Parents are the best teachers for children. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

Parents are the best teachers for children. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

Music is an important part of society. People like music for many different reasons. Why do you think music is such an important part of peoples lives? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
2

Music is an important part of society. People like music for many different reasons. Why do you think music is such an important part of peoples lives? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
2

Your rich uncle just gave you enough money to buy a house or a business. Which would you buy? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

Your rich uncle just gave you enough money to buy a house or a business. Which would you buy? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

Some high schools require all students to wear the same uniforms. Do you think universities should also require students to wear the same uniforms? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
4

Some high schools require all students to wear the same uniforms. Do you think universities should also require students to wear the same uniforms? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
4

Some high schools require all students to wear the same uniforms. Other high schools allow students to wear whatever they want. Which way do you think is better? Uniforms or anything the students want? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
5

Some high schools require all students to wear the same uniforms. Other high schools allow students to wear whatever they want. Which way do you think is better? Uniforms or anything the students want? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
5

Only people who make a lot of money are really successful. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

Only people who make a lot of money are really successful. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

You have a son or daughter. What gift (i.e.; pencils and paper, a basketball, a violin) would you like to give him/her that you think would help him/her learn and develop? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
7

You have a son or daughter. What gift (i.e.; pencils and paper, a basketball, a violin) would you like to give him/her that you think would help him/her learn and develop? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
7

The 20th century had lots of famous people who helped change our world. Who do you think made the greatest change in the world? Why? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
8

The 20th century had lots of famous people who helped change our world. Who do you think made the greatest change in the world? Why? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.
8

Some people say that the 20th century saw great change in the world. Which change do you think is the most important? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

Some people say that the 20th century saw great change in the world. Which change do you think is the most important? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

Some people say that the 20th century saw more change in the world than any other century before it. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

10

Some people say that the 20th century saw more change in the world than any other century before it. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

10

Do you think all university students should be required to study art and learn a musical instrument? Why or why not? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

11

Do you think all university students should be required to study art and learn a musical instrument? Why or why not? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

11

Your family just told you that it will send you to any country you want for the whole summer. What country would you like to visit for the whole summer? Why would you like to go there? Give specific reasons to support your answer.
12

Your family just told you that it will send you to any country you want for the whole summer. What country would you like to visit for the whole summer? Why would you like to go there? Give specific reasons to support your answer.
12

Think about a school that you have been to. What is one thing that you would like to change about that school? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

13

Think about a school that you have been to. What is one thing that you would like to change about that school? Give specific examples and reasons to support your response.

13

Some people like to eat at restaurants, and some people prefer to just stay home and cook their own food. What do you prefer? Give specific examples and reasons to support your answer.

14

Some people like to eat at restaurants, and some people prefer to just stay home and cook their own food. What do you prefer? Give specific examples and reasons to support your answer.

14

A company has just announced that it plans on opening a very large shopping center in your neighborhood. Do you think this is a good plan or bad plan? Give specific reasons to support your response.
15

A company has just announced that it plans on opening a very large shopping center in your neighborhood. Do you think this is a good plan or bad plan? Give specific reasons to support your response.
15

Most people love to go to the movies. Why do you think movies are so popular? Give specific reasons to support your response.

16

Most people love to go to the movies. Why do you think movies are so popular? Give specific reasons to support your response.

16

Some students like classes where students just sit, listen to the teacher, and take notes. Some students like classes where students participate in discussions and talk to the teacher. Which kind of class do you like? Why? Give specific reasons to support your response.
17

Some students like classes where students just sit, listen to the teacher, and take notes. Some students like classes where students participate in discussions and talk to the teacher. Which kind of class do you like? Why? Give specific reasons to support your response.
17

Lots of money is spent on studying the universe and planets. Some people say that money should be just spent on the poor people on Earth. Do you think money should be spent on space research? Give specific reasons to support your answer.
18

Lots of money is spent on studying the universe and planets. Some people say that money should be just spent on the poor people on Earth. Do you think money should be spent on space research? Give specific reasons to support your answer.
18

When people travel to new places, they can go with a tour group or just by themselves (alone). Which way do you think is better? Give specific reasons to support your response.

19

When people travel to new places, they can go with a tour group or just by themselves (alone). Which way do you think is better? Give specific reasons to support your response.

19

After a busy day, some people prefer to eat alone, while others prefer to eat with friends and family. Which do you prefer? Give specific reasons to support your response.

20

After a busy day, some people prefer to eat alone, while others prefer to eat with friends and family. Which do you prefer? Give specific reasons to support your response.

