Pre-TOEFL writing, People behave differently when they wear different clothes.

Writing Topic

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? People behave differently when they wear different clothes. Do you agree that different clothes influence the way people behave? Use specific examples to support your answer.

☆Let’s Think

Let us remember people dressed differently than usual and ask ourselves whether they were acting differently or not? If so, do you think the change is attributed to the clothing or are there any other elements that should be taken into account?

☆Hints for Points

Positive

1.    People act more politely than usual when they wear formal clothes and tend to act in rough manners in casual clothes.   e.g. ceremony, casual party, bedroom

2.    Uniforms and costumes are used partly to utilize the effect.  e.g. school uniform, acting in a costume

Negative

1.    It is not the clothes they wear but the situation they are in that affects how people behave.  e.g. a person in plain clothes at a funeral, fancy restaurant

2.    Personality does not change with the change of clothes.  e.g. people who cause trouble at the Coming of the Age receptions

☆Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】I basically agree with the opinion that different clothes influence the way people behave although it is not always true.

【Point 1】Intuitively, you can tell the statement hold some truth.

【Point 2】Clothing is closely related to social structure and communication.

【follow-up】Of course the fundamental nature of an individual will not change with the change of the appearance and people can change clothes and behavior intentionally, but it cannot be denied appearance is a huge factor of one’s behavior and clothes account for a large part of one’s appearance.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】Clothing could be one element of behavioral change.

♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3/ Follow-up】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development of Point 1 in Sample Essay Structure

【Main Idea】Intuitively, you can tell the statement holds some truth.

【Explanation】Most people seem to have the experience of change of mood and behavior corresponding to change of clothes.

【Example】It is certain that most people can remember the day they wore a uniform or a costume for the first time. You remember feeling part of you transform into a new different person when you put your arm in it and looked yourself in the mirror.

【Follow-up】You might also remember feeling that you yourself as an individual have not changed at all at the same time, but from that second on, you started acting like the character that the clothing represents, saying good-by to the earlier or usual you.

【Conclusion】Some kinds of garment have a power to make you behave differently.