Topic: Some people argue that we should do research into our family history. Others, agree with the view that we should focus on the present and future generations. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
OUTLINE:
- Thesis: Both views are reasonable → will be discussed thoroughly
- Body 1:
+ Supporting idea 1: Later generation knowing family’s past achievements → sense of pride → inspired to live better
- Example: Children see ancestors as role models
+ Supporting idea 2: Learn more about life in the past + lessons from success and failure of family
- Body 2:
+ Supporting idea 1: Studying family history may reveal embarrassing facts
- Example: Ancestor not patriotic or commit crime
+ Supporting idea 2: People should spend time on building family relationships and raising children
- Result: Strengthen family bond → form close-knit family in future
Our attitude towards family has engendered many debatable topics. One such topic is whether we should study the history of our ancestors in greater depth or concentrate on current and later generations, with people supporting both sides of the argument. Both of these views are, in my opinion, reasonable and will be thoroughly discussed.
To begin with, people who support the view that we should focus on studying the history of our family have their legitimate rationales. A more insightful knowledge of his or her family’s past achievements will certainly foster a sense of familial pride in a person, which, in turn, will inspire later generations. For example, children can perceive ancestors who were virtuous or successful as role models and thereby be encouraged to lead better lives. Additionally, one can gain a deeper understanding of their family members’ lives in the past and may learn valuable lessons by investigating the triumphs and failures of preceding generations. Evidently, the endeavour to discover more about the past and origin of one’s family is by no means futile.
That being said, there are a number of arguments in favour of spending time and effort on later generations. Attempting to uncover family history may result in the revelation of potentially embarrassing facts. Case in point, it would be extremely unpleasant for a person to discover that one of his or her ancestors was not patriotic or committed heinous crimes when they were alive. Furthermore, it would be advisable that people devote more time to establishing harmonious relationships with their present family members and nurturing their children and grandchildren so as to form a more close-knit family unit and strengthen family bonds in the future.
All things considered, I am convinced that even with the prospect of uncovering undesirable truths, it is still worth trying to learn more about our ancestors. However, one must also be mindful not to neglect present circumstances which may well influence future family life.
TOPIC VOCABULARY
- engender (v.): cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition)
- foster (v.): develop (a feeling or idea) in oneself
- virtuous (adj.): having or showing high moral standards
- endeavour (n.): an attempt to achieve a goal
- by no means (phrase): not at all; certainly not
- futile (adj.): having no effect or achieving nothing; pointless
- harmonious (adj.): friendly and peaceful
- nurture (v.): care for and protect (someone or something) while they are growing.
- close-knit (adj.): involving groups of people in which everyone supports and helps each other
- prospect (n.): the possibility or likelihood of some future event occurring.
- undesirable (adj.): Not wanted or desirable because harmful, objectionable, or unpleasant
- mindful (adj.): careful not to forget about something
- may well + V-inf = likely to + V-inf
FUNCTIONAL VOCABULARY
*Collocations
- attitude + towards/to
- in (greater) depth = in a (more) serious and detailed way
- thoroughly discussed = discussed in a more detailed way
- perceive somebody as something = consider somebody to be something
- lead a + (adjective) life = live a life that is (adjective)
- gain a (deeper/more profound) understanding = understand something better
- extremely unpleasant
*Linking words
- That being said = Having mentioned the previous idea (you can use this to introduce an idea that contradicts the previous one)
- Case in point = For instance; for example
- All things considered = Having considered everything mentioned above (you can use this to begin the concluding paragraph of your essay)
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