TOEFL, iBT, Independent Writing, Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. / Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? - rewrites -

Writing Topic 1

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Children should begin learning a foreign language as soon as they start school. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

☆Let’s think

You might find two points to consider in this statement: 1) foreign language study and 2) early childhood education. Thus, we could ask ourselves the following two questions.

1)    Is it important to learn a foreign language?

2)    If so, is it good for children to start learning it as soon as they start school?

☆Ideas and Expressions

About language learning

1.    In the present world, where English is the de facto lingua franca, it is becoming necessary to be able to have a command of the language to live a better life.

2.    It is good to be able to know as many languages as possible to have multiple views and to be tolerant to other peoples.

3.    The important thing is to establish your own style or acquire a specific skill or knowledge, and language ability is not always relevant to it. Interpreters and translators can help you with your communication if necessary.

4.    It is important to focus on completing the mother tongue acquisition to be mature enough in one’s own society.

About early language education

1.    It is obvious that in language learning the earlier the start, the better command of it will be. Children have fewer barriers to foreign languages and cultures, so it is easy for them to learn them.

2.    Learning the basics of a language at an early stage of life will help make learning higher levels of the language easily.

3.    Most of the brain network is completed by the time one turns 6 years old. Therefore, it is no use trying to make elementary school children bilingual. Moreover, since this means that children learn the language as a foreign language, the class could be nothing but a burden in their school life.

4.    Learning more than two languages at a time often leads to insufficient acquisition of all and minds ready to be satisfied with superficial understanding of anything.

☆Notes:

A Press Release by Ministry of Education, Culture Sports, Science, and Technology

(An Excerpt)

Developing a strategic plan to cultivate "Japanese With English Abilities"
-Plan to improve English and Japanese abilities- July 12, 2002

1. Objectives
With the progress of globalization in the economy and in society, it is essential that our children acquire communication skills in English, which has become a common international language, in order for living in the 21st century. This has become an extremely important issue both in terms of the future of our children and the further development of Japan as a nation. At present, though, the English-speaking abilities of a large percentage of the population are inadequate, and this imposes restrictions on exchanges with foreigners and creates occasions when the ideas and opinions of Japanese people are not appropriately evaluated. However, it is not possible to state that Japanese people have sufficient ability to express their opinions based on a firm grasp of their own language.

Critical Period hypothesis

Linguist Eric Lenneberg stated that the crucial period of language acquisition ends around the age of 12 years. He claimed that if no language is learned before then, it could never be learned in a normal and fully functional sense. This was called the "Critical period hypothesis."

☆Your short response:

I think it is / isn’t important to learn a foreign language because …

I think / don’t think it is good for children to start learning a foreign language as soon as they start school because …

Writing Topic 2

Some people are always in a hurry to go places and get things done. Other people prefer to take their time and live life at a slower pace. Which do you prefer? Use specific reason and examples to support your answer.

☆Let’s think

Preferences seem easy to explain while they are often difficult for others to understand, especially for those who do not know you well. This is probably because preference is personal. Without background information, things become difficult to understand. Those who rate your essays do not know you at all, so you have to provide as much background information related to your preference as possible to convince your rater.

☆Essay for Ideas and Expressions  (Barron’s, Writing for the TOEFL iBT, pp. 278)

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♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development

Sample Paragraph Development 1

【Main Idea】 Do not do today what you can do tomorrow.

【Explanation】 Things change, and doing things a little too early will often turn out to be just a waste of time, while time is life as the author of Momo says.

【Detail / Example】 For example, even if you review the next two chapters of a textbook because you think your teacher may finish two chapters in one class, she might actually digress and would not even finish one chapter.

【Follow-up】Although the extra preparation itself is not a waste because you can use it later, you could have used the time for something you could have done only on that day such as communicating with your family and friends. Textbooks will not change but you and your folks change day by day.

【Conclusion】 Tomorrow will be a totally new day full of the unpredictable while today will never come back. All you need to do is make the most out of what you have today.

 Sample Paragraph Development 2

【Main Idea】 Make hay while the sun shines.

【Explanation】 I try to avoid letting hesitation or procrastination ruin my life.

【Detail / Example】 If I think of doing something and do not do it, thinking now is not the time for it or I could do it later, I will never do it and regret not doing it in most cases.

【Follow-up】This is because things will not stay the same, and so now is usually the best time to do what you are up to.

