Sample 35

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. 

Present a written argument or case to an educated reader with no specialist knowledge of the following topic: 

In some countries, marriages are arranged by the parents but in other cases, people choose their own marriage partner. Discuss both systems.在一些国家，婚姻是由父母安排的，但在其他情况下，人们选择自己的婚姻伴侣。讨论以上两种体制。

You should write at least 250 words. Use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and with relevant evidence. 

system ——noun (METHOD)[ C ] a way of doing things方法，方式；体制，制度

We'll have to develop a better filing system.我们必须设计出一套适当的归档方法。

Under this system, many people were prevented from voting.在这一体制下，很多人无法投票。

The legal system operates very differently in the US and Britain.美国和英国的法制体系相去甚远。

model answer:

第一段（婚姻应该由夫妻双方的父母或家庭中的其他成员安排的想法，在一些社会中是完全可以接受的，但对其他社会来说却是完全不可能的。这完全取决于你的文化期望。）

The idea that a marriage should be arranged by the parents of the couple, or by other members-of the family, is quite acceptable to some societies, yet completely out of the question for others. It all depends on your cultural expectations. 

be out of the question 不可能

cultural expectations 文化期望

第二段（在所谓的西方社会，包办婚姻是很不寻常的。父母有权替年轻人选择终身伴侣的想法是不会受到大多数年轻人欢迎的。……）

In so-called western societies, it is very unusual for marriages to be arranged. Most young people would not welcome the idea that their parents have the right to choose their partner for life. They feel that arranged marriages deny them their fundamental right to choose, even if they make a bad decision. 

arranged marriages /an arranged marriage 包办婚姻

deny them their fundamental right to choose 剥夺了他们选择的基本权利

make a bad decision 做出错误决定

第三段（然而，说实话，我们可能会认可一些父母用这样的方式来安排孩子们的生活，即他们的孩子很可能会与父母赞成的伴侣相亲和结婚。可以说，这在某种程度上类似于包办婚姻。……）

However, if we are honest about it, we might acknowledge that some parents organise their children's lives in such a way that they are likely to meet and marry partners the parents approve of. It could be said that this is, to some extent, similar to an arranged marriage. It is always better when families support the relationship and welcome the grandchildren. 

be honest about it 坦率地说，诚实地说

To be honest (with you),…（跟你）说老实话，……

第四段（以包办婚姻为文化准则的人常常认为，当以这种方式建立婚姻关系时，婚姻持久的可能性更大。……）

People for whom arranged marriages are the cultural norm often argue that the likelihood of the marriage lasting is greater when it is set up in this manner. Parents can be assured that their children are joining a family of similar standing and cultural background, and this, in the long run, makes for a more stable society if your parents' marriage was arranged,  and has worked well, then why should you question the custom? 

cultural norm 文化准则

varied cultural, political and ethical norms 形形色色的文化、政治和道德准则

accepted social norms 被认可的社会准则

the likelihood of the marriage lasting is greater 婚姻持久的可能性更大

set up a lasting marriage 建立一个持久的婚姻 

can be assured 可以放心

joining a family of similar standing and cultural background 在相似的地位和文化背景下建立起来的家庭

in the long run 从长远来说

makes for a more stable society 使社会更加稳定

why should you question the custom?  你为什么要质疑这种习俗呢？

custom 风俗，习俗

第五段（重要的是要确保人们永远不会被迫结婚，这将使他们不快乐或导致其中一方被另一方剥削的不平等关系。这适用于所有社会和情况。）

The important thing to ensure is that people are never forced into a marriage which will make them unhappy or lead to an unequal relationship where one partner is exploited by the other. This applies in all societies and situations. 

The important thing to ensure is 重要的是要确保……

(269 words)