TOEFL iBT Independent Writing 1) What do you think are the most important qualities of a good neighbor? 2) Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? - revised -

Independent Writing  Summer 3   

Writing Topic A

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 questions of TOEFL iBT Independent Writing 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?

Note: 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 these questions?

Note: One difference between these questions is the relationships. Sons and daughters belong to their parents whose relationships are 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?

Note: 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?

 

☆Sample Short Response

I think one of the most important qualities of a good neighbor is tolerance, because modern society does not allow us to live next to those who are like ourselves. Good communication and problem-solving facing strangers starts with tolerance between those who are concerned. For example, the number of Indians has been increasing rapidly in my hometown in Tokyo lately. Indian IT specialists are in high demand in our country, 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 throw garbage. Through some experiences with these new neighbors concerning these matters, I have learned that we need to be open-minded in the first place to start talks. 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 without prejudice before starting to talk about or apply rules.

 

Reference: related expressions

●Nouns: friendliness, humility, open-mindedness, kindness, gentleness, frankness, humaneness, thoughtfulness, considerateness, politeness, cleanliness, honesty, faithfulness, sincerity, patience, selflessness

●Verbs: follows rules, makes no loud noises, does not discriminate against anyone, has many hobbies

●Adjectives: honest, good-hearted, cheerful, friendly, considerate, cooperative, helpful when necessary

Your Sample Short Response

 

 

 

 

 

Comments or Suggestion from your partner or group members

 

Writing Topic B

Some people prefer to spend most of their time alone. Others like to be with friends most of the time. Do you prefer to spend your time alone or with friends? Use specific reasons to support your answer.

 

 

☆Let’s Think

1.       This question is about your preference. What is important in writing about your preference?

Note: 1) Comparison: The question is not about why you like either but why you like better one over the other. Thus, compare and contrast the choices to make your answer more convincing is necessary in answering choice questions. 2) Background information: Preferences seem too obvious to explain while they are often difficult to understand to others, especially those who do not know you. Without background information, personal matters are difficult to understand, so you need to provide enough background information related to your preference to help your readers understand your answer.

2.     Share reasons with others who have the same taste of spending time as yours.

3.     Exchange questions and answers like “Do you ever feel lonely?” or “Don’t you get tired?”

 

☆Hints for Points

- Reasons for spending time alone.

1.       I can concentrate on what I want to do such as studies and hobbies.

2.       Absence makes the heart grow fonder. Also, I spend time alone making myself a more interesting person for my friends so that we can have a good time when I meet them next time.

 

- Reasons for spending time with friends

1.       Friends can share many things such as feelings and information.

2.       To grow up, I try to be among others

 

☆Sample Essay Structures

Sample 1 

【Introduction】Although I like spending time with friends, I prefer to be alone most of my time.

【Point 1】I have friends and I enjoy spending time with them.

【Point 2】However, I like many things that should be done alone.  e.g. studies and hobbies

【Point 3】To build a good relationships, we need to have space to do our own things.

【Conclusion】I like activities that are better done alone, and absence makes the heart grow fonder.

 

Sample 2

【Introduction】I prefer to be with my friends as much as possible because friends are the most important in my life.

【Point 1】Spending time with friends is good for my mind.

【Point 2】The more we spend time together, the better we understand each other.

【Point 3】When I am alone, I do what I have to do alone such as studies, but they are not really enjoyable.

【Conclusion】There is nothing better for me than being with friends.

 

Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction】

【Point 1】

 

【Point 2】

 

【Point 3】

 

【Conclusion】

 

☆Paragraph Development

Paragraph development is a key to giving sufficient background information. If a paragraph has only one sentence or two, it usually lacks some essential sentences such as supporting details (background information), or the main idea. A sample of a paragraph development is as follows:

                                            

Sample Paragraph Development

【Main Idea】Spending time with friends is good for my mind.

【Supporting Detail (general)】The warmth of friendship is essential to my mental health.

【Supporting Detail (specific)】When I am depressed or restless, I go out to see my friends. As I spend time with them, chatting, watching movies, or playing games, I gradually regain my confidence and energy.

【Follow-up】 It does not matter whether I share my problems with my friends or not. Just being with them does the trick.

【Conclusion】 Meeting friends keeps my mind healthy.

 

 

Your Sample Paragraph Development:

【Main Idea】         

                                                                         

                                                                                            

【Supporting Detail (general)】 

 

                                                                                

                                                                                            

【Supporting Detail (specific)】                                                                                

                                                

 

                                       

      

                                                                                            

                                                                                             

【Follow-up】                                                                                

                                                                                            

                                     

                                                       

                                                                                            

【Conclusion】                                                                               

                                                                                            

 

 

 

Comments or Suggestion from your partner or group members