2013年12月英语六级作文题目：

　　Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write an essay on happiness by referring to the saying “Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.” You can cite examples to illustrate your point and then explain how you can develop your ability to deal with problems and be happy. You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.

Happiness is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them.
　　Happiness, as the saying has it, is not the absence of problems, but the ability to deal with them. In other words, people can never be happy if they focus on their difficulties and challenges. Simple as the remark may sound, it conveys a thought-provoking notion that happiness is a state of mind not an absence of problems.
　　First and foremost, it is well known that in order to be a strong individual, one needs obstacles to develop one’s strength, just like butterflies which struggle to be free of their cocoon in order for their wings to become strong enough to fly. Furthermore, just because people have a disadvantaged childhood, it does not mean they cannot be successful. Steve Jobs is a case in point. He was abandoned by his biological parents and dropped out of university but still managed to change the world.
　　To conclude, as the saying goes “You cannot run away from your problems. There is not a place far enough away.” Consequently, it is advisable for everyone to have a positive attitude toward their problems if they really want to be happy.