20

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Today's technology brings people closer together and lets people communicate more. Give specific reasons to support your answer.

21

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Today's technology brings people closer together and lets people communicate more. Give specific reasons to support your answer.

21

Some people believe that new technology hurts the Earth. Other people feel that new technology protects the Earth and makes it better. What do you think? Give specific reasons to support your response.
22

Some people believe that new technology hurts the Earth. Other people feel that new technology protects the Earth and makes it better. What do you think? Give specific reasons to support your response.
22

Students should not play on any sports team during the high school years. They should just spend their free time studying. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons to support your response.
23

Students should not play on any sports team during the high school years. They should just spend their free time studying. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons to support your response.
23

There were lots of inventions created in the 20th century. Which invention do you think has been the most useful to people? Give specific reasons to support your answer.

24

There were lots of inventions created in the 20th century. Which invention do you think has been the most useful to people? Give specific reasons to support your answer.

24

Boys and girls should go to the same schools together and attend the same classes together. They should not be separated in school. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons to support your response.
25

Boys and girls should go to the same schools together and attend the same classes together. They should not be separated in school. Do you agree or disagree? Give specific reasons to support your response.
25

TOEFL
TOPICS
26

TOEFL
TOPICS
26

TOEFL TOPICS
For Writing
The writing section is a very important part of the TOEFL. Therefore, it is important you practice as much as possible before you take the test Here are 25 questions that are similar to what you might expect to see on the real TOEFL. Select a question and write an essay of 2 pages or less. *If 27 you want your paper checked and corrected, follow the guidelines on the following page . . .

TOEFL TOPICS
For Writing
The writing section is a very important part of the TOEFL. Therefore, it is important you practice as much as possible before you take the test Here are 25 questions that are similar to what you might expect to see on the real TOEFL. Select a question and write an essay of 2 pages or less. *If 27 you want your paper checked and corrected, follow the guidelines on the following page . . .

Guidelines
* The answer cannot be more than 2 pages typed or 4 pages handwritten. * The top, bottom, left, and right margins must be at least 1 inch for both typed and handwritten answers. * If the answer is typed (preferred), it must be double-spaced, using only one of the following fonts: Arial, Helvetica, Courier, New Courier, or Times New Roman. The type size must be no smaller than 12 point. * If the answer is handwritten, it must be double-spaced. * The handwriting must be normal size and easy to read. Good: This is easy to read. Bad: This is not easy to read. Neither is this! * In the event that the above rules are not followed, only 2 pages typed or 4 pages handwritten will be read, graded, and corrected. -OR 28 the essay may be returned to you to fix so that it follows the rules.

Guidelines
* The answer cannot be more than 2 pages typed or 4 pages handwritten. * The top, bottom, left, and right margins must be at least 1 inch for both typed and handwritten answers. * If the answer is typed (preferred), it must be double-spaced, using only one of the following fonts: Arial, Helvetica, Courier, New Courier, or Times New Roman. The type size must be no smaller than 12 point. * If the answer is handwritten, it must be double-spaced. * The handwriting must be normal size and easy to read. Good: This is easy to read. Bad: This is not easy to read. Neither is this! * In the event that the above rules are not followed, only 2 pages typed or 4 pages handwritten will be read, graded, and corrected. -OR 28 the essay may be returned to you to fix so that it follows the rules.

Understanding the TOEFL Question

There are different types of TOEFL questions. You never know which question you will receive, so you must be prepared to write on ALL the types of questions. It is very important that you completely understand the question BEFORE you begin to write. Following are some different essay question types.

29

Understanding the TOEFL Question

There are different types of TOEFL questions. You never know which question you will receive, so you must be prepared to write on ALL the types of questions. It is very important that you completely understand the question BEFORE you begin to write. Following are some different essay question types.

29

1. Choose a point of view and support that view.

Example: Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. This type of question asks you to look at only ONE side of the issuethe side you agree with. DONT write about both sides. You tell which side you agree with and support your ideas with details and examples.

30

1. Choose a point of view and support that view.

Example: Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. This type of question asks you to look at only ONE side of the issuethe side you agree with. DONT write about both sides. You tell which side you agree with and support your ideas with details and examples.

30

2. Describe something.
Example: If you could invent something NEW, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed? In answering this type of question, you MUST be creative. It asks you to describe something NEW, something that does not exist. You must describe it in detail AND tell why it is necessary.

31

2. Describe something.
Example: If you could invent something NEW, what product would you develop? Use specific details to explain why this invention is needed? In answering this type of question, you MUST be creative. It asks you to describe something NEW, something that does not exist. You must describe it in detail AND tell why it is necessary.

