Writing Task - 11 Apr 2018
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
It is sometimes said that people are encouraged to get married before they are 30, as this is best both for the individual and for society.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
It has been estimated that, in 2017, 32.5 out of 100 households in Taiwan are composed of a single person, 5.6 percent higher than it was in 2007, which means more and more people prefer to stay single rather than get married. In traditional values, however, to get married and settle down is considered the ultimate goal of a completed life. In my view, to stay single is neither a bad idea nor a stain in our life. People can still lead a brilliant life if they keep an optimistic attitude towards being unattached.
“Singleton” has been touted as a fabulous lifestyle by the pop culture and young people. People can enjoy what they earned or bought by themselves without having to share it with others. Products designed for bachelors and spinsters gain big profits over these years. Besides, this phenomenon might result from various complicated factors. For example, the inflation, low wages and high housing costs have forced the youngsters to baulk at the prospect of life. In the long run, whether it is right or not, we will all have to pay the price for it.
It is ironic that although people are encouraged to tie the knot as early as possible, fewer are willing to make a vow. As the Chinese saying goes, “of all who lack filial piety, the worst is who has no children” (不孝有三，無後為大), the pressure from family members often depresses those who are unwilling to be spoken for. Actually, to meet the elders’ demand is not a perfect way to show filial piety. There might be other methods to make them satisfied.
After all, what older generations really want is that we, younger generations, can lead a smooth life without making them worried. Traditional values can be altered, but the core is to make parents no longer feel anxious for our deeds. Thus, parents or the elderly may alter their viewpoints and attitudes toward being single and turn their anxiety into respect. As a result, enjoying being single will never disappoint us and our family. (336 words)
The writing task topic is extracted from The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS for Academic & General Training by Pauline Cullen, Amanda French and Vanessa Jakeman, published by Cambridge University Press.
