Writing Topic
Consider the following
statement. We should be willing to change a decision we have already made if
the situation and circumstances change. Do you agree with this idea? Support
your response by including specific reasons and examples.
☆Let’s Think
Recently, Japan announced
that it would lower its carbon emission reduction target mainly because of
Fukushima―with all nuclear reactors waiting to
be reactivated, it has to depend on oil burning power plants to meet its energy
demand. The world criticized it but not really severely. They know we cannot
help it because the situation has changed since the Great East Japan
Earthquake. We often hear that you should not change a decision once you have
made it while it is also said that you have to be flexible about your decision
to survive in this ever-changing world.
☆Hints for Points
Agree:
1.
Although it is difficult and often scary to change a decision once you
have made, doing so will often save you. Many organizations lost their people because
of inertia. History fans can cite countless examples such as war-time tragedies
caused by sticking too much to a wrong decision.
2.
Policies in scientific research should be revised when it is proved to
be wrong. In some developing countries, authoritarianism prevents the country
from advancing in the science and technology field because of their culture
with abysmal fear of criticizing decisions made by the seniors.
3.
Business policies are reviewed every quarter for adjustment. Every three
months, businesses assess whether they have been keeping up with the
projections they have made and if necessary, they immediately change the
policy.
Disagree:
1.
You think more than once before you make a decision but once you have made
it, you should stick with it. Life is a series of changes and decision is made
to cope with it by any means necessary.
2.
Most human relationships will be vulnerable to change of minds. For
example, if you promise your friend that you would go out with him/her over the
weekend and you didn’t for a different offer, you would lose the friendship.
3.
Politicians should not change their campaign promise; otherwise, it
would be a breach of a contract with their electorates.
4.
A nation should not be ready to change its important diplomatic decision,
or else, it will lose its confidence of other countries.
Partly disagree:
1.
Marriage and divorce: While it is important for a couple to be honest
with their feelings and it would be a hell for a couple hating each other to
live together, but marriage is a kind of agreement to spend time together as a
unit no matter what happens. Other agreements such as between a company and an
individual always putting up with bad relationships, which might change as the
people spend time together, become mature, and understand more about each other
over time. Also, if the couple has children, the event could traumatize them.
2.
Sticking with something to the end in itself has some significance in
life in many cases. Doing something to the last is often an accomplishment. This
also seems to apply to sticking to a decision. People respect those who make it
to the end for their determination and courage to take responsibility of what they
have set out to do. Following through something by staying the course, managing
the difficulties, and taking the damage done into stride, takes on something holy
around it.
☆Essay Structure
♦Sample essay structure in
the case that you have two or three reasons to support your argument
【Introduction = Outline】 主張と理由の概略
I almost
agree with the statement that we should be willing to change a decision we have
already made if the situation and circumstances change.
【Point 1】理由1の詳細
In business, revising
policies is a common practice.
【Point 2】理由2の詳細
In politics, no policy
change is often a bad sign.
【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】理由3の詳細または反論の処理
Some decisions should be
kept for something more important.
【Conclusion = Wrap-up】結論
Revisions and adjustments are
necessary practices as long as they do not damage the most valuable.
♦Your Sample Essay
Structure
【Introduction = Outline】
【Point 1】
【Point 2】
【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】
【Conclusion = Wrap-up】
☆Paragraph development
A paragraph of the body of an essay often develops its
main idea as follows:
【Main Idea】 (主張)
【Explanation】 (主張の説明)
【Detail / Example in general】 (一般的な例)
【More Specific Detail / Example】 (より具体的な例)
【Follow-up /
Counterargument-treatment】 (補足または反論の処理)
【Conclusion】 (結論)
☆Sample Paragraph Development
【Main Idea】 (主張)
In politics, no policy change is often
a bad sign.
【Explanation】 (主張の説明)
The situation of the politics keeps changing, and the
rulers who ignore them will lead the country to a wrong direction.
【Detail / Example in general】 (一般的な例)
Societies that are ready to change
their decisions according to the situations seem to be thriving than those that
do not.
【More Specific Detail / Example】 (より具体的な例)
Democracies make change of decisions more often than
non-democratic nations, and the former thrive and the latter do not. A
democracy has more chances to reflect its own decisions because it allows
people to criticize its decisions freely. Thanks to the system, a democracy
avoids falling into doldrums.
【Follow-up /
Counterargument-treatment】 (補足または反論の処理)
On the other hand, non-democratic countries such as
dictatorships or traditional societies where one person or a few have the absolute
authority, people are even afraid of questioning decisions made. As a result, the
country development takes a wrong course or age-old laws and practices survive and
harm the society.
【Conclusion】 (結論)
A turnaround is a necessary and important decision to
make.
♦Your Sample Paragraph Development
【Main Idea】 (主張)
【Explanation】 (主張の説明)
【Detail / Example
in general】 (一般的な例)
【More Specific Detail / Example】 (より具体的な例)
【Follow-up /
Counterargument-treatment】 (補足または反論の処理)
【Conclusion】 (結論)
