TOEFL, iBT, Independent Writing, We should be willing to change a decision we have already made if the situation and circumstances change. - rewrite -

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

It is often said that you should not change a decision once you have made it while it is also true that you have to be flexible about your decision to survive in this ever-changing world. But the statement goes “We should be willing to change a decision“, not “We should change a decision”. Probably, in many circumstances, it is appropriate to be ready to admit mistakes and conform to the new circumstance, while there might be cases in which you should be careful or even stubborn.

☆Hints for Points

Agree:

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

2.    Admitting bad decisions helps development. Policies in scientific research should be revised when it is proved to be wrong. Authoritarianism prevents some developing countries from advancing in science and technology. Their culture prohibits questioning the decisions made by the seniors.

3.    When the focus is money, readiness to change decisions is a virtue. 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. Bad situation may be over in a few more efforts, or the circumstance might change again and you might regret giving up so easily.

2.    Time solves problems in many cases such as problems in relationships. Although it is important for people to be honest with their feelings, people change as they go through many events, become mature, and understand more about each other. Willingly terminating a relationship may not be wise.

3.    Sticking with something to the end in itself has some significance. Doing something to the last is in itself an accomplishment. 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.

4.    Something like a key code in a constitution should not be willingly changed.  e.g. Article 9

☆Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】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】Readiness to admit mistakes and change decisions saves a lot of resources and lives. 

e.g. scientific research, decisions of huge organizations

【Point 2】However, being opportunistic sometimes backfires us. 

e.g. another change of situation, losing trust

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】 In some cases, changing a decision can cost something very important.  e.g. relationship, faith

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】Adjusting to a new reality is necessary as long as it does not cost more important things in life.

♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】

               

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development of Point 3 in Sample Essay Structure

【Main Idea】 In some cases, changing a decision can cost something very important.

【Explanation】 There seem to be things more important than success or even life.

【Detail / Example in general】 Many people stick to a failed relationship or unsuccessful project to the end.

【More Specific Detail / Example】 Some women stay with their husband who call them “stupid” for decades till they die, but they may have been happier than they had given up their husband. The great explorer Scott did not stop his exploration in the Antarctic because carrying out his mission was more important to him than reaching the Pole first and coming back alive, and he is still admired for it.

【Follow-up / Counterargument-treatment】For many, these behaviors appear futile, but life is more profound than our understanding and god works in strange ways. A smart move might not always be wise or satisfying.

【Conclusion】It might be significant to abide by your decision for something more important than what you lose for it.

♦Your Sample Paragraph Development

【Main Idea】

【Explanation】

 【Detail / Example in general】

【More Specific Detail / Example】

【Follow-up / Counterargument-treatment】

【Conclusion】