31

3. Compare two points of view and tell which one you agree with.
Example: Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why? In this type of question, you must write about BOTH sides of this issue and then tell which side you agree with. You may NOT say that you agree with both sides. You MUST make a choice. First, give 32 support, details and examples of both sides of the issue. Then, tell which side you agree with and why.

3. Compare two points of view and tell which one you agree with.
Example: Some people think that children should begin their formal education at a very early age and should spend most of their time on school studies. Others believe that young children should spend most of their time playing. Compare these two views. Which view do you agree with? Why? In this type of question, you must write about BOTH sides of this issue and then tell which side you agree with. You may NOT say that you agree with both sides. You MUST make a choice. First, give 32 support, details and examples of both sides of the issue. Then, tell which side you agree with and why.

4. Agree or disagree with something.

Example: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ONLY people who earn a lot of money are successful. Do you agree or disagree with this definition of success? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. In this type of question, you MUST agree or disagree. You cannot be unsure or indecisive. After you have said whether you agree or disagree, you must give convincing reasons and examples for your choice.

33

4. Agree or disagree with something.

Example: Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ONLY people who earn a lot of money are successful. Do you agree or disagree with this definition of success? Use specific reasons and examples to support your opinion. In this type of question, you MUST agree or disagree. You cannot be unsure or indecisive. After you have said whether you agree or disagree, you must give convincing reasons and examples for your choice.

33

5. Explain why something is true.

Example: People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Give specific reasons and examples to support your answer. In this question, you should use lots of examples. (For this question, you would use examples of gifts one might receive and tell why those gifts are memorable). Do not write in the first person, I. Write in more general terms.

34

5. Explain why something is true.

Example: People remember special gifts or presents that they have received. Why? Give specific reasons and examples to support your answer. In this question, you should use lots of examples. (For this question, you would use examples of gifts one might receive and tell why those gifts are memorable). Do not write in the first person, I. Write in more general terms.

34

6. Support an idea or plan.

Example: It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. In this question, first tell whether you support or oppose the plan and then tell why. Since this question is somewhat personal, it is ok to use personal pronouns such as: I, me, my in your answer.

35

6. Support an idea or plan.

Example: It has recently been announced that a new restaurant may be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer. In this question, first tell whether you support or oppose the plan and then tell why. Since this question is somewhat personal, it is ok to use personal pronouns such as: I, me, my in your answer.

35

The parts of an essay

In every essay, there should be an introduction, a body and conclusion. A. The introduction: The introduction restates the question using different vocabulary and/or sentence structure. The introduction also includes your thesis statementthe most important sentence in your essay. B. The body: The body of your essay is also the heart of your essay. It will include your main ideas and details and examples to support those ideas. Each new idea should be a new paragraph. Typically, a TOEFL essay will have 3 4 body paragraphs. C. The conclusion: The 36 conclusion will be your final paragraph. It will summarize all the main ideas in your essay and it may also include your opinion.

The parts of an essay

In every essay, there should be an introduction, a body and conclusion. A. The introduction: The introduction restates the question using different vocabulary and/or sentence structure. The introduction also includes your thesis statementthe most important sentence in your essay. B. The body: The body of your essay is also the heart of your essay. It will include your main ideas and details and examples to support those ideas. Each new idea should be a new paragraph. Typically, a TOEFL essay will have 3 4 body paragraphs. C. The conclusion: The 36 conclusion will be your final paragraph. It will summarize all the main ideas in your essay and it may also include your opinion.

Restating the Question and Writing a Thesis

TOEFL essay question #1: Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Restatement & Thesis: People have two options when deciding where to eat. They can prepare meals and eat at home or they can go out to stands or restaurants. I prefer to go out to eat because the food is more varied and interesting, it is less work for me and it saves time. Analysis: The restatement mentions the two types of options people have for eating and tells which one the author prefers. In addition, it gives three reasons for that preference. These three reasons will make up the three 37 main idea paragraphs in the body of the essay.

Restating the Question and Writing a Thesis

TOEFL essay question #1: Some people prefer to eat at food stands or restaurants. Other people prefer to prepare and eat food at home. Which do you prefer? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Restatement & Thesis: People have two options when deciding where to eat. They can prepare meals and eat at home or they can go out to stands or restaurants. I prefer to go out to eat because the food is more varied and interesting, it is less work for me and it saves time. Analysis: The restatement mentions the two types of options people have for eating and tells which one the author prefers. In addition, it gives three reasons for that preference. These three reasons will make up the three 37 main idea paragraphs in the body of the essay.