TOEFL Independent Writing Samples
1.
People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation and increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
People attend college or university for many different reasons. I think the most important motivation for going to college is to gain more knowledge. No one can deny the fact that a high school diploma is not enough if one wishes to learn more about a particular field. College students with specific majors learn useful and marketable skills while they are attending school.
In addition to acquiring more knowledge, going to college is also a great way to find people of similar interests. The process of finding those who have a lot in common with us validates our self-worth and helps us understand our own strengths and weaknesses more. People get to find their paths in life through years of constant personal and academic exploration and the experience itself will be more than beneficial.
1.
People attend college or university for many different reasons (for example, new experiences, career preparation and increased knowledge). Why do you think people attend college or university? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
People attend college or university for many different reasons. I think the most important motivation for going to college is to gain more knowledge. No one can deny the fact that a high school diploma is not enough if one wishes to learn more about a particular field. College students with specific majors learn useful and marketable skills while they are attending school.
In addition to acquiring more knowledge, going to college is also a great way to find people of similar interests. The process of finding those who have a lot in common with us validates our self-worth and helps us understand our own strengths and weaknesses more. People get to find their paths in life through years of constant personal and academic exploration and the experience itself will be more than beneficial.
Another major reason why people choose to attend college is that a college degree is
a great tool for finding decent jobs. As technology advances, we need to obtain more
education and special training in order to be qualified for a lot of jobs, and such skills
can only be obtained in an academic surrounding. Also, big enterprises tend to hire
people with a college degree and it has become a must, not a plus, in the job market.
Yet another reason why people attend college is that they want to enhance their interpersonal skills. College life mirrors that of real society and students get a feel for what it’s like to be in the real world by socializing with faculty members and fellow classmates on a daily basis.
In sum, it’s been agreed that those who graduate from prestigious schools are more respected and accepted by society. We all want to be valued by the people around us, and attending college offers us the possibility of success while preparing us for what lies ahead.
2.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers in children's lives. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
When children are young, they rely on their parents to nourish and care for them. Parents teach children basic skills that are needed in the real world and these skills can be important to children’s development. I am of the opinion, however, that not all parents are suitable for rearing children, let alone being their best teachers. The following are my reasons to support this argument.
There are parents who are overly subjective and domineering. While either intentionally or unintentionally, they treat their children like their property, not individuals; as a result, they often try to force their own morals and expectations on their offspring. While a certain set of morals and attitudes may have been appropriate for the parents, children face societal changes that parents may be unable to adapt to, due to generational differences. For example, a parent may find a certain type of music inappropriate for their children to listen to, such as Jay-Z’s work. While the lyrics of his songs may include a lot of profanity, parents forget that when they were young, Elvis was considered inappropriate due to his gyrating hips.
Yet another reason why people attend college is that they want to enhance their interpersonal skills. College life mirrors that of real society and students get a feel for what it’s like to be in the real world by socializing with faculty members and fellow classmates on a daily basis.
In sum, it’s been agreed that those who graduate from prestigious schools are more respected and accepted by society. We all want to be valued by the people around us, and attending college offers us the possibility of success while preparing us for what lies ahead.
2.
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers in children's lives. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
When children are young, they rely on their parents to nourish and care for them. Parents teach children basic skills that are needed in the real world and these skills can be important to children’s development. I am of the opinion, however, that not all parents are suitable for rearing children, let alone being their best teachers. The following are my reasons to support this argument.
There are parents who are overly subjective and domineering. While either intentionally or unintentionally, they treat their children like their property, not individuals; as a result, they often try to force their own morals and expectations on their offspring. While a certain set of morals and attitudes may have been appropriate for the parents, children face societal changes that parents may be unable to adapt to, due to generational differences. For example, a parent may find a certain type of music inappropriate for their children to listen to, such as Jay-Z’s work. While the lyrics of his songs may include a lot of profanity, parents forget that when they were young, Elvis was considered inappropriate due to his gyrating hips.
When it comes to careers, some parents try to steer their children in a specific
direction instead of letting them choose what they want to pursue.
Other parents are too protective of their children, and this often spoils them and may mislead or distort their values. For example, a parent may immediately blame other children if his or her child gets into a fight. The complete lack of objectivity makes it increasingly difficult for children to learn from their mistakes. If children never learn to face the consequences of their own actions, they will not be able to handle issues that occur in the real world. The idea that either mom or dad will come to the rescue will turn them into lazy and irresponsible adults.
