WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task

Write about the following topic:

In many nations, people in huge cites either live alone or in small family units, instead of a large, extended family. Is this a positive or negative trend?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

BÀI TRẢ LỜI MẪU:

In many large cities around the world, it has become common for people to either live alone or in a small family instead of living in large extended family households. This essay will take a closer look at some of the positive and negative aspects that arise with this trend.

On the one hand, this trend does have some positive aspects. For example, different generations want and value different things these days. Many young people do not wish to live the traditional lifestyles of their parents and grandparents. Therefore, living alone allows them the freedom to do as they please without having to face constant judgement or criticism. Furthermore, many older people do not wish to live the hectic, fast-paced lifestyle of modern city life and prefer to live a slower-paced, healthier life in the countryside during their retirement. Living alone, or in smaller family groups allows each generation to live their preferred lifestyle.

However, this trend also brings several drawbacks. Firstly, as parents and grandparents get older, they may face a number of physical and mental health problems, and by living alone, they may lack the care and attention they need from their children.  Secondly, children will have less interaction and influence from grandparents, and potentially miss out on important life lessons from grandparents who have a lot of valuable life experience. Important traditions and customs may also be lost from generation to generation. Finally, living alone, or in small family groups can lead to poor family bonds between generations.

In conclusion, I believe that while this trend does bring some benefits, overall they are definitely outweighed by the drawbacks.

PHÂN TÍCH TỪ VỰNG:

• Hectic (adj) /ˈhek.tɪk/: cuồng nhiệt, sôi nổi (full of activity, or very busy and fast)

         Exp: “The area has become a haven for people tired of the hectic pace of city life.”

• Bond (n) /bɒnd/: mối liên kết/liên hệ (a close connection joining two or more people)

         Exp: “In societies with strong family bonds, people tend to live longer.”