In the past five years, there have been great changes in people's daily expenses in XX city. According to the figures given in the table, the amount of money spent on food decreased gradually, accounting for 35 per cent in 1998. However, there was a rapid increase in clothing expenses, which made up 17% in 1998. In addition, the table shows an upward tendency in recreation expenses. The same was the case with other expenses.

What caused these remarkable changes? In my opinion, there are at least three good reasons. To begin with, with the rapid development of agriculture in China, the output of grain, fruit, vegetables, and milk has sharply increased, which contributes to the decline in their prices. Secondly, the family incomes of people both in the city and in the country have greatly risen so that people now can afford expensive clothing and some of them even want to dress in the latest fashion. Finally, as the living conditions improve, the demand for a variety of recreations is growing steadily, too.

In short, with the incomes rising continuously, people are no longer reconciled to living a simple, monotonous life. They are eager to make their life interesting and exciting. Therefore, I am sure that people will spend more money on clothing and recreations. (215 words)