Finally, we all agree that it is not
In conclusion, while parents play a significant role in the development of their children, some are not qualified as teachers. A parent's lack of objectivity will detrimentally affect a child's development if he or she is not held accountable for his or her actions. Parents may also push their morals and values on their children against their wishes or have personal issues that need to be dealt with. These problems can seriously hold back a child's overall development. A child needs to make choices in his or her own life and not merely follow the goals and dreams of his or her parents. Unfortunately, very few parents have the courage and wisdom to realize this.
3.
Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Through the ages, humans have undergone many changes, from a period when we hunted for our food to the present era when most people have steered away from fresh produce. Our eating habits have changed greatly in the past decades and especially since the modern person is often caught in a race against the clock;
Other parents are too protective of their children, and this often spoils them and may mislead or distort their values. For example, a parent may immediately blame other children if his or her child gets into a fight. The complete lack of objectivity makes it increasingly difficult for children to learn from their mistakes. If children never learn to face the consequences of their own actions, they will not be able to handle issues that occur in the real world. The idea that either mom or dad will come to the rescue will turn them into lazy and irresponsible adults.
Finally, we all agree that it is not
In conclusion, while parents play a significant role in the development of their children, some are not qualified as teachers. A parent's lack of objectivity will detrimentally affect a child's development if he or she is not held accountable for his or her actions. Parents may also push their morals and values on their children against their wishes or have personal issues that need to be dealt with. These problems can seriously hold back a child's overall development. A child needs to make choices in his or her own life and not merely follow the goals and dreams of his or her parents. Unfortunately, very few parents have the courage and wisdom to realize this.
3.
Nowadays, food has become easier to prepare. Has this change improved the way people live? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
Through the ages, humans have undergone many changes, from a period when we hunted for our food to the present era when most people have steered away from fresh produce. Our eating habits have changed greatly in the past decades and especially since the modern person is often caught in a race against the clock;
in a child's best interests to remain in the custody of
a parent whose behavior puts the child in danger. We need to consider the nature
and frequency of any past instances of physical violence and drug or alcohol abuse as
these problems will negatively affect’s a child’s development. Adults with their
behavioral problems are often unfit parents and they are certainly not going to lead
their children by setting a good example.
easy-to-prepare meals have become the answer and have reshaped our lifestyles. In
the following essay, I will elaborate more on how convenience and technology have
changed the way we live for the worse.
First, the pressure to do more in less time has affected our eating habits; as a result, most of us no longer have time to cook. Early man's only objective was to seek food to sustain life. Nowadays, finding food has taken a back seat to other priorities, such as career and education. As food becomes easier to prepare, most people are becoming lazier and we tend to eat worse, not better. Frozen meals and fast foods have greatly replaced freshly prepared meals and no wonder many of us are overweight and malnourished.
Also, preparing meals is no longer of great importance for many people and this is not an encouraging trend. People are too dependent on processed or prepared food, which lacks the freshness and nutrition our bodies need. People have shifted from time-consuming but wholesome home cooking to high-calorie food like fries, pizza, and ice cream. Such foods are high in sodium and fat, but low in nutritional content. The frequent and over-consumption of said foods may cause obesity, fatigue and many other chronic illnesses. Convenience does not equal health or guarantee a better lifestyle. Frozen or fast foods indeed save us a lot of time, but at the expense of our health.
Finally, cooking is an art which is dying out. People once enjoyed cooking as a means of eliminating stress and tension. People were once able to relax during this time and reflect on their lives. Dinner used to be quality time when family got together and exchanged warm conversations – very different from today’s digging into a microwave dinner in front of the TV, alone.
Clearly, easy to prepare food can be fast and convenient, and it allows most people to allocate their time more efficiently, but is it really worth it? The notion of quick and convenient has made people lazier. In addition to our laziness, we have also lost many pleasures in our lives; like the simple act of selecting our evening meal, preparing a dish with love and care, and enjoying it with our loved ones. Many do not realize the importance of cooking until they’ve lost their health and the quality time they might have had with the people they love.
4.
First, the pressure to do more in less time has affected our eating habits; as a result, most of us no longer have time to cook. Early man's only objective was to seek food to sustain life. Nowadays, finding food has taken a back seat to other priorities, such as career and education. As food becomes easier to prepare, most people are becoming lazier and we tend to eat worse, not better. Frozen meals and fast foods have greatly replaced freshly prepared meals and no wonder many of us are overweight and malnourished.
