TOEFL iBT independent writing, Studying many subjects or one subject at university -partly rewritten-

Writing Topic

Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

 

☆Let’s think

When choosing one out of two, you compare them. To decide which to buy out of two items, say, melons or tablet computers, you will compare the two, examining each closely, factor by factor. In essay writing, in order to say something is the better of the two, you cannot avoid discussing both. In other words, you have to explain why you think one is better than the other. Therefore, even though the topic does not say “Compare and contrast,” it is natural that you discuss both cases.

 

 

☆Ideas and Expressions

♦About taking classes in many subjects

1.    People who have general ideas about varieties of subjects can be competent and interesting, because they can see things in many perspectives and easily stay abreast of others over latest topics.

 

2.    University students are still growing intellectually, so they might find other subjects more interesting than their major after spending their student careers for a while.

 

3.    Subjects are becoming more interdisciplinary these days. For example, students who major in biology also have to study chemistry and those who major in psychology also have to study neurology and chemistry. Economics majors have to study statistics. Inter-disciplinary labs have already started to emerge where physicists, chemists, and biologists are collaborating. Research and development activities are getting more and more interrelated and collaborative. Therefore, it is better for students to experience varieties of fields.

 

4.    Even seemingly unrelated subjects can be useful for students’ development. For example, a doctor who has studied the humanities can be more sensitive to patients’ feelings than a doctor who tends to look at only the physical aspect of a human being.

 

5.    Students might get bored if they keep studying only one subject. They need to expose their brain to many kinds of subjects to maintain their interest in their majoring subject.

 

6.    Counterargument: Taking many different subjects would be a burden and there would be many students who would drop many subjects. ⇔ Time-management would be the key.

 

♦About specializing in one subject

1.    Unlike institutions from primary school to high school, universities are where people pursue subjects of their interests. They are supposed to have acquired general knowledge concerning main subjects by the time they graduate from high school, and at university they are expected to delve into specific areas they have chosen. Therefore, it makes sense for students to focus on one subject.

 

2.    It is more efficient for students to concentrate on one subject. It is too much for students to study other than the subjects of their interest. For Asian students who aspire to be doctors, for instance, studying European literature would be a burden except for some who are also interested in art and literature.

 

3.    Counterargument: Focusing on one subject would make students narrow-minded. ⇔ Today’s world requires everyone to make efforts to acquire a wider points of view, and media for self-study are abundant. On the other hand, one can obtain special knowledge and technical skills only at university.

 

 

☆To meet the minimum 300 words requirement

Sometimes you realize that you have not written more than 300 words, the minimum requirement for TOEFL iBT independent writing, after discussing everything you had come up with. In such a situation, adding another point/reason seems to be the easiest way to write more, but it is actually difficult to think of an extra point/reason after you have brainstormed once. Therefore, I recommend concentrating on the logic and details.

 

To increase the volume of your essay,

 find the shortest paragraph, which might want some more sentences or words, and …

1)    describe/develop the main idea well: If a paragraph has only one or two sentences, chances are that you have not described/developed well enough. Make sure that each paragraph has its main idea, supporting details (examples), conclusion, and additional supporting details like counter-argument treatment if necessary.

 

2)    describe/develop each sentence well: A statement usually has some exception or needs some condition or concession. Look for a sentence that you can add a reason, condition, concession, or any other additional information, and add “except …”, “as long as …”, “although …”, as well as “because …”

 

3) describe words well: Which of the following sentences gives a clear picture of someone’s pet?    A) I have a pet.   B) I have a cute cat.   C) I have a little fluffy kitten. With two adjectives and a specific noun, Sentence C) depicts an adorable pet well and it happens to be the longest of the three. Also, use transitions such as First, Also, Moreover, Therefore when necessary.

 

4) discuss other choices: Even if the Writing Topic does not say, “Discuss the two views” or “Compare and contrast the choices,” you can write about other choices. Doing so will make your essay more convincing and longer. Make sure that you do not digress.

 

5) take up counter-arguments if necessary: While you are writing, sometimes a counter-argument, “Well, but what about this case?” comes up to your mind. Then it is better not to ignore it but take it up and give a counter-counter-argument or two. By doing so, you can confirm your argument. If you can do it well, you will get a high score.

 

The key to remember is to try to put what you want to say into words as accurately as you can. Then you cannot help adding some more words and sentences, and some more... In the end, your essay will have many words.