TOEFL Topics for Writing 3x5 Cards

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    Parents are the best teachers forchildren. Do you agree or disagree withthis statement? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    Parents are the best teachers forchildren. Do you agree or disagree withthis statement? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    Music is an important part ofsociety. People like music for manydifferent reasons. Why do you thinkmusic is such an important part ofpeoples lives? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    Music is an important part ofsociety. People like music for manydifferent reasons. Why do you thinkmusic is such an important part ofpeoples lives? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    Your rich uncle just gave you enoughmoney to buy a house or abusiness. Which would you buy? Givespecific examples and reasons tosupport your response.

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    Your rich uncle just gave you enoughmoney to buy a house or abusiness. Which would you buy? Givespecific examples and reasons tosupport your response.

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    Some high schools require all studentsto wear the same uniforms. Do youthink universities should also requirestudents to wear the sameuniforms? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Some high schools require all studentsto wear the same uniforms. Do youthink universities should also requirestudents to wear the sameuniforms? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Some high schools require all students

    to wear the same uniforms. Other highschools allow students to wear whateverthey want. Which way do you think isbetter? Uniforms or anything thestudents want? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    Some high schools require all studentsto wear the same uniforms. Other highschools allow students to wear whateverthey want. Which way do you think isbetter? Uniforms or anything thestudents want? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    Only people who make a lot of moneyare really successful. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Only people who make a lot of money

    are really successful. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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

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    You have a son or daughter. What gift(i.e.; pencils and paper, a basketball, a

    violin) would you like to give him/her thatyou think would help him/her learn anddevelop? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    The 20th

    century had lots of famouspeople who helped change ourworld. Who do you think made thegreatest change in theworld? Why? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    The 20th century had lots of famouspeople who helped change our

    world. Who do you think made thegreatest change in theworld? Why? Give specific examplesand reasons to support your response.

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    Some people say that the 20th

    centurysaw great change in the world. Whichchange do you think is the mostimportant? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Some people say that the 20th centurysaw great change in the world. Which

    change do you think is the mostimportant? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Some people say that the 20th

    centurysaw more change in the world than anyother century before it. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Some people say that the 20th centurysaw more change in the world than any

    other century before it. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Do you think all university studentsshould be required to study art and learna musical instrument? Why or whynot? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Do you think all university studentsshould be required to study art and learn

    a musical instrument? Why or whynot? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Your family just told you that it will sendyou to any country you want for thewhole summer. What country would youlike to visit for the whole summer? Whywould you like to go there? Givespecific reasons to support your answer.

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    Your family just told you that it will sendyou to any country you want for the

    whole summer. What country would youlike to visit for the whole summer? Whywould you like to go there? Givespecific reasons to support your answer.

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    Think about a school that you havebeen to. What is one thing that youwould like to change about thatschool? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Think about a school that you havebeen to. What is one thing that you

    would like to change about thatschool? Give specific examples andreasons to support your response.

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    Some people like to eat at restaurants,and some people prefer to just stayhome and cook their own food. What doyou prefer? Give specific examples andreasons to support your answer.

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    Some people like to eat at restaurants,and some people prefer to just stay

    home and cook their own food. What doyou prefer? Give specific examples andreasons to support your answer.

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    A company has just announced that itplans on opening a very large shoppingcenter in your neighborhood. Do youthink this is a good plan or badplan? Give specific reasons to supportyour response.

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    A company has just announced that itplans on opening a very large shopping

    center in your neighborhood. Do youthink this is a good plan or badplan? Give specific reasons to supportyour response.

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    Most people love to go to themovies. Why do you think movies areso popular? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    Most people love to go to themovies. Why do you think movies are

    so popular? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    Some students like classes where

    students just sit, listen to the teacher, andtake notes. Some students like classeswhere students participate in discussionsand talk to the teacher. Which kind ofclass do you like? Why? Give specificreasons to support your response.

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    Some students like classes wherestudents just sit, listen to the teacher, andtake notes. Some students like classes

    where students participate in discussionsand talk to the teacher. Which kind ofclass do you like? Why? Give specificreasons to support your response.

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    Lots of money is spent on studying the

    universe and planets. Some people saythat money should be just spent on thepoor people on Earth. Do you thinkmoney should be spent on spaceresearch? Give specific reasons tosupport your answer.

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    Lots of money is spent on studying theuniverse and planets. Some people saythat money should be just spent on the

    poor people on Earth. Do you thinkmoney should be spent on spaceresearch? Give specific reasons tosupport your answer.

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    When people travel to new places, theycan go with a tour group or just by them-selves (alone). Which way do you thinkis better? Give specific reasons to sup-port your response.

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    When people travel to new places, theycan go with a tour group or just by them-

    selves (alone). Which way do you thinkis better? Give specific reasons to sup-port your response.

