TOEFL iBT Independent Writing, a strong army or other things? & physical education, home economics, or current affairs? & Teachers should not express their political views.- rewrite -

Writing Topic A

Some people think it is important for a country to maintain a strong army in case of war. Others think it is better for a country to spend money and energy on other things than the military. Do you feel that your country should have a strong army?

☆Let’s Think

1.      Why do you think some people think it is important for a country to maintain a strong army in case of war? Is there any chance of war? Does a strong army help Japan in case of war?

2.      Why do you think some people think it is better for a country to spend money and energy on other things than the military? What other things concern them?

3.      Do you feel that your country should have a strong army? Why?

☆Hints for points

Reasons for having a strong army

1.    Neighboring countries (China, South Korea, and ASEAN countries) are spending more money on their military than before.

2.    The Unites States and other big countries request Japanese militaristic participation in their activities to keep the world quiet such as fight against terrorism or protection of commercial ships from pirates.

Reasons for objecting to having a strong army

1.    Diplomatic solutions of conflicts have been the norm since the end of WWII and doubts about solution of international conflicts by military power have been stronger because wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, or Iraq, and “war on terror” not so much brought peace as brought about disruption.

2.    There is less chance of war now than before. Strong economic and political relationships with other countries help avoid conflicts.

3.    No arms, no battle. Being armed is the call for action of violence. Strengthening the military just stimulates those who are ready to start wars.

4.    The position and image of Japan in the world society indicates it is better to maintain pacifism.

(1)  Article Nine in our constitution stipulates renunciation of war and military force. It is a strong soft power

(2)  Japan has a history of violent past, imperial Japan before and during WWII, and militarization will give a bad impression to other countries, especially countries that Japan invaded in the past.

(3)  Peaceful diplomacy since the end of WWII has gained Japan a good reputation and economic prosperity.

(4)  The Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, which maintains American military bases in Japan, makes it meaningless to think whether Japan should have a strong army. It is decided by the United States.

5.    There are many other priorities.

(1)  recovery of Fukushima and other disaster stricken areas and preparation for predicted devastating disasters

(2)  aging society and shrinking population

(3)  the widening gap between the rich and the poor

(4)  climate change and related problems

(5)  energy issue

(6)  aging infrastructure

(7)  disaster control and planning

(8)  pollution

(9)  education

(10)  young people feeling solitude and anxiety

☆A writing topic for reference and essay for ideas and expressions

The following sample essay is not about the same writing topic that we are given above but is about something related. Let’s read it and learn some ideas and expressions.

Writing topic for reference

Some people think that governments should spend as much money as possible on developing or buying computer technology. Other people disagree and think that his money should be spent on more basic needs. Which one of these opinions do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

Sample Response  (Writing for the TEOFL iBT, Barron’s)

Developing computer technology is important for the development of the country as a whole. However, we have some basic needs and issues in our country that are even more important than technology. Our children need to get a good education. Out transportation system needs to be improved. We need to develop new sources of energy. We need to work on these issues before we put a lot of money into computers.

  Our children need to get a good education, We need to make sure that every child in the country has the opportunity to learn to read and write. In addition, they all need to learn skills for the modern world. They need to learn how to use computers. It costs money to buy computers for schools and train teachers to use them. If children don’t learn basic computer skills in school, who will be able to use modern computer technology?

  We need to improve our transportation system. In big cities, the roads are very crowded and it is hard to get around. It takes a long time for people just to get to work every day. We need to spend money developing a good public transportation system. We need to get cars off the road and have more buses and trains. Computer technology helps people at work. If it is difficult for people just to get to work, computer technology won’t help them much.

  We need to develop new sources of energy. Our current methods of generating energy cause a lot of pollution. We need to develop the use of solar energy and other nonpolluting energy technology. Energy research and development costs a lot of money, but it is necessary. If we don’t have clean, cheap sources of energy, what will we use to run our computers?

  Computer technology is important. However, we can’t take advantage of it if we don’t solve some problems first. We need well-educated children, good public transportation, and clean sources of energy before we can spend money on computers.

