25．题目： In some countries , many more people are choosing to live alone nowadays than in the past . Do you think this is a positive or negative development ?

范文：

In recent years it has become far more normal for people to live alone , particularly in large cities in the developed world . In my opinion , this trend could have both positive and negative consequences in equal measure .

The rise in one - person households can be seen as positive for both personal and broader economic reasons . On an individual level , people who choose to live alone may become more independent and self - reliant than those who live with family members . A young □□ who lives alone , for example , will need to learn to cook , clean , pay bills and manage his or her budget , all of which are valuable life skills ; an increase in the number of such individuals can certainly be seen as a positive development . From an economic perspective , the trend towards living alone will result in greater demand for housing . This is likely to benefit the construction industry , estate agents and a whole host of other companies that rely on homeowners to buy their products or services .

However , the personal and economic arguments given above can be considered from the opposite angle . Firstly , rather than the positive feeling of increased independence , people who live alone may experience feelings of loneliness , isolation and worry . They miss out on the emotional support and daily conversation that family or flatmates can provide , and they must bear the weight of all household bills and responsibilities ; in this sense , perhaps the trend towards living alone is a negative one . Secondly , from the financial point of view , a rise in demand for housing is likely to push up property prices and rents . While this may benefit some businesses , the general population , including those who live alone , will be faced with rising living costs .

In conclusion , the increase in one - person households will have both beneficial and detrimental effects on individuals and on the economy .

( band 9)