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    After a busy day, some people prefer toeat alone, while others prefer to eat withfriends and family. Which do youprefer? Give specific reasons to supportyour response.

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    After a busy day, some people prefer toeat alone, while others prefer to eat with

    friends and family. Which do youprefer? Give specific reasons to supportyour response.

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    Do you agree or disagree with the fol-lowing statement: Today's technologybrings people closer together and letspeople communicate more. Give spe-cific reasons to support your answer.

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    Do you agree or disagree with the fol-lowing statement: Today's technology

    brings people closer together and letspeople communicate more. Give spe-cific reasons to support your answer.

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    Some people believe that newtechnology hurts the Earth. Otherpeople feel that new technology protectsthe Earth and makes it better. What doyou think? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    Some people believe that newtechnology hurts the Earth. Other

    people feel that new technology protectsthe Earth and makes it better. What doyou think? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    Students should not play on any sportsteam during the high schoolyears. They should just spend their freetime studying. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    Students should not play on any sportsteam during the high school

    years. They should just spend their freetime studying. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    There were lots of inventions created inthe 20th century. Which invention doyou think has been the most useful topeople? Give specific reasons to sup-port your answer.

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    There were lots of inventions created inthe 20th century. Which invention do

    you think has been the most useful topeople? Give specific reasons to sup-port your answer.

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    Boys and girls should go to the sameschools together and attend the sameclasses together. They should not beseparated in school. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    Boys and girls should go to the sameschools together and attend the same

    classes together. They should not beseparated in school. Do you agree ordisagree? Give specific reasons tosupport your response.

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    TOEFLTOPICS

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    TOEFLTOPICS

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    TOEFL TOPICS

    For WritingThe 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 you want your paper checked and corrected, follow the

    guidelines on the following page . . .

    27

    TOEFL TOPICSFor 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 you want your paper checked and corrected, follow the

    guidelines on the following page . . .

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    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 bothtyped 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 andeasy 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 pagestyped or 4 pages handwritten will be read, graded, and corrected. -ORthe essay may be returned to you to fix so that it follows the rules.

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    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 bothtyped 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 andeasy 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

    the essay may be returned to you to fix so that it follows the rules.

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    Understanding the TOEFLQuestion

    There are different types of TOEFL questions. You neverknow 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 differentessay question types.

    29

    Understanding the TOEFLQuestion

    There are different types of TOEFL questions. You never

    know which question you will receive, so you must beprepared 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 differentessay question types.

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    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 theissuethe side you agree with. DONT write about both sides.

    You tell which side you agree with and support your ideas with

    details and examples.

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    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 agreewith? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer.

    This type of question asks you to look at only ONE side of theissuethe side you agree with. DONT write about both sides.

    You tell which side you agree with and support your ideas with

    details and examples.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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 support, details and examples of both sides of the issue.

    Then, tell which side you agree with and why.

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    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 childrenshould 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 support, details and examples of both sides of the issue.

    Then, tell which side you agree with and why.

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    4. Agree or disagree with some-

    thing.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 cannotbe unsure or indecisive. After you have said whether you agree or

    disagree, you must give convincing reasons and examples for

    your choice.

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    4. Agree or disagree with some-

    thing.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 specificreasons and examples to support your opinion.

    In this type of question, you MUST agree or disagree. You cannotbe unsure or indecisive. After you have said whether you agree or

    disagree, you must give convincing reasons and examples for

    your choice.

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    5. Explain why something is true.

    Example: People remember special gifts or presents that theyhave received. Why? Give specific reasons and examples to sup-

    port your answer.

    In this question, you should use lots of examples. (For this ques-

    tion, 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.

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    5. Explain why something is true.

    Example: People remember special gifts or presents that they

    have received. Why? Give specific reasons and examples to sup-

    port your answer.

    In this question, you should use lots of examples. (For this ques-

    tion, 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.

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    6. Support an idea or plan.

    Example:It has recently been announced that a new restaurantmay be built in your neighborhood. Do you support or oppose this

    plan? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your an-

    swer.

    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.

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    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 an-

    swer.

    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.

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    The parts of an essayIn 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 state-

    mentthe 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 conclusion will be your final paragraph. It will summarize all the

    main ideas in your essay and it may also include your opinion.

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    The parts of an essayIn 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 state-

    mentthe 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 conclusion will be your final paragraph. It will summarize all the

    main ideas in your essay and it may also include your opinion.

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    Restating the Question and Writing a ThesisTOEFL 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? Usespecific 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 eat-

    ing and tells which one the author prefers. In addition, it gives threereasons for that preference. These three reasons will make up the three

    main idea paragraphs in the body of the essay.

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    Restating the Question and Writing a ThesisTOEFL 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 eat-

    ing and tells which one the author prefers. In addition, it gives three

    reasons for that preference. These three reasons will make up the three

    main idea paragraphs in the body of the essay.