TOEFL iBT A small private dorm room or a larger dorm room with a roommate? (Revised)

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 in each case.

A small private room                 A larger room with a roommate

            

 

 

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

2)     Talk about “social aspects and shared experiences of a larger room with a roommate” the professor mentions. What exactly are they?

3)     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.

・It provides you with a choice to be alone if you live in a single room.

 

Good points of a larger dorm room with a roommate

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

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

 

 

☆Sample Responses  

Sample A

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

【Single Room】Solitude and privacy a small single room protects and relaxation and daydreaming it allows are attractive, considering hard work and socialization in college. However, it may make me miss the essence of dorm life because a single dormitory room is not so different from my bedroom in my parents’ house. When you close the door, you shut out the outside world.

【Shared Room】On the other hand, room-sharing is a special experience 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. It can be a start of my networking as Emily points out. Even if my roommate and I are not compatible, it will be a good experience to live with someone of my age.

【Conclusion】College life is not only for studies but also for experiences and bonding. To make my college life more meaningful for that matter, I would prefer a large dormitory room with a roommate. (191 words)

 

Sample B

【Thesis】I would choose a small single room because I would like to prioritize peace of mind.

【Supporting Details】Anyone must be alone for a certain time every day for reflection and imagination to stay mentally healthy. We also need it for personal growth, which is based on an awareness of individuality.

【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 catch you even in the presence of 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 don’t always share it with your roommate. In terms of friendships, you can find them anywhere, in class, at a cafeteria, online, or in books.

【Conclusion】Therefore, I prefer a small private room to secure precious personal time and space. (147 words)

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

 

Write your draft. Then read each other’s draft, asking questions and making counterarguments.

 

                                                   DRAFT