TOEFL, iBT, Independent Writing, If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? / Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? - rewrites -

Writing Topic 1

If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

☆Let’s think

The same types of questions as this writing topic are as follows:

-       If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why?

-       If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, what person would you like to meet?

-       If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go?

Whoever or wherever you might choose, it is safe to choose a person or a place you have many things to write about, the person or place you often think or hear about. If you write about a person the rater of your essay might not know even though the person is famous among a number of people, it is important to make sure that you explain why he or she is famous.

☆Essay for Ideas and Expressions

 (Barron’s, Writing for the TOEFL iBT, p.297)

xxx

☆Sample short response:

If I could ask a famous person one question, I would ask Bradley Manning if he ever regrets what he has done because I think what he has done is worth more than respect and I do not know if I would do the same if I were in his position.

He is famous as a Wikileaker. He is said to have leaked to WikiLeaks, a leaking site for transparent government, confidential documents and video of the American military and was arrested and tortured. Because of his deed, it became open that there are more civilian casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq than were officially reported and that there is at least one war crime committed in Iraq.

If I asked the question, he might say he has no regret, because I hear he is a person of a highly moral

character. He had been sympathetic to the oppressed under dictatorships when he found the documents that contain facts that those people should know. He might also say that he would do the same but would do it more carefully. He was arrested because he hinted what he had done to a person who he thought was his friend. If there is one thing he might regret, it would be that he tried to believe that a friend would never tell on him.

Your short response:

If I could ask a famous person one question, I would ask …

because …

He / She is /was famous for /as …

If I asked the question, he / she might say …

Writing Topic 2

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

What is the purpose of the university education?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of specializing in one subject?

advantages:

disadvantages:

☆Ideas and Expressions

About taking classes in many subjects

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

2.    University students are still growing mentally, so they might find other subjects more interesting than their major during their undergraduate years. Universities should accommodate students’ intellectual development by providing many fields of discipline.

3.    Studies are becoming more interdisciplinary. Students who major in biology also have to study chemistry and those who major in psychology also have to study neurology.

4.    In the globalized economy, it is advantageous to have many skills. An engineer who can speak a foreign language will be able to find a job more easily than one who does not if other qualifications are the same.

5.    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.

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.    Universities are where people pursue subjects of their interests. They are supposed to have acquired general knowledge by the time they graduate from high school, and at university they are expected to focus on specific areas they have chosen. Therefore, it makes sense for students to specialize in 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.

Note: 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, point by point. 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.

♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development:

【Topic Sentence】Today’s academic situation, which is more interdisciplinary than before, requires students to have wider knowledge.

【Supporting Detail - in general】              Research and development activities are getting interrelated.

【Supporting Detail - specific】The up-and-coming nanotechnology requires the knowledge of biology and chemistry as well as physics. A new field of anthropology is molecular anthropology, which was created by a molecular biologist who was interested in ancient Egypt.

【Follow up】Even though those who will become specialists are few, knowledge of related areas will help students keep up with the development of their field.

【Conclusion】Studying many subjects provides and support sthe environment of creation.

☆Your Sample Paragraph Development:

【Topic Sentence】

【Supporting Detail - in general】

【Supporting Detail - specific】

【Follow up】

【Conclusion】

☆Notes:  

1. 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. The details are as follows.

2. 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.