Some people like big families, while others think that small families are better.

 

As someone has rightly said: "The family is the nucleus of civilization". A person's upbringing and education starts in his or her family and it is in the family that values, norms and ideas are communicated from generation to generation. Families can be big and small. Some families consist of parents and their only child. But there are families where several generations live together and where there are a lot of children.
In my opinion, big families are better than small ones. Firstly, when there are two or more children in the family, they are used to helping each other and sharing responsibilities. They learn to live in a "community" where every member is equal. Secondly, when a child has brothers and sisters, he or she is not likely to become egoistic because parents share their love and attention between all their children. And finally, it is difficult to feel lonely when one has a big family.
However, some people say that they would prefer to have a small family. First and foremost, one needs less money to support a small family. Parents who have only one child don't have to work much and therefore they can spend more time with their son or daughter. Besides, when several generations live together, there is often misunderstanding between older and younger people because of their different experiences, opinions and habits.
To conclude, it does not matter if the family is big or small. The most important thing is that it should be happy and united. That is why it is essential to maintain harmony and the atmosphere of love, mutual respect and understanding in the family.

 

Nowadays quite a lot of young people choose to conclude marriage contract. Others say that it is an absolutely useless thing.

Unfortunately, nowadays a lot of marriages break up. For many men and women divorce turns into a nightmare because it is often connected with quarrels and partition of property. Sometimes a wife and a husband can become real enemies arguing about who will take the flat or the car after their separation. If they have small children, everything becomes even more complicated and painful.
Personally, I am convinced that it is wise of young people to conclude marriage contract. Marriage contract is a mutual consent about mutual rights and duties before marriage, in marriage and after it. The contract takes effect on the date of the civil marriage ceremony. It regulates property relationship between spouses and determines their rights and duties. What is more, marriage contract can determine property rights and duties of spouses as parents. It is very convenient that spouses can change their marriage contract during their marriage. They also have the right to cancel it.
However, some people say that a person who concludes marriage contract shows that he or she does not trust his or her spouse. And if there is no trust in the family, it is likely to break up. Besides, when young people are going to get married, they should think about love, not money. But I still believe that both men and women should be responsible and they should think about their future.
To conclude, it's up to you to decide whether to conclude marriage contract or not. But in my opinion, it makes people's lives easier in case of divorce and helps avoid quarrels.

 

In modern society old people and their grandchildren usually live separately and don't communicate too much. Some people say that it is quite natural, while others think that the old and the young should spend more time together.

Nowadays there are few families where several generations live under the same roof. Children and their grandparents don't see very much of each other. But is it good or bad for both the old and the young?
Personally, I think that children and their grandparents should spend more time together. Children always need much attention, but their parents usually work too much. But pensioners always have time for kids. Old people feel useful and needed when they have somebody to take care of. They also become more active and more interested in life and their physical and psychological health improves. What is more, grandparents can pass their knowledge, skills and experience to kids. At the same time the young can show the old how to use a mobile phone or a PC.
But unfortunately, there is less and less contact between children and their grandparents nowadays. Some families live in small flats where there is no room for grandparents. Other families leave for big cities and have neither time nor opportunity to visit their ageing relatives. As a result, many old people have no contact with children and feel lonely and depressed. Children who are separated from their grandparents also suffer from lack of attention, love and support. So I think parents should do their best to bring the old and the young together.
To conclude, the advantages are enormous for both the old and the young. If grandparents and children spend more time together, they will learn to understand and respect each other; consequently, there will be less conflict in society. Besides, there will be fewer lonely old people and more happy kids.

 

Nowadays a lot of people adopt children from overseas. Others are sure that there are many children who need parents in our country.

A typical family usually consists of a couple with their children. However, some people can't have their own children for different reasons and they choose to build a family through adoptions. In recent decades international adoptions have become increasingly popular.
Nowadays the growing number of men and women adopt children from foreign countries including Third World countries. Every time a Hollywood celebrity adopts a child from overseas, more and more ordinary people want to follow his or her example. To my mind, it is not right to adopt children from abroad only because it is fashionable and because other people say that it is good.
On the other hand, many people believe that adopting children from foreign countries has a number of advantages. Firstly, children's biological parents will hardly interfere in their lives. Secondly, people think that international adoptions help build bridges between communities and create a culturally diverse society. Personally, I think that it is not wise to adopt children from foreign countries when there are thousands of orphans in our country. They also need loving families and permanent homes.
In general, it is a good deed to adopt a child either from abroad or from your own country. Anyway, people must be responsible and they must take care of children who need their love and attention.

Some parents think that young people would better live independently, while others believe that it may spoil the relationships between children and parents.

