雅思考试大作文范文：三世同堂的利弊

 　　三世同堂的利弊

　　For many years the nuclear family, consisting of father, mother, and children, was considered to be the normal family pattern in China's society. Yet in many other cultures and in our own in the past, three generations--grandparents, parents, and children--often have lived together. What are the advantages and disadvantages of three generations living together? Give specific examples in a 250-word essay.

　　Three generations living together can have both financial and personal advantages. On the other hand, it can also have personal disadvantages.

　　In years past and today, three generations have probably lived together mostly out of economic necessity¹ or advantage. Sometimes a young family moves in with the older generation because the husband and wife can't afford a place of their own. Sometimes grandparents move in because they aren't well enough or can't afford to live alone anymore. Occasionally², grandparents come to take care of the children so both parents can work. In times past, and sometimes today, three generations have lived together because they all depended on the same farm or business.

　　Usually these arrangements do help solve financial and practical problems. Everyone has a roof over his or her head. Children and old people in need of care are likely to get it. Often a family can get ahead financially by sharing the work and the bills. In addition, a strong sense of family and of belonging can develop in everyone.

　　What may be harder to work out are questions of who's in charge. If grandparents don't let go of some authority³, the middle generation is likely to resent⁴ it. On the other hand, ailing⁵ grandparents may force their children to be parents to them and to their own children as well. If parents and grandparents disagree on discipline, children may be confused or angry.

　　The personal disadvantages can be overcome. For three generations to live together successfully, everyone's needs must be respected.

1 necessity   

n.必要性，需要；必需品

参考例句：

• I look upon this as an absolute necessity.我认为这是绝对必要的。
• You must understand the necessity of education.你必须懂得教育的必要性。

2 occasionally   

adv.偶然地；非经常地

参考例句：

• He went on talking,occasionally wiping at his face with a towel.他继续说着，偶尔用毛巾擦一下脸。
• I like playing football best,but occasionally I play table tennis,too.我最喜欢踢足球，偶尔也打打乒乓球。

3 authority   

n.当局，官方；权力，权威，威信；当权者

参考例句：

• He is recognized internationally as an authority in this field.国际上承认他是这方面的一个权威。
• Professor White is looked upon as an authority on mathematics.怀特教授被看成数学权威。

4 resent   

v.对...表示忿恨，对...怨恨

参考例句：

• I resent his dictatorial manner.我痛恨他的独断作风。
• I resent comments on the impracticality of small cars.我反对说小骄车不实用的说法。

5 ailing   

v.生病

参考例句：

• They discussed the problems ailing the steel industry. 他们讨论了困扰钢铁工业的问题。
• She looked after her ailing father. 她照顾有病的父亲。