【Conclusion】Taking my time often costs me my precious moments of life, and I do not want to miss them.

Your test paragraph development:

【Main Idea】

【Explanation】

【Detail / Example】

【Follow-up】

【Conclusion】

TOEFL, iBT, Independent Writing, If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? / Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? - rewrites -

Writing Topic 1

If you could ask a famous person one question, what would you ask? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.

☆Let’s think

The same types of questions as this writing topic are as follows:

-       If you could meet a famous entertainer or athlete, who would that be, and why?

-       If you could travel back in time to meet a famous person from history, what person would you like to meet?

-       If you could go back to some time and place in the past, when and where would you go?

Whoever or wherever you might choose, it is safe to choose a person or a place you have many things to write about, the person or place you often think or hear about. If you write about a person the rater of your essay might not know even though the person is famous among a number of people, it is important to make sure that you explain why he or she is famous.

☆Essay for Ideas and Expressions

 (Barron’s, Writing for the TOEFL iBT, p.297)

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☆Sample short response:

If I could ask a famous person one question, I would ask Bradley Manning if he ever regrets what he has done because I think what he has done is worth more than respect and I do not know if I would do the same if I were in his position.

He is famous as a Wikileaker. He is said to have leaked to WikiLeaks, a leaking site for transparent government, confidential documents and video of the American military and was arrested and tortured. Because of his deed, it became open that there are more civilian casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq than were officially reported and that there is at least one war crime committed in Iraq.

If I asked the question, he might say he has no regret, because I hear he is a person of a highly moral

character. He had been sympathetic to the oppressed under dictatorships when he found the documents that contain facts that those people should know. He might also say that he would do the same but would do it more carefully. He was arrested because he hinted what he had done to a person who he thought was his friend. If there is one thing he might regret, it would be that he tried to believe that a friend would never tell on him.

Your short response:

If I could ask a famous person one question, I would ask …

because …

He / She is /was famous for /as …

If I asked the question, he / she might say …

Writing Topic 2

Some universities require students to take classes in many subjects. Other universities require students to specialize in one subject. Which is better? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

☆Let’s think

What is the purpose of the university education?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of specializing in one subject?

advantages:

disadvantages:

☆Ideas and Expressions

About taking classes in many subjects

1.    People who have general ideas about varieties of subjects can be competent and resourceful, because they can see things in many perspectives and easily stay abreast of others over latest topics.

2.    University students are still growing mentally, so they might find other subjects more interesting than their major during their undergraduate years. Universities should accommodate students’ intellectual development by providing many fields of discipline.

3.    Studies are becoming more interdisciplinary. Students who major in biology also have to study chemistry and those who major in psychology also have to study neurology.

4.    In the globalized economy, it is advantageous to have many skills. An engineer who can speak a foreign language will be able to find a job more easily than one who does not if other qualifications are the same.

5.    Even seemingly unrelated subjects can be useful for students’ development. For example, a doctor who has studied the humanities can be more sensitive to patients’ feelings than a doctor who tends to look at only the physical aspect of a human being.

6.    Counterargument: Taking many different subjects would be a burden and there would be many students who would drop many subjects. ⇔ Time-management would be the key.

About specializing in one subject

1.    Universities are where people pursue subjects of their interests. They are supposed to have acquired general knowledge by the time they graduate from high school, and at university they are expected to focus on specific areas they have chosen. Therefore, it makes sense for students to specialize in one subject.

2.    It is more efficient for students to concentrate on one subject. It is too much for students to study other than the subjects of their interest. For Asian students who aspire to be doctors, for instance, studying European literature would be a burden except for some who are also interested in art and literature.

3.    Counterargument: Focusing on one subject would make students narrow-minded. ⇔ Today’s world requires everyone to make efforts to acquire a wider points of view, and media for self-study are abundant. On the other hand, one can obtain special knowledge and technical skills only at university.

Note: When choosing one out of two, you compare them. To decide which to buy out of two items, say, melons or tablet computers, you will compare the two, examining each closely, point by point. In essay writing, in order to say something is the better of the two, you cannot avoid discussing both. In other words, you have to explain why you think one is better than the other. Therefore, even though the topic does not say “Compare and contrast,” it is natural that you discuss both cases.

♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development:

【Topic Sentence】Today’s academic situation, which is more interdisciplinary than before, requires students to have wider knowledge.

