1. In China, what rewards do children often get from school?

Children often get small rewards, like stickers, pencils, or notebooks, when they do well in school. It，s been ages since I was a young student, but I remember my primary school teachers usually gave us a red flower sticker when we did really well on a test. It made us so happy to get that little piece of recognition305. Sometimes children get special privileges306 instead. For example, when you did well in school, you could have less homework than other students.

2. Should children be given rewards? What are the disadvantages of it?

Yes, children should be given rewards, at least to some extent307. It，s not a bad thing to treat them when they do something well. For example, if they achieve good grades, it，s nice to give them some kind of present. But at the same time, their motivations might not be so great anymore. If they only do things to get rewards, they may become very greedy. It，s a hard line to walk308.

3. Should parents push their children to get prizes?

I don，t think parents should necessarily push their children to get prizes. On the one hand, it，s nice to give their children a sense of ambition. Nobody wants to have a lazy kid who doesn’t care about doing good work. But on the other hand, if parents push their kids too hard, they might develop anxiety and not want to do work at all. So I suppose that parents should find a healthy balance.

4. What kinds of rewards do companies often offer to their outstanding employees?

I think companies usually give their employees raises309 when they do really well. Money is very powerful when it comes to motivating employees. After all, everyone works for a paycheck310. Some companies are really generous and give their outstanding employees paid vacation time311 or even a promotion. Those are also good ways to recognize employees，achievements and efforts.

5. What are the advantages of giving rewards to employees?

Well, the first one that comes to mind is that they’ll probably work harder. If they know they can get
a special reward, like a raise or even a promotion, they’re bound to do their best. After all, who doesn’t
want to get something nice in exchange for good work? Another advantage is that they’ll feel appreciated. It’s always nice to be recognized for the work you do. When employees are happy, they are usually more productive.

6. Other than money, what can motivate employees to be more active at work? What other ways can make people work harder?

Well, there are definitely lots of other ways to motivate employees. Apart from money, vacation time is a good way to get employees working harder. Everyone likes time off, after all. But you can also motivate employees by giving them positive feedback. Having that encouragement can make them more active and involved at work. You can also make sure their work environment is very welcoming312 If they feel comfortable, they’re more likely to work harder.

305 get that little piece of recognition：获得一点点认可
306 get special privileges:获得特权
307 at least to some extent:在某种程度上
308 It，s a hard line to walk:想要保持好平衡是很难的（把握好中间的度很难)
309 give their employees raises：给员工加薪
310 works for a paycheck ：工作是为 了赚钱
311 paid vacation time ：带薪假期312 work environment is very welcoming：温暖友好的工作环境