Also, preparing meals is no longer of great importance for many people and this is not an encouraging trend. People are too dependent on processed or prepared food, which lacks the freshness and nutrition our bodies need. People have shifted from time-consuming but wholesome home cooking to high-calorie food like fries, pizza, and ice cream. Such foods are high in sodium and fat, but low in nutritional content. The frequent and over-consumption of said foods may cause obesity, fatigue and many other chronic illnesses. Convenience does not equal health or guarantee a better lifestyle. Frozen or fast foods indeed save us a lot of time, but at the expense of our health.
Finally, cooking is an art which is dying out. People once enjoyed cooking as a means of eliminating stress and tension. People were once able to relax during this time and reflect on their lives. Dinner used to be quality time when family got together and exchanged warm conversations – very different from today’s digging into a microwave dinner in front of the TV, alone.
Clearly, easy to prepare food can be fast and convenient, and it allows most people to allocate their time more efficiently, but is it really worth it? The notion of quick and convenient has made people lazier. In addition to our laziness, we have also lost many pleasures in our lives; like the simple act of selecting our evening meal, preparing a dish with love and care, and enjoying it with our loved ones. Many do not realize the importance of cooking until they’ve lost their health and the quality time they might have had with the people they love.
4.
It has been said, “Not everything that is learned is contained in books.” Compare
and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from
books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
Books and experiences are the two main channels of knowledge. Books make our academic pursuits a reality as they provide valuable information and knowledge that we need, whereas pragmatic experiences serve as many people’s best teachers in life. In order to survive and succeed in this world, we need to draw inspiration from both channels and it’s fair to say that one can’t stand without the other. However, if I were to choose between knowledge from books and knowledge gained from experience, I have to say books are far more important than experience. Oftentimes, we do indeed find that books contain valuable life experiences.
We often hear thunder and see lightning in the sky, and we soon realize that lightning is seen sooner than thunder is heard. Based on our experience alone, we cannot figure out how nature works. We rely on studies, numbers and theories to help us understand things better, because life is filled with complexities and most can’t be resolved with just experience. Besides, books do an excellent job of providing us with succinct, organized ideas and information that help us to understand how the world works. Without books, such knowledge might otherwise be too confusing or difficult to grasp.
Some might argue that life’s most valuable lessons can’t be learned from books - things like swimming or cooking – and one needs to get his or her hands dirty in order to really do things well, but this is mostly limited to physical skill. One can survive by experience in the field of love or car mechanics. The same goes for driving a car or fixing a bike. On the other hand, sufficient math skills and an understanding of language are absolutely necessary if one is to thrive rather than just survive; one can’t do without books. Even though it’s easier and probably more natural to learn from experience, experience alone does not give us the edge we need to compete in today’s world.
Last but not least, modern technology can’t advance without the recording of all our knowledge. Books contain the much-needed information that nourishes our collective brains. The human civilization depends on books. Without them, we would still be cavemen who roamed the plains and the human race would stop evolving.
Books and experiences are the two main channels of knowledge. Books make our academic pursuits a reality as they provide valuable information and knowledge that we need, whereas pragmatic experiences serve as many people’s best teachers in life. In order to survive and succeed in this world, we need to draw inspiration from both channels and it’s fair to say that one can’t stand without the other. However, if I were to choose between knowledge from books and knowledge gained from experience, I have to say books are far more important than experience. Oftentimes, we do indeed find that books contain valuable life experiences.
We often hear thunder and see lightning in the sky, and we soon realize that lightning is seen sooner than thunder is heard. Based on our experience alone, we cannot figure out how nature works. We rely on studies, numbers and theories to help us understand things better, because life is filled with complexities and most can’t be resolved with just experience. Besides, books do an excellent job of providing us with succinct, organized ideas and information that help us to understand how the world works. Without books, such knowledge might otherwise be too confusing or difficult to grasp.
Some might argue that life’s most valuable lessons can’t be learned from books - things like swimming or cooking – and one needs to get his or her hands dirty in order to really do things well, but this is mostly limited to physical skill. One can survive by experience in the field of love or car mechanics. The same goes for driving a car or fixing a bike. On the other hand, sufficient math skills and an understanding of language are absolutely necessary if one is to thrive rather than just survive; one can’t do without books. Even though it’s easier and probably more natural to learn from experience, experience alone does not give us the edge we need to compete in today’s world.
