据权威机构调查显示，2001年，我国空调总产量为2500万台，而市场容量仅为1500万台。空调已经成为继VCD、彩电后又一个家电企业力拼的市场。于是空调厂家坐不住了，打折、送礼品，甚至出现了空调论斤卖的怪事。近日，空调企业又想出了新花样：举办空调流行趋势发布会。面临巨大的竞争压力，多数空调生产厂家都意识到了自己生存的危机，他们不得不推出新产品以占据消费市场。同时，许多空调大企业都声称他们不会去挑起空调价格战。但是，will there be an air-conditioner "price battle" this year?There is a discussion in a newspaper on the issue.Write an essay to the newspaper

　　 1) giving a brief introduction to the issue

　　 2) stating your view about the "price battle", and

　　 3) justifying your prediction.

　　 You should write about 200 words neatly on ANSWER SHEET 2

　　 With the rapid advances in the standard of living of the Chinese people in recent years, air-conditioners have joined other household electrical appliances as items in great demand. However, output has far exceeded supply, as manufacturers have scrambled for sales in this profitable market. As a result, fierce competition has driven them to resort to all sorts of measures to pull ahead of their rivals and avoid going bankrupt.

　　 These measures include aggressive advertising campaigns, offering a free gift with every purchase of an air-conditioner, and -- most important of all - lowering prices. Price wars are a common phenomenon whenever supply outstrips demand in a free-market economy, and China's newly liberalized economy is no exception. Nevertheless, I do not think we will see a repeat of the recent price war in the air-conditioner market this year.

　　 I have three reasons for my prediction. The first is that the earlier round of price-cutting eliminated the less-efficient manufacturers from the industry; so there are fewer companies supplying the market. The second is that the government has taken measures to regulate the air-conditioner market, eliminating the chaos that price wars entail. And the third is that with China's admission to the WTO, manufacturers will have to offer more attractive - not cheaper - products.