【Supporting Detail - in general】              Research and development activities are getting interrelated.

【Supporting Detail - specific】The up-and-coming nanotechnology requires the knowledge of biology and chemistry as well as physics. A new field of anthropology is molecular anthropology, which was created by a molecular biologist who was interested in ancient Egypt.

【Follow up】Even though those who will become specialists are few, knowledge of related areas will help students keep up with the development of their field.

【Conclusion】Studying many subjects provides and support sthe environment of creation.

☆Your Sample Paragraph Development:

【Topic Sentence】

【Supporting Detail - in general】

【Supporting Detail - specific】

【Follow up】

【Conclusion】

☆Notes:  

1. To meet the minimum 300 words requirement

Sometimes you realize that you have not written more than 300 words, the minimum requirement for TOEFL iBT independent writing, after discussing everything you had come up with. In such a situation, adding another point/reason seems to be the easiest way to write more, but it is actually difficult to think of an extra point/reason after you have brainstormed once. Therefore, I recommend concentrating on the logic and details. The details are as follows.

2. To increase the volume of your essay, find the shortest paragraph, which might want some more sentences or words, and …

1) describe/develop the main idea well: If a paragraph has only one or two sentences, chances are that you have not described/developed well enough. Make sure that each paragraph has its main idea, supporting details (examples), conclusion, and additional supporting details like counter-argument treatment if necessary.

2) describe/develop each sentence well: A statement usually has some exception or needs some condition or concession. Look for a sentence that you can add a reason, condition, concession, or any other additional information, and add “except …”, “as long as …”, “although …”, as well as “because …”

3) describe words well: Which of the following sentences gives a clear picture of someone’s pet?    A) I have a pet.   B) I have a cute cat.   C) I have a little fluffy kitten. With two adjectives and a specific noun, Sentence C) depicts an adorable pet well and it happens to be the longest of the three. Also, use transitions such as First, Also, Moreover, Therefore when necessary.

4) discuss other choices: Even if the Writing Topic does not say, “Discuss the two views” or “Compare and contrast the choices,” you can write about other choices. Doing so will make your essay more convincing and longer. Make sure that you do not digress.

5) take up counter-arguments if necessary: While you are writing, sometimes a counter-argument, “Well, but what about this case?” comes up to your mind. Then it is better not to ignore it but take it up and give a counter-counter-argument or two. By doing so, you can confirm your argument. If you can do it well, you will get a high score.

The key to remember is to try to put what you want to say into words as accurately as you can. Then you cannot help adding some more words and sentences, and some more... In the end, your essay will have many words. 

国際教養AO入試 TOEFL Reading reference, nuclear ban

Treaty banning nuclear weapons approved at UN
The Guardian July 7, 2017https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/07/treaty-banning-nuclear-weapons-approved-un

TOEFL, iBT, Independent Writing, If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? / Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. - rewrites -

Writing Topic 1

If you could study a subject that you have never had the opportunity to study, what would you choose? Explain your choice, using specific reasons and details.

☆Let’s think

What to write about

You could choose a subject related to your study or interests. They can be related to your major, hobby, future goal, or interests. Also, you could choose a subject that is totally different from your field. For example, if your main interest is economy, you could choose Latin American literature.

How to write it

You are supposed to explain your choice. What if you have only a vague idea and do not know how to explain? This test requires you to write at least 300 words in an organized way. One idea to come up with good words of explanation might be to follow good old grade school writing method: to answer the questions starting with Wh or H. Who / What made you interested in it? When / Where did it happen? How did you become interested in it? Why do you want to learn it?

☆Essay for Ideas and Expressions   (Barron’s, Writing for the TOEFL iBT, pp.283-284)

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♦Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development

If I had time to study a subject that I have never had the opportunity to study, I would study astrophysics because I have a feeling that it will give me an opportunity to think about life and universe, for it deals with the physics and the universe and involves studies of both the invisible matters and huge objects in the vast space. A memorable word of one of the members of the art club I belonged to in my high school days has made me interested in it. He said, “Electrons circling around atoms is similar to planets orbiting the sun, isn’t it?” Unfortunately, this inspiring analogy of physics between the smallest and the largest never really encouraged me to study the related subjects at that time and I chose the humanities. Young people are sensitive to the clues to solve questions in life and universe which all things around are always hinting to humans, and this high school friend of mine had a particularly strong perception of these clues. In the course of gaining knowledge about this word of his, I hope that I will have a glimpse of the secret of life and universe which I have missed in my youth.

