TOEFL iBT Independent Writing, One should never judge a person by external appearances. - revised -

Writing Topic

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. One should never judge a person by external appearances.

☆Let’s think

1.      What is the word in the writing topic that should be noted?

Note: The statement has the word “never”. Most things have exceptions, while there are things that we should never do.

2.      What does “external appearances” mean?

Note: One’s external appearance means mainly body and clothing. Features of a body are hair color, skin color, stature, body shape, face features, posture, expression, and so on.

3.      What kind of clothing indicates social status? What other aspects of a person can clothing indicate?

Note: Uniforms or very expensive attire indicates social status. Clothing also indicates personality, tastes, or cultural background.

4.      What do you think of the statement?

Note: We always look at the appearances of people trying to know who they are. However, our judgment can be wrong because perceptions are deceiving. Also, impressions vary depending on the person or situation. Habit of judging others by stereotypes can bring about problems.

☆Hints for points

Agree

1.    You cannot judge a book by its cover. Opinions about others based on their looks can be deceiving.

2.    People who judge others by their looks can become racists.

Disagree

3.    That the first impression counts is a cliché.

4.    It is natural to try to tell what others are based on their looks because it is instinctive.

☆Essay for Ideas and Expressions

Appearance is a major concern for most of us. It is often said that you are judged at first glance and we know we are doing it to others all the time. However, I think it should be avoided under any circumstances because it is potentially dangerous.

We think we can tell the book by its cover and we are often right. People who are dressed nicely usually have common sense. A certain type of hairstyle or make-up indicates the person’s temper. A person with a pleasant expression and a good posture has good habits and is healthy. Those with nasty looks on their faces are very likely to bother you. It is better to stay away from them rather than try to find out their real personalities. We depend on our visual perceptions for safety.

However, visual perception can be wrong. In everyday life, we often experience that someone turns out to be a person who is totally different from his or her looks. We know that a neat businessman in a well-tailored suit can commit a crime, and many of us have found that a gloomy person is actually nice and warm-hearted.

Assumption based only on appearances is a prejudice, which is harmful. Prejudice ignores personalities and denies dignities. It does not give others a chance to prove themselves. This often leads to discrimination. More blacks are mistaken for criminals than whites. Some people are afraid of women wearing a head scarf because of the bad image attached to the religion of Islam, whose teaching is actually very peaceful. Voluptuous women are often supposed to be easy to approach and are harassed or even killed just by rejecting a courtship. Misjudgment made based on how someone looks can cause tragedies.

Visual judgment is closely related to prejudice and discrimination. It is difficult to stop categorizing others by their looks, but not to try to doubt what meets the eye is ignorant and immature. Therefore, I totally agree with the opinion that one should never judge a person by external appearances. If you do not want to be judged by how you look, you should not do it to others.

☆Sample Essay Structure

Sample Essay Structure 1

【Introduction】Forming an opinion about someone by the appearances should be avoided under any circumstance because it is potentially dangerous.

【Point for disagreement】We think we can tell the book by its cover and we are often right.

【Point for agreement 1】However, visual perception can be wrong.

【Point for agreement 2】Assumption based only on appearances is a prejudice, which is harmful.

【Conclusion】Not to try to stop categorizing others by their looks is ignorant and immature.

Sample Essay Structure 2

【Introduction】I cannot agree with the opinion that one should never judge a person by external appearances because the idea does not suit the reality.

【Point for agreement】It is true that judgment made through observations of appearances are sometimes wrong.

【Point for disagreement 1】However, a person’s looks often reflects who the person is.

【Point for disagreement 2】Life depends on senses for survival and judging through the sense of sight is essential, so it is impossible to always abide by the idea of the statement.

【Conclusion】Judging others only by their looks may lead to a mistake and it must be done carefully, but the behavior itself is as natural as breathing for all creatures with eyes.

Your Sample Essay Structure

【Main Idea】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】         

【Point 3】

【Conclusion】

☆Reference  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.

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.