All parents dream of raising responsible and self-reliant children. But when their nice little kids grow older and demand independence, most parents don't know what to do. Moms and Dads can't stop wondering if they should let their sons and daughters live independently or if young people would better live with them.
To my mind, young people should live on their own. I believe that children's job is to try their wings and parents' job is to let them fly away. For example, in the USA young people usually move out of their parents' house at the age of 18. A grown-up person who is still living with his or her parents may be considered "immature", or "tied to the mother's apron strings". Young people who live far from their parents and try to earn their living are usually more responsible and emotionally mature.
Some Moms and Dads want their children to be independent so much, that they stop influencing their lives. As a result, young people completely forget about their parents1 existence and visit them only once or twice a year at the best. Some parents feel unhappy and lonely because they have to live in an old people's home where they miss their children and grandchildren. I strongly feel that parents ought to love, protect and guide their children in order to avoid such a sad situation. And children ought to take care of their aging parents in their turn.
To conclude, I believe that lifelong bonds between parents and their children are extremely important. No matter how old you are or where you live, you must never forget about your parents.

 

Some parents think that if their children are disobedient, they should be stricter with them. Others say that love and understanding will help solve the problem.

Have you ever met an ideal child? I don't think so. Small children are very active, inquisitive and sometimes naughty. There are kids whose behaviour can be called notorious and unbearable. They constantly give a headache to their parents and teachers. Why does it happen and what should parents do in such a situation?
Personally, I think that if parents want their sons and daughters to be cheerful, self-confident and socially successful, they must be loving, caring and attentive to their children's wishes and needs. Grown-ups ought to show warmth and affection towards their children. Of course, sometimes parents should be strict, but they must always remain fair. They should use punishment and praise appropriately. I love and respect my parents because they prefer discussions and explanations and value compromise.
However, some Moms and Dads are still convinced that if they spare the rod, they will certainly spoil the child. They think that if they punish their children, their sons and daughters will grow into well-behaved adults. Such parents choose to be very strict with their offspring. As a result, adults achieve the contrary effect: their son or daughter becomes estranged and feels rejected. I believe that pressure and fear are the worst methods of upbringing.
To conclude, it is parents1 duty to make their child happy. Many psychologists say that there are no problem children, there are only problem parents. Mothers and fathers should be wise, loving, considerate and consistent. As soon as children feel that their parents love, understand and support them, they will have a desire to please them and to improve their behaviour.

Most people believe that it's important to look nice. However, some people say that we place too much importance on appearance and fashion.

One will hardly disagree that it is pleasant to look at a person who is neatly and beautifully dressed. A person usually chooses clothes according to his or her age, social class, financial position and occupation. People also choose clothes according to their preferences and character.
To my mind, if a person wants to produce a good impression and to be successful, he or she must look nice. When people speak to you, they always pay attention to your appearance and your clothes. If you look sloppy and untidy, they will try to avoid you. There is a saying that "good clothes open all doors" and I quite agree with it.
But some people place too much importance on their appearance. They spend much money on expensive clothes and sometimes they look ridiculous trying to be fashionable. There are some styles that can surprise and even shock people such as punks, hippies or Goths. It looks strange when a person wears razor blades instead of earrings, dyes his or her hair bright red or purple or puts on shoes on enormous platform. Some teenagers are fond of bright make-up, black fingernails, scruffy long hair or baggy clothes. But I think it is silly to slavishly follow the current fashions.
In conclusion, I'd like to say that nowadays fashion becomes even more influential than it was in the past. It effects and moulds public taste. I believe that people should follow fashion and pay attention to their appearance, but it should never become a kind of obsession.

 

Some teenagers think that clothes make the man, while others don't care much about what they wear.

Nowadays the word "fashion" is a synonym for beauty, style and glamour. Every shop offers a wide choice of fashionable clothes and it is hard to resist the temptation to buy something new. But is it all right to put so much attention to clothes?
Personally, I am sure that there are more important things in life than fashion. To my mind, people speak too much about it and waste a lot of money on clothes. I have a pair of jeans and I wear them every day. I think jeans are comfortable and cheap. I never go for the latest styles or buy very expensive clothes.
However, most teenagers say that clothes show their personality. Besides, they are the first thing people see when they meet them. Teenagers believe that clothes help them produce a favourable impression and they say they feel better when they are dressed well. Young people also use bright make-up, cut and dye their hair and carry different accessories such as bags, purses, glasses, jewellery, hats or scarves in order to attract attention. Some youngsters are fond of experimenting with their look and mixing styles. But I don't think it is wise to become a fashion victim.
To conclude, I believe that clothes do not make the man. The main aim of clothes is to protect the human body from extreme weather, insects, chemicals and other hazards. The second aim is to attract attention and to indicate status. In my opinion, the main thing about clothes is comfort. As for beauty and style, they are less important.

The question of what pupils should wear to school rouses strong feelings on both sides. Some people give many reasons in favor of school uniforms. However, there are a lot of people who are against them.

