TOEFL iBT, Independent Writing, We should be willing to change a decision when the situation changes.

Writing Topic

Consider the following statement. We should be willing to change a decision we have already made if the situation and circumstances change. Do you agree with this idea? Support your response by including specific reasons and examples.

 

 

☆Let’s Think

Recently, Japan announced that it would lower its carbon emission reduction target mainly because of Fukushima―with all nuclear reactors waiting to be reactivated, it has to depend on oil burning power plants to meet its energy demand. The world criticized it but not really severely. They know we cannot help it because the situation has changed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. We often hear that you should not change a decision once you have made it while it is also said that you have to be flexible about your decision to survive in this ever-changing world.

 

 

☆Hints for Points

Agree:

1.    Although it is difficult and often scary to change a decision once you have made, doing so will often save you. Many organizations lost their people because of inertia. History fans can cite countless examples such as war-time tragedies caused by sticking too much to a wrong decision.

 

2.    Policies in scientific research should be revised when it is proved to be wrong. In some developing countries, authoritarianism prevents the country from advancing in the science and technology field because of their culture with abysmal fear of criticizing decisions made by the seniors.

 

3.    Business policies are reviewed every quarter for adjustment. Every three months, businesses assess whether they have been keeping up with the projections they have made and if necessary, they immediately change the policy.

 

Disagree:

1.    You think more than once before you make a decision but once you have made it, you should stick with it. Life is a series of changes and decision is made to cope with it by any means necessary.

 

2.    Most human relationships will be vulnerable to change of minds. For example, if you promise your friend that you would go out with him/her over the weekend and you didn’t for a different offer, you would lose the friendship.

 

3.    Politicians should not change their campaign promise; otherwise, it would be a breach of a contract with their electorates.

 

4.    A nation should not be ready to change its important diplomatic decision, or else, it will lose its confidence of other countries.

 

Partly disagree:

1.    Marriage and divorce: While it is important for a couple to be honest with their feelings and it would be a hell for a couple hating each other to live together, but marriage is a kind of agreement to spend time together as a unit no matter what happens. Other agreements such as between a company and an individual always putting up with bad relationships, which might change as the people spend time together, become mature, and understand more about each other over time. Also, if the couple has children, the event could traumatize them.

 

2.    Sticking with something to the end in itself has some significance in life in many cases. Doing something to the last is often an accomplishment. This also seems to apply to sticking to a decision. People respect those who make it to the end for their determination and courage to take responsibility of what they have set out to do. Following through something by staying the course, managing the difficulties, and taking the damage done into stride, takes on something holy around it.

 

 

☆Essay Structure

♦Sample essay structure in the case that you have two or three reasons to support your argument

 

【Introduction = Outline】　主張と理由の概略 

I almost agree with the statement that we should be willing to change a decision we have already made if the situation and circumstances change.

【Point 1】理由1の詳細 

In business, revising policies is a common practice.

【Point 2】理由2の詳細  

In politics, no policy change is often a bad sign.

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】理由3の詳細または反論の処理

Some decisions should be kept for something more important.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】結論 

Revisions and adjustments are necessary practices as long as they do not damage the most valuable.

 

 

♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

 

【Point 1】

 

【Point 2】

 

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】

               

 

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

 

 

 

 

 

☆Paragraph development

A paragraph of the body of an essay often develops its main idea as follows:

【Main Idea】 (主張)

【Explanation】 (主張の説明)

【Detail / Example in general】 (一般的な例)

【More Specific Detail / Example】 (より具体的な例)

【Follow-up / Counterargument-treatment】 (補足または反論の処理)

【Conclusion】 (結論)

 

 

☆Sample Paragraph Development

【Main Idea】 (主張)

In politics, no policy change is often a bad sign.

【Explanation】 (主張の説明)

The situation of the politics keeps changing, and the rulers who ignore them will lead the country to a wrong direction.

【Detail / Example in general】 (一般的な例)

Societies that are ready to change their decisions according to the situations seem to be thriving than those that do not.

【More Specific Detail / Example】 (より具体的な例)

Democracies make change of decisions more often than non-democratic nations, and the former thrive and the latter do not. A democracy has more chances to reflect its own decisions because it allows people to criticize its decisions freely. Thanks to the system, a democracy avoids falling into doldrums.

【Follow-up / Counterargument-treatment】 (補足または反論の処理)

On the other hand, non-democratic countries such as dictatorships or traditional societies where one person or a few have the absolute authority, people are even afraid of questioning decisions made. As a result, the country development takes a wrong course or age-old laws and practices survive and harm the society.

【Conclusion】 (結論)

A turnaround is a necessary and important decision to make.

 

 

 

♦Your Sample Paragraph Development

【Main Idea】 (主張)

 

 

【Explanation】 (主張の説明)

 

 

 

 【Detail / Example in general】 (一般的な例) 

 

 

 

【More Specific Detail / Example】 (より具体的な例)

 

 

 

 

【Follow-up / Counterargument-treatment】 (補足または反論の処理)

 

 

 

 

【Conclusion】 (結論)