☆Your Sample Essay Structure

A.

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Why the other choice does not matter】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

B.

【Introduction = Outline】

【Comparison 1】

【Comparison 2】

【Comparison 3】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

C.

【Introduction = Outline】

【       】

【       】

【       】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Speech Time

Make a one-minute speech on this topic. Don’t worry. Everybody speaks at the same time.

Writing Topic B

In your school schedule, you are required to take an extra class in one of the following subjects: 1) physical education (sports and exercise activities), 2) home economics (cooking or sewing), or 3) current events (the study of topics from recent news stories). Which one of the three subjects would you choose to study?

☆Let’s Think

1.      How does physical education benefit you?

2.      How do you benefit from home economics?

3.      What are the merits of taking current events?

4.      Which one would you choose? Why?

5.      Why do you not choose the other two?

☆Hints for points

Physical Education

(1) I need more time to stay healthy/stay in good shape/keep fit.

(2) The class offers us opportunities to try unfamiliar sports.

(3) Moving our bodies is a refreshment.

(4) Taking part in P.E is a good opportunity to make friends with classmates.

Home Economics

(1) This class works as a bridge for independence.

(2) I want to be confident of my ability to do household chores.

(3) This subject provides a viewpoint to understand the world at the level of household, which is the basic unit of society.

Current Events

(1)  To understand what is going on in the world is related to the understanding of many important aspects of our society such as economy, politics, and history.

(2)  I expect that the class deal with the areas that TV reports do not constantly cover in detail such as international affairs or those who are suffering from post-disaster problems.

(3)  The custom of my country prevents me from talking about current issues with friends and teachers outside of class..

Your Sample Essay Structure

Structure Pattern A

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Reasons for not choosing the other two choices】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

Structure Patter B

【Introduction = Outline】

【About Physical Education】

【About Home Economics】

【About Current Events】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

Blank Form

【Introduction = Outline】

【                     】

【                     】

【                     】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Speech Time

Make a one-minute speech on this topic.

Extra Writing Topic

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? School teachers, whether they work for public or private schools, should not express their opinions on current politics.

☆Let’s Think

1.      Who usually express their opinions on current policies?

2.      Where do they do it?

3.      Is it bad for other people do the same?

4.      Is it bad for teachers do the same outside school? Why?

5.      Is it bad for teachers do the same inside school? Why?

☆Hints for points

Yes, school teachers should not express their opinions on current politics.

1.    Teachers are supposed to teach following the curriculum and using the textbook. They are not supposed to teach their own views, which are not endorsed by the government. In practice, contracts between teachers and the schools they work for prohibit them from taking a stand in politics on class, and teachers should follow the agreement they made when hired.

2.    Teachers should convey the consensus of the public. They should inform students of a variety of well-balanced views, not a slanted, personal view.

3.    Having a radical political view is a stumbling block in any place, including universities, in this world. Therefore, it is unthinkable and unacceptable for teachers, who are responsible for their students’ future, to affect their students’ political views.

No, school teachers should express their opinions on current politics.

1.    As long as they clearly say to their students that what they say is only a personal view, it is ok.

2.    Except for young children, who are still vulnerable to brainwash, students know better than to believe everything their teachers tell them. They take their teachers’ opinions as one of many.

3.    There is no neutral view. Statements in textbooks approved by the government are sterilized and have no words and expressions that appeal to the heart of the learners, and thus they have little impact on students’ learning. In class, teachers are the only representative of the real world and this often requires their candid expressions of their personal views for students’ better understanding of the subject so that students can deepen their understanding of the reality.

4.    If the view is what is objectively necessary for students to know, they should comment on it. For example, if the teacher shares the same view as other adults in the community about the credibility of the information that the government provides and it is clear that not mentioning it will risk students’ health or future, they should say it because they serve society before the school and the government.

Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Exception】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

【Introduction = Outline】

【       】

【       】

【       】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Speech Time

Make a one-minute speech on this topic.