[简答题]

It is generally acknowledged that families are now not as close as they used to be. Give possible reasons and your recommendations.
You should write no less than 250 words. Write your article on ANSWER SHEET 2.

参考答案: Great changes have taken place in family life along with the development of society. One of them is that the once-extended family tends to become smaller. Many children have to leave their parents at an early age to study or work elsewhere. As time passes, children become emotionally estranged from their parents.
Compared with the past, social competition is increasingly fierce. People are urged to concentrate their efforts upon work so that they can achieve success, or at least a good standard of living. As a result, they can’t afford to spend their leisure hours with their families. The importance of bonds of kinship is gradually fading from their minds.
In addition, various kinds of recreational facilities also divert people from enjoying chats with members of their families. Free time is now mostly occupied by watching TV, surfing the Internet or playing video games.
In view of such alienation within families, urgent steps must be taken. For members of families who live away from one another, regular contact on the phone can bring them the care that they need. Family reunions on holidays or other important occasions can make a difference as well. For those living together, it is a good idea to take some time off work or recreation periods to spend mom time with each other.
A close family relationship can surely be maintained as long as we realize the significant role it plays in our lives and act accordingly.