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 does “external appearances” mean?

Note: One’s external appearance means mainly one’s body and clothing. Features of a body are hair color, skin color, stature, body shape, face features, posture, expression, and so on. Clothing can be divided into two categories: clothing that indicates social status like uniforms or very expensive attire and clothing that indicates the personality, tastes, cultural background and other characteristics of the person who is wearing it.

2.       Can you say that you never judge a person based on the appearance? Are your judgements correct?

Noe: Consciously or unconsciously, we always look at the appearances of people trying to know who they are. However, our judgement can be wrong. Objectively, perceptions are deceiving. Also, impressions vary depending on the person. Combined with the habit of deducing by stereotypes, uneducated judgement 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 wrong)

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

 

Disagree

3.     You can trust your first impression and it benefits you.

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

 

☆Organizing Ideas

Sample Organization 1

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

【Point 1】We think we can tell the book by its cover and we are often right.

【Point 2】However, visual perception can be wrong.

【Point 3】Assumption based only on appearances is a prejudice, and prejudice is potentially harmful.

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

 

Sample Organization 2

【Introduction = Outline】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 1】It is true that judgement made through observations of appearances are sometimes wrong.

【Point 2】However, most of the time, a person’s looks reflects who the person is

【Point 3】Life depends on its senses for survival and judging through the sense of sight is essential to us. Thus, always abiding by the idea of the statement is impossible.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】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 framework notes

【Main Idea = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】        

【Point 3】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

 

☆Essay for Ideas and Expressions

Appearance is a major concern of 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 fashion or make-up indicates the person’s temper. A person with a pleasant expression and a good posture is healthy and has good habits. 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 trust them. We depend on our visual perceptions for safety.

However, visual perception can be wrong. We often experience that someone turns out to be totally different from what we thought he or she was. We know that a neat businessman in a well-tailored suit can commit a white-collar crime, and many of us have found that a gloomy person is actually kind and gentle. Disguise and mistaken identity are common plots of suspense stories as we all agree that we are easily deceived by appearances.

Assumption without concern about exceptions is a prejudice, and prejudice is potentially harmful. Prejudice ignores personalities and denies dignities. It does not give the person who is judged a chance to prove themselves. This 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 peaceful. Voluptuous women are often supposed to be easy to approach and are harassed or even killed just by rejecting a courtship. Misjudgment based on looks often leads to crimes.

Visual judgment is closely related to prejudice and discrimination. It is difficult to stop categorizing others by their looks, but to not try to doubt what appearances indicate 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.

 

 

☆Reference  To meet the minimum 300 words requirement

Sometimes you realize that you have not written more than 300 words, the minimum requirement for high scores in TOEFL iBT independent writing, after discussing everything you had come up with. In such a situation, adding another point difficult. 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) develop the main idea well: If a paragraph has only one or two sentences, chances are that you have not developed well enough. Make sure that each paragraph has its main idea, supporting details (examples), conclusion, and additional supporting details like counterargument treatment if necessary.

2) describe/develop each idea well: An idea usually has some exceptions or needs some conditions or concessions. Look for a sentence that you can add a reason, condition, concession, or any other additional information, and add “because …”, “except that …”, “as long as …”, “although …”, etc.

3) describe words well: Which of the following sentences gives a clear picture of someone’s pet?  A) I have a cat.   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 adverbs such as First, Also, In addition, Moreover, or 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 are supposed to write about other choice. Doing so will make your essay more convincing and longer. (Make sure that you do not digress)

5) take up counterarguments if necessary: While you are writing, sometimes a counterargument, “Well, but what about this case?” comes up to your mind. Then it is better not to ignore it. Take it up and give a counter-counterargument or two. By doing so, you can show that your English is good enough to confirm your argument.

 

The key to remember is to try to put what you want to say into words as accurately as possible. Then you cannot help adding some more words and sentences, and some more... As a result, your essay will have enough words to meet the 300-word requirement