TOEFL iBT Independent Writing, What do you think are the most important qualities of a good neighbor? - revised -

Writing Topic 

What do you think are the most important qualities of a good neighbor? Support your essay with specific examples and details.

☆Let’s Think

The same type TOEFL iBT Independent Writing questions as today’s topic are as follows:

・What are the important qualities of a good son or daughter?

・What are some important qualities of a good supervisor (boss)?

・We all work or will work in our jobs with many different kinds of people. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a co-worker (someone you work closely with)?

1.      What do these questions have in common?

--- The common denominator of the answers to these questions is the words to express good human qualities such as nice or reliable.

2.      What is the difference between the questions?

--- The differences between the questions are the relationships. Sons and daughters belong to their parents and have relationships with them based on love and family life. The relationships of supervisors and their subordinates and those of co-workers are based mainly on work.

3.      How can you describe the relationships of neighbors?

--- The relationships of neighbors are based on community life. Then neighbors might be those whose relationships to you are between those of your families and those of coworkers.

4.      What are the things that you expect in your neighbor to live a good community life?

5.      Have you ever had bad neighbors? What were they like? What did you wish they were?

☆Essay for Ideas and Expressions

(Barron’s Writing for the TOEFL iBT, pp.252-253)

☆Sample short response:

I think one of the most important qualities of a good neighbor is tolerance, because modern society does not allow one to live next to those who are like oneself and good communication and problem-solving starts with tolerance among those who are concerned. For example, the number of Indians has been increasing rapidly in my hometown in Tokyo over the past decade. Indian IT specialists are in high demand in our society and those who come to work in my country bring their families and customs with them. We sometimes find differences in such things as how to take out garbage. Through some experiences with these new neighbors concerning these matters, I have learned that although communication and rules can help prevent differences from developing into conflicts, we need to be open-minded first to use communication skills and rules well. We need to know some of our rules might make no sense to some people just as theirs do not to us. Thus, a good neighbor is ready to accept everything about his or her neighbors before starting to talk about or apply rules.

Reference: related nouns

humbleness, humility

tolerance, open-mindedness

kindness, gentleness

frankness

sympathy, humaneness

thoughtfulness, considerateness

politeness

cleanliness

honesty, faithfulness, sincerity

patience

selflessness

friendliness

Your Sample Short Essay

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【Point 3】                                                                                

                                                                                             

                                                                                            

                                                                                            

                                                                                             

【Conclusion】                                                                              

                                                                                            

                                                                                            

Comments and Questions from your partner or group member