason is that when students choose their own courses they take more responsibility for them and really try to do well. They will be more motivated to learn the material they want to learn. A final reason is that making such choices in high school will help to prepare the students for their university lives， when they will have to make many such decisions. In conclusion， it is my belief that students benefit from being able to choose courses they are interested in. of course， they must still take some required subjects， but the addition of elective courses would enable them to receive a more well-rounded education. Furthermore， they might be fortunate enough to discover a lifelong interest at an early age.
参考译文：
选修课程
学校制度的要求各地都不同。在有些中学，学生必须遵守非常严格的课程计划，而在有些中学，学生则有选择部分课程的自由。依我之见，选修课程是完整的中学教育的重要一环。因此，我认为，让所有学生能够自己选择部分课程对他们是很有益处的。
我之所以会这样认为，原因之一在于，开放各种课程让学生选择可以使他们有机会探索新的学习领域。他们或许会发现自己的天分或兴趣，并拓展自己的视野。另一个原因是，当学生自行选修课程时，他们要为自己负更大的责任，并且真的要努力好好表现。他们会更有动力去学习自己想学的内容。最后一个理由是，在中学时期做这样的选择能帮助学生对大学生活有所准备。因为上大学后，他们将必须做很多这样的决定。
总之，我认为，学生会因为能够选修自己感兴趣的课程而获益。当然，他们仍然必须修一些必修科目，但增加了选修科目将使他们能够接受元化的教育。此外，他们也许能够很幸运地在早年就发现自己终生的兴趣。