Last but not least, modern technology can’t advance without the recording of all our knowledge. Books contain the much-needed information that nourishes our collective brains. The human civilization depends on books. Without them, we would still be cavemen who roamed the plains and the human race would stop evolving.
5.
A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.
I have been living in a peaceful and quiet town for about ten years. I have the most wonderful and friendly neighbors and our community is blessed with a scenic lake that many of us frequent on a daily basis. I love this place very much. A piece of bad news has shattered our quiet lives, however; we heard that a company will set up a new factory near our community. I was shocked and will never support this project.
I’m angry for obvious reasons. To begin, factories are the culprit of all kinds of pollution and very few factories are good at damage control once things get out of hand. Factories are noisy and their existence can be an eyesore. Most buildings are ugly and institutional. These uninspiring structures will ruin our beautiful landscape and scare off visitors. Most negative environmental impacts are irreversible and a factory will do more harm than good to our community; and once we let it in, there will be no turning back.
Secondly, factories will inevitably consume a lot of our natural resources, such as water and land, and this uneven distribution of precious natural resources can cause severe problems in the years to come. For example, machines need fuels to power them and it’s easy to imagine what our town is going to be like after this huge monster gets settled in.
Thirdly, factories bringing workers and people from the outside will disrupt the serenity of our quiet town. Some might argue that new factories can create more jobs and it’s good for the economy, but none of us in this town wants to work in a factory. We are also worried that outsiders might start clustering around the factory and use our resources or even threaten our town’s survival.
We are all aware that it takes time and effort to build and maintain a beautiful community, but it only take days to ruin it all. This is why I do not want this factory in my hometown and I want to resolve this matter by launching a protest!
A company has announced that it wishes to build a large factory near your community. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this new influence on your community. Do you support or oppose the factory? Explain your position.
I have been living in a peaceful and quiet town for about ten years. I have the most wonderful and friendly neighbors and our community is blessed with a scenic lake that many of us frequent on a daily basis. I love this place very much. A piece of bad news has shattered our quiet lives, however; we heard that a company will set up a new factory near our community. I was shocked and will never support this project.
I’m angry for obvious reasons. To begin, factories are the culprit of all kinds of pollution and very few factories are good at damage control once things get out of hand. Factories are noisy and their existence can be an eyesore. Most buildings are ugly and institutional. These uninspiring structures will ruin our beautiful landscape and scare off visitors. Most negative environmental impacts are irreversible and a factory will do more harm than good to our community; and once we let it in, there will be no turning back.
Secondly, factories will inevitably consume a lot of our natural resources, such as water and land, and this uneven distribution of precious natural resources can cause severe problems in the years to come. For example, machines need fuels to power them and it’s easy to imagine what our town is going to be like after this huge monster gets settled in.
Thirdly, factories bringing workers and people from the outside will disrupt the serenity of our quiet town. Some might argue that new factories can create more jobs and it’s good for the economy, but none of us in this town wants to work in a factory. We are also worried that outsiders might start clustering around the factory and use our resources or even threaten our town’s survival.
We are all aware that it takes time and effort to build and maintain a beautiful community, but it only take days to ruin it all. This is why I do not want this factory in my hometown and I want to resolve this matter by launching a protest!
6.
If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
If I could change one important thing about my hometown, it would be the problem of pollution; I will give several reasons to explain why I want to solve this particular problem.
The first and most important reason is that I want to restore my hometown to its former glory and make it a beautiful place like it once was. As an industrial city for more than 20 years, my hometown has made a great deal of contribution to the country's economic development and as a result, the once beautiful cityscape and its natural environment have been badly damaged. The forests have disappeared and the mountains have been flattened; the most awful thing is that the pollution problem has gotten a lot worse. Most people in my neighborhood now stay indoors and no one ventures out anymore.
Another reason why I want to change my hometown's air pollution situation is that a city needs a clean environment to sustain itself and attract future investors. At least nowadays, people have come to realize that eco-friendliness plays an important role in a city's future. For the past two decades, factories and workers have clustered and settled in our town, making this an ugly and noisy place. Many locals have been forced to move out of this city in pursuit of a better life.