The problem of school uniforms is discussed in every school. The majority of schoolchildren have a negative attitude to wearing a uniform. Nevertheless, there are arguments for school uniforms that should not be discounted.
To my mind, the school uniform has a lot of advantages. Firstly, some teenagers wear clothes that are not appropriate at school such as short skirts or clothes with vulgar language. Secondly, teachers say that uniforms help improve discipline and reduce peer pressure and bullying. It should also be noted that most pupils don't mind wearing uniforms. The wearing of school uniforms helps pupils realize that a person's unique gifts and personality traits go deeper than their clothes. What is more, the school uniform promotes equality because everyone has to wear the same.
However, some teachers believe that bringing in uniforms will not solve the school discipline problem. Clothes are not the main cause of bullying and therefore it will continue, regardless of dress policy. Most pupils are convinced that school uniforms interfere with their rights for self-expression. Some parents are also against uniforms because they are not cheap. But on the other hand, it is true that teenagers place too much importance on appearance and fashion. So pupils whose parents cannot afford to buy them fashionable clothes often become outsiders and suffer from bullying and emotional stress. So I think that a school uniform can prove to be a cheaper way of dressing children.
To conclude, school uniforms still remain a hot topic. I believe it is up to pupils, their teachers and parents to decide whether children should wear uniforms or not.

 

Some people like fur coats and hats, while others think that wearing fur is unacceptable.

Animal furs have long served to make clothes or to decorate them. However, the use of fur as clothing and decoration is considered controversial by some people.
Personally, 1 don't wear fur for several reasons. Firstly, the production of fur coats and hats involves cruelty to animals. Millions of foxes, rabbits, minks, beavers, chinchillas and other animals are killed on farms because of their commercially valuable fur. Many of these animals are raised in cages which leave them little room to move around. Most animal rights groups object to the trapping and killing of wildlife. The anti-fur movement involves celebrities who try to convince people that fur is not fashionable. Secondly, nowadays there are a lot of materials that will not let you freeze. Thirdly, fur is very expensive and I can't afford to buy fur coats and hats.
On the other hand, in some climates it is so cold that people can't do without fur. For some regions in Russia fur trade is the only business that gives people an opportunity to support their families. Besides, some people prefer furs to artificial materials because they are healthier and much more beautiful. Anyway, it is difficult to convince people not to buy fur.
To sum up, it is unacceptable to wear furs only because of their beauty. I strongly feel that fur must be worn only as a necessity.

 

Most fashion houses complain that producers of knockoff versions copy and sell their designs. Some people say that copies are much worse than the original. However, the knock-off industry brings some positive effects to trends and to the designers as well.

 

A lot of manufacturers copy famous designers and produce knockoff suits, dresses, jeans, bags and accessories. Some people can't decide whether the massive knockoff industry is a good or bad thing.
Personally, I think that the fashion industry is an expensive one. So it is no wonder the knock-off business is so successful. Ordinary people want to have access to the latest styles and trends as much as the wealthy do. Most middle class consumers cannot afford to pay 1000 euros for designer jeans, but they can buy a 100 euro imitation. As a rule everybody knows that they buy copies, and so there are no complaints about the quality. What is more, knockoff clothes can be in the shops within two or three days of a fashion show, before the original is available for sale.
On the other hand, the quality of most copies is extremely low. Poorly made knockoff suits lose colour; bags fall apart. Fashion houses say that they are losing sales because of the knockoff industry. Besides, knockoff versions have a negative effect on their image. But to my mind, knockoffs bring more good than bad to the fashion industry because they actually promote the brand or designer, which encourages consumers to buy fashion labels.
To conclude, the copying of brand names and logos is outlawed. However, the knockoff industry is thriving and producers of copies are becoming richer and richer. But in spite of the knockoff business, fashion designers have remained more than wealthy. Therefore, I believe that prohibiting knockoffs would be eliminating more good than bad.

A lot of young people cover their bodies with tattoos and decorate them with piercing. However, others say that body art has many drawbacks.

Tattooing and piercing are popular in many parts of the world and they are practiced for decorative, religious or other reasons. As the use of body art grows, it is becoming a controversial issue.
In my opinion, tattoos and piercing don't make people more beautiful. Most employers don't want employees to have tattoos and piercing because it gives them an air of unprofessionalism. Some people are asked to remove belly rings or tongue studs when they are at work. Employees often have to wear long sleeves and trousers to hide their tattoos. Sometimes young people are allowed to show their tattoos if they are not offensive, but most companies still prefer conventional looks. Furthermore, doctors warn people against possible dangers of tattooing and piercing including bacterial infection and allergic reactions. These procedures are painful and risky. Besides, one should remember that it is difficult to remove a tattoo. Some people have to pay much money to undergo laser erasure treatments.
However, some young people say that their tattoos and piercing make them feel attractive and rebellious. They also believe that body art gives them an opportunity to show their individuality. Anyway, when you are invited to a firm for a job interview, you can hide your tattoos and remove all jewellery. But I still believe that body art is unsightly.
To conclude, tastes differ. You may admire the huge dragon on your back, but your relatives, friends and colleagues may dislike it. If you want to improve your job prospects and to stay healthy, you'd better leave your body unadorned.