Writing for an Academic Discussion A small private room or a larger room with a roommate？

If you had the choice, would you prefer a small private room or a larger room with a roommate, and why?

 

 

☆Let’s Think

Let’s make sure the choices you have, and imagine what the life would be like.

A small private room                    A larger room with a roommate

            

 

Now let’s think of the advantages and disadvantages of each choice.

1)     Have you ever lived in a dorm room? If you have, was it a small private room, a large room with a roommate, or another type of room? Share the experience?

2)     Would you like to prioritize privacy or social life in college? Why or why not?

 

 

☆Hints for Points

Good points of a small private dorm room

・Peace of mind is easier to get in it.

・It provides you with a choice to be alone if you live in a single room while a shared room won’t.

 

Good points of a larger dorm room with a roommate

・Living with your roommate as if you were siblings would be enjoyable.

・Room-sharing makes you patient and mature and helps you acquire social skills necessary after graduation.

 

 

☆Sample Responses  

【Thesis】I would choose a large dorm room with a roommate for special experiences.

【Single Room】While solitude and privacy a small single room protects and plenty of time for daydreaming it allows me to have are attractive, considering hard work and socialization I would be having during the day in college, it may make me miss the essence of dormitory life because a single dorm room is not so different from my bedroom at home. If you close the door, you shut out the outside world.

【Shared Room】On the other hand, room-sharing would be a special experience that I can only have during college years. I have a partner to share most of my life there. We could talk all night and share our thoughts and feelings about everything of our interest. If lucky, we can be life-time friends. Even if we are not compatible, it will be a good experience to live with someone of my age away from home.

【Conclusion】College life is not only for studies but also for experiences, and so I would prefer a large dormitory room with a roommate to make my college life more meaningful. (185 words)

 

Sample B

【Thesis】I would choose a small single room because I would like to prioritize my privacy.

【Supporting Details】Anyone must be alone for a certain time every day for reflection and imagination to stay mentally healthy.

【Counterargument-Treatment】It is true that you might sometimes feel lonely to be in a single room, but you can invite dorm mates or friends or go out to see people anytime. Also, loneliness may occur even when you have a companion. To feel that you are really not alone, something like a strong interest which you can share with others is necessary, and you cannot necessarily share it with your roommate. In terms of friendships, you can find them anywhere, in class, at the cafeteria, or even in books.

【Conclusion】Therefore, I prefer a small private room to secure precious personal time and space, (135 words)

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

 

                                                   DRAFT