Your Sample Paragraph Development

If I had time to study a subject that I have never had the opportunity to study, I would study … because …

(Answers to Who / What / When / Where / How)

Writing Topic 2

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

☆Let’s think

Finding a counter example

One of the key words of this statement is “only”. Not many things can be described with words like “only” or “all,” so trying to focus on proving this statement is wrong might be a good start. To prove that a statement that only A is B is wrong, all you have to do is to show that non-A is also B. Therefore, to disagree with the statement that only people who earn a lot of money are successful, you just show that those who do not earn a lot of money are also successful.

Thinking about the definition of “successful”

Another key word of this statement is “successful”. What is the definition of being successful? Reaching a goal helps one feel successful personally, but, to others, it might not be successful. A murderer who has killed the person he believed should not be in this world cannot be called a successful person other than to those who have the same belief as this person. It seems that, to be successful, a person must meet some unsaid criteria set by the society. What kinds of people are said to be successful? They might be those who have money, a higher status, or a good life. They might also be admired by many people or have accomplished something important.

Thinking about “making a lot of money”

Is money an essential factor to be regarded as a successful person? Is your uncle who owns a venture business producing a lot of money successful while another uncle of yours who is a dedicated high school teacher everyone in his community respects is not successful?

☆Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】I do not think earning a lot of money is necessary to be successful because  there are people who are looked upon as successful even though they do not make a lot of money.

【Point 1】A person can be regarded as successful if the person earns respect from the world by doing what he believes right.   e.g. Vincent van Gogh

【Point 2】A person can be regarded as successful if the person is leading a happy, decent life which most people would wish to be theirs.   e.g. a happy, good scientist

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】Deep in our heart, we know that becoming rich is not very important in life.   e.g. People consider how a certain rich person became rich in deciding whether he or she is successful or not.

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】People who earn a lot of money are successful in making money, and there are many people who are regarded as successful in other aspects of life.

Sample Conclusions

1)    From the examples above, it is clear that there are many counter examples against the statement that only people who earn a lot of money are successful. Therefore, I cannot agree with the idea.

2)    A large income is not the prerequisite for being successful. Thus, it cannot be said that only those who make a lot of money are successful.

3)    When we think of history, there are few people we remember simply because they were rich. Overall, we remember people who did something with their lives―that were influential in politics, or contributed to science or art or religion. If history is the ultimate judge of success, then money surely isn’t everything. (Barron’s, Writing for the TOEFL iBT, p.322)

Your Sample Essay Structure

【Introduction = Outline】

【Point 1】

【Point 2】

【Point 3 / Counterargument-treatment】

【Conclusion = Wrap-up】

☆Sample Paragraph Development

Sample Paragraph Development 1

【Topic Sentence】A person can be regarded as successful if the person earns respect from the world by doing what he believes right.

【Supporting Detail - in general】Many artists and musicians young people aspire to be like in the future were never rich.  

【Supporting Detail - specific】For example, Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous and successful artists. His paintings are sold at high prices. It might be difficult to find a museum of modern art without a van Gogh. Department stores have retrospectives of van Gogh as often as those of Impressionists and the is no fine art textbook without his paintings.

【Follow up】However, he never became rich by selling his paintings while he was alive. What makes him successful is that he knew his artistic experiment was on the right track and made the world recognize it through his works.

【Conclusion】 Although he was not happy in his private life and he was never rich, his life was successful as an artist.

Sample Paragraph Development 2

【Topic Sentence】A person leading a happy, decent life which most people would wish to be theirs can be called a successful person.

【Supporting Detail - in general】              For example, a devoted scientist can be successful even if he does not earn enough to enjoy extravagance.

【Supporting Detail - specific】His life is full of joy because he is doing what he wants to do. In other words, he has a purpose in life and makes efforts for it day by day.

【Follow up】His research may not see a breakthrough in his lifetime, but he is still happy because he knows that what he is doing is part of a large current of a scientific pursuit in which he shares his interest and passion with his numerous associates around the world, including those in the past and in the future.

【Conclusion】 If a person earns sufficiently and lives a respectable, fulfilling life, he can be called a successful person.

☆Your Paragraph Development

【Topic Sentence】

【Supporting Detail - in general】

【Supporting Detail - specific】

【Follow up】

【Conclusion】