IntroductionTraditionally, most Koreans live in their family’s house until they get married. In comparison, there are many countries around the world where young adults move out of the family home before marriage. Some say that living apart from your family before marriage teaches independence and responsibility. Others say that it is better to spend as much time as possible with your family before getting married. Let’s see what our debaters think about the question: Should people move out of their family’s house before getting married?
Henry (Constructive)People should move out of their family’s house before marriage. When you live with your family, your parents generally provide you with all the basic necessities, such as food, shelter, and water. However, after you become an adult, it is good to learn how to provide these necessities for yourself. Learning how to do this makes you independent. Also, living independently means that you will have to make many decisions alone. This will teach you how to be a responsible and mature adult.
Ashley (Constructive) People should not move out of their family’s house before marriage. Time with your family is precious. Once you get married, you will have your own house and family to care for. Therefore, it is better to live at home until you get married. Furthermore, moving out of the family home before marriage can be expensive. It is better to save money by living with your parents. This way, when you get married, you will have money to support your new life with your spouse.
Henry (Rebuttal)In the United States, most people move out of their house when they are 18 years old in order to attend college. Koreans should do the same thing. Young adults need to learn how to live on their own before they get married. They should learn how to cook, clean, pay bills, and take care of their health by themselves. When someone lives at home, her or his parents usually do all these things for her or him. Young adults need to learn responsibility and independence.
Ashley (Rebuttal) Once you get married and move out of the family home, you will learn how to take care of yourself and your own family. Before you get married, you should take advantage of the time with your parents and siblings. It is also possible to learn how to be independent while you are living at home. Ask your parents to teach you how to cook, clean, and manage your finances. This way, you will be prepared to take care of your own home and family one day.
Judge’s CommentsThe winner of today’s debate is Ashley. Henry said that, “In the United States, most people move out of their house when they are 18 years old in order to attend college.” He argued that Koreans should begin doing the same thing. However, the fact that the people in the United States do something a certain way is not a reason why Koreans should do it, too. Just because another country does something does not mean that it is right for every country.