Finally, by tackling the pollution problem, the whole community gets to work together and it will be good for the people who live in our town. Recently, some local residents have launched a city rejuvenation project and we’ve signed a manifesto. I hope we can raise enough money to restore this town. We will promote eco-tourism and turn the deserted factories into inns and shops. I know we still have a long way to go, but I’m confident that with the collaborative effort this goal will be achieved.
Clearly, an anti-pollution campaign will be a good chance to raise environmental awareness and the situation will be appropriate to educate our youth about the importance of sustainability. The effect can be more than positive and long-lasting. Communities will grow stronger with a common goal to strive for and turn a crisis into a great opportunity.
If you could change one important thing about your hometown, what would you change? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
If I could change one important thing about my hometown, it would be the problem of pollution; I will give several reasons to explain why I want to solve this particular problem.
The first and most important reason is that I want to restore my hometown to its former glory and make it a beautiful place like it once was. As an industrial city for more than 20 years, my hometown has made a great deal of contribution to the country's economic development and as a result, the once beautiful cityscape and its natural environment have been badly damaged. The forests have disappeared and the mountains have been flattened; the most awful thing is that the pollution problem has gotten a lot worse. Most people in my neighborhood now stay indoors and no one ventures out anymore.
Another reason why I want to change my hometown's air pollution situation is that a city needs a clean environment to sustain itself and attract future investors. At least nowadays, people have come to realize that eco-friendliness plays an important role in a city's future. For the past two decades, factories and workers have clustered and settled in our town, making this an ugly and noisy place. Many locals have been forced to move out of this city in pursuit of a better life.
Finally, by tackling the pollution problem, the whole community gets to work together and it will be good for the people who live in our town. Recently, some local residents have launched a city rejuvenation project and we’ve signed a manifesto. I hope we can raise enough money to restore this town. We will promote eco-tourism and turn the deserted factories into inns and shops. I know we still have a long way to go, but I’m confident that with the collaborative effort this goal will be achieved.
Clearly, an anti-pollution campaign will be a good chance to raise environmental awareness and the situation will be appropriate to educate our youth about the importance of sustainability. The effect can be more than positive and long-lasting. Communities will grow stronger with a common goal to strive for and turn a crisis into a great opportunity.
7.
How do movies or television influence people's behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Movies and television influence our behavior in many ways and the impacts may be more profound than we think. In the following essay, I will elaborate more on the detrimental effect of movies and television programs and provide solid evidence to show how our lives have been affected by this form of entertainment.
To begin with, I’m sure everyone will agree that movies and television programs have become a major source of recreation nowadays and it’s hard to deny its effect on us. Most people watch hours of television each day and some are even addicted to it. Big enterprises spend millions on television advertising and this proves that television and movie audiences are on the increase. Situational comedies, sensational news programs and music television have redefined our pop culture, making people celebrities and billionaires and at the same time. It’s true however, that television and movies have broadened our horizons and kept us in touch with the world. For those who are confined to their homes, television programs and movies can be a way to get in touch with the outside world, but sadly, in my opinion, television shows and movies have created more harm than good.
Aside from the ubiquitous violence and uncensored mature content that often stir up controversy, other problems have stemmed from television shows. Isolation and obesity have been two major concerns. Television programs and movies have turned many into couch potatoes, and this is happening all over the world. As a result of this television indulgence, people are exercising and socializing less. Hours in front of the television set takes away from quality family time and affects children’s academic performance.
Too much violence and crime on television also desensitizes people and makes us immune to cruelty. Young audiences start watching uncensored programs at a very early stage of their lives due to lack of supervision, and this usually has a malevolent effect on the way they behave. Our youngsters have often been criticized as selfish and less empathetic and it’s not hard to see what the culprit is. It’s also been agreed that most popular programs kill our patience and imagination. The more television and movies we watch, they less brain activity there is. We are likely to become less
How do movies or television influence people's behavior? Use reasons and specific examples to support your answer.
Movies and television influence our behavior in many ways and the impacts may be more profound than we think. In the following essay, I will elaborate more on the detrimental effect of movies and television programs and provide solid evidence to show how our lives have been affected by this form of entertainment.
To begin with, I’m sure everyone will agree that movies and television programs have become a major source of recreation nowadays and it’s hard to deny its effect on us. Most people watch hours of television each day and some are even addicted to it. Big enterprises spend millions on television advertising and this proves that television and movie audiences are on the increase. Situational comedies, sensational news programs and music television have redefined our pop culture, making people celebrities and billionaires and at the same time. It’s true however, that television and movies have broadened our horizons and kept us in touch with the world. For those who are confined to their homes, television programs and movies can be a way to get in touch with the outside world, but sadly, in my opinion, television shows and movies have created more harm than good.
