题一

　　My father used to talk to me about his five siblings. He used to say that I was unfortunate that I had none. And I used to envy him and wonder how nice it would be to have a houseful of brothers and sisters. I also used to wonder what would happen to me if I were to lose my parents. Frankly speaking, I do not have to share anything with anybody. I own all my parents' love. I can ask for anything I want. I always wear new clothes and eat the best food. Since my parents spend all their money on me, I can study at the best university of the country.

　　Lucky as I am, I now and then feel very lonely and I have nobody to complain about my loneliness. How I long for a quarrel with my brothers and sisters! Of course I have classmates and friends, but they are different. Sometimes I feel so pessimistic that after my parents leave the world, I will have no blood relatives left to share with me the fond memories of my parents. Furthermore, I am likely to become selfish while I realize the world is for sharing.

　　So, I am happy but lonely; I am fortunate but piteous; I am loved but spoiled; I am well-bred but selfish, because I am the only child of the family.

题二

　　The shortage of housing in big cities is one of the most serious problems of modern living. Increasing numbers of people are finding it difficult to conduct normal family and work duties because they either have nowhere to live or their houses are inadequate. This is a problem that requires an urgent solution because it leads to social unrest and economic inefficiency.

　　Some people suggest that the solution to the problem is to build more high-rise apartments, others are in favor of underground housing areas. I prefer the first idea, because it is cheaper to build above ground than below. Besides, people prefer to live in the open air and see the sunshine.

　　The second idea is not practical. One reason for this is that it is dangerous to construct living places under streets and buildings. Another reason is that it would take too much time to carry out, and in the meantime the number of people waiting for houses would increase, thus making the problem worse.