TOEFL iBT Academic Discussion and Writing Sometimes doing what you don't enjoy or focusing on what you like

Question

Is it more beneficial for individuals to sometimes engage in activities they might not enjoy or to solely focus on endeavors that bring them joy?

 

 

☆Let’s think

1.        If you had children now, which educational policy would you exercise, having them sometimes do what they don’t enjoy or letting them focus only on what they enjoy doing?

 

2.        Do you sometimes do the following activities? Why/Why not?

・eating what you don’t usually eat

・playing a sport or game you don’t usually play

・hanging out with people that you don’t usually talk to

 

 

☆Hints for points

Sometimes doing what you don’t enjoy doing

1.     There might be a discovery like a new perspective.

2.     You find something new about yourself.

3.     People can overcome their weakness and become confident.

 

Focusing on activities that you can enjoy making efforts for

1.     What one likes, one will do well.

2.     Stress is harmful.

3.     People can become truly happy by doing what is true to their nature.

 

 

☆Sample Responses

A        By doing things that you do not enjoy doing, you can be more aware of the reality you live in, and this will provide you with true joy of life. We humans tend to cocoon ourselves from the assault of harsh reality, even if it could be depriving us of good experiences and precious awakening. We avoid interacting with obnoxious individuals, who might have become less hardened or with whom we may have empathy as a result of personal development. We read and watch what we already know well, staying ignorant of most of what is in the world. Some people never read novels or spend a day cut off from the outside world, not knowing the spiritual satisfaction and insight in life that self-seclusion provides. We cherry pick reality and try to believe that everything is all right. This psychological defense mechanism is a trap that makes us conceited and out of touch, because the reality is always there regardless of what we want to believe it to be. Thus, doing what you don’t enjoy doing once in a while will help you break the bubble you are in, face the reality, and get a real life by actively committing ourselves to the reality. Of course, you do not always have to be alert, which is stressful. However, you need to update your reality once in a while by going out of your comfort zone so that you will not get lost in the journey of your life.

(250 words)

 

B        I don’t think it is beneficial to do what you don’t enjoy doing, unless it is due. Rather, focusing on what you like so much as to make you forget time doing it will make you and your society happy. Each individual is born with natural characteristics such as aptitude, palate, and capability. They are unchangeable and determine our ability and behavior. So doing activities we naturally tend to choose or actively get engaged is the most productive as they are naturally most suitable to our health and happiness. For instance, a mathematician or an artist can keep doing their job non-stop. So much so that they even starve themselves by forgetting to consume food because of their extreme concentration on their vocation. Making these people do what is not their cup of tea is nothing but a waste. More or less the same can be said about all people. All individuals are born to enjoy their lives and therefore, we should nurture ourselves in the area where our nature fits into. Doing what you like is the best way to bring the best out of you.

 (188 words)

 

 

Your Sample Response

Introduction (Outline)

Supporting Details

Conclusion (Wrap-up)

 

Write your response in 10 minutes. Show each other your responses. Write down questions or suggestions to each other’s response.

 

                                               DRAFT