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Positive or negative FamilySociety Essay #183
Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write about the following topic:

Smaller families are becoming increasingly common in today's society.

Do the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

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

Write at least 250 words.

Use the plan, then compare with Band 9.
232 words · 4 paragraphs
Introduction

Introduce the trend of smaller families. State that both benefits and negatives exist. Clearly state the opinion that disadvantages outweigh advantages.

In the contemporary world, the trend of smaller families is gaining momentum. While this shift has its merits, it is my belief that the drawbacks are more significant.

Body 1 · View 1

Topic sentence for advantages. Point 1: Increased parental care and attention per child. Point 2: Financial relief and ability to invest more in children's future.

The primary advantage of smaller families lies in the enhanced quality of care and attention that parents can provide to their children. With fewer children to look after, parents can devote more time and resources to each child, thereby fostering their development in a more holistic manner. Another benefit is the financial ease it brings to the family. Smaller families often have fewer financial burdens, allowing parents to invest more in their children's education and future, which can lead to better opportunities and a higher standard of living.

Body 2 · View 2

Topic sentence for disadvantages. Point 1: Potential loneliness and isolation for the child due to lack of siblings. Point 2: Decreasing population leading to negative economic effects (reducing workforce, slowdown).

However, the disadvantages of this trend cannot be overlooked. One major drawback is the potential for increased loneliness and isolation for the child. In smaller families, the absence of siblings could lead to a lack of social interaction, which is crucial for the development of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence. Furthermore, smaller families may contribute to a declining population, which could have serious implications for the economy. A shrinking workforce can lead to decreased productivity and economic stagnation, thereby negatively impacting the overall prosperity of a society.

Conclusion

Summarize the main advantages (care, finance) and disadvantages (loneliness, population decline). Restate the opinion that the negatives of the trend are more significant/harmful.

In conclusion, while smaller families may allow for more focused parental attention and financial ease, the drawbacks of potential loneliness and a declining population make this trend more detrimental.

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