Class Supplement (TOEFL Essay, play a game only if you win)

Thought process examples
Writing Topic A: It is truly enjoyable to play a game only if you win. Agree/Disagree?
Points in questions: 1) "It is ..."→An objective opinion is required. 2) "truly enjoyable"→It is asking whether you can enjoy a game from the bottom of your heart even if you lose. 3) "only if you win"→You can never enjoy a game unless you win.

- What is a game? For what purpose do you play a game?
play/entertainment, pastime, to have fun with others, to release stress, to be inspired, to try your luck
→You play a game　for many reasons other than to win.

- What is truly enjoyable?
attaining a goal (e.g. winning, having fun)
gaining something expected (e.g. closer relationship, feeling refreshed, etc.)
gaining something unexpected (e.g. kindness, learning a lesson/moral, seeing someone extraordinary, learning about human nature, etc.)
→You find something truly enjoyable even if you do not win.

- Is there anything that makes you sad in a game you win?
extreme high tension among participants trying to win
your friend losing, someone becoming depressed/upset to lose
your losing integrity in trying to win (becoming depressed/upset, tricking/intimidating others, cheating)
→You can be sad even if you win.

- Conclusion: Disagree. Playing a game can be enjoyable even if you do not win because a game is an entertainment, whose purposes are not just to win. (The purpose of life itself is not just to win.) The other way around will lead to the attitude of doing anything to win or to make others lose and not all act that way.

Writing Topic B: Is the ability to read and write more important today than in the past?
- facts:
1. Literacy and wealth are related.
past → now, developing→developed … lower illiteracy rates
2. Development of technology allows/requires you to be involved in more intellectual tasks than physical ones.
entrance examinations - more essay examinations
businessmen - research and presentation skills
3. Information age
getting information through the Internet (not from people)
exchanging information through scripts (e-mails/text messages)
extra information in writing (scripts on TV screens)
- Conclusion: Yes. The ability to read and write is more important today than in the past for us to get the most out of our lives in this age of information.