Aside from the ubiquitous violence and uncensored mature content that often stir up controversy, other problems have stemmed from television shows. Isolation and obesity have been two major concerns. Television programs and movies have turned many into couch potatoes, and this is happening all over the world. As a result of this television indulgence, people are exercising and socializing less. Hours in front of the television set takes away from quality family time and affects children’s academic performance.
Too much violence and crime on television also desensitizes people and makes us immune to cruelty. Young audiences start watching uncensored programs at a very early stage of their lives due to lack of supervision, and this usually has a malevolent effect on the way they behave. Our youngsters have often been criticized as selfish and less empathetic and it’s not hard to see what the culprit is. It’s also been agreed that most popular programs kill our patience and imagination. The more television and movies we watch, they less brain activity there is. We are likely to become less
imaginative and more into instant gratification. Instead of taking the time and effort
to accomplish things, most people are now looking for quick fixes - a typical
mentality that the television generation has. Society as a whole suffers because of
this collective mental degeneration.
To sum up, I’m not suggesting that we should ban television programs and movies altogether. A healthy dose of entertainment can be good for us. Some television programs are indeed educational and inspirational. Unfortunately, quality shows are a rare commodity nowadays and most people are too lazy to exercise self-discipline or common sense. These reasons plus lax censorship laws can have disastrous effects on the way we think and behave. Before our government does anything to regulate our programs, we can only exercise our good judgment and try to limit the time and the types of programs we watch.
8.
Do you agree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
When television was first introduced it was an appealing novelty that has since gained unprecedented popularity. While some argue that television encourages spirited conversation among friends and family members, others believe that television has done just the opposite. In my opinion, I think television has destroyed communication among friends and families by fostering isolation. In the following essay, I will use specific reasons and examples to support this view.
To begin with, television programs distract and disrupt conversations rather than bringing people together. This is because rather than spending quality time with families and friends, most people now prefer sitting in front of their television sets and silently watching their favorite shows. We all know how hard it is to carry on a conversation while watching television. People are discarding and ignoring potentially important conversations simply by focusing on the show rather than listening or talking to others.
Next, I believe television has not only destroyed communication among friends and family, it has also crushed relationships. Let’s picture a saleswoman, who has been yelled at by her boss for something entirely not her fault; she comes home and
To sum up, I’m not suggesting that we should ban television programs and movies altogether. A healthy dose of entertainment can be good for us. Some television programs are indeed educational and inspirational. Unfortunately, quality shows are a rare commodity nowadays and most people are too lazy to exercise self-discipline or common sense. These reasons plus lax censorship laws can have disastrous effects on the way we think and behave. Before our government does anything to regulate our programs, we can only exercise our good judgment and try to limit the time and the types of programs we watch.
8.
Do you agree with the following statement? Television has destroyed communication among friends and family. Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion.
When television was first introduced it was an appealing novelty that has since gained unprecedented popularity. While some argue that television encourages spirited conversation among friends and family members, others believe that television has done just the opposite. In my opinion, I think television has destroyed communication among friends and families by fostering isolation. In the following essay, I will use specific reasons and examples to support this view.
To begin with, television programs distract and disrupt conversations rather than bringing people together. This is because rather than spending quality time with families and friends, most people now prefer sitting in front of their television sets and silently watching their favorite shows. We all know how hard it is to carry on a conversation while watching television. People are discarding and ignoring potentially important conversations simply by focusing on the show rather than listening or talking to others.
Next, I believe television has not only destroyed communication among friends and family, it has also crushed relationships. Let’s picture a saleswoman, who has been yelled at by her boss for something entirely not her fault; she comes home and
wishes to talk about her feelings with her husband. The husband, however, is
entirely engrossed in a football match, totally clueless about the situation as he
ignores her. The two then start fighting because the wife thinks that her man cares
more about whether the Denver Broncos have scored a touchdown than her own
emotions. This lack of sensitivity and respect will lead to misunderstanding and may
foster negative emotions and television is to be blamed for this.
