You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries today, people in cities either live alone or in small family units, rather than in large, extended family groups.
Is this a positive or negative trend?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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Sample Essay 1
There is an increasing number of individuals choosing to live by themselves in small apartments. While there are those who believe the drawbacks of this trend outweigh its benefits, I personally think this is a good sign of personal growth and economic development.
Living alone or in a small family allows people to enjoy more freedom and personal space. They find it more convenient to pursue their passions and hobbies outside of work when they know they are not answerable to anyone from the extended family. As the family size is small and responsibilities are divided and assigned, members can seek more time in pursuing their hobbies in a nuclear family. Furthermore, when it comes to a living alone lifestyle, people do not have to be worried about other family members’ opinions nor bear responsibilities of them. As a result, they find extra time to think and spend their own, which is incredibly essential for their personal growth.
In addition, economic security is another major reason behind living as a small family because it is obviously easier to shoulder financial responsibilities when someone live by self, or just a couple, or having only a single child along with them. That means, they can easily make extensive calculations as to how they can afford a better life and take adequate care of their children, as well as put apart specific amounts as savings so that they have a handy reserve to fall back on in case of any emergency. In addition, when someone is living alone, they know that there is no one to give hands in their daily life, which pushes them to avail some essential self-living skills, such as personal financial management, household chores, cooking, and shopping etc. Also, living alone individuals do not have to always fend for other members, which allows them to avoid unmanageable expenses.
In conclusion, I am convinced that smaller households are a good trend for the whole society because it gives extra personal space and freedom along with offering some important financial advantages and essential household trainings.
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Sample Essay 2
In contemporary urban settings across the globe, the shift towards solitary or nuclear family living arrangements marks a departure from traditional extended family living. This transformation, while reflective of modern societal norms, harbors both positive and negative ramifications. This essay will explore the autonomy and privacy afforded by such living conditions, alongside the erosion of familial bonds and support networks.
The trend towards individual or small family units primarily fosters personal independence and privacy. In cities, where pace and privacy are prized, living alone or with immediate family members enables individuals to cultivate self-reliance. For instance, young adults navigating the complexities of urban careers and lifestyles develop robust coping mechanisms, unencumbered by the obligations often imposed by extended family living. This autonomy not only bolsters personal growth but also encourages the pursuit of personal aspirations, making it a decidedly positive development for the individual.
Conversely, this shift has contributed to a weakening of extended family ties, a cornerstone of social support systems in many cultures. The traditional extended family structure provided a network of support for childcare, eldercare, and shared financial responsibilities. With the disintegration of such units, these benefits are compromised, leading to increased isolation and diminished communal support. For example, elderly family members may find themselves in solitude, lacking the care and companionship once guaranteed within a larger family setting. This loss of communal support and the resultant social isolation represent the negative consequences of the trend towards smaller living units.
In conclusion, while living alone or in small family units in cities offers autonomy and caters to the privacy desired in modern urban life, it simultaneously undermines the traditional extended family support network. This dichotomy suggests that the trend has multifaceted implications, beneficial in fostering individual independence but detrimental in eroding communal bonds. As society continues to evolve, finding a balance between these aspects will be crucial.
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Sample Essay 3
The recent urban trend of individuals opting for solitary or small familial dwellings over traditional extensive kin networks presents a complex narrative of progress and loss. This evolution, while a testament to individualism and modernization, invites a nuanced examination of its impacts on personal development and societal cohesion.
Central to the appeal of smaller living units is the unparalleled autonomy they offer, serving as a crucible for personal and professional development. In the labyrinth of urban existence, the ability to navigate one's path without the constraints of extended familial expectations empowers individuals. This is illustrated by the burgeoning number of young professionals who, by living independently, learn to balance the rigors of their careers with personal well-being, thus sculpting a more resilient and adaptive populace. Such environments, by virtue of their privacy and independence, foster a breed of individuals equipped to contribute innovatively to the societal fabric.
However, this shift is not without its detriments, chiefly the dilution of intergenerational wisdom and the fabric of support traditionally woven by extended families. The atomization of family units severs individuals from the rich tapestry of collective memory and support that extended families provide. For instance, the mentoring roles traditionally played by grandparents are diminished, depriving younger generations of valuable life lessons and the sense of belonging that comes from deep familial connections. The resulting societal landscape is one where the invaluable resource of elder wisdom is untapped, and individuals, though independent, navigate life's vicissitudes in relative isolation.
In synthesizing these perspectives, it is evident that the trend towards smaller family units is a double-edged sword, offering autonomy at the expense of communal wisdom and support. As societies continue to morph, striking a harmonious balance between these polarities is imperative. This will ensure the preservation of individual autonomy while retaining the invaluable societal glue provided by extended familial networks.
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