In the past, families lived in a house where they usually had meals, play games and chat together. Admittedly, three generations living together can have both financial and personal advantages. On the other hand, it can also bring about certain disadvantages.

In years past and today, three generations have probably lived together mostly due to economic necessity or advantage. Sometimes a young family lives with the older generation because the newly wedded husband and wife can’ t afford a place of their own. Sometimes grandparents move in because they aren’ t physically well enough or can’ t afford to live alone anymore. As a result, younger generation will look after their aged parents, remind them to take medicine periodically and buy them necessities. Occasionally, grandparents come to take care of grandchildren so both parents can work and provide better food and education for the next generation. It is also true that in times past, and sometimes today, three generations have lived together because they all depended on the same farm or family operated business.

According to real practice in China and many other countries, these arrangements do help solve financial and practical problems. After all, everyone is willing to have a roof over his or her head. Children and old people in need of care are likely to get it. Often a family can be better off by sharing work and the bills. In addition, a strong sense of belonging and of family can develop in everyone.

However, constant conflicts can be seen in many families consist of three generations who are different in age, and so in thoughts, value and other interests. For example, if they discuss whether children should go abroad for further study, grandparents may not agree with the idea since they are more conservative and are concerned about grandchildren’ s safety. While the parents, who are younger than the grandfather, put much expectation on their children and hope overseas education will provide teenagers with better jobs. In addition, the young prefer to buy fancy things to show they catch the trend all the time, in which condition, the old will blame them for wasting money. If any sides can’ t control themselves, it is hard to imagine what will happen next.

In a word, there are both advantages and disadvantages of three living together. For three generations to live together harmoniously, everyone’ s needs must be respected, and then disadvantages can be overcome. 

此次考试作文是关于“三世同堂的好处与坏处”写一篇400字左右的作文。范文首段提到在过去很多家庭三世同堂，随后引出观点，即三世同堂既有好处也有坏处。第二段，作者谈到许多家庭三世同堂是出于经济或生活需要，并在第三段阐述这样做会带来经济上的优势以及家庭归属感。第四段，作者谈到不同代际有不同的想法、价值观，并举例说明家庭成员之间会产生分歧。最后，作者承认三世同堂有利也有弊，如果希望三代和平共处，需要尊重每个人的需要。