Finally, as we get used to the number of hours we spend in front of our television sets, we are neglecting time that could have been spent talking with friends and networking. For example, an office worker may come home every night and watch television as a way to relax and unwind. Being a recent university graduate, he may be required to work long hours, always trying to please his boss in order to advance his career. However, as he spends more time watching television instead of developing social relationships with his friends and colleagues, he may lose the opportunity to network. Television nowadays is all about instant gratification. The more we watch television, the less patient we become. Lack of patience does not encourage good communication and it turns us into bad listeners, too.
In conclusion, while television's primary goal is to provide entertainment or perhaps to educate and enlighten, watching too much television causes problems. Viewers will be unable to focus on conversations that are taking place, and once we become addicted to watching television, we might not have the patience to develop actual relationships. People should remember that a real relationship involves two or more people who are willing to invest both time and effort. Television should not be in the picture.
9.
Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Different kinds of people have different tastes as to where to live. There are two basic choices for a place in which to live: in a small town or in a big city. While both have their own advantages, I would prefer to live in a big city. I base my preference on the fact that big cities are more convenient than small towns, and in big cities there are more chances to experience cultural events and go out for entertainment.
To begin with, living in a big city is much more convenient than living in a small town. People living in small towns often have difficulty getting from place to place because
Finally, as we get used to the number of hours we spend in front of our television sets, we are neglecting time that could have been spent talking with friends and networking. For example, an office worker may come home every night and watch television as a way to relax and unwind. Being a recent university graduate, he may be required to work long hours, always trying to please his boss in order to advance his career. However, as he spends more time watching television instead of developing social relationships with his friends and colleagues, he may lose the opportunity to network. Television nowadays is all about instant gratification. The more we watch television, the less patient we become. Lack of patience does not encourage good communication and it turns us into bad listeners, too.
In conclusion, while television's primary goal is to provide entertainment or perhaps to educate and enlighten, watching too much television causes problems. Viewers will be unable to focus on conversations that are taking place, and once we become addicted to watching television, we might not have the patience to develop actual relationships. People should remember that a real relationship involves two or more people who are willing to invest both time and effort. Television should not be in the picture.
9.
Some people prefer to live in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city. Which place would you prefer to live in? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
Different kinds of people have different tastes as to where to live. There are two basic choices for a place in which to live: in a small town or in a big city. While both have their own advantages, I would prefer to live in a big city. I base my preference on the fact that big cities are more convenient than small towns, and in big cities there are more chances to experience cultural events and go out for entertainment.
To begin with, living in a big city is much more convenient than living in a small town. People living in small towns often have difficulty getting from place to place because
of a lack of transportation. If travelers miss a scheduled bus or train, they may have
to wait for a long time before they can catch the next one. However, big cities offer a
variety of transportation choices; including buses, subways and taxis. A great variety
of shopping choices are also available in big cities; such as department stores and
outdoor markets. People living in urban areas can buy anything they need at any
time of the day, but in rural areas the shopping choices are very limited and people
usually have to go to other towns or cities in order to purchase particular items.
Another advantage of living in a big city is that people have more opportunity for cultural experiences than in a small town. In terms of cultural events and entertainment, they are often of better quality in big cities than in small towns. This is because there are more patrons, which means the performances have higher budgets to put on better shows. Big cities also provide a greater variety of events, from newly released movies to cultural festivals. Because of the abundance of entertainment venues, big cities have more events compared to small towns, which moreover have fewer places to hold events. Furthermore, it is easy to attend the cultural events in big cities due to the better modes of transportation.
Last but not least, big cities provide more intellectual stimulants and job opportunities for those who want more out of their lives. Big cities offer better resources and this includes better education and career prospects. My parents moved from the country side to the capital of the country just because they wanted me to go to a better high school. My own example is not a rare incident because many parents in my country move to big cities so that their kids can stay competitive in the future.
In conclusion, though there are certainly advantages to living in a small town, a big city does have its appeal. A big city is often very convenient in terms of transportation and shopping and it provides one with a greater variety of cultural and academic exposure. While it is nice to visit rural areas for fresh air and to get away from the crowds, I still favor life in a big city for all the reasons mentioned above.
Another advantage of living in a big city is that people have more opportunity for cultural experiences than in a small town. In terms of cultural events and entertainment, they are often of better quality in big cities than in small towns. This is because there are more patrons, which means the performances have higher budgets to put on better shows. Big cities also provide a greater variety of events, from newly released movies to cultural festivals. Because of the abundance of entertainment venues, big cities have more events compared to small towns, which moreover have fewer places to hold events. Furthermore, it is easy to attend the cultural events in big cities due to the better modes of transportation.
