Recently there has been some heated discussion on the family relationship The issue that families are now not as close as they used to beis a complex one, since it involves a conflict of values. In my view, the final judgment will depended on a combination of two (three) essential aspects.

　　(原因1)Compared with the past, great changes have taken place in the size of a family life. As a result, the young people are more willing to live in their smaller family units rather than sharing the same apartment with the parents. With the time goes by, it is natural that family members are not as closed as they used to be. (原因2)Additionally, the pattern of social production as a whole also undergoes certain dramatic transformation. So the younger generation usually work under such a pressure that they seldom have enough time to stay with their parents. Gradually, The concept of a large family is fading from their minds. (原因3)Finally, the country has, for the past decades, witnessed an upsurge of scientific technology. So nowadays, a variety of modern technical devices are available. By and by, the young people find it more convenient to contact their parents through telephone or E-mails instead of staying with their parents.

　　In view of such social phenomenon, it is imperative to take some urgent steps. For one thing, young generation is expected to enhance their awareness that a closed family is crucial for their parents. For another thing, the media, in collaboration with government departments concerned, is obliged to take concrete measures to encourage the young people to spend more time with their family members. Only in this way can a closed family be maintained. (298 words)

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（实习编辑：高奕飞）