Question

Some people believe that greed and selfishness has become the basis of modern society, and we should return to the old traditions of family and community then we will have a better life. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the above opinion?

In this fast-paced world, many values are undergoing major changes. While people traditionally prioritize caring, sharing and generosity in life and work, modern people seem to be more self-absorbed and self-concerned.

Modern people act selfishly to survive the harsh competition of life. They say that it is a jungle out there. To survive, you have to fight with whatever means that come handy. Obviously greedy and selfishness go perfectly well with such ideas. In a company, employees do everything they can to get better pay and higher position, even at the cost of colleagues. We are in any way advocating any selfish conduct. It is just that people are pressured to act in a certain way due to outside influences.

In spite of common practice, it is hard to conclude that modern society is built on greed and selfishness, both of which are not newly invented vocabulary. In ancient times people also did greedy and selfish things though such behaviors were more condemned then. But we can not ignore the fact that people in the past lived a relatively more isolated life and faced less pressure compared with their modern counterparts.

Are we happier to share with others and be generous to them? There is no fixed answer either. Some people take great pleasure helping and giving to others while others feel happy doing the opposite. But I personally think that people should not be too selfish. Caring for others can actually encourage the development of a mutually beneficial relationship.

In conclusion, modern people appear to be more self-centered than those in the past due to strong outside pressure. However, we should encourage people to know the importance of being caring and generous and to build a mutually beneficial relationship with others.

 

Are Modern People Becoming More Selfish?

 

Main comparisons	Contexts
__1__ are changing	In the past people put caring, sharing and generosity in the first ____2____.
	Nowadays, people seem to be more ____3____about themselves.
___4___are changing too.	People in the past appeared to be modest and self-effacing(谦让的).
	People may strive to achieve their own __5___ at the price of their coworkers.
The author’s understanding
___6____ for the changes in author’s eyes	Fierce __7___ and great __8___on modern people may be responsible for the changes.
The author’s ___9____towards topic	A relationship which can ___10___ two sides should be established.

 

Answer 1

1.Values 2. place 3. concerned　 4. Behaviors 5. goals 6. Reasons 7. competition 8. pressure　 9. attitudes　 10. benefit