Last but not least, big cities provide more intellectual stimulants and job opportunities for those who want more out of their lives. Big cities offer better resources and this includes better education and career prospects. My parents moved from the country side to the capital of the country just because they wanted me to go to a better high school. My own example is not a rare incident because many parents in my country move to big cities so that their kids can stay competitive in the future.
In conclusion, though there are certainly advantages to living in a small town, a big city does have its appeal. A big city is often very convenient in terms of transportation and shopping and it provides one with a greater variety of cultural and academic exposure. While it is nice to visit rural areas for fresh air and to get away from the crowds, I still favor life in a big city for all the reasons mentioned above.
10.
“When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
I fully agree with the claim that there is no correlation between success and luck. Moreover, in my opinion, success often refers to one's ability to reach goals, which in turn leads to better incomes, great social status and a life well-lead. The reasons and examples listed below will strengthen this point of view.
First, what is the simplest and most lawful way to earn enough to consider ourselves successful people? I believe that everyone will agree that success has a lot to do with a good education and a superb job later on. Both receiving an education and pursuing a career presuppose one's readiness to discipline oneself and also to work hard, and success without hard work is simply not possible for the vast majority of people and luck often plays no part in this. Just watch all the super earners, famous athletes and eminent scholars in this world and it’s not difficult to see why success and fame belong to those who work hard.
Second, considering an education and a career as key factors of success, one will choose to pursue a degree from college or university. One wishing to be admitted to university will have to take several tests. It is doubtful that someone would be so lucky that knowing nothing, could pass all the tests with high scores all the time. A low score means failure and such a test-taker would not be admitted. This is why in order to be successful, one must work hard while preparing for all the tests in life. In my lifetime, I have never met a person who graduated from a good college without working hard, even super smart people need to push himself in order to succeed.
Third, it is near-impossible to have a decent career if one is indolent and lacking in knowledge. Luck plays no role in achieving this kind of success. Even if someone was unbelievably lucky enough to become a manager though not qualified, he would be forced to resign in no time because of his inability. For instance, I used to work for a very small company owned by a friend, which later went bankrupt. The causes of bankruptcy were the wrong strategies and decisions made by the owner. After this failure, he went to college and at the same time, worked for another company so that he could obtain both academic experience and professional expertise.
“When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.” Do you agree or disagree with the quotation? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your position.
I fully agree with the claim that there is no correlation between success and luck. Moreover, in my opinion, success often refers to one's ability to reach goals, which in turn leads to better incomes, great social status and a life well-lead. The reasons and examples listed below will strengthen this point of view.
First, what is the simplest and most lawful way to earn enough to consider ourselves successful people? I believe that everyone will agree that success has a lot to do with a good education and a superb job later on. Both receiving an education and pursuing a career presuppose one's readiness to discipline oneself and also to work hard, and success without hard work is simply not possible for the vast majority of people and luck often plays no part in this. Just watch all the super earners, famous athletes and eminent scholars in this world and it’s not difficult to see why success and fame belong to those who work hard.
Second, considering an education and a career as key factors of success, one will choose to pursue a degree from college or university. One wishing to be admitted to university will have to take several tests. It is doubtful that someone would be so lucky that knowing nothing, could pass all the tests with high scores all the time. A low score means failure and such a test-taker would not be admitted. This is why in order to be successful, one must work hard while preparing for all the tests in life. In my lifetime, I have never met a person who graduated from a good college without working hard, even super smart people need to push himself in order to succeed.
Third, it is near-impossible to have a decent career if one is indolent and lacking in knowledge. Luck plays no role in achieving this kind of success. Even if someone was unbelievably lucky enough to become a manager though not qualified, he would be forced to resign in no time because of his inability. For instance, I used to work for a very small company owned by a friend, which later went bankrupt. The causes of bankruptcy were the wrong strategies and decisions made by the owner. After this failure, he went to college and at the same time, worked for another company so that he could obtain both academic experience and professional expertise.
In sum, I want to stress again that luck itself does not lead to success. One might win
the lottery and become rich, but being rich has nothing to do with success. People
won’t respect those who strike it rich overnight, but they will look up to those who
work hard and achieve their goals fair and square. Luck has no place in such a
scheme of events and hard work is the only thing we can count